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Anbar Governor Removed from Office | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Civilians who fled their homes due to the clashes between Iraqi security forces and Islamic state militants move through the town of Hit in Anbar province, April 4, 2016.
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Anbar Governor Removed from Office

by | Jun 30, 2016 | Middle East |

Anbar Governor Removed from Office

Al-Anbar–Al-Anbar Governorate Council had decided to remove governor Souhaib al-Rawi from office.

During the session in al-Khalidiya district, with the presence of 18 members, the Anbar council agreed unanimously to discharge the governor from his position based on corruption claims.

Head of Anbar Council Sabah Karhout said that the council came to its decision after the majority had come to the conclusion that there were cases of corruption and exploitation.

During an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, Karhout explained that the council exerted its powers and based its decision on the grounds of misusing powers, negligence, and deliberate delinquency. He added that the council will start the procedure to select a new governor.

For his part, Resigned Governor Sohaib Rawi refused the voting decision and waived the possibility of resorting to the law. He added that he demanded a public interrogating session and asked for postponing for health-related reasons.

According to Rawi, any democratic process is welcomed and he is sorry that some have taken such a measure that won’t help in getting Anbar out of the crisis.

Rawi added that he “nationally refuses” the decision of the council and will resort to the Iraqi Administrative law for justice and work with the council members to facilitate progress.

During his meeting with delegation from Anbar council, Speaker Salim al-Jabbouri confirmed: “provoking disputes at the moment is not in favor of the province and its displaced and homeless people.”

Jabbouri pointed out that it is important to unify political visions, overcome differences and work to secure and reconstruct the cities and help returning citizens back home.

He added that reconstructing the areas require international support and internal political stability.

Council member of United for Al-Anbar Bloc Nahla Mahmoud said that her bloc intends to challenge the council’s decision. Rawi is also a member of United for Al-Anbar Bloc.

Mahmoud described the dismissal decision as illegal given that Rawi had asked the council to postpone the interrogation session because of his illness. Rawi is currently in the hospital and had previously presented medical reports for the council.