Iraq PM sets conditions to end crackdown

04/25/2008

BAGHDAD (AP) - Iraq's prime minister has set four conditions for stopping a government-led crackdown against radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr's militia and other illegally armed groups.

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki says the groups must hand over weapons and cease interference in the affairs of the state.

Al-Maliki listed the conditions in an interview Friday with Al-Arabiya TV. He is also demanding that the militants hand over all wanted people and present lists of names of people involved in violence.

Al-Sadr has threatened an "open war" if the crackdown doesn't stop but said earlier Friday the threat only applied to U.S.-led forces, not Iraqis.