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An Iraqi tribe based in Nasiriyah has threatened shut down the French Consulate in the Southeastern city
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The al-Husseinat Tribe’s chief Caesar al-Ajil al-Husseinawi said the diplomatic mission had repeatedly insulted it
An Iraqi tribe based in Nasiriyah has threatened shut down the French Consulate in the Southeastern city, said local reports on Monday, July 5.
The al-Husseinat Tribe’s chief Caesar al-Ajil al-Husseinawi was quoted by the reports as saying that the diplomatic mission had repeatedly insulted it, and not offered any apology for such statements.
The threat reportedly came on Sunday as Husseinawi spoke to mediapersons.
He told them that his tribesmen would over the next two days start various protests — including demonstrations in front of the mission — in response to this.
The tribe will also try to meet the French ambassador to Baghdad and present a complaint concerning the consulate’s conduct, he said.
So, what was the flashpoint? The reports quoted Husseinawi as saying: “The French Consul, Adel al-Kanzawi, is playing the role of the occupying forces” by causing division among the tribes that belonged to the Dhi Qar province.
Nasiriyah —one of the largest cities of Iraq — is the capital of the Dhi Qar governorate.
Husseinawi said Kanzawi had specifically chosen to target his tribe, claiming repeatedly that it was not a deeply-rooted tribe, and was no more than a simple “gathering.”
He was quoted by the reports as saying that the mission had overstepped its line and was interfering in matters that did not relate to it.