BAGHDAD, Feb. 24 (UPI) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said Thursday that basic services in Iraq were improving while warning against demonstrations in the country.
Iraq witnessed scattered protests in recent days, with demonstrators demanding better services and more job opportunities. Nationwide demonstrations are planned for Friday. Maliki said he objected to mass demonstrations, warning insurgents might try to exploit the situation.
Maliki warned of the "black days" of the Baath Party of Saddam Hussein and reminded people of the era when al-Qaida and other terrorist elements created chaos in the country.
He said anti-government elements were trying to undermine national achievement, describing the call to protests as "suspicious" and an opening for unrest.
He sought to allay the concerns of protesters by saying investors were flocking to the country and basic services like electricity were improving. He said he recognized the people's complaints but blamed anti-government forces for many of the problems.
A military spokesman told the Voice of Iraq news agency that security forces have arrested a number of al-Qaida militants who were allegedly were planning attacks Friday.
Security forces, the spokesman said, won't tolerate sectarian slogans or those supporting the former regime.
"I ask you to be aware of dangers that might be caused by a demonstration motivated by those who do not believe in democracy and freedom," the prime minister added.
