Türkiye calls for restraint amid political crisis in Iraq

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed concern over the recent political crisis in Iraq where tensions have risen amid protests by rival groups who disagree on who should be the next prime minister.

"We follow the developments taking place in Iraq's capital Baghdad with concern," the ministry said in a written statement yesterday (August 1).

"We express our hope for the resolution of the current political uncertainty as soon as possible, which sets the basis for the developments in Iraq and for an inclusive and representative Government to be established without further delay in line with the expectations of the Iraqi people.

"We respect the right of the Iraqi people to express their views and expectations through democratic means.

"In this context, we emphasize the need to refrain from violence and to prioritize the preservation of public order. We call on all relevant parties to act with common sense and restraint."

Following the nomination of Mohammed Shia al-Sudani as a new prime minister by the Coordination Framework, supporters of Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr on Saturday (July 30) started an open sit-in protest inside the parliament.

In a counter-protest, supporters of the Coordination Framework staged demonstrations in Baghdad yesterday, attempting to breach the city's fortified Green Zone.

Iraq has been in a political deadlock for nine months following the country's general elections last October. (SD/VK)