Baghdad (AsiaNews) – Today thousands of Iraqis gathered together in downtown Baghdad, Baakuba and Ramadi to protest terrorism. The protest occurring in the capital is the third of its kind in less than two weeks, involving ever greater public participation. The march was organized by the People's Anti-terrorism Committee, a body linked to the Provisional Governing Council (PGC). Present at the march were representatives of all political and religious groups, labor unions and the PGC. Particularly noteworthy was the participation of the Iraqi Communist Party, now enjoying its freedom after being outlawed by Saddam Hussein. Also at the protest were supporters of Imam Muktada Al-Sadr, the critical voice against the Anglo-American presence in Iraq. Among the most shouted slogans were those for an "Iraq, a country of peace and justice" as well the explicit cries for  "condemnation of terrorism". One sign held up read: "Terrorism is the greatest obstacle to Iraq's future". 

The march began at the National Theater and ended at the capital's city center, in front of Hotel Baghdad, which last month was the site of another terrorist attack. Invigilating the march was a massive Iraqi police force and some American helicopters circling overhead. 

The manifestation took place after the occurrence of some grave incidents: the downing of an American helicopter near Falluja, west of Baghdad: the wounding of 59 American soldiers and an Iraqi interpreter following the explosion of a car-bomb in front of the military base west of Mossul in northern Iraq.(P.B.)     

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