Iraq's PM says anti-corruption process "won't be easy"

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on Wednesday said implementing his government's reform plan "will not be easy," warning that the corrupted will fight back against the "painful" reforms.

Speaking at a televised conference in Baghdad, Abadi said he will not protect any one who is corrupted, adding that it will be a "painful" process.

"We will firmly go on with the reform process, and we will strike with an iron fist on the corrupt people," Abadi said, warning that those who have "interests and privileges will not keep silent, and will defend their privileges and interests by fighting back, or trying to sabotage "each step that we take."

On Sunday, Abadi declared a comprehensive seven-point reform plan, which including canceling three vice presidential posts and three deputy prime minister posts, in addition the reduction of ministries and agencies to cut government red tapes, and reduce expenditures.

His plan called for immediate and comprehensive reduction of the numbers of guards for all top and senior officials, ministers, members of parliament, provincial governors and provincial council members.

Abadi's reform plan was approved by the cabinet and the country's parliament under the pressure of massive demonstrations on Friday by angry Iraqis in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad and several other cities in the south to protest against slack public services, power shortage, and massive corruption.

Friday demonstrations were also backed the call of Iraq's most revered Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani who asked Abadi to be "more daring and courageous in his reforms." Endit