The EU shows concern about the political crisis in Iraq and calls for a resumption of dialogue

“The EU condemns in the strongest terms the bombing of the Kurdistan region of Iraq”

Sep. 30 (EUROPA PRESS) –

The European Union has shown this Friday in the face of the political crisis that the country is going through after the massive protests that left at least 30 dead in the capital, Baghdad, and has called on the parties to resume dialogue with a view to forming a new Government.

“The EU is seriously concerned about the recent political and security escalation in the country. Violence is never a solution and must not be allowed to undermine the democratic process,” said EU foreign affairs spokesman Peter Stano.

In this way, he has asked the parties to denounce the violent acts, as well as to exercise moderation and work to reduce tensions in order to build dialogue “in good faith”, within the constitutional framework.

“In these circumstances and when Iraq marks three years of the Tishrin protest movement and almost a year of the early elections in October 2021, the EU reiterates its determination to continue supporting Iraq’s path of reforms and its stability and sovereignty,” has emphasized.

In an attempt to unblock the political situation, the Iraqi Prime Minister, Mostafá al Kazemi, announced a dialogue table with the political forces and parties. But the crisis has worsened this week after the resignation of the President of Parliament, Mohamed al Halbusi, who, despite this, has been confirmed in his position.

In fact, on the very day of this parliamentary session, clashes were reported between the Iraqi security forces and “Sadrist” demonstrators, followers of the Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, around Parliament.

Added to the political blockade are the attacks carried out by Iran against the semi-autonomous region of Iraqi Kurdistan, which on Wednesday left at least thirteen dead and about 60 wounded, according to regional authorities.

“The EU condemns in the strongest terms the bombing of the Kurdistan region of Iraq this week, for which the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has claimed responsibility,” the European club concluded.

According to information collected by the Kurdish television channel Rudaw, the attacks reached the headquarters of the Party for the Freedom of Kurdistan (PAK), the Democratic Party of Kurdistan of Iran (PDKI), the Party for a Free Life for Kurdistan (PJAK ) and Komala in Suleimani and Erbil provinces.

The PDKI claims the creation of a Kurdish entity in Iran, something that the Islamic Republic has refused. PDKI and Revolutionary Guard fighters clashed in 2015 in northern Iran, leaving several dead and wounded on both sides.