Iraq's Transport Minister Retires Head of General Company for Iraqi Ports

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Transport Minister, Wehb al-Hasni, retired Farhan al-Fartusi from his post as director general of the General Company for Iraqi Ports on Thursday. The minister had announced on May 31 that al-Fartusi had been removed from his duties and given a 60-day period to hand over authority, with operations to be run in the interim by acting director general Ala al-Aqaili. The General Company for Iraqi Ports is a state-owned body that operates the country's main port facilities and oversees a large share of Iraq's maritime trade. Under the order, the company will continue under the acting leadership until the handover period concludes and a permanent replacement is named. The Transport Ministry said administrative steps would be taken to ensure continuity in the company's management structure. Ministry officials said the new appointment process is proceeding in line with relevant regulations. No further details on a permanent successor were immediately available.