"Man of God" scuttles Iraq's agreement with United States.
Washington deal with Iraq known as the "Status of Forces Agreement" has been dealt a serious blow by top Shi'ite Cleric.
Grand Ayatollah Seyyed Kazem Al-Haeri told the Iraqi lawmakers not to sign the American pact.
The agreement would have given immunity to American soldiers to commit crimes in Iraq and not face Iraqi justice.
The Grand Ayatollah said signing this humiliating deal with America would be "a sin that God would not forgive".
The religious leader has great influence over large number of people inside and outside the Iraqi parliament.
Iraq's Parliament is now refusing to accept the the treaty and demands changes to the text.
Washginton had been making attempt to rush the treaty through.
U.S. Army Chief in Iraq General Odierno had tried to put pressure on Iraqis to sign the treaty by saying that they were letting Iran dictate the terms of the agreement. Iraqi lawmakers were furious and condemned Odierno for meddling in Iraq politics. They demanded to review the entire treaty with U.S.
In Lebanon, Hezbollah's Spiritual leader also blasted the U.S for trying to legitimise the occupation of Iraq.
Ayatollah Fadlalah said Iraqi should not endorse the dishonourable deal.
APN - October 22, 2008
