11 February 2005	Friday	01 Muharram 1426

BAGHDAD, Feb 10: Iraq will seal its borders next week to prevent Shia pilgrims flooding into the country during the Ashura.

The borders will be closed between Feb 17 and Feb 22, in a move a government spokesman said was designed to coincide with the climax of Ashura.

Suicide bombers attacked pilgrims last year in Baghdad and Karbala on Ashura day, killing at least 170 people.

"During these dates people will flood to Iraq from neighbouring countries because of Ashura, which will make it difficult to ensure the safety of Iraqis and the visitors," government spokesman Thaer al Naqib said.

Thaer Naqib said foreign pilgrims should make sure they arrived before the borders closed.

The government has adopted special laws that allow it to declare curfews, close borders and detain suspects without normal legal process.-Reuters