UN calls for end to violence in Iraq

BAGHDAD - The United Nations urged on Saturday an end to violence in Iraq, after five days of anti-government rallies marred by the deaths of nearly 100 people, mainly protesters.

The demonstrations - which have evolved from initial demands for employment and better services to the fall of the government - carried on into the night in various neighborhoods of Baghdad and southern Iraq, as authorities struggled to agree on a response.

Security forces broke up a mass rally in the east of Baghdad, where protesters faced volleys of tear gas and live rounds fired in their direction, witnesses said.