Iran summons Iraqi envoy over consulate torching

Iran on Saturday summoned Iraqi ambassador in Tehran Rajeh al-Musawi over torching its consulate in the southern Basra province amid protests against poor public utilities and unemployment.

On Friday, an angry mob torched the Iranian consulate in Basra as well as a number of government buildings amid growing unrest in the province over high unemployment and poor public services.

In a statement, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said the Iraqi security forces “neglected intervention to protect the consulate”.

The ministry asked the Iraqi envoy to forward its condemnation to the Iraqi government and ensure accountability to those responsible for the incident.

Since July 9, Iraq’s Shia-majority central and southern provinces -- especially Basra -- have been rocked by protests to demand better public services, more job opportunities and an end to government corruption.

At least 29 people have been killed and scores injured since the protests began.