Iraq Denies Issuing Arrest Warrant For Muslim Scholar

(RFE/RL) November 17, 2006 -- An Iraqi government spokesman has denied that the government has issued a warrant for the arrest of Harith al-Dhari, a prominent Sunni religious scholar.

State television on November 16 quoted the interior minister as saying al-Dhari was wanted for inciting sectarian violence, but the government spokesman, Ali al-Dabbagh, today said the report had been taken "out of context."

He did, however, confirm that "investigations" are under way into the activities of al-Dhari, who is believed to be in Jordan.

(compiled from agency reports)

Sectarian Iraq

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SUNNI, SHI'A: Iraq is riven along sectarian lines, faults that frequently produce violent clashes and are a constant source of tension. Sectarian concerns drive much of Iraqi politics and are the main threat to the country's fragile security environment.

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