Iraq begins talks to amend the constitution to calm protests.

Talks on amendments to the Iraqi constitution began on Tuesday as internet access was cut in Baghdad amid renewed clashes in the capital.

The first meeting of a parliamentary committee that was formed last month to oversee the drafting of constitutional adjustments took place in parliament, with officials hoping it will help meet the public’s demands and calm weeks of widespread protests.

Protesters are calling for an overhaul of the political system established after the 2003 US-led invasion.

“The committee is represented by Iraq’s three main components and all minorities,” an Iraqi official, who wished to remain anonymous, said.

The committee is tasked with submitting a report of recommended changes to parliament within the next few months, the official said.

Protesters have accused the government and major political parties of corruption and incompetence.

Parliament passed measures in late October that were aimed at placating the protesters but many said this was too little too late.

These included reduced salaries for officials, the formation of the constitutional committee and the dissolution of all provincial and local councils outside the semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region in the north of the country.

The public is angered by reports of security forces killing demonstrators across the country and Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi’s refusal to call early elections.

So far at least 250 people have been killed as a result of the government’s crackdown on protesters.

Iraqi officials said on Tuesday at least three protesters were killed in clashes in the southern city of Umm Qasr, where security forces were trying to reopen a key port that was shut down by anti-government protesters for three days.

Umm Qasr, on the Arabian Gulf, is Iraq’s main port used for oil exports and the import of goods.

Security and medical officials said another eight protesters were wounded in clashes that are still underway. They said security forces were using live ammunition and tear gas, and that protesters had seized an armored vehicle.

The head of the UN’s mission to Iraq, Jeanine Hennis Plasschaert, said she was “appalled by the continued bloodshed”.

“People’s frustration is not to be underestimated or misread. Violence only begets violence, peaceful demonstrators must be protected. It is high time for national dialogue,” Ms. Plasschaert said on Twitter.