Sistani Warns against final US assault on Najaf
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
London, Aug 19, IRNA -- Ayatollah Ali Sistani was reported Thursday to have warned against the US launching a final assault on the holy city of Najaf. The Muslim News said that it had learnt from sources that US was planning a major offensive on Wednesday night, the 73-year old ayatollah warned against the attack as he wanted a peaceful resolution. Its editor Ahmed Versi told IRNA that he had also been advised that Sistani was to return to Najaf but that he had been "categorically refused by his doctor, who wanted him to spend more time." Versi became the first journalist to visit the Iraqi religious leader since he came to Britain two weeks ago for medical treatment when he went to see him Thursday with community leaders after being discharged from hospital following two minor operations. He said that he found Sistani looking well and in good spirits. He said that he appeared fit and even responded jovially when asked about his condition. Last Friday, the Ayatollah had an angioplasty procedure in hospital to unblock a coronary artery. On Monday, a cataract was removed from his right eye. During the visit, concern was expressed by the community representatives about the situation in Najaf, and before leaving, collective prayers were held for an early resolution. Sistani was quoted saying that he hoped Muslims in Britain do not go through the same sufferings that the Iraqi people had experienced. HC/1430/1412
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