The US military, for its part, immediately issued a statement to endorse Sadr's move.

"This extension of his August 2007 pledge of honor to halt attacks is an important commitment that can broadly contribute to further improvements in security for all Iraqi citizens," said the statement.

The first six-month truce is cited by the US as one of the three major contributors to recent security pickup. The other two are the surge of American troops and the uprising of Iraq's Sunnis against al-Qaida.

The US military said that Sadr's prolonged commitment will also foster a better opportunity for national reconciliation and allow the coalition and Iraqi security forces to focus more intensively on al-Qaida terrorists, adding it is open to a dialogue with the Sadrists.

Hassan al-Senied, a Shiite lawmaker said that the extension of ceasefire was "strategic, important and responsible act."

"Providing security and removing armed people from the streets will provide safe atmosphere for the politicians to deliver better performance," he said, adding that "such a move will bring Sadr's party closer to other political parties."

(Xinhua News Agency February 25, 2008)