Iraq

Iraq PM calls for unity, says violence comes from outside country

Iraq PM

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has called for national unity in the Muslim nation, saying the recent wave of the sectarian strife comes from outside the country.

Maliki made the remarks while addressing the Islamic International Conference for the Convergence and Dialogue in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, on Saturday.

The new wave of violence in Iraq, which started on Tuesday, has so far led to the death of more than 200 people.

The Iraqi Prime Minister called on the participants to try to find a solution for the current wave of violence in Iraq, warning about the outbreak of sectarian war in all Arab countries.

Earlier in the day, gunmen killed 10 Iraqi security forces in attacks near Ramadi and Tikrit cities.

Meanwhile, the head of an anti-al-Qaeda group in Iraq threatened the militants with war, if those who killed the soldiers are not turned over to the authorities in the country.

There has been a surge of violence in Iraq since Tuesday when security forces clashed with militants and anti-government protesters in several towns and cities, including Ramadi and Hawija near Kirkuk.

Several demonstrations have been held in Iraq over the past few months, and protesters accused the government of discrimination against Sunni Muslims. Maliki, however, blames regional countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey for fueling the tensions.

Back to top button