U.N. backs petition for federalized Basra

BASRA, Iraq, Dec. 18 (UPI) -- The United Nations hailed a move to establish a federal region in Iraq's Basra province as a sign of a strong democracy emerging in the war-torn country.

A petition signed by 32,635 eligible voters in Basra was submitted to the Iraqi Independent High Electoral Commission Nov. 10 to push for a measure to establish a federal region in the province similar to that of Iraqi Kurdistan.

Special Representative of the U.N. Secretary-General for Iraq Staffan de Mistura said the measure has the support of the international body as a representation of popular sentiment.

"This is part of strengthening the democratic process, when each eligible voter has a say," de Mistura said in a statement.

Supporters need to collect 10 percent from the 1.4 million voters in Basra to put the matter to a public referendum likely to take place as early as March.

There are 34 collection centers established throughout the southern province. Iraqi law allows regions to establish their own governments and security forces if the desire is expressed adequately.

Basra kicked off the monthlong campaign Monday with signature counts surpassing 34,000. The campaign ends Jan. 14.