Iraqi clerics seek reconciliation at Mecca meeting

Riyadh, Oct 9: Iraqi Sunni and Shi'ite Muslim clerics have put together a reconciliation document in a recent meeting in the Muslim holy city of Mecca in an effort to stem sectarian violence that many fear could lead to a civil war.

The Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC), the world's biggest Muslim body, said it sponsored the meeting on Saturday and yesterday, which will be followed by a wider gathering of clerics in Mecca on October. 19 and 20 to approve the agreement.

''This document, once approved, will send a message to all the Iraqi people making clear Islam's position on blood-letting among Muslims,'' an OIC statement sent to Reuters today said.

''It calls on the Muslims of Iraq to adhere to the clear principles of the Islamic religion in this regard.'' The document was prepared by Shi'ite clerics Jalal al-Deen al-Saghir, a senior parliamentarian from the Shi'ite Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq (SCIRI) party, and Salah Abdul-Razzaq, as well as Sunni cleric Mahmoud al-Sumaydai and Sheikh Abdelsattar Abbas, whose affiliation was not clear.

The OIC, a Saudi-based organisation grouping 57 Muslim countries, said the Mecca meeting next week would include senior Iraqi clerics. No more details were available.

Violence between Sunnis and Shi'ites in Iraq has escalated since a 2003 US-led invasion toppled former dictator Saddam Hussein. Sunni insurgents are fighting the Shi'ite dominated government and the US occupying forces backing it.

Although Saudi Arabia follows a strict version of Sunni Islam that regards Shi'ites as virtual heretics, it is trying to bolster the Iraqi government for fear of the country collapsing.

Some Saudis have gone to Iraq to join the Sunni insurgents.

Reuters