http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-4427741,00.htmlDelays Mar Conference Mission to Najaf
Tuesday August 17, 2004 12:16 PM
BY JAMIE TARABAY
Associated Press Writer
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - A delegation of Iraqis meant to help negotiate an end to an uprising in Najaf was forced to delay its mission Tuesday when it could not get a military escort for the dangerous journey to meet the radical cleric at the center of the standoff in the holy city.
It was an embarrassing turn of events for Iraqi leaders seeking a political victory to give them credibility as they try to chart the country's new course and end the fighting in Najaf - their worst crisis since taking power in the end of June.
As the delegation waited in Baghdad, a mortar round hit a busy street in the city several miles away, killing six people and wounding 35, the Interior Ministry and hospital officials said.
The blast on al-Rasheed Street set one building on fire and damaged seven cars, said Col. Adnan Abdul-Rahman, of the Interior Ministry.
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