Iran Urges Iraq’s Decisive Action against Those behind Consulate Attack
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Seyed Abbas Mousavi said the country has urged the Baghdad government to punish those behind the Wednesday attack on the Iranian consulate in the Iraqi city of Najaf.
In a statement released on Thursday morning, Mousavi decried the attack on the consulate and said the Iraqi ambassador to Tehran has been officially informed of the Islamic Republic’s strong protest over the issue.
The Iranian spokesman further urged the Baghdad government to deal decisively with those behind the incident.
Mousavi also recalled the responsibility and duties of the Iraqi government to protect diplomatic missions and diplomats.
Anti-government protesters stormed and set the Iranian consulate ablaze in the southern city of Najaf on Wednesday, drawing condemnation from Iraq's government, as the political turmoil continues to escalate.
Staff at the Iranian consulate evacuated safely before the attack in the holy city, which was later placed under a curfew, state media reported, according to the Al Jazeera.
On Thursday, Iraqi state news agency quoted the foreign ministry as condemning the attack on the diplomatic facility.
One protester was killed and at least 35 people were wounded when police fired live ammunition to prevent them from entering the building, a police official told The Associated Press.
The incident marked an escalation in the demonstrations that have raged in Baghdad and across mostly Shiite southern Iraq since October 1.
The protesters accuse the government of being hopelessly corrupt and complain of poor public services and high unemployment.
