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Iraq MPs hold emergency session Iraq MPs plan emergency session
(about 1 hour later)
Iraq's parliament is due to hold an emergency session to try to end fighting between Shia militias and Iraqi security forces.Iraq's parliament is due to hold an emergency session to try to end fighting between Shia militias and Iraqi security forces.
It comes a day after a three-day curfew was imposed in Baghdad following attacks on the city's Green Zone, where the government and embassies are based.It comes a day after a three-day curfew was imposed in Baghdad following attacks on the city's Green Zone, where the government and embassies are based.
Iraq's army is continuing its offensive in Basra. Iraq's army is continuing its offensive in the southern city of Basra.
More than 130 people have died in the southern city since a clampdown on Shia militias began there on Tuesday. More than 130 people have died in the city since a clampdown on Shia militias began there on Tuesday.
On Thursday, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki vowed that he would continue the fight against the militias for as long as was necessary. Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki has vowed that he will continue the fight against the militias for as long as necessary.
Iraqis hold a banner of radical cleric Moqtada Sadr during a massive protest in Baghdad Amateur footageIraqis hold a banner of radical cleric Moqtada Sadr during a massive protest in Baghdad Amateur footage
"We have made up our minds to enter this battle and we will continue until the end. No retreat," Mr Maliki said in a speech broadcast on Iraqi state television. "We have made up our minds to enter this battle and we will continue until the end. No retreat," Mr Maliki said in a speech broadcast on Iraqi state television on Thursday.
The prime minister has personally overseen the operation in Basra, which involves some 30,000 troops and police fighting the Shia Mehdi Army, led by radical cleric Moqtada Sadr.The prime minister has personally overseen the operation in Basra, which involves some 30,000 troops and police fighting the Shia Mehdi Army, led by radical cleric Moqtada Sadr.
But Mehdi Army fighters remain in control of some densely-populated areas.But Mehdi Army fighters remain in control of some densely-populated areas.
Late on Thursday, Sadr called for a political solution to the crisis. Late on Thursday, Mr Sadr called for a political solution to the crisis.
In a statement relayed by his aide Hazem al-Aaraji, he said he wants "everyone to pursue political solutions and peaceful protests and a stop to the shedding of Iraqi blood". In a statement relayed by his aide Hazem al-Aaraji, he said he wanted "everyone to pursue political solutions and peaceful protests and a stop to the shedding of Iraqi blood".
US President George W Bush praised Mr Maliki's decision to order the crackdown, saying "normalcy was returning to Iraq".US President George W Bush praised Mr Maliki's decision to order the crackdown, saying "normalcy was returning to Iraq".
"As we speak Iraqis are waging a tough battle against militia fighters and criminals in Basra, many of whom have received arms and training and funding from Iran," Mr Bush said in Dayton, Ohio. "As we speak Iraqis are waging a tough battle against militia fighters and criminals in Basra, many of whom have received arms and training and funding from Iran," Mr Bush said in Ohio.
Rising violenceRising violence
He spoke as one of several Americans injured this week in rocket attacks on Baghdad's Green Zone died, amid fresh missiles attacks on the fortified area. President Bush spoke as one of several Americans injured this week in rocket attacks on Baghdad's Green Zone died, amid fresh missiles attacks on the fortified area.
BASRA KEY FACTS Third largest city, population 2.6 million approxLocated on the Shatt al-Arab waterway leading to the GulfRegion around city has substantial oil resources4,000 UK troops based at international airport Battles threaten fragile IraqClashes in pictures href="/1/hi/business/7316138.stm">Oil soars above $107 class="" href="/1/hi/world/americas/7305023.stm">Invasion right, says Bush BASRA KEY FACTS Third largest city, population 2.6 million approxLocated on the Shatt al-Arab waterway leading to the GulfRegion around city has substantial oil resources4,000 UK troops based at international airport Battles threaten fragile IraqClashes in picturesInvasion right, says Bush
US embassy staff in Baghdad have been told not to leave reinforced structures, following the attacks.US embassy staff in Baghdad have been told not to leave reinforced structures, following the attacks.
The state department has instructed embassy personnel to wear helmets and other protective gear if they leave the building, even if they stay within the Green Zone.The state department has instructed embassy personnel to wear helmets and other protective gear if they leave the building, even if they stay within the Green Zone.
In Basra, a local police chief survived a bomb attack that killed three of his bodyguards.In Basra, a local police chief survived a bomb attack that killed three of his bodyguards.
With many shops and markets shut, residents in the city said they were beginning to run out of food and water.With many shops and markets shut, residents in the city said they were beginning to run out of food and water.
In Baghdad, thousands of Sadr supporters marched to demand Mr Maliki quit over the Basra operation and there was sporadic fighting in Shia areas of the capital.In Baghdad, thousands of Sadr supporters marched to demand Mr Maliki quit over the Basra operation and there was sporadic fighting in Shia areas of the capital.