Iraqi minister blames Turkey, Iran, dry winter for shortage of water

Hurriyet Daily News with wires

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Iraqis are seeking a "sufficient and fair share of water" from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, Abdul-Latif Jamal Rasheed was quoted by AP as telling reporters.

Rasheed said neighboring Turkey and Iran have built large number of dams and reservoirs on tributaries of the two rivers. 

Turkish President Abdullah Gul reportedly promised last month to double the amount of water allocated to Iraq from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers during a visit to the Baghdad.

The Tigris and the Euphrates have their source in Turkey, with the latter also flowing through Syria before reaching Iraq, which desperately needs more water for agriculture and domestic consumption.