Baghdad: The Ministry of Finance has officially denied reports that Minister Taif Sami left a key meeting with the Kurdistan Region delegation, which focused on addressing the salary issues of employees and retirees in the region.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Ministry issued a statement clarifying that the allegations of Minister Sami’s departure from the meeting were inaccurate. The meeting, initiated by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein, aimed to find solutions to the ongoing salary disputes affecting the region’s citizens.

The statement emphasized that Minister Sami was actively involved in all discussions, which were conducted to reach equitable solutions within the framework of existing legal and financial regulations. The meeting, attended by the Kurdistan Region’s Finance Minister and other senior officials, was marked by thorough deliberations.

Minister Sami, as per the statement, highlighted the importance of holding a session at the Ministry of Finance to scrutinize and verify financial records, ensuring necessary adjustments are made swiftly. The Ministry confirmed ongoing efforts with joint and technical committees to audit the data related to civil retirees’ salaries, contracts, and social protection, working late into the night to facilitate timely disbursement.

The Ministry urged media outlets to verify information from official sources, cautioning against the spread of inaccurate news that could mislead public opinion.