Iraqi PM to resign over unrest

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi announced his resignation on Friday after the country’s top Shia cleric called for lawmakers to reconsider their support for a government rocked by weeks of deadly anti-establishment unrest.

“In response to this call, and in order to facilitate it as quickly as possible, I will present to parliament a demand (to accept) my resignation from the leadership of the current government,” a statement signed by Abdul Mahdi said.

The statement did not say when he would resign.

Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani earlier urged parliament to consider withdrawing its support for the government to stem violence.