Deliberate attacks on Iraqi electrical infrastructure; Iraqi delegation in Turkey to discuss water resources issues

BAGHDAD — During a meeting of the Ministerial Council for National Security, during which he discussed the latest security situation in the country, Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi the Iraqi PM Mustafa al-Kadhimi, directed all security agencies to redouble efforts to provide a healthy and safe environment for citizens and candidates, as the upcoming elections approach, with the aim of encouraging citizens to participate extensively.

Commenting on the government’s provision of public services, al-Kadhimi stressed that the current government has reached a good level of electrical power production, however there are repeated and deliberate attacks of electric power towers in a number of provinces. He announced the government was prioritizing the protection of the electrical grid as the hottest days of summer approach. The temperature in Baghdad is currently hovering around 48°C (118°F).

In related news, the Ministry of Water Resources revealed on Wednesday measures to resolve Iraq’s water share with Turkey and Syria.

In a statement, Ministry spokesperson Ali Radhi said that the water level currently in the country’s dam reservoirs is good and enough to secure the need of the current summer agricultural season. Radhi also pointed out that a technical team is currently in Turkey to discuss a range of issues, most notably the water flow of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers.

Downstream countries are those most affected by water scarcity, he said, and a decision was made to also hold meetings with Syria on the issue.