Iraq’s Diyala Province Council voted in majority to establish an independent state. Diyala Province TV announced on Monday the provincial council has announced this province as an independent state.
Province Council Statement
We, the members of the Diyala Province, as the legal representatives of various sectors of society in Diyala Province, with faith and a sense of responsibility towards this trust that the people of Diyala have assigned us, have this obligation to follow all paths to reach the best servicers and a free and dignified life along with security for our people.
With the cooperation of all the province’s political parties and movements and in response to the pressures of the province population, from tribal sheikhs, intellectuals, various figures and social leaders, we announce  our decision made today on the request to transfer Diyala into a state. This takes place under the framework of maintaining Iraq’s unity and commitment to the Constitution.
The establishment of statehood will be announced after the signature of the majority of the province council. Our will is inspired first and foremost by God almighty and thus the province population. This issue is announced under the framework of the laws of announcing statehood (Law No. 13, 2008). We call on the people who have announced solidarity with us to stand with us and to actively cooperate with us for its success.
From God almighty we ask for persistence and perseverance for all of you. He is the utmost friend and assistant.
12 December 2011