Iraqi government spokesperson denies reports of 45-day salary payment cycle

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi government spokesperson Haidar al-Abudi has rejected reports that public-sector salaries will be paid every 45 days, calling the claim unfounded. Speaking at a press conference in Baghdad, al-Abudi said civil servants' wages are fully guaranteed and dismissed the 45-day payment schedule as an unsubstantiated rumor. Al-Abudi noted that oil revenues account for the largest share of Iraq's general budget. He said Iraq has been unable to export oil since February because of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and that monthly exports fell to four million barrels in April. The spokesperson said an agreement has been reached with Turkey to increase oil exports, adding that the country has been directly affected by the ongoing crisis. He also stated that the government has not resorted to external borrowing, and that a related proposal is being reviewed by the Iraqi parliament. No further details on the parliamentary proposal or the export agreement with Turkey were immediately available.