IRAQ: SISTANI AGAINST KIRKUK'S INCLUSION IN KURDISTAN

Arbil, 19 August (AKI) - Iraq's most influential Shiite cleric, Ali al Sistani, has come out against the incorporation of the northern city of Kirkuk, one of Iraq's riches oil producing centres, into an autonomous Kuridsh state. "His Excellency [al Sistani] will not allow Kirkuk to be included in Kurdistan since it belongs to all Iraqis regardless of their national, religious and confessional background", said the Iraq news agency, quoting a press release from Sistani's office.