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The USG Open Source Center translates a communique of Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sadr of Iraq, calling for continuous demonstrations. You have to wonder whether he is inspired by the big demonstrations in Iran. :

Text of report by Higher Media Commission of Martyr Sayyid Al-Sadr’s Office on 17 July

[Statement by Al-Sadr Trend Leader Muqtada al-Sadr

dated 15 July]

In the name of God,

There are three issues that the Iraqi people must express their opinions on through continuous peaceful demonstrations and protests, and they are:

1. Every zealous Iraqi is obligated to demonstrate in support of Iraqi prisoners and detainees facing torment in prison, especially the men of the resistance and those who have not been convicted, for every detainee is innocent until proven guilty, and not vice versa.

2. Public pressure must be exerted on the government to end terrorism, particularly in Mosul and other downtrodden cities, and especially with regards to the [Mojahedin-e] Khalq traitors, for unless they are expelled from Iraq, the government will be derelict before God, the people, and the great religious authorities, for my father had banned all dealings with them, and allowing them to remain in Iraq is prohibited as well.

3. The electricity issue has become quite complex and difficult. I therefore ask the dear brothers concerned with this issue to present us with plans and programmes for improving and developing the Iraqi electricity sector, from the north of the country to the south, so that they may be presented to the government. I hope the brothers expedite this request so that we may lift the injustice being done to our downtrodden people. Furthermore, I ask the people to demand that power be restored by staging continuous demonstrations and protests, for they might work.

[Signed] Muqtada al-Sadr

[Dated] 22 Rajab 1430 Hegira [corresponding to 15 July 2009]

Source: Higher Media Commission of Martyr Sayyid Al-Sadr’s Office, Al-Najaf, in Arabic 17 Jul 09

End/ (Not Continued)