Iran asks Iraq to up security at diplomatic buildings

By Muhammet Kursun

TEHRAN, Iran

Iran on Friday demanded security for diplomatic buildings in Iraq, hours after a mob torched the Iranian Consulate in Basra.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi condemned the arson attack and called for the arrest of the perpetrators at the earliest.

Friday's attack did not result in any casualties but caused considerable damage to the Consulate building.

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.