Talks Between Sistani, Sadr Camps Begin In Najaf

NAJAF, Iraq, Aug 26 (AFP) - Talks have started between representatives of rebel cleric Moqtada Sadr and Iraq's Shiite spiritual leader Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani in Najaf, a spokesman for Sistani said Thursday.
"We have started contacts with Moqtada Sadr and in the coming hours we are waiting, hoping that we will succeed in saving the city from destruction," said Ahmed al-Khaffaf.
The format of the talks was not clear or whether Sistani and Sadr themselves had or were expected to meet face-to-face.
"Once again I'm calling upon people wanting to enter Najaf to stay where you are if possible," Khaffaf added.
"Demonstrators outside Najaf will only be admitted to the city after they have been searched," he finished.