DATE=8/31/2003

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=IRAQ/FUNERAL (S)

NUMBER=2-307019

BYLINE=SCOTT BOBB

DATELINE=BAGHDAD

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: In Iraq, thousands of mourners have gathered in Baghdad for the funeral of a prominent Shi'ite cleric. He was killed Friday, along with more than 80 followers, in a bomb blast in the central Iraqi city of Najaf. V-O-A Correspondent Scott Bobb reports that the body of Ayatollah Mohamed Baqir al-Hakim is to be taken to other cities in Iraq, before being returned to Najaf for burial.

TEXT: /// SOUND OF CHANTING ///

The mourners, many of them beating their breasts in a traditional gesture of grief, surged through the streets of Baghdad with the coffin, which was draped with black cloth and covered by a green flag.

U-S and Iraqi officials expressed condolences and outrage over the attack, which they blamed on groups trying to undermine stability in Iraq. Iraqi police have arrested four men in connection with the attack.

Ayatollah Baqir al-Hakim was killed when a car bomb exploded outside the Imam Ali mosque, one of Shi'ite Islam's holiest sites, following Friday prayers. Followers blame loyalists of former President Saddam Hussein, but also hold coalition forces responsible for failing to maintain security.

Military officials say they have not deployed troops at holy shrines, at the request of Muslim leaders. However, they said Saturday that they were forming a special force of 400 Iraqi troops to guard holy sites. (SIGNED)

NEB/SB/ALW/TW