U.S. Commends Iraq's al-Sadr for Ceasefire Extension

News in Balance:

A major development in Iraq...

BAGHDAD, Iraq, Feb. 22, 2008 -- Major news outlets are reporting Iraqi cleric Muqtada al-Sadr announced Friday that he has extended a cease-fire order to his Shiite Mahdi Army by another six months.

U.S. officials said the decision would help foster reconciliation among Iraq's divided communities.

In a statement, the U.S. military said it was ready for dialogue with Sadr's movement but warned his followers against violating the ceasefire.

The Multi-National Force - Iraq joins the Government of Iraq in welcoming al-Sayyid Muqtada al-Sadr's has pledged to extend the cease-fire. This extension of his August 2007 pledge of honor to halt attacks is an important commitment that can broadly contribute to further improvements in security for all Iraqi citizens. It will also foster a better opportunity for national reconciliation and allow the Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces to focus more intensively on Al-Qaeda terrorists.

Those who continue to honor al-Sayyid Muqtada al-Sadr's pledge will be treated with respect and restraint. Those who dishonor the Sadr pledge are regrettably tarnishing both the name and the honor of the movement. Iraqi and Coalition forces will continue to work closely with the Iraqi people to protect them from these criminals who violate the law and dishonor the commitment made by al-Sayyid Muqtada. We also welcome an opportunity to participate in dialogue with the Sadr Trend and all groups who seek to bring about reconciliation in building the new Iraq.

The cease-fire is "an important commitment that can broadly contribute to further improvements in security for all Iraqi citizens," said a U.S. military statement delivered by Navy Cmdr. Scott Rye.

"It will also foster a better opportunity for national reconciliation and allow the coalition and Iraqi security forces to focus more intensively on al Qaeda terrorists," the statement said, referring to the predominantly Sunni militant group al Qaeda in Iraq.

(Compiled from a Multi-National Force - Iraq press release and mainstream media sources.)

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