A member of the Parliamentary Security and Defense Committee, Saqr al-Muhandis, announced on Sunday the formation of a parliamentary committee to investigate the reasons for the closure of the al-Shayb border crossing with Iran.
Al-Muhandis stated in a press interview, which the "Video News Agency" reviewed, that "some MPs protested the decision to close the al-Shayb border crossing with Iran in Maysan Governorate."
He added that "the presidency of the council decided to form a parliamentary committee consisting of representatives from the governorate and the Border Crossings Committee to look into the reasons for the closure of the crossing."
He noted that "according to the directive, the relevant committee is expected to present its report within 72 hours."
Meanwhile, MPs from Maysan Governorate called on Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaydi to reopen the al-Shayb border crossing as soon as possible, warning of the repercussions of its closure on the economic and living conditions in the governorate and the country as a whole.
MP Mohammad al-Fartousi, during a press conference with several MPs from the governorate, stated that the crossing represents an economic lifeline for the governorate and that its closure has contributed to rising food prices, in addition to depriving a number of patients and those seeking medical treatment from traveling through it.
He indicated that the closure of the crossing has cut off the livelihoods of hundreds of families who depend on it for their daily sustenance, including vehicle owners, merchants, and workers, explaining that the representatives of the governorate were not previously informed about the closure decision, which surprised the citizens in Maysan.
He pointed out that the governorate is witnessing ongoing protests that are escalating day by day, noting that the demonstrations have reached the point of blocking the road leading to the oil companies.
Al-Fartousi warned that the continued closure of the crossing would result in damages that extend beyond Maysan Governorate, affecting other areas in the country.
Earlier today, Maysan Governorate Council President Mustafa Da'ir urged the federal government in Baghdad to expedite the reopening of the al-Shayb border crossing with Iran.
Da'ir, during a press conference held at the al-Shayb crossing, called for "the opening of the al-Shayb border crossing within 3 days, and if the crossing is not opened within the timeframe from today until next Thursday."
He affirmed: "We will declare civil disobedience and close all roads, and we will separate the governorate from the body of Iraq if this demand is not met."
On Tuesday, October 20, the Iraqi government decided to close the al-Shayb border crossing with Iran until further notice.