"It is clear that al-Sadr's actions in Najaf are illegal and detrimental to establishment of peace and security in Iraq. Appropriate officials are currently holding talks with him in cooperation with the Iraqi Government," Donald Rumsfeld said in St.Petersburg after his talks with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov.
"I am not checking up on what they are doing there on an hourly basis, but they are doing everything in their power to ensure that the rebels stop killing innocent people," Mr. Rumsfeld added.
He stressed that Iraq is a sovereign state and at present the Iraqi Prime Minister and his government are trying their best to make progress in preparation for the general elections due to take place in the country next year.
Among other things, according to Donald Rumsfeld, it is vital that effective cooperation be established between the Iraqi government and the coalition. "They must ensure the rule of law and the right atmosphere for holding the elections," Mr. Rumsfeld said.
