UN calls on all Iraqi parties to take immediate steps to avoid violence

BAGHDAD-INA

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called Sunday on all Iraqi actors to take effective steps to calm down and avoid violence, stressing the importance of rising above differences and forming an effective national government.

 Guterres said, in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), "I am following with concern the ongoing protests in Iraq, during which many people were injured."

 He pointed out that "freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are among the basic rights that must be respected at all times."

 Guterres appealed to all relevant parties to "take immediate steps to de-escalate the situation, avoid further violence, and ensure the protection of peaceful demonstrators and state institutions."

 The Secretary-General urged all parties to "rise above their differences and form an effective national government, through peaceful and inclusive dialogue, that will be able to meet the long-standing demands for reform, without further delay."