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ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — Iraqi President Barham Salih has called upon Kurdistan Region officials to avoid violence after several people were reported dead in protests across Sulaimani province.
“Violence is not a solution in facing people’s legitimate requests,” he wrote in a Tuesday statement.
“We ask the security forces to act responsibly and according to the law, stay away from the use of violence, and ease the way for media outlets to do their job without complication and attacks.”
“We ensure that peaceful protesting is a constitutional right that should not be violated – especially those linked with requesting a stable livelihood for them and their families,” Salih added.
Protests broke out last Wednesday in Sulaimani city, with teachers and other civil servants demanding their salaries after going unpaid for most of this year amid budget disputes between Erbil and Baghdad. Protests have taken place across numerous towns across the province, including in Saidsadiq, where political party offices were set alight.
At least four people were reported dead across the province on Monday, with live ammunition and tear gas also used against demonstrators.
Security forces also closed the offices of opposition outlet NRT, which was ordered to stop broadcasts on Sunday night.
Salih’s statement also called upon Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) officials to take necessary measures in meeting the protesters’ requests and ensuring a proper way to address the financial crisis facing the region.
Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani addressed the protests in a Monday evening statement.
“This is a difficult situation, not wanted or desired by the Kurdistan Regional Government, so I urge the dear citizens not to be influenced by destructive efforts and messages aimed at complicating and destabilizing the Kurdistan Region,” he wrote.
“The Kurdistan Regional Government, of course, feels the burden and hardships of the lives of its citizens,” he said, recognising the demonstrations as their “legitimate right."
“However, destructive and chaotic attempts are different from asking for people’s legitimate rights,” he added, calling for perpetrators of violence to be brought to justice.
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