Iraqi President Barham Salih said Thursday that his country is facing a “national battle” against corruption and cannot move forward until the problem is eradicated.
Addressing the UN General Assembly in New York, Salih said, many things depend on his country in fighting corruption and terrorism.
“Overall, corruption is another phenomenon that threatens the security and stability of the world. Corruption exists in our country because of the dangerous wounds caused by wars and conflicts that consume our resources.”
“This has prevented Iraqis from enjoying the resources of their own country. The situation in Iraq will not improve until corruption is eradicated,” said Salih.
Iraq, he added, will face a turning point in the coming weeks, as people head to the polls in early elections in response to widespread protests.
Next month’s vote is scheduled to take place on October 10, one year before the already scheduled election, in line with Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi’s promise when he takes office in 2020.
He sought to appease anti-government protesters who erupted in October 2019 in Baghdad and southern Iraq.
Tens of thousands of young Iraqis have taken to the streets to denounce rampant corruption, poor service and rising unemployment. (ps/ka)
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