By John Lee. The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), Russia’s sovereign wealth fund, has announced the approval of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine against coronavirus by Iraq’s Ministry of Health. Iraq has become the 45th country in the world to register Sputnik V. The vaccine was registered under the emergency use authorization procedure. (Source: RDIF)
Japan, UNESCO to support Educational TV Channel in Iraq
The Government of Japan and UNESCO sign agreement to support the Ministry of Education’s TV channel The agreement to commence the project “Mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on Education through distance learning in Iraq” (about 600,000 USD) was exchanged between Mr. Nakagawa Shu (pictured), Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Japan in Iraq, and UNESCO… Read More
Felgenhauer to chair Iraqi Children Foundation
By John Lee. Grant Felgenhauer (pictured), Managing Partner at Euphrates Advisors, has been appointed to succeed Mohammed Khudairi as Chairman of the Iraqi Children Foundation (ICF). On taking up his new role, Felgenhauer reiterated ICF’s mission to intervene with compassion and hope in the lives of children who are vulnerable to abuse, neglect, and exploitation…. Read More
Pope Francis, Ayatollah Sistani call for Unity
By Hassan Ali Ahmed for Al Monitor. Any opinions expressed here are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Pope Francis, Iraq’s Ayatollah Sistani call for unity in historic meeting For the first time in history, the pope has visited the Shiite holy city of Najaf and… Read More
Embezzlement Alleged at Amarah’s Entertainment City
By John Lee. A court in Amarah has issued a warrant for the arrest of an ex-director of the Entertainment City. According to a statement from the Supreme Judicial Council, the former director is accused of embezzling “a huge amount from collection during his job“. (Source: Supreme Judicial Council)
Pope Welcomed in “Cradle of Civilisation”
By John Lee. Pope Francis was welcomed to Iraq on Friday by President Barham Salih and Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi. Describing Iraq as the “cradle of civilisation“, the Pope said Iraq’s diversity was a “precious resource on which to draw, not an obstacle to eliminate“. He appealed for peace, and said: “May room be made… Read More
Iraqi Former Minister Jailed
By John Lee. An Iraqi court has sentenced Riyadh Abdul Hamza Abdul Razaq, ex-Minister of Municipalities and Labour, and Hashem Abdul Zahra Aziz, a director of the Ministry, to two years in prison in relation to a “breach of contract” in the supply and installation of 17 asphalt factories. The contract, signed in 2007, was… Read More
Market Review: “Market Roars Back to Life”
By Ahmed Tabaqchali, CIO of Asia Frontier Capital (AFC) Iraq Fund. Any opinions expressed are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Market Review: “Market Roars Back to Life” The market, after January’s 9.3% sell-off, resumed the rally that was ignited by the 22.6% devaluation of the… Read More
Pope to visit Iraq in Historic First
By Ali Mamouri for Al-Monitor. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Pope heads for Iraq in historic first For the first time in history, the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State, Pope Francis, will visit Iraq,… Read More
Iraq tackles Corruption in Currency Auctions
By John Lee. The Iraqi Cabinet held its weekly meeting on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi. Addressing the meeting, the Prime Minister said the reserves of the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) have increased by $4 billion, adding that the government has been able to tackle what it describes as “the… Read More