The Cabinet holds the 47th session, decisions included

INA - BAGHDAD

The Cabinet held on Tuesday the 47th regular session chaired by PM Muhammed S. Al-Sudani. 

The session reviewed the latest developments in the country, discussed key issues across various sectors, and assessed the progress of the government’s program and its priorities, according to a statement by the PM Media Office - received by the Iraqi News Agency - INA.

The Cabinet examined regional developments, with PM Al-Sudani addressing the message sent by the Zionist entity to the United Nations Security Council, which he described as a pretext to justify aggression against Iraq and an attempt to expand the ongoing war in the region.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed Iraq’s rejection of such threats, emphasizing that decisions of war and peace rest solely with the Iraqi state. 

He made it clear that Iraq refuses to be drawn into war while maintaining its principled stance of ending the conflict and providing humanitarian aid to the Palestinian and Lebanese peoples, directing the National Security Council to convene an emergency meeting today to follow up on developments and affirm Iraq’s position.

As part of the government’s approach to supporting voluntary initiatives and aiding the people of Gaza and Lebanon, the Cabinet approved the voluntary deduction of 1% from the salaries, allowances, and pensions of state employees and retirees who wish to contribute. 

The funds will be deposited equally into accounts supporting Gaza and Lebanon, or as prioritized by the Prime Minister, effective December 1, 2024.

The Cabinet also addressed items on its agenda and made the following decisions:

1. Agricultural Sector: Following the directives of the Prime Minister, the Cabinet approved the Ministry of Trade’s receipt of the rice crop from areas cultivated outside the 2024 agricultural plan.

2. Oil Sector: The Cabinet approved the exemption of oil companies affiliated with the Ministry of Oil to release 50% of employee profits upon the Federal Board of Supreme Audit’s approval of their financial statements. This exemption disregards specific provisions in the Federal Budget Execution Instructions for 2023–2025. 

Additionally, the Ministry of Finance was instructed to address the debts of these companies to enable them to pay the treasury’s share, with boards of directors held accountable for the accuracy and validity of financial data.

Administrative Reform: The Cabinet approved the permanent appointment of eight general directors in various ministries based on performance evaluation criteria.

Education Sector:
•  Approved the transfer of the founding body of Al-Tuff University College in Karbala from the Iraqi Teachers Syndicate to nine retired faculty members, under the Private Higher Education Law (No. 25 of 2016).

•  Encouraged the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research to finalize instructions facilitating the implementation of the Private Higher Education Law, particularly regarding the replacement of deceased or withdrawn members of founding bodies.

Engagement with Professional Associations: The session hosted the President of the Iraqi Dental Association, and the Cabinet approved the formation of a committee to study the association’s demands. The committee will be chaired by the Director of the Legal Department in the General Secretariat of the Cabinet, with representatives from the Advisory Board, the Dental Association, and the Ministry of Health. Recommendations are to be submitted within 30 working days.

Energy Sector: The Cabinet decided to suspend the implementation of Paragraph 7 of Cabinet Decision No. 24600 (2024) as per the details provided by the Ministry of Electricity to ensure uninterrupted power supply to provinces.

Sports Sector: The Cabinet allocated 4 billion IQD from the emergency reserve to the Iraqi Football Association to support the national team’s preparations for the World Cup and Asian Cup qualifiers and to meet contractual obligations for the coaching staff.

The Cabinet approved the comprehensive developmental plan for Baghdad 2030 under the Municipal Administration Law (No. 165 of 1964), as ratified by the Supreme Committee for Basic Design in Baghdad Municipality.

•  Approved a draft amendment to the Anti-Human Trafficking Law (No. 28 of 2012) and referred it to Parliament.

•  Approved the National Center for Laboratories’ exemption from specific provisions of the Federal Budget Execution Instructions for 2023–2025.

Foreign Affairs:
• Approved a bill to ratify the agreement between Iraq and Indonesia on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and service passports and referred it to Parliament.

•  Approved Iraq’s accession to the Statute of the Organization for Women Development in OIC Member States and referred it to Parliament.