ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi warned late Monday that the current political deadlock between the political parties has caused a “great political tension” which could result in “dire consequences.” This comes as the capital city of Baghdad has witnessed protests by supporters of two opposing political forces.
“Iraq is witnessing a great political tension that may lead to, God forbid, if the wise do not interfere, dire consequences. While we have taken all necessary measures to control the situation, maintain security, and prevent Iraqi bloodshed, we call on all parties to calm down and reduce escalation,” read a statement from PM Kadhimi who is also the commander-in-chief of armed forces.
Tensions between the Sadrist Movement and the pro-Iran Coordination Framework have escalated recently following the withdrawal of the Sadrist bloc from the parliament last month. Thousands of supporters of Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr have announced a sit-in at the parliament building following days of protests which are growing and spread to the rest of Iraq on Monday.
Supporters of the Coordination Framework also held counter-protests in the capital city of Baghdad on Monday. They tried to enter the Green Zone but remained in the vicinity of the zone’s concrete walls following calls from their leaders who asked them not to advance.
“I invite all parties to sit at the table of a national dialogue to find a political solution for the current crisis,” added Kadhimi in his statement.
He also called for the formation of a committee that should include representatives from all relevant parties “to draw up a roadmap for a solution.”
“Go home”
Sadr supporters have announced a sit-in at the parliament building since Saturday following days of protests. The movement called on supporters on Sunday to take to streets in all provinces, except for the holy city of Najaf, on Monday. Large demonstrations were held by the movement in many provinces Monday afternoon. The protests by the supporters of the Coordination Framework were held near the Green Zone simultaneously. Many feared that both opposing crowds could clash but they did not.
The Sadrist Movement called on supporters late Monday afternoon to end the short-lasting protests in all provinces and “go home” but asked those in Baghdad to continue.
Qais al-Khazali, head of Asaib Ahl al-Haq and senior member of Fatih Alliance, which is part of the Coordination Framework, in a statement called on supporters in Baghdad to withdraw and go home.
Nouri al-Maliki, leader of the State of Law Coalition, which is the backbone of the pro-Iran coalition, released a voice message, calling on supporters not to enter the Green Zone.
“I call on you, this is a call from all brothers from the [Coordination] Framework, not to cross the bridge towards the Green Zone and do not enter the Green Zone and never clash with the security forces,” he said in the voice message shared on Telegram.
International reaction
The United Nations and the United States expressed concerns over the unrest last week, urging peaceful and inclusive talks to form the government. Iran said on Sunday that differences have always existed between the Iraqi political parties, adding that Tehran always respects the voice of the Iraqi people.
Days before the protests began in Iraq, the country had launched an international diplomatic campaign against a shelling in Zakho, Duhok province which killed nine Arab tourists on July 20. Iraqi authorities blamed Turkey for the deadly attack but Ankara denied the claim.
The Turkish foreign ministry said in a statement late Monday that it is following development in Baghdad “with concern.”
“We express our hope for the resolution of the current political uncertainty as soon as possible, which sets the basis for the developments in Iraq and for an inclusive and representative Government to be established without further delay in line with the expectations of the Iraqi people,” said the ministry, calling on “all relevant parties to act with common sense and restraint.”
Gregory Galligan, Canadian Ambassador to Iraq, said in a tweet on Monday that his country supports the people of Iraq’s “desire to live in prosperity, security & dignity.”
“We encourage Iraq's political leadership to advance these aims through dialogue for the benefit of all Iraqis and for all sides to exercise restraint and resolve their differences peacefully,” he added.
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