Corruption scandals force 'major diplomatic corps reshuffle' in Iraq

The Iraqi foreign ministry will carry out a major reshuffle in its diplomatic corps, replacing hundreds of embassy and consular staff abroad over allegations of widespread corruption, an official source have told The New Arab.

Up to 300 personnel allegedly appointed solely thanks to their links to politicians will be affected, said the source.

The source, a high-level member of the Iraqi prime minister's staff, said some of these individuals lacked even basic  school qualifications but were nonetheless appointed to key embassies including in the US, France and Russia.

The reports were confirmed by the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Iraqi parliament, members of which have stressed the need to urgently replace the staff in question.

"Parliament supports this measure. Appointments should be made in accordance to strict standards," MP Khaled al-Assadi and member of the committee told The New Arab's sister publication.

The revelations come amid increasing demands by key political forces in parliament to interrogate Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari, who is dogged by allegations of corruption and subpar performance.

In October, Jaafari revealed 32 Iraqi ambassadors were dual citizens, in contravention of diplomatic and constitutional norms in place.