UPDATE – Iraqi groups hold 2nd round of dialogue to resolve political crisis

UPDATES WITH MORE DETAILS

BAGHDAD (AA) – Iraq’s rival political groups held a second round of national dialogue on Monday in an effort to resolve the country’s months-long political crisis.

A statement by Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi’s office said participants agreed to form "a technical team" to bring viewpoints closer “with a view to holding early elections.”

The statement renewed call for the political movement of influential cleric Muqtada al-Sadr to join the dialogue.

“Participants underlined the need to clear the air between national forces, prevent all forms of escalation and stick to constitutional options in all stages of dialogue,” it added.

The first round of the dialogue was held on August 17, but was boycotted by al-Sadr.

Tension has been running high across Iraq in recent weeks over the failure of Shia groups to agree on a new prime minister since the country’s last elections Oct. 10, 2021.

More than 30 protesters were killed last week when supporters of al-Sadr stormed the Republican Palace, where the government is seated in Baghdad after the firebrand leader said he was stepping down from politics.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar