Thousands join Iraq anti-govt demo

[sabra]

Source: AFP

SULAIMANIYAH, Iraq — Around 4,000 demonstrators crowded Tahrir Square in the centre of the Iraqi city of Sulaimaniyah on Tuesday, the latest protest against the dominance of two major parties in the region.

Iraqi officials have attempted to head off nationwide rallies in recent days by cutting the pay of ministers and lawmakers, hiking funds dedicated to food for the needy, and delaying the implementation of new import tariffs that would raise prices on goods.

Protests in Sulaimaniyah, the second-biggest city in Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region, have left three young protesters dead and more than 100 wounded since Thursday as demonstrators have railed against corruption and the lording over the region by two main parties.

Demonstrators in the city on Tuesday carried banners reading, "Don't Forget Hosni Mubarak," referring to the downfall of the Egyptian president who was overthrown in large part by massive protests on Cairo's Tahrir Square.

"We will continue our demonstrations until officials implement real change," said Kardo Karim, 35.

Read more: http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jZ5zDhd49TH4-8fForAU7n-ZBOSg?docId=CNG.fe923605159ddf42b506b51390842eaa.9e1

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