UN chief calls for 'calm' & 'restraint' in Iraq

NEW YORK, Aug 30 (MENA) - UN chief Antonio Guterres on Monday called for "restraint" in Iraq and asked all parties to "take immediate steps to de-escalate the situation" as Baghdad's Green Zone descended into chaos, according to his spokesman.

The secretary-general "has been following with concern the ongoing protests in Iraq today, during which demonstrators entered government buildings," UN News Center quoted Stephane Dujarric as saying in a statement.

"He appeals for calm and restraint, and urges all relevant actors to take immediate steps to de-escalate the situation and avoid any violence," Dujarric added.

"The Secretary-General strongly urges all parties and actors to rise above their differences and to engage, without further delay, in a peaceful and inclusive dialogue on a constructive way forward," he said.

The UN Assistance Mission in Iraq, UNAMI, called on all protesters to immediately leave the Baghdad International Zone, vacate government buildings, and "allow the Government to continue its responsibilities or running the State, in service of the Iraqi people."

UNAMI said the developments marked "an extremely dangerous escalation. State institutions must operate unimpeded in service of the Iraqi people, under all circumstances and at all times. Respect for constitutional order will now prove vital."

The mission urged all Iraqis to remain peaceful, cooperate with security forces and "refrain from acts that could lead to an unstoppable chain of events."

UNAMI also calls on all (political) actors to work towards de-escalating tensions and resort to dialogue as the only means to resolve differences. Iraqis cannot be held hostage to an unpredictable and untenable situation. The very survival of the State is at stake.