He further stated that the Kurdistan Region must establish a spending plan and budget, noting that what was actually observed was "spending without a budget, which creates major problems."
He pledged to "pay and deliver all oil and non-oil revenues," adding that the committee would "study, analyze, and investigate" what was presented by both the Kurdistan Regional Government and the federal government, represented by the Financial Auditing Bureau and the Federal Minister of Finance. He noted that "we may need a change in some budget items, but the decision is not solely up to the Finance Committee."
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He also assured that there are no hurdles concerning the 700 billion loan. It should be noted that KRI public sector employees have not been paid for the months of August and September.
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Turkish parliament renews mandate for cross-border military presence
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Iraqi parliament's finance committee meets with KRG delegation
In other news, the Iraqi parliament's finance committee has met with a KRG delegation led by Finance Minister Awat Sheikh Janab to discuss the ongoing review of civil servant salaries and local revenues.
Harem Kamal Agha, head of the PUK faction in the Iraqi parliament, told PUK Media that data from the financial auditing teams in Erbil and Baghdad are “largely similar." He was referring to non-oil revenues from the KRI border crossings and the numbers and salaries of the KRI public sector.
A meeting with the Iraqi parliament's finance committee, originally scheduled for two weeks ago, was delayed due to ongoing reviews of civil servant salaries and local revenues. This meeting is part of the continuous dialogue between Erbil and Baghdad on various issues, including KRI civil servant salaries, pensions, social welfare benefits, non-oil revenues, and earnings from unofficial border crossings.
On Tuesday, the KRG delegation met with Kurdish lawmakers in Baghdad. All agreed that public sector salaries should not be linked to political disputes between Erbil and Baghdad.
The delegation includes notable figures such as Awat Sheikh Janab, minister of finance and economy; Omid Sabah, head of the Office of the Council of Ministers; Amanj Rahim, secretary of the Council of Ministers; and Abdul Hakim Khasraw, head of the Coordination and Monitoring Office, as well as various advisors.
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Foreign ministry staff this morning
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The PMF says its members have also observed a moment of silence in support of the Palestinians "who are exposed to many crimes and Zionist terrorism, the latest at Amdanya hospital in the besieged Gaza Strip."
This follows the prime minister’s call for state civil servants to show their support nationwide.
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Explosion heard near Harir Airbase
An explosion was reported near Harir airbase in the Harir district of Erbil province. Rudaw website quoted the town’s mayor, who said they have no details of the “loud sound,” but it might have been the result of regular training by the U.S.-led coalition forces.
The website also cited an Iraqi militia, which claimed the incident was a drone attack targeting U.S. forces at the airport. The group, calling itself the "Operation Room for Supporting Al-Tofan Al-Aqsa," expressed support for Hamas militants in Israel. They reportedly said the area was targeted because U.S. forces are based there.
Pro-Iranian social media posts show smoke rising from a site claimed to be Harir Airbase. We've not yet independently verified this.
Harir airbase has been a significant airfield for coalition forces since 2003.
Overnight, the two U.S. officials told Reuters it had thwarted drone attacks at the airbase
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KRG foreign relations chief issues statement
The KRG’s head of foreign relations department has issued a cautious statement on “the tragic loss of lives at Al Ahli Hospital” in Gaza.
Safeen Dizayee met the Palestinian consul general in Erbil, Nazmi Hazouri, earlier today.
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Here's the AFP report on Biden backing Israel's explanation for what happened last night
Key quote:
Read the full report below:
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Iran calls for oil embargo on Israel by Arab states
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Again, to reiterate, we have no clear indication (at least not yet) whether the strike originated in Israel or within Gaza itself.
For what it's worth:
Biden claims that, based on information available to him, the projectile originated in Gaza, not Israel.
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Kurdistan opposition leader also condemns 'attack' on Gaza hospital
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Ex-PM demands ejection of Western forces
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This all follows spontaneous protests in Baghdad last night, mirroring similar ones across much of the Muslim world
Last night In Baghdad, hundreds rallied in Tahrir Square and dozens more in the Adhamiya area, protesting the American presence in Iraq and Israeli activities in the region.
Demonstrators in Tahrir Square attempted to march into the Green Zone towards the American embassy but were halted by security forces.
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This is the directive that was published last night by the PM's office
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Moment of silence observed by public sector workers
Public employees and students across Iraq took a moment today to stand in solidarity with the victims of the Gaza hospital bombing. Directed by Prime Minister Sudani, the gathering aimed to show respect and mourn the losses incurred due to the Al-Ahli Hospital tragedy last night.
Schools, universities, and state departments participated, marking a unified moment of silence.
Check out the link below for a photo gallery:
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Morning briefing
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