Iraqis march in support of reforms
BAGHDAD – Thousands of people demonstrated in cities across Iraq on Friday to show support for a reform plan put forth by the prime minister this week that aims to target corruption and curb reckless government spending.
People sang, chanted and played music at the demonstrations, the largest of which were in the cities of Baghdad, Babel, Basra and al-Kut. They waved Iraqi flags and banners showing their support for the first of several reform measures from Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi.
“With our souls and our blood, we sacrifice for you, oh Iraq!” they chanted.
On Sunday, al-Abadi responded to the demands of protesters and a call by the country’s most revered Shiite cleric for change. His plan, unanimously approved by parliament Tuesday, eliminates the three vice presidencies and the three deputy prime minister posts. The reforms also expand the powers of the prime minister, allowing him to sack provincial governors and the heads of provincial and local councils.
EU ministers OK funds to help Greece
BRUSSELS – Finance ministers of the 19-nation euro single currency group on Friday approved the first $29 billion of a vast new bailout package to help rebuild Greece’s shattered economy.
Eurogroup chairman Jeroen Djisselbloem said that .“of course. there were differences but we have managed to solve the last issues.”
Ten billion euros will be made available to recapitalize Greece banks, while a second slice of 16 billion euros will be paid in several installments, starting with a 13 billion euro installment by Aug. 20 when Greece must make a new debt payment to the European Central Bank.
“On this basis, Greece is and will irreversibly remain a member of the Euro area,” said European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker after the deal was sealed.
The final rescue package would eventually give Greece up to $93 billion in loans over three years in exchange for harsh spending cuts and tax hikes.
The deal must still be approved by some national parliaments.
Associated Press
