Party led by Iraqi PM praises Egyptian protesters

[February 05, 2011]  BAGHDAD (AP) -- The political party led by Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is calling on Egyptians to secure a peaceful transition of power for their country.

The Islamic Dawa party stopped short of urging Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to step down. But in a statement Saturday, it affirmed its solidarity with the Egyptian people and praised them as courageous for demanding their right to choose their leadership. The statement also calls on Egyptians to reject violence or chaos and says the Egyptian army has done a good job balancing security with respecting protesters' rights. Iraqi clerics and protesters have warned leaders in Baghdad to heed unrest in Egypt and Tunisia or risk facing it at home. [Associated Press] Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.