Iraq cleric calls for disarmament

BBC

Ayatollah Ali Sistani, one of Iraq's most senior Shia clerics, has called for the next government to dismantle militias operating in the country.
The grand ayatollah said only the government should have weapons, and its forces should be loyal to the nation - not to individual political parties.

Many Iraqis blame militias for a sharp rise in violence after the bombing of a Shia mosque in Samarra two months ago.

On Thursday, at least seven people died after insurgent attacks around Baquba.

According to Iraqi army sources, 21 insurgents were killed and 46 were captured after the insurgents stormed police stations and checkpoints near Baquba, 55km (35 miles) north-east of Baghdad.

In Ramadi, meanwhile, an insurgent stronghold 115km (70 miles) west of Baghdad, US jets fired two missiles at insurgents during fighting, American army officers said.

Iraq's new PM-designate has vowed to take action against the armed groups.

However, Nouri Maliki has not said whether he intends to incorporate them in Iraq's security forces, or try to have them disbanded.