When he came back he was astonished to find that the prime minister issued a letter ordering Dr. Ibrahim to stay 30 more days on holiday because of his disagreement and his threats to resign from office.

The vital importance of this ministry demands a professional and transparent minister who has no links to any party. If he is a technocrat, that will ensure that his loyalty is with Iraq.

The ministry paid $250 million two days ago and the rest of the money will be paid within days. The ministry had agreed with the firms as well to provide Iraq with oil products for the first quarter of 2006.

We are emptying the storage now so that they refinery does not suffocate. But it is still very little and limited.

As a ministry we do not have much information about the oil deal. We know it happened but we don't have enough information about it.

The oil ministry is working with the government in order to speed up the payment process. There is no problem. It is just a matter of time and the money will be paid.