The Cabinet decisions during Tuesday session

INA - BAGHDAD

Prime Minister Muhammed S. Al-Sudani chaired Tuesday's 42nd Regular Session of the Cabinet issuing new decisions.

"They discussed the nation's current situation, tracked progress on national issues, reviewed government program priorities, and addressed agenda items, issuing relevant decisions and recommendations," according to a statement by the Prime Minister Media Office, received by the Iraqi News Agency - INA.

In compliance with the government's program on October 27, 2022, the Cabinet approved the following:

The National Communications and Media Commission is responsible for issuing a national license for mobile phones using 5th generation mobile network technology, for an exclusive period of (3) years, to Al-Salam General Company, one of the formations of the Ministry of Communications.

To enhance key strategic projects, drive national development, and secure essential funding within the Iraqi-Chinese framework agreement, an increase in daily oil exports has been approved. The new export volume will be 150,000 barrels per day, a boost from the previous 100,000 barrels per day, calculated monthly.

To support social protection beneficiaries who have Department of Labor and Training loans and transition them away from the poverty line database, the Council has approved an exception. This exception allows the continued aid disbursement, as per the Social Protection Law (11 of 2014), for 3 months following the disbursement of the loans. This decision aligns with the Ministry of Labor's letter dated October 4, 2023.

In line with the government's commitment to providing social support to all, the implementation of Cabinet Resolution (23192 of 2023) will proceed as follows:

 1. An allocation of 1500 square meters to the Iraqi House Foundation for Creativity will take place. The Baghdad Investment Commission will then finalize investment procedures and sign the contract with the investor. This action includes excluding the designated area from the contract procedures, in alignment with the specified guidelines. The Ministry of Finance is responsible for executing the directives outlined in its letter dated June 12, 2023.

 2. Amending paragraph (1) of Cabinet Resolution (23192 of 2023) to become as follows:

The Ministry of Finance, through the State Real Estate Department, will transfer ownership of a 1,500-square-meter area within a land plot in Zayouna to the Iraqi House Foundation for Creativity. This transfer will be done without compensation, by the provisions of the State Buildings Ownership Law No. (3) of 1960. The purpose of this transfer is to construct a home for the elderly.

In the field of energy, the Council of Ministers approved the following:
 1. The Minister of Finance is granted authorization to sign a loan agreement for the Annual Maintenance Project, Phase Five (PUP5/B) on behalf of the Ministry of Electricity. This loan will be guaranteed by the US Bank (EXIM BANK) and is by the Federal Budget Law for the fiscal years 2023, 2024, and 2025.

 2. The financing conditions outlined in the Ministry of Finance's letter dated October 1, 2023, have been approved.

To streamline the establishment of new administrative structures, the Council of Ministers has voted to create the Board of Directors for the Iraq Fund for Development. This board will be chaired by the Prime Minister, in accordance with Article (5/2nd) of the Iraq Fund for Development Regulations (3 of 2023). Its membership will include the Ministers of Planning, Finance, and Reconstruction, Housing, Municipalities, and Public Works, as well as three representatives from the private sector. The Council will carry out its designated responsibilities as outlined in the aforementioned regulations.

Additionally, the approval has been granted for the issuance of a task system for the Internal Security Forces Development and Support Fund, which will outline the means for disbursing its revenues. This decision is made in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and the second clause of Article (57) of the Federal Budget Law for the fiscal years 2023, 2024, and 2025.

The Council has approved the acceptance of a grant from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Ministry of Education. This grant comprises office materials such as desktop and laptop computers, printers, scanners, and photocopiers. The acceptance is in accordance with the Ministry of Education Law (22 of 2011). The Ministry of Education will estimate the value of these items upon receipt and inform the Ministry of Finance accordingly. Furthermore, the Information Technology Center in the Ministry of Planning, along with the Intelligence Service and the National Security Service, will conduct an audit of the computers before their usage.

Upon the presentation by the Minister of Defense, the Council of Ministers has made a recommendation to the Council of Representatives.

This recommendation advises the approval of the requests from Mr. Najm Al-Jubouri and Mr. Hamad Yassin Al-Jubouri to exempt them from accountability and justice procedures. This exemption is based on the provisions of Article (12) of the National Accountability and Justice Authority Law No. (10) of 2010 and is aligned with the public interest.

The National Water Council bill has been approved and forwarded to the Council of Representatives in accordance with constitutional provisions. 

Additionally, the head of the Prime Minister's Board Of Advisors have been included as members of the National Water Council.

During the session, the bill for the twenty-first amendment to Employment Law No. (25) of 1960 was approved. This bill, which has been reviewed by the State Council and forwarded to the Council of Representatives, aligns with constitutional provisions. The amendment introduces the establishment of new job positions within various state departments, including the Ministry of Health, and takes into account the recommendation of the Minister of Finance.