US condemns excessive use of violence against Iraqis, calls for Elections
The United States issued a statement on Sunday to announce
that it is seriously concerned regarding the situation in Iraq.
The statement urged the Iraqi government to hold early
elections and halt the violence against protesters.
"The US joins
the UN Assistance Mission to Iraq in calling on the Iraqi government to halt
the violence against protesters and fulfill President Salih’s promise to pass
electoral reform and hold early elections", the statement said.
An Iraqi human rights group claimed earlier that at least
six people had been killed during a crackdown on demonstrations in the centre
of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad on Saturday and that law enforcement forces
actively use tear gas and live fire to disperse protests.
Unrest erupted in Iraq in early October, with people
demanding dismissal of the government, as well as deep economic reforms, better
living conditions and improved social welfare programs.
According to the Office of the United Nations High
Commissioner for Human Rights, over 300 people have been killed in the violence
since the start of protests.
Iraq has been hit by nationwide protests that have prompted
a heavy-handed response from the government, including over 300 dead and some
15,000 injured at the hands of security forces, widespread curfews and the
cutting off of Internet access in Baghdad and other regions.