Iraq declares four-day public holiday this week

The Iraqi government has declared a public holiday from Wednesday to Saturday to mark Iraq’s Sovereignty Days, following the completion of the withdrawal of US forces from the country.

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

The measures include ceremonies at government and public institutions to commemorate Iraq’s martyrs and victims, as well as wearing badges marking National Sovereignty Day, featuring a map of Iraq or the colours of the Iraqi flag, according to the Iraqi News Agency.

Media reports quoted Abdul Amir al-Shammari, head of the office of the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, 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.