TEXT-Iraqi rebel cleric Sadr offers deal to U.S. forces

BAGHDAD, May 27 (Reuters) - The following is the text of a truce offer by rebel Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr including a pledge to withdraw his forces from the holy city of Najaf to end a weeks-long standoff with U.S. forces ringing the city. snip

"To put an end to the tragic situation in the noble city of Najaf, and to the violations to the sanctity of the shrine of Imam Ali and the remainder of the holy places there, I agree to the following plan:

"An end to armed demonstrations and the occupation of government buildings, offices and institutions, and the withdrawal of all Mehdi Army fighters who are not from Najaf province from the city, as well as the end of legal procedures and prosecution of people and a pledge not to renew them (a reference to Islamic courts set up by Sadr); snip

"The withdrawal of occupation forces to their bases, with the exception of small units protecting their headquarters and the governorate building. They would continue to remain in these places;

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