UN, US, EU and Turkey call for calm and dialogue after clashes in Iraq

Iraq’s political crisis has descended into violence, with Shia leader Muqtada al-Sadr’s announcement that he would quit politics sparking protests and clashes that killed at least 20 people and wounded dozens more.

Iraq’s military announced a nationwide curfew on Monday after shelling and gunfire erupted in the Iraqi capital and protesters stormed a government palace. The renewed violence has sparked concern, with the United Nations and several countries calling for calm and dialogue to resolve disputes.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he is following the protests in Iraq with concern, according to a spokesman.

Guterres appealed for calm and restraint, and urged “all relevant actors to take immediate steps to de-escalate the situation and avoid any violence”. He also said all parties and actors must “rise above their differences” and engage “without further delay, in a peaceful and inclusive dialogue on a constructive way forward”.

US Ambassador to Iraq Alina Romanowski said the unrest in Iraq is “disturbing” because they were hampering the operation of Iraqi institutions and urged all parties to “remain peaceful and refrain from acts that could lead to a cycle of violence”.

Turkey urged its citizens to avoid traveling to Baghdad and called for “inclusive dialogue” to resolve the ongoing crisis.

“Turkiye is concerned about the developments in brotherly Iraq,” the Turkish foreign ministry said in a statement.

The European Union expressed concern about the clashes in Baghdad and called on all parties to exercise utmost restraint and to remain calm.

“It is critical for all actors to avoid any actions that could lead to further violence,” the EU said in a statement.

Agencies