Latest news with #Al-Asadi
Shafaq News
6 days ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraq to vote on PMF law in days despite US pressure
Shafaq News – Baghdad Iraqi lawmakers are preparing to vote within days on the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) Authority Law, despite strong US opposition and efforts by some Shiite leaders to postpone the bill to the next parliamentary session, MP Hassan al-Asadi told Shafaq News on Thursday. Al-Asadi, a senior figure in the National Approach Bloc (Al-Nahj Al-Watani) within the Shiite Coordination Framework (CF), confirmed that the bill has completed two parliamentary readings and is scheduled for a final vote after the Arbaeen pilgrimage on August 14, describing it as essential to regulating the PMF's administrative structure. While criticizing external pressure on Iraq's legislative decisions, he rejected 'any interference—whether from the United States or others—particularly in matters concerning the PMF,' which he referred to as an official military institution. The MP also pointed to a second bill, Iraq's PMF Service and Retirement Law, which has been returned to the cabinet for amendments and has not yet reached parliament. He clarified that delays surrounding this legislation stem from internal political disputes unrelated to the institution. Meanwhile, a senior political source told Shafaq News that key disagreements persist within Shiite parties over the PMF's future structure and leadership. The current draft envisions incorporating the force into Iraq's formal military hierarchy, with standardized ranks—an approach reportedly facing resistance from powerful factions within the PMF. 'Unless a political agreement is reached, the law may be deferred to the next parliamentary session, though some parties may resort to political bargaining to secure its passage.' The legislative push comes nearly nine years after Iraq's parliament first recognized the PMF in 2016 in response to the war against ISIS. That law, while symbolically significant, lacked organizational clarity. The new draft seeks to define the PMF's role within Iraq's security architecture as part of a broader reform effort. Washington, however, has raised repeated objections. On Tuesday, US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce warned that the law would strengthen Iran-aligned groups within the PMF, including several designated as terrorist organizations by the United States—among them Kata'ib Hezbollah, Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq, and Harakat al-Nujaba. Another Department official told our agency that Washington 'strongly opposes any legislation that is inconsistent with the goals of our bilateral security assistance and partnership,' and cautioned that the US would continue taking 'appropriate action' against financial entities engaging with sanctioned groups.
Iraqi News
30-06-2025
- Business
- Iraqi News
Iraq adopts new vision to complete Baghdad Metro project
Baghdad ( – The Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, directed on Sunday that the processes for the Baghdad Metro project be finalized according to a new vision. Al-Sudani's remarks took place during a meeting he chaired to discuss the arrangements required to start implementing the Baghdad Metro project, according to a statement released by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). The meeting discussed new ideas and processes for implementing this vital project after previous bids were rejected. Best practices for this sort of project were taken from across the world, as evidenced by the formation of an alliance between the government, local and foreign investors, and execution by multinational firms. Iraqi Prime Minister's advisor Mohammed Al-Najjar revealed in May that Iraq plans to start the first phase of the Baghdad Metro project, which involves years of development, before the end of 2025, according to the Iraqi News Agency (INA). In November 2024, Naser Al-Asadi, the advisor to the Iraqi Prime Minister, announced that the design for the Baghdad Metro pathway has been finalized. Al-Asadi said that the government consulting agency has begun drafting the project's specifications for the tracks, trains, and stations, which will contain subterranean, surface, and elevated parts. With seven lines that range in length from nine to 37 kilometers, the project will cover the majority of the Iraqi capital and could be upgraded to reach other areas, according to Al-Asadi. The Iraqi cabinet announced in late July that the businesses selected to design, build, and run the Baghdad Metro project include France-based Systra and SNCV, the Spanish Alstom, Talgo, and Sener enterprises, Turkish construction companies, and Germany's Deutsche Bank. Al-Asadi told Reuters earlier that Baghdad Metro would span 148 kilometers (92 miles) with seven lines and 64 metro stops. The $18 billion-worth project should be finished after four years, according to Al-Asadi. The Baghdad Metro is a substantial endeavor aimed at reducing traffic congestion and providing a modern and efficient transportation system in the Iraqi capital, which is home to around eight million people.
Iraqi News
25-06-2025
- Business
- Iraqi News
Iraq's aviation sector charts recovery and ambitious future after regional conflict
Baghdad ( – In the wake of the recent regional conflict that saw its airspace closed for 12 days, Iraq is not only focused on immediate recovery but is also pushing forward with an ambitious, multi-faceted strategy to fundamentally overhaul its aviation sector. The plan includes a billion-dollar development project for Baghdad's main airport and a strategic modernization of its national airline, according to Nasser Al-Asadi, the Prime Minister's Advisor for Transport Affairs. Al-Asadi confirmed the government has officially launched the project to develop Baghdad International Airport, noting it has not undergone any significant modernization in over 40 years. In a major shift in approach, the project is being structured as an investment opportunity to attract world-class private operators. To ensure global standards, the government has tasked the International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group, as the lead consultant for the development and operation project. 'We have received the final offers from companies… and we are now in the evaluation stage, with the winning company to be selected in September,' Al-Asadi stated. The expected investment for this massive undertaking is approximately $1 billion. Parallel to the airport's development is the modernization of the national carrier, Iraqi Airways. Al-Asadi detailed the progress in updating the fleet, which now includes five new Airbus A220 aircraft and the first two of five Boeing Dreamliner 787s. However, a critical hurdle remains: the European flight ban currently imposed on the airline. Al-Asadi stressed that the airline is awaiting the lifting of this ban, which is essential for its plans to expand its route network. Once lifted, the airline will re-evaluate its needs before entering into new aircraft acquisition deals. Addressing the immediate aftermath of the recent 12-day Iran-Israel-US conflict, Al-Asadi acknowledged that air traffic was directly impacted, with flights halted based on security protocols. He highlighted the crucial role Basra International Airport played during the crisis, successfully handling all incoming international flights and enabling a smooth restoration of passenger movement. 'We hope after the end of the war that we can restore Iraq's airspace [as an overflight corridor], as it represents an important economic resource for the state,' he said. With flights now being gradually rescheduled, the focus is on a full return to normalcy while building a more resilient and modern future for the sector.
Iraq Business
10-06-2025
- Business
- Iraq Business
Iraq offers support for Lebanese Investors and Workers
By John Lee. Iraq's Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Mr Ahmed Al-Asadi, has confirmed his country's readiness to provide all possible facilitation for Lebanese workers in Iraq, provided that they comply with legal procedures designed to ensure their rights and protection. The remarks were made during a meeting with Lebanon's Minister of Labour, Dr Mohammad Bahjat Haidar, on the sidelines of the 113th session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva. The two ministers discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation, particularly in investment and encouraging Lebanese business owners to return to invest in Lebanon. Mr Al-Asadi acknowledged the impact of Lebanon's economic crisis on capital flows, especially in light of past failures in the banking sector. However, he affirmed Iraq's commitment to supporting Lebanon's economic recovery by encouraging Iraqi investors to explore opportunities there. He described investment as fundamental to national development, noting that Iraq has seen significant investment-driven growth over the past two to three years. On the subject of foreign and Arab workers in Iraq, Al-Asadi highlighted concerns about the large number of workers entering the country illegally. He stated that Iraq's Council of Ministers has issued a decision to regularise the status of such workers, enabling them to obtain residency and register with the Ministry of Labour. This step ensures their eligibility for legal wages, social security registration, and broader labour rights. The Minister reiterated Iraq's openness to Lebanese labour, stressing the importance of legal registration as a guarantee for protection and rights. (Source: Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs)
Shafaq News
04-06-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
Iraq backs worker rights at global labor summit
Shafaq News/ Iraq's Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Ahmed al-Asadi, met with his Turkish counterpart, Vedat Isıkhan on Tuesday in Geneva during the 113th session of the . The meeting, held at the United Nations headquarters, was part of Iraq's broader efforts to strengthen its labor legislation in line with international standards. Al-Asadi led Iraq's tripartite delegation, which included representatives of government, employers, and workers. During the conference, the Iraqi delegation participated in discussions on global labor issues such as biological risk protection, regulating digital platform work, and integrating the informal economy. Al-Asadi stressed Iraq's commitment to updating national labor laws to meet international conventions, with a focus on occupational health, social protection, and workers' rights. He also confirmed Iraq's plans to submit outstanding reports on core labor conventions by September, covering areas such as forced labor, child labor, workplace safety, and maritime labor protections. 113. Uluslararası Çalışma Konferansı kapsamında Irak Çalışma ve Sosyal İşler Bakanı Sayın Ahmed Jassem Saber Al-Asadi ile gerçekleştirdiğimiz ikili görüşmede, iki ülke arasında istihdam ve sosyal güvenlik alanlarında iş birliğini kurumsallaştırmayı sağlayacak adımları… — Prof. Dr. Vedat Işıkhan (@isikhanvedat) June 3, 2025
