More powers should be given to local governments- deputy PM

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Deputy Prime Minister Rafie al-Issawi has stressed the significance of inter-ministerial and inter-provincial cooperation, calling on the central government to give more powers to local governments. This came during his speech at the provincial services conference, which kicked off earlier today in Salah al-Din province. A series of preparatory meetings have been held in Baghdad with the participation of the directors of the service departments in Salah al-Din, Kirkuk and Ninewa to define the problems facing the service sector, Issawi noted. SS (P) 1