Region | Iraq
Iraqis reopen major bridge in Baghdad
Hundreds of people joined Iraqi officials on Tuesday in reopening a major bridge that links Sunni and Shiite neighbourhoods in Baghdad.
- Agencies
- Published: 15:27 November 11, 2008
Baghdad: Hundreds of people joined Iraqi officials on Tuesday in reopening a major bridge that links Sunni and Shiite neighbourhoods in Baghdad.
Authorities barricaded shut the Imams bridge in north Baghdad three years ago following a deadly stampede during a Shiite procession that killed almost 1,000 people.
The bridge remained closed during the sectarian bloodletting that plagued Baghdad in 2006 and 2007.
Officials have replaced sealed barricades on the bridge with checkpoints and reopened the east-west artery in north Baghdad.
Sunnis, Shiites and government officials hailed the event as a triumph over sectarianism.
"This bridge is the symbol of the true spirit and solidarity of the Iraqi people," said Shaikh Saleh Al Haidari, a Shiite community leader.
"It is a day of joy for the Iraqi people because we have shown to the world that we are one united people," he said.
Major General Qassim Al Moussawi, senior spokesman for the Iraqi military, said the reopening of the bridge is a "clear sign of the improving security in Baghdad."
"It is an indication that desperate attempts by terrorists have failed and life is getting back to normal," he said.
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