SULAIMANI (ESTA) — The United Nations Security Council on Thursday urged the Iraqi parties to engage in peaceful constructive dialogue without further delay.
Days after bloody unrest in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, the United Nations Security Council condemned the recent violence and the reported casualties amid the intra-Shiite confrontations, according to a press statement.
“The members of the Security Council appealed for calm and restraint and urged the parties to peacefully resolve their political differences,” it said.
“The members also strongly urged all parties to engage in a peaceful and constructive dialogue without further delay,” it added.
The dialogue must aim to advance reforms and chart a constructive way forward, the press statement said.
Iraq witnessed a week of heavy unrest after a deadly battle between the rival Shiite groups sparked in Baghdad, following an announcement made by influential Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr that he is quitting politics.
It was the worst fighting seen in years in the capital, at least 23 people were killed after pro-Sadr supports held a rally in Baghdad’s international Green Zone and ended up with armed conflict. The deadly battle was over when the cleric urged his supporters to leave the streets.
Meanwhile, caretaker Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi threatened to vacate his position if the unrest counties.
