May 2009

U.S. Water News Online

BAGHDAD — Iraq's parliament has called on the government to forego partnership agreements with Turkey, Syria and Iran unless they affirm Iraq's right to a bigger share of water in the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

The chairman of the water committee, Karim al-Yacoubi, says water levels have fallen to dangerous levels because neighboring countries take too much from the rivers and their tributaries.

Al-Yacoubi said parliament would insist on water-sharing provisions in any future agreements with the three countries.

Iraq is suffering from a major drought. The effects have worsened because of poor water management and dams that block the flow of the two rivers — the country's main water source.

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