The Council of Ministers Holds the 25th Regular Session Chaired by Prime Minister Mr. Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani

Baghdad-INA 
Prime Minister, Mr. Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani, chaired the 25th Regular Session of the Council of Ministers today. 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 Council of Ministers discussed the final report evaluating the government program's implementation by the ministries. To uphold the government's vision and priorities, the report assessed accomplishments and adherence to timelines. Consequently, the Council of Ministers decided to refer the first semi-annual report of 2023 to the Council of Representatives. This action aligns with the Council of Ministers’ bylaws, requiring ministries and sectoral agencies to implement the report's recommendations. Furthermore, the government program follow-up team should be informed about the actions taken.
 
The Prime Minister commended the government program team for their diligent and professional preparation of the report. Later, he will host a press conference to elaborate on the government's program and highlight the accomplishments achieved.
 
In celebration of the blessed Eid Al-Adha, the Prime Minister has instructed that the holiday begins on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, and concludes on Sunday, July 2, 2023. Normal working hours will resume in all government institutions on Monday, July 3.
 
In accordance with the government's prepared ministerial program and which was approved by the Parliament in October, the Council of Ministers has scheduled the 2023 provincial elections for Monday, December 18.
 
Prime Minister has reiterated the government's commitment to supporting the Independent High Electoral Commission in fulfilling its responsibilities and ensuring the provision of all necessary resources for a fair, impartial, and transparent electoral process.
 
As part of the government's commitment to administrative reform, the Prime Minister has instructed the establishment of a higher committee to restructure the government apparatus. This restructuring aligns with the vision outlined in the 2005 Constitution of the Republic of Iraq. The committee will be chaired by the Prime Minister and comprise as members the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Planning, Minister of Construction, Housing, Municipalities, and Public Works, Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, along with several advisors and the legal department in the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers.
 
Under the Prime Minister's guidance and commitment to addressing delayed hospital projects nationwide, the Council of Ministers has endorsed the recommendations from the 32nd meeting of the Diwani Order Committee (45 of 2018). These recommendations aim to facilitate the completion of public hospital projects by developing appropriate methods, mechanisms, and solutions.
 
Additionally, the Council of Ministers has approved a mental health bill, which underwent review by the State Council before being referred to the Council of Representatives. This action adheres to constitutional provisions while considering input from the legal department in the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers.
 
The Council of Ministers has approved the transfer of ownership of Al-Furat General Hospital from the Ministry of Transportation / General Authority for Meteorology and Seismic Monitoring to the Ministry of Health / Baghdad Health Department / Karkh. This decision is based on Cabinet Resolution (93 of 2022).
 
Furthermore, the Ministry of Health's debt, amounting to 1,687,000,000 dinars, will be waived in favor of the Ministry of Transportation / General Authority for Meteorology and Seismic Monitoring. This debt cancellation compensates for the use of the property mentioned in the previous paragraph. The decision is in accordance with the amended Federal Financial Management Law (6 of 2019) and Cabinet Resolution (28 of 2020). Additionally, the Ministry of Transportation will receive an alternate plot of land as compensation.
 
The Council of Ministers has endorsed the recommendation of the Ministerial Council of Economy No. (230135) concerning the regulation of the import process. This recommendation pertains to the verification of goods' compliance with the specified standards at the time of importation, specifically in relation to inspecting companies. The Council of Ministers will review the Cabinet Resolution (60 of 2014) according to:
 
1. A committee will be formed, led by the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers, and composed of representatives from various ministries, including Planning, Construction Housing Public Works and Municipalities, Trade, Health, Agriculture, Industry and Minerals. The committee's objective is to establish a unified and simplified customs clearance mechanism. This mechanism will hold the contracting party accountable for verifying and ensuring the conformity of imported goods. Its purpose is to protect consumers and align with decisions made by the Central Organization for Standardization and Quality Control. The committee will also request the release of a single consignment at border crossings due to the significant importance of this matter and its direct impact on consumer health and safety.
 
2. Ministries, non-ministerial entities, and all governorates are mandated to adhere to the guidelines specified in the Ministry of Planning's letter No. (10039) issued on November 18, 2021.
 
To enhance the investment environment and bolster the contribution of investment projects to the national economy, the Council of Ministers has decided to revise Cabinet Resolution No. (245 of 2019). The amendment aims to streamline the process of land allocation for investment projects, with governorates being obligated to handle land classification. Notably, the amendment introduces regulations for listing strategic investment projects, requiring the National Investment Commission to prepare feasibility studies and financial models and fulfill all necessary prerequisites before announcing investment opportunities.
 
Additionally, the amendment grants the National Commission for Investment the authority to modify investment licenses, contingent upon approval from the relevant authority. Furthermore, committees will be established in the governorates to evaluate requests for license modifications and establish the accompanying guidelines.
 
Furthermore, in an effort to regulate the work and residency of foreign workers, the Council of Ministers has agreed to set a new timeframe for submitting requests to rectify the legal status of non-compliant foreign workers. These workers were initially granted permits based on recommendations from the Committee to Study the Increase in the Number of Foreign Workers, which was approved by the Council of Ministers under Decision (23119) in 2023. The new period for submission will span 45 working days, aligning with the recommendations put forth by the aforementioned committee as stated in the letter from the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers.
 
The Council of Ministers discussed other issues on the agenda and issued the following decisions:
 
Firstly, suspending the implementation of Cabinet Resolution (23312) for the year 2023 concerning the recommendation of the Energy Ministerial Council on the third marine pipeline project (the Japanese loan) for the Basra Oil Company.
 
Secondly, the Council of Ministers has approved the bill for amending Penal Code No. (111) of 1969. This bill has undergone review by the State Council and has been referred to the Council of Representatives in accordance with constitutional provisions while considering the opinion of the legal department in the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers.
 
Thirdly, an amendment has been made to paragraph (3) of Cabinet Resolution (23332) for the year 2023. The amendment grants the Governorate of Karbala the authority to oversee the implementation of the road rehabilitation project (Baghdad - Jurf Al-Nasr - Karbala) within the governorate's jurisdiction. This includes an exemption from the contracting procedures specified in the government contracts implementation instructions and according to the project cost value.
 
Fourthly, the Ministry of Finance will allocate 3 billion dinars to the Ministry of Justice following the publication of the Federal Budget Law in the Official Gazette. This allocation aims to address issues and fulfill the necessary requirements for prisons. The Ministry of Justice is authorized to enter into contracts in accordance with the instructions for implementing government contracts (2 of 2014).
 
Fifthly, 3 billion dinars have been allocated from the emergency reserve to the Border Crossings Authority for the procurement of baggage inspection devices. This allocation comes after the issuance of the Federal Budget Law.