UN chief 'concerned' over ongoing Al-Sadr-backed protests in Iraq; calls for de-escalation

United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) on Saturday voiced "deep concern" over ongoing escalation of protests in Iraq. In a statement, UNAMI wrote that situation was "extremely concerning" after agitators stormed Iraqi Parliament to demonstrate against nomination of Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani for Prime Ministerial post. UNAMI called on involved parties to immediately "de-escalate in interest of all Iraqis."

" ongoing escalation is deeply concerning. Voices of reason and wisdom are critical to prevent furr violence. All actors are encouraged to de-escalate in interest of all Iraqis," UNAMI said in a Twitter post.

US 'closely following' Iraq, asks all parties to abstain from violence

Meanwhile, US embassy in Baghd also called on protestors to resort to peaceful demonstrations, expressing concern over reports of violence. In a statement, US embassy stated that y are “closely monitoring unrest in Baghd today and are concerned about reports of violence." It ded, "We join call by parties across Iraqi political spectrum to remain calm, abstain from violence, and resolve ir political differences through a peaceful process guided by Iraqi constitution," as protestors stormed capital’s fortified Green Zone. US embassy in Baghd also urged protestors to refrain from violence and seek a peaceful resolution through dialogue.

On or hand, Arab League also appealed to demonstrators to abstain from violence. " secretary-general (of Arab League- Ahmed Aboul-Gheit) stresses that getting things out of control will not be in interest of Iraq or interest of any party," organisation said in a Facebook statement. Gheit also urged all political parties to coordinate in order to quell ongoing escalation and "start a real dialogue," Xinhua News reported.

Iraq protestors breach Parliament building again

Hundreds of followers of Shiite cleric Muqta Al-Sr on Saturday yet again breached high-security Parliament building in Baghd, later approaching PM's office as a political crisis bubbled to a boiling point. protestors overwhelmed barriers and settled in Parliament for second time in one week, with water bottles and hot meals delivered to m. Sloganeering and chanting religious verses continued until evening as protesters claimed to remain in government building for a "long haul", local media reports said.

protests came as political situation remained in doldrums for nearly nine months now. Iraq has been unable to form a new government since elections in October 2021. However, last Wednesday, Al-Sr's rival and Iran-backed Coordination Framework alliance announced a premier candidate Al-Sudani, which largely infuriated Al-Sr followers. political instability emerged after Al-Sr, whose bloc h largest faction (79 seats) in 329-seat parliament, withdrew its MPs following days of disagreements with opposition to form a "national majority government."

(Image: AP)