BAGHDAD, Oct. 26 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) on Saturday expressed its deep concern over the "attempts of armed entities to hinder the stability of Iraq," and strongly condemned the loss of life by latest protests over unemployment, corruption and lack of public services.
The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Iraq Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert "deeply regrets and condemns the further loss of life and injuries, and strongly denounces the destruction of public and private property," a UNAMI statement said.
She also expressed deep concern about armed entities seeking to hinder Iraq's stability and unity, saying "the protection of human life always comes first. Armed entities sabotaging the peaceful demonstrations, eroding the government's credibility and ability to act, cannot be tolerated," the statement quoted Hennis-Plasschaert as saying.
She said that the UNAMI welcomed that the security forces provided assistance to injured demonstrators and ensured the free movement of medical units, the statement said.
"All parties need to redouble their efforts on the ground to not only prevent provocations and unnecessary confrontations, but also to collectively stand against armed spoilers," she said.
The top UN envoy to Iraq reiterated that implementing the measures, announced by the government in recent weeks, will take time, stressing that a constructive dialogue would be in the interest of all Iraqis, she said.
"I also call upon all political leaders to set an example through action," she added.
The statement came as demonstrations continued in Tahrir Square in downtown Baghdad and some provinces in southern and central Iraq, which, so far, has claimed the lives of up to 45 people and wounded more than 2,300 others, according to the Iraqi Independent High Commission for Human Rights (IHCHR).
The new wave of demonstrations came after Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi made a televised speech, in which he warned of chaos if the government resigns, and promised a cabinet reshuffle, more job opportunities and the establishment of a court to prosecute corrupt officials.
Earlier this month, massive protests erupted in Baghdad and other central and southern provinces for similar reasons.
The Iraqi government responded by presenting packages of reforms aimed at providing job opportunities, building housing complexes, paying stipends to the poor and scaling up the fight against corruption.
