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Iraqi Government Must 'Engage' with Protestors, US Embassy Says

VOA News

   The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad called on Iraqi leaders Wednesday to
   "engage" with participants in the country's largest anti-government
   protests in decades.

   Since the beginning of October, widespread demonstrations erupted in
   Baghdad and other parts of the country against a political class they
   deem corrupt and beholden to foreign interests.

   "As the world watches events in Iraq unfold it is increasingly clear
   that the Government of Iraq and the country's political leaders must
   engage seriously and urgently with Iraqi citizens who are demanding
   reform," the U.S. Embassy statement said.

   Statement came after the killing of more than 260 Iraqis in
   demonstrations since they began and the recent shuttering of the
   internet in Baghdad and much of Iraq.

   "We deplore the killing and kidnapping of unarmed protestors, threats
   to freedom of expression, and the cycle of violence taking place," the
   embassy declared. "Iraqis must be free to make their own choices about
   the future of their nation."
   

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