THANKS, AYATOLLAH:

Iraqi PM discusses US pact with Shiite cleric (AP, 10/10/2008)

Following a 2 1/2 hour meeting in Najaf, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said al-Sistani believed the security agreement was the responsibility of "the Iraqis and the political groups" and that he would raise no objections to a deal "as long as it comes through official and state institutions."

"He does not want anything forced or imposed on the Iraqi people," al-Maliki said. "Rather he wants it to be done through the institutions. If the government and the parliament approve this, then the Sayyid (al-Sistani) will be convinced that is what the Iraqi people have decided."

Al-Maliki also said al-Sistani believes "all the components" of Iraqi people should participate in the decision and in "resolving this matter through constitutional institutions."