US urges early Iraq elections, halt to violence against protesters
The United States on Sunday urged Iraqi authorities
to hold early polls and carry out electoral reforms, and called for an end to
the violence against protesters that has left hundreds dead.
Washington wants “the Iraqi government to halt the
violence against protesters and fulfill President (Barham) Saleh's promise to
pass electoral reform and hold early elections,” the White House said in a
statement.
“The United States is seriously concerned by
continued attacks against protestors, civic activists, and the media, as well
as restrictions on internet access, in Iraq,” it said.
Mass rallies calling for an overhaul of the ruling
system have rocked the capital Baghdad and the Shia-majority south since
October 1, but political forces closed ranks this week to defend the
government.
The consensus among the elite seems to have paved
the way for a crackdown.
Parliament's human rights committee says that 319
people have been killed since protests first erupted, including demonstrators
and security forces.
The committee said snipers were active near protest
sites and hunting rifles were used against demonstrators as well.
