ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Head of the Nineveh Provincial Council urged the Iraqi federal government on Thursday to restore state control to the Yezidi city of Shingal and prevent the efforts of what he called "illegal parties" to form local alternative administrations. "In a move to complicate the already tense situation in Shingal, illegal parties which have no official status and control parts of Shingal have begun preparing for the formation of a local government and a local council in Shingal," Saydo Chato, a Yezidi and head of the Nineveh Provincial Council, told Rudaw. Chato warned that except for the federal government no other administration will be recognized by the provincial council. "We're the highest legislative and regulatory body in the province of Nineveh and will not recognize any illegal administration of Shingal." Chato said. Since October 16, 2017 Shingal has been under Iraqi control. It was under ISIS control for more almost two years until it was retaken by a join Kurdish-coalition forces offensive. Mayor of Shingal Mahma Khalil has told Rudaw that despite an agreement between Baghdad, Erbil and the Nineveh Provincial Council for the return of the Shingal administration, they are still prevented from returning. The Yezidi head of the Nineveh Provincial Council said that no "illegal administration carved out Shingal" will receive any support. He pressed the Iraqi government to take action otherwise "others may declare their own government in other areas of Nineveh and and even other part of Iraq."
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