BAGHDAD, June 15 (UPI) -- Iraqi rival Shiite leaders Tuesday rejected dissension and instead called for appeasement and respect for the sanctity of shrines in Najaf.
A statement by the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq led by Abdel Aziz al-Hakim denounced "provocative actions," which resulted in fist-fights and clashes between its followers and partisans of radical Shiite leader Moqtada Sadr in Najaf last Friday.
"We condemn any attempt to break ethical rules especially inside and outside the sacred sites," it said.
The clashes, which erupted at the entrance of Imam Ali mausoleum, the Shiites' holiest shrine, resulted in calling off Friday prayers at the site.
Sadr urged gunmen of his Mehdi Army to refrain from actions that could be offensive or provocative to others and called for reconciliation with all political parties and factions.
He also asked them to obey religious leaders in Najaf.
