Kuwait- Iraqi PM: situation under control in Baghdad
Date
4/30/2016 6:29:11 PM
(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) BAGHDAD April 30 (KUNA) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar Al-Abadi has announced that situation in Baghdad is under full control by security forces after thousands of followers of Shiite leader Moqtada Sadr stormed heavily-fortified Green Zone area and the parliament.
"The situation in Baghdad is under the control of the security forces ... I urge protesters who stormed the Green Zone to return to the designated protest areas" Al-Abadi said in a press statement.
He asked protesters to abide by peacefulness and not to attack public or private properties.
Accompanied by senior security commanders Al-Abadi toured the capital Baghdad to ensure the precise enforcement of the security plans.
Thousands of angry crowds have stormed the Green Zone earlier after a news conference for Al-Sadr in the city of Najaf in which he condemned adopting of quota system in the distribution of cabinet portfolios among political parties.
Protesters also moved into the nearby compound of the secretary general of Al-Abadi's office.
Besides the parliament compound the restricted area in central Baghdad houses the presidential palace the prime minister's office and several embassies including those of the United States and Britain. Tear gas was used against protesters but violence did not escalate further.
Meanwhile Parliament Speaker Saleem Al-Jabouri warned that political and security instability would pave the way for a new expansion to the so-called Islamic State (IS) group.
"Saving the political process is an obligation and urgent necessity as the IS is waiting chaos to expand again. We must not allow this to happen" he said.
Al-Jabour pointed out that he is following up the developments and would take all necessary actions to save the country.
In the meantime the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) expressed grave concerns over Saturday's developments in Baghdad.
"The Mission condemns the use of violence including against elected officials and urges calm restraint and respect for Iraq's constitutional institutions at this crucial juncture" it said in a press statement.
"UNAMI calls on the government all political leaders and civil society to work together to immediately restore security and engage in dialogue that will ensure the implementation of the reforms necessary to draw Iraq out of its political economic and security crisis." It concluded that the United Nations continues to operate from its headquarters in Baghdad's International Zone and is in constant contact with parties to facilitate a solution that meets the demands of the people for reform. (end) ahh.ibi
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