Iraqi PM orders end to Sadr City blockade

For the past week forces have been manning a cordon around the flashpoint eastern suburb as part of the hunt for a kidnapped US soldier.

Iraq's Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki ordered the removal Tuesday of road blocks and checkpoints around the Sadr City district of Baghdad.

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For the past week Iraqi and American forces have been manning a cordon around the flashpoint eastern suburb as part of the hunt for a kidnapped US soldier, causing long traffic queues and angering local residents.

"The prime minister, in his capacity as commander in chief of the armed forces, has decided to lift the blockade of the access roads to Sadr City and other areas of Baghdad," a statement from Maliki's office said.