Iraq: Turkey responded to the request to provide sufficient water in the summer
Iraqi Minister of Water Resources, Aoun Diab, confirmed on Monday that Turkey has responded to Iraq's demands to ensure sufficient quantities of water in the summer.
Diab told Al Iraqiya News TV, followed by the Iraqi News Agency - INA, expressing his hope that "Ankara will fulfill its promises," noting the intention to hold talks with the Iranian side to agree on the release of sufficient quantities of water from the Karun River to prevent the advance of salt tides into the Shatt al-Arab."
"The water issue was present during PM Muhammed S. Al-Sudani's recent visit to Turkey. The visit was very important, and the Prime Minister emphasized this issue in several meetings, noting that the water issue is essential for Iraq, especially during seasons of scarcity and drought," he added.
He explained that "the Iraqi delegation stressed the importance of the Turkish side fulfilling its promises and ensuring that sufficient quantities of water reach Iraq in the summer. Turkish officials interacted with this issue, responded to our demands, and promised us good things."
During the visit, he met with the Turkish Minister of Agriculture and Water Affairs, as well as the Turkish President's representative on the water issue.
"There was an understanding of Iraqi demands from officials, and serious understandings were reached. We hope that the promises will be fulfilled and sufficient quantities will arrive in the summer, especially since there are indications that temperatures will be high," he highlighted.
Regarding the talks with the Iranian side, Diab explained that "in the coming days, there will be direct contact with Iranian officials regarding the water issue, especially the Karun River issue, as Iraq is demanding a reasonable flow of water to prevent the advance of salt tides into the Shatt al-Arab. In return, there are good flows from tributaries coming from Iran, especially the Sirwan River, which feeds the Darbandikhan Dam, as well as the tributaries that feed the Hemrin Dam."
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