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Influential Iraqi Cleric Calls on Government to Resign Over Protests

VOA News

   One of Iraq's most influential clerics has called for Iraq's government
   to resign as anti-government protesters gathered in Baghdad for a
   fourth day of demonstrations against unemployment, poor public services
   and corruption.

   Moqtada al-Sadr, the former Shiite militia leader who leads the largest
   opposition bloc in parliament, said in a statement Friday that "the
   government should resign and early elections should be held under U.N.
   supervision."

   Iraqi forces have been opening fire on protesters, and medical and
   security sources say at least 53 people have been killed this week.

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