Baghdad demo protests “reconciliation” with Baathists

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com – A group of demonstrators have gathered in central Baghdad ’s al-Tahrir (Liberation) Square on Friday, protesting against plans for “reconciliation” with Iraq ’s former ruling Baath Party members.   “Al-Tahrir Square had witnessed on Friday two demonstrations, the first launched by families of victims, killed by Iraq’s former ruling Baath regime, condemning plans for reconciliation with former Baathists, whilst another demonstration demanded the improvement of public services and fighting corruption,” IraqiNews.com correspondent in Baghdad reported.   He said that a number of demonstrators, who said their sons and other relatives were killed or exposed for aggressive attacks by the U.S. forces in Iraq, had set fire to the American flag, in al-Tahrir (Liberation) Square.   Iraq ’s Civil Society Organizations and the so-called “Face-book Youth” have called for launching the demonstration in al-Tahrir Square, being part of the series of demonstrations that started on February 25 th last. BAGHDAD and several other Iraqi cities had witnessed such demonstrations since February 25 th , protesting against the deterioration of public services, demanding political reforms, putting an end for administrative corruption and unemployment.   The demonstrations had also witnessed clashes between the demonstrators and security forces that caused several casualties on both sides.   RT / SKH 1202