Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi has expressed regret that the ongoing protests in the country have become violent, saying he is ready to meet with the organizers to discuss their demands, Press TV reports.
Speaking on Thursday night, the Iraqi prime minister said there was no "magic solution" to issues such as graft, unemployment and corruption but he would begin by passing a law for basic income for poor families.
The Iraqi premier said the protesters were "correct" to call for an end to corruption but that would only be achieved once the government is allowed to carry out its work.
Earlier on Thursday, Abdul-Mahdi's office issued a statement calling for dialogue.
The statement noted that he was prepared to meet with "representatives of peaceful demonstrators to consider their legitimate demands."