] An Iraqi Shi'ite Muslim leader has urged Iraqis not to
] hinder U.S. invading forces after previously asking them
] to resist efforts to topple President Saddam Hussein, a
] Shi'ite group in the UK said on Thursday.
]
] In a religious ruling, or fatwa, Shi'ite cleric Grand
] Ayatollah Ali Sistani urged Iraqis to stop fighting in
] and around the Shi'ite holy shrine of Najaf, the Al Khoei
] foundation in London told Reuters.
]
] Grand ayatollahs are the highest authorities in Shi'ite
] Islam and Sistani is the only one in Iraq. The fatwa
] applies nationwide.
]
] "Until now the Shias of Iraq and the followers of Sistani
] were confused on whether to take up arms against the
] Americans, whether to fight," said a spokesman for the
] foundation, which represents followers of Sistani.

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