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By Country / Iraq

Protesters Attack Iranian Consulate In Al-Basrah

June 14, 2006

Shi'ite cleric Hazim al-Araji, an aide to Shi'ite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, addresses a demonstration against U.S. President George Bush's visit to Iraq on June 13 (epa)

June 14, 2006 -- About 500 protesters attacked the Iranian consulate in the Iraqi city of Al-Basrah today, setting fire to a building in the consulate compound.

Police said the protesters were supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Mahmud al-Hassani, and were apparently protesting an Iranian television broadcast that accused him of being an Israeli agent. A cleric who addressed the crowd demanded an apology from Iran's government over the broadcast.

There were also demonstrations in Baghdad, with about 2,000 supporters of radical Shi'ite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr protesting U.S. President George W. Bush's visit to Iraq on June 13.

Protesters chanted "Iraq is for Iraqis," and called for the withdrawal of U.S.-led forces.

(Reuters, AP)