Nov 15, 2023. Posted by Balkan Periscope - Hellas
Baghdad.
The Iraqi government called on Turkey to increase the release of water from
the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
This plea comes as Turkey persists in retaining the waters of these vital rivers, affecting downstream regions in both Syria and Iraq.
In response to the ongoing water detention, Iraq has formally requested the
Turkish authorities to enhance the release of water from both the Tigris and
Euphrates rivers. The statement was issued during the fourth meeting of the
Supreme Water Committee, presided over by Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa
al-Sudani.
A statement from the Iraqi Council of Ministers said that discussions
during the meeting revolved around the status of water resources, addressing
key issues pertaining to this critical matter. Among the focal points was the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ formal request to Turkey, urging an increased
release of water from the Euphrates River along the Turkish-Syrian border.
Additionally, a similar appeal was made to augment the release of water from
the Tigris River originating from the Ilisu Dam.
Turkey’s sustained withholding of water from the Tigris and Euphrates
rivers poses a significant threat to millions of people in Syria and Iraq, as
write Iraqi media.
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