BAGHDAD -- Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has called on Iraq's parliament to reject a U.S.-Iraqi security pact that would extend the presence of American forces in Iraq.

Al-Sadr's message was read Saturday by his aide Sheik Abdul-Hadi al-Mohammadawi as tens of thousands of his followers rallied against the accord in Baghdad.

The mass public show of opposition comes as U.S. and Iraqi leaders face a Dec. 31 deadline to reach agreement on the deal.

Al-Sadr says in the message that anybody who says the agreement will end "the occupation of our land" or "tells you that it gives Iraqi sovereignty is a liar."

He warns "it will stigmatize Iraq and its government for years to come."