Iraq's fiercely anti-American cleric Moqtada al-Sadr has called for an end to attacks against U.S. troops.<br/> This according to statements Monday by his spokesman Salah al-Ubaidi.<br/> Speaking with press in Baghdad, al-Ubaidi also warned that if U.S. forces do not depart on time, military operations would resume and would be "very severe".<br/> (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) SALA AL-UBAIDI, SPOKESMAN OF ANTI-AMERICAN SHIITE CLERIC MOQTADA AL-SADR, SAYING:<br/> "His eminence Sayyid Moqtada confirmed, in a separate statement yesterday, that he decided to halt military operations as a move and a message to all Iraqi parties, in order to accomplish the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq. Such a move will give an opportunity for all parties to boost mutual confidence."<br/> American troops are scheduled to withdraw fully by December 31 and Sadr warned last month that American military trainers who stay beyond 2011 will be targets.<br/> While Sadr's Medhi Army is largely demobilised, U.S. officials say splinter groups still operate.<br/> Iraq's political leaders are currently negotiating with the U.S. on the sensitive issue of whether to keep military trainers beyond the withdrawal deadline - more than eight years after the U.S.-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein.<br/> While Iraqi security forces are seen as capable of tackling internal threats, many say they still need air and naval training.<br/> Travis Brecher, Reuters.
