Iraqi PM Adel Abdul Mahdi announces he will resign

Nationwide protests in Iraq began in early October and escalated in waves. People are demanding the ouster of the government as well as economic reforms, better living conditions, social welfare and an end to corruption.

Baghdad: Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said on Friday he will submit his resignation to the parliament in a move that follows weeks of violent anti-government protests in the country and calls for him to step down by the Shiite religious leadership.

"I will submit to the Council of Representatives an official letter requesting the resignation from the Prime Minister post so that the council can reconsider its options," Abdul Mahdi said in a statement.

Nationwide protests in Iraq began in early October and escalated in waves. People are demanding the ouster of the government as well as economic reforms, better living conditions, social welfare and an end to corruption.