Articles for February 28th, 2016

S&P: REPUBLIC OF IRAQ 'B-/B' RATINGS AFFIRMED DESPITE LOWER OIL PRICE ASSUMPTIONS; OUTLOOK STABLE
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okay so they are affirming Iraq's rating maybe next I will get my rating for Iran hahah

On Feb. 26, 2016, Standard & Poor's Ratings Services affirmed its 'B-' long-term and 'B' short-term foreign and local currency sovereign credit ratings on the Republic of Iraq. The outlook is stable. The transfer and convertibility (T&C) assessment remains at 'B-'.

Iraq, February 28, 2016 Show Video | Download Video In mid-January 2016, Standard & Poor's lowered its oil price assumptions for Brent by about $20 per barrel (/bbl) over 2016-2019. We now assume $40/bbl in 2016, and an average of $46/bbl in 2016-2019 (see "Related Research" below). When we last reviewed Iraq in August 2015, we expected Brent oil prices to average $55/bbl in 2016 and $65/bbl in 2016-2019. Current prices for crude oilin spot and futures markets are about 70 per cent below mid-2014 levels, when prices began to slide. Iraqi crude trades at about a $5/bbl discount to Brent. Our rating on Iraq is constrained by its war with the so-called Islamic State (IS or Daesh), as well as by its political institutions, which are in an earlystage of development, and sectarian divisions between the Sunni, Shia, and Kurdish ethnic groups. The rating is also constrained by high fiscal and external deficits and, as a consequence, sharply rising debt. Iraq's rising oil production and massive oil reserves underpin our rating. Iraq has the world's fifth-largest proven crude oil reserves and is the second-largest oil exporter in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Oil dominates the Iraqi economy, contributing over 60 per cent of GDP, 90 per cent of government revenues, and more than 95 per cent of exports. In recent months, the Iraqi forces and their allies have retaken some territories that IS controls, such as Ramadi (west of Baghdad) and Baiji (the site of Iraq's largest oil refinery). IS previously controlled large areas in the country's north and east. Although it still controls Iraq's second largest city, Mosul, its territorial control of Northwest Iraq has shrunk significantly since our last review. Crucially, over 85 per cent of Iraq's oil fields and production are located in the south of the country close to Basra, the main port for crude exports. These are Shia-controlled areas at some distance from IS-controlled areas and the conflict. Within our rating, we assume that the federal government will remain in control of these assets. They are the key support for the rating. In 2014, faced by the then-rising IS threat, Iraq elected a new government. In September of that year, Haider Al-Abadi became prime minister. Mr. Al-Abadi isviewed as more inclusive and secular in his approach than his predecessor, which is easing ethnic tensions and improving relations with the U.S., one of Iraq's key allies. In August 2015, Mr. Al-Abadi announced reform measures, including cuts in the size of government, in response to escalating social protests across the country spurred by electricity blackouts and unsatisfactory social services. Many Iraqis believe that the government reforms have yet to bear fruit. After a 2.2 per cent contraction in 2014 and estimated 0.3 per cent growth in 2015, real GDP growth will by our projection likely rise to an average of 6 per cent in 2016-2019, assuming the government's expansion of oil production proceeds as planned. In January 2016, Iraq's oil production had already reached 4.1 million barrels per day (bpd), which was the target the government planned to achieve by the end of the 2016. This compares with targeted exports of 3.6 million bpd in 2016, up from 2.5 million bpd in 2014. We think that Iraq's oil output could reach 5 million-5.5 million bpd by 2019 (with exports of about 4.5 million-5 million bpd). We think that Iraq's oil output could reach 5 million-5.5 million bpd by 2019 (with exports of about 4.5 million-5 million bpd). We expect domestic demand will remain weak for at least two years, owing to the war against IS, internally displaced populations, and general social uncertainty. The internal and external shocks--the IS conflict and sharply lower oil revenues--that Iraq has faced since 2014 have hurt public finances. We project the general government fiscal deficit will rise to 18 per cent of GDP in 2015 and 14 per cent of GDP in 2016 from a deficit of 5.5 per cent of GDP in 2014. The widening deficit will result largely from falling oil revenues and high military and humanitarian expenditures. We think that the IMF's Staff-Monitored Program approved in December 2015, will help restore some order to public finances and pave the way to a possible IMF financing arrangement in 2016, which could include budgetary support. The drop in oil revenues is hurting the government's debt position. We understand that domestic issuance is the main funding source for the 2016 government financing requirement. We expect most of the debt will be taken up by Iraq's commercial banks, led by the two largest: Raffidain Bank and Rashid Bank. We expect that the banks will fund these purchases by incremental deposit growth and by repurchase operations with the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI). In addition, the government has indicated it is planning external financing from the IMF, the World Bank, and bilateral creditors, as well as from a possible Eurobond offering. We project that general government debt will average 78 per cent of GDP in 2016-2019, up from about 39 per cent of debt in 2014. Iraq's debt stock has benefited from an 80 per cent haircut that the government negotiated with its Paris Club creditors in 2003-2004. Iraq's current account has typically run a surplus thanks to the country's large oil exports. However, we expect the current account balance will turn to a deficit and remain in deficit until 2019 because of the sharp drop in the oil prices. We forecast Iraq's current account deficit will average 5 per cent of GDP in 2016-2019, compared with an average surplus of 10 per cent of GDP in 2011-2014. We understand that the current account deficits will be financed by a substantial drawdown of official foreign exchange reserves, as well as external borrowing.We forecast external debt, net of public and financial sector external assets, at about eight per cent of current account receipts during 2016-2019, and we estimate average gross external financing needs as a percentage of current account receipts and usable reserves at about 82 per cent. Inflation currently remains low, with consumer price inflation in the low single digits (approximately 2.2 per cent in 2014). We expect that the CBI will maintain the dinar peg to the U.S. dollar, albeit with minor fluctuations, unless financing conditions are more difficult than we currently expect. While the peg has helped control inflation, it limits the CBI's monetary flexibility. Moreover, although the liabilities and guarantees of the domestic banks appear high compared with the fair value of their assets, we view financial sector stability as a secondary issue compared with the country's security and the consequences of negative terms of trade. The stable outlook reflects our expectation that Iraq's large fiscal and external deficits will be financeable, and that its conflict with IS will be contained. It also incorporates our forecast of a return to strong growth from 2016 thanks to the increases we project in Iraqi oil production and oil exports. END Commerce Minister directs supermarkets company regardless of staff salaries urgently LINK more promises of people to be paid this week   Shafaq News / The Minister of Trade and agency Mohamed Xiaa Sudan on Sunday, the public company Central Markets regardless salaries of its employees quickly through coordination with the banks and the reason for the delay in the disbursement of salaries process. Sudan said in a statement, said the ministry is following the payment of salaries for employees of supermarkets company who delayed paychecks for reasons of administrative and financial procedures in the company's process itself We have drawn Directors resolving the matter and the distribution of staff entitlements fully and without delay. He added that the face of general manager of the company regardless of the employees' salaries urgently and without delay, after coordination with one of the existing private banks had deposits of the company mentioned. And on the same level Abdul Mohsen al-Rikabi said director of the company that employees' salaries will be spent this week in coordination with the National Bank and after the completion of the Office of the ministry and its distribution of salaries. END US APPROVES $350M BEECHCRAFT IRAQ DEAL LINK The US State Department’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Iraq for KA-350 [King Air 350] sustainment, logistics, and spares support. The estimated cost is $350 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on February 23, 2016. The Government of Iraq is requesting a five-year sustainment package for its KA-350 fleet that includes operational and intermediate depot level maintenance, spare parts, component repair, publication updates, maintenance training, and logistics. The Iraq Air Force (IqAF) operates five (5) King Air 350 ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) and one (1) King Air 350 aircraft. The KA-350 aircraft are Iraq’s only ISR-dedicated airborne platforms and are used to support Iraqi military operations against Al-Qaeda affiliates and Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) forces. The purchase of a sustainment package will allow the IqAF to continue to operate its fleet of six (6) KA-350 aircraft beyond September 2016 (end of the existing Contract Logistics Support (CLS) effort). Iraq will have no difficulty absorbing this support. The proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security goals of the United States by helping to improve a critical capability of the Iraq Security Forces in defeating ISIL. The prime contractor will be Beechcraft Defense Company, Wichita, KS. Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Iraq. This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.  END

Iraqi News For February 24th, 2016

eServGlobal Launches Zain Cash Mobile Money Service In Iraq
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eServGlobal Launches Zain Cash Mobile Money Service In Iraq

Alliance News

eServGlobal Launches Zain Cash Mobile Money Service In Iraq

Tue, 23rd Feb 2016 08:53

LONDON (Alliance News) - eServGlobal Ltd said Tuesday its mobile-phone payment services have been launched commercially in Iraq under the name Zain Cash.
The payments company said it launched Zain Cash together with its partner, mobile-phone operator Zain Group.The service, which is offered by Iraq Wallet, a company authorised by the Central Bank of Iraq, allows customers make financial transactions using their mobile phones, linking their wallets to their SIM cards.
The service had its soft launch in Iraq in January.
"We are proud to be working with this innovation operator group as they roll out market-leading solutions across rapidly evolving markets," said eServGlobal Executive Chairman John Conoley.
eServGlobal shares were down 4.0% at 2.52 pence on Tuesday morning.
By Hannah Boland; hannahboland@alliancenews.com; @Hannaheboland
Copyright 2016 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.

Mobile Money Goes Live in Iraq With 'Zain Cash'

http://www.barchart.com/headlines/story/73630/mobile-money-goes-live-in-iraq-with-zain-cash

PRNW - Tue Feb 23, 1:05AM CST

BARCELONA, Spain , February 23, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --
eServGlobal (LSE: ESG.L & ASX: ESV.AX) is pleased to announce the commercial launch of mobile money services with Zain Iraq. The service was soft-launched in January and has already attracted strong interest.
     (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120730/552126 )
The service is called 'Zain Cash' and is offered by Iraq Wallet, which is an authorised company from the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI). Through Zain Cash, customers can have a mobile wallet linked to their SIM card, enabling customers to make financial transactions easily and at any time (Cash-In/Cash-out, transfer money from one wallet to another, recharge for prepaid account & bill payment for postpaid account).
Scott Gegenheimer , CEO , Zain Group , said, "We are embracing the opportunity to launch new services that improve the livelihoods of the communities we serve, and through eServGlobal's solution, we will be able to offer life-enhancing mobile services and cement our position as a market leader in the mobile-money arena across our region."
John Conoley , Exec u tive Chairman, eServGlobal , said, "We are proud to be working with this innovative Operator Group as they roll out market-leading solutions across rapidly evolving markets. We look forward to continued collaboration with the Zain Group to launch mobile financial services across their operations."
eServGlobal has a framework agreement with the Zain Group to provide end-to-end mobile money and EVD (electronic voucher distribution for prepaid rechage) solutions across Zain Group's operations.
Mobile money, mobile financial services, mobile recharge and distribution are key elements in the Zain Group strategy. Through innovative product design and marketing strategies, Zain aims to maximise the benefit of mobile money, electronic recharge and distribution, giving customers new alternatives to financial transactions and account recharge. Zain Group coverage extends to more than 45.6 million customers spanningKuwait , Bahrain , Iraq , Jordan , Lebanon , Saudi Arabia , South Sudan and Sudan . Notably, in several of Zain's markets, over 90% of the population does not have access to banking facilities.
Zain's mobile commerce services have a transformational effect on unbanked populations as they open financial systems to formally excluded population segments. This kind of change is crucial in emerging markets where financial inclusion is key to economic development.
eServGlobal is showcasing their mobile money solutions at the Mobile World Congress inBarcelona , 22 - 25 February. eServGlobal will be hosting a live demonstration on its stand located at Hall 7 Stand i61.

Pictures .. Iraq Receives compounds [tactical] US
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[Where - Baghdad]
seventh Iraqi Army Division stationed received in Anbar province, a number of US military vehicles "tactical."

The US embassy in Baghdad, on the front page of the social networking site [Facebook], "The coalition led by the United States forces on February 13, to provide the seventh division of the Iraqi army in the al-Asad air base, a number of tactical vehicles medium light volume [ LMTV]. "
She explained," has been donated to these vehicles to Iraq by training and arming Iraq Trust Fund, which aims to strengthen the capacity of the Iraqi security forces, "Musharh that" the processing of this band, in addition to the exercises lead to the lifting partner capabilities, and enable the Iraqi security forces in war against Daash. "
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DEFENSE CONTRACTORS ARE BACK IN BUSINESS IN IRAQ
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Iraq, February 24, 2016 Show Video | Download Video

The number of private contractors working for the U.S. Defense Department in Iraq grew eight-fold over the past year, a rate that far outpaces the growing number of American troops training and advising Iraqi soldiers battling Islamic State militants.

The sharp increase, disclosed in a recent Pentagon report to Congress, underscores the military’s reliance on civilians even for missions with relatively small troop presence.

“If you look at the size and the composition of the forces that have been deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, that’s changed markedly in the past year,” said Rick Brennan, a senior political scientist at the RAND Corp. and a retired Army officer.

As of January, 2,028 contractors were in Iraq, up from just 250 one year earlier, according to the Pentagon’s data. There are roughly 3,700 American troops there now, compared to 2,300 in January 2015.

That number of military contractors represents just a fraction of the contractors employed by the U.S. in Iraq. In addition to the 2,028 Pentagon contractors, another 5,800 are employed by other agencies, including the State Department.

In the 1980s, the U.S. military decided to hire contractors to work in support roles that had historically been done by troops. That includes jobs like food services, maintaining housing units, water purification and “all those those other things that go with maintaining troops in the field for a long time,” Brennan said. The plus-up in Iraq is likely for contractors in those types of roles.

“What’s occurred then is as you deploy more forces to theater, you have to provide increased total number of contractors,” Brennan said.

During the Iraq War, there was a little bit more than one-to-one ratio of contractors to soldiers, he said. Now in Iraq, more than 30 percent (618) of the contractors are working in maintenance and logistics jobs. Nearly 20 percent (381) are translators and 13 percent (263) are in base support positions, according to the data. 

Contractors are also working in security, transportation, construction, communication support, training, management and administrative roles.

Nearly 70 percent of the contractors are American citizens, 20 percent are third-country nationals and the remaining are local Iraqis. The number of contractors the Pentagon can employ in Iraq is not capped, according to Col. Steve Warren, spokesman for Operation Inherent Resolve.

Many of the contractors in Iraq and neighboring countries are from well known warzone companies like KBR, DynCorp, and Fluor Corporation, the three firms hired by the Army’s Logistics Civil Augmentation Program, or LogCap. The Pentagon awards individual “task order” deals to these each time it needs to support troops overseas.

“It makes tailoring a unit much more responsive to the needs of the commander because you don’t have to try to rip people [with a trade specialty] from other installations,” Brennan said.

KBR, in a November presentation to investors, said its LogCap services work in Iraq “grew in the period with further growth possible.”

Besides the LogCap contractors, the Pentagon can award independent contracts, according to Andrew Hunter, a former Pentagon official who now director of the Defense-Industrial Initiatives Group at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, in Washington. In some instances, the Pentagon hires contractors already working for the government in order to speed up the process.

Even though U.S. troops withdrew fully from Iraq in 2011, many contractors stayed behind working at the American embassy or in logistical roles maintaining Iraq’s military equipment.

Congress ordered the Pentagon to provide detailed information about battlefield contractors following an incident in which private military contractors working for Blackwater USA killed 17 Iraqi civilians in Nisour Square in Baghdad in September 2007.

Not all contractors in the warzone are base guards, laundry workers or chefs. The CIA and other intelligence agencies still use contractors like the former Blackwater or $2.2 billion firm DynCorp and other for paramilitary services. The number of those contractors, some who are closer to the battlefield than the military advisors, is classified and unknown to the public.

U.S. Central Command, which oversees military operations in the Middle East, has sent Congress regular updates about the number of contractors being employed in Iraq and Afghanistan since August 2008. In July 2008, just following the 2007 troop surge, there were 162,428 Pentagon-funded contractors in Iraq, according to the data.

Iraq Economic News for February 23rd, 2016

Abadi meet with al-Sadr in Kadhimiya
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Special - balances News

Met with Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, on Tuesday, the leader Moqtada al-Sadr in Kadhimiya area.

It is said that the leader of the Sadrist movement has launched his reformist, last week, in which he focused on a number of different points, notably the political and economic system reform, as well as activating the role of the public prosecutor and the Supreme Judicial.

A source told / balances News /, that "al-Abadi met the chest in the Kadhimiya district of the capital Baghdad," noting that "the meeting dealt Search detainees in the" Mahdi Army "in prison."

He added, "it was discussed on the integration of the reform project submitted by the Abadi project with al-Sadr, who declared him", adding that "the talks also dealt with the study of the possibility of transforming the popular crowd Authority to national security establishment."

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that "the meeting discussed detect mistakes and Sadrist ministers in the current government."

And called for political blocs, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi choosing new ministers technocrats who intends to form their government within 29 Quadrha.anthy

By: Rami Al-S
END
Jubouri confirms the importance of activating trade and economic cooperation with China
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BAGHDAD - morning 
 as he emphasized Parliament Speaker Salim al-Jubouri, the importance of activating trade and economic with the People's Republic of China cooperation, discussed with the parliamentary bloc's »Union of Forces» ongoing preparations for the Liberation of the city of Mosul from the influence of gangs «Daash» terrorist. 
He stressed Jubouri during a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Baghdad and Wang Yong on the occasion of ending his tenure, the need to create all favorable conditions in order to promote common interests through exchange of experiences between the two countries. He also reviewed with him bilateral relations between Iraq and China, and ways of developing them in order to ensure the interests of the two friendly countries, and the need to exert all efforts in order to sustain mutual cooperation at all levels, and also discussed with him the political and security developments in the region and the world. 
The eighth-Jubouri, China in support of Iraq positions especially in the face of terrorism, and its support for humanitarian displaced and displaced people, who contributed to the strengthening of relations between the two friendly peoples larger. 
for his part, the Chinese ambassador, for support of the Parliament and the government of his country to the efforts of Iraq in all fields, especially the economic ones and humanitarian relief. 
during his meeting with the «Union of forces» Search Speaker legislative, prepare an integrated plan «to post Daash» The return of services to all areas affected by the military operations and re-displaced people to their areas as soon as possible », as well as the ongoing liberalization of the city of Mosul preparations Conception terrorists Aldoaash. And it took place during the meeting, to discuss legislation and important laws required by the current stage, especially with regard to political reforms and change Wazzara.ooodh statement, that «the meeting confirmed their support for all the reform process taking place in the country in order to serve Iraq's supreme interest and out of the country from crises circle especially with regard to fighting terrorism and eliminating and promotion of economic reality, and build a real state institutions based on the separation of powers and protection of human rights and establishing the principle of citizenship and participation in the rights and duties principle
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Daash fully cleared its jails in the city of Mosul
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2/23/2016 0:00  Mosul Sunrise Maher was quick to organize «Daash» terrorist evacuate the prisons in which put thousands of innocent men, women and children under the age of 12 years, after what elements have the fear and panic and terror by the military Althacadat continuous security forces in the outskirts of Mosul, reprisals and processes that goes on elements from inside Mosul . sources said from inside the city of Mosul, said «Daash» began to evacuate all prisons to coincide with the imminent announcement of a planned military operation to liberate Mosul from the grip of «Daash» fearing an uprising of prisoners against Aldoaash. The «Daash» may move the beginning of the month of August of 2014, dozens prisoners of officers, journalists and government officials in the province of Nineveh, and other departments building others from Badush compound was imprisoned and detained in buses carrying plates (Syria - Raqqa) and the fate of these prisoners is unknown even today «. , said one of the citizens« anonymity »that in his area six secret prisons, the regulation of the night detained citizens Friendly and put them inside these prisons, which is about the basements of the old houses, adding that the «people of the area heard the screams of torture made ​​by prisoners but fear the punishment of terrorists, referring to the Aldoaash evacuate these prisons over the past 24 hours quickly and the dead of night. for his part, Captain Ramsey Sheikh from Nineveh police «morning»: The «Daash» «Altesfarat also emptied the prisons and the Directorate of Nineveh police and anti-terrorism used by the previous Daash tortured innocent of Mosul«. He adds Sheikh that «princes« Daash »decided to evacuate the prisons full and trial prisoners within three own courts« fear of starting the process of liberalization surprise by military forces «after tents elements Daash and their leaders fear, anxiety and tension after the arrival of dozens of battalions band 15 Brigade 71 in charge of editing the northern city of Mosul to Makhmour camp in preparation for battle after big victories in the city of Ramadi and defeat Aldoaash inside ». for his part, he revealed a military official from the city of Mosul, Colonel Zakaria Yahya al-Hilali,« morning »for the so-called  b« Sharia Court Daash »issued a quick verdicts after the arrival of prisoners and detainees to three Daash courts included the killing of 90 percent of the prisoners and carried out criminal verdicts in different parts of Mosul «were released Aldoaash 10 percent after their families pay large sums for their release after being convicted on charges of malicious and ready. Sources from within the forensic forensics in Mosul refused to disclose her name confirmed to the correspondent «morning» received 143 bodies of young people in the prime of life, including military and elements of the local police with civilians was committed by terrorists medicine staff forensic not announced and conceal them as belonging to detainees from Mosul ». END

Articles for Iraq for February 20th, 2016

Rafidain Bank issued the smart card to the staff of the Directorate of Financial Affairs in the Ministry of Education

Twilight News

Saturday 02-20-2016  |  8:15:45

     Twilight News / Rafidain Bank announced on Saturday issued a smart card to the staff of the Directorate General for Financial Affairs in the Ministry of Education to receive their monthly salaries instead of manual cash.

     A source at the bank for Twilight News, that the latter issued a rate of more than 1,600 smart card to the staff of the Directorate General for Financial Affairs in the Ministry of Education. He pointed out that the system (ironing Card) is the practice a global system in most developed countries of the world and facilitate the smooth flow of the distribution of salaries and contributes to overcoming obstacles and shorten the routine.

     He stressed that the country Maishdh of security challenges in the face of terrorism is obligatory for state institutions to follow these methods in dealing paydays and is a means to cut the road in front of the phishers who try to tamper with the destiny of the country

TEHRAN, BAGHDAD SET TO EXPAND JOINT INVESTMENT PROJECTS
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Iranian Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh and Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi met here on Thursday stressing deepening bilateral cooperation in industrial, commercial, and joint investment projects.

During the meeting which focused on ways of increasing bilateral trade, the Iraqi premier thanked Iran over its support to develop his country's industrial infrastructure.

Nematzadeh expressed Iran's readiness to transfer its experience on industrial development and help the government of Iraq through joint investment projects.

The Iranian minister, who arrived in Baghdad on Wednesday to promote bilateral relations, met Chairman of Iraq's Supreme Islamic Council of Iraq Seyed Ammar Hakim earlier on Thursday. 

He also met governor of Iraq's National Bank, and his Iraqi counterpart on Thursday and visited industrial projects including a factory assembling Iranian automobiles.

News Articles for Iraq February 19th, 2016

Iraq vows to activate the banking and financial dealings with Iran

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Where - Follow-up] 

Iraq vowed to activate the banking and financial dealings with Iran, which has promised to turn the Iraqi side to continue serious this issue and remove the problems between the two sides in this area.

According to Iranian sources, he met Minister of Industry, Mines and Trade of Iran, Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh Thursday in Baghdad, President of the Central Bank of Iraq Ali Mohsen Keywords, which was considered one of the necessities of trade cooperation and investment placement, activate trading banking and finance between the two countries promised to the Iraqi side to follow-up the serious to this topic problems and the removal of before the transaction banking and finance between the two sides. 
he also met with President of the National Council for the Iraqi investments Sami al-Araji in Baghdad ready corporate Iran announced to employ joint investments in industrial projects in Iraq. 
the al-Araji was proposed in the meeting to conclude a memorandum of understanding for the recruitment of joint investments between the two countries and said that the National Council for investment has a number of projects under construction. 
he pointed out Rumaila to generate electricity station in southern Iraq capacity of 300 MW, he said companies Iranian involved in this important project. 
Araji said that "there are good opportunities for cooperation with Iran in agriculture, electricity, oil and gas, communications and take advantage of the technical sciences for companies Iranian sectors . " 
during a meeting with the Minister of Industry and minerals Mohammed Darraji said Nematzadeh Iran's readiness to set up towns, industrial and investment in the challenged and the reconstruction and construction of industrial units new in Iraq. 
for his part, the Iraqi minister said that the number of industrial units Iraqi Mthrih and in need of modernization and reconstruction and that Iran due to their experience and technical sciences Bamکanha help Iraq in this area. 

Iraqi News for February 16th, 2016

Urgent intelligence: edit kidnapped three Americans in Baghdad
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[Oan- Baghdad]
Iraqi National Intelligence Service for editing kidnapped three Americans who were kidnapped in Baghdad last month announced.

A security source said that "the intelligence service was able to release the three American abductees who were kidnapped last month." 
He added that "being those moments delivery of the kidnapped US side." 
A security source in the Iraqi police, last month reported that "disguised as uniformed gunmen on wheels SUV seized in 17 of the month of January last three US citizens with their interpreter on the highway cycle, south of Baghdad. " 
as another security source said the kidnappers were two of Iraqi origin and one Egyptian reported originally. 
revealed Baghdad operations command, said the Americans were in the flat inside suspicious "in the health district during an abduction. 
he said US Secretary of State John Kerry, that the United States is working with the Iraqi authorities for the purpose of the release of the abductees," he said. "we have a good perception about what happened," but he refused to give any details about the circumstances of what happened. 
the defense Minister Khaled al-Obeidi said that organized gang carried out kidnappings and extortion behind the abduction. 
Obeidi said in an interview on the sidelines of his visit to Cairo last month, "follow us to the topic suggests that organized gang spotted them coming times to this place and this place, I think it is suspicious Vaguetateke from the region, bands we can not identify the affiliation but the gangs are working on kidnapping and extortion. "
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Iraq, "US Treasury issued a list of names of people and Iraqi banks prohibit handled

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So we must be close right???

International event agency 
said a source familiar to our Agency today that "the US Treasury Department will issue a list of the names of persons and banks Iraqi civil will be blocked to deal with it and book Banking conversions and includes the names of a number of members of the Iraqi government and militia leaders list and politicians, businessmen and banks Iraqi charges of laundering and smuggling of money. 
He also stressed the source the ministry is determined to recover all amounts smuggled out of Iraq by these people, banks and followed internationally in order to hold them accountable.

Iraqi News For February 15th, 2016

Iraqi PM offers to pay Kurds' salaries in exchange for oil (Reuters)
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BAGHDAD, Feb 15 (Reuters) - Iraqi's prime minister said on Monday Baghdad would pay the salaries of government employees in Kurdistan if the autonomous northern region stopped selling oil independently, suggesting a deal on sharing oil and revenues could be revived.

After a decade-long economic boom, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) began to suffer in 2014 when Baghdad slashed its share of the budget in response to the Kurds, in pursuit of economic independence, building their own pipeline to Turkey.

The KRG was forced to cut public workers' salaries by up to 75 percent this month as the region grapples with an economic crisis brought to a head by plummeting oil prices.

"I have a suggestion: Give us the oil and we will give every Kurdish employee a salary like we do for every Iraqi employee," Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said in an interview on state television.   

Oil exports from northern Iraq via pipeline to Turkey averaged 601,811 barrels per day last month, mostly from fields within the Kurdistan region. The rest came from the disputed Kirkuk field, which is operated by Iraq's state-run North Oil Co but has been under Kurdish control since June 2014 when Islamic State militants overran the north of the country.

The region's Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani led a delegation to Baghdad on Jan. 31 to meet with Abadi and other senior government officials, but no concrete decisions were announced.

The war against Islamic State and an influx of more than one million people displaced by violence in the rest of the country has compounded the problem, which is also the result of years of mismanagement and corruption.

Kurdish officials have warned in recent weeks that their region faces an economic collapse. (Reporting by Stephen Kalin; editing by John Stonestreet)
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UPDATE  that article is also in Yahoo so this is an article "they" want us to see click here to see Yahoo Version if you want Ghaban: National card will include all provinces
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BAGHDAD / obelisk: Interior Minister Mohammad Al Ghabban, on Monday, the ministry's keenness to be the province of Maysan provinces remain stable security, between the ministry is going according to plan in place involving all of Iraq's provinces the issuance of the national card.

According to a ministry statement, he said Ghaban 'met with the governor of Maysan Ali Douai and his accompanying delegation, and discussed with them a number of security issues concerning the Missan and resolve the issue of Maysan police chief, according to the controls and legal powers. "

He added that 'Ghaban discussed with Douay internal efforts in the national card project, where between Ghaban that the ministry is going according to plan in place involving all of Iraq's provinces issuance of national card within the time durations and intervals specified by the Ministry. "

For his part, he praised the governor of Maysan great efforts made by the internal efforts in the province, making it are safe and secure, praising the role of the minister and his sincere efforts seeking to fight crime and terrorism and to achieve
END

Iraq and Iran sign a trade protocol next Wednesday
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Baghdad} Euphrates News Search Minister of Labour and Social Affairs and the Minister of Trade and agency Mohamed Xiaa Sudanese with Iran's ambassador in Baghdad Dnaii fled finalize the trade protocol would be signed next Wednesday in the presence of Minister of Industry and Trade Iranian Nematzadeh.

Sudan said in a statement the agency {Euphrates News} received a copy of it today, "The Protocol of trade would be signed with the Islamic Republic will be its influence positively on the two neighboring countries economy." 
He stressed that "Iraq's desire to better relations with neighboring countries to establish that Iraq Islamic them and the Republic of distinguished relations in a lot of areas, ".ant

Iraqi News for February 14th, 2016

Iraq and Iran sign a trade protocol next Wednesday
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Baghdad} Euphrates News Search Minister of Labour and Social Affairs and the Minister of Trade and agency Mohamed Xiaa Sudanese with Iran's ambassador in Baghdad Dnaii fled finalize the trade protocol would be signed next Wednesday in the presence of Minister of Industry and Trade Iranian Nematzadeh.

Sudan said in a statement the agency {Euphrates News} received a copy of it today, "The Protocol of trade would be signed with the Islamic Republic will be its influence positively on the two neighboring countries economy." 
He stressed that "Iraq's desire to better relations with neighboring countries to establish that Iraq Islamic them and the Republic of distinguished relations in a lot of areas, ".ant
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Iraqi News For February 13th, 2016

Gold guarantee economic stability

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2/14/2016 0:00

Many economists and money to remain «yellow metal» believed real and basic guarantee for the economies of their countries, despite the disengagement law install paper currency gold quantities value in the wake of World War II, even though the gold wealth strategy form the consecration of the value of the currencies of countries and a guarantee of financial stability where!.
but what role they could play this precious metal in the economies of countries in light of fluctuations in world prices and what is the mechanism that determines its price ?, themselves experts believe that the rise in gold prices over the years, but stresses that this metal commensurate with the economic situation of countries in her days whites and blacks this is because the acceleration of global economic growth and the occurrence of the global financial crisis has made ​​the importance of gold as an investment for individuals and governments and global funds and international institutions play an essential role in economic life.
if this is the vision of the experts of the importance of the gold question now is whether Iraq has reserves of gold, of more than 86 tonnes, according to the figures announced and published could play a prominent role in alleviating the painful financial crisis experienced by the country effects?
this question may be a bit strange in light reassure the Iraqi Central Bank Baanaatyate of hard currency and the yellow metal on the critical situation in Iraq, but the question here about how to benefit from the gold reserves in addressing the crisis, based on the experiences of countries that founded in the light of the perceptions of experts.
Remarkably, the economist told the appearance of Mohammed Saleh of the financial distress to be solved send a reassuring and comfortable for all but the need requires the submission somewhat urgent solutions Central to the initiative by ordering gold coins may be presented to the public one way players in the required processors and thus a clear signal to the health experts estimate that gold is an effective method and a sure guarantee of economic stability.

Unexpected visit to Moon Yong Kim to Baghdad

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BAGHDAD / obelisk: detecting representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations in Iraq, Jan Kubiš, Saturday, for a planned visit by the Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon and World Bank President Jim Yong Kim to Baghdad to discuss further support Iraq, as demanded Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari, the United Nations more support and mobilize international efforts.

PIO Jaafari said in a statement that 'the Foreign Minister, received today, a representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Jan Kubiš', noting that 'The meeting reviewed the overall security developments, political and witnessed by the Iraqi arena, and the situation that prevailed in the region and ways to support Iraq in its war Daash against terrorist gangs, as well as the challenges that Iraq is going through. '

The al-Jaafari, according to the statement, 'the need to stand by Iraq' and urged the United Nations B'almazid of support and to mobilize international efforts'.

For his part, reiterated Kubiš 'parking to the United Nations by Iraq, and help cope with the current challenges', explaining that' visited Turkey recently, and urged Turkish officials on the need to end the Turkish violation of Iraqi territory. "

He Kubiš, that 'the Turkish side confirmed his quest to solve the problems with Iraq constructive dialogue', noting that 'the Turks stressed the importance of cooperation with Iraq, and to stand by his side, and they had to increase water releases within the framework of providing assistance to Iraq. "

He revealed Kubiš for 'visit during the coming period will be conducted by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki-moon and World Bank President Jim Yong Kim to Baghdad to discuss increased support for Iraq, and its support in the current circumstances

Abadi back to Baghdad after the conclusion of his visit to German

Italy

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Baghdad - where] 
Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, returned at dawn Saturday in Baghdad coming from Germany.

A statement by his office, received by all of Iraq [where], a copy of the Abadi "returned home early Saturday morning, concluding his visit to Italy and Germany, where he met with officials of the two countries attended the Munich Conference on Security, met on the sidelines of a number of Arab leaders and officials and foreigners." .is over

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The launch of thousands of helium balloons in the Skies of Baghdad celebrate "Valentine's Day
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Twilight News / announced Zora City Games on Saturday announced the launch of thousands of helium balloons in the skies of the capital Baghdad on Sunday evening to celebrate Valentine's Day "Valentine's Day".

The city said in a statement responded to the Twilight News, it "will launch thousands of helium balloons in the skies of the capital Baghdad, at five o'clock in the evening on Sunday to mark the festival of love, along with fireworks colors and forms attractive and impressive."

"The city administration is seeking, through this event to draw expressive on the status of joy experienced by the city of Baghdad and a gesture of peace and stability and promote security, especially after victories big successes on the terrorist factions that are trying in various ways to disturb the atmosphere and the unity of rows image."

She noted that "considerable public celebration will be held in the city of Zora Games on Sunday night, on this occasion includes technical presentations and a variety of recreational activities."

Iran announces the completion of the first phase to set up operations, "Linda Barker" border crossing with Iraq

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Information / BAGHDAD / ..

Iran announced Assistant Governor for Planning Hashmat God's military on Saturday, completing the first phase of the establishment of "Linda Barker" border crossing with Iraq, and in fact in the district dehloran, adding that he will be officially opened within the next two months.

The news agency quoted the "Knight" for Assistant Governor Eelam (LTTE) on the sidelines of a meeting with the Assistant Economic province of Maysan in "Linda Barker" border area, he said that "this port inaugurated in the district dehloran will provide the ground for the interests of Iran and Iraq in the trade and economic fields and cross the visitors."

He added that he "has been set up all the infrastructure in the field of roads, water, electricity and International Security" Linda Barker "border port, and that all things are well suited to find an official outlet," noting that "Both Iran and Iraq have enjoyed economic potential is suitable."

He added that "Ilam Province is composed of 10 districts, where is dehloran spend of more districts of the province -owned natural resources such as oil and gas and agriculture," adding that "with the opening of Linda Barker border port will be linked dehloran city with the city on the western Iraqi Missan province."

He pointed out that "civilian dehloran about 90 km from the railway plans, which connects Mhafezv Khuzestan capital Tehran, which is the best border point for Iraq."

Military He expected to cross between 700 to 1000 trucks through, "Linda Barker" border port, indicating that can neighboring provinces of Ilam Province, such as Chahar Mahal and Bakhtiari, Hamedan, Lorestan, Isfahan and central advantage of this port Alhdodi.anthy /

News for Iraq February 12th, 2016

High Russian delegation's visit to Iraq .. a big strategic shift in the region
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This is really interesting because Iran just made a swap deal with Russia today too see that here if you want

At a time when talk is sometimes all that Iraq is part of the American system in the region, and that it is linked to Iran, at other times, Moscow has surprised everyone a Russian delegation visited Baghdad large.

The delegation about the attention and expectations to a totally different direction ... The Deputy Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin, Russia's largest delegation for years, accompanied by, came to Baghdad .. visit of the delegation, which consists of about 100 government officials and business sector came under Moscow's efforts to strengthen trade ties and security with Iraq, which some see as likely to undermine US influence in one of the most sensitive regions of the world.

Following the visit, the Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari said that the discussions revolved around ways to provide military assistance to defeat al Daash that dominated the one-third of Iraqi territory in 2014 .. Jaafari said Iraq needs international support from various sources, whether in the context of the international coalition led by the the United States or abroad.

Rogozin, in turn, stressed that Russia is ready to sell passenger aircraft "Sukhoi Super Jet" for Iraq and continue the supplied military aid to fight Daash, referring to the hope that such aid is being used to enable Baghdad to restore the city of Mosul in the north and other areas controlled by the terrorist organization .. He suggested Rogozin hold the next meeting in Mosul; referring to the confidence in the ability of the Iraqi government to implement its pledge to restore the city this year.

Reuters STRINGER

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin and Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari

Signed agreements exceeded the limits of security frameworks to include a memorandum of understanding on boosting Iraq's production of electricity, noting that Russia has invested millions of dollars in the past in Iraq's energy sector.

Visions observers have differed about the Russian delegation's visit to Baghdad, especially as it coincided with the Munich talks on ways to push forward the Syrian settlement forward on the one hand, and with the mobility of a senior diplomat Gulf toward Russia on the other hand .. motionless was etcetera visit the King of Bahrain to Moscow, will be followed next month's visit by a Saudi monarch to Moscow. What many see as a convergence between the Gulf states and Russia on the part of the other side, which may contribute to resolving a number of crises that afflict the Middle East now.

It remains the timing and the size of Russia's visit to Baghdad very noticeable interesting, especially since most experts believe that the visit came after the frequent indications of declining Iranian role in Iraq after the nuclear deal, at a time when Washington reduces the ability of Iraqi forces to restore areas controlled by Daash and reluctant to support weapons .. means that Baghdad may be in need of a Russian role an actor can move more freely to achieve the goals they seek.

This is out of the question, especially as it coincides with the magnitude of Russia's role in Syria, which means that it can not a neutral observer, however, says that Moscow is moving to achieve the geopolitical balance in the region.

Finally, Moscow's economic ties with Baghdad remains a goal of the visit, Russian, and so at some point are also on the drawing of a new Iraq in which advanced economy and moderating the balance of regional and international powers, especially since the country is preparing for the return of the era of state absent since 2003.

Omar Abdul Satta
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The arrival of "Banstar 1" and "Almanbad" Russian to Iraq
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These are tanks and there are pictures click that link if you want to see them

Baghdad balances News

A military source said on Friday, the arrival of a new batch of Russian air defense systems "Banstar 1" to Iraq.

The source told / balances News /, that "a new batch of Russian air defense systems, medium-range type"Pantsir-s1 "missiles" Almanbad "short-term arrived today to Iraq."

It is said that the number of Nizmomat Albanstar who arrived to Iraq amounted to 20 out of 48 system contracted by Iraq.

He revealed for security and defense committee member of the parliamentary Majid al-Gharawi, for the imminent arrival of advanced Russian weapons to Iraq as part of agreements between the two parties contracts. Ended 29 

Kurdish soldier becomes Iraqi army hero for destroying 60 car bombs
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ERBIL, Kurdistan Region—A Kurdish soldier in the Iraqi army has been hailed as a hero for destroying 60 Islamic State (ISIS) car bombs in battle.

Mustafa Mandalawi, said that he personally targeted and destroyed 70 ISIS vehicles in different areas of Iraq 60 of which were packed with explosives and deployed as car bombs.

Iraq’s Defense Minister Khalid al-Obaidi visit Mandalawi in hospital on Thursday where he is being treated for injuries sustained in a recent battle.

In praise of Mandalawi al-Obeidi said "if he destroys 60 car bombs then he equals the Iraqi air force."

A journalist in the hospital ward asked the defense minister if he knew Mandalawi was a Kurd to which he replied, “I just learned this information, I do not know he is a Kurd or Arab, what matters to me is that he is a hero, he is Iraqi and from the Iraqi army.”


Thousands of Kurds serve in the Iraqi army which they joined after an agreement between Erbil and Baghdad in 2005. They participated in the battle of Ramadi last year.
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