Report: Basra council votes to remove governor

Above: Thousands of Iraqis protest in Basra last week in what is widely viewed as a power struggle between Shiite factions, including that of Moqtada al-Sadr.

Baghdad - Council members in Basra on Friday voted against the governor of the Iraqi city Mohammed Mosbeh al-Waeli, who has been accused of corruption, in a first step towards his dismissal...

Tensions have risen in the predominantly Shiite city, the second largest in Iraq, located 550 kilometres south of Baghdad, as some political groups demand al-Waeli be removed from offices over charges of corruption and mismanagement.

Al-Waeli, who belongs to the Shiite al-Fadila (Virtue) Party, claims the allegations are part of a 'conspiracy' against him in Basra.

Theoretically, the provincial council can sack the governor if two thirds of its members vote in favour of the move. In the case of Basra, 28 members should vote against al-Waeli within the 41-seat- council.

Read the rest at M&C

Related Link:
Sit-ins begin in Basra following yesterday's rally

Related Link:
Report: Basra demonstrators promise 3-day sit-in, say 'escalatory steps' will follow if demands not met

Related Link:
Thousands of Iraqis protest in Basra

Related Link:
Report: Maliki negotiates cancellation of Basra demonstration

Related Link:
Rival Shia factions battle in Basra

Related Link:
Perspective: Iraq's Shi'ite Alliance recovering from first split

Related Link:
Fadhila Party withdrawing from Shi'ite coalition in parliament