Iraqi leader delays trip to China to focus on reform, security
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 19 August 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Iraqi leader delays trip to China to focus on reform, security, 19 August 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/55ee96e515.html [accessed 1 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
August 19, 2015
Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi postponed a planned visit to China due to security developments and the need to follow up on a wide-ranging reform drive, his office said August 18.
Iraq has significant economic ties with China, especially in the oil sector, on which Baghdad is almost entirely reliant for revenue.
The visit, originally scheduled for August 19 through 21, was postponed "until further notice" due to "developments in the security situation," including operations to liberate Anbar province and Baiji from the Islamic State, as well as the need to tend to pending reform measures, the office said.
While carrying on a battle against IS, Abadi has rolled out a sweeping series of reforms this month aimed at curbing corruption and streamlining the government in response to weeks of protests and a call for drastic change from the country's top cleric.
The prime minister has moved to scrap three vice presidential posts, three deputy prime minister posts, and a third of his cabinet, among other dramatic actions in recent days.
Based on reporting by AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
