The Cabinet holds the 12th regular session, decisions included

INA - BAGHDAD

The Cabinet held the 12th regular session on Tuesday chaired by PM Muhammed S. Al-Sudani, issuing several decisions during which the latest developments in the country were discussed, alongside the follow-up on the implementation of the government program. 

The session also included deliberations on the topics listed on the agenda, and necessary decisions were made, according to the PM's media office statement - received by the Iraqi News Agency - INA.

The Cabinet announced that the entire next week will be observed as a public holiday in celebration of Eid Al-Fitr.

The Cabinet also voted to grant a financial allowance to orphans who have lost both parents and receive cash assistance under the Social Protection Network.

As part of Iraq’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Palestinian people in Gaza, the Cabinet has authorized the Ministry of Health to dispatch medicines, equipment, devices, and medical supplies to Palestinian patients and the wounded receiving treatment in Egyptian hospitals.

Additionally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been directed to coordinate with the Palestinian Ambassador in Iraq to assess the status of injured individuals currently in Iraq and to submit recommendations to the Prime Minister for consideration.

Regarding support for the Yazidi community, the Cabinet approved the waiver of 100% of the cost of purchasing residential plots built in Yazidi compounds in Sinjar and Al-Ba’aj, with a restriction on property transfer for three years from the date of ownership, in line with Cabinet Resolution No. 372 of 2019 concerning the Alqosh Subdistrict in Nineveh Governorate. The completion of this file is required within 60 days.

In the energy sector, the Cabinet approved awarding the contract for the Gas Processing Plant - GPP at the Artawi Gas Processing Complex of the South Gas Company to the Chinese Petroleum Engineering and Construction Corporation - CPECC.

In the same context, the Cabinet approved a recommendation to increase the purchasing authority of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Oil for the construction of the gas separation, drying, and compression station in the East Baghdad Oil Field.

The Cabinet also approved the recommendation to award Tender No. CSSP-ITT-06 of the Basra Oil Company to China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering Co., Ltd. - CPPE, with a total execution period of 54 months, including 42 months for Engineering, procurement, and construction - EPC and 12 months for operation, maintenance, and training.

Additionally, the Cabinet voted to increase the total cost of the main project for fuel delivery to industrial and power projects for the Oil Pipelines State Company at the Ministry of Oil.

The Cabinet approved exempting the Maysan Refinery Investment Project from announcement and competition requirements and authorized the South Refineries Company to sign the new contract.

As part of the government’s efforts to diversify energy sources, the Cabinet approved the allocation of land plots by the Ministry of Finance in the governorates of Kirkuk, Anbar, Diyala, Salah al-Din, Najaf, Babil, Dhi Qar, Muthanna, Wasit, Maysan, and Diwaniyah for establishing renewable energy; solar; power stations. 

The Ministry of Agriculture is tasked with lifting agricultural reform restrictions on the designated lands, while governorates are responsible for obtaining approvals from other relevant entities as needed.

The Cabinet authorized the Minister of Electricity or his delegate to:

1. Signing agreements with PowerChina International Group in the field of energy cooperation in Iraq and proceeding with actions aligned with the Ministry of Electricity’s plan.

2. Signing the Principles of Cooperation on Energy in Iraq - Phase III between the Ministry of Electricity and Siemens Energy.

3. Signing the Framework Agreement between the Ministry of Electricity and GE Vernova International.

In the agricultural sector, the Cabinet approved the agricultural plan recommendation, requiring the Ministry of Agriculture to submit distribution tables of the plan at the level of irrigation schedules for districts and directorates within the governorates. 

This ensures proper coordination among relevant parties and prohibits the use of drainage water to irrigate lands, whether from the main drain, its branches, or any other drains. 

The Cabinet also approved the recommendation to adopt a utilization record and certification from the Agricultural Committee in the governorate, along with an endorsement from the Article 140 Committee, specifically for seed supply.

The Cabinet approved Iraq’s Third Periodic Report on the Arab Charter on Human Rights after incorporating amendments and directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to submit the report to the relevant committee at the League of Arab States.

The Cabinet authorized the Governorate of Babil to invite the executing company for Al-Hilla Grand Drainage Project - Phase One, a coalition of companies to carry out the second phase of the project.

In line with the government’s policy to complete stalled and unfinished projects, the Cabinet approved increasing the contingency fund and total cost for the Construction of a Closed Sports Hall at Al-Qurna Sports Club.

The Cabinet decided to defer customs fee collection for imported electoral goods and materials on behalf of the Independent High Electoral Commission, for exclusive use, in accordance with Cabinet Resolution No. 23035 of 2023, until December 31st, 2025.

Additionally, the Cabinet approved gifting tablet devices; used in the 2024 general population and housing census; to ministries and governmental entities as needed.