( dpa )- The Iraqi government on Sunday hailed a move by radical Shiite cleric, Moqtada al- Sadr , to withdraw his fighters from the streets of Basra and other provinces.
Government spokesman, Ali al- Dabagh , told the Voices of Iraq news agency that al- Sadr's move to end all military appearances in Basra and all provinces was a "religious and patriotic position."
Al- Dabagh said the move was in the public interest but added that the government was going ahead with reinforcing security and stability.