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Iraq Shia leader dies of cancer Iraq Shia leader dies of cancer
(21 minutes later)
Abdul Aziz al-Hakim, leader of one of the most powerful Shia Muslim parties in Iraq, has died, his aides say.Abdul Aziz al-Hakim, leader of one of the most powerful Shia Muslim parties in Iraq, has died, his aides say.
Hakim had been suffering from cancer and had been receiving treatment in hospital in the Iranian capital Tehran.Hakim had been suffering from cancer and had been receiving treatment in hospital in the Iranian capital Tehran.
Correspondents say the death of the Supreme Iraqi Islamic Council (SIIC) leader adds further uncertainty ahead of national elections next January.Correspondents say the death of the Supreme Iraqi Islamic Council (SIIC) leader adds further uncertainty ahead of national elections next January.
He led the SIIC from 2003 when his brother was killed after his return to Iraq following the US-led invasion.He led the SIIC from 2003 when his brother was killed after his return to Iraq following the US-led invasion.
The cleric was diagnosed with lung cancer during a trip to the US for tests in May 2007. He chose to receive chemotherapy treatment in Tehran.
As heir to the leadership of one of the main anti-Saddam Hussein factions in Iraq, he managed to keep good ties with both the American authorities and Iran, which strongly backed his group.
His brother and predecessor as party leader was the Grand Ayatollah Muhammad Baqr al-Hakim, who was killed along with about 100 supporters in a massive car bombing in the city of Najaf in August 2003.
Some time after the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, the party changed its name from Sciri - the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq.