Clashes resumed between the Iraqi security forces and the protesters demanding reform and fighting corruption today, Friday, in Al-Wathba Square near Al-Tahrir Square in the capital, Baghdad. For his part, the Supreme Shiite cleric Ali al-Sistani announced his refusal to forcefully reject the anti-government sit-ins.
The capital witnessed the arrival of demonstrators who chanted slogans condemning violence and demanding that their demands be answered.
The anticipation prevails in most of the demonstration arenas in Baghdad and other cities, with the end of the presidential deadline for blocs and political parties to nominate a consensual prime minister.
President Barham Saleh had given the day before yesterday the political blocs in Parliament until next Saturday to name a non-controversial candidate for prime minister, otherwise he would "exercise his constitutional powers" by assigning whom he deems appropriate.
Categorically refused
to have cross - Sistani today rejected "unequivocal" to break up the sit - ins and rallies against the government by force, and called for the speedy formation of a government that enjoys the confidence of the people.
In a statement read by his representative, Abdul-Mahdi Al-Karbalai - during Friday sermon in the city of Karbala - Sistani renewed his condemnation of the use of violence against peaceful demonstrators, including assassinations and kidnappings.
Fair elections
Al-Sistani said, "It is necessary to speed up the formation of the new government, and it should be worthy of the trust of the people and able to calm conditions and restore the prestige of the state and take the necessary steps to conduct free and fair elections as soon as possible."
He continued, "Returning to the polls to determine what the people see is the appropriate option in the present situation, given the divisions that political forces are witnessing from various components."
The Shiite authority stressed that the next parliament will be able to "issue the crucial decisions that determine the future of the country, especially with regard to preserving its sovereignty and the independence of its political decision."
Popular protests are continuing in the capital and other cities in the central and southern governorates for more than four months to demand political reform, fighting corruption and ending the sectarian system.