UN official calls for calm in Basra

BAGHDAD, Sept 5 (KUNA) -- UN special envoy to Iraq Jan Kubis has expressed his deep concern over the casualties that fell during violent protests over the lack of public services in Basra province.
In a statement released today, Kubis called for calm and urged the authorities to avoid the use of disproportionate and lethal force against demonstrators, and to provide protection to the people of Basra and to ensure human rights in the context of law and order and to bring to justice those responsible for the outbreak of violence.
He called on the Iraqi government to do its utmost to respond to citizens' legitimate demands for clean water and electricity supplies.
He also urged political leaders and the newly-elected House of Representatives to carry out their duties and to act responsibly and without delay, including taking all necessary steps to agree quickly on the formation of a new national government supportive of reform that would respond quickly and effectively to the needs of citizens.(end).
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