Iraqi govt adopts services, employment-related decisions to appease protesters
Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi addresses the media in Ankara December 25, 2014. REUTERS/Umit Bektas (TURKEY – Tags: POLITICS) – RTR4J8X5
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) The Iraqi government declared on Tuesday it adopted several measures to enhance services and secure jobs for angry Iraqis who launched a week of protests over poor services and joblessness.
A statement by the Iraqi cabinet’s media said the cabinet ordered to made allocations from oil and border crossings toll revenues for the province of Basra, the epicenter of the recent wide-scale protests at southern regions.
According to the statement, the measures include increased water supply and acceleration of works at local water facilities.
Meanwhile, Basra provincial council member, Haider al-Saidi, told Almaalomah website that local police arrested 46 people who “infiltrated peaceful protests in the province”, accusing them of “assaulting public property”.
He explained, however, that 42 of “the saboteurs” will be released on bail.
Over the past week, Iraq’s southern provinces have been swept by a wave of protests demanding enhanced services like cleaner water and uncut electricity, as well as priority appointment at oil fields. Demonstrators stormed airports and provincial councils as part of their demonstrations.
Iraqi health authorities said earlier today that clashes left eight demonstrators dead so far.