July 30, 2008	Wednesday	Rajab 26, 1429

BAGHDAD, July 29: A major pilgrimage of hundreds of thousands of Iraqis to a Baghdad shrine passed peacefully on Tuesday, a day after three female suicide bombers killed 35 people among crowds of pilgrims.

Authorities lifted a vehicle curfew in the capital, imposed for the commemoration of the death of Imam Kazim, one of 12 imams of Shia sect.

“I congratulate the millions of people and the mourning processions which took place with the utmost organisation, showing great coordination with the armed forces,” said a statement from Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki’s office.

Many pilgrims had appeared undeterred by Monday’s attacks. Black-clad pilgrims from around Iraq packed Baghdad’s streets as they made their way to the Kazmiya shrine in the city’s north. —Reuters