Latest news with #Al-Karawi
Shafaq News
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Al-Karawi returns to Diyala council post, faces resistance
Shafaq News/ On Tuesday, Diyala Provincial Council Chairman Omar Al-Karawi confirmed his return to office to resume duties, following a ruling by the Administrative Court overturning his dismissal. Al-Karawi stated in a press conference that the council's current focus is on oversight and legislative functions, in accordance with the Provincial Councils Law. 'The doors are open for dialogue,' he said, noting that absenteeism is a failure to honor the trust of voters. Al-Karawi also clarified that the current composition of the council was based on prior political agreements reached in Baghdad, and that the distribution of positions within the province followed those understandings. The Administrative Court ruled on Monday to suspend the procedures for Al-Karawi's dismissal and reinstate him as head of Diyala Provincial Council, according to official court documents. However, nine council members voiced in a press conference strong opposition to Al-Karawi's reinstatement. Turki Al-Atabi, the head of the council's Integrity Committee, affirmed that the court ruling ran 'counter to the will of the majority,' emphasizing that 12 members—more than two-thirds of the council—had voted to remove Al-Karawi in March. The statement accused the former chairman of 'administrative misconduct and manipulating council decisions for personal benefit,' arguing that his dismissal was essential to prevent institutional deadlock and to ensure the council could continue performing its legislative duties. Calling on the Supreme Judicial Council to review the ruling, the members argued that the dismissal was legally sound and conducted in full compliance with the amended Provincial Councils Law No. 21 of 2008. Al-Atabi emphasized that 'upholding the council's decision is vital to preserving its integrity and serving the public interest in Diyala.'
Shafaq News
25-03-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Sunni voice: Iraq's Diyala chairman resignation hinges on fair share
Shafaq News/ Omar al-Karawi, reinstated as Chairman of the Diyala Provincial Council by court order on Tuesday, described the ruling as 'a form of justice.' Al-Karawi dismissed claims that the decision was a political victory over rivals, but a constitutional right of the Sunni component, expressing readiness to step down if fair representation is upheld. 'I am not attached to the post,' al-Karawi stated, emphasizing the council's duty to represent all constituents in Diyala. He called on political factions to attend a meeting on Wednesday to outline a 'roadmap' for resolving the province's crisis, cautioning against what he described as 'soft coups.' The chairman also warned that disregarding power-sharing agreements made in Baghdad would risk further destabilization. The Administrative Judiciary Court earlier annulled Sunday's council session that removed al-Karawi and appointed Nizar al-Lahibi. Al-Karawi's dismissal, backed by 12 out of 15 council members, followed an interrogation session and drew criticism over alleged political interference.
Shafaq News
19-02-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
US sanctions threaten Iraq's dollar supply, warns MP
Shafaq News/ Potential US sanctions on local banks could tighten dollar supply, thereby increasing pressure on Iraq's currency market amid lingering exchange rate volatility, a member of the Parliamentary Finance Committee warned on Wednesday. Mustafa Al-Karawi told Shafaq News that restrictions from the US Treasury would reduce the number of banks allowed to participate in Iraq's foreign currency auctions, fueling demand for dollars and threatening market stability. 'The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) needs to adopt a genuine and effective system to regulate the market; otherwise, the dollar crisis and exchange rate fluctuations will continue indefinitely,' Al-Karawi noted, criticizing the government's failure to establish a clear monetary policy capable of stabilizing the dinar's value. Concerns over new sanctions arose after reports surfaced this week that the US had blacklisted five Iraqi banks and restricted the use of electronic payment cards abroad. The CBI later denied the measures but acknowledged ongoing talks with Washington. Over the past year, the US Treasury imposed penalties on several Iraqi lenders over concerns about dollar smuggling and illicit transfers. In response, the CBI barred the affected banks from participating in the currency auctions.
