Change of local government demanded in Hilla

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Hundreds of Hilla citizens demonstrated called by the Democratic Trend and NGOs demanding the provision of service, change of the local government.   Secretary General of the Democratic Trend Dr. Salam Harba told IraqiNews.com that the people’s demands were handed to the Provincial Council.   The demands included dissolving the council, relieving Babil governor from his post, putting to account all corrupted governmental officials, activation of industrial, trade, service, agricultural and social services, protection of civil freedoms and adopting talented people for building the new society.   On the other side, Provincial Council member Ahmed al-Ta’i, who received the demonstrators, said “demonstration for provision of services is a rightful demand, but the central government is to blame for not allocating necessary funds for Babil projects, compared to Kurdistan region, which led to the shortage in the service to be rendered”.   As concerning the governor, he added ” the governor is under probation, if he is not fit for his post, he will be replaced”.   Hilla, the center of Babel province, lies 100 km south of Baghdad. RM (TI)/SR 303