Iraqi PM speaks to US’s Pompeo about ‘return to normal life’ following protests

Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul Mahdi discussed the protests that have gripped his country this past week in a phone call with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, his office said in a statement on Monday.

“The Prime Minister reviewed developments in the security situation and the return to normal life after the curfew was lifted, and confirmed that security forces had resumed control and stability had been restored,” the statement said.

The statement also said that Pompeo assured Abdul Mahdi of Washington's support for the Iraqi government's efforts to maintain security.

The statement said the government has put forward a package of reforms and will continue to provide more to meet the demands of the protesters.

At least eight people were killed in new clashes between Iraqi security forces and anti-government protesters on Sunday night in Baghdad, lifting the death toll to more than 100.