Baghdad postpones OPEC anniversary as it fears losing control of coronavirus
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Baghdad, which was due to host the 60th anniversary of the founding of OPEC, asked celebrations be postponed as the country fears it is about to lose control of the coronavirus pandemic.
Iraq’s oil ministry asked OPEC to postpone celebrations scheduled for later this month “out of concern for the safety of everyone due to the COVID-19 virus and the restriction of air traffic,” according to a statement on its website.
The ministry said it had prepared a “rich programme” highlighting Iraq’s cultural and artistic heritage in the al-Shaab Hall, where the oil cartel was founded in the Baghdad Conference from 10 – 14 September, 1960.
OPEC’s secretary general Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo said he was disappointed the celebrations will be postponed. “It was a historic meeting in all senses that saw the common vision and wisdom of our Found Members and led to the creation of a foresighted organization that grew in stature and influence to become a distinguished entity within the global energy community,” he said.
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) was founded by five states, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela, and has now grown to 13 members. The group controls more than half the world’s oil reserves and has a major influence on global oil prices.
Barkindo said he looks forward “with high anticipation to attend OPEC’s homecoming in the very near future.”
Iraq’s health ministry warned on Friday that it is in danger of losing control over the coronavirus pandemic after large Ashura gatherings took place, contrary to government advice.
“Today the Ministry of Health recorded the highest number of cases of COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic in Iraq due to the failure of most citizens to adhere to these measures” of wearing masks, social distancing, and avoiding large gatherings, the ministry stated.
Last week, Shiite Muslims gathered in the holy Iraqi city of Karbala for Ashura, commemorating the death of Imam Hussein, a Shiite leader and grandson of the Prophet Mohammed who died in battle in Karbala in 680 AD. Most years, millions of mourners attend events. This year, the crowds were smaller and organizers imposed health measures.
The health ministry said they have still witnessed large crowds in the streets, markets, and restaurants.
“The number of cases is expected to escalate further in the coming days, which we fear will lead our health institutions to lose control as they try to deal with these large numbers,” said the ministry. “This will lead to an increase in the number of deaths, after we made headway in reducing them over the past few weeks.”
Iraq’s health system has been battered by years of conflict. On Friday, the ministry recorded 5,036 new cases of coronavirus, bringing the total up to 252,075. And 7,359 people have died of the virus.
Iraq’s oil ministry asked OPEC to postpone celebrations scheduled for later this month “out of concern for the safety of everyone due to the COVID-19 virus and the restriction of air traffic,” according to a statement on its website.
The ministry said it had prepared a “rich programme” highlighting Iraq’s cultural and artistic heritage in the al-Shaab Hall, where the oil cartel was founded in the Baghdad Conference from 10 – 14 September, 1960.
OPEC’s secretary general Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo said he was disappointed the celebrations will be postponed. “It was a historic meeting in all senses that saw the common vision and wisdom of our Found Members and led to the creation of a foresighted organization that grew in stature and influence to become a distinguished entity within the global energy community,” he said.
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) was founded by five states, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela, and has now grown to 13 members. The group controls more than half the world’s oil reserves and has a major influence on global oil prices.
Barkindo said he looks forward “with high anticipation to attend OPEC’s homecoming in the very near future.”
Iraq’s health ministry warned on Friday that it is in danger of losing control over the coronavirus pandemic after large Ashura gatherings took place, contrary to government advice.
“Today the Ministry of Health recorded the highest number of cases of COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic in Iraq due to the failure of most citizens to adhere to these measures” of wearing masks, social distancing, and avoiding large gatherings, the ministry stated.
Last week, Shiite Muslims gathered in the holy Iraqi city of Karbala for Ashura, commemorating the death of Imam Hussein, a Shiite leader and grandson of the Prophet Mohammed who died in battle in Karbala in 680 AD. Most years, millions of mourners attend events. This year, the crowds were smaller and organizers imposed health measures.
The health ministry said they have still witnessed large crowds in the streets, markets, and restaurants.
“The number of cases is expected to escalate further in the coming days, which we fear will lead our health institutions to lose control as they try to deal with these large numbers,” said the ministry. “This will lead to an increase in the number of deaths, after we made headway in reducing them over the past few weeks.”
Iraq’s health system has been battered by years of conflict. On Friday, the ministry recorded 5,036 new cases of coronavirus, bringing the total up to 252,075. And 7,359 people have died of the virus.