CAIRO, Aug 19 (AFP) - The Arab League called Thursday for civilians and holy sites to be spared as US-led Iraqi forces face off against Shiite Muslim militiamen in Najaf.
"The secretary-general of the Arab League Amr Mussa asks that civilians be spared and the necessary protection be given to holy sites so they are not damaged by military operations," the statement said.
Fresh fighting erupted in Najaf after the Iraqi government warned fighters loyal to radical cleric Moqtada Sadr to disarm or face the consequences.
US tanks have taken up positions near the Imam Ali shrine, effectively trapping the militia in one of the holiest sites in Shiite Islam.
Mussa also "hoped the announcement of the creation of a national assembly will be a ... useful step" which will contribute to Iraq`s "political and economic objectives".
An Iraqi national conference in Baghdad on Wednesday approved a new 100-member assembly to advise the interim government as it paves the way for general elections scheduled for January 2005.