Baghdad & Amman: Shiite cleric Moqtada Al Sadr has said he rejects the Iraqi constitution backed by his partners in the biggest parliament bloc, raising the possibility of a crisis over one of the country's most explosive issues.
"I reject this constitution which calls for sectarianism and there is nothing good in this constitution at all," he told Al Jazeera television late on Saturday.
Sadr criticised federalism in the constitution, which is rejected by Iraq's Sunni Arabs, who fear it will give Kurds and Shi'ites too much power and control over Iraq's oil resources.
"If there is a democratic government in Iraq, nobody has the right to call for the establishment of federalism anywhere in Iraq whether it is the south, north, middle or any other part of Iraq," he said.
Al Sadr also stepped up calls on Saturday for the United States and other foreign troops to leave his country, saying that should be the priority of the new Iraqi government.
Al Sadr, who is on a tour of the region "to improve relations with neighbouring countries" met Prime Minister Marouf Al Bakhit.
Before coming to Jordan, Al Sadr visited Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iran and Syria. His aides in Iraq say he plans visits to Lebanon and Egypt.
He said the other aim of his visit was "to free this area from the Western, American war, whether it be in Iraq, Iran, Syria or the rest of the region."
Al Sadr, 33, said the withdrawal of foreign forces "should be the priority of the future Iraqi government."
In an interview aired later on Saturday by Al Jazeera television, Al Sadr accused Washington of trying to drive a wedge between Iraq and its neighbours and hinder the development of the country's security forces to justify the US presence.
Meanwhile, British and Iraqi authorities, confirmed on Saturday that two foreigners who disappeared two days ago in Basra were Macedonians who were kidnapped on their way from the airport to the city centre.
The kidnappers have demanded a ransom, officials said.
Wide following
Al Sadr has a wide following among Iraq's Shiites, particularly the poor and young, in Baghdad and across central and southern Iraq.
His militia, the Mahdi Army, rebelled twice in 2004, clashing with US troops. He has since avoided military confrontations and increased his political role.
His followers won 30 of parliament's 275 seats in a general election held December 15 and are expected to take five Cabinet posts in the next government.
