25/07/2018 (Agence Europe) – On 24 July, the EU called on protesters in Iraq to "remain peaceful" and on the security forces there "to exercise maximum restraint". Since 6 July, at least 14 people are reported to have been killed and over 700 wounded in demonstrations protesting against water and electricity shortages. "The right of citizens to assemble freely and protest is fundamental. Citizens' unhindered access to information must be guaranteed", the chargé d'affaires from the EU delegation to the United Nations, Joanne Adamson, stated. "It is (...) essential to consolidate progress made so far and to ensure basic services delivery in the whole country and to address the legitimate expectations of the Iraqi people, including combatting corruption", she said. (CG)