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Live blog update| Inside Iraq

UN and EU call for 'calm and restraint'

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he is "following with concern" the situation in Iraq, and called on all parties for "calm and restraint" and to "take immediate steps to de-escalate the situation and avoid any violence”.

"The Secretary-General strongly urges all parties and actors to rise above their differences and to engage, without further delay, in a peaceful and inclusive dialogue on a constructive way forward," he said in a statement.

The European Union also urged all stakeholders to "exercise utmost restraint".

"The European Union reiterates its unwavering support to Iraq’s security, stability and sovereignty," the body said.