Iraq President calls for “halt to escalation” after protests

In Iraq, President Barham Saleh has called for a halt to escalation and proposed a national dialogue in response to nearly a week of anti-government protests.

In a televised address on Monday, the President said, those who attacked protesters and security forces during mass rallies that have spiralled into violence were the enemies of the people.

Iraq’s president has condemned attacks on both protesters and the media, and urged security forces to preserve the rights of all Iraqis. He also called for ministerial changes and urged parliament to enact reforms, including electoral reform, to address the demands of protesters.

Salih said compensation should be given to those affected by the violence this week.

The death toll after seven days of unrest has now passed 100 and more than 6,000 have been wounded. The President’s address came hours after the military admitted using excessive force in dealing with demonstrators the previous evening in the capital’s east