03/10/2019 (Agence Europe) – While clashes between protestors and security forces have already left dozens dead and hundreds wounded, the European External Action Service spokesperson stressed on Thursday 3 October that the EU expects Iraqi security forces "to exercise maximum restraint in the handling of the protests, and protesters to keep protests peaceful". "The statement issued by Prime Minister Abdul Mahdi, affirming the right to peacefully protest and freedom of expression, while acknowledging the protestors' legitimate demands, goes in the right direction", the spokesperson acknowledged. The EU supports the launch of a "credible and swift" investigation into these events, the spokesperson added. According to the spokesperson, these events are "further evidence of the urgency to meet the needs and aspirations of the Iraqi people, in particular through credible and effective economic reforms". (CG)