Iraq’s new parliament speaker visits protest-hit Basra

By Amer al-Hassani

BAGHDAD

Newly-elected Parliament Speaker Mohamed al-Halbusi arrived in Iraq’s southern city of Basra on Tuesday to meet with local officials.

His visit is aimed at containing a wave of popular protest -- which has rocked southern Iraq for the last two months -- and addressing the grievances that ostensibly led to them.

Al-Halbusi is being accompanied on his visit by two deputies, Hassan al-Kaabi and Bashir Haddad, both of whom were elected by lawmakers earlier this week.

During his visit, the parliament speaker is expected to meet several local officials, including Basra MPs, at the city’s provincial government headquarters.

Since July 9, Iraq’s Shia-majority southern and central provinces -- especially Basra -- have been rocked by a wave of popular protest, which at one point spread to capital Baghdad.

Demonstrators demand improved public utilities, especially water and electricity; more employment opportunities; and an end to alleged government corruption.

By Amer al-Hassani

BAGHDAD

Newly-elected Parliament Speaker Mohamed al-Halbusi arrived in Iraq’s southern city of Basra on Tuesday to meet with local officials.

His visit is aimed at containing a wave of popular protest -- which has rocked southern Iraq for the last two months -- and addressing the grievances that ostensibly led to them.

Al-Halbusi is being accompanied on his visit by two deputies, Hassan al-Kaabi and Bashir Haddad, both of whom were elected by lawmakers earlier this week.

During his visit, the parliament speaker is expected to meet several local officials, including Basra MPs, at the city’s provincial government headquarters.

Since July 9, Iraq’s Shia-majority southern and central provinces -- especially Basra -- have been rocked by a wave of popular protest, which at one point spread to capital Baghdad.

Demonstrators demand improved public utilities, especially water and electricity; more employment opportunities; and an end to alleged government corruption.