United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged all parties in Iraq to de-escalate the situation and avoid violence amid tension over the nomination of a new Prime Minister.

In a statement, his Deputy Spokesperson, Farhan Aziz Haq said the UN chief is following with concern the ongoing protests in Iraq that have left many people injured.

He said freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are fundamental rights that must be respected at all times.

The spokesperson urged Iraqi parties to rise above their differences and form an effective national government through peaceful and inclusive dialogue.