The representative of Grand Ayatollah Seyyed Ali al-Sistani, Abdul Mahdi al-Karbalai

The representative of Ayatollah Sistani, Grand Shia Source of Emulation in Iraq, said that the recent protests in the country are a good opportunity for the Iraqi authorities to fulfill people's demands.

Iran PressMiddle East: The representative of Grand Ayatollah Seyyed Ali al-Sistani, Abdul-Mahdi al-Karbalai who delivered Friday Prayer's sermons in Karbala, central Iraq, called for all Iraqi political authorities to respond to the people's demands in a specific time frame.

He said that foreign interference in Iraq has had a long history and today they try to exploit peaceful demonstrations for their own benefit and making trouble for the country again.

The Iraqi Grand Shia Marja's representative then called people to be vigilant about those who are about to misuse the attempts, to distract the peaceful move.

"All of us owe our wealth to our armed forces and those who have played a role in defending Iraq and fighting ISIS terrorists, especially those who are guarding the Iraqi nation and land on sensitive borders and territories today and we must not forget their sacrifices; They should not hear anything about diminishing their sacrifice," he continued.

"That we are demonstrating and protesting today without fear of terrorism is due to the presence of these heroes and we have a special respect for them," the preacher added.

Some Iraqi cities, including Karbala, have witnessed demonstrations in recent weeks in protest to inadequate public services, lack of jobs, particularly for young people, and bureaucratic corruption.

The Iraqi government meanwhile has submitted four packages, and introduced reforms, over the past month trying to meet some of the demands of the demonstrators. 

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