Iraqis denounce U.S. troops agreement

BAGHDAD, May 31 (UPI) -- Thousands of people across Iraq protested a government proposal to extend the presence of U.S. troops in the country, officials say.

Iraqis protested in Baghdad's Sadr City district as security officials increased their numbers in the area, al-Alam reported Friday.

Protesters carried signs claiming the deal "tears Iraq apart and gives in to the occupying power," and, "surrenders the sovereignty of Iraq."

Sheikh Mohannad Al-Gazawi, an important Sadrist movement member, spoke against a deal with Washington to keep U.S. troops in Iraq past 2008.

"This agreement binds Iraq and gives 99 percent of the country to America," he said.

Friday protests came after rebel Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr called on Iraqis to fight the proposal.

"After every Friday prayers, everyone must protest and demonstrate until the agreement is canceled," he said.