Sistani And Sadr Reach Deal In Iraqi Holy City

NAJAF, Iraq, Aug 26 (AFP) - Rebel cleric Moqtada Sadr has agreed to a peace initiative from Iraq`s top Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, to end fierce fighting in the holy city of Najaf, a spokesman said Thursday.
"Sayed (honorific) Moqtada Sadr has agreed on Grand Ayatollah Sistani`s conditions," Sistani spokesman Hamid Khaffaf told reporters.
The elderly ayatollah, treated to a euphoric welcome since returning from medical treatment in London on Wednesday, has signalled that he wants all armed groups to disarm in Najaf and Kufa and all foreign troops to leave.
Talks between Sistani and Sadr`s camps started earlier Thursday, said a spokesman for the ayatollah, but it was not clear if the two leaders themselves had met face-to-face as officials said they had 24 hours to find a solution.