Baghdad: Newspapers in Baghdad today concentrated on the pressing issue of “electricity and summer” as they explored alternatives to Iranian gas amidst supply interruptions. They also covered topics such as the anti-narcotics and psychotropic substances law.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Zawraa newspaper, affiliated with the Iraqi Journalists Syndicate, reported on a crucial meeting between Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and the Ministers of Electricity and Oil. The meeting aimed to strategize on securing electricity during the upcoming summer, given the challenges posed by the interruption of Iranian gas supplies.
The outcome of the meeting included a decision to extend a new 40 km pipeline from Mahmoudiyah District to Bismayah to ensure the Bismayah station operates at full capacity during summer. The Minister of Electricity outlined plans for electricity security and fuel station operations, while the Minister of Oil discussed fuel supplies, floating and mobile platforms, and relat
ed company bids. The meeting also focused on the completion of a gas transmission line from Basra to a mobile platform and the signing of contracts for platform completion. Discussions included gas oil requirements, financial costs, and fuel import logistics.
Al-Zawraa also highlighted a meeting between the head of the Parliamentary Finance Committee, Atwan Al-Atwani, and US Embassy Chargé d’Affairs, Daniel Rubinstein. Their discussions centered on US sanctions on Iran and their potential impact on Iraq’s electricity sector, especially concerning the expiration of Iraq’s exemption from importing Iranian gas. Al-Atwani conveyed a critical message to the US government, emphasizing that halting gas imports could lead to a collapse of Iraq’s national electricity grid, with no immediate alternatives available.
In related news, Al-Zaman newspaper reported on the Ministry of Communications’ efforts to support clean energy transition projects. Minister Hiyam Al-Yasiri emphasized the importance of renewable energy p
rojects as alternatives to imported energy. An official statement highlighted efforts to transition to solar energy, reduce pollution, and promote initiatives for solar energy system installations in homes. The National Team for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Projects has begun implementing solar systems on government buildings, focusing initially on schools and health centers.
Furthermore, Al-Sabah newspaper, published by the Iraqi Media Network, covered the progress of the Anti-Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Law in the House of Representatives. Adnan Al-Jahishi, head of the Anti-Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Committee, indicated that the law is nearing readiness for a vote. The proposed amendments incorporate feedback from various bodies and draw from international experiences in drug combat. The amended law aims to include preventive and health dimensions and strengthen penalties against drug dealers while expanding preventive measures.
The Parliamentary Health and Environment Comm
ittee, represented by member Basem Al-Gharabi, is actively working to amend Law No. 50 of 2017. The amendments focus on creating specialized committees at border crossings and offering financial incentives for successful drug seizures.