Baghdad: Speaker of Parliament Haibat al-Halbousi confirmed during the eighth Baghdad Dialogue session that salaries are fully secured and that the budget will be submitted to Parliament next October. He also highlighted ongoing discussions in the Cabinet regarding the proposal to remove zeros from the currency.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, al-Halbousi emphasized the government’s commitment to economic reform, mentioning plans to establish new export outlets through Syria and Aqaba. He stressed the importance of respecting Iraqi sovereignty and urged neighboring countries to refrain from interfering in Iraqi affairs.

Al-Halbousi noted that evaluating the government’s performance within a hundred days is premature, as the cabinet is not yet complete. He mentioned that daily dialogues are ongoing and that Parliament supports the government’s initiatives. Committees have been formed to monitor the government’s program, and follow-ups on new ministers will be included in the evaluation process.

Addressing weapons control, al-Halbousi stated that it is a constitutional provision managed by the President of the Republic. He highlighted the stable security situation in Iraq, noting the withdrawal of foreign troops and the handover of bases such as Ain al-Asad Air Base. He emphasized that the presence of weapons outside state authority is embarrassing and that September 30th marks the beginning of mechanisms to restrict weapons to the state.

Al-Halbousi also touched upon the mandatory conscription law, which is under review by the Security and Defense Committee. The borrowing law will have its first reading next week, and the budget is expected to reach Parliament by October. He reiterated that salaries are fully secured and that the Cabinet is discussing the removal of zeros from the currency.

Furthermore, al-Halbousi discussed the need for a special approach to dealing with the Iranian issue and economic sanctions. He concluded by mentioning Iraq’s current export of 2 million barrels and the ongoing dialogue with the Iranian Shura Council to address existing obstacles.