EU expresses concern over violent protests in Iraq
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The EU's foreign affairs agency called on Iraqi political forces to resort to "constructive political dialogue" to de-escalate tensions.
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The EESA building
The European Union expressed concerns regarding the protests in the Iraqi capital city of Baghdad, the EU External Action Service (EEAS) said on Sunday.
"The EU is concerned about the ongoing protests and their potential escalation in Baghdad. We call on all parties to exercise restraint to prevent further violence," the EEAS said in a statement.
The EU's foreign affairs agency also urged all political forces in Iraq to resort to "constructive political dialogue" to de-escalate tensions.
"We invite political forces to solve issues through a constructive political dialogue within the constitutional framework. While the right to peaceful protest is essential to democracy, laws, and state institutions have to be respected," the EEAS added.
On Saturday, supporters of the Iraqi Sadrist Movement once again stormed the Iraqi parliament in the Green Zone, Baghdad, Al Mayadeen's correspondent reported, noting that the Sadrist Movement itself was organizing the entry of protestors into the Green Zone.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, called on the protesters to immediately withdraw from the Green Zone, adhere to peace, and preserve public and private property.
The Iraqi health ministry reported the injury of 125 people in the unrest, including 100 civilians and 25 security officers.
On Wednesday, thousands of Sadrist supporters stormed the parliament, denouncing the candidacy of the 52-year-old former minister and governor.
They once again on Saturday renewed their rejection of proposed candidate Mohammad Shiya Al-Sudani, who was nominated for the premiership on Monday.
A few days ago, the Secretariat of the Coordination Framework in Iraq announced the nomination of Mohammad Al-Shia Al-Sudani to take over the government.
Muqtada Al-Sadr's parliamentary bloc emerged from the October elections as the biggest in Parliament. However, it still did not hold a majority.
The bloc submitted its resignation on June 12, in a move that Muqtada Al-Sadr considered "a sacrifice for the sake of the country and the people to rid them of an unknown fate."
