Iraq wants to partner with Siemens to improve electricity: Abadi

28-08-2018
Rudaw
Tags: Iraq election Haider al-Abadi electricity Siemens sanctions
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ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said on Tuesday that the government aims to sign an agreement with German’s Siemens to reform in the country’s limping electricity grid.

"This is to draw a roadmap, a full program, and a full scheme to make reforms in electricity sector in Iraq,” he said during his weekly presser.

Abadi added this was due to meeting with some “great” companies in his 2017 visit to Germany when he also met with Chancellor Angela Merkel.


"The next step will be signing an agenda with the company. We want it in a complete way, starting with citizens and end with generation,” he said.

The premier also claimed that his cabinet has made improvements in increasing the level of electricity production.

Abadi also asked political parties to accelerate their work to form a new government, following the president's call for parliament to convene on September 3.

According to a statement from his office, "the Investment Commission granted investment license for the construction of Kirkuk oil refinery."

Delegation to head to Washington

Abadi said that he has formed “a high committee headed by the central bank to consider dealing with US sanctions against Iran.”

US sanctions on Iran is stirring controversy in Iraq, especially after Abadi announced his intention to comply. He came under fire by some in the public and Shiite leaders, so he backtracked. Baghdad reportedly will seek a waiver. 

The PM also said “We intend to send a delegation to the United States for an understanding of financial transactions with neighboring Iran."

Iraq will pursue a refinery for oil-rich Kirkuk.

 

"The Investment Commission granted investment license for the construction of Kirkuk oil refinery," according to a statement from his office.

Basra’s water woes

Abadi led a meeting of the Council of Ministers also on Tuesday and discussed a solution for water issues in Basra, including taking measures against people who have illegal water lines and to increase the share of the province’s water provisions, according to a statement from his office.

The council has formed a delegation to visit the province and follow up on the conditions of water, especially the level of chlorine in the water.

Basra is suffering from dirty drinking water which poses a great threat to the breakout of diarrhea. According to videos published on social media, hundreds of people have been hospitalized.

There were reported protests in the province on Tuesday evening, demanding an end to the crisis.


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