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| Iraq |
| Hakim pushes for `yesâ vote on Iraqi constitution |
| 2005-09-25 |
| BAGHDAD, Iraq - The leader of Iraqâs largest Shiite political organization joined the countryâs most revered and powerful Shiite cleric in a strong public push for voter support of a new constitution, three weeks ahead of a national referendum. The major political development surrounded Abdel-Aziz al-Hakim, the head of the Shiite Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq. His appeal to voters added a key voice of support two days after Shiite Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani also directed followers to back the charter. âIt is our religious duty to say âyesâ to the constitution and to go to the ballot boxes,â al-Hakim told more than 2,000 supporters gathered in Baghdad to mark a 1991 Shiite uprising brutally crushed by Saddam Hussein. Al-Hakim said militants and former regime supporters were trying to undermine Iraqisâ hopes for security - but they would fail. His SCIRI organization has strong ties to Shiite Iran and controls a powerful bloc in parliament. Al-Hakim took refuge in Iran during Saddamâs rule. Al-Sistani, meeting with aides Thursday in the holy city of Najaf, was the first major Shiite religious figure to urge voters to back the new basic law, according to two top officials in his entourage. The reclusive cleric issues statements only through his office and makes no public appearances. |
| Posted by:Steve White |