Iraqi PM Now Offers Peace To Militias

— -- Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki on Friday ordered anationwide freeze on raids against suspected Shiite militiamen, according toa statement issued by his office.

The announcement came one day after Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sadr, whoseMahdi Army militia fought government troops in Basra and Baghdad last week,hinted at retaliation if the arrests of his followers did not stop.

Al-Sadr on Sunday ordered his militiamen off the streets in a move thatended the weeklong fighting. He also demanded that the government stopsarresting his followers and free detainees held without charge.

Al-Maliki's statement did not mention the Mahdi Army by name or give atimeframe for the freeze, saying only that the move is designed to give a"chance to those who repented and want to lay down their arms."

Al-Maliki's move appeared to be a goodwill gesture toward al-Sadr and hisfollowers. But it was also a dramatic turnabout. Al-Maliki said Thursday heintended to launch security operations against Mahdi Army strongholds inBaghdad, including Sadr City, home to some 2.5 million Shiites and themilitia's largest base.

Al-Maliki said last week that gunmen in Basra had until April 8 tosurrender their heavy weapons, but Friday's statement made no mention of thatdeadline.

"Those who lay down their arms and participated in the recent acts ofviolence will not be prosecuted," said the statement. He also ordered therepatriation of families forced to flee their homes because of the latestfighting and cash donations to the families of those killed or wounded in theviolence.

He said Iraqis whose property has been damaged in the fighting would alsobe compensated.