Official: Iraqi PM accepts resignation of embattled electricity minister amid power woes

Iraq PM accepts Electricity Minister’s resignation

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s government spokesman says Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has accepted the resignation of his electricity minister as he faces rising public anger over power outages.

Spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh told The Associated Press that al-Maliki may appoint a new electricity minister as early as Wednesday.

Until then, al-Maliki will oversee the Electricity Ministry that has been the target of widespread anger as power outages deprive Iraqis of air conditioning and water amid searing summertime heat.

Electricity Minister Karim Waheed offered Monday to step down after two protesters were killed when demonstrations over power outages turned violent and prompted security forces to open fire.