Washington urges Baghdad to conduct rapid and transparent investigation of violence against demonstrators

Shafaq News/ US Assistant Secretary of State, David Schenker has expressed support for the Iraqi government's reform efforts and urged accountability for violence against protesters.

"US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, David Schenker left to Baghdad and Erbil between October 16 and 18 to discuss relations between the United States and Iraq, developments on the Iraq-Syria border, and recent demonstrations in Iraq," the embassy said in a statement received by Shafaq News.

"The Assistant Minister met in Baghdad Iraqi Prime Minister ,Adel Abdul Mahdi, President Barham Salih, Speaker of the Parliament, Mohammed al-Halbousi and National Security Advisor ,Faleh Al-Fayyad as Schenker met during his stay in Erbil with the Prime Minister of Kurdistan Regional Government Masrour Barzani, Deputy Prime Minister ,Qabbad Talabani and the President of Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Barzani.

During his meetings, Assistant Secretary ,Schenker expressed his support for the Iraqi government and urged it to "conduct a prompt and transparent investigation into the violence that accompanied the recent popular demonstrations and hold those responsible accountable for their actions." He also expressed grave concern over attacks against demonstrators, Iraqi security forces and the media noting that peaceful demonstrations are fundamental democratic right. "

Schenker reiterated the continued bilateral cooperation of the United States to support a prosperous, stable and democratic Iraq, and encourage the Iraqi government to take immediate steps to address the economic and governmental concerns of the Iraqi people.