BAGHDAD, Sept 1 (AFP) - Iraq`s interim government on Wednesday hailed radical Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr`s decision to call a nationwide ceasefire and join the political arena.
"We welcome all peace initiatives and have made it very clear that anybody wishing to take part in the political process is welcome," minister without portfolio Kassem Daud told reporters.
He was reacting to the announcement made by Sadr`s office Monday calling on the Shiite militia to silence its guns and declaring that the movement would enter mainstream politics.
"We have invited all our Iraqi brothers to disarm, participate in the political process and work hand in hand for the benefit of Iraq," said Daud, who was attended the opening session of Iraq`s interim parliament in Baghdad.
Sadr had repeatedly pledged never to join the political arena so long as Iraq was occupied by foreign troops, but he performed a spectacular about-face following the end of weeks-long standoff last week between his Mehdi Army and US forces.
Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi several times invited the young cleric to test his popularity at the ballot box in the planned January 2005 elections.