BAGHDAD - A Sunni Muslim imam in Baghdad all but praised resistance fighters waging a war of attrition against US troops, calling in his Friday sermon for Iraqis to work together to end the US-led occupation.
"There is an honest opposition that has resisted the occupation. They are still resisting and they are symbols for Iraqis to be proud of," said Hareth al-Dari, imam of Um al-Qora mosque on the western fringes of Baghdad.
"Keep on doing what you are doing to defend Iraq and the unity of Iraq," he told those resisting the occupation.
"Cooperate with your brothers to end the occupation," he added, addressing the estimated 1,500 people attending the Friday prayers.
He also lambasted Iraq's fledgling US-sponsored interim council: "This Governing Council is rejected and unacceptable because it divides Iraq into groups and races.
"It is planting the seeds of hostility between the sons of this society," said Dari. "That is why we don't support it ... This council does not serve the interests of the people or the nation."
Churches urge 'resistance' to Israeli settlements