Iraqi cabinet reshuffle awaits parliament approval: PM

BAGHDAD

A cabinet reshuffle has been prepared and is ready for approval by parliament, an Iraqi spokesman said on Monday.

Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi "has a list of ministers to be replaced and it will be submitted to the parliament when it convenes," Said al-Hadithi, spokesman for the prime minister's office, told reporters.

On Oct. 24, Abdul-Mahdi said he would conduct reforms in response to anti-government demonstrations that took place in several Iraqi provinces last week against corruption and lack of basic services.

At least 75 people have been killed and more than 3,600 others injured since the protests began, according to human rights groups.

Anger has been building in Iraq in recent years due to rising unemployment and rampant corruption. Many in the country have limited access to basic services such as electricity and clean water.

According to World Bank figures, Iraq's youth unemployment is around 25%. It is also ranked the 12th most-corrupt country in the world by several transparency organizations.

* Writing by Mahmoud Barakat

BAGHDAD

A cabinet reshuffle has been prepared and is ready for approval by parliament, an Iraqi spokesman said on Monday.

On Oct. 24, Abdul-Mahdi said he would conduct reforms in response to anti-government demonstrations that took place in several Iraqi provinces last week against corruption and lack of basic services.

At least 75 people have been killed and more than 3,600 others injured since the protests began, according to human rights groups.

Anger has been building in Iraq in recent years due to rising unemployment and rampant corruption. Many in the country have limited access to basic services such as electricity and clean water.

According to World Bank figures, Iraq's youth unemployment is around 25%. It is also ranked the 12th most-corrupt country in the world by several transparency organizations.

* Writing by Mahmoud Barakat