Reply #: Shiite firebrand Sadr urges restraint over Iraq communal tensions

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http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1503&e=3&u=/afp/20050516/ts_afp/iraqshiitesadr_050516133442

NAJAF, Iraq (AFP) - Iraq's firebrand Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr has made a rare public appearance in the holy city of Najaf to call for restraint amid sectarian tension between Shiite and Sunni Muslims.

"Any action targeting unarmed civilians is forbidden under any circumstances," Sadr said Monday during a news conference, the first held by the young cleric since the fierce fighting that pitted his militia against US troops last year in Najaf.

"We reject these terror operations, whether they are carried out by the occupiers or others," he added.

"The occupiers are trying to sow division among the Iraqi people, but there are no Sunnis and Shiites. Iraqis are one."