Baghdad  - Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki travelled to the southern holy Shiite city of Najaf on Thursday in order to meet Iraq's top Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, the Voices of Iraq news agency reported, citing local officials.

The talks come amid further government discussions on a possible cabinet reshuffle and the ongoing crackdown against Shiite militias in Baghdad and in Iraq's southern provinces.

Al-Sistani, who lives in Najaf, is a recluse who rarely makes public appearances. But he wields considerable political influence and has a spiritual authority over the country's Shiite groups and population.

Al-Sistani backs al-Maliki's Shiite United Iraqi Alliance but he also promotes national reconciliation and the integration of Iraq's Sunni Arab minority into the political process.

Al-Maliki is also currently conducting talks with the main Sunni bloc of the Iraqi Accord Front over its possible return to the cabinet. (dpa)