Lebanon's senior cleric Mohammad Hussein Fadlallah has condemned Washington's disrespect for Iraq's independence and sovereignty.

Fadlallah was referring to US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Michael Mullen, who warned on Thursday that Iraq risked security losses of 'significant consequence' unless it approved the Status of Forces Act (SOFA).

The agreement will eventually determine a legal framework for the presence of US forces in the country after their UN mandate expires in December 2008, and make clear to what extent Washington will be able to exercise its desire for permanent military bases in Iraq.

The prominent religious leader denounced Mullen's remarks on Friday and called for solidarity among the Iraqi nation, urging them to respond to such threats by resisting any measure that may harm the country's sovereignty.

Fadlallah said the threats against Baghdad indicates the tight corner the United States is in regarding Iraq and emphasized the need for a firm stance by the Iraqis to make the Americans realize their policies in Iraq and the region have failed.

"It is time the Americans confessed to their mistaken understanding of political and security conditions in Iraq and realize that they need to leave Iraq immediately so that the Iraqis can have stability," he added.

The Lebanese cleric also called on anti-occupation movements in the war-torn country to seek unity and rely on the people's constant support to help Iraq's independence survive Western threats.

Fadlallah said the Iraqi factions must avoid tensions resulting from sectarian and tribal sensitivities to be able to ward off the US-led pressures and conditions pertinent to the long term security deal.

MRS/MMN/HAR