Latest news with #OmarAl-Karawi
Shafaq News
2 days ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Illegal water use chokes Iraq's Diyala river flows
Shafaq News – Diyala Iraq's Diyala Provincial Council reported on Tuesday that the illegal use of water resources and river routes has reached critical levels, prompting a series of measures to address the violations. In a press briefing, Omar Al-Karawi, Chairman of the Council, highlighted 301 unofficial fish ponds and more than 40 unauthorized irrigation reservoirs. He noted that authorities have already referred 139 violators to the judiciary, further stressing the need to negotiate with the Kurdistan Region and Iran to increase the dams' water quota, ensuring more consistent and sufficient flows to the province. Fares Mazahim Al-Jubouri, Deputy Head of the Council's Security Committee, pointed out that influential individuals are creating fish ponds while exerting pressure on officials, including the deputy governor and department heads. Confirming that four to five additional fish ponds and wells were being established even during this press conference, he warned that the crisis is worsening across the province and its villages, with negative effects on agriculture and local communities. Meanwhile, Raaed Al-Tamimi, head of the council's Agriculture Committee, reported that water releases from Darbandikhan Dam to Hamrin Dam total 50 cubic meters per second, but only eight cubic meters per second reach Diyala due to illegal fish ponds and diversions. He also added that outsiders have dug ponds on 4,000 hectares across four districts, obstructing river routes and water flows beyond the province's boundaries. Iraq faces a severe water crisis driven by years of upstream damming, reduced rainfall, and aging infrastructure, which have led to dwindling river flows. The Iraqi Ministry of Water Resources reports that the country's water availability has fallen below 1,000 cubic meters per capita annually, placing Iraq among water- scarce
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
13-04-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraqi court upholds reinstatement of Diyala council chief
Shafaq News/ On Sunday, Iraq's Administrative Court rejected an appeal challenging a previous ruling that ordered the reinstatement of Omar Al-Karawi as head of the Diyala Provincial Council. According to an official court document, the judges concluded that the appeal lacked sufficient legal grounds and upheld the original decision issued on March 25, 2025, which suspended the implementation of Administrative Order No. (67/3/23) pending a final ruling on the case. Reacting to the ruling, MP Mudar Al-Karawi welcomed the court's decision, calling it 'a victory for justice, fairness, and the rule of law,' and urged everyone to 'respect the law' and comply with the binding court decision. Earlier, the Diyala Provincial Council voted to dismiss its chairman after rejecting his responses during a formal questioning session, appointed Nizar Al-Lahibi as his successor, and swore him in before court proceedings began.
