Iraq PM warns Sadr movement over violence

BAGHDAD, July 7 (Reuters) Iraq's Shi'ite Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki today demanded the movement loyal to fiery cleric Moqtada al-Sadr take a clear stance on ''terrorism'' being committed by elements linked to the group.

Maliki used unusually tough language following recent unrest in southern Shi'ite cities where Sadr's Mehdi Army has clashed with Iraqi and US security forces.

''We hear from officials in the Sadr movement that they're against the use of weapons and condemn those who do (use them),'' Maliki told reporters.

''The leadership of the movement must take clear and decisive decisions so they do not carry the responsibility of those who act in their name,'' he added.

Fighting between the Mehdi Army and Iraqi security forces has killed dozens of people in recent weeks in the relatively calm southern cities of Nassiriya, Diwaniya and Samawa.

Sadr, who has great appeal among Iraq's Shi'ite masses, was influential in Maliki's rise to power more than a year ago. But ties appear to have cooled.

Six ministers loyal to Sadr quit the government in April over Maliki's refusal to set a timetable for the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq.

Sadr's parliamentary bloc is also boycotting the legislature in protest at the bombing of a revered Shi'ite shrine last month in the city of Samarra.

REUTERS SV PM1916