Al-Sudani outlines measures to combat corruption in Iraq

BAGHDAD, January 14 — Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa Al-Sudani stated on Sunday that if automation, electronic payment, and a unified account were activated, the “heist of the century” would not have occurred. He made this statement during his address at the inaugural conference on combating corruption.

Excerpts from his speech:

We have instructed the formation of a committee to review previously recorded contracts that are unexplained.

A comprehensive assessment has been conducted for general managers and deputies.

We have formed a committee to restructure the government apparatus.

We issued instructions to facilitate the implementation of the law canceling financial privileges for officials.

We directed the automation of taxes and customs, and established the unified treasury account.

If automation, electronic payment, and a unified account were activated, the “heist of the century” would not have occurred.

We seek to establish a unified account showing financial transactions across all financial institutions.

Compelling all government institutions to support the private sector.

We directed the acceleration of procedures related to completing financial statements for previous years.

We issued guidelines for tax system reform.

We obliged government entities to provide financial data to complete monitoring and auditing procedures.

We are preparing bills to amend laws and issue instructions for combating corruption.

Iraq’s relationship with other countries is related to their cooperation in recovering public funds and wanted individuals.