Corruption suspicions in Kirkuk airport project, says Deputy Speaker of Parliament

INA – BAGHDAD 
 
Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, Shakhwan Abdullah confirmed on Monday, that there are suspicions of corruption in Kirkuk airport project.
 
Abdullah demanded the Minister of Transport in the Federal Government to stop working on Kirkuk Airport because of “the suspicions of corruption that were raised around it as there are security problems and technical obstacles," according to the media office of the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency – INA.
 
He held the Civil Aviation Authority, the Ministry of Transport and the concerned authorities “as the responsible ones for opening Kirkuk Airport so quickly, without taking into account checking any corruption files and addressing technical problems.” 
 
"Kirkuk airport project is important as it was supposed to precede other provinces in its establishment as a right and entitlement for the people of the province, as well as its economic and financial benefits, in addition to the job opportunities it provides and supports the economy including trade movement in Kirkuk,” Abdullah stressed.
 
He concluded by saying, "We support the implementation of strategic projects, but unfortunately there are suspicions of corruption surrounding the details of the project, and in the event that precautionary and security measures are taken, corruption files are resolved, and problems can be re-worked on at Kirkuk Airport."