Deadly clashes in Iraq put 'survival of the state' at risk

National dialogue is urged to resolve the country’s stagnant political process

Smoke billows in the background in the capital Baghdad during an army-imposed nationwide curfew a day after 23 supporters of powerful Shiite leader Moqtada Al Sadr were shot dead during fighting in Baghdad's Green Zone. AFP

Iraqi armoured security vehicles clash with Saraya Al Salam (Peace Brigade), the military wing affiliated with Mr Al Sadr, as fighting between rival Iraqi forces resumed in Baghdad. AFP

An armed member of the Peace Brigade aims a rocket-propelled grenade during clashes with Iraqi security forces in Baghdad's Green Zone. AFP

Armed members of the Peace Brigade during clashes in Baghdad's Green Zone. AFP

A boy walks near the office of Badr Organisation, which was burnt by supporters of Mr Al Sadr in Baghdad. Reuters

Members of Mr Al Sadr's Peace Brigade. Reuters

Mr Al Sadr's fighters fire their weapons. Reuters

Peace Brigade fighters near the Green Zone. Reuters

Ready to fight, a member of the Peace Brigade is laden with ammunition in Baghdad. Reuters

Sadrists gather during clashes with the Iraqi security forces. Reuters

A supporter of Mr Al Sadr carries bullet casings and a spent shotgun shell in the Green Zone. AFP

An Al Sadr supporter waves the Iraqi flag in Baghdad after the powerful Shiite cleric announced his retirement from politics. AFP

Dozens of angry supporters of Mr Al Sadr stormed the Republican Palace, a ceremonial building in the fortified Green Zone. AFP

Supporters of Mr Al Sadr help injured protesters during clashes with riot police in Baghdad. EPA

The Iraqi army has announced a Baghdad-wide curfew. AFP

Supporters of Mr Al Sadr assist protesters injured during clashes with security forces near the prime minister's office in Baghdad. EPA

An injured supporter of Mr Al Sadr is given water during a protest in the Green Zone in Baghdad. Reuters

Supporters of Mr Al Sadr gather in the Green Zone. AFP

Iraqi police try to block the entrance to the Green Zone. AFP

Supporters of Mr Al Sadr wave an Iraqi flag from the roof of the government palace during a demonstration in Baghdad. AP

Mr Al Sadr's supporters swim amid a protest at the Republican Palace in the Green Zone in Baghdad. Reuters

Mr Al Sadr's supporters make their feelings known through gestures inside the palace. Reuters

Dozens of angry supporters of Mr Al Sadr gather inside the palace in the capital Baghdad's Green Zone shortly after he said he was quitting politics. AFP

Supporters of the powerful cleric stormed the Republican Palace, a ceremonial building in the fortified Green Zone, a security source said. AFP

Clashes occurred between the protesters and security troops inside the palace. AFP

Iraqi security forces try to prevent protesters from entering the Federal Court during a demonstration in Baghdad. AP

Since the end of July, Mr Al Sadr's followers have encamped around parliament, blocking access to critical government buildings. AP

Supporters of Mr Al Sadr try to remove concrete barriers in the Green Zone area of Baghdad. AP

Iraqi security forces called for calm after the protesters entered the Green Zone. AP

Iraqi security forces announced a nationwide curfew starting at 3.30pm local time following the protests. AP

Iraq's chief diplomatic missions on Monday called on the country's leaders to engage in a national dialogue to end the political stalemate that has led to deadly clashes in Baghdad, killing at least eight.

The country's political crisis has been continuing for 10 months and involves Shiite cleric Moqtada Al Sadr, his rivals the Co-ordination Framework and the lack of the formation of a government.

The cleric says this process has been derailed by unconstitutional challenges by the rival bloc, after he won the plurality of seats in October's elections. Tensions, including political assassination attempts, have risen ever since.

Having already occupied the area around parliament, supporters of Mr Al Sadr stormed the republican palace in Baghdad's Green Zone after he announced his retirement from political life.

The palace is a key government site, where diplomatic meetings between Iraqi and international officials are held. The Green Zone also hosts foreign embassies, including the US embassy.

“The United States is concerned about escalating tensions and urges all parties to remain peaceful and refrain from acts that could lead to a cycle of violence,” a statement by the US embassy in Baghdad said.

"Now is the time for dialogue to resolve differences, not through confrontation," it said.

“The right to peaceful public protest is a fundamental element of all democracies but demonstrators must also respect the institutions and property of the Iraqi government, which belong to and serve the Iraqi people and should be allowed to function," it said.

A US official denied reports on Monday that Washington had evacuated its embassy in the capital.

“The reports are false,” a State Department spokesman told The National. “As a matter of policy, we do not comment on matters involving internal security.”

James Downer, Charge d’Affaires in the British embassy in Baghdad, said the UK was "deeply concerned” by the events, the reports of casualties in particular.

“We urge those on the streets to refrain from violence,” he said. Any protest must remain peaceful. Iraqis do not deserve to have their country dragged into violence.

“We call on all sides to prioritise dialogue in pursuit of a peaceful, legal and inclusive solution for the sake of the Iraqi people."

The UN office in Iraq, Unami, called on protesters to leave the Green Zone and vacate government buildings, urging "maximum restraint".

Calling the developments "an extremely dangerous escalation", Unami urged all sides to "refrain from acts that could lead to an unstoppable chain of events".

"The very survival of the state is at stake," it said.

Iran said late on Monday it had stopped all flights to Iraq and closed its borders with the neighbouring country.

Iraq has been ravaged by decades of conflict and endemic corruption.