Baghdad: Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi has issued a new set of directives to ministers and advisors: One such directive stipulates that attendance at conferences, seminars, ceremonies, and government or private programs requires the exclusive approval of the Director of the Prime Minister’s Office.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, an official document from the Prime Minister’s Office indicates that officials are prohibited from making statements via satellite channels, social media platforms, or any other medium regarding matters related to an advisor’s work and duties without first obtaining the required approval.

The new directives also prohibit the opening of any external offices or headquarters in the name of the Prime Minister, his office, the Council of Ministers, or any of their affiliated bodies. It emphasizes that the Media Office within the Prime Minister’s Office is the sole official entity authorized to handle media matters in this regard.