The Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities, Sarwa Abdul Wahid, confirmed today, Monday, that the grants allocated for journalists, artists, writers, and intellectuals have not been canceled, and that efforts are ongoing to secure the necessary financial allocations for their disbursement. She emphasized that the ministry will not abandon these segments that represent Iraq's living memory and its cultural and creative face.
Abdul Wahid stated in a statement received by the News Video Agency that the difficult financial circumstances the country is experiencing, in light of the repercussions of regional and internal situations accompanied by liquidity shortages, have imposed significant challenges on spending and financial allocations. However, this will not prevent the ministry from continuing its efforts and communications with the relevant authorities to secure the required amounts and disburse the grants as soon as possible.
She clarified that, due to her belonging to the cultural, artistic, and media community and her direct knowledge of its reality and challenges, she fully understands the importance of these grants and the need many of her colleagues have for them, as they represent support for them in facing the burdens of life, especially under the current economic conditions.
She stressed that supporting the intellectual, artist, journalist, and writer is not a favor or privilege, but a national responsibility and a duty towards those who contributed to building awareness, preserving the memory of Iraq, and enriching its cultural and creative identity.
She confirmed: "We will remain loyal to this responsibility, and we will continue to work with all available means to ensure the rights of the cultural, artistic, and media segments, and we will not abandon them."