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BAGHDAD, Feb 14 (KUNA) -- Head of the Sadrist Parliamentary bloc, Nassar Al-Rubaie, denied Wednesday reports that the Shiite leader Moqtada Al-Sadr had left for Iran with the implementation of a new security plan in Iraq.

Al-Rubaie stressed to KUNA the leader was still in Iraq, pointing out that it would be normal for Al-Sadr to embark on a regional tour "for he is a prominent figure of much influence regarding the situation in Iraq." "He is now inside Iraq and has left for nowhere," Al-Rubaie said "There is no need for an official statement or a press conference to make the denial." In answer to reports the figure fled in fear for his life in view of new security plans, Al-Rubaie said "the security plan does not target us and we back it." He noted that there was no rift between Al-Sadr and the Iraqi government. "We are now part of the political process," he stressed.

Al-Rubaie also said the Iraqi military had the right to stem any form of armament or armed action and confiscate any weapons.

"We back this, and we have made it known before the (Iraqi) Prime Minister and the Parliament as Sadrist representatives." ABC Television had reported that Al-Sadr "fled" to Iran for what it claimed to be fears he might be targeted by American attacks, besides worries over his safety in view of rift amid the Sadrist ranks.

There is no such rift and Al-Sadrists are unified; no part in their ranks opposes the security plan, Al-Rubaie said.

Labels: Berita, Iraq, Luar Negeri