Iraq's Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi (C). Reuters 
Iraq's Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi (C). Reuters 

Iraq launches committee to revise draft budget complaints



Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has launched a committee to review a proposed budget bill, following objections by lawmakers that it will not provide the adequate funds for the country's reconstruction.

Government officials have raised concerns, claiming the proposal does no allocate sufficient funding for public services or the restoration of areas liberated from ISIS.

“The committee is comprised of experts and representatives from all of Iraq’s provinces,” Mr Abdul Mahdi said on Tuesday night.

The committee's findings are expected to be presented to parliament on Sunday and Monday.

“The government is trying to find the best solution to resolve outstanding issues and do what is best for the Iraqi people,” the premier said.

Lawmakers had gathered on Monday to discuss the 2019 budget but failed to pass the draft.

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Read more:

Iraqi politicians botch another attempt to agree on draft budget

Iraq opens investigation into thousands of dead carp in Euphrates river

Iraq's 2019 budget ignores reconstruction costs, politicians say

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Minister of Finance Fuad Hussein is expected to head the committee and work alongside his acting deputy finance, the head of provincial planning and development council, economic experts and relevant parties to revise the legislation.

The premier approved the draft budget in October, which now awaits parliament approval. The budget of $111.9 billion envisions an increase in spending of $24bn and a deficit of $22.6bn for next year.

Kurdish politicians have previously rejected the draft because of a drop from 17 per cent in 2018 to 12.67 per cent.

However, the establishment of the committee aims to establish trust between the central government and the country's different factions, Kurdish parliamentarian Janghis Awakaly told The National.

“I believe this is a good opportunity for both federal government and Kurdistan Regional Government to try and resolve their outstanding budget issues,” Mr Awakaly said.

Previous budget allocations in Iraq have been skewed, with Sunni and Kurdish regions getting smaller shares than areas dominated by Iraq’s Shiite majority.

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Dubai Police has also issued a list of banned items at the ground on Sunday. These include:
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126: The length in metres of the legs supporting the structure

1 football pitch: The length of each permanent spoke is longer than a professional soccer pitch

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Call the hotline on 0502955999 or send "thenational" to the following numbers:

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