Shafaq News/ The United States government called on Wednesday the federal government and Iraqi political leaders to "act urgently" and "seriously" to the demands of citizens demanding reform, condemning the killing and kidnapping of unarmed protesters.

The U.S. government issued a statement on the ongoing violence in Iraq, saying that "the United States is always interested in supporting a secure, prosperous and capable Iraq that can defend its people against violent extremist groups and deter those who undermine its sovereignty and democracy."

The statement added that "as the world follows the development of events in Iraq, it is clear that the Iraqi government and political leaders must act urgently and seriously with the Iraqi citizens demanding reform, there is no future for Iraq with suppressing the will of its people."

The statement condemned "the killing and abduction of unarmed protesters , threatening freedom of expression and the cycle of violence," noting that "Iraqis must be free to make their own decisions about the future of their country."