Maliki to Protestors: End Strikes before State Intervention

Local Editor

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki called upon protesters to end their demonstrations, blocking a major road in Anbar province connecting Iraq to Syria and Jordan.

In an interview with "al-Iraqiya" TV, Maliki stated, "There are others who have agendas," warning "the naïve not to be fuel for anyone."

He further addressed the "agenda holders", stating, "Do not think it's hard for the government to take the necessary measures against you or to lift the road blockage and close the case, however you must know that time is not in your favour."

Moreover, Maliki stated that protesters "end their strike before state intervention."

The protesters have blocked off key roads since December 23 in response to the arrest of Finance Minister Rafia al-Issawi's bodyguards on terrorism charges.
However, Maliki assured that the bodyguards were arrested following an independent judicial inquiry based on an anti-terrorism law.

For his part, Sayyed Muqtada al-Sadr told reporters in the Holy City of Najaf that the demonstrators have the right to protest as long as they are peaceful.

"As long as the demonstrations are peaceful and don't seek to dismantle Iraq ... we are with the protests, and parliament should be with them, not against them," he said. "The demands of demonstrators are legitimate and popular, so they should be met."

Source: News Agencies, Edited by moqawama.org