[Aljazeera] Iraq's Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has called for dialogue after a third consecutive day of deadly anti-government protests in the capital, Baghdad, and several southern cities. In a statement quoted by local media on Thursday, Abdul Mahdi's office said the prime minister was "continuing contacts" with protesters in a bid to end the political crisis and "return to normal life".
Abdul Mahdi was prepared to meet with "representatives of peaceful demonstrators to consider their legitimate demands", the statement added.
The announcement came as 4,000 protesters rallied in Baghdad, defying a government-enforced curfew to call again for improved services, more jobs and an end to widespread corruption.
The crowds gathered in Baghdad's Tayaran Square and attempted to march onto the central Tahrir Square only to be met with open fire and heavy tear gas. Police also used live ammunition in the Zafaraniya district of Baghdad and there were protests in the northwestern Shula district.
The demonstrations, which appear to be independent of any political party, started in the capital on Tuesday, and later spread to cities across Iraq's mainly Shia south. At least 31 people have been killed in three days of clashes.