On 7 September, researcher Ali al-Khatib was quoted by iNEWS (KSS — affiliated) as saying projects were referred to companies agreed upon in advance and citizens were excluded from competition. Earlier that evening, Prime Minister al-Zaidi said the government was committed to combating corruption and would show no tolerance or favoritism toward corrupt actors; neither statement identified a contract, company, official or enforcement action.
- Iraqi News Agency07 Sept, 20:44
“Al-Zaidi: Government committed to combating corruption, with no tolerance or favoritism toward corrupt individuals.”
Al-Zaidi: Government Committed to Combating Corruption, No Tolerance or Favoritism for Corrupts
- iNEWSKSS — affiliated07 Sept, 23:06
“Researcher Ali al-Khatib: Projects are referred to companies agreed upon in advance, while citizens are excluded from the competition.”
الباحث علي الخطيب: مشاريع تحال لشركات متفق عليها مسبقا والمواطن بعيد عن المنافسة
The two positions converge against favoritism in principle but differ in evidentiary detail: the government announced a standard, while the KSS-affiliated outlet carried an allegation of procurement capture.