Iraqi Shia group to renounce violence

An extremist Shia group believed responsible for the killing of five American soldiers in a bold raid south of Baghdad and the kidnapping of five British men has agreed to renounce violence, a government adviser said Monday.
The deal was reached during a weekend meeting between Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and representatives of Asaib Ahl al-Haq, or League of the Righteous, a group the US alleges is backed by Iran and refuses to adhere to a militia cease-fire.
The group promised to lay down its weapons and join the political process, according to government aide Sami al-Askari, who was at the meeting. In return, al-Maliki promised to seek the release of the detainees in US custody, al-Askari said.
The deal comes as the Shia-led Iraqi government moves increasingly to assert its sovereignty and solidify its power base ahead of national elections scheduled for January. The US military also has seen its influence wane as it begins to pull back its troops with plans for a full withdrawal by the end of 2011.
The transformation of the remaining Shia militant groups into political organisations would be a significant development for Iraq as it prepares for the end of the US military role. It also could boost Tehran's leverage in the neighbouring country, although Iran's government denies any links to Shia extremists in Iraq.
Iraqi politicians with links to the Asaib al-Haq have said the group wants to participate in next year's parliamentary vote, either by fielding its own ticket or backing candidates from other Shia parties.