Iraqi premier orders security forces to protect civilians, property against assaults
Baghdad (Iraqinews.com) – Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has called on security forces to protect citizens and property against different assaults as demonstrations over poor public services and corruption across southern Iraqi provinces entered their 10th day.
Speaking at a weekly press conference, Abadi was quoted by Alsumaria News as saying that he totally supports "the legitimate rights of protesters as long as their demonstrations are peaceful and far from violence."
He also called on Iraqi people to cooperate with the government to arrest corrupt people and those targeting the country's public security.
Mass demonstrations against unemployment, corruption and poor services spread further across southern Iraqi provinces, prompting Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to rush from a NATO summit in Brussels to Basra to meet with local officials and tribal leaders in a bid to restore calm.
The demonstrations started last week in Basra province, but they later extended to other cities, including Amara, Nasiriya, Karbala and the Shiite holy city of Najaf. There were also protests in parts of the capital, Baghdad.
Iraq was on the verge of forming a coalition government following the May 12 parliamentary election, which was marred by allegations of fraud.
Iraqi govt adopts services, employment-related decisions to appease protesters
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) The Iraqi government declared on Tuesday it adopted several measures to enhance services and secure jobs for angry Iraqis who launched a week of protests over poor services and joblessness.
A statement by the Iraqi cabinet's media said the cabinet ordered to made allocations from oil and border crossings toll revenues for the province of Basra, the epicenter of the recent wide-scale protests at southern regions.
According to the statement, the measures include increased water supply and acceleration of works at local water facilities.
Meanwhile, Basra provincial council member, Haider al-Saidi, told Almaalomah website that local police arrested 46 people who "infiltrated peaceful protests in the province", accusing them of "assaulting public property".
He explained, however, that 42 of "the saboteurs" will be released on bail.
Over the past week, Iraq's southern provinces have been swept by a wave of protests demanding enhanced services like cleaner water and uncut electricity, as well as priority appointment at oil fields. Demonstrators stormed airports and provincial councils as part of their demonstrations.
Iraqi health authorities said earlier today that clashes left eight demonstrators dead so far.