Sadrist Parade: peaceful means or future threats

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Sadrist Trend leaders and some other political representatives that attended Al-Mehdi Army parade stressed that this parade is a letter of warning and a rejection of an extension of the U.S. forces in Iraq after the designated date of withdrawal.  The parade took place with the participation of thousands of Sadrist youths in a style similar to military parades, within the framework of high precautionary measures.  The parade was uniform, with everyone wearing black and the Iraqi flag in the middle, with words “I am an Iraqi and God is Great.”  A Sadrist leader Hazim Al-araji told IraqiNews.com that “the parade was made to confirm the demands for U.S. forces’ withdrawal on time.”  He added that 15 provinces took part in the parade.  “This message is directed to the world, and the U.S. in particular, that we are in a strong position with one word and one goal, namely, to oust the occupation forces,” he confirmed. Araji warned against the extension of U.S. forces beyond its date at the end of this year according to the agreement signed between the two countries.  “Otherwise, the Sadrist Trend will take a military stand,” he emphasized. Security precautions were taken in the parade area, where American and Israeli flags were painted on the floor.  On the other side, Ahrar Bloc MP, affiliated with the Sadrist Trend,  Fawzi Akram, said that “it is a message from all Iraq segments that they do not want the occupier, calling to abide by its articles on withdrawing by the end of this year.”  “Our message is from the heart of Baghdad that stresses national unity,” he added.  He said that all Iraqi political blocs are before a real exam to explain their views on U.S. withdrawal, expecting that these views will be clarified within the coming days.  The IraqiNews.com correspondent who attended the parade said that thousands of Iraqis came from the southern and mid provinces.  Sadrist Spokesman Salah Al-Obaidi said that “this proved that we are ready to take the necessary measures for the U.S. forces withdrawal.”  “This organization could be turned into a cooperative action with the military and police forces to protect Iraq, thus nullifying all abuses directed to the Sadrist Trend.” RM (TI)/SR 822