Jan 12 2016

Prime Minister Dr. Haider Al-Abadi warned those who are trying to tamper with the security of Basra that strict measures will be taken against them, noting that some using the pretext of defending Basra and its people want to seize the wealth and under the pretext of maintaining the security of Basra want to create chaos and we will not allow them and will put an end to these actions.

The Prime Minister presided over the Cabinet meeting held in the province of Basra on Tuesday and said that the meeting in Basra today is in order to continue to maintain service to it and its people and we have taken a range of measures for the province and they deserve more not just as a border port or that it has the oil wealth, but as it has wealth in its culture and civilization and strategic position.

Dr. Al-Abadi said that Basra is safe but some actions, unfortunately, give rise to problems, as well as the conflict between the political blocs as some wanted to weaken the other and therefore everyone is weakened and this adversely affects the province, noting that political differences serve no-one and we have a real crisis and there are those who try to discourage the resolve of the citizen.

The PM said that there are serious challenges experienced by the Government such as the collapse of oil prices and the war on Daesh terrorist gangs, and we have an educated people and human resources that could transform the financial crisis to victory and to be stronger, but there are those who do not want us to get out of this crisis, and resort to lies in satellite television and social networking sites to prevent progress.

Dr. Al-Abadi denied rumours about the reduction of employees' salaries or to give unpaid leave or redundancies and there has not been any discussion in the Council of Ministers on these topics, but there are those who are trying to confuse matters and spread rumours, pointing out that I reassure citizens that we will emerge fitter and stronger if we continue the economic reform and we are continuing and call on the political blocs to stop conflicts and cooperate with the government to overcome these difficulties.

The PM congratulated the victories achieved in Ramadi, where there are liberated areas that for years were not under the control of the security forces and Daesh suffered ignominious defeat and we will continue our victories to liberate our land and restore security and stability throughout the country.

Prime Minister's Media Office

12 January 2016