Baghdad (AsiaNews) – Today in Baghdad the first national conference was held to oppose what is being called the "the occupying force in Iraq."  Around 500 persons from various religious, political and tribal groups and parties were in attendance. The representatives have asked for "an end tp the American occupation as soon as possible."

The committee was composed of members of the Council of Islamic Ulemas of Iraq, Al-Imam Al Khalesi University, the Arab Nationalist Movement, the Union Movement, the Democratic Reform Party, and the Iraqi Human Rights Committee. 

Musana Al-Dari, member of the Council of Islamic Ulemas of Iraq, announced that a conference was being held today in which "some thirty Islamic and nationalist parties and groups of various Islamic denominations" would be in attendance. He also said that even "trade union representatives and university professors" would be there.

The conference aspires to become a political arena to foster rejection of foreign powers and their troops in Iraq. The inaugural meeting came after 8 months of preparations and gatherings between various Islamic forces and political groups across Iraq. 

Over the last few months a delegation of representatives of the newly formed opposition visited some countries of the regions, while receiving encouragement and support. The opposition includes no Christian or Kurdish representatives, at least as it appears so far. (PB)

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