Iraq Protests: The European Union expressed concern over the violent demonstrations in Iraq, said - all parties should exercise restraint

Expressing concern over the ongoing protests in Iraq following clashes between supporters and security forces following the announcement of Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr to leave politics, the European Union has All parties are urged to exercise restraint to prevent violence.

EU urges restraint

In a statement, the European Union urged all parties to exercise restraint to prevent further violence and invited political forces to resolve the issues through a constructive political dialogue within the constitutional framework.

20 people died during the demonstration

Thousands of his supporters stormed Iraq's presidential palace and clashed with security forces after Muqtada al-Sadr announced he would quit politics on Monday. During this 20 people lost their lives.

Masood Barjani urges all parties to exercise restraint

Al Jazeera reported that veteran Kurdish politician Masoud Barzani has also called for restraint. He urged all parties not to resort to the language of weapons and violence in resolving conflicts.

Barzani, the former president of the semi-autonomous Kurdish region of northern Iraq and head of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, also called on all parties to "think about solutions that are good for the Iraqi people and for the people and the country." Keeping the common interests in mind.

Turkey urges its citizens to avoid traveling to Baghdad

Meanwhile, Turkey, formerly known as Turkey, urged its citizens to avoid traveling to Baghdad and called for 'inclusive dialogue' to resolve the current crisis. Turkey's Foreign Ministry said in a statement, "Turkish brothers and sisters are concerned about the developments in Iraq."

The Foreign Ministry further said in its statement that it hopes that the current political conflicts will be resolved peacefully and inclusively through dialogue and ensure the peace and well-being of the Iraqi people.

Al Jazeera, citing Iraq's state media, said, "Iraq's Muqtada al-Sadr has announced a hunger strike until the violence and use of weapons is stopped."

Curfew imposed in Iraq

Earlier, Shia cleric al-Sadr's announcement of his resignation from politics sparked outrage among his supporters and stormed the Presidential Palace. During this, the security forces failed to control the crowd, after which an immediate curfew was imposed in the country.

UN Secretary-General urges steps to avoid violence

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged all sides to take immediate steps to defuse the situation and avoid any violence. Stéphane Dujarric, the Secretary-General's spokesman, said in a statement that the UN chief urges all parties to rise above their differences.

Appeal to all parties to exercise calm and restraint

The statement said the Secretary-General is monitoring the ongoing protests in Iraq. They are concerned about the reports of casualties. He appealed to all for peace and restraint. Apart from this, all concerned have been urged to avoid any violence and take immediate steps to bring the situation under control.

In July, protesters stormed the Parliament House

Earlier in July, several Iraqi protesters, mostly supporters of Shia leader Muqtada al-Sadr, stormed the heavily fortified parliament building in Baghdad to protest the nomination of Prime Minister by rival Iran-backed parties.

Opposition to Al-Sudani's candidacy for Prime Minister

The protesters were opposing the candidacy of Mohammed Shia al-Sudani for the post of Prime Minister, because they believe he is too close to Iran.