SECOND HAND, OBLIQUE STATEMENT ISSUED BY AL-SADR'S OFFICE MENTIONS A "DEATH" OPTION

NOTHING IN THIS STATEMENT CONTRADICTS HE IS DYING AND IN A COMA. Iraq cleric Sadr explains absence: Moqtada Sadr has not been seen in public since giving a sermon in May, 2007. The Iraqi Shia cleric Moqtada Sadr has explained why he has not been seen in public for more than nine months - and acknowledged splits in his movement. 'Pursue studies' In a rare statement issued by his office in the holy city of Najaf, Moqtada Sadr "apparently" acknowledged that his absence "could be a reason for depressing" his followers. "I swear that I live with you and among you. I am a part of you. I will not change this unless death separates us," he said. The very wording prepares his followers for an announcement of his death.