MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday advised travelers, particularly personnel of international organizations and non-government organizations with humanitarian projects or speaking engagements, to postpone their scheduled travel to Iraq.

“In the event that planned trips can no longer be postponed, all are reminded to check if there are active curfews currently imposed in your destination province in Iraq,” the DFA said in an advisory.

The DFA also advised travelers to avoid booking flights with early morning or late night hour arrivals in Baghdad, Basra, and other airports in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

The travel advisory was issued following the move of the United States government to prepare for the withdrawal of diplomats from Iraq if Baghdad fails to stop persistent rocket attacks.

Iraq affirmed its commitment to the OPEC+ oil production cut deal but asked the group to take into consideration the members’ economic situation in sharing the burden of future cuts, Iraqi Finance Minister Ali Allawi said on Sunday (June 7).

“We are seeking to set new rules in future over sharing burden among state members by considering the economic situation and living standards,” said Allawi.

OPEC, Russia and allies agreed on Saturday (June 6) to extend record oil production cuts by one month until the end of July, after the group held a video conference.

The group, known as OPEC+, also demanded countries such as Nigeria and Iraq, which exceeded production quotas in May and June, compensate with extra cuts in July to September. (Reuters)

(Production: Maher Nazeh, Mohammed Katfan, Charlotte Bruneau)

Cafes and other public places were closed in Erbil, Iraq on Monday (March 2) amid fears of the coronavirus. Also, people coming into the northern city from other parts of Iraq had their temperature taken as a precaution.

The Health Ministry had earlier issued a warning urging all Iraqis to avoid any public gatherings, including protests, religious ceremonies and social events. Many of the cafes, restaurants and shops in Erbil remained closed. And only a handful of customers visited the businesses that were open.

The Health Ministry reported two new cases of coronavirus on Monday, bringing the total of recorded cases inside Iraq to 21.

Iraq’s first case was an Iranian student who has since been sent back to Iran. The other 20 are all Iraqis who had recently visited Iran. (Reuters Connect)

(Production: Kawa Omar, Maher Nazeh, Mohammed Katfan, Angela Moore)