Al-Seistani bans entering Iraq, only from official openings

The Shiite clergy Ayatullah Ali al-Seistani yesterday issued a Fatwa in which he banned entry into the Iraqi lands only through unofficial crossings.

In his Fatwa (religious decision and calling), al-Seistani said " it is forbidden to enter into the Iraqi lands from non- official crossing, and also it is forbidden to get money from smuggling or facilitating smuggling operations."

Al-Seistani's Fatwa came in reply to news which said that thousands of Iranians entered into Iraq via non official crossings and the increased smuggling operations especially of oil bi-products in the south.