Ahmed Abul Gheith, spokesman for Arab League Secretary General Jamal Rushdie, said that “Abu Ghaith is following with greater concern the consistent and dangerous developments in the Iraqi arena and he calls on all Iraqi parties to give priority to national interests over any other considerations to overcome the current situation.” posing a threat to the stability of the country.

Abul Gheith warned against “the situation in Iraq devolving into more violence, chaos and bloodshed”, emphasizing “the need for restraint and ordering demonstrators from various groups to stay away from all armed manifestations and avoid bloodshed.” He indicated that “The Arab League is monitoring all measures taken by the Iraqi government to maintain civil peace and maintain security and stability in the country.”

And AFP reported: “The death toll from demonstrations in Baghdad has risen to 12, a new death toll.” The Iraqi Joint Operations Command has declared a “full curfew in all governorates from 19:00”.