Inquiry demanded after bank arson

 

By Kareem Zair

 

Azzaman, January 29, 2008

 

Iraqi members of parliament have asked the government to set up a commission to investigate the fires that devastated large sections of the Central Bank building in Baghdad.

 

The MPs say the blazing fires were premeditated and were an attempt by certain senior officials to obliterate documents implicating them in corruption.

 

A statement read by Norrideen Hayali on behalf of the MPs representing several parliamentary blocks said the building housing the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs was also set on fire.

 

“The fires have turned into ash important documents condemning officials for corruption,” the statement said.

 

Both fires caused no casualties and officials said Central Bank’s possessions of god and hard cash were safe.

 

The statement demanded the formation of an independent investigation commission to “determine those causing such calamities.”

 

Despite reports of massive corruption in which senior officials are said to be involved, the government has brought no one to justice so far.

 

Independent transparency agencies rank Iraq as number one in corruption in the world.

 

Prime Minister Noori al-Maliki has refused orders for his relatives and other members of his government to stand trial.