Canberra: Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr's six month extension of a ceasefire by his followers in Iraq was welcomed today by a Pentagon spokesman travelling here with US Defence Secretary Robert Gates. Geoff Morrell, the Pentagon press secretary, said the extension "is certainly welcome news."
"We continue to encourage all sectarian militias to put aside their differences and constructively contribute to the stability of the Central government and the security of all Iraqis," he added. Gates is here for security talks with the Australians on a range of subjects, including Iraq.
