Gargash: Iraq’s stability is the focus of Arab and regional attention
Dr. Anwar Bin Mohammed Gargash, the diplomatic advisor to the President of the United Arab Emirates, said on Sunday that the stability of Iraq is stability for the region and strengthening its security.
Dr. Gargash tweeted that the stability of Iraq is a matter of Arab and regional concern and a priority for Iraqi citizens.
He added: “We look forward to a stable and prosperous Iraq that is capable of addressing its internal issues through dialog and consensus to regain its pioneering and vital role on the Arab and regional levels.”
Iraq has been in a new wave of protests with supporters of the Sadrist movement seizing control of the parliament building in a hot climate for the past four days.
Since Saturday morning, thousands of Sadr supporters have gathered at the Jisr al-Jumhuriya bridge leading to the Green Zone, removing concrete barriers on the bridge.
Al-Sadr supporters succeeded in storming the Green Zone in Baghdad to protest the current political situation and to reject the naming of the Coordination Framework parties Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani as a candidate for prime minister.
The Coordination Framework is the political umbrella for pro-Iranian forces that are trying to consolidate their hold on power in Iraq by naming a new prime minister and electing a president, led by former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.
In addition, the Iraqi Ministry of Health announced yesterday that the number of casualties in the demonstrations has increased to 125, including 25 military personnel. The ministry confirmed that “its institutions and staff are still mobilized to treat the wounded and provide all the necessary health measures.”
Iraqi parliament speaker Mohamed Al-Halbousi decided Saturday to suspend parliament sessions based on recent developments. “Our country is living through difficult and sensitive times that require us to have the highest degree of national responsibility,” he said.
In an ominous development, the Co-ordination Framework Forces called on its supporters to take to the streets and demonstrate to protect “legitimacy and institutions”.
