Latest news with #DiyalaProvincialCouncil
Rudaw Net
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Diyala council seeks to block Qaratapa district upgrade
Also in Iraq Iraq's ruling coalition condemns drone attacks on Kurdistan Region Iraqi parliament fails to discuss drone attacks on Kurdistan Region Iraq's top court rejects lawsuits against Kurdish parliament PM Sudani welcomes new commander of anti-ISIS coalition A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Diyala Provincial Council has requested the Iraqi planning ministry to suspend the controversial elevation of Qaratapa into a district, a council member said on Tuesday, with plans for the subdistrict's elevation having drawn the ire of Kurds in the disputed province. The Iraqi government in early July approved changes in Diyala province that would see the merging of the predominantly-Kurdish subdistricts of Qaratapa, Jabara, Koks, and Kulajo into a new Qaratapa district – a decision deemed by Kurds as a renewed effort to alter the demographics of the disputed province and seize territory from Kurdish control. Aws al-Mahdawi, the sole Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) member from the council, told Rudaw that Qaratapa does not meet the criteria to become a district, and that the council's head has officially requested the planning ministry to suspend the procedures. 'Those who did this were doing it for election propaganda, with some failed parliamentarians behind the move,' Mahdawi said, adding that a committee will be formed to investigate the matter. The council presented several factors, explaining that Qaratapa's population is below that required to promote a subdistrict and that the area falls within the framework of Article 140 and should not tampered with. Additionally, Koks subdistrict is under the control of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and not Diyala province, which is under federal control. As such, Mahdawi stressed that its inclusion in the plan is 'illegal.' Sherko Mirwais, a PUK leadership official and head of the party's Khanaqin office, in early July called the changes a 'threat to all of Kurdistan and the future of Kurds in Kurdish areas outside the Kurdistan Region's administration.' Following the fall of the Baath regime in 2003, Iraq began a policy of de-Arabization under Article 140 of the constitution, aiming to reverse the demographic changes imposed by former dictator Saddam Hussein. The failure to fully implement it, however, has been cited as one of the main reasons for the continued attempts at demographic change in the disputed territories. Nahro Mohammed contributed to this report.
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.
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.
Rudaw Net
05-03-2025
- Business
- Rudaw Net
Land dispute in Khanaqin district leads to tensions
Also in Iraq Over 400 vehicles seized at Iraq ports in two months Return of ISIS-linked nationals from Syria paused due to rehabilitation program Iraq rejects displacement of Palestinians from Gaza Over two tons of drugs seized in Iraq in two months A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Dispute over the establishment of an industrial zone in the Kurdish town of Khanaqin in Diyala province led to tensions on Wednesday, with the mayor, councilor, and lawmaker accusing an investor of encroachment. The project, which extends over an area of 2,170 dunams south of Khanaqin, includes 400 commercial shops, with 15% of it completed so far. Each shop is valued at $10,000. Nevertheless, construction operations remain a subject of major controversy between government officials and the investor, leading to mutual legal actions between the two parties. "The chaos you are witnessing is in support of encroachment," Sozan Mansour, a lawmaker, said at the site. Meanwhile, Diyala Provincial Council member Aws Ibrahim reiterated the legality of the mayor's decision to remove the project. "We are currently at the site and you can see the commotion. The removal decision is official according to Law 154, and the mayor has taken all proper legal procedures. We were surprised by the forceful opposition to removing the encroachment," he said. For his part, investor Hazim al-Shakraji insisted that the land legally belongs to him, denying all charges against him, telling Rudaw "These brothers came to provoke me for money, I will not pay a single dinar. The government cannot claim that the land is encroached upon; I have an official title deed. They cannot do this, and the commissioner cannot claim this, as there are mutual complaints between us."
