Aug 2 2015
 


Supreme Commission for Coordination Among the Governorates not Organized in a Province held a meeting under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Dr. Haider al-Abadi attended by Ministers, Governors and Heads of Provincial Councils.
It was agreed that the commission gradually accomplishes its tasks as of the effective date determined in the law and immediately transfers some of the powers while transfers the others within six to twelve months. The powers are defined within those of the federal ministries and the mechanism of transferring functions is to be set by a decision from the Council of Ministers in coordination with the Supreme Commission.
Dr. Haidar al-Abadi stressed the government's commitment to the transfer of powers to the provinces in an orderly fashion, calling the governors to cooperate and stay away from generating conflicts and competing with each other.
H.E. said in his speech during this meeting that the country is going through many challenges in terms of services, economy, security and financial liquidity while fighting a serious war with terrorist gangs that hide among the citizens and achieving victories. However, this war is draining our economy and we need to strike a balance between the provision of services and security.
Dr. al-Abadi added that we have inherited a difficult situation in the field of electricity, water, schools and services in addition to security thus cooperation on the governors side is needed beside their commitment to their allocations and not to encroach upon the rights of other provinces.
PM noted that the demonstrations of yesterday is an alert of a trouble and a defect that must be treated, noting that the demonstration right is guaranteed by the Constitution and saluted the commitment of the protestors and the security men, indicating that the official in charge has to listen to all Iraqis and his role is not to incite the masses but to respond to their demands.
Dr. al-Abadi stated that the reduction in the salaries of senior officials is a step in the right direction, though; some believe that it offers only a little amount to the budget but we feel that this is important to achieve social solidarity.
H.E. noted that the total oil imports for the first half of this year amounts up to 23 trillion Iraqi Dinars while total salaries equal 21 trillion Dinars and we have a war with terrorism that requires not only salaries but also weapons and ammunition, adding that we are dealing with other terror crimes rigorously to ensure citizen's security.
Dr. Abadi said that there is money being pumped to provoke dilemmas and incitement via satellite channels owned by some politicians and called for revealing politicians' receivables also not just that of senior officials.