June 13, 2006

Iraq to issue new wheat tender

Iraq will issue a new tender to buy large quantities of wheat within the next few days, head of the Grain Board of Iraq Khalil Assi said Monday (Jun 12).

"We have asked permission from the government to allow the board to issue a new wheat tender," Assi said.

"We are expecting the approval to come out within the next few days."

Last month Assi said that the new Iraqi government headed by Nouri al-Maliki would set up a new committee to approve wheat and other purchases of commodities.

Assi did not say, however, if the committee was set up or not.

Earlier in May, the board had to cancel a tender to buy large quantities of wheat because it was waiting for the formation of a new government. The new cabinet was formed May 20.