WOTS Thursday 12/20/18:
Forex Rates:
| Symbol | Bid | Ask | High | Low | Open | Change | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD/IQD | | | 1,169.0000 | 1,169.0000 | 1,169.0000 | | 20:00 |
| USD/VND | | | 23,273.1000 | 22,997.3000 | 22,997.3000 | | 04:15 |
| USD/CNY | | | 6.9110 | 6.8782 | 6.8911 | | 05:31 |
| USD/KWD | | | 0.3036 | 0.3029 | 0.3036 | | 05:16 |
| GBP/USD | | | 1.2704 | 1.2613 | 1.2623 | | 05:33 |
| USD/IRR | | | 12,048.0000 | 12,048.0000 | 12,048.0000 | | 17:51 |
| USD/IDR | | | 14,516.0000 | 14,410.0000 | 14,498.0000 | | 05:33 |
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DC NY Iraq Articles:dd
Parliament holds its meeting today without a vote on the rest of the cab
Date of release: 2018/12/20 8:33 • 185 times read
[Ayna-Baghdad]
The House of Representatives will hold its regular session on Thursday.
The House of Representatives will hold its regular session on Thursday.
The agenda of the session includes "the swearing-in of the ministers of higher education and scientific research, culture, tourism and archeology, planning."
The parliament will consider "the appeals filed on the validity of the membership of some deputies, and complete the vote on the amendment of the rules of procedure of the House of Representatives."
The agenda also includes "the introduction of a general topic for discussion in the presence of the Minister of Electricity [Loay Khatib] to discuss the program of the Ministry for 2019."
The session is scheduled to begin at 1 pm.
During the agenda, the vote on the rest of the ministerial cab will be completed.
The House of Representatives voted in its first session on Tuesday to give confidence to the ministers separately, namely Nuri Nateq al-Dulaimi, Minister of Planning, Qusay al-Suhail, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Abdul-Amir al-Hamdani, Minister of Culture.
While the Council refused to grant confidence to the candidate of the Ministry of Education Saba Khair al-Din al-Tai and the candidate of the Ministry of Immigration and Displaced Hanaa Emmanuel, as well as postponement of the vote on the candidates of the Ministries of Interior, Defense and Justice.
The head of the council, Mohamed Halboussi, attended the ministers in Thursday's session to take the oath of office before the House of Representatives. He called on the Prime Minister to submit new candidates within a maximum period of 48 hours.
The parliament will consider "the appeals filed on the validity of the membership of some deputies, and complete the vote on the amendment of the rules of procedure of the House of Representatives."
The agenda also includes "the introduction of a general topic for discussion in the presence of the Minister of Electricity [Loay Khatib] to discuss the program of the Ministry for 2019."
The session is scheduled to begin at 1 pm.
During the agenda, the vote on the rest of the ministerial cab will be completed.
The House of Representatives voted in its first session on Tuesday to give confidence to the ministers separately, namely Nuri Nateq al-Dulaimi, Minister of Planning, Qusay al-Suhail, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Abdul-Amir al-Hamdani, Minister of Culture.
While the Council refused to grant confidence to the candidate of the Ministry of Education Saba Khair al-Din al-Tai and the candidate of the Ministry of Immigration and Displaced Hanaa Emmanuel, as well as postponement of the vote on the candidates of the Ministries of Interior, Defense and Justice.
The head of the council, Mohamed Halboussi, attended the ministers in Thursday's session to take the oath of office before the House of Representatives. He called on the Prime Minister to submit new candidates within a maximum period of 48 hours.
URGENT The first reading of the 2019 budget will be added to the agenda of the parliament session today
Date of release: 2018/12/20 10:11 • 180 times read
(Baghdad: Al-Furat News) The Presidency of the Council of Representatives, the first reading paragraph of the draft federal budget law for the year 2019 on the agenda of the session of parliament to be held on Thursday.
The agenda also included "the inauguration of the constitutional oath of ministers of higher education, scientific research, culture, tourism, archeology and planning."
It also includes "the completion of the vote on the amendment of the rules of procedure of the House of Representatives, and put up a general topic for discussion in the presence of the Minister of Electricity Loay Khatib to discuss the program of the Ministry for 2019.
The session is due to begin at 1 pm
It also includes "the completion of the vote on the amendment of the rules of procedure of the House of Representatives, and put up a general topic for discussion in the presence of the Minister of Electricity Loay Khatib to discuss the program of the Ministry for 2019.
The session is due to begin at 1 pm
Abu Ragheb: The chance to vote on the rest of the ministerial cabinet tomorrow is weak
Date of release: 2018/12/19 22:31 • 196 times read
(Baghdad: Al-Furat News) The leader of the reform coalition, Nawfal Abu Raghef, that the opportunity to vote on the rest of the cabinet cab in the meeting tomorrow to the House of Representatives is weak.
"The remaining ministries are waiting for a weak opportunity on Thursday and a hot opportunity in the middle of next week," Abu Raghef said in a press statement.
"It is known that the Ministry of the Interior of the Building Alliance, and the Ministry of Defense of the Alliance of Reform regardless of the nature of the names put forward, and must continue this context."
Abu Raghef pointed out that "there are competent and professional figures of high rank and accumulated military experience that can be transferred to the Ministries of Defense and Interior and to fire in the presence of the commander-in-chief at the head of the government."
"There is no problem, no fear and no fear of the negative prospects that some here and there are calling for the handover of the security ministries to independent national figures."
Abu Ragheef said that "the Iraqi street knows very well that the obstacle lies in the conviction of political forces and recognizes the nature of the intersections between the prime minister and the forces that will vote on his candidates."
"It is known that the Ministry of the Interior of the Building Alliance, and the Ministry of Defense of the Alliance of Reform regardless of the nature of the names put forward, and must continue this context."
Abu Raghef pointed out that "there are competent and professional figures of high rank and accumulated military experience that can be transferred to the Ministries of Defense and Interior and to fire in the presence of the commander-in-chief at the head of the government."
"There is no problem, no fear and no fear of the negative prospects that some here and there are calling for the handover of the security ministries to independent national figures."
Abu Ragheef said that "the Iraqi street knows very well that the obstacle lies in the conviction of political forces and recognizes the nature of the intersections between the prime minister and the forces that will vote on his candidates."
Parliamentary finance reveals the new price of oil in the budget of 2019
Release date: 2018/12/20 7:30 • 598 times read
(Baghdad: Al-Furat News) revealed the parliamentary Finance Committee, the new price of a barrel of oil in the draft federal budget law for the year 2019.
Committee member Abdul Hadi Mohan told the {Euphrates News} that "the government set the new price of a barrel of oil in the budget at $ 56."
He criticized "the government delegation that sent to the Finance Committee increase the fiscal deficit in the budget because of low oil prices below the $ 60," adding that "from the budget as teachers of mathematics and have no experience in the economy and financial situation,
"We asked the government delegation to increase allocations for the development of regions and provinces, but they want to increase the deficit, how to build a state like these?" Saying that "the price of new oil (56 and Lara) number of pessimism about the Iraqis and hope the government to change," as he put it.
A member of the Finance Committee parliamentary, Siham Ugaili, revealed last Sunday, the reasons for the delay in the adoption of the General Budget Law 2019.
"The postponement of the completion of the ministerial cab does not affect the adoption of the budget law, and the reason for delaying the adoption of the law is the low price of a barrel of oil."
"After the decline there will be a change in the budget, but it will not include salaries that are considered a red line but will include part of the expenses if the decline remains and wait for the stability of the price of a barrel of oil, but remains at $ 56 or lower."
He criticized "the government delegation that sent to the Finance Committee increase the fiscal deficit in the budget because of low oil prices below the $ 60," adding that "from the budget as teachers of mathematics and have no experience in the economy and financial situation,
"We asked the government delegation to increase allocations for the development of regions and provinces, but they want to increase the deficit, how to build a state like these?" Saying that "the price of new oil (56 and Lara) number of pessimism about the Iraqis and hope the government to change," as he put it.
A member of the Finance Committee parliamentary, Siham Ugaili, revealed last Sunday, the reasons for the delay in the adoption of the General Budget Law 2019.
"The postponement of the completion of the ministerial cab does not affect the adoption of the budget law, and the reason for delaying the adoption of the law is the low price of a barrel of oil."
"After the decline there will be a change in the budget, but it will not include salaries that are considered a red line but will include part of the expenses if the decline remains and wait for the stability of the price of a barrel of oil, but remains at $ 56 or lower."
Kurdish Deputy: We will not give up the budget of the region 17% at all
Date of release: 2018/11/6 13:14 • 357 times read
[Ayna-Baghdad]
The MP from the Kurdistan Democratic Party, Mayada al-Najjar, her party's adherence to the Kurdistan region in the financial budget for 2019.
The MP from the Kurdistan Democratic Party, Mayada al-Najjar, her party's adherence to the Kurdistan region in the financial budget for 2019.
Najjar stressed in a statement received by the agency all of Iraq [where] a copy of it, that "this proportion of legal and constitutional entitlement has been resorted to in the federal budgets of Iraq over the past years."
"We are strongly adhering to the region's share of the budget and we will never give it up."
Najjar stressed that "the share of the region is a sacred cause because it means the livelihood of our Kurdish people and includes the salaries of the staff of the region and its needs of services, security, energy and other vital sectors of life."
"The members of Parliament are representatives of the people of Kurdistan and they must carry out their moral and humanitarian duty to protect the constitutional rights of the Kurds."
"We are strongly adhering to the region's share of the budget and we will never give it up."
Najjar stressed that "the share of the region is a sacred cause because it means the livelihood of our Kurdish people and includes the salaries of the staff of the region and its needs of services, security, energy and other vital sectors of life."
"The members of Parliament are representatives of the people of Kurdistan and they must carry out their moral and humanitarian duty to protect the constitutional rights of the Kurds."
Kauaihn Iraq Articles:dddd
Deputy: We will press Abdul Mahdi to end the file of the management of positions by proxy and we will commit to his promise when he said six months
21-12-2018 10:43AM Baghdad
A member of the Strategic Planning Committee and the follow-up of the government program MP Mnail Ajil, Thursday, that the positions of proxy will expire within the period scheduled for six months, pointing out that the Prime Minister is a promise to do so and we will press and commit to his promise .
Agil said in a statement that "the positions managed by the proxy will end within six months, where the Prime Minister promised to do so, and we will press to finish this matter quickly," noting that "the previous governments made a mistake when they were given proxy positions over the years, Political for the benefit of certain parties and blocs . "
"The positions of the proxy will be handed over to competent figures chosen by the government, where these positions will not be the share of political parties and blocs again ."
Ajeel pointed out that "the House of Representatives will be held accountable for the personalities of the agency and the bodies that have been instructed to remain in those positions over the past years without any change ."
Mr. Ammar al-Hakim and the National Delegation emphasize the importance of appointing competent ministers in the remaining cab
Date of release: 2018/12/20 10:52 • 103 times read
(Baghdad: al-Furat News) The head of the Alliance for Reform and Reconstruction, Mr. Ammar al-Hakim, discussed with a delegation from the National Coalition, the latest developments in the political situation in Iraq and the region and the government cab file.
A statement issued by his office received the agency {Euphrates News} copy of it that the two sides stressed during the meeting, "the importance of completing the government cab and the appointment of competent ministers characterized by integrity and ability to manage the remaining ministries."
They also stressed that "institutionalizing the Alliance of Reform and Reconstruction is an important development that contributes to support the political process and the stability of the political system." And between the two sides, that "the next phase must be the priority stage and the first priority is the file of services and employment opportunities."
They also stressed that "institutionalizing the Alliance of Reform and Reconstruction is an important development that contributes to support the political process and the stability of the political system." And between the two sides, that "the next phase must be the priority stage and the first priority is the file of services and employment opportunities."
How will the new Iraqi ambassadors be appointed? Deputy reveals the mechanism
20-12-2018 11:02 AM Baghdad / News
A member of the Foreign Relations Committee in the House of Representatives Iqbal Abdul-Hussein al-Mithi, on Thursday, the existence of a new mechanism for the appointment of Iraqi ambassadors abroad .
Al-Mathai said in a statement received by the news that the committee hosted on Wednesday Foreign Minister Mohammed Ali al-Hakim and Undersecretary of the Ministry Nizar al-Khairallah to discuss a number of topics related to the work of the ministry during the next phase .
She added that "among these topics the development of a new mechanism for the appointment of Iraqi ambassadors abroad during the next phase," stressing that "the mechanism depends on competence, experience and independence and reflect a clear image of the country and make the interests of Iraq and the Iraqis above all considerations ."
"The committee is determined to make the success of Iraqi diplomacy through the selection of ambassadors have a long history of this wire and have information about the country in which they will represent Iraq," she said. "The existence of monitoring and evaluation of the Iraqi ambassadors abroad carried out by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, To give its point of view in this matter and to emphasize the defiant of these ambassadors . "
URGENT Oil falls below Iraq's 2019 budget
Date of release: 2018/12/20 12:01 • 132 times read
{International: Al Furat News} Oil prices fell on Thursday to erase most of the gains from the previous session, resuming declines that started earlier in the week amid concerns about oversupply and global economic outlook.
By 09:04 GMT, Brent crude futures were down to $ 55.05 a barrel, $ 1 less than Iraq's next year's $ 56 a barrel.
It is scheduled to begin the Iraqi Council of Representatives, on Thursday, the first reading of the draft federal budget law for the year 2019.
The Ministry of Finance disclosed today that the price of a barrel of oil in the budget of 2019 $ 56 and an export rate of three million and 880 thousand barrels per day, including 250 thousand barrels from the Kurdistan region.
And revealed that the budget contained a deficit of up to 28 trillion dinars, "expected to" up to 30 trillion dinars, "indicating that" the total federal budget for the next year, up to 132 trillion dinars. "
It is scheduled to begin the Iraqi Council of Representatives, on Thursday, the first reading of the draft federal budget law for the year 2019.
The Ministry of Finance disclosed today that the price of a barrel of oil in the budget of 2019 $ 56 and an export rate of three million and 880 thousand barrels per day, including 250 thousand barrels from the Kurdistan region.
And revealed that the budget contained a deficit of up to 28 trillion dinars, "expected to" up to 30 trillion dinars, "indicating that" the total federal budget for the next year, up to 132 trillion dinars. "
Turkish Defense Minister: We are always following terrorist movements in northern Iraq
Date of release:: 2018/12/20 11:15 • 51 times read
Turkish Defense Minister Khulosi Akar said on Thursday that "we have always been following terrorist movements in northern Iraq and have recently carried out air raids on the Sinjar and Karak Jag regions," referring to elements of the internationally-banned Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in Turkey.
"Terrorists have been neutralized in that area without harming civilians and innocent people," Akar said in a speech to Turkish forces led by Qatari-Turkish joint forces in the Qatari capital of Doha on Tuesday.
On the Syrian situation, the Turkish Defense Minister said that the focus of the Turkish armed forces is currently on the areas of Manbj and east of the Euphrates in northern Syria, and working intensively in this regard.
Akar explained that there are pits and tunnels dug in Manbaj and east of the Euphrates, "but it will not stand in the way of Turkey's resolve to eliminate the hotbeds of terrorism there."
"Let them enter the ground if they want, when the time is right, these terrorists will inevitably be buried in their holes."
On the Syrian situation, the Turkish Defense Minister said that the focus of the Turkish armed forces is currently on the areas of Manbj and east of the Euphrates in northern Syria, and working intensively in this regard.
Akar explained that there are pits and tunnels dug in Manbaj and east of the Euphrates, "but it will not stand in the way of Turkey's resolve to eliminate the hotbeds of terrorism there."
"Let them enter the ground if they want, when the time is right, these terrorists will inevitably be buried in their holes."
d
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GLOBAL/NEWS/INFO
Today in History
ABC News
Today in History Read the full story
Pay off that debt before you retire
CNBC
Managing debt is a priority for 40 percent of retirees, according to a new report.
Here's how to manage your debts ahead of and into retirement, so they don't derail your plans. Read the full story
Violence against journalists hits unprecedented levels: RSF
Reuters
The murder of Saudi columnist Jamal Khashoggi in a year when more than half of all journalists killed were targeted deliberately reflects a hatred of the media in many areas of society, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said on Tuesday. Read the full story
10 Things to Know for Today
ABC New
OIL/COMMODITIES/ENERGY
PRECIOUS-Gold gains on slide in dollar, stocks; focus on Fed
Reuters
(Adds comments, updates prices) Read the full story
Gold Prices Little Changed as Traders Await Fed Outlook
Investing.com
Commodities Dec 19, 2018 06:05 GMT
Investing.com - Gold prices were flat on Wednesday in Asia astraders awaited cues on the rate hike paths of the U.S. Federal Reserve from its two-day policy meeting.
Gold Futures for February delivery last traded at $1,254.45 at 1:05 AM ET (06:05 GMT) on the Comexexchange, up 0.05%.
The Fed is likely to raise rates later in the day, but some expect the central bank tosignal fewer rate hikes for 2019. Lower interest rates reduce the opportunity cost of Read the full story
•Gold prices rise today after sharp fall, silver rates slip
Livemint
New Delhi: After falling sharply in previous two days, gold prices found some support at lower levels. Goldrates today edged higher by Rs 60 to Rs 32,060 per 10 gram but silver prices slipped. Some buying at lower levels by jewellers and higher global prices lifted domestic gold prices today. Silver rates however fell byRs 85 to Rs 38,315 per kg due to reduced offtake by industrial units and coin makers. In Delhi, prices ofgold of 99.9% and 99.5% purities inched higher by Rs 60 to Rs 32,060 Read the full story
METALS-Gloomy economic outlook pushes copper to 5-week low
Reuters
(Updates throughout, moves dateline from MELBOURNE/BEIJING) Read the full story
•London markets fall, as crude oil prices reach fresh lows
MarketWatch
London stocks were down on Tuesday, as crude oil prices drop to a fresh low and investors wait nervouslyfor the start of the two Federal Open Market Committee meeting Read the full story•Oil Inches Up Despite Glut Concerns
Investing.com
Commodities Dec 19, 2018 04:30 GMT Investing.com - Oil prices rose on Wednesday morning in Asia,despite concerns over a global supply glut and an economic slowdown. Crude Oil WTI Futures for February
delivery edged up 0.02% to $46.61 per barrel at 10:37 PM ET (02:37 GMT) on the New York Mercantile
Exchange, after hitting $46.23 at around 6:00 PM ET, marking the lowest point since July 2017. London’s
Intercontinental Exchange showed that Brent Oil Futures for February delivery also rose 0.71% to Read the
full story
BANKS/BANKING/CREDIT
Bank of England shines a light on banks' death throes
Reuters
Britain's top banks will have toshow the public how they could be closed down without a taxpayerbailout if
they got into serious trouble, the Bank of England(BoE) said on Tuesday. Read the full story
Bank Loans Are Tumbling, but They’re Still Not Cheap
Barron's
The leveraged loan market comes with structural risks that will likely persist, and valuations are still fairly
high, analysts say. Read the full story
Banks could be banned from charging high fees for unarranged
overdrafts
Sky News
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is planning new rules to bring down the cost of many overdraft
fees, which raked in over £2.4bn for banks last year alone. Read the full story
Harnessing the Digital Revolution for Sustainable Development
Barron's
The digitalization of finance is essential to improving lives in the Global South. A United Nations task force
could provide lenders and investors a strategy to capitalize on fintech’s potential. Read the full story
Want a Better Credit Report? Soon, Your Cellphone Bill Could Help
The Wall Street Journal
Experian, one of the largest credit-reporting firms in the U.S., will soon start factoring in cell and utility
payments provided by consumers. It could boost credit scores for millions. Read the full story
TREASURIES/BONDS/STOCKS
Investors flee to bonds on their worst global economic outlook in 10 years
CNBC
Investors are fleeing stocks and buying bonds in record numbers, according to a December survey of fund
managers released on Tuesday. Read the full story
We see a deceleration in the economy: Market strategist
Fox News
Stifel Head of Equity Strategy Barry Bannister on concerns over the impact of Federal Reserve policy,
the state of the markets and the U.S. economic outlook. Read the full story
Investors gloomiest in a decade about world economy: BAML survey
Reuters
Investor outlooks have deteriorated to their most pessimistic in a decade, Bank of America Merrill Lynch's
December investor survey showed on Tuesday. Read the full story
• Stocks fall after Xi says 'No one is in a position to dictate' to China
NBC News
“No one is in a position to dictate to the Chinese people what should or should not be done,” Xi said in a
Tuesday speech. Read the full story
•Day Ahead: Top 3 Things to Watch
Investing.com
Stock Markets Dec 18, 2018 21:34 GMT Investing.com - Here’s a preview of the top 3 things that could rock
markets tomorrow. 1. It’s Fed Day Wall Street hasn’t seen a Federal Reserve interest rate decision this
controversial and uncertain in a long, long time, so let’s give it its due. Anything else will be a distant
second when it comes to moving stocks tomorrow. First, the numbers. The expectation is still for the
Federal Open Market Committee to raise the federal funds rate by a quarter point Read the full story
•Top 5 Things to Know in The Market on Wednesday
Investing.com
Economy Dec 19, 2018 10:39 GMT Investing.com - Here are the top five things you
need to know in financial markets on Wednesday, December 19: 1. Markets Await Fed
Announcement, Powell The Federal Reserve is almost certain to raise interest rates by
a quarter point for a fourth time this year at the conclusion of today’s policy meeting at
2:00PM ET (19:00 GMT). That would put the fed funds target range in a range between
2.25%-2.5%. Fed Chair Jerome Powell will hold what will be a closely-watched Read the
full story
CRYPTO'S / DIGITAL CURRENCY
• One year on from Bitcoin's record high, its price has fallen so far it's too costly to mine it
Business Insider
Patrick Pleul/picture alliance via Getty Images Bitcoin prices hit record highs one year ago today. Since
then prices have slumped by over 80%. Slumping prices means profits for mining bitcoin have collapsed.
Bitcoin prices have been obliterated over the past 12 months, falling over 80% from December 18 last year.
Such has been the scale of the slide, they're becoming increasingly uneconomic to mine given the costs
involved. JP Morgan explains (our emphasis added): The latest decline in prices Read the full story
••Bitcoin [BTC]'s price rises dramatically through bear-infested empire as
EOY approaches
AMB Crypto
Bitcoin, the world's largest cryptocurrency, is no longer down in the dumps. The prices of Bitcoin have
increased dramatically by more than 8% as of December 18, and have been up there for quite a while. The
king of the cryptocurrencies has come out of its hiding, causing every other cryptocurrency to follow its
lead,... Read the full story
• Crypto millionaire Erik Finman, 19, warns Bitcoin is 'dead'
The Sun
A TEENAGE bitcoin millionaire has warned that the cryptocurrency is now "dead" and that its future is
finite. Erik Finman, 19, from New York, has been investing in the digital currency since he was 12-years-old
and now he's warning others that bitcoin's end is on the horizon. https://www.instagram.com/p/
The millionaire told investing publication MarketWatch: "Bitcoin... Read the full story
CURRENCIES
Dollar struggles with risk-off sentiment, renewed Trump Fed comments
MarketWatch
The U.S. dollar softens Tuesday, as global stocks have struggled recently, on the back of waning risk
sentiment and growing uncertainty about the pace of rate increases in coming months. Read the full story
•Forex - Dollar Slides Ahead of Fed Announcement
Investing.com
Forex Dec 19, 2018 08:41 GMT Investing.com - The U.S. dollar was on the backfoot on Wednesday, as
markets awaited signals from the Federal Reserve on its plans for next year. The U.S. dollar index, which
measures the greenback’s strength against a basket of six major currencies, was down 0.3% at 96.28 by
3:40AM ET (09:40 GMT), hovering near a one-week low. The U.S. central bank is almost certain to raise
interest rates by a quarter point for a fourth time this year at the conclusion of its Read the full story
•Pound LIVE: GBP Sterling HIGHER against euro and US dollar as Brexit
preparations ramp up
Express
THE pound is climbing higher against the euro and US dollar this morning as Brexit preparations appeared
to move forward after Prime Minister Theresa May confirmed a date for the vote on her withdrawal deal. Mrs
May confirmed yesterday that MPs will vote on the conditions of Britain leaving the EU in the week
beginning the 14 January. The vote was originally set for 11 December but was pushed back after the
Conservative Party leader confessed she faced a "significant" defeat on her withdrawal Read the full story
•Pound to euro exchange rate: GBP steadies as Brexit continues to propel
sterling
Express
THE POUND has steadied against the euro this week in the final week of trading for 2018 and remains
similar to yesterday’s opening levels. Sterling continues to be driven by Brexit developments. The pound
remains propelled by Brexit this week and is steady against the major currencies. Sterling is currently
trading at €1.113 against the euro, according to Bloomberg. Brexit continues to serve as a barometer for
the pound's movements against the euro. Prime Minister Theresa May has warned MPs that Read the full
story
• Will the yuan weaken further or bounce back next year? First, work out
how strong the US dollar and euro are
South China Morning Post
Neal Kimberley says the yuan might not weaken, despite China’s slowing economy and the trade war.
Foreign exchange is relative. For the yuan to weaken, the market would also be making a judgment about
the appeal of other currencies Read the full story
•EGP mixed against FX currencies Monday
Mubasher
Cairo – Mubasher: The performance of the Egyptian pound was mixed on Monday against foreign
currencies at national and private banks. Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) offered the highest US dollar rate
at EGP 17.9 for buying and EGP 17.98 for … Read the full story
INSURANCE / HEALTH / SCIENCE•These Customized DNA Tests Can Help You Unlock a Healthier Lifestyle
Futurism
It's been more than six decades since James Watson and Francis Crick unlocked the mystery of DNA’s
double-stranded helix. And in that time, humanity's understanding of genetics has grown at an
unprecedented rate, advancing to the point where anyone can unlock the mysteries of their own genetic
code with a simple store-bought test. More importantly,... Read the full story
•A New Disease Is Testing Us for the Next Global Epidemic
WIRED
As perplexing to diagnose as it is to treat, acute flaccid myelitis may foreshadow whether our surveillance
systems could uncover a severe epidemic. Read the full story
•How does federal judges' health insurance stack up?
CBS News
With a federal court ruling that Obamacare is unconstitutional, here's a look at the kind of health coverage
judges get Read the full story
•Surgeon General calls for local taxes on e-cigarettes
USA TODAY
More than 2 million middle school, high school and college teens use these battery-powered devices to
heat liquid-based nicotine into an inhalable vapor. Read the full story
Black lung disease is killing thousands of miners. Regulators could have
stopped it.
NPR
More than 2,000 miners in Appalachia are dying from an advanced stage of black lung. NPR and Frontline
have found the government had multiple warnings and opportunities to protect them, but didn't. Read the
full story
USA / CANADA
Homebuilders are losing confidence — and it could be a 'ominous' sign for the US
economy
Business Insider
Workers pour concrete for a driveway of a new home at the Pulte Homes Fireside at Norterra-Skyline
housing development on March 5, 2013 in Phoenix, Arizona. The National Association of Home Builders'
sentiment index out Monday posted its largest two-month decline in 17 years, and the second-largest twomonth
decline since the measure's creation in 1985. Some say the recent drop is a troubling signal for the
broader US economy. The move WHAT move? comes just ahead of the Federal Reserve's widely Read the
full story
All eyes on Fed chief’s comments as China’s growth outlook plays big
part in direction of US interest rates
South China Morning Post
Washington in focus as Fed assesses health of Chinese economy Beijing in focus as Chinese
policymakers assess effect of US rates rise Read the full story
Chance of recession rises to the highest level of the Trump presidency
CNBC
Respondents boosted the chance of recession, reduced their support for the president's handling of the
economy and lowered their outlook for economic growth and Fed rate hikes. Read the full story
EMERGING MARKETS
•Goldman expects emerging market currencies to 'bounce back' in 2019
CNBC
Goldman Sachs Asset Management expects improving economic conditions in emerging markets to boost
the value of regional currencies. Read the full story
•JBS says China's swine fever outbreak may benefit Brazilian meat
exports
Reuters
The new chief executiveofficer of Brazil-based meat processor JBS SA said onTuesday an outbreak of a
deadly virus threatening porkproduction in China may be a boon to Brazilian and U.S. porkexporters. Read
the full story
•China is running the clock in the U.S. vs. Brazil soybean battle
Fox News
Brazil and China are in bed amid the battle for soybean domination. Read the full story
• Emerging-market fund flows stall in December after November bounce
Reuters
Portfolio flows intoemerging-market assets ground to a halt in December afterhealthy inflows in November,
Deutsche Bank found, as concernover taking on exposure to riskier assets returned towards theend of the
year. Read the full story
Texas Fund's Soured Bet on Exotic-Country Stocks Takes Further Hit
TheStreet
The Teacher Retirement System of Texas lost 0.6% during the third quarter on its $14 billion holdings of
stocks from countries like China, Brazil, Russia and Turkey. Such declines helped to cap the fund's overall
return to 2.2% -- well below the average for U.S. institutional investment plans. The Teacher Retirement
System of Texas Board of Trustees at a meeting in August, where officials discussed the fund's "unsound"
accounting status, resulting from years of low investment returns. A big bet Read the full story
MIDDLE EAST•Reliance, Saudi Arabia in talks for oil refinery, petrochemical project: Saudi oil minister
Livemint
New Delhi: World’s largest oil exporter Saudi Arabia and richest Indian Mukesh Ambani-run Reliance
Industries Ltd are discussing joint investment in petrochemicals and oil refinery projects, Saudi oil minister
Khalid al-Falih said. Al-Falih, who has known Ambani for over a decade now, travelled to Udaipur earlier
this month to attend the pre-wedding festivities of Ambani’s daughter Isha Ambani’s marriage with Ajay
Piramal’s son Anand Piramal. During that visit, he also held talks with Ambani but Read the full story
••Fighting in Yemeni city dies down as cease-fire takes hold
ABC News
Officials say the key port city of Hodeida is calm, hours after a cease-fire. Read the full story
••UAE's Utico plans stock market listing, hires ENBD Capital
Reuters
United Arab Emirates' utilityUtico Middle East has hired Emirates NBD Capital for apotential share sale and
public listing, the company said onTuesday. Read the full story
••UAE holdings of US debt instruments fall 3.8% in October
Mubasher
The GCC nation’s holdings of US debt instruments recorded $57.7 billion in October Read the full story
AFRICA
Africa: Trumps' Africa Policy Opens Door for China to Expand Influence
AllAfrica
(Photo: allafrica.com) US President Donald Trump is tightening conditions for support of the South
Sudanese government to stump plunder and perpetual violence, but in a move that could offer China
another chance to expand its influence. Trump's new Africa strategy released by his National Security
Advisor John Bolton is supposedly more specific, targeting priority areas of trade, fight against violent
extremism and improving efficiency in utilising American money on the continent. SOUTH SUDAN Read the
full story
•Kenya: Lobby Rushes to Court to Stop New Currency Images
AllAfrica
(Photo: Nairobi News) Consumer Federation of Kenya (Cofek) has gone to court seeking to stop Central
Bank of Kenya (CBK) from further printing the new look currency. In a suit filed under certificate of
urgency, Cofek said the new look currency coins and notes were printed without public consultation as
required by Article 10 of the Constitution. Cofek secretary-general Stephen Mutoro said in a sworn
statement that being a symbol of national unity, there should have been public participation on Read the
full story
•Zimbabwe: Inflation Rises to 31pc, to Decelerate in the New Year
AllAfrica
The country's annual rate of inflation increased by 10,16 percentage points to 31,01 percent in November
from 20,85 percent in October as speculative price increases took toll on the economy. Analysts, however,
said the figures announced yesterday are still too far for the country to enter hyperinflation zone and
indications are the inflation rate will decelerate on the back of some austerity measures Government has
put in place to curtail domestic spending. The previous two months saw prices of Read the full story
•South Africa: Zimbabweans Stock Up in SA to Beat Inflation At Home
AllAfrica
(Photo: Tariro Washinyira/GroundUp) But the cost of taking goods back rises over Christmas As Christmas
approaches, Zimbabweans in South Africa are preparing to send groceries to families battling inflation at
home. Inflation in Zimbabwe is running at nearly 21% a year according to the latest statistics from the
Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency. The 30 July elections after the fall of Robert Mugabe, who had ruled
the country for close to four decades, were expected to bring a change to the Read the full story
•Nigeria: ENI, Shell Aware of U.S.$1.3 Billion Malabu Oil Deal - Italian Judge
AllAfrica
An Italian judge, Giusy Barbara yesterday said oil groups Eni and Royal Dutch Shell were fully aware that
their purchase of a Nigerian oilfield in 2011, would result in corrupt payments to politicians and officials.
Italy's Eni and Shell bought the OPL 245 offshore field for about $1.3 billion in a deal that spawned one of
the industry's largest corruption scandals. It is alleged that about $1.1 billion of the total was siphoned to
agents and middlemen. The Milan judge made the comment, while Read the full story
ASIA
Why America Needs to Realize That China Will Be No. 1
FORTUNE
China is where the biggest markets are, so that’s where multinational companies – such as Ford - want to
build their factories and offices What a difference two decades makes. In 1997, China’s gross domestic
product was about 11 percent of the U.S’s. By 2017, it was up to 63 percent: But this overstates the
difference in living standards between the two countries since prices are generally lower in China. In
purchasing-power-parity terms, China’s economy became the world’s largest in about 2013. Read the full
story
EUROPE
UK government makes no-deal Brexit an operational priority - minister
Reuters
British government ministers have agreed that preparing for a no-deal Brexit will be their operational
priority and companies need to take the possibility of a sudden exit from the European Union much more
seriously, Britain's Brexit minister said. Read the full story
•What does Corbyn's no-confidence vote mean - and could Theresa May be
forced to resign?
The Independent
Jeremy Corbyn has piled pressure on the prime minister to allow MPs to vote on her Brexit deal by
tabling a motion of no confidence in her leadership. Read the full story
•Plans to break the current Brexit impasse could land Theresa May in even deeper
trouble
CNBC
So whither Brexit? And what clarity — if any — can investors and businesses glean from the current
maelstrom of competing interests in Westminster? Read the full story
•Cabinet meets to decide on ramping up Brexit 'no-deal' preparations
Sky News
Theresa May's cabinet are thrashing out plans to ramp up preparations for a "no-deal" Brexit after she
avoided a vote of no-confidence. Read the full story
•The United Kingdom's tortuous journey in and out of the EU
Reuters
Britain will leave the European Union at 2300 GMT on March 29, 2019. Wednesday marks 100 days to
departure day. Read the full story
Among 10 Things to Know: Criminal justice reform, the border wall thaw, Yemen's child fighters Read the
full story
d
CBI, ISX, Kauaihn Chatter:
CBI Update:
The CBI for Thursday 12/20/18 did update on the indicative rates Sell Rate 1190
The currency auction is 246,016,049
There are no news and announcements
Bank Articles:
Rafidain decides to grant loans to citizens of Nineveh exclusively
Date of release: 2018/12/20 8:07 • 141 times scheduled
{Baghdad: Al-Furat News} Rafidain Bank decided to grant loans to citizens of Nineveh residents exclusively and damaged their homes for reconstruction.
"It was decided to grant loans to citizens of the Nineveh province whose houses were demolished or damaged by the control of the terrorist in their areas or as a result of military operations," the bank's press office said in a statement received by Al-Furat News.
He pointed out that "the amount of the loan amounts to 30 million dinars and 15 million dinars for the citizen who lives in rural areas in the province
He pointed out that "the amount of the loan amounts to 30 million dinars and 15 million dinars for the citizen who lives in rural areas in the province
URGENT Ministry of Finance reveals the budget of 2019 and announce an important decision of salaries of employees
Date of release: 2018/12/20 9:03 • 1855 times read
(Baghdad: Al-Furat News) The Ministry of Finance revealed important figures on the new draft budget law for 2019.
Undersecretary of the Ministry Maher Hammad Juhan said in a press statement that the Federal Budget Law for the year 2019 has passed several stages, as it was submitted to the House of Representatives, but it was not put then for discussion of an agreement between the government and the Presidency of the House of Representatives to be deliberated before entering into discussion in Parliament".
He added that "the ministry officials held meetings with the members of the House of Representatives and briefed on the general framework before entering the figures, and were heard from them and there were reservations and meetings were held with the Finance Committee and advisers and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, noting that these meetings were the recommendation of the Council of Ministers, "After the discussion of all ideas completed draft budget law and was submitted to the Council of Ministers and is currently there pending discussion and approval so as to be referred to the House of Representatives again."
He stressed that the budget that has been submitted to the Council of Ministers, adopted the price of a barrel of oil at $ 56 and an export rate of three million and 880 thousand barrels per day, including 250 thousand barrels from the Kurdistan region, "noting that" the budget contained a deficit of up to 28 trillion dinars, Up to 30 trillion dinars to add new figures related to the province and cooperation with the region and the ministry has put more than an option before the Council of Ministers in this regard, "noting that" the total federal budget for the next year, up to 132 trillion dinars. "
The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance said that the budget was characterized by flexibility in terms of employees such as variables such as bonuses and promotion and the calculation of service in addition to the equality of the sons of the crowd of the armed forces personnel to ensure the repetition of the problems of the job during the austerity experienced by the country, as the allocation of funds for these purposes in the budget and the allocation of Mali, corresponding to that and therefore the value of wages related to employees more than two trillion dinars from last year, noting that the budget responded to the changes taking place.
The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance: The budget also contained the priority of the appointment of contracts to the permanent owners according to the movement of owners, and was granted authority to the Council of Ministers to exploit them in the best form except for employees of the Ministry of Electricity, which have priority and was placed in the text of the Federal Budget Law, stressing the contribution of these procedures in providing opportunities Work, but it will not cover everyone, especially as Iraq has nearly two million unemployed. "
He pointed out that the government should encourage the private sector to stop the slack in the state sector by granting private sector employees the privileges of state employees, The Government's progress towards this end "
He added that "the ministry officials held meetings with the members of the House of Representatives and briefed on the general framework before entering the figures, and were heard from them and there were reservations and meetings were held with the Finance Committee and advisers and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, noting that these meetings were the recommendation of the Council of Ministers, "After the discussion of all ideas completed draft budget law and was submitted to the Council of Ministers and is currently there pending discussion and approval so as to be referred to the House of Representatives again."
He stressed that the budget that has been submitted to the Council of Ministers, adopted the price of a barrel of oil at $ 56 and an export rate of three million and 880 thousand barrels per day, including 250 thousand barrels from the Kurdistan region, "noting that" the budget contained a deficit of up to 28 trillion dinars, Up to 30 trillion dinars to add new figures related to the province and cooperation with the region and the ministry has put more than an option before the Council of Ministers in this regard, "noting that" the total federal budget for the next year, up to 132 trillion dinars. "
The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance said that the budget was characterized by flexibility in terms of employees such as variables such as bonuses and promotion and the calculation of service in addition to the equality of the sons of the crowd of the armed forces personnel to ensure the repetition of the problems of the job during the austerity experienced by the country, as the allocation of funds for these purposes in the budget and the allocation of Mali, corresponding to that and therefore the value of wages related to employees more than two trillion dinars from last year, noting that the budget responded to the changes taking place.
The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance: The budget also contained the priority of the appointment of contracts to the permanent owners according to the movement of owners, and was granted authority to the Council of Ministers to exploit them in the best form except for employees of the Ministry of Electricity, which have priority and was placed in the text of the Federal Budget Law, stressing the contribution of these procedures in providing opportunities Work, but it will not cover everyone, especially as Iraq has nearly two million unemployed. "
He pointed out that the government should encourage the private sector to stop the slack in the state sector by granting private sector employees the privileges of state employees, The Government's progress towards this end "
Value Traded
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ISX ended in Green
Kauaihn Chatter:dd
http://www.dinarguru.com/
12-20-2018 Intel/Newshound Guru sandyf ...I agree with Kap [Guru Kaperoni] on a few things. There's no RI or big RV coming. There can never be any Reinstatement of the IQD, something has to have gone before it can come back. The IQD has always been the national currency of Iraq,the IQD has never been an Article 8 currency and any change in value would be a revaluation.
12-19-2018 Newshound Guru Kaperoni So tomorrow we try again to complete PM Mahdi cabinet. Fingers crossed.
12-19-2018 Intel Guru Frank26 Iraq one of the richest countries in the world...4th place globally holding the largest amount of US Bonds... Because USA is open to Iraq, because of a MIRRORING! The RI of the IQD is UNSTOPPABLE.. it is coming out of a Program Rate ...as long as International trade market gets it...it will EXPLODE!
12-19-2018 Newshound Guru Adam Montana ... I'm excited for the new year to roll in!... At the moment there is a distinct lack of news regarding HCL. I believe there is a good reason for this - and it's good for our 2019 outlook. Many many things are being taken care of, stamped, passed, and resolved right now. Things that are essential for forward progress. But, the fact remains... that pesky and elusive HCL is simply not on the table right now. As soon as we see word about it, then we can get excited! For now... patience is a virtue, and we have plenty. Don't get me wrong here! They aren't sleeping on the job... Fingers crossed for some HCL news soon...
12-19-2018 Intel Guru Bruce The one thing we were waiting here [U.S.] today and I believe we got it today. That one thing had to do with renewing an Executive Order by the President that expired yesterday [Monday] that needed to be reintroduced or re-extended as of today. ...I believe that is what may put us over the edge as far as being ready to go. I have been told they will do it in the next couple of days. They will do this final announcement of their rate and the announcement in fact they are a sovereign nation with a world exchangeable currency. Then guys we should be Go Time. I can’t give you a date or time for it, but I believe we are coming in where now does President Trump want this to go before Christmas? Yes. Is this supposed to be our week to go? Yes. [post 3 of 3]
12-19-2018 Intel Guru Bruce We got oil prices dropping below $50. That is putting a squeeze on Iraq to get done what they need to do in terms of making this announcement. It just might be right where it needs to be to get them to do that. If prices go down too much more, it is going to really bust their budget which is based on oil at a certain price which I thought was in the $44 - $46 barrel range for their budget. So this is really important. We are getting down to the wire that they need to do that. They need to release this information and get it done. I believe that was the one thing we were waiting for out of Iraq. [post 2 of 3....stay tuned]
12-19-2018 Intel Guru Bruce Every time we think Iraq is out of the way and complete we find no they needed to do one more thing... It seems like the one more thing now is just they need to announce their independence and the fact they have a revalued currency that is tradable worldwide. They just need to say it. It is more of a formality than anything else is where we are right now. Yes they were supposed to do that this morning [Tuesday]... Why didn’t it happen? What is happening OPEC is being left with about 4 oil producing countries in the organization? It is coming apart. What is happening is the US is getting bigger and bigger in oil. We are almost controlling the price of oil now whereas before Saudi Arabia was controlling the price. [post 1 of 3....stay tuned]
12-19-2018 Intel Guru Frank26 Iraq one of the richest countries in the world...4th place globally holding the largest amount of US Bonds... Because USA is open to Iraq, because of a MIRRORING! The RI of the IQD is UNSTOPPABLE.. it is coming out of a Program Rate ...as long as International trade market gets it...it will EXPLODE!
12-19-2018 Newshound Guru Adam Montana ... I'm excited for the new year to roll in!... At the moment there is a distinct lack of news regarding HCL. I believe there is a good reason for this - and it's good for our 2019 outlook. Many many things are being taken care of, stamped, passed, and resolved right now. Things that are essential for forward progress. But, the fact remains... that pesky and elusive HCL is simply not on the table right now. As soon as we see word about it, then we can get excited! For now... patience is a virtue, and we have plenty. Don't get me wrong here! They aren't sleeping on the job... Fingers crossed for some HCL news soon...
12-19-2018 Intel Guru Bruce The one thing we were waiting here [U.S.] today and I believe we got it today. That one thing had to do with renewing an Executive Order by the President that expired yesterday [Monday] that needed to be reintroduced or re-extended as of today. ...I believe that is what may put us over the edge as far as being ready to go. I have been told they will do it in the next couple of days. They will do this final announcement of their rate and the announcement in fact they are a sovereign nation with a world exchangeable currency. Then guys we should be Go Time. I can’t give you a date or time for it, but I believe we are coming in where now does President Trump want this to go before Christmas? Yes. Is this supposed to be our week to go? Yes. [post 3 of 3]
12-19-2018 Intel Guru Bruce We got oil prices dropping below $50. That is putting a squeeze on Iraq to get done what they need to do in terms of making this announcement. It just might be right where it needs to be to get them to do that. If prices go down too much more, it is going to really bust their budget which is based on oil at a certain price which I thought was in the $44 - $46 barrel range for their budget. So this is really important. We are getting down to the wire that they need to do that. They need to release this information and get it done. I believe that was the one thing we were waiting for out of Iraq. [post 2 of 3....stay tuned]
12-19-2018 Intel Guru Bruce Every time we think Iraq is out of the way and complete we find no they needed to do one more thing... It seems like the one more thing now is just they need to announce their independence and the fact they have a revalued currency that is tradable worldwide. They just need to say it. It is more of a formality than anything else is where we are right now. Yes they were supposed to do that this morning [Tuesday]... Why didn’t it happen? What is happening OPEC is being left with about 4 oil producing countries in the organization? It is coming apart. What is happening is the US is getting bigger and bigger in oil. We are almost controlling the price of oil now whereas before Saudi Arabia was controlling the price. [post 1 of 3....stay tuned]
Elmer:
Not in today
Artmeister:
Not in today
Catnip:
***************
ARTICLE 1-A (from PM Mahdi's website; posted on both Arabic and English sides)
Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi meets with deputies and officials of Dhi Qar province
Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi held a meeting with the members of the House of Representatives representatives of the province of Dhi Qar in the presence of the governor of Dhi Qar and the President and members of the provincial council, in the framework of his meetings with deputies and provincial officials to see their affairs and needs and provide the necessary solutions.
The Prime Minister stressed that this kind of continuous meetings with deputies and officials in our dear provinces is very useful and helps seriously to identify the most important issues and priorities and find solutions to them, calling on the local government in Dhi Qar and other provinces to take their role and opportunities in management and work and provide maximum What can be done to serve the citizens.
He said: "We believe that Iraq can not be managed successfully only in accordance with administrative decentralization and we seek to develop this trend, and we will work in cooperation with you to meet the needs of the needs of the people of Dhi Qar.
His Excellency referred to a detailed explanation from the deputies and local and security officials about the reality of the security, economic, health, agricultural, veterinary and educational, and the confrontation in order to enhance the experience of transfer of powers.
Media Office of the Prime Minister
19 December 2018
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ARTICLE 1-B (from PM Mahdi's website; posted on both Arabic and English sides; 11 pix)
Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi receives Australian Foreign Minister Scott Morrison
Prime Minister, Mr. Adel Abdulmahdi, received Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and his accompanying delegation today. The Australian Prime Minister received his Australian counterpart,
During the joint official talks, they reviewed the development of relations between the two countries and the two peoples and means of boosting them in the economic, trade, agricultural and cultural fields, and the Iraqi government's direction of reconstruction after the success of Iraq in the liberation of its lands and calling for discussing the situation in the region and confronting terrorism and the importance of Iraq's role in its region and good relations With all its neighbors and its Arab and regional surroundings.
He also welcomed Australia's support for Iraq in the fight against terrorism and its support for the fight against terrorism. He pointed out that the sacrifices of the Iraqis in the war on the Mujahedeen were very large and expensive and that the people must reap the fruits of their patience and sacrifices in coexistence, stability and reconstruction.
"We look forward to continuing Australia's position with Iraq and expanding cooperation to all sectors in a way that enhances the interests of both countries," he said in a joint press briefing following the round of talks. "We hope that there will be wide participation of Australian businessmen and companies in the reconstruction of Iraq and the provision of jobs, And this diversity is a source of strength and we look at all Iraqis on the basis of citizenship and national identity, and that the Iraqi democratic experience unique in the region has resulted in many elections and peaceful circulation of power, and we seek to establish the best relations with our neighbors and our surroundings and The nations of the world recognize that our country will be the home of terrorism or a pathway to attack any other country.
For his part, the Australian Prime Minister expressed his happiness to visit Iraq and its stability and development. He reiterated his congratulations to the Prime Minister on assuming the premiership. He stressed that Australia is a friend of Iraq and has always supported his efforts to fight terrorism and will continue this support in all fields. Praising the victory of the Iraqi people and the vision of the Prime Minister to rebuild, unify and develop Iraq, and the government's efforts to develop the economy and provide job opportunities.
The Australian prime minister expressed readiness to start a new phase of cooperation to meet Iraq's needs in the areas of economic development, construction, reconstruction, training and humanitarian assistance.
Media Office of the Prime Minister
19 December 2018
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ARTICLE 2 (from Government of Iraq twitter account):
Government of Iraq - الحكومة العراقيةVerified account @IraqiGovt 12-19-2018 around 9:30 am Eastern
PM @AdilAbdAlMahdi: I thank parliament for approving our nominees for a number of Cabinet posts, and pay tribute to Iraq’s democratic process.
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ARTICLE 3
"Le Monde Diplomatk" French: Sadr refuses to approach Washington again
December 19 - The leader of the Sadrist movement, Moqtada al-Sadr, has refused to improve relations with Washington in an attempt to gain an additional voice that he sees as "hostile to Tehran", the newspaper "Le Monde Diplomatique" reported on Wednesday. Who said a leader in the current that "does not have hostility to Iran, but rejects any outside interference."
"In recent months, Iraqi cleric Moqtada al-Sadr has repeatedly rejected US overtures to discuss," the newspaper said in a report. "Academics and journalists who offered it to be mediators were also rejected."
"Sadr can not engage in discussions with the Americans, because this will be against the principles of the same stream," the paper quoted Zia al-Asadi, a leader of the Sadrist movement, the former head of the Liberal Bloc.
"As long as US foreign policy remains unchanged, the Sadrists can not talk to them or want to," he said, referring to US positions on Iraq, Palestine and elsewhere.
"The popularity of Muqtada al-Sadr has grown among a wide range of people, while the US influence in Iraq has diminished in the past as concern about Iran's growing influence in the country grows," the paper said.
"Although the Sadrists are seen as an Iraqi Shiite group opposed to Iranian interference in Iraqi affairs and accused of being more sympathetic to Saudi Arabia, the truth is more complicated than that."
"We are an Iraqi national trend, not an agent for any regional force in the region, whether it is Iran or Saudi Arabia. But that does not mean that we have to be aggressive towards our neighbors. "
"In the recent parliamentary elections, Sadr's bloc, the majority of whom are Shiite and communist Islamists, has been characterized by its anti-American stance in most of the country and its hatred of successive Iraqi governments. With the largest number of seats in parliament, Sadr has been transformed from a popular leader into a kingmaker! "
"We have rooted support because we oppose the American occupation of our country. If we approach the Americans now, this will be contrary to anything we call for and will erode our support base," al-Asadi said. We do not want the Americans to support our candidates. "
"The Sadrists do not only include Shiites from Iraq but Sunnis and Christians who are referred to as Iraqis, not religious or religious, who want to improve the living conditions and prosperity of the general public," the newspaper said.
"We have a huge collection of support because we stand up to the Americans, how do we look to our supporters if we change our position suddenly without Americans changing their position?" He says.
"I think the Sadrists are a permanent force in Iraqi politics. They represent a national movement, but that does not mean they have no political ambitions," the newspaper quoted a former Iraqi politician as saying.
"While Sadr's refusal to claim a ministry for himself appears to be something noble by some, others see it as a strategy for long-term political ambitions," the paper noted.
"Coming close to Sadr for the Americans at this critical stage would seem to be a big reward that would represent an alliance against Iran under the guise of (national Shiites)," she said.
"But as a former Iraqi minister warned, Iran will overcome them and overcome them."
According to sources in the French newspaper, which she described as "close to the Iranian government," Sadr's relations with Tehran are "not as hostile as the Americans hope to be."
"Sadr, as a strong and patriotic national man, is trying to build balanced relations at the regional and international levels, but he refuses to intervene outside of Iran or Washington. Trying to successfully exploit the alliance with external forces according to what he sees in the interests of the country and not their interests. "(1)
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ARTICLE 4
Najaf Council discharges Governor Louay al-Yasiri on charges of corruption
Najaf, Dec. 19 - The Najaf provincial council on Wednesday voted by majority to dismiss Governor Louay al-Yasiri from office.
The vote came after the governor was sacked an hour after a previous vote of unconfirmed skepticism after questioning him on corruption-related issues.
The council elected Hashem al-Karawi as first deputy governor of Najaf, instead of Abbas al-Olawi.
The correspondent of "Iraq Press", a source in the Council, said that "17 members voted not to be satisfied with the answers of Governor Louay al-Yasiri"
The meeting was adjourned for half an hour in preparation for a vote on the dismissal.
During the questioning session, al-Yasiri accused "some members of the council of falsifying the signatures of a request to question him," describing them as "malicious and for the purpose of punctuation."
Yasiri said he would start "suing members of the council and running the province without a budget."
And gave the Council during the interrogation session 14 questions to Yasiri before he voted not to be satisfied with his answers.
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ARTICLE 5
Sleeping next to phones displays people for unexpected embarrassments
The sleep next to the mobile phone is usually bad, but researchers found it could lead to much worse behavior.
A new study by Villanova University found that the Millennium Generation is the victim of "text messages while sleeping".
The researchers surveyed 372 university students for information about their sleep habits, their use of the smartphone during sleep, and the quality of their sleep.
Students were asked how many hours they slept on weekdays and weekends, as well as where they put their phones during their sleep.
25.6% of respondents said they "sleep as they send messages," pointing to the poor quality of their sleep, and the impact of their mobile phones on their sleep.
Seventy-two percent of people who slept while using the phone said they had no idea whether they had sent messages while asleep. 25% said they do not know what they wrote.
"The lack of memory is not surprising because sleep research has found that people who wake up after more than a few minutes of sleep do not usually remember the last few minutes before they are gone," said Elizabeth Dudell, the study's main author.
University students tend to have less sleep than other age groups, with an average of 6.9 hours per night, due to busy schedules.
It should be noted that the youth generation sends about 60 to 100 text messages per day on average.
The study found that the phenomenon of text messages during sleep occur on a large scale, on platforms such as Twitter, Entangram and Tonbikes, since 2017.
The study concluded that "text messages during sleep among workers can lead to a different experience and a different set of consequences depending on what was sent." End (1)
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