Cabinet decisions at today's session

Baghdad-INA   
Prime Minister, Mr. Mohammed S. Al-Sudani, chaired today the 20th regular session of the Council of Ministers. During the session, the Council of Ministers discussed the country's general situation, the most prominent issues, and the items on the agenda and issued several decisions. The media office of the Prime Minister said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA).
The Council of Ministers has taken a significant step towards advancing the education sector in line with the government's priorities. They have officially approved the National Strategy for Education in Iraq (2022-2031), based on the recommendation of the Ministerial Council for Human Development (23011). The Prime Minister formally launched this pivotal strategy on Monday, signifying a momentous milestone in the country's educational development efforts.
In line with the Prime Minister's commitment to supporting the youth and addressing unemployment concerns in Iraq, the Council of Ministers has made a crucial decision. They have approved a significant increase in the capital of the Fund for Supporting Small Income-Generating Projects, raising it to (1,350,000,000,000) dinars from the previous (150,000,000,000) dinars. This expansion is aimed at effectively implementing the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs' plan within the government program over a period of three years. The decision aligns with the provisions outlined in Law No. (10) of 2012, which specifically focuses on the support of small, income-generating projects.
In accordance with the recommendations provided by the committee responsible for reviewing the decisions made by the former government during the period of caretaker government from October 8, 2021, to October 27, 2022, the Council of Ministers has granted its approval to the following:
1. Paragraphs (1, 2, and 3) of Cabinet Resolution (380 of 2021) have been officially canceled.
2. Cabinet Resolution (399 of 2021) regarding the appointment of two advisers to the head of the Iraqi National Intelligence Service, with the rank of (Director General), has been revoked.
In a demonstration of solidarity and support for its Arab brethren, the Council of Ministers has agreed to meet Lebanon's oil derivative needs. They will also assist in operating Lebanon's electricity production plants and extend the supply agreement for an additional third year. SOMO will fully supply the existing contract and increase the volume to 1.5 million tons annually. A new contract for crude oil, supplying two million tons annually, will be concluded.
The Council of Ministers has made the following decisions to support the growth and improvement of the Iraqi Airways Company, in line with the Prime Minister's visit to Baghdad International Airport and his directive to enhance its services. These decisions, approved based on the recommendation of the Ministerial Council for Economy (230105), include:
 
1. The aviation fuel supplied to the General Company for Iraqi Airways will be priced at 20% of the international bulletin price. However, the company must submit an action plan within a period of 90 working days to the Ministerial Council for Economy, outlining steps to enhance the quality of services and improve their overall operations. After this period, the pricing will be reviewed in light of any developments.
2. For other national carriers (such as Fly Baghdad, Ur, and others) officially registered with the Civil Aviation Authority, the price of aviation fuel will be set at 80% of the international price index.
3. International foreign airlines will continue to be charged at the price of the international index for aviation fuel.
4. The Council reaffirms adherence to Cabinet Resolution (23026 of 2023), which mandates conducting transactions in Iraqi dinars at the official exchange rate established by the Central Bank of Iraq.
The Council of Ministers has implemented measures to support the aviation sector, enabling the Iraqi Airways Company and other national carriers to enhance their services while complying with regulations.
Concerning Iraq's energy sector, the Council of Ministers has approved the recommendation (No. 23037) from the Ministerial Council for Energy. This recommendation includes the endorsement of the Central Committee for Review and Approval of Referrals within the Ministry of Oil. The Korean consortium project contractor will conclude direct contracting to sustain their work exempt from the instructions for implementing government contracts. The Ministry of Oil letter provides the details, ensuring compliance with prevailing international prices.
The Council of Ministers has made a decision regarding administrative and legal matters. They have established a permanent committee led by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Planning for Administrative Affairs. The committee includes as members the Director General of the Legal Department in the Ministry of Justice, the Director General of the General Government Contracts Department in the Ministry of Planning, the Director General of the Legal Department in the Ministry of Finance, and a representative from the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers.
The committee has been authorized to make decisions, facilitating the resolution of government disputes arising from contracts between various government entities. Moreover, as needed, the committee has the authority to invite relevant individuals to contribute their expertise and support in fulfilling its responsibilities.
Profitable public companies will pay for their lawyers' fees in external lawsuits. However, for public companies that lose legal cases, the Ministry of Justice will cover the lawyers' fees, which will be treated as a debt owed by those companies.
During the Council of Ministers meeting, various agenda items were deliberated, and the following decisions were made:
First: The Ministry of Justice has been approved to enter into contracts with Iraqi and non-Iraqi doctors and health professionals.
Second: The previous Cabinet Resolution (125 of 2022) regarding the Ministry of Interior/General Traffic Directorate has been upheld. This resolution permits the conclusion of an investment contract between the General Traffic Directorate and the Police Martyrs Fund. This contract aims to establish a traffic sign manufacturing factory as an exception to Cabinet Resolution (245 of 2019).
Third: The Council of Ministers has approved the recommendation put forth by the Ministerial Council of Economy. This recommendation pertains to the exemption of Ibn Sina State Company from the merger with the General Company for Military Industries, as per Cabinet Resolution (360 of 2015). This exemption is effective from January 1, 2016, until August 31, 2017. This decision aims to facilitate the process of merging financial statements with the General Company for Mining Industries, considering that Ibn Sina State Company has now merged with the State Company for Mining Industries.
Fourth: The Council of Ministers has approved the reports (26) and (27) of the members of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. The report will be sent to the relevant international committees through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, adhering to the deadlines for submitting reports related to international agreements.