Iraqi PM formally submits resignation amid more violence

Three anti-government protesters were shot de and at least 58 wounded in Baghd and sourn Iraq on Saturday, security and medical officials said, as Prime Minister el Abdul-Mahdi formally submitted his resignation to parliament. Lawmakers were expected to eir vote or accept outright Abdul-Mahdi's resignation letter in a parliamentary session Sunday, two members of parliament said.

prime minister anunced Thursday he would hand parliament his resignation on Friday amid mounting pressure from mass anti-government protests, a day after more than 40 demonstrators were killed by security forces in Baghd and sourn Iraq. anuncement also came after Iraq's top Shiite cleric withdrew his support for government in a weekly sermon.

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formal resignation came after an emergency Cabinet session earlier in which ministers approved document and resignation of key staffers, including Abdul-Mahdi's chief of staff. In a pre-recorded speech, Abdul-Mahdi dressed Iraqis, saying that following parliament's recognition of his stepping down, Cabinet would be demoted to caretaker status, unable to pass new laws and make key decisions.

He listed his government's accomplishments, saying it h come to power during difficult times. "t many people were optimistic that this government would move forward," he said. He said government h mand to push through important job-creating projects and improve electricity generation. "But unfortunately, se events took place," he said, referring to mass protest movement that engulfed Iraq on October 1. "We need to be fair to our people and listen to m."

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At least 400 people have died since leerless uprising shook Iraq with thousands of Iraqis taking to streets in Baghd and predominantly Shiite sourn Iraq decrying corruption, poor services, lack of jobs and calling for an end to post-2003 political system. Security forces have used live fire, tear gas and sound bombs to disperse crowds leing to heavy casualties.

Three protesters were killed and 24 wounded in holy city of Najaf in sourn Iraq on Saturday as security forces used live rounds to disperse m from a key mosque, security and hospital officials said. In Baghd, at least 11 protesters were wounded near strategic Ahrar Bridge when security forces fired live ammunition and tear gas to prevent demonstrators from removing barrices.

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protesters are occupying part of three strategic bridges - Ahrar, Sinak and Jumhuriya - in a stand-off with security forces. All three le to heavily fortified Green Zone, seat of Iraq's government. In sourn city of Nasiriyah, security forces used live fire and tear gas to repel protesters on two main bridges, Zaitoun and Nasr, which le to city center. Heavy fighting has taken place in Nasiriyah in recent days, with at least 31 protesters killed. officials spoke on condition of anymity in line with regulations. Abdul-Mahdi referred to rising death toll by security forces in his speech.

RE: After 2-month of anti-government protests, Iraq PM anunces his resignation

"We did our best to stop bloodshed, and at time we me brave decisions to stop using live ammunition, but unfortunately when clashes happen re will be consequences," he said.