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Iraqi Sunnis reverse policy, to join poll

Atul Aneja

Leaders urge kidnappers to free foreign hostages; disavow Al-Zarqawi's actions

DUBAI: As the countdown for parliamentary elections begins, Iraq's Sunni community is likely to show up in strength at polling stations. Unlike Iraq's previous elections, which have been boycotted, the hardline Sunni factions, who are known to have links with resistance fighters, have been appealing in mosques for a larger turnout during the December 15 elections. A cleric from The Association of Muslim Scholars told worshippers that the upcoming elections would be a "landmark event."

"It is a decisive battle that will determine our future. If you give your vote to the wrong people, then the occupation will continue and the country would be lost. Participation in the elections is a must and it is a religious duty," he said. Buoyed by inroads made by resistance fighters, Sunni factions have now begun to acquire a larger political profile. They were represented at last month's Cairo conference, where Iraq's Sunni-dominated neighbouring countries, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan were present, apart from Iran and the United States.

The Arab League sponsored conference acknowledged that resistance to foreign occupation in Iraq was legitimate. The participants, however, made it clear that they opposed terrorism as perpetrated by the Al-Qaeda linked Abu Musab Al Zarqawi's group. Reinforcing their rejection of terrorism, Sunni clerics have urged kidnappers to release an American, two Canadians and a Briton who had been abducted on November 26.

During prayers in the Al-Imam Al-Aadam mosque in Baghdad's y Sunni Arab neighbourhood, cleric Ahmed Hassan stressed on the "necessity to release the four kidnapped foreigners who have helped the residents of Azamiyah."

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