By Adem Demir - Anadolu Agency
MOSUL (AA) - “We suffer a lot from terror but preventing violence is not within our control,” Mayor of Mosul Esil Nusayfi told an AA correspondent while addressing the recent bomb attacks and kidnappings in the northern Iraqi city.
“Mosul's security is dependent on soldiers connected with the central Iraqi government. Meetings with the General Staff to change this are ongoing.”
Regarding the violence threatening the population, he said, “the power vacuum in Iraq opens an area for terrorist mobilization. Police files are superficial and proper research is not conducted as they are handled only militarily. Concrete walls do not prevent acts of terror.”
Noting that instability had ensued in Mosul later on, Nusayfi explained, “The people of Mosul did not identify with the Baghdad government since its establishment and did not participate. Hence there are gaps between the security and other institutions.”
Criticizing the role of political leaders, he said, “Rather than ending Sunni-Shiite clashes, politicians are exploiting the situation with statements radicalizing the sides.”
Expressing hope in the potential growth of Iraq's third largest city, he added, “There are no foreign companies investing in Mosul. Turkish companies are undertaking tenders for the “Mosul airport” and “Sport city” projects.”
englishnews@aa.com.tr
