Iraqi PM threatens to quit if chaos persists

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Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi said that "the security forces refused to aim their weapons at the Iraqis' chests, no matter how angry they were."

Al-Kadhimi added, "We formed an investigation committee to determine those responsible for placing weapons in the hands of those who opened fire on the demonstrators," and "If they want to continue to stir up chaos and conflict, I will take my moral and patriotic step by declaring the position vacant in accordance with Article 81."

Earlier in the day, Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi praised Muqtada Al-Sadr's call to stop violence, noting that it represents "the highest levels of patriotism, and keenness to preserve Iraqi blood."

Al-Kadhimi said, in a Tweet, that Al-Sadr's speech gives everyone a "moral and national responsibility to protect Iraq's capabilities, stop the language of political and security escalation, and initiate a quick and fruitful dialogue to resolve the crisis."

The words of the Iraqi Prime Minister came after Muqtada Al-Sadr's speech, in which he apologized to the Iraqi people for the armed clashes in which some of his supporters participated, and which resulted in the killing of 23 people and the wounding of hundreds.

Al-Sadr addressed his supporters participating in the protests by saying, “the party is disciplined and obedient, and I wash my hands of those who do not withdraw from the parliament building within an hour.”

Iraq witnessed bloody events that began on Monday and continued today after Al-Sadr announced quitting politics and closing his party offices. 

In today's series of political stances in Iraq toward Al-Sadr's resignation and speech, the Iraqi Coordination Framework called on Parliament and all the other state institutions to resume their constitutional duties following the latest round of tensions in the country.

The Coordination Framework stressed the importance of swiftly forming a government that serves the national interests and implements reforms, combats corruption, and strays away from meeting quotas. 

For his part, Iraqi President Barham Salih said that the "scenes hurt the souls of all Iraqis, hurt their feelings, and made their hearts bleed, and we have to admit that the political system and constitutional institutions were unable to avoid what happened."

In turn, the Iraqi Popular Mobilization said, "We appreciate the calls for calm and an end to armed violence, launched by Muqtada Al-Sadr."

In a statement, the Popular Mobilization called for the establishment of security and the implementation of national duties in accordance with the law and the constitution.