Thousands of people have gathered in Baghdad to protest against a proposed deal to allow US troops to remain in Iraq once their UN mandate expires.
Thousands of people have gathered in Baghdad to protest against a proposed deal to allow US troops to remain in Iraq once their UN mandate expires.
The demonstration was called by the Shia cleric, Moqtada Sadr, who has strongly opposed any deal with the US.
The demonstration was called by the Shia cleric, Moqtada Sadr, who has strongly opposed any deal with the US.
Security is tight around the area, but the organisers insist the protest in the capital will remain peaceful.
Security is tight around the area, but the organisers insist the protest in the capital will remain peaceful.
The Status of Forces Agreement (Sofa) has been passed by the Iraqi cabinet, but still needs parliamentary approval.
The Status of Forces Agreement (Sofa) has been passed by the Iraqi cabinet, but still needs parliamentary approval.
A failure to ratify the Sofa or renew the UN mandate would mean US military operations would have to be suspended. The UN mandate for the US-led coalition expires at the end of December.
A failure to ratify the Sofa or renew the UN mandate would mean US military operations would have to be suspended. The UN mandate for the US-led coalition expires at the end of December.
'Peaceful'
'Peaceful'
Today is the day of Iraqi unity among Arabs, Kurds, all communities of Iraq, to reject the security pact Hazim al-ArajiAide to Moqtada Sadr
Today is the day of Iraqi unity among Arabs, Kurds, all communities of Iraq, to reject the security pact Hazim al-ArajiAide to Moqtada Sadr
The demonstration will take place in Firdous Square, the scene of the toppling of a statue of Iraq's former leader, Saddam Hussein, five years ago. It is expected to reach its climax after Friday prayers.
The demonstration will take place in Firdous Square, the scene of the toppling of a statue of Iraq's former leader, Saddam Hussein, five years ago. It is expected to reach its climax after Friday prayers.
A senior aide to Moqtada Sadr said people were "coming out to prove the security pact is worthless".
A senior aide to Moqtada Sadr said people were "coming out to prove the security pact is worthless".
"Today is the day of Iraqi unity among Arabs, Kurds, all communities of Iraq, to reject the security pact," said Hazim al-Araji.
"Today is the day of Iraqi unity among Arabs, Kurds, all communities of Iraq, to reject the security pact," said Hazim al-Araji.
Mr Araji said they would hold prayers followed by a demonstration to "express rejection of the pact and the occupation," and that the crowds would remain "100%" peaceful.
Mr Araji said they would hold prayers followed by a demonstration to "express rejection of the pact and the occupation," and that the crowds would remain "100%" peaceful.
Under the Sofa, US troops will withdraw from the streets of Iraqi towns and cities next year, with all 150,000 having left Iraq by the end of 2011.
Under the Sofa, US troops will withdraw from the streets of Iraqi towns and cities next year, with all 150,000 having left Iraq by the end of 2011.
The UN mandate for the US-led coalition expires at the end of 2008
The UN mandate for the US-led coalition expires at the end of 2008
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki has said the deal is "a solid prelude to the restoration of Iraq's full sovereignty in three years' time" and has insisted that it has no hidden clauses.
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki has said the deal is "a solid prelude to the restoration of Iraq's full sovereignty in three years' time" and has insisted that it has no hidden clauses.
The BBC's Andrew North in Baghdad says there is little chance that Moqtada Sadr's supporters can stop the agreement being passed.
The BBC's Andrew North in Baghdad says there is little chance that Moqtada Sadr's supporters can stop the agreement being passed.
The event is being seen by many as being more about showing the continuing influence of the cleric, and that he is securing his position for when the Americans do eventually leave, our correspondent adds.
The event is being seen by many as being more about showing the continuing influence of the cleric, and that he is securing his position for when the Americans do eventually leave, our correspondent adds.
About 144,000 of the 152,000 foreign troops deployed in Iraq are US military personnel.
About 144,000 of the 152,000 foreign troops deployed in Iraq are US military personnel.
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