The Cabinet held a special meeting today which focused on measures to improve essential public services to the people of Basra.

The Cabinet reiterated support for the right to a peaceful protest, and underscored that Iraq’s security forces are instructed to protect and facilitate peaceful protests.

The Cabinet received briefings on security in Basra, and discussed support for Iraq’s security forces in the province as they continue to carry out their duties to safeguard the right to protest and protecting citizens in Basra and across Iraq.

The Cabinet received a briefing on the implementation of recently announced measures to address failings in water and other public services.

The Cabinet ordered that a senior ministerial team travels to Basra to work closely with local leaders, youth groups and civil society representatives to remove any obstacles impeding the delivery of good services to the citizens of Basra.

The Cabinet also authorised the ministerial team to take all necessary action to ensure rapid improvement to public services in Basra. The Cabinet also tasked the ministerial team with oversight responsibility over funds allocated to improve services in Basra.