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Iraq tells security forces to deal "firmly" with Basra riots

BAGHDAD, Sept 7 (KUNA) -- Security forces in Iraq have been called on to handle violent protests "firmly" in the southern main economic city of Basra after protesters broke into the Iranian consulate and set it ablaze.
After Prime Minister Haidar Al-Abadi met advisors to discuss the development, a statement said Baghdad had taken "unprecedented measures" to ensure security, protect public and private establishments and impose the rule of law.
The move comes after an escalation, over the past 72 hours, in the already angry demonstrations, added the statement.
Protesters have begun to target the military, government buildings and diplomatic missions, it said.
The marches in Baghdad, which have been mirrored across several other Iraqi cities, demand the government address a severe lack in public services and employment opportunities. (end) ahh.sd