TNT Updates From the Weekend
Weekend UPDATE for February 18, 2018
Saturday reports:
Jabouri is indicating that the budget will be complete in one week.....
While at the Security Council summit in Germany, Abadi being under pressure, agrees to getting it done....
Sunday reports:
The Baghdad/Erbil crisis comes to an end at the National Conference!
The Kurds are happy with the results of the Article 140 debacle and are agreeing to cast their vote.
Now, let's bring on this budget and move on.....to the public release of the new rates! Yeah!!
800 Numbers from the Districts are ready to be sent to corresponding banks and various information providers (that includes us).
A single district could have multiple 800 numbers to utilize for appointments.
ZIM UPDATE:
The cap is 100 Trillion Zim per person at the prevailing rate at the time of exchange.
100 Trillion can be from any combination of 100's and 50's from the Trillions, Millions, Billions and Thousands series.
A single district could have multiple 800 numbers to utilize for appointments.
ZIM UPDATE:
The cap is 100 Trillion Zim per person at the prevailing rate at the time of exchange.
100 Trillion can be from any combination of 100's and 50's from the Trillions, Millions, Billions and Thousands series.
This CAP is in effect until further notice.
Word on the Street Tuesday 2/20/18:
Forex Rates:
| Symbol | Bid | Ask | High | Low | Open | Change | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD/IQD | | | 1,169.5000 | 1,169.5000 | 1,169.5000 | | 20:00 |
| USD/VND | | | 22,844.0000 | 22,417.0000 | 22,417.0000 | | 02:26 |
| USD/CNY | | | 6.3521 | 6.3383 | 6.3473 | | 06:27 |
| USD/KWD | | | 0.2993 | 0.2986 | 0.2990 | | 06:24 |
| GBP/USD | | | 1.4010 | 1.3933 | 1.3991 | | 06:28 |
| USD/IRR | | | 12,048.0000 | 12,048.0000 | 12,048.0000 | | 17:51 |
| USD/IDR | | | 13,632.0000 | 13,553.0000 | 13,553.0000 | | 06:26 |
CNBC Link:
CNBC Morning Squawk Link:
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DC NY Iraq Articles:ddddd
Near the completion of a new plant in Basra increases the production capacity of the field Zubair oil
Feb 20, 2018
BASRA - A new facility at the Zubayr oil field in Basra is expected to increase the field's production capacity by about 200,000 bpd, above the current capacity of 440,000 barrels per day. The government-run Basra Oil Company says the new Hamar Musharraf plant is already in its final stages. The plant is part of a plan to boost production in the field, which is about four billion barrels to 700,000 bpd by 2022.
"Of course, al-Zubayr field is one of the main fields in southern Iraq," said Abdul Jabbar Abbas, director of the Zubayr field operator. And is currently produced in the range of 437 thousand barrels per day. The station can accommodate 200 thousand barrels per day. This plant is part of the many installations that were established in the field, in addition to the old installations, which will absorb the production plan targeted for the development of the Zubair oil field, which is hoped to reach in 2022 ».
In November, the company began implementing a 90-day plan to increase oil production as part of a broader plan aimed at reaching five million bpd of national oil production, he added.
Iraqi Oil Minister Jabbar al-Luaibi said last month that the current production volume was 4.3 million bpd.
In December, oil exports from Basra's southern ports increased to a record 3.535 million bpd.
The bulk of Iraqi oil is exported through southern ports.
"Of course, al-Zubayr field is one of the main fields in southern Iraq," said Abdul Jabbar Abbas, director of the Zubayr field operator. And is currently produced in the range of 437 thousand barrels per day. The station can accommodate 200 thousand barrels per day. This plant is part of the many installations that were established in the field, in addition to the old installations, which will absorb the production plan targeted for the development of the Zubair oil field, which is hoped to reach in 2022 ».
In November, the company began implementing a 90-day plan to increase oil production as part of a broader plan aimed at reaching five million bpd of national oil production, he added.
Iraqi Oil Minister Jabbar al-Luaibi said last month that the current production volume was 4.3 million bpd.
In December, oil exports from Basra's southern ports increased to a record 3.535 million bpd.
The bulk of Iraqi oil is exported through southern ports.
Integrity: Adjustment of the treatment of agricultural loan in two billion dinars expenses for the project is not completed in Babylon
Date of release: 2018/2/20 13:37 • 31 times read
(Baghdad: Al Furat News) The Investigation Department of the Integrity Commission revealed that it was able to control the treatment of agricultural loan in the amount of two billion dinars for an unfinished project in the province of Babylon, indicating that the seizure was made under a warrant for judicial arrest.
The agency said in a statement received by the agency {Euphrates News} a copy of it today in an interview on the details of the control, to "the receipt of information on the existence of agricultural loan worth two billion dinars disbursed from the Agricultural Agricultural Bank - Hilla branch of the project (the establishment and operation of livestock breeding station), The agricultural situation and livestock development in the province. A team from the Bureau of Investigation of Babel in the Department of Investigation and the Office of the Inspector General of the Ministry of Finance carried out the on-site detection and found that the project is incomplete halls, although more than four years On who H loan ".
He added that "the team of the investigation office of Babylon, reached through the investigation and follow-up that the plot of land allocated to the project, which is an area of (800) acres, and the Department of cultivation Kfl, is barren land."
The statement pointed out that "the competent investigating judge in the province issued orders for the right of the Director of the Agricultural Bank in Hilla previously and the official and members of the Committee of disclosures in the bank, according to the provisions of Article (340) of the Penal Code."
The integrity commission warned in November of repeated irregularities in agricultural loan transactions, demanding the Ministry of Finance to put an end to the administrative and financial corruption in the transactions of granting agricultural loans in branches of the Agricultural Cooperative Bank.
He added that "the team of the investigation office of Babylon, reached through the investigation and follow-up that the plot of land allocated to the project, which is an area of (800) acres, and the Department of cultivation Kfl, is barren land."
The statement pointed out that "the competent investigating judge in the province issued orders for the right of the Director of the Agricultural Bank in Hilla previously and the official and members of the Committee of disclosures in the bank, according to the provisions of Article (340) of the Penal Code."
The integrity commission warned in November of repeated irregularities in agricultural loan transactions, demanding the Ministry of Finance to put an end to the administrative and financial corruption in the transactions of granting agricultural loans in branches of the Agricultural Cooperative Bank.
Damluji demands that Abadi abide by the provisions of the Iraqi Media Network Act
The Committee on Culture and Information parliamentary called on the Prime Minister to abide by the provisions of the law of the Iraqi media network, and explained the head of the committee Mayson Damluji in a statement that the Committee had earlier sent a book on 31-8-2016 to the Council of Ministers demanding the replacement of the secretaries of the Iraqi media network who exceeded their service four years , Indicating that it sent another confirmation letter on 14-8-2017 to complete the replacement process in accordance with the Iraqi Media Network Law No. 26 of 2015 amended.
Al-Damluji welcomed the replacement of the trustees after the expiry of the legal period, stressing that the decision came at a critical period prior to the elections, which gives a negative impression to the competing political blocs and affects their legitimate right to neutralize the media network that should represent all segments of the Iraqi people and their political orientation. Broadcast and publicity fairly between the political blocs competing.
Al-Damluji called for retaining the current secretaries, except for those who have nominated themselves for the elections, and exempting members of boards of trustees from other independent bodies, including the media and communications authority, who have exceeded the legal period.
The spread of militias in liberated areas is a source of concern for Iraqis
Baghdad - Iraq Ahmed
Date: 20 February 2018
The massive deployment of Iraq's sectarian militias, particularly Iranian-backed ones, has raised fears and anxiety among the local population, especially on the Kurdish and Sunni sides, for the potential to influence the upcoming elections, in addition to demographic change. , Fearing the militias and powerful parties in power.
Residents of the Sunni and mixed areas believe that influential forces pushed the National Guard's law to pass, and the lack of interest in arming clan members to defend their areas and replacing them with sectarian "crowds" from other regions.
"The government in Baghdad abandoned us after promising to arm us and provide salaries to our fighters. We sent dozens of requests to Baghdad about our problems and the same answer every time," said Abdul Hamid al-Nimrawi, commander of an armed group of tribal fighters in Anbar. "US forces at the base of Ain al-Assad are training and arming us simply with the approval of the Iraqi government, which is better than nothing."
"The maintenance of security in Anbar is a difficult task and needs sophisticated military capabilities. Unfortunately, the Iraqi army lacks much. The American forces, which have aircraft, intelligence, and combat aircraft to monitor the border, Can be dispensed with so quickly, and political conflicts between the Sunni parties in the provincial council are also worrying.
According to network «Niqash» media, the factions loyal to Iran, «Badr» led by Hadi al-Amiri and «Asaib Ahl al-Haq» led by Qais al-Khazali and «Najba» led by Akram al-Kaabi and «Iraqi Hezbollah Brigades» demanding the exit of US forces as soon as possible, says A spokesman for the Hezbollah Brigades, the strongest and most loyal faction of Iran, Jaafar al-Husseini, said that American forces are occupying forces. The confrontation with the Americans may start at any moment. Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi resorted to neutral language in order not to provoke Iran and its allies, And avoid losing US-led international military support.
But the Sunni provinces of Anbar, Salah al-Din, Diyala and Mosul, which are devastated and live in devastated homes and displacement camps, have a different view. They see the presence of US forces as a neutral element for the non-return of terrorist organizations and the prevention of sectarian factions from spreading in Sunni cities, Security, says a senior local official in the Anbar Provincial Council, noting that the fears of the cities not only the return of terrorists, but also the continued spread of sectarian factions in the city on the pretext of maintaining security because of the presence of local forces able to manage the security file after the collapse of the police summer The Or 2014.
Targeting Christians
Iraqi Christians in Erbil say that their people in the Bartala area have sold their homes after a large march by the crowd to change the composition of the population. The Director-General for Christians in the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs of the Kurdistan Regional Government Khalid Al-Birt said that the popular crowd is seeking various means to change the demographic reality in the regions Christianity, pointing out that they bring their sectarian component to the region and build housing complexes for them.
According to Albert, the violations of the popular mobilization against Christians in the Nineveh Plain continue, explaining that they are now using the Shabaks to carry out these practices and their exposure to the Christians and the seizure of their property and land. The Shabak is a nation with mixed ethnic origins, half of them Shia and one Sunni.
2018/18/02 Khandan -
The Higher Committee for Relief and Shelter of Refugees (IDRC), chaired by the Chairman of the Committee, Jassem Mohammed Al-Jaf, approved the plan for the current year, which aims to support the return of the displaced families to their areas of origin and restore the stability of the liberated areas.
The Ministry of Immigration said in a statement that the Minister of Immigration discussed during the meeting "the work of the committee charged with supporting the displaced women of Yazidi and other women who were holding a terrorist fist in support of them and a grant of two million Iraqi Dinars Each Najia in coordination with the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers and the Directorate of Awqaf in the Kurdistan Regional Government. "
The Supreme Committee also approved the "distribution of white oil to the schools of displaced students in the provinces of Kurdistan region in coordination with the Ministry of Oil."
In the same context, the meeting discussed the situation of refugees and displaced persons in Turkey and facilitate the return of families wishing to return home and in particular to provide all necessary facilities for them.
In this regard, the Minister of Immigration affirmed that the committee and the ministry will coordinate with the Ministry of Interior to issue passports to the displaced in Turkey to enable them to return, with funding from the Higher Committee for Relief and Shelter for the displaced.
The Ministry of Immigration said in a statement that the Minister of Immigration discussed during the meeting "the work of the committee charged with supporting the displaced women of Yazidi and other women who were holding a terrorist fist in support of them and a grant of two million Iraqi Dinars Each Najia in coordination with the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers and the Directorate of Awqaf in the Kurdistan Regional Government. "
The Supreme Committee also approved the "distribution of white oil to the schools of displaced students in the provinces of Kurdistan region in coordination with the Ministry of Oil."
In the same context, the meeting discussed the situation of refugees and displaced persons in Turkey and facilitate the return of families wishing to return home and in particular to provide all necessary facilities for them.
In this regard, the Minister of Immigration affirmed that the committee and the ministry will coordinate with the Ministry of Interior to issue passports to the displaced in Turkey to enable them to return, with funding from the Higher Committee for Relief and Shelter for the displaced.
Treatment of oil spot near Faw port
Release date: 2018/2/19 23:57 •
{Basra: Euphrates News} The technicians of the Division of Marine Pollution of the Division of Marine Inspection of the ports of Iraq to combat an oil spill in the area near the port project Faw.
The oil spill was caused by spills from one of the crude oil pipelines for export to the Basra oil company at sea. The workers used their equipment and modern equipment in the operations of combating marine pollution in the area we mentioned, which is located near the port of Faw on the side West of the breakwater. "
"The Marine Pollution Control Team of the General Company of Iraqi Ports has combated the spilled oil which spread on the side of Al-Kasr and sprayed the area with oil dispersal and was immediately treated and fully controlled. d
"The Marine Pollution Control Team of the General Company of Iraqi Ports has combated the spilled oil which spread on the side of Al-Kasr and sprayed the area with oil dispersal and was immediately treated and fully controlled. d
Kauaihn Iraq Articles:dd
Components of Kirkuk agree to dialogue to solve political problems under the supervision of the United Nations
20/02/2018
Baghdad / Al-Ghad Press:
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Kirkuk's governor, Rakan al-Jubouri and UNAMI, said Tuesday that the components of Kirkuk province agreed that the United Nations should start a serious dialogue to find solutions to outstanding political problems.
"Kirkuk needs political and humanitarian support and we in the Kirkuk administration have decided to return the UNAMI office in a building," al-Jubouri, the deputy special representative for political affairs and electoral assistance for the UNAMI mission in Iraq, told the Associated Press. To maintain their work and support efforts aimed at stability and dialogue, and the United Nations to build a dialogue between the components of Kirkuk to find solutions to outstanding problems.
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Kirkuk's governor, Rakan al-Jubouri and UNAMI, said Tuesday that the components of Kirkuk province agreed that the United Nations should start a serious dialogue to find solutions to outstanding political problems.
"Kirkuk needs political and humanitarian support and we in the Kirkuk administration have decided to return the UNAMI office in a building," al-Jubouri, the deputy special representative for political affairs and electoral assistance for the UNAMI mission in Iraq, told the Associated Press. To maintain their work and support efforts aimed at stability and dialogue, and the United Nations to build a dialogue between the components of Kirkuk to find solutions to outstanding problems.
The UNAMI mission, based on initial discussions with representatives of nationalities in Kirkuk, agreed that the United Nations should start a serious and positive dialogue," he said. "We are ready to help in the division of posts in Kirkuk if it serves to solve the outstanding problems between Components of Kirkuk and there is room for holding seminars and dialogues between nationalities to bring together views and solve outstanding problems.
For its part, said Wolbol "lifting the post of UNAMI mission in Kirkuk to fit the size of the province, and expand the cadres also and we will work as we previously worked independently and neutral and our initiatives will be on dialogue to provide advice and support for all, but the final decision is always for the Iraqis." d
For its part, said Wolbol "lifting the post of UNAMI mission in Kirkuk to fit the size of the province, and expand the cadres also and we will work as we previously worked independently and neutral and our initiatives will be on dialogue to provide advice and support for all, but the final decision is always for the Iraqis." d
Iraq seeks to benefit from the experience of the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu
Jubail - Issa Al Khater:
From the visit of the Iraqi delegation to the Royal Commission Acting Minister of Industry and Minerals of Iraq Mohammed Al-Sudani said that Jubail Industrial City represents a success story in the field of industrial city management, hoping to benefit from the experience of the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu in Iraq.
He said during his visit to the Visitors Center at the Royal Commission in Jubail on Sunday morning, where he was received by the President of the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, Dr. Musleh bin Hamed Al-Otaibi and a number of staff of the Royal Commission that the visit comes in the framework of cooperation and coordination between the Iraqi and Saudi sides in light of the recent trend after the formation of the Coordination Council and the formation of committees At the level of the Council, and upon meeting an official invitation by the Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources Eng. Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih, explaining that the investment opportunities for Saudi investors are available and some of them have been delivered and in the process of study and preparation for the transfer to Jean The signing of the agreements.
The Minister also reviewed the most prominent projects of the Royal Commission through a tour of the visitor center of the Royal Commission in Jubail, where he learned about the most important elements of success in the industrial city of Jubail, such as the importance of the site and the geographical area and the diversity of existing industries.
The Iraqi Minister toured the residential area of Jubail Industrial City and toured the industrial zone in Saudi Iron and Steel Company (Hadid), Saudi Kayan Petrochemical Company (Kayan Saudi Arabia) and the Guardian Glass Company. d
Araji: Iraqi-Jordanian relations are solid
20/2/2018 12:00 am
Joint committee to supervise border security
He pointed out that the opening of the Trebil crossing and the safety of this road reflected positively on the trade and economic movement between the two countries. He described his visit to Jordan as a task to strengthen existing relations and discuss a number of security, political and economic issues.
He said that his visit was successful and fruitful, during which it was agreed to develop the Tripoli border crossing with international standards. A joint committee was also discussed to supervise border security.
The Araji, has confirmed the victory of Iraq in all its spectra and components of terrorism as it starts correctly towards the future. He pointed out during a meeting with Jordanian Prime Minister Hani al-Mulqi to close cooperation between the Ministries of Interior in both countries to secure the protection of the border from all forms of smuggling.
Amman / Hazem Moubaydin
Minister of Interior Qasim al-Araji expressed the depth and strength of the relations between Iraq and Jordan and the development witnessed in various fields. He also revealed the agreement to develop the Tripoli border crossing with international standards.
In a press conference held at the Iraqi embassy in Amman on Monday, Al-Araji stressed his country's appreciation for Jordan's support for Iraq and its stability and stability, while praising Iraqi efforts to combat terrorism and criminal gangs.He pointed out that the opening of the Trebil crossing and the safety of this road reflected positively on the trade and economic movement between the two countries. He described his visit to Jordan as a task to strengthen existing relations and discuss a number of security, political and economic issues.
He said that his visit was successful and fruitful, during which it was agreed to develop the Tripoli border crossing with international standards. A joint committee was also discussed to supervise border security.
The Araji, has confirmed the victory of Iraq in all its spectra and components of terrorism as it starts correctly towards the future. He pointed out during a meeting with Jordanian Prime Minister Hani al-Mulqi to close cooperation between the Ministries of Interior in both countries to secure the protection of the border from all forms of smuggling.
Iraq's reconstruction between Kuwait and Munich
20/2/2018 12:00 amKuwait was studying the words and decisions of the delegations of the participating countries and international companies attending the conference to build a framework for the limits of its expectations of the contributions of donor countries, donors and lenders.
Of course, security and security are both reasons for the other, no one of the owners of the money dare to enter the Iraqi market without personal security and social protection and a code of law and administrative encouraging and attractive, and no country or company considering investment unless you ascertain the direction of the political system and its security and economic policies, External and diplomatic positions.
In Kuwait, the chief executive of Iraq, Dr. Haider al-Abadi, assured the investors and lenders promising them to improve the business and financial environment at all levels of security, political and economic. The conference was an international demonstration to give logic to economic interests from Iraq on the logic of confrontation, conflict and tension. , Iraq wants to be an area of intersection of interests and financial and economic competition, not a conflict zone international and regional axes exhausted everyone and destroyed the hopes of peoples in a future free of the specter of wars and conflicts.
However, the political and moral aspects of Kuwait's conference have collided with the walls of the convulsive speech in Munich. While the Iraqi prime minister calls for security alertness and the international coalition against terrorism to remain coherent, because terrorism still lurks in Iraq, the region and the world, the United States and Israel seek to replace al-Da'ashi's terrorism with Iran as an enemy. The Union should act against it.
This logic is not consistent with the declared desire to take serious policies to uproot the environment of terrorism, its motives, its causes and its reservoirs. In the wake of the wars of terrorism, terrorism has been growing, al-Qa'ida and Da'dah are growing stronger and stronger. The introduction of a new conflict against Iran, its allies and supporters will revive the environment of extremist thought, sectarian conflicts and terrorist groups. , And the outcome will be at the expense of Iraq, the key to the stability of the region is the stability of Iraq and its economic prosperity, and it is inconceivable that policies contradict this level of recklessness, so that the Iraqis hear beautiful words in Kuwait, and words progressive in Munich, The United States is preparing for a long-term soft war against Iran, and then it is said that the world, with the stability of security and democracy in the region, is threatening the security of Iraq and hindering the improvement of its economy is the turbulent environment surrounding it. Any escalation in Syria, Lebanon, Iran or the Gulf will negatively affect Across the region, intimidating companies and investors and slowing the flow of capital into Iraq.
The security of the region is indivisible. If Washington and Tel Aviv are eager to strike Iran, the latter knows how to defend their interests. This simply means that the region will not emerge from the shadow of conflict and war. It will not risk the cowardly money to enter its markets. We are talking about Iraq, the heart of the region, War and peace.
We will be happy in Iraq if the countries of the region are allowed to solve their own problems and Israel and the United States will not be the ones who are drawing the point of the next conflict. The reconstruction of Iraq will only be able to stop the language of war in our region.
Aoun to Iraq and Jumblatt met the Emir of Kuwait and seek to approve the budget in response to an international desire
The candidacy of Berri and Nasrallah coincided with a message about the strength of the coalition
Feb 20, 2018
Feb 20, 2018
BEIRUT - The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nabih Berri, opened the bourse yesterday from Ain al-Tinah, followed by Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. The synchronization did not coincide with the announcement of the names of the candidates in one day. To the strength of the alliance between the Amal movement and Hezbollah in conjunction with Aoun's visit to Iraq today and meet with Jumblatt with the Emir of Kuwait and a Lebanese effort to approve the budget to meet the international desire.
It was noted that Berri did not mention the Maronite candidate in the district of Jezzine, Ibrahim Samir Azar, because he did not embarrass him in front of his Christian voters, but Berri would consider Azar allies and support the vote for him, as well as for the media Salim Zahran, where Berri is still negotiating with Hezbollah, If his name would be a provocation to the Future Current audience and push the nerve of the blue current.
The head of the Future Movement Saad Hariri held a night meeting with the head of the Free Patriotic Movement Minister Gebran Bassil to resolve the issue of the alliance between the two streams or not, knowing that the interests of the two movements may require each of them to run the elections in individual lists in a number of departments.
Before the electoral entitlement, the Council of Ministers tried in its extraordinary session yesterday to put the general budget for 2018 on the track in order to meet the international desire to complete the budget, including reforms on the eve of the international support conferences for Lebanon. The cabinet formed a committee chaired by the prime minister and nine ministers to study the ministers' comments on the budget figures for 2018 contained in the draft law, provided that the committee returns to the council with final proposals, amid an "encouraging" atmosphere, said Minister of Finance Ali Hassan Khalil after the session, "There is a determination by everyone to approve it before the parliamentary elections."
While Khalil pointed out that this committee will hold intensive sessions this week and in the coming days to complete the project and refer it to the House of Representatives at the earliest time », the President of the Republic General Michel Aoun« to intensify the meetings of the Council to approve the bill and referred to the House of Representatives »and if necessary can open "Stressing the need to reduce the deficit and reach a radical solution to the deficit of electricity through the adoption of the solution proposed by the Ministry of Energy and Water," calling for «those who talk about a scandal when talking about a solution to electricity, to show the potential to remove». President Aoun also asked the Ministers of Finance, Social Affairs, Defense, Interior and Municipalities to intensify contact with the Governor of the Banque du Liban to find a quick solution to the housing loan crisis.
For his part, Prime Minister Hariri announced that he would call for successive meetings of the Council to approve the draft and refer it to the House of Representatives, stressing "the need to bring the required reforms and not to increase the debt and respect the reduction of 20% on the budget figures." He said that "if the reforms are not approved, "
In the presence of the Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Ali Jarrah Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, met with MP Walid Jumblatt, accompanied by MPs Ghazi Aridi, Akram Shahib and Wael Abu Faour. .
Jumblatt criticized the recent appointments and considered that "the wheel of the cabinet, such as the engine of the car is working on oil burns the skills to unload the administration of the best elements. Between Satterfield's visit, the Telleresson visit, the oil noise and the protocol that accompanied them, Joseph Nasir was sacked from the water department. Partisan first, and efficiency secondly on the impact of quotas ».
Meanwhile, President Aoun leaves Lebanon today for Iraq at the head of a ministerial and media delegation at the invitation of his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Al-Masoum, who will discuss issues of mutual interest, most notably the oil file. According to the information, Iraq may provide Lebanon with in-kind assistance in the provision of military and security equipment in quantities of fuel. The study will discuss the security file, the fight against terrorism and the benefit of Lebanese businessmen from the process of rebuilding Iraq, which was focused on the Kuwait conference. d
It was noted that Berri did not mention the Maronite candidate in the district of Jezzine, Ibrahim Samir Azar, because he did not embarrass him in front of his Christian voters, but Berri would consider Azar allies and support the vote for him, as well as for the media Salim Zahran, where Berri is still negotiating with Hezbollah, If his name would be a provocation to the Future Current audience and push the nerve of the blue current.
The head of the Future Movement Saad Hariri held a night meeting with the head of the Free Patriotic Movement Minister Gebran Bassil to resolve the issue of the alliance between the two streams or not, knowing that the interests of the two movements may require each of them to run the elections in individual lists in a number of departments.
Before the electoral entitlement, the Council of Ministers tried in its extraordinary session yesterday to put the general budget for 2018 on the track in order to meet the international desire to complete the budget, including reforms on the eve of the international support conferences for Lebanon. The cabinet formed a committee chaired by the prime minister and nine ministers to study the ministers' comments on the budget figures for 2018 contained in the draft law, provided that the committee returns to the council with final proposals, amid an "encouraging" atmosphere, said Minister of Finance Ali Hassan Khalil after the session, "There is a determination by everyone to approve it before the parliamentary elections."
While Khalil pointed out that this committee will hold intensive sessions this week and in the coming days to complete the project and refer it to the House of Representatives at the earliest time », the President of the Republic General Michel Aoun« to intensify the meetings of the Council to approve the bill and referred to the House of Representatives »and if necessary can open "Stressing the need to reduce the deficit and reach a radical solution to the deficit of electricity through the adoption of the solution proposed by the Ministry of Energy and Water," calling for «those who talk about a scandal when talking about a solution to electricity, to show the potential to remove». President Aoun also asked the Ministers of Finance, Social Affairs, Defense, Interior and Municipalities to intensify contact with the Governor of the Banque du Liban to find a quick solution to the housing loan crisis.
For his part, Prime Minister Hariri announced that he would call for successive meetings of the Council to approve the draft and refer it to the House of Representatives, stressing "the need to bring the required reforms and not to increase the debt and respect the reduction of 20% on the budget figures." He said that "if the reforms are not approved, "
In the presence of the Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Ali Jarrah Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, met with MP Walid Jumblatt, accompanied by MPs Ghazi Aridi, Akram Shahib and Wael Abu Faour. .
Jumblatt criticized the recent appointments and considered that "the wheel of the cabinet, such as the engine of the car is working on oil burns the skills to unload the administration of the best elements. Between Satterfield's visit, the Telleresson visit, the oil noise and the protocol that accompanied them, Joseph Nasir was sacked from the water department. Partisan first, and efficiency secondly on the impact of quotas ».
Meanwhile, President Aoun leaves Lebanon today for Iraq at the head of a ministerial and media delegation at the invitation of his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Al-Masoum, who will discuss issues of mutual interest, most notably the oil file. According to the information, Iraq may provide Lebanon with in-kind assistance in the provision of military and security equipment in quantities of fuel. The study will discuss the security file, the fight against terrorism and the benefit of Lebanese businessmen from the process of rebuilding Iraq, which was focused on the Kuwait conference. d
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Pissarides Says U.S. Metal Import Tariffs a `Crazy Idea'
Bloomberg
Russia looms large as U.S. election officials prep for 2018
Reuters
Ten months before the United States votes in its first major election since the 2016 presidential contest, U.S. state election officials huddled in Washington this weekend to swap strategies on dealing with an uninvited guest: Russia. Read the full story
Venezuela is about to pre-sell its ‘petro’ cryptocurrency, and it could be an ‘excellent pilot for Putin’
President Nicolas Maduro hopes Venezuela's own digital currency will help it make financial transactions and get around western sanctions.
Project Loon team gave Puerto Rico connectivity—and assembled a helicopter
Ars Technica
Iraq prime minister promises corruption crackdown, hails 'encouraging' investment progressCNBC
CNN
Egypt-Sweden bilateral trade hits EUR 644m in 2017
Mubasher
Zambia: Scotland Pumps U.S.$6 Million in ProjectsAllAfrica
A four-nation alliance may be rising to counter China's Belt and Road
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull may discuss the plan with President Donald Trump later this week, the Australian Financial Review reported.
China’s economic ties with EU take hit as investment falls and distrust rises
South China Morning Post
Asia trades higher as markets in Greater China remain on holiday
CNBC
Markets in Japan and South Korea rose in early trade while Australia's ASX 200 reversed early losses to climb 0.4 percent. Read the full story
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GLOBAL/NEWS/INFO
5 things you need to know Monday
USA TODAY
The biggest news to start your morning. Read the full story
USA TODAY
The biggest news to start your morning. Read the full story
Behind the scenes secrets of 'Shark Tank' from a CEO who landed a deal with Kevin O'Leary
Honeyfund co-founder and CEO Sara Margulis reveals what it is like inside the four walls of ABC's "Shark Tank."MacTrast
For most iPhone users, having their credit card details saved on their device is inevitable. The benefits seam to outweigh the risks and when managed correctly, it’s easier to perform any of these tasks below: Download apps and or make in-app purchases with your Apple ID. Link your credit card for NFC-based Apple Pay payments. Saved it... Read the full story
OIL/COMMODITIES/ENERGY
Oil prices rise Monday, may be “tested”
Mubasher
Oil prices traded higher on Monday, extending gains from last week when prices had rebounded on stronger investor sentiment Read the full story
Crude Oil Prices Supported by Middle-East Tensions
Investing.com
US Crude Oil Gains In Asia In Thin Trade As China Shut For Holiday
Investing.com
Investing.com
© Reuters. Crude oil prices continue to rise but U.S. production worries remain Read the full story
Investing.com
Commodities Feb 19, 2018 00:16 GMT Investing.com - US crude edged higher in Asia on Monday in thin trading with China and other countries in the region shut for holidays. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures for April delivery rose 0.28% to $61.72 a barrel. ICE April Brent crude futures, the benchmark for oil prices outside the U.S., were last quoted at $64.88 a barrel. Weekly estimates of crude and refined product stocks from the American Petroleum Institute and official data from Read the full story
Britain’s GOLD BOOM: Underground mine with 200,000 ounces of gold to be opened
Express
Gold Prices Slip Lower on Stronger U.S. Dollar
Investing.com
Gold Prices Down n Asia In Holiday-Thinned Trade
Investing.com
Gold dips in Asia Read the full story
Express
BRITAIN could be about to reap the benefits of the opening of the nation's only underground gold mine which is poised to be given the green light for operation within months. Following years of wrangling, a Scottish mining company is hoping to extract an estimated 200,000 ounces of gold in the village of Tyndrum after receiving key backing. The planning committee at Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority is due to visit the site next week and it is believed they will finally give Read the full story
Investing.com
© Reuters. Gold prices lose ground as U.S. data continues to support dollar Read the full story
Investing.com
Gold dips in Asia Read the full story
BANKS/BANKING/CREDIT
Goldman Sachs warns wave of US spending is in 'uncharted territory' and poses a danger to growth
Goldman Sachs sees a tidal wave of red ink — and it may drag the U.S. economy into its undertow.
Synchronized tapering of global central bank stimulus programs could prompt more volatility in equity and corporate and sovereign bonds, Citi said.
Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/02/
POST Online Media
The Federal Reserve Board announced that it is seeking to permanently bar Peter Little, the former head of the foreign exchange (FX) spot desk at Barclays Bank in New York, from employment in the banking industry and to impose a $487,500 fine on him. Little is alleged to have engaged in unsafe and unsound practices by using electronic c... Read the full story
Scoop
Feb. 19 (BusinessDesk) - Investors will pore over minutes from the latest Federal Open Market Committee meeting and a slew of speeches by US central bank policy makers this week to gauge if signs of accelerating inflation will prompt a speedier path ... Read the full story
Latvia Central Bank Chief Detained By Anti-Corruption Bureau
RTTNews
RTTNews
Bank of Latvia's President Ilmars Rimsevics was arrested by his country's anti-corruption bureau as part of a criminal investigation on Sunday. Prime Minister Maris Kucinskis announced that the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) has "applied a status of the detained to the President of the Bank of Latvia within the framework of criminal proceedings." Read the full story
ECB imposes payment block on Latvian bank amid US corruption allegations
CNBC
CNBC
The ECB stopped payments by one of Latvia's largest banks on Monday, after its liquidity position collapsed following allegations from U.S. authorities. Read the full story
One-offs to muddy HSBC's full-year results as global lenders kicks off sector reporting season
Proactive Investors
Proactive Investors
The UK banking sector reporting season kicks off in earnest on Tuesday with full-year results due from global giant HSBC PLC (LON:HSBA), ahead of numbers from Barclays PLC (LON:BARC), Lloyds Banking Group PLC (LON:LLOY), and Royal Bank of Scotland PLC (LON:RBS) later this week. While it may be listed in the UK, HSBC is far from a UK operation, with 70% of its profits coming from Asia. HSBC’s reported 2017 profits are going to be very muddy because of one-off accounting factors like a write-down Read the full story
Hang Seng Bank set to report 16.5 per cent increase in net profit on Tuesday
South China Morning Post
There's a lot of blockchain hype, but money-transfer start-up Veem is using it today
Veem is using the blockchain for almost two-thirds of its transactions.
South China Morning Post
BEA is expected to report an 82 per cent rise as it bounces back from 2016 Read the full story
Veem is using the blockchain for almost two-thirds of its transactions.
TREASURIES/BONDS/STOCKS
Sunny days for the economy can't last forever
CNN Money
The markets are about to experience a 'worrisome' thing investors haven’t seen since 1946
CNBC
Jittery U.S. bond market braces for supply wave
Reuters
Bond investors, who have been on edge over signs of growing inflation and a possibly more aggressive Federal Reserve, will have their work cut out for them as the U.S. government seeks to sell $258 billion worth of debt this coming week. Read the full story
CNN Money
Unfortunately, economic expansions don't last forever. Eventually, a recession comes along and ruins the party. Read the full story
Top 5 Things to Know in the Market on Monday
Investing.com
World stocks extend global recovery, set for sixth day of gainsReutersInvesting.com
© Reuters. Top 5 things to know today in financial markets Read the full story
World stocks were set for a sixth session of gains on Monday, extending a recovery from a selloff sparked by fears of creeping inflation and higher borrowing costs. Read the full story
The markets are about to experience a 'worrisome' thing investors haven’t seen since 1946
CNBC
Bid farewell to the bond market bull run, because the markets are entering a phase not seen in 72 years. Technician Louise Yamada explains. Read the full story
Reuters
Bond investors, who have been on edge over signs of growing inflation and a possibly more aggressive Federal Reserve, will have their work cut out for them as the U.S. government seeks to sell $258 billion worth of debt this coming week. Read the full story
INSURANCE/HEALTH
How Dental Inequality Hurts Americans
The New York Times
Lack of dental care through Medicaid not only harms people’s health, but has negative economic implications as well. Read the full story
5 Flu-Fighting Foods
Food Network
Researchers Say They've Created a 90% Accurate Blood Test for Autism
Gizmodo
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complicated neurological condition caused by a variety of risk factors, including our genes and environment (but no, not vaccines), that interact in ways we still understand little about. Its symptoms are varied, too—from problems with social interaction to being unable to speak or process sensations normally. This complexity extends all the way to how it’s diagnosed: Children can start to show visible signs of autism by the age of 18 months, but there is no Read the full story
Food Network
Eat more of these foods to help protect your health during flu season. One of the worst flu seasons in recent memory is upon us. Along with getting the flu shot, regularly washing your hands and maintaining good personal hygiene, there are foods you can arm yourself with that can help protect against this nasty virus. These 5 foods can help you stay healthy throughout flu season. 1: Lamb This protein is an excellent source of zinc, a mineral that helps with the production of white blood cells Read the full story
Gizmodo
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complicated neurological condition caused by a variety of risk factors, including our genes and environment (but no, not vaccines), that interact in ways we still understand little about. Its symptoms are varied, too—from problems with social interaction to being unable to speak or process sensations normally. This complexity extends all the way to how it’s diagnosed: Children can start to show visible signs of autism by the age of 18 months, but there is no Read the full story
CRYPTO'S / DIGITAL CURRENCY
Cryptocurrencies ‘could drop to near-zero at any time,’ Ethereum founder warns
"If you're trying to figure out where to store your life savings, traditional assets are still your safest bet," Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin said.
The 19 finance ministers of the euro zone are set to discuss Monday who should become the next vice president of the European Central Bank (ECB).
Bitcoin takes fresh aim at $11,000
MarketWatch
"If you're trying to figure out where to store your life savings, traditional assets are still your safest bet," Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin said.
Retail investors would 'bear the brunt' of a cryptocurrency market collapse, study says
CNBC
3 Ways to Play Cryptocurrencies Without Buying Them
The Motley Fool
An upcoming decision in Europe could change the course of its monetary policyCNBC
The S&P Global Ratings report said that a huge drop in the value of cryptocurrencies would be unlikely to disrupt financial markets. Read the full story
The Motley Fool
You don't have to buy bitcoins or other cryptocurrencies to profit from their popularity. Read the full story
The 19 finance ministers of the euro zone are set to discuss Monday who should become the next vice president of the European Central Bank (ECB).
Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/02/
MarketWatch
The price of the No. 1 cryptocurrency pushes higher on Monday, tapping $11,000 for the second time since Saturday. Read the full story
Congress sets sights on federal cryptocurrency rules
Business Insider
Business Insider
FILE PHOTO:Representations of the Ripple, Bitcoin, Etherum and Litecoin virtual currencies are seen on motherboard in this illustration picture Thomson Reuters By David Morgan WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Jolted by the global investment craze over bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, U.S. lawmakers are moving to consider new rules that could impose stricter federal oversight on the emerging asset class, several top lawmakers told Reuters. Bipartisan momentum is growing in the Senate and House of Read the full story
Be Careful What You Wish for, Bitcoin Lovers: It May Come True. Bitcoin’s Acceptance on Futures Trading Markets Gave it the Respectability Investors Craved, but Might Cause its Downfall | Crowdfund Insider
Crowdfund Insider
Cryptocurrencies are fast swapping their shady past for respectability. But investors pushing hard for regulated trading and adoption by Amazon may be destroying the reason for Bitcoin’s existence. Last December, Bitcoin climbed above $18,000, and finally launched on the CME futures exchange. There was little... Read More The post Be Careful What You Wish for, Bitcoin Lovers: It May Come True. Bitcoin’s Acceptance on Futures Trading Markets Gave it the Respectability Investors Craved, but Might Read the full story
Crowdfund Insider
Cryptocurrencies are fast swapping their shady past for respectability. But investors pushing hard for regulated trading and adoption by Amazon may be destroying the reason for Bitcoin’s existence. Last December, Bitcoin climbed above $18,000, and finally launched on the CME futures exchange. There was little... Read More The post Be Careful What You Wish for, Bitcoin Lovers: It May Come True. Bitcoin’s Acceptance on Futures Trading Markets Gave it the Respectability Investors Craved, but Might Read the full story
CURRENCIES
Dollar steadies versus rivals in holiday-thinned tradeMarketWatch
The dollar steadied against rivals on Monday, with the greenback getting a chance to catch its breath after last week’s selling with many traders likely taking the day off for the Presidents Day holiday. Read the full story
Forex - Dollar Little Changed Vs. Rivals in Quiet Trade
Investing.com
Forex - Dollar Steady, Remains Supported Above 3-Year Lows
Investing.com
Investing.com
Dollar hold steady in subdued trase Read the full story
Investing.com
© Reuters. Dollar steady, remains supported above 3-year lows Read the full story
Shorting the euro means taking on the Pentagon and the ECB
Don't tangle with the ECB's "whatever-it-takes" Maestro Draghi, Michael Ivanovitch writes.
Pound to euro exchange rate: Sterling stands firm against euro in absence of Brexit news
Express
THE POUND to euro exchange rate held firm at the end of last week despite hitting a new low thanks to Brexit uncertainty. GBP to EUR is at €1.129 currently. However, the outlook is slightly brighter this week. The Post Office is offering €1.0994 today, up from 1.0939 last week. The pound to euro exchange rate is faring better this week after hitting new lows last Monday. Read the full story
Don't tangle with the ECB's "whatever-it-takes" Maestro Draghi, Michael Ivanovitch writes.
Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/02/
Express
THE POUND to euro exchange rate held firm at the end of last week despite hitting a new low thanks to Brexit uncertainty. GBP to EUR is at €1.129 currently. However, the outlook is slightly brighter this week. The Post Office is offering €1.0994 today, up from 1.0939 last week. The pound to euro exchange rate is faring better this week after hitting new lows last Monday. Read the full story
Forex - Dollar Gains On Yen In Asia After Trade Data
Investing.com
© Reuters. Dollar up in Asia Read the full story
Investing.com
© Reuters. Dollar up in Asia Read the full story
USA/CANADA
Trump calls Oprah Winfrey 'insecure,' says he hopes she runs for office
President Donald Trump said in a Twitter post that Oprah Winfrey should run for office so she can be "exposed and defeated."
A presidential candidate twice before, Joe Biden would be 78 on Inauguration Day if elected in 2020.
Bloomberg
The U.S. Commerce Department's recommendations for restricting steel and aluminum imports is "a crazy idea" according to Christopher Pissarides, a London School of Economics professor and Nobel laureate. He spoke alongside former Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti on Bloomberg Surveillance with Francine Lacqua and Stephanie Baker. Read the full story
Reuters
Ten months before the United States votes in its first major election since the 2016 presidential contest, U.S. state election officials huddled in Washington this weekend to swap strategies on dealing with an uninvited guest: Russia. Read the full story
EMERGING MARKETS
Venezuela is about to pre-sell its ‘petro’ cryptocurrency, and it could be an ‘excellent pilot for Putin’
President Nicolas Maduro hopes Venezuela's own digital currency will help it make financial transactions and get around western sanctions.
Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/02/
Ars Technica
The number of people Loon connected in Puerto Rico has doubled since November: 200k+. Read the full story
Four months after Maria, still desperate in Puerto Rico
Insurance News
Insurance News
Feb. 18 --Here is what is happening in Puerto Rico more than four months after Hurricane Maria slammed through the island: The Federal Emergency Management Agency is still providing food and water, after mistakenly prompting fears it would stop. Tarps cover roofs across the island. Approximately a third of the population is still without power. No power usually means no hot meals and no refrigeration. It means no air conditioning in tropical heat that is already breaching the 80s. And that's all Read the full story
Displaced Puerto Ricans, now living in hotels, may soon lose housing
PBS NewsHour
Hundreds of thousands of people in Puerto Rico have been displaced because of Hurricane Maria, with nearly 4,000 families finding temporary shelter in hotels on the mainland. But funding for their stays under FEMA’s Transitional Shelter Assistance program is set to expire in March. NewsHour Weekend’s Ivette Feliciano traveled to Hartford, Connecticut, to speak with some of those families. Read the full story
PBS NewsHour
Hundreds of thousands of people in Puerto Rico have been displaced because of Hurricane Maria, with nearly 4,000 families finding temporary shelter in hotels on the mainland. But funding for their stays under FEMA’s Transitional Shelter Assistance program is set to expire in March. NewsHour Weekend’s Ivette Feliciano traveled to Hartford, Connecticut, to speak with some of those families. Read the full story
MIDDLE EAST
Iraq prime minister promises corruption crackdown, hails 'encouraging' investment progressCNBC
More than six months after Iraq's leadership proclaimed the defeat of ISIS on Iraqi territory, the country is on a path to rebuild. Read the full story
Iraq prime minister promises corruption crackdown, says laws will protect nervous foreign investors
More than six months after Iraq's leadership proclaimed the defeat of ISIS on Iraqi territory, the country is on a path to rebuild.
New Kurdish alliance complicates relationship with USMore than six months after Iraq's leadership proclaimed the defeat of ISIS on Iraqi territory, the country is on a path to rebuild.
With ISIS defeated, Iraqi prime minister vows to end sectarian politics as elections loom
With elections just months away, Iraq's prime minister has called on the country's political system to reform itself and move away from its divided past.
With elections just months away, Iraq's prime minister has called on the country's political system to reform itself and move away from its divided past.
CNN
Forces loyal to the Syrian regume are expected to be deployed to the Kurdish-held region of Afrin, to support the defence of a month-long Turkish offensive Read the full story
Mubasher
Cairo – Mubasher: Trade exchange between Egypt and Sweden has reached EUR 644 million in 2017, Egyptian trade minister Tarek Kabil said in a statement on Monday. The North African nation's exports to Sweden include carpets, fruits, vegetables, … Read the full story
Egypt’s bank deposits increase 43.1% in FY16/17 - CAPMAS
Mubasher
Mubasher
Cairo – Mubasher: Bank deposits rose by 43.1% year-on-year to EGP 3 trillion in fiscal year 2016/2017, according to a recent report by the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) on Monday. Family deposits increased by 46.6% … Read the full story
Israeli gas company announces $15B export deal with Egypt
ABC News
Reuters
ABC News
Israeli energy company Delek Drilling has announced a $15 billion deal to supply natural gas to Egypt Read the full story
Netanyahu can survive his corruption crisis — but it will depend on him generating as much chaos as possible
Business Insider UK
France says committed to Iran deal, will keep talking to European, U.S alliesBusiness Insider UK
Israeli police have recommended indicting prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu on several corruption charges. The leader immediately and publicly defended himself against the charges. Key government officials have expressed reluctance to remove Netanyahu from office. Netanyahu may choose to sow doubt, chaos, and confusion to remain in power and survive the scandal. The Israeli police recommendation on Tuesday to indict Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in a Read the full story
Netanyahu blasts media 'witch hunt' as police announce new investigation
CNN
CNN
In a pre-emptive strike, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blamed media "pressure" for a new police investigation, less than a week after police said they had enough evidence to indict the Israeli leader for corruption in two separate cases. Read the full story
Netanyahu in deeper peril as more Israeli officials are arrested on corruption charges
Los Angeles Times
Less than one week after Israeli police recommended that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu be indicted on several corruption charges, a new legal Read the full story
Los Angeles Times
Less than one week after Israeli police recommended that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu be indicted on several corruption charges, a new legal Read the full story
Reuters
France reaffirmed its commitment to the Iran nuclear deal on Monday, saying it wanted it to be strictly implemented and was continuing talks with its European and U.S. partners on the program. Read the full story
Saudi Arabia says it's in talks with 10 other nations on nuclear energy ambitions, calls for fairness from US
Saudi Arabia could look to adopt nuclear energy as a way to move domestic energy consumption away from oil, the country's foreign minister told CNBC.
Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/02/
Saudi Arabia could look to adopt nuclear energy as a way to move domestic energy consumption away from oil, the country's foreign minister told CNBC.
Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/02/
AFRICA
Zambia: Scotland Pumps U.S.$6 Million in ProjectsAllAfrica
The Scottish Government has set aside over US$6 million for support towards various projects in Zambia for the period 2017 to 2022. Scottish Minister for International Development and Europe Alasdair Allan said his Government had allocated over US$6 million for support to various projects in the country for the period 2017 to 2022 in areas of Health, Agriculture, Police and Renewable energy among others. Dr Allan said in an interview that the money was not going directly to Government but would Read the full story
South Africa: Battle Over Mining Rights in Remote Eastern Cape Villages
AllAfrica
Zimbabwe: Audit Launched At Zimdef
AllAfrica
AllAfrica
Resident Zenzele Gampe says a battle over mining the land has divided his community. "We are no longer the community we were and never will be the same. Now some people can't even visit each other because we have become enemies." "If a person who is against the mine has a funeral, those who want the mine won't come and vice versa. Before it was never like that." It is 3pm in Umgungundlovu on the Eastern Cape Wild Coast and many people are busy on their plots of land, while some are making their Read the full story
AllAfrica
Government has appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers to carry out a forensic audit at the Zimbabwe Manpower Development (Zimdef), with the firm expected to come up with a report at the end of this month. Zimdef falls under the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development. It was allegedly heavily looted when Professor Jonathan Moyo was the minister. Prof Moyo, who fled the country following Operation Restore Legacy that brought in a new Government led by President Read the full story
Zimbabwe: VP Chiwenga Vows Decisive Corruption Fight
AllAfrica
AllAfrica
(Photo: The Herald) Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has vowed a decisive fight against graft and warned that action would also be taken against those who fail to report corruption cases. He made the remarks at Insiza over the weekend while launching the Matabeleland Command Livestock programme. "We do not care who you are in society and we will deal with you decisively," said Chiwenga. "We are going to do this in line with his Excellency the President of the Republic Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa's Read the full story
South Africa steps up action against Zuma-linked family
ABC News
ABC News
South African authorities escalate anti-corruption drive against a business family linked to former president Jacob Zuma, saying they could seek Interpol's help to track suspects Read the full story
Kenya May Issue New Eurobond 'Next Month' to Settle Big DebtsAllAfrica
(Photo: World Bank) Kenya is likely to become the third African country to borrow from international markets this year to pay up her maturing debts after Egypt and Nigeria with offers expected to be as much as $3 billion (Sh303.8 billion). A source at one of the four international lenders involved in advising Kenya in its bid to tap cash from international investors following a successful debut in June 2014, said the Eurobond will be floated before the end of next month. The banks being involved Read the full story
(Photo: World Bank) Kenya is likely to become the third African country to borrow from international markets this year to pay up her maturing debts after Egypt and Nigeria with offers expected to be as much as $3 billion (Sh303.8 billion). A source at one of the four international lenders involved in advising Kenya in its bid to tap cash from international investors following a successful debut in June 2014, said the Eurobond will be floated before the end of next month. The banks being involved Read the full story
ASIA
A four-nation alliance may be rising to counter China's Belt and Road
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull may discuss the plan with President Donald Trump later this week, the Australian Financial Review reported.
South China Morning Post
Annual economic talks failed to eventuate at end of last year and China is also dragging its heels on Juncker plan investment Read the full story
Asian Shares Higher With Greater China Markets Shut, Nikkei 225 Up Over 1%
Investing.com
Investing.com
Stock Markets Feb 19, 2018 02:17 GMT Investing.com - Asian shares gained on Monday in holiday-thinned trade with Greater China markets shut and the US markets slated to mark President’s Day. The Nikkei 225 rose 1.22%. Japan reported trade data for January with a deficit of ¥943 billion, narrower than the ¥1.0 trillion seen. Exports jumped 12.2%, beating the 10.3% gain expected and imports rose 7.9%, less than the 8.3% rise seen on year. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.50%. Santos rose 1.39%, Oil Read the full story
China warns Trump against tariffs over steel, aluminum exports
Mubasher
Mubasher
China's government warned US President Donald Trump against imposing tariffs over metal exports Read the full story
US and China reportedly scuffled over nuclear 'football' during Trump's Beijing visit
A U.S. military aide carrying the nuclear football was blocked by Chinese security officials, resulting in a struggle, Axios reported.
A U.S. military aide carrying the nuclear football was blocked by Chinese security officials, resulting in a struggle, Axios reported.
Asia trades higher as markets in Greater China remain on holiday
Markets in Japan and South Korea rose in early trade while Australia's ASX 200 reversed early losses to climb 0.4 percent.
Japan's export growth is pointing to a continued recovery
Government data showed Japan's exports grew 12.2 percent on-year in January, beating predictions for a 10.3 percent increase.
Asian markets continue to push higher: ‘It’s kind of a relief rally’
MarketWatch
Markets in Japan and South Korea rose in early trade while Australia's ASX 200 reversed early losses to climb 0.4 percent.
Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/02/
Government data showed Japan's exports grew 12.2 percent on-year in January, beating predictions for a 10.3 percent increase.
Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/02/
MarketWatch
Asian shares started Monday higher as confidence in equities continued to return, with some markets in the region reopening after the Lunar New Year holiday. Read the full story
CNBC
Markets in Japan and South Korea rose in early trade while Australia's ASX 200 reversed early losses to climb 0.4 percent. Read the full story
EUROPE
An upcoming decision in Europe could change the course of its monetary policy
The 19 finance ministers of the euro zone are set to discuss Monday who should become the next vice president of the European Central Bank (ECB).
Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/02/
Greece’s welcome debt upgrade fails to end concerns over its long-term economic healthAnalysts remain unconvinced that Greece is over its troubled economic past, despite a warmly received upgrade on Monday by the ratings agency Fitch.
Move Over Brexit, May Attempts to Take on Corbyn With EducationBloomberg
Theresa May will temporarily set Brexit aside and try to repair her image with young voters with a speech on education, an issue where the opposition has the upper hand. To be clear, free tuition is not on the menu. Echoing the tone of her first public address as prime minister in 2016, May on Monday will call for a system with fairer funding that opens up “opportunity for everyone,” while warning against an “outdated attitude” that favors academic over technical qualifications. The reboot comes Read the full story
Brexiteer's brutal point reveals why Remainers' soft-Brexit ploy would be 'cataclysmic'Express
BREXITEER Bernard Jenkin has revealed why Remainers soft-Brexit plot to keep the UK tied to the European Union’s institutions and within the customs union will fail. The Conservative Party MP said that it would be “cataclysmic” for the Prime Minister if MPs voted to keep Britain in the customs union after Brexit. Read the full story
Theresa May's Vision Starts to Emerge for Post-Brexit RealityBloomberg
As Theresa May retreats to the countryside with her Cabinet to thrash out differences on Brexit, it’s starting to become clearer what the prime minister wants the divorce to look like. Some in Brussels will call it cherry-picking, but May wants to stay very close to the European Union in some areas, while breaking free in others. With trade talks round the corner, a picture is emerging after Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson kicked off a series of big speeches last week. Next up is the U.K.’s Read the full story
As Theresa May retreats to the countryside with her Cabinet to thrash out differences on Brexit, it’s starting to become clearer what the prime minister wants the divorce to look like. Some in Brussels will call it cherry-picking, but May wants to stay very close to the European Union in some areas, while breaking free in others. With trade talks round the corner, a picture is emerging after Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson kicked off a series of big speeches last week. Next up is the U.K.’s Read the full story
Blessed and Highly Favored :
CBI Update :
The CBI for Tuesday 2/20/18 did update on the indicative rates Sell Rate 1184
The currency auction is 189,834,222
There is no news and announcements for Tuesday 2/20/18
ISX Update:
Value Traded
1,976,125,516
Shares Traded
2,586,304,668
2/20/18
2-20-2018 Intel Guru Dr. Clarke We still Love, FEBRUARY ...TONS, can happen in just ONE DAY. TONS...and MAJOR things are happening right now, QUICKLY. ...“WE’RE STILL very Bullish on FEBRUARY, even if it takes to the very last day of this month. We just learned this morning, that this is still VERY MUCH THE CASE. What we’re talking about, is the START, to this Foreign Currency Exchange “PROCESS”, PUBLICLY - as we said last week. This “Process”, is a PUBLIC START, to Exchange, which we expect to START BEFORE FEBRUARY ends, and will MOST DEFINITELY LEAK INTO THE MONTH OF MARCH…..AND into APRIL. It’s a “Process”. It can START, ANY DAY Now, this month...YOU WANT GUARANTEES? “THERE ARE NO GUARANTEES IN LIFE”. Grow Up. [post 3 of 3]
2-19-2018 Intel Guru Dr. Clarke ADD TO THIS, the amount of CURRENCY THE U.S. HOLDS FROM IRAQ - (Estimated at least 4 TRILLION) - AND the amount of CURRENCY THE U.S. HOLDS FROM VIETNAM - (estimated at least 18 TRILLION - unconfirmed rough estimate) - WHY Iraq & Vietnam? WAR & WAR! This all spells a BIG INCENTIVE IN BIG MONEY, to hurry up and get a SUBSTANTIAL RATE VALUE INCREASE DONE, not only in IRAQ, but with VIETNAM, and a handful of others, to Stabilize, Balance & INCREASE World Trade mechanisms, which continue to be out of Balance. [post 2 of 3....stay tuned]
2-19-2018 Intel Guru Dr. Clarke YOU HAVE TO UNDERSTAND SOMETHING. O - I - L controls the World. ...It controls the World, because it’s the LARGEST REVENUE GENERATOR, on the Planet...AND it exerts the LARGEST CONTROL FACTOR, over ANY COUNTRY. ...AND...OIL CONTROLS & FUNDS ALL OF YOUR INVESTMENT. PERIOD! People say, “Follow the Money”. We say NO! Follow the OIL. So, NOW there is an ASSURANCE of a Steady Flow of BIG OIL revenue, from Primarily IRAQ, and that is NOW IN PLACE, WHICH WASN’T THE CASE BACK IN JUNE 2017... [post 1 of 3....stay tuned]
2-19-2018 Newshound Guru Kaperoni Article: "Dollar rates: a slight rise in Baghdad, Erbil and stability in Basra" 1221 to $1. I believe the 2% goal is 1213 to $1 (1184 + 6 dinar CBI commission =1190 x .02 = 1213)
2-19-2018 Intel Guru RayRen98 CORPORATE BANKSTERS ARE MEETING TODAY TO FINALIZE THE 800 NUMBER PROCESS...HOT NEWS REPORTEDLY, ALL DISTRICTS SHOULD HAVE RELEASED 800 NUMBERS TO THEIR BANKS BY TODAY! (STILL WAITING FOR OURS). BANK I.T. STAFF AND EXCHANGE STAFF ARE "WORKING OUT THE BUGS" IN PREPARATION FOR YOU!!!
2-19-2018 Intel Guru Dr. Clarke YOU HAVE TO UNDERSTAND SOMETHING. O - I - L controls the World. ...It controls the World, because it’s the LARGEST REVENUE GENERATOR, on the Planet...AND it exerts the LARGEST CONTROL FACTOR, over ANY COUNTRY. ...AND...OIL CONTROLS & FUNDS ALL OF YOUR INVESTMENT. PERIOD! People say, “Follow the Money”. We say NO! Follow the OIL. So, NOW there is an ASSURANCE of a Steady Flow of BIG OIL revenue, from Primarily IRAQ, and that is NOW IN PLACE, WHICH WASN’T THE CASE BACK IN JUNE 2017... [post 1 of 3....stay tuned]
2-19-2018 Newshound Guru Kaperoni Article: "Dollar rates: a slight rise in Baghdad, Erbil and stability in Basra" 1221 to $1. I believe the 2% goal is 1213 to $1 (1184 + 6 dinar CBI commission =1190 x .02 = 1213)
2-19-2018 Intel Guru RayRen98 CORPORATE BANKSTERS ARE MEETING TODAY TO FINALIZE THE 800 NUMBER PROCESS...HOT NEWS REPORTEDLY, ALL DISTRICTS SHOULD HAVE RELEASED 800 NUMBERS TO THEIR BANKS BY TODAY! (STILL WAITING FOR OURS). BANK I.T. STAFF AND EXCHANGE STAFF ARE "WORKING OUT THE BUGS" IN PREPARATION FOR YOU!!!
2-19-2018 Newshound Guru chattels Difficult to know whether the "improvement" in the market rate for the dinar is the result of a decline in the value of the USD or betterment for the dinar? Likely the former some say.
2-19-2018 Intel/Newshound Guru sandyf According to the latest CBI financial statement (2016) there is over 45 trillion IQD in circulation, it should be noted that went up from 38 trillion in 2015, so anyone who claims the banknote count is decreasing should do some more homework. At around $4 that would value IQD in circulation at around 180 Trillion USD. If we were to assume that in the event of an RV that 50% was to be immediately redeemed then Iraq would be faced with a bill of around 90 trillion USD. You cannot redeem currency with oil in the ground so it is just not possible for any RV of the IQD without some financial backing from an outside entity. The answers lie with WHO is calling the shots. It has been stated many times over the years that the US holds a large amount of IQD and will benefit from the RV. How can that be the case if the US, as been said by some, were to fund the RV. Think about it.
2-19-2018 Newshound/Intel Guru BGG Article: "COMMITTEE OF ACCOUNTABILITY: ANNOUNCE THE NAMES OF 5,000 PEOPLE INCLUDED IN THE SEIZURE OF FUNDS THIS WEEK" Funny how that works...about one day after they realize the world isn’t going to “give them” anymore money, they go back and think about getting it back from the crooked politicians who’ve been stealing from the GOI and the people of Iraq. According to recent estimates, they could collect as much as 500 BILLION (USD) back to the state treasury by enacting and enforcing simple legislation they’ve had in the works for some time now. P.S. as reported in major OP ED’s in Baghdad recently, Maliki and his henchmen had better wind up on this list…It is critical to Iraq’s long term success to get a handle on the endemic corruption.
2-19-2018 Newshound Guru G-Lin "Economist shows the most important "problem" facing investment in Iraq" The news currently is scarce and most of it is propaganda...Being an election year in Iraq, it is hard to tell the honesty in most arts. It is time for Iraq to act on their economy however. And floating their dinar may be a life saver. I think it would give the investors a little bit of confidence that seems to be missing. They really need to do something at this stage. We shall see.
2-19-2018 Intel/Newshound Guru sandyf According to the latest CBI financial statement (2016) there is over 45 trillion IQD in circulation, it should be noted that went up from 38 trillion in 2015, so anyone who claims the banknote count is decreasing should do some more homework. At around $4 that would value IQD in circulation at around 180 Trillion USD. If we were to assume that in the event of an RV that 50% was to be immediately redeemed then Iraq would be faced with a bill of around 90 trillion USD. You cannot redeem currency with oil in the ground so it is just not possible for any RV of the IQD without some financial backing from an outside entity. The answers lie with WHO is calling the shots. It has been stated many times over the years that the US holds a large amount of IQD and will benefit from the RV. How can that be the case if the US, as been said by some, were to fund the RV. Think about it.
2-19-2018 Newshound/Intel Guru BGG Article: "COMMITTEE OF ACCOUNTABILITY: ANNOUNCE THE NAMES OF 5,000 PEOPLE INCLUDED IN THE SEIZURE OF FUNDS THIS WEEK" Funny how that works...about one day after they realize the world isn’t going to “give them” anymore money, they go back and think about getting it back from the crooked politicians who’ve been stealing from the GOI and the people of Iraq. According to recent estimates, they could collect as much as 500 BILLION (USD) back to the state treasury by enacting and enforcing simple legislation they’ve had in the works for some time now. P.S. as reported in major OP ED’s in Baghdad recently, Maliki and his henchmen had better wind up on this list…It is critical to Iraq’s long term success to get a handle on the endemic corruption.
2-19-2018 Newshound Guru G-Lin "Economist shows the most important "problem" facing investment in Iraq" The news currently is scarce and most of it is propaganda...Being an election year in Iraq, it is hard to tell the honesty in most arts. It is time for Iraq to act on their economy however. And floating their dinar may be a life saver. I think it would give the investors a little bit of confidence that seems to be missing. They really need to do something at this stage. We shall see.
Elmer:
Not in today
Artmeister:
Dinar Update Monday Noon
Summary: REPORTEDLY, ALL DISTRICTS SHOULD HAVE RELEASED 800 NUMBERS TO THEIR BANKS BY TODAY!
Watch for Pres. Trump to announce the new gold backed USN currency tomorrow, rumors say.
Tomorrow is the end of the current window to release the funds, the RV, and the GCR.y
Catnip:
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ARTICLE 1-A (from PM Abadi's website; posted only on Arabic side, not posted on English side)
Statement
19 February 2018
We extend our condolences to the families of the martyrs who were killed by the popular crowd who were martyred in the Riyadh area of Hawija. We confirm the issuance of orders to prosecute the perpetrators and the punishment of them and intend to eliminate these sleeper cells and terrorist pockets and direct the operations command there to investigate the circumstances of the incident and take the necessary measures in this regard.
Prime Minister 's Media Office
19 February 2018
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ARTICLE 1-B (from PM Abadi's website; posted only on Arabic side, not posted on English side)
Statement
19 February 2018
The Presidency of the Council of Ministers issues a decree to terminate the membership of four Iraqi Media Network secretaries who have completed their legal term.
Prime Minister 's Media Office
19 February 2018
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ARTICLE 2
Deputy Abadi demands presentation of the results of the Kuwait Conference in Parliament
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - February 19 - Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on Monday called for the convening of a conference of donors in the State of Kuwait in front of representatives of the Iraqi people in parliament. In this regard.
Nassif said in a statement that "Abadi should present to Parliament a detailed explanation on the size of loans for the benefit of companies entering Iraq and the nature of their projects as this is a strategic right of the Iraqi people, and therefore must be approved by representatives of the people," explaining that " The deputies also to convene an extraordinary session of the parliament before the entry into force of the decisions of the Kuwait Conference. "
"If there are tendencies to reject these loans, which will weigh the burden of the Iraqi people, it must also raise the issue of rejection within the House of Representatives," noting that "these companies in the end are profitable and not charitable institutions, that is, the main objective is to get the greatest Of profits and has nothing to do with the interests of the people, not from near or far, and we must know what obligations are imposed on the Iraqi people and on future generations.
She continued, "There are fears must be dispelled by the presence of the Prime Minister to the House of Representatives after the Speaker of the House of Representatives to call an extraordinary meeting in this regard."
On February 12, 2018, the International Conference on Iraq Reconstruction was held with the participation of international companies, international organizations and financial institutions. Finished
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ARTICLE 3
Rafidain discuss with the health of Rusafa and the cultivation of Baghdad, localization of salaries and given advances and loans
2018/2/20 8:40
[Ayna-Baghdad]
A delegation from Rafidain Bank and representatives of the International Smart Card Company discussed with the Salary Settlement Committee at Baghdad Health Department / Al-Rusafa the mechanism of settling employees' salaries electronically and issuing the Master Card to them.
" representatives of the Rafidain Bank and the International Smart Card Company held a meeting with the committee to settle salaries in the health of Baghdad Rusafa and discussed the steps necessary for the process of Emiratisation electronically and give them advances and loans through them," the media office of the bank said in a statement.
"The delegation also attended a similar symposium held by the Directorate of Agriculture Baghdad to introduce the importance of the card MasterCard International and its advantages and capabilities in providing services through ATM or POS devices and the transfer of financial accounts in accordance with electronic system includes the accuracy, speed and safety in the payment of salaries by electronic cards and the dissemination of culture Dealing with modern banking mechanisms and the need to leave the old traditional ways. "
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ARTICLE 4
The Council of Ministers authorizes the Ministry of Health to appoint 15 thousand graduates of medical and health professions
BAGHDAD - February 20 - Iraq's cabinet on Tuesday authorized the Ministry of Health to hire graduates of medical and health professions who are covered by the Health and Health Professionals Act No. 6 of 2000 to work in its institutions.
He pointed out in his statement that "the authorization includes the appointment of fifteen thousand graduates salaries and allowances equal to their peers appointed to the permanent owners until the adoption of the Federal Budget Law of the Republic of Iraq for the financial year / 2018, and the allocation of grades necessary to appoint them to permanent owners, and the Ministry of Finance to secure the amounts "The council's decision comes to support the young people in general and graduates of medical and health professions in particular."
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ARTICLE 5
Command of ground forces: No military operation in Basra and additional pieces is normal
BASRA, Iraq, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) - The ground forces command announced on Monday that there was no major military operation in Basra, saying the presence of additional units in the province was normal.
The commander of ground forces, Major General Riad Jalal said during a press conference held at the Basra Operations Headquarters, that "a high-level meeting on the security situation was held in Basra, headed by Army Chief of Staff Gen. Othman Al-Ghanmi, after inspecting the security and military forces in the province," noting That "the security situation in Basra will be better in the coming days."
Jalal pointed out that "Basra does not have a major military operation, and does not need an operation of this kind," adding that "the presence of additional pieces in the province is normal, and the forces will target only outlaws."
In turn, the commander of operations Basra, Lieutenant General Jamil al-Shammari during the conference that "a major intelligence work will be in Basra to increase security and stability in them," explaining that "intelligence work is what determines things."
The province of Basra has seen during the past days the arrival of troops from outside in preparation for the implementation of a security operation aimed at strengthening security and impose order in the province, which is facing security problems, notably the proliferation of armed tribal conflicts, and repeated cases of bombings of audio packages on the role of residential and youth centers, According to local sources. Finished
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ARTICLE 6
Establishment of a new cemetery in the Valley of Peace
2018/2/19 12:13
In Najaf, the local government is discussing the construction of a new cemetery in the Valley of Peace.
"The Governor of Najaf, Luay al-Yasiri, presided over a meeting of the members of the Provincial Services Committee, the advisors and advisers of the Governor of Najaf, the Municipality of Najaf, the State Real Estate and Urban Planning. Najaf Governorate Council No. 3 for the year 2010 on the formation of the Department of the Valley of Peace cemetery and the Ministry of Finance book on the allocation of land for a new cemetery.
The statement added that the meeting "discussed the requirements of the new opening according to urban standards and planning in line with the sanctity of Najaf and its historical landmarks."
The tomb of the Valley of Peace adjacent to the shrine of Imam Ali bin Abi Talib peace be upon him in Najaf, the largest in the world at all, and the estimated number of graves by more than five million.
The area of the cemetery in the province of Najaf exceeds 10 square kilometers.
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