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Political crisis undermining security achievements in Iraq: PM Al-Kadhemi

Political crisis undermining security achievements in Iraq: PM Al-Kadhemi
The acting prime minister said that "the solution is for all political parties to make concessions for the interests of Iraq and Iraqis" while speaking at the Islamic Day of Combatting Violence against Women in Baghdad.
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Al-Kadhemi warned of the possible consequences likely faced by Iraq should the current political deadlock continue [Getty]

Iraq’s caretaker warned on Saturday that in the country is threatening security achievements made in past years.

Al-Kadhemi’s warning is a clear indication of the dangers of one of Iraq’s worst political crises since the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq. It is the result of disagreements between followers of influential ShiaÌýcleric and rival Iran-backed groups since last year’s parliamentary elections.

Al-Sadr won the largest share of seats in the October elections but failed to form a majority government, leading to what has become one of the worst political crises in Iraq in recent years.

His bloc later resigned from parliament and his supporters last month stormed the parliament building in Baghdad. has demanded that parliament be dissolved and early elections held.

"This political crisis threatens the security achievements and the nation’s stability," al-Kadhemi said in a speech marking Islamic Day of Combatting Violence against Women in Baghdad.

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"Now, the solution is for all political parties to make concessions for the interests of Iraq and Iraqis,"Ìýsaid al-Kadhemi.

Last week, called for a meeting of senior political leaders and party representatives to find a solution. He warned that if "fighting erupts, the shootings will not stop and will remain for years".

Earlier this month, al-Sadr called on his followers to be ready to all over Iraq but then indefinitely postponed them after Iran-backed groups called for similar rallies the same day, saying he wants to preserve peace and that "Iraqi blood is invaluable"Ìýto him.

Iraq has witnessed relative stability since the Islamic State group was largely defeated in the country in 2017. But militants have continued to , frequently hitting security forces and military targets with roadside bombs and firing on convoys or checkpoints.

During the rise of Islamic State, when it controlled large parts of Iraq, deadly explosions were common in the oil-rich country.

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