Iraqi PM calls for postponing protests to avoid chaos

(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) BAGHDAD, July 12 (KUNA) -- Iraqi Premier Haidar Al-Abadi on Tuesday called for postponing major protests slated for next Friday in order to avoid "chaos." During a cabinet meeting, Al-Abadi urged all Iraqi political powers to unify efforts so as to preserve military achievements on ground, either in Fallujah or Mosul, and to focus on fighting the so-called Islamic State.

Al-Abadi, in an official statement, said the government is going forward with reform and fighting corruption, pointing out that these goals cannot be met through chaos and vandalism.

Iraqi cleric Muqtada Al-Sader; who called for the demonstrations next Friday, ended a strike inside and outside the capital's Green Zone after a cabinet reshuffle back in late March.

This followed Al-Sadr and hundreds of his supporters entry to the Green Zone to stage a sit-down strike against the government and pressure it to implement reforms. (end) ahh.hb