Iraq declares four-day public holiday to mark Sovereignty Days

The Iraqi government has declared a four-day public holiday from Wednesday through Saturday to mark Iraq’s Sovereignty Days, according to the supplied report. The holiday follows what the report describes as the completion of the withdrawal of US forces from Iraq.

Last week, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi instructed ministries, government bodies and provincial authorities to coordinate with the Government Media Cell on events for “Iraqi Sovereignty Day.”

The planned measures include ceremonies at government and public institutions to commemorate Iraq’s martyrs and victims. Officials and others are also expected to wear badges marking National Sovereignty Day. The badges will feature either a map of Iraq or the colours of the Iraqi flag, according to the Iraqi News Agency as cited in the report.

The report also cited media reports quoting Abdul Amir al-Shammari, head of the office of the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. He was reported as saying that US forces would complete their withdrawal on 30 September. He said Victoria Base was already free of US forces and would be converted into a centre for receiving diplomatic missions.

The government’s holiday announcement and the planned ceremonies place the withdrawal of US forces at the centre of this week’s official commemorations. The supplied report does not provide further details about the holiday’s effect on private businesses or other services.