Iraq Cabinet reviews director-general posts, backs oil export proposals

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zeydi chaired the Iraqi Cabinet’s fourth regular meeting on Tuesday, where ministers decided to reassess the heads of state institutions, or director generals, based on qualifications, professional competence and integrity. The Cabinet also directed a review of investment opportunities in the electricity sector and ordered steps to establish a joint business council between Iraq and Uzbekistan. It authorized the trade minister to negotiate an economic, commercial, scientific and technical cooperation agreement with the Uzbek side. Ministers approved proposals aimed at increasing oil exports and also endorsed an agreement with the Syrian side on the transport, storage and handling of Basra light, medium and heavy crude through the Baniyas and Tartus ports. The Cabinet sent a draft amendment to the law regulating commercial agencies to the Iraqi Parliament. It also authorized the justice minister to negotiate an agreement with Armenia on the transfer of convicted prisoners.