Insurgents offer to halt attacks in Iraq
(AP)
Updated: 2006-06-29 14:51
Abdul Aziz al-Hakim, leader of the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution
in Iraq, a Shiite group with historic ties to the Iranians, favors close
relations with Iran. Many of Iraq's most powerful Shiite politicians and
religious figures spent years in Iranian exile during Saddam Hussein's regime.
In addition to the withdrawal timetable, the Iraqi insurgents have demanded:
- An end to U.S. and Iraqi military operations against insurgent forces.
- Compensation for Iraqis killed by U.S. and government forces and
reimbursement for property damage.
- An end to the ban on army officers from Saddam's regime in the Iraqi
military.
- An end to the government ban on former members of the Baath Party — which
ruled the country under Saddam.
- The release of insurgent detainees.
The 1920 Revolution Brigades, the umbrella for seven other groups, was
established in the so-called Sunni Triangle north and west of Baghdad shortly
after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion. Its name refers to Iraq's historical fight
against British colonialism.
The group has claimed responsibility for attacking American troops, including
the downing of two helicopters in 2004.
"If they set a two-year timetable for the withdrawal we will stop all our
operations immediately," said the leader in a telephone interview with the AP.
The man, who refused to give his name for security reasons, spoke from the
telephone of one of the mediators. Others present made similar remarks.
Besides the 1920 Revolution Brigades, the eight include Abtal al-Iraq (Heroes
of Iraq), the 9th of April Group, al-Fateh Brigades, al-Mukhtar Brigades,
Salahuddin Brigades, Mujahedeen Army and the Brigades of the General Command of
the Armed Forces. The three other groups are small organizations that also
mainly operate in areas north of Baghdad.
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