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Escalation of violence in Iraq: Foreign Secretary's statement

In response to the escalation in violence in Iraq, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has issued a statement.

• From: Foreign & Commonwealth Office and The Rt Hon Dominic Raab
• Published: 29 November 2019

This was published under the 2019 to 2022 Johnson Conservative government

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said:

We condemn the excessive use of force by security forces against protestors in Iraq, including the use of live fire in Nasiriya city. The right to peaceful protest must be respected and those responsible for acts of violence held to account.

I am also deeply concerned by attacks against Iranian consulates in Najaf and Karbala. Diplomatic premises must not be a target of violence.

The UK repeats its call for a peaceful, political solution to the unrest in Iraq, with meaningful reforms that respond to protestors’ legitimate demands. I encourage the Government of Iraq to work with the UN on credible electoral reform.

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Published 29 November 2019