The Central Bank of Iraq published remarks by Governor Ali Mohsen Al-Alaq from a public dialogue session on Iraq's path toward a more diversified and sustainable economy, in which he said the bank is maintaining economic and financial stability despite the country's challenges and that salary payments are secured and will continue. Al-Alaq said the bank has followed a policy of "working silently" to preserve reserves and manage crises, including the effects of lower oil prices. He described the current financial situation as less acute than in 2014, said external transfer operations and cash sales to travelers are proceeding smoothly and efficiently, and said the bank continues to support the government in addressing accumulated financial imbalances. Dollar sales and external transfers have been organized under strict compliance standards to strengthen transparency and financial stability in Iraq.