Iraqi Shiite cautions on armed groups

By HAMID AHMED, Associated Press Writer

BAGHDAD - The leader of the largest Shiite political party in Iraq told about 5,000 faithful who gathered Friday for Eid al-Adha prayers that U.S.-backed anti-al-Qaida armed groups — mostly comprised of Sunnis — should be on the side of government forces and not try to replace them.

Abdul-Aziz al-Hakim, head of the Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council, told worshippers gathered near his office in southwest Baghdad that the so-called "awakening" groups, many of whom once fought against U.S. forces but have since turned their guns on extremists, that the fighters must side with the government.