The edict barred people associated with illegal militias from taking part in elections in the near future.

Al-Sadr must answer the charges against him and disband his illegal militia.

The general simply said that illegal militias "will be responded to appropriately."

That incident forced a political compromise on the disarming of illegal militias on both sides.

He was released on bail on January 8, but was charged with forming an illegal militia.

American administrators have issued an order banning people associated with illegal militias from taking part in elections.

Mr. Bremer's order prohibits members or leaders of illegal militias from being candidates.

They are openly arming themselves and hiring private security forces that landless movement leaders described as illegal militias.

We are also concerned about the constant smuggling of weapons into the country to arm an illegal militia.

Disarmament of all illegal militias by 2007 at the latest.