Tuesday, December 25, 2018

WOTS Tuesday 12/25/18 Merry Christmas



WOTS Tuesday 12/25/18 Merry Christmas



christmas.jpg

WOTS Tuesday 12/25/18:


TNT Call notes for the December 24th call

so I rushed to do this forgive grammar and spelling and non use of apostrophes and capitalization

DONATE if you can at www.TNTSUPERFANTASTIC.com  if you know cashapp the id is  $Tntsuperfantastic
call replay  blogtalkradio.com/rayren98  or call 641-715-0623 pin 409029#

  tony talking
 
some procedural changes with the call system 
but Rayren is  working it out
music and greetings
 
Tony says well it is dec 24th  2018 and it's still morning on the west coast  
so we just really are going to do a real short call it's christmas eve we know people are doing last minute shopping they got family and everything else they probably would rather spend time doing that then listen to us say 
the rv didnt happen today    
 
 
Tony thanks everyone  for all the cards gifts and packages
then tony says on to the news 
 
 
Rayren read the blast from this morning 
 
Iraqi TV is broadcasting a member from Parliament stating that Iraq has entered a "new phase" of stability and security.
The Budget has been finalized with  the second reading.
The 5 remaining cabinet members have not been concluded.....yet. #wearethepeople
that was this morning update and things have changed  since then
so take it away
Tony says so were going to go with the budget first and i asked a couple of times a couple of  people just not really sure,  they did a 2nd reading of the budget and i'm not sure they dont need a 3rd one, i'm trying to find out if they have to do a 3rd reading  and it hasn't been recorded in the gazette or anything yet  so while they say its finalized or official we know its really not until its recorded but it did pass for the 2nd time so we'll see what happens there
 as far as the budget the rate and everything else which is what we need  we know its really not, until it's recorded
we're hearing they are putting tarriffs on everything effective the first of january, so they're going to tax everything with the new budget,   wonder how poeple are going to pay for it without have new or no money (not sure which word he used there)   the first of jan how are poeple going to pay for it when they don't have new money?
article out yesterday said they were going to  vote all 5 ministers in during the session today which of course they did not do,
 they voted in 3  more of the ministers   3 more  they said they were going to vote in 5, then the articles said 4 everything except for interior and  they did everything except defense and interior

   next article says they are going to try they are going to vote on  these next session which is supposed to be next monday you see they are doing this a week at time  except for mahdi came out and declared monday a holiday so the next parliament session isn't scheduled until jan 8th , jan 8 is the next scheduled session when they should vote for the defense and interior  if they dont do it next monday, or just do it

so that's where they are at they are down to the very last 2 
they did what we all assumed that they were trying to do is push it into the first part of jan we were hoping that they didn't do that because they could have changed it at any moment but it looks like what they did if we truly need the ministers for the rv to happen
now we really don't need that if that is what everyone wanted to see and make sure before they let it happen it could still happen by the end of this year because that was the plan
but things are going just like they did last year and the year before and the year before they always had a plan to do it in december they always had a date to do it in december  and it got delayed delayed delayed all the way to jan  because this time there is no reason for it not to go thru
  so we wait

everything else is good there is not a whole lot to talk about out there
 the banks are not doing anything nobody is sitting on standby nobody is excited because  they think we are just going thru
now i will tell you that i did get a call 2 days ago and somebody told me that they dates were 8 9 ten of january that they were looking it at probably going thru, they said 8 9 and ten of january  and today the article comes out and says next session is the 8th  he chuckles so  maybe they knew what they were talking about maybe the didn't but i got it 2 days ago 8 9 ten of  january is what we should be really looking at  i'm still  hopeful i mean i'll look at that i still know it could go at any moment because everything is done 

8 9 ten is what we should be looking at
i knew they wanted a new budget to go in effect on january 1st which means the rate would have to change by then because the new budget is based on the new rate based on oil being at 56 dollars per barrel and i know that is when they wanted things to go
so i'm not sticking with those dates yet we'll see what happens in january but other than that guys it is what it is, its going to be a merry christmas  for us we know our time is being cut down regardless
and hopefully we'll get a christmas surprise or a new years surprise  and this thing will be over with before  then
but that's where we are at today that's what they have put out so far that's what they are looking for in iraq unless i get something else  because i really didn't talk to anybody in iraq this morning  because i didn't really think we were doing a call Ray and I were kind of confused
i thought we were just going to blast out something but here we are
okay ray lets do what we do
a couple of questions here
does the govt shutdown stop the rv
no they dont have to wait on us i mean the treasury are still working banks are still working its just the fed gov that's (my words) not working  hahaha
mnchucin called head of top 6 banks to ask about liquidity any chance that was to see if they had cash ready for us?
it was more about markets crashing economy crashing  and if people make a run on the bank we want to know if you have the money to take care if it but that panicked the market more just by doing that so how did that work out for him?  not too good so no it was NOT code for the RV it was code for the markets panicking and people starting going to the bank are we ready for that 
that should not occur and i'm not telling you its going to occur but it made people even more concerned like why would you do that? what is it youre not telling us?
he was trying to check if there is a run on the banks do you have enough cash to stay open but the problem with this administration is everything gets out  early everybody tells everything and then it causes a secondary  option and then we are seeing the markets crash again today

Rayren answers canada donating questions
no diff link for canadians to send money thru cashpp but you have to have us bank access
canadians that want to donate and they do not have us banks accounts have to use snail mail for canada

951 question
Tony's answer last conversation  with my cbi guy his take was by the end of the year because they wanted to go into the new year with budget and rate together  but they still keep putting off the ministers  but he says the ministers are done everyone knows who they are but they are stringing this along for some reason they release a couple of names and then a couple more 
i know some people that are already paid and they've gotten the higher rate on their cards we explained that to you guys  kurdistan already got it started because it was supposed to be  the end of this month the whole thing was supposed to be done
no rate updates
again because  we are not concerned the rates are where they are i think we are just going to go with that
865 question
answer is tier2 contracts rates are for investing NOT exchanging
what is the timeframe for the next call?
I don't think we really got an answer  Tony thinks taking a rest is a good idea but he says nothing is going to happen today, tomorrow is christmas   3 day holiday in iraq   and then 30th 31st and 1st and they are not going to do anything in that timeframe we probably wont have a lot of info for a wed call
but if we do we'll post it out early in the morning
tony's closing
alright guys its still good they got the other 3 ministers out of the way we are waiting for 2 more they know everything is don so enjoy your  family let them know you're not rich today but it is surely coming either next week at the end of december or first part of january we are going to get thru it its going to be a different life so enjoy your time with your family that s what i'm going to do have a merry merry merry christmas  life is great for all of us
sorry it was such a short call
rayren says short and sweet  we gave the people what they wanted
he read  twas the night before RV
which ends with happy rv to all and to all a goodnight
said keep believing because we do and played i believe
have a merry merry christmas


Forex Rates: 
SymbolBidAskHighLowOpenChangeTime
 USD/IQD  1,165.4000  1,218.0000 1,165.4000 1,165.4000 1,165.4000  0.0000 20:00
 USD/VND  23,243.5000  23,313.5000 23,244.0000 22,895.7000 22,895.7000  347.8000 04:15
 USD/CNY  6.8936  6.9046 6.8983 6.8756 6.8981  -0.0045 05:03
 USD/KWD  0.3027  0.3047 0.3035 0.3025 0.3035  -0.0008 04:18
 GBP/USD  1.2685  1.2687 1.2713 1.2665 1.2699  -0.0014 05:15
 USD/IRR  12,048.0000  12,428.0000 12,048.0000 12,048.0000 12,048.0000  0.0000 17:51
 USD/IDR  14,607.5000  14,619.5000 14,607.5000 14,548.0000 14,548.0000  59.5000 04:15
CNBC Link:  
CNBC Morning Squawk Link:
No link yet
DC NY Iraq Articles:dd

Halabousi congratulates the Christians: We can only adhere to our unity and promote peaceful coexistence

Release date: 2018/12/25 11:02 • 91 times read
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Speaker of the House of Representatives Mohamed Halboussi on Tuesday congratulated Christians in Iraq and the world on the occasion of Christmas and the New Year's Day, wishing them and all Iraqis a new year full of good and peace.
Al-Halaboussi said in a congratulatory message, according to a statement by his office, that "I extend my best wishes and congratulations to the Christian brothers in Iraq and the world on the occasion of the birth of Jesus Christ and the New Year. We hope that they will enjoy stability and a decent life with a secure Iraq with unity and harmony. Between all its sects and components, and that the new year is full of good and peace. "
He added that "this year's birthdays are different, coinciding with the first anniversary of victory and the liberation of the country from intimidation and intimidation, and on this occasion we can only adhere to our unity in promoting peaceful co-existence between all the spectrums and components of the Iraqi people, there is no homeland without its children." d

A collective resignation in a Kurdish party threatens to break it up

Release date: 2018/12/25 11:52 • 213 times read
(Baghdad: al-Furat News) Six H members of the leaders and members of the Political Bureau of the Islamic Movement of Kurdistan, resigned from the party, because of his policy and the intervention of the general guide in the formations of the party.
According to Kurdish media, the resignation of the six leaders came Tuesday morning, because of dissatisfaction with the party's policy and the intervention of the general guide in all the formations of the party.
In the coming hours, the leaders will release a statement on their resignations.
The outgoing members of the Kurdistan Islamic Movement are Kamil Mahmoud, Hama Amin Ashuri, Mohsen Mohammed, members of the Political Bureau, Sarbaz Khoshnaw, Mullah Ghafoor Jammali and Aram Kamel, who are leading members of the party.
"The reason for their resignation is that all the powers are monopolized by the leader," said Srebaz Khoshnawi, a leading member of the Islamist movement. "Two months ago, through a project that demanded that their party be an institutional party, their request has not yet been answered."
He said he promised the six people, a large number of cadres and other members will resign from the party.

Iraq approves huge Japanese loan to develop oil refinery

Date of release: 2018/12/25 9:17 • 380 times read
The Minister of Oil Thamer Ghadhban announced the approval of the ministry on the Japanese loan {JICA} to develop Basra refinery worth three billion and 600 million dollars.
Al-Ghadhban said in a press statement: "The Cabinet recently approved on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers of Energy, which I head, on the Japanese loan {JICA} to establish a cracker in Basra refinery and development of $ 1 billion, and there are other contracts will be completed so that loans from JICA to develop a refinery Basra to three billion and 600 million dollars on concessional terms and up to 3 years because it is complex and there is a turnout in many international companies because it will pass on the basis of a contract and funding existing loan.
"At the same time, there is the construction of new refineries or what is known as investment refineries and one of them under construction in Karbala, which faced difficulties in the beginning as a result of falling oil prices and the inability of the state at the time and the level of terrorism and urged some areas of the country.
"The refinery has had difficulties in paying the dues of the Korean contractor. The work stopped and the previous government took measures, made payments and I personally met the contractors," Ghadhban said.
He pointed out that "we have weekly advanced angel headed by Undersecretary goes to the refinery to see the progress of work and promised the contractor that next year will see an increase in completion rates for the current year and the goal is to be the first achievement mid-year 2021."
"The Karbala refinery is modern with European specifications and produces high octane gasoline, low sulfur gas oil, and black oil at a higher rate of 18 percent, not 50 percent as it is now. Most of the production will be benzene and medium distillates. It is close to major consumption centers and will be connected to pipelines And its products are within the national network of petroleum products. " is over

Deputy: collusion in the Ministry of Electricity to harm the citizens of Karkh

Release date: 2018/12/25 8:57 • 234 times read
(Baghdad: al-Furat News) renewed MP from the coalition of state law high Nassif, demanding the Ministry of Electricity to take justice in the distribution of electricity at the side of Karkh in Baghdad.
"Nassif warned in a statement received by the agency {Euphrates News} a copy of" strongly from the existence of collusion between some of the weak souls in the Ministry of Electricity and collection companies and some owners of generators generators. "
She said, "Many complaints came from the people of the districts of Dora and the worker and Sadiya, Amriya, Khadra, Bayaa and other areas on the side of Karkh, about the absence of justice in the hours of electricity processing and the arrival of the number of hours of cutting to 6 hours compared to one hour of processing only, and this injustice is behind the collusive bodies Among them behind the scenes, and its objectives are known to loot the pockets of citizens in ways and methods not less than malicious methods of shaking.
"Any person who proves his complicity in stealing the Iraqi citizen by manipulating the hours of cutting and processing, whether he is an official or an employee of the Ministry of Electricity or in the tax collection companies or the holder of a civil generator will be referred to the competent courts to receive his fair punishment as a traitor and a conspirator against the Iraqi people, May be sentenced to up to 10 years' imprisonment, and his clan will not be able to save him and release him whatever he does or mediate. "
She confirmed that "her office follows this issue very carefully and continues almost daily with the residents of these areas in addition to a number of honorable within the ministry, and we are gathering evidence that condemns the accomplices for the purpose of submission to the competent authorities."

Deputy for reform: Adhering to the nomination of Fayyad indicates adherence to power

Editorial Date: 2018/12/25 7:50 • 313 times read
(Baghdad: al-Furat News) MP from the Alliance for Reform and Reconstruction, Amjad al-Aqabi, to disable the nomination of the Minister of the Interior "better than the name of Faleh Fayyad."
Al-Aqabi told the {Euphrates News} that "adherence to the nomination of Fayyad indicates adherence to power and the goal to remain at the root, and insist on passing means that there are men in the construction only Fayadh," as he put it.
He added that "holding Fayadh to the post is evidence of the existence of other goals, and this is the fourth time that breaks the quorum of the meeting yesterday because of it and had to realize that most people's deputies do not want."
"We are sending a message to Fayyad that if he returns a fifth and a seventh time, we will not vote for him," he said.
He added that "most of the members of the construction coalition friends of us and say we are embarrassed by this nomination will not vote for Fayadh, members of the reform alliance Egypt to be nominated a personality from the same ministry and close to the Iraqi street and security leaders."
He concluded by saying that "Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi is an integral role in the Ministry of the Interior and must be strong and firm decision to replace the candidate."
Kauaihn Iraq Articles:dddd


Mohammadi: Abadi is one of the most reluctant to take over the Fayyad bag of the interior

http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?depth=2&hl=en&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=ar&sp=nmt4&tl=en&u=http://www.ikhnews.com/index.php%3Fpage%3Darticle%26id%3D179685&xid=17259,15700022,15700124,15700149,15700186,15700190,15700201,15700237,15700242&usg=ALkJrhhN4aK0Sx7NyI7V7sqzL-WTVIXRkA
25-12-2018 09:53 AM  
Baghdad :
MP Yahya al-Mohammadi, the deputy of the axis coalition, revealed on Tuesday that there was strong opposition from former Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi to the appointment of Faleh al-Fayadh, the Interior Ministry, adding that Abadi was more opposed to Fayadh than others.
  "The coalition of victory led by the former prime minister is more rejected by the alliance to take over Faleh al-Fayadh for the post of interior minister," Mohammadi said in a statement to the 'news '.
  He added that 'the rejection comes against the backdrop of his withdrawal from the coalition of victory and joining the alliance axis in the past time '.
  He added that 'political differences still exist and can not be resolved without sitting at the table of serious dialogue between all parties to agree on candidates for defense and the Interior'.


Dahli: Abdul Mahdi's government fragile and began to scatter

http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?depth=2&hl=en&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=ar&sp=nmt4&tl=en&u=http://www.ikhnews.com/index.php%3Fpage%3Darticle%26id%3D179693&xid=17259,15700022,15700124,15700149,15700186,15700190,15700201,15700237,15700242&usg=ALkJrhiTsO5lGdcS7MrtVA4zFeisCu_Bvw
25-12-2018 11:34 AM
Baghdad / News

The deputy of the National Coalition Ra'ad al-Dahlaki Raad al-Dahlaki, Tuesday the government led by Adel Abdul-Mahdi surprised and it began to scatter.
"The political blocs, especially the large reform and building blocs, gave confidence to the prime minister through the support will not get any former prime minister, but he began a faltering start by giving way to intervene in the selection of his cabinet ."
He added that "the current government is fragile government and can not implement the government program its timing and this will accelerate the non-continuity of the government," noting that "differences between the blocks on some ministries and the insistence of Abdul-Mahdi to impose certain personalities are those who will accelerate the failure of the government .

Deputy for the reform: we will achieve today's session and construction turned on the agreement to form a government (expanded)

Editorial date:: 2018/12/24 23:35 • 373 times read
(Baghdad: al-Furat News) MP from the bloc of reform and reconstruction, Khalid al-Mafraji, the determination of his mass to investigate the events of the parliament session on Monday and pass the candidates of the Ministries of Education, Migration and Displaced.
"There are problems involved in the political process and conceded the right of the largest bloc and we went to agree with the coalition of construction to pass the ministerial cab and achieve balance, despite the adherence of some parties to the quota."
He added that "with the help of Prime Minister Abdul Mahdi, turned the building on the agreement to form a government and the distribution of ministries and took ministries that are the shares of reform and there is injustice declared by the testimony of everyone."
And "today in a crude way and exceeded the constitution and the rules of procedure of parliament, and carry Abdul Mahdi, this imbalance in the distribution of portfolios, which had to look at the eyes of the reform and construction and the situation has become complicated."
Al-Mafraji pointed out that "the candidate of the Ministry of Education did not get enough votes to pass it, and the speaker of the parliament bears responsibility for this, in addition to not passing the [Faisal al-Jarba] ​​to the Ministry of Defense."
"We do not recognize the passing of the candidate to the Ministry of Education because there are real doubts about the number of votes of deputies and we saw that it did not get enough votes, unlike the [Jerba], which got more votes than this and was the will of the Speaker of Parliament (Muhammad Halbousi) as if the candidates were passed by his hand only and we become not trust These actions and this has introduced us in a new confrontation in the House of Representatives. "
"We will not accept that Halbousi control the will of the deputies and this matter emptying the role of parliament, and ended a full legislative chapter because of the administration of the House of Representatives is not successful and should not be biased to any side because it will expose itself to accountability," noting that "Halabusi to the coalition of construction in Pass the candidates of education and immigration evidence rejection of the request to re-vote on them. "
"Not all deputies of the axis and construction voted on candidates for education and immigration, and unfortunately the speaker of parliament played a role not positive."
Al-Mafraji said, "We received the cameras today and will conduct a counting of votes in passing the candidate of education and we will go to the Federal Court, and we will ask the Presidency of Parliament not to take the oath of the Minister of Education in the session on 8 January and to ensure the legality of passing."
"We will ask for re-counting and sorting and we have full confidence not to get enough votes to pass the candidate of education," noting that "the President of the Parliament chose the Secretary-General and the director of the parliamentary department and the director of relations in the House of Representatives in order to count and count when calculating votes, but when calculated Halbosi announced results Without using the results of the count in passing the candidate of education and immigration and the lack of approval of the candidate of the Ministry of Defense Faisal Jarba. "
Al-Mafraji concluded by saying that "Halabousi refused to re-count and count the votes and will be assigned to the appointment of reform and reconstruction will have an extraordinary meeting tomorrow on the events of today's meeting," revealing that "First Deputy Speaker of the House Hassan al-Kaabi asked Halabusi to re-count and vote on the candidate of education and immigration, ".is over d
 
President Saleh at Christmas Mass: We are in front of a new government that can define a post-Saddam Iraq
Policy 2018/12/24 22:15 143 Editor: hr

Baghdad today - Baghdad
President of the Republic Barham Salih said on Monday (December 24, 2018) that Iraq is facing a new government that can determine its fate after an encouraging organization, noting that the Christians of Iraq have proved their national cohesion despite the fierce attack against them.
Saleh said in a speech during his Christmas Mass in Baghdad that "the message of unity is presented to all Iraqis, the message of man and citizenship, and the pursuit of building our nation on bases based on the values ​​of tolerance, law and equality before it"
He added: "Although the attack against Christians was fierce and brutal, but their positions were solid in the face of adversity and national cohesion and humanitarian," noting that "Christians have proved to be true followers of Christ and his principles in love and peace."
He added that "the attack was fierce and brutal against Christians and other religions, especially Christians of the East in Iraq, Syria and Egypt."
"We can not feel peace of mind and our Yazidis are waiting in Sinjar every day to meet their loved ones who have been kidnapped by criminals," he said.
"We are certain that the criminal murderers did not express their deviant behavior from religion or human creation," he said.
"The ethnic and national diversity in Iraq is a powerful element that we must seek to enrich and protect by laws and legislation that rejects hate speech and punishes its perpetrators."
"We are in front of a new Iraqi government that can define a post-Saddam Iraq," he said.
Saleh added: "We have great challenges to serve our people and the justice of the victims, and we have a great responsibility to confront extremist ideology and eradicate it through the work of a systematic community, culture and legal."

Announcement of New Year's holiday in the province

Release date: 2018/12/24 13:16 • 110 times read
(Baghdad: the Euphrates News) The Kurdistan Regional Government announced on Monday, the disruption of official time for three days on the occasion of New Year's Day.
"I extend my warmest congratulations to the families of the martyrs and the Peshmerga of the Kurdistan heroes and all our people on the occasion of New Year's Day," said a spokesman for the provincial government, Sven Dzai.
He added: "We hope this year will be a year of good, stability, prosperity and salvation from problems and crises," stressing "to strengthen the spirit of brotherhood among all the people of Kurdistan."
He went on to say: "On this occasion, we declare to the citizens of the Kurdistan region dear to disrupt the official working days of 30 and 31-12-2018 and 1-2019 Sunday, Monday and Tuesday in all departments and institutions of the Kurdistan Regional Government," noting: "will resume official work on Wednesday, 2-1-2019 "
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GLOBAL/NEWS/INFO


Today in History
ABC News
Today in History Read the full story
Should You Really Wait Until Age 70 to Collect Social Security Benefits?
Barron's
If the Social Security Administration fund is projected to run out of money in 15 years, wouldn’t it be better to start receiving benefits at 66—or even younger? Read the full story

The 6 Best Tax Deductions for 2019
The Motley Fool
If you have a big heart or are saving for retirement, you may be able to shrink your tax bill with deductions. See which of these six key tax deductions you can use. Read the full story

Here’s the biggest news you missed this weekend
USA TODAY
From the government shutdown to Brett McGurk and the tsunami in Indonesia, here's what to know from this weekend. Read the full story

OIL/COMMODITIES/ENERGY

Gold Prices - Weekly Outlook: December 24 - 28
Investing.com - Gold traders will continue to monitor political risks and watch developments in equity markets in the week ahead, after the failure by the U.S. Congress and President Donald Trump to agree to a spending bill by midnight Saturday resulted in a partial U.S. government shutdown.
PRECIOUS-Gold rises as US political uncertainty breeds risk-aversion
Reuters
(Adds comments, updates prices) Read the full story

Gold Prices Rises as U.S. Dollar Slips; Political Risk in Focus
Investing.com
Commodities Dec 24, 2018 06:57 GMT Investing.com - Gold prices rose on Monday in Asia while the dollar slipped as investors turned focus to reports of political uncertainties in the U.S. Gold Futures for February delivery edged up 0.63% to $1,266.6 at 1:55 AM ET(06:55 GMT) on the Comex exchange. For the week, gold prices gained about 1.4%. Though prices have strengthened in recent months to trade more than 5% higher quarter to date, they have still lost nearly 4% for the year so far. Reports Read the full story

RPT-UPDATE 1-U.S. shale producers hit the brakes on 2019 spending
Reuters
(Repeats story from Friday with no changes to text.) Read the full story

Will Oil Be The Next Rally?
Investments Revolution
This article was originally published at MF & Co. Asset Management. Over the past few weeks there has been a lot of speculation around where the price of oil will go, will oil be the next rally? The oversupply to the market pushed down the oil price from $80 US per barrel down to below... Read the full story

UPDATE 1-Oil rises on signs low prices crimping U.S. output though economic worries weigh
Reuters
* Brent, WTI hover near lowest levels since Q3 2017 Read the full story

BANKS/BANKING/CREDIT

These 20 Banks Are Open on Christmas Eve 2018
FORTUNE
Not finished with your holiday shopping? Need to deposit that holiday bonus? Want to add a little flair to the gifts with some extra cash? Bank of America: Most branches will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bank of the West: Branches should be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.Capital One: Branches will be open from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. Chase Bank: Branches will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Citibank: Branches should be open from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. Hours might vary by location. Citizens Bank: Branches will be Read the full story

Sec. Mnuchin held calls with the CEOs of banks to discuss the market turmoil
CNBC
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin held calls to shore up confidence in the U.S. financial system amid the recent market turmoil. Read the full story

UPDATE 1-U.S. Treasury Secretary convenes calls with top U.S. bankers
Reuters
(Adds Treasury's characterization of bankers' comments) Read the full story
Cash is still king and people still use banks – here's where technology hasn't taken over
USA TODAY
Smartphones, new investments and changes in the banking field have transformed the financial lives of millions of Americans but not for all of us. Read the full story

A Look Back at 10 of the Top Financial News Stories of 2018
Forbes
With today’s rapidly changing news cycle, it can be hard to remember what happened last week, let alone six or eight months ago. Here's a recap of ten of the year’s most consequential financial headlines impacting consumers, investors and the financial markets, as well as what you can expect in 2019 Read the full story


TREASURIES/BONDS/STOCKS



How could the global economy crash? Let us count the ways
South China Morning Post
Andy Xie says the stock sell-off in the US and elsewhere and the sharp decline in property prices all add up to more debt trouble at a time when debt is already sky-high. A repeat of the global financial crisis of a decade ago seems certain Read the full story
Why Wall Street is freaking out and economists aren't
CNN Business
Some market veterans argue that a panicky Wall Street is prematurely pricing in a recession that may not hit until 2020. Read the full story

If You're Looking For Top Stocks During Stock Market Correction, Read This
Investor's Business Daily
In a market correction, top stocks holding up are hard to find. But Broadcom, Procter & Gamble, CME Group, Atlassian and O'Reilly Auto Parts are worth watching. Read the full story

'The worst is yet to come': Experts say a global bear market is just starting
CNBC
In the U.S., the Nasdaq Composite closed in a bear market on Friday. Globally, Germany's DAX and China's Shanghai Composite have also entered bear territory. Read the full story

Top 5 Things to Know in The Market on Monday
Investing.com
Economy Dec 24, 2018 10:30 GMT Investing.com - Here are the top five things you need to know in financial markets on Monday, December 24: 1. Mnuchin Holds Call with Bank CEOs, Will Convene ’PPT’ U.S. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin will convene a call with the president’s Working Group on Financial Markets, which includes Washington’s main stewards of the U.S. financial system and is sometimes referred to as the "Plunge Protection Team." The group, which was also convened in 2009 during the Read the full story

What to know in the week ahead
Yahoo Finance
The final full calendar week of 2018 will be a short one for investors. The stock market will close early at 1 p.m. ET on Monday and will be completely closed on Tuesday in observance of Christmas. Read the full story

CRYPTO'S / DIGITAL CURRENCY

Ripple and XRP have been on a roll in 2018; academic, commercial adoption and more
AMB Crypto
Ripple, the leading blockchain fintech firm at the moment and the parent company of the second largest digital asset, XRP has posted a series of breakthroughs that it made in 2018. The series covered everything from the reach of its products under RippleNet to its success in the domain of academics, adoption and policy clarity.... Read the full story

EOS Climbs 10% In Rally
Investing.com - EOS was trading at $2.8939 by 05:46 (10:46 GMT) on the Investing.comIndex on Sunday, up 10.10% on the day. It was the largest one-day percentage gain since...
https://www.investing.com/news/cryptocurrency-news/eos-climbs-10-in-rally-1729616


Bithumb Tops the Volume Chart in December as Bitmex Loses Pace Bithumb Tops the Volume Chart in December as Bitmex Loses Pace
With a general slowdown on Bitcoin markets at the end of the year, the leading crypto exchange takes a hit
https://www.financemagnates.com/cryptocurrency/exchange/bithumb-tops-the-volume-chart-in-december-as-bitmex-loses-pace/

SALT Adds Stablecoin USDC as Collateral Option
Crowdfund Insider
SALT, a U.S.-based Blockchain-Backed Loans provider for cryptocurrency holders, announced last week it has partnered with CENTRE Consortium to begin accepting USD Coin (USDC) as collateral. According to SALT, USDC is a new stablecoin backed by the US dollar. While sharing more details about the stablecoin, SALT’s CTO and... Read More The post SALT Adds Stablecoin USDC as Collateral Option appeared first on Crowdfund Insider. Read the full story

Wall Street Backing Off Its Bitcoin and Crypto Ambitions- For Now
Crowdfund Insider
The cryptocurrency mania of 2017 was impossible for Wall Street to ignore, but a mainstream avalanche into crypto is easier said than done, and a stampede of clients demanding crypto-based products from their institutional brokers just hasn’t materialized yet, Bloomberg reports. “The market had unrealistic... Read More The post Wall Street Backing Off Its Bitcoin and Crypto Ambitions- For Now appeared first on Crowdfund Insider. Read the full story

CURRENCIES


Forex - Dollar Slips, Yen Edges Up Amid U.S. Political Uncertainties
Investing.com
Forex Dec 24, 2018 05:12 GMT Investing.com - The U.S. dollar fell while the safe-haven yen edged up on Monday in Asia amid reports of political instability over the weekend. U.S. President Donald Trump’s budget director and chief of staff told reporters that the partial U.S. government shutdown could continue into January. Separately, citing unnamed sources, Reuters reported that Trump has privately discussed the possibility of firing Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, as the President Read the full story

Forex - Dollar Slips in Pre-Christmas Trade Amid U.S. Political Uncertainty
Investing.com
Forex Dec 24, 2018 08:46 GMT Investing.com - The U.S. dollar was lower on Monday, starting the week on the backfoot as sentiment in financial markets remained fragile on heightened worries over political instability in the United States. Trading volumes were thinning out with most global markets set to shut for Christmas. U.S. markets close early Monday, Christmas Eve, and are shut Tuesday for Christmas Day. The U.S. dollar index, which measures the greenback’s strength against a basket of six Read the full story
Top Trade Idea 2019: Short USD/JPY – Dovish Fed Looks to Weaken Dollar
With the whirlwind of event and geopolitical risk, the Japanese Yen is one of the few currencies that I believe will remain consistent in the year ahead while the Dollar is set to...
https://www.dailyfx.com/forex/market_alert/2018/12/23/top-trade-idea-2019-short-usdjpy-hanks.html


Top Trade Idea 2019: Bearish CAD/JPY – JPY Strength May Align With Global Risks After CA Data Turndown
While many global investors look to the unified benchmark of Brent or the US benchmark in WTI, the price decline in Canada’s Western Select Crude from Alberta took a...

Asian Stocks Set to Slip, Yen Up as Caution Reigns: Markets Wrap
Bloomberg
Stocks looked set for a lower start in Asia and the yen advanced as investors weighed news over the weekend that President Donald Trump has discussed firing Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell as well as the impact of a partial U.S. government shutdown. Read the full story

Rupee opens flat against US dollar
Livemint
Mumbai: The Indian rupee on Monday was trading little changed against the US dollar, tracking mixed Asian currencies. At 9.10am, the rupee was trading at 70.21 a dollar, down 0.03% from its Friday’s close of 70.18. The rupee opened at 70.16 a dollar. The 10-year gilt yield was trading at 7.292% from its previous close of 7.277%. Bond yields and prices move in opposite directions. The benchmark Sensex index rose 0.44% to 35,899.92 points. Read the full story
INSURANCE / HEALTH / SCIENCE


How good for your health is cutting salt from your diet? Chinese scientists try to find the answer
South China Morning Post
Most people eat too much salt, but a study conducted in a part of China where the problem is especially serious suggests that reducing consumption by a quarter could halve death rates Study conducted in Shandong province finds a fifth of heart deaths there were linked to high-sodium diets Read the full story

Want to Lose Weight in 2019? Try This Celebrity Trainer's Simple, 4-Week Walking Plan
POPSUGAR
When it comes to weight loss, celeb trainer and New York Times bestselling author Harley Pasternak, MSc, has a catchphrase: "Strong in the gym, lean in life." The Fitbit ambassador, nutrition scientist, and personal coach to the likes of Amy Schumer, Kim Kardashian, and Rihanna has told POPSUGAR on ... Read the full story

Blood pressure medication recalled after cancer-causing chemical found
CBS News
FDA announces that Torrent Pharmaceuticals Limited is voluntarily recalling two lots of Losartan potassium tablets Read the full story

Asthma drug has unlocked secret to saving millions of babies
Daily Mail
Using asthma medication aminophylline and progesterone, Professor Mark Johnson of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital has been able to delay pre-term labour and prevent miscarriage. Read the full story

If You're Drinking Water in the Morning to Boost Your Metabolism, Think Again
POPSUGAR
If you're trying to boost your metabolism to burn more calories and lose weight quicker, you've probably heard that you should drink water first thing in the morning. Curious as to whether or not drinking water upon waking up could drastically impact our metabolism, POPSUGAR spoke with Sarah Greenfi ... 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



USA / CANADA


Shutdown likely to last past Christmas as wall fight drags on
Bloomberg
Lawmakers signaled a U.S. government shutdown is likely to last past Christmas as the White House and Democrats remained far apart in negotiations over President Donald Trump’s demand for border wall funding. Read the full story

Treasury Secretary Mnuchin says Trump never suggested firing Fed Chairman
CNBC
President Donald Trump is adamantly opposed to the Federal Reserve's rate hike campaign, but has never suggested firing Fed Chairman Jerome Powell, and does not believe he has the authority to do so, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Saturday. Read the full story

Americans earning over $200,000 are flocking to these neighborhoods
Bloomberg
Everyone knows wealth is concentrating. This is where the rich are going. Read the full story

White House signals shutdown may extend into 2019, new Congress
Fox News
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director and incoming Acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney told "Fox News Sunday" that the partial government shutdown will likely extend past Dec. 27, as President Trump "refuses to go along to get along." Read the full story

LNG Canada partner Petronas cuts natural gas output due to plunging prices
CBC News
Natural gas prices in Western Canada are so low that a partner in the country's first LNG export project is shutting off money-losing wells and throttling back its exploration program. Read the full story


EMERGING MARKETS

Venezuela navy intercepts Exxon oil ship in Guyanese waters: Guyana
Business Insider
GEORGETOWN/CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuela's navy on Saturday "intercepted" a ship exploring for oil on behalf of Exxon Mobil Corp in Guyanese waters, neighboring Guyana's foreign ministry said in a statement, in the latest incident in a century-old border dispute. A series of offshore oil discoveries in recent years have given Guyana the potential to become one of Latin America's largest producers. In OPEC member Venezuela, by contrast, crude output has tumbled to its lowest levels in nearly 70 Read the full story

Mexico is increasing its minimum wage. Your move, America
NowThis
Mexico is increasing its minimum wage by 16.2% in 2019. Effective on January 1, 2019 the minimum wage in Mexico will increase from $88.36 pesos to $102.68 pesos per day (the equivalent to $5.10 USD per day). “In Mexico, minimum wage is not enough for the minimum,” stated secretary of labor and social welfare Luisa María Alcalde Luján. “Mexico is a country of contradiction. We have one of the 15 most important economies in the world and at the same time we’re one of the worst in inequality.” Read the full story

MIDDLE EAST

Growing risks to Israel's financial system from asset price drops -cenbank
Reuters
Risks to Israel's financialsystem increased in the second half of 2018 due to falls inhouse prices and the value of other assets, the Bank of Israelsaid on Sunday in a semi-annual financial stability report. Read the full story

Turkey FM labels Netanyahu 'a cold-blooded killer'
Aljazeera
Turkey has hit out at Israel's "lawless occupation" of Palestinian territory after the Israeli prime minister accused Turkey of "massacres" against Kurds in a new war of words. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu labelled Benjamin Netanyahu "a cold-blooded killer of modern times", in a Tweet on Sunday, adding that the prime minister was "responsible for massacres of thousands of innocent Palestinians". Relations between Turkey and Israel have been tense this year over multiple issues Read the full story

Iraq Oil Minister sees improvement in oil prices early next year
Reuters
Iraq's oil minister said on Sunday he expects "an improvement" in oil prices at the beginning of next year, after the implementation of the OPEC and non-OPEC decision to curb production made earlier this month. Read the full story
MIDEAST STOCKS-Saudi banks decline on tax payments, Wall Street's decline weighs on Gulf
Reuters
Saudi shares recovered some groundon Sunday after a sell-off in the banking sector when lenderssaid they had reached a deal with Islamic tax authorities toresolve a dispute over increased liabilities that would stillresult in big one-off payments. Read the full story

Order to withdraw US forces from Syria signed
CNN Politics
The order to withdraw US forces from Syria has been signed. Read the full story

MIDEAST - Factors to watch - December 24
Reuters
Here are some factors that mayaffect Middle East stock markets on Monday. Reuters has notverified the press reports and does not vouch for theiraccuracy. Read the full story

Netanyahu: Israel Able To Contain Iran In Syria After U.S. Pullout
Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to pull all American troops out of Syria will not stop Israel’s efforts to prevent Iran from establishing a permanent presence in Syria. Read the full story

AFRICA

South African power utility Eskom to cut 10 executive jobs
Reuters
South African power utilityEskom will reduce its executive management to 10 from 21, itsaid internal memo seen by Reuters, part of cash-strappedcompany to reduce its wage bill. Read the full story

Zimbabwe: Teachers Confront ED Over Poor Wages, Working Conditions
AllAfrica
ZIMBABWEAN teachers Friday confronted President Emmerson Mnangagwa with a slew of demands, top among them a review of their poor wages and other conditions of service. This was after the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) delegation was granted rare audience with President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State house following an earlier request. They were led by PTUZ president Takavafira Zhou and secretary general Raymond Majongwe. In their prepared presentation to the President, the militant Read the full story

No new loans for Zimbabwe before debt clearance, says IMF Africa head
FurtherAfrica
he International Monetary Fund’s Africa head says talks are ongoing with Zimbabwe on technical support for its reform plan but no new financial support is available until the country clears its arrears. Read the full story

Premier African Minerals says Zimbabwean Government has indicated it is willing to inject funds required to resuscitate the RHA tungsten mine
Proactive Investors
Premier African Minerals Limited (LON:PREM) shares shot higher mid-morning on Christmas Eve after the group said it has been informed that the Zimbabwean Government is willing to inject the funds required to resuscitate the RHA tungsten mine. In a statement, the AIM-listed firm said the indication was made in a letter received on the afternoon of 21 December 2018 from the Zimbabwean Minister of Industry, Commerce and Enterprise Development which asked for some further clarification on the Read the full story

Vast Resources sees first-half revenue jump driven by its two operational mines in Romania and Zimbabwe
Proactive Investors
Vast Resources PLC (LON:VAST) saw a jump in its first-half revenue driven by its two operational mines in Romania and Zimbabwe, although higher expenses and a foreign exchange loss weighed on overall numbers. For the six months to 30 September 2018, the AIM-listed miner saw its revenue increase by 47%% to US$21.942mln, up from US$14.882mln a year earlier. READ: Vast Resources inks US$3.0mln bridge facility with Bergen Global Opportunity Fund to finance further working capital However, the group Read the full story


ASIA



China stocks gain as Beijing vows support for economy; Hong Kong down
Reuters
* SSEC 0.2 pct, CSI300 0.1 pct, HSI -0.4 pct Read the full story
Chinese stocks are outperforming U.S. markets
Axios
China's benchmark stock index has more than doubled the performance of the U.S. S&P 500 over the past three months. In a reverse of expectations of how each country would fare in a growing trade war, China's market has significantly outperformed. Read the full story

Chinese state bank chief warns against buying property now ‘because there’s no money to be made’
South China Morning Post
China Construction Bank chairman suggests market may not rise much further and warns that investors may become ‘trapped’ Read the full story

India Inc raises Rs 6 trillion from equity, debt markets in 2018 : Report
Livemint
New Delhi: Indian companies have raised nearly Rs 6 lakh crore from equity and debt instruments in 2018, but volatile market conditions brought down the kitty by 30 per cent. Political uncertainties ahead of the 2019 general elections may again cast a shadow on fund-raising activities in first half of the new year. Experts, however, are hopeful the fund-raising will gather steam in second half of 2019 with a pick-up in the overall investment climate. Read the full story

Asian markets mostly lower as investors await Wall Street’s next move
MarketWatch
Asian stocks were mostly lower with light trading on Monday as a Wall Street slump and a partial U.S. government shutdown stemmed holiday cheer. Read the full story

Breakingviews - Japan is stealth threat to 2019 market stability
Reuters
LONDON (Reuters Breakingviews) - What’s the biggest threat to global markets in the coming year? It’s not a rise in U.S. interest rates, or the end of the European Central Bank’s bond buying. Rather, it’s the Bank of Japan. Even small adjustments by Governor Haruhiko Kuroda to ultra-loose monetary policy could agitate global asset prices more than other, widely expected changes. Read the full story



EUROPE

Italian Senate OKs budget, tweaked to satisfy EU concerns
ABC News
After a raucous session, the Italian Senate has approved a budget law tweaked to satisfy EU concerns Read the full story

Greece's revamped railways expected to boost economy
Aljazeera
Greece's rail network is the smallest in the European Union. It accounts for only one percent of all passenger journeys by land and 1.5 percent of overland freight transport compared with the European averages of eight and 18 percent, respectively. But that is all set to change as the country’s railway infrastructure has been revived since its economic crisis, which forced the government to give up its monopoly. Al Jazeera's John Psaropoulos reports on how the Greek railways may yield Read the full story

This Is How Much Medicine Is Imported From The EU & How Brexit Could Impact Supplies
Bustle
As the Brexit deadline looms, the exact terms of the UK's departure from the European Union remain alarmingly unclear — and if the chaos in parliament is anything to go by, a resolution isn't likely any time soon. While you probably don't need… Read the full story

May gets GLOWING ENDORSEMENT for Brexit no deal from Britons - 'We got over worse!'
Express
A no deal Brexit is "no problem" for Britsh market traders because of the centennial commercial relationship between the UK and European Union member states, London businessmen claimed. Theresa May received a glowing endorsement for a no deal Brexit from London market trades who dismissed scaremongering claims of incoming trading Armageddon. Traders in London cited the long-standing trading relationship Britain has had with European countries as an indication an abrupt withdrawal from the Read the full story

REFILE-Ireland central bank chief says bad loans a "national systemic risk"
Reuters
(Removes duplicate paragraphs) Read the full story

Theresa May cuts short cabinet ministers' Christmas break... to Jan 2
Daily Mail
The Prime Minister wants to have discussions about a no-deal Brexit as she tries to pile pressure on critics ahead of a vote on her withdrawal plan early next month, cutting up to five days off their break Read the full story
d
CBI, ISX, Kauaihn Chatter:



CBI Update:
Closed on Christmas
The CBI for Tuesday 12/25/18 did update on the indicative rates Sell Rate 1190
The currency auction is
There are no news and announcements.

Rafidain distributes the salaries of the social protection network

Release date: 2018/12/25 9:02 • 91 times read
{Baghdad: Al-Furat News} Rafidain Bank, announced the distribution of salaries covered within the network of social protection throughout Iraq.
The bank's media office said in a statement received by the agency {Euphrates News} a copy of it, "a new payment was distributed from the salaries of social protection (men and women)."
The statement pointed out that "the disbursement was made through electronic payment tools"

ISX Update:

Closed on Christmas
Shares Traded:
Value Traded:
ISX ended in Green
Kauaihn Chatter:dd
http://www.dinarguru.com/

12-25-2018   Intel/Newshound Guru sandyf   [...currencies fluctuate that is a fact!]   It is not a fact. Only currencies on a floating exchange arrangement move on a continuous basis in line with foreign exchange activity, known as appreciation/depreciation. Currencies on a fixed exchange arrangement are exactly that, "fixed" by the country concerned, they do not fluctuate. If a significant difference develops between the foreign exchange market and the fixed rate, the central bank may intervene to remove the differential. This used to be common in Vietnam, they had many devaluations over a short period of time. Fixed exchange currencies are revalued/devalued.  Only about a third of the world's currencies are on a floating exchange arrangement.
12-24-2018   Intel Guru RayRen98   Iraqi TV is broadcasting a member from Parliament stating that Iraq has entered a "new phase" of stability and security.  The Budget has been finalized with  the second reading.  The 5 remaining cabinet members have not been concluded...yet.

12-24-2018   Newshound Guru Breitling   They [Iraq] need to do two things with the oil prices going down.  They need business and international investments coming into Iraq.  Well they’ve set that stage up for the last five or six years…and they haven’t stopped.  They’re still trying to do it today…the other part is if they are not making money selling energy…what currency are they using to make money off that energy?  The U.S. dollar.  If they are not bring in any U.S. dollars that cuts them off at the knees right?  They need to add value to their currency.  That’s exactly what they’re talking about. [Post 2 of 2]

12-24-2018   Newshound Guru Breitling   Everyone knows I don’t do date and rate but people [ask] what’s the season [approximate time]?  The reason people are asking me that…the reason that question has been so heavy lately is because you start looking at the price per barrel.  It’s getting into that range where it’s a threat to Iraq.  That means you guys are paying attention!  That makes me so happy…These guys are getting to the breaking point.  Bingo…Thank God for us that we’ve invested in a currency that is Iraq’s weapon.  That is their savior to add value to their currency.  But it’s a two pronged attack for Iraq.  [Post 1 of 2]

 12-24-2018   Intel Guru Jester   MAYBE I SHOULD TELL YOU ABOUT THE WINDOW WE SEE COMING UP JUST AFTER CHRISTMAS...SEEMS LIKE THE COMMENT WAS MADE TO PEOPLE IN THE KNOW THAT 'DOESN'T LOOK LIKE WE WILL GET ANYTHING BY THE END OF 2018'...ANYWAY... THE ANSWER WAS "I NEVER SAID THAT"... SO THAT SURE MAKES YOU THINK...BUT WE SEEM TO HAVE AN ACTIVE WINDOW BETWEEN DEC 27TH AND JAN 11TH... SO WE WILL HAVE TO SEE HOW IT GOES...

 12-24-2018   Newshound/Intel Guru Mnt Goat  Article:  "IRAQ AND IRAN ARE ENGAGED IN NEGOTIATIONS TO SET UP CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR TRADE IN THEIR NATIONAL CURRENCIES"   ...so this article proves once again that they Iraq dinar is NOT yet being used for trade with Iran replacing the US dollar. They are hoping they can do this but we all should know they CAN NOT without the reinstatement taking place and the dinar going international. This must come first. But this is yet another item to put pressure on the CBI to get it done.
12-23-2018  Intel Guru RayRen98 PARLIAMENT MEETS ON SUNDAY (SUPPOSEDLY) TO VOTE ON THE REMAINING 5 CABINET MEMBERS, SAYING THEY WANT IT ALL DONE BY YEAR'S END.


Elmer:
Not in today
Artmeister:
Not in today

Catnip:
***************
ARTICLE 1-A (from PM Mahdi's website; posted only on Arabic side, not on English)

Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi expresses his pride in the Christians and the visit of the Vatican's Prime Minister on the eve of the birthdays of December 24, 2018

Prime Minister Adel Abdulmahdi expressed his pride in the Christians as a genuine component with the rest of the Iraqi people and expressed his happiness with the visit of the Vatican's Prime Minister Pietro Barrolin and his accompanying delegation to Iraq on the night of the birth of Jesus Christ and the establishment of a mass for Christians in churches throughout the country. "I welcome you on my behalf and on behalf of the Iraqi government in the Land of the Prophets and the various religions and the homeland of the Father of the Prophets of the Prophet Abraham, and we look forward to the visit of His Holiness the Holy Father to Iraq, The vessels and coexistence between peoples and religions.

"We have defeated a military advocate and we continue to erase his terrorist ideology," he said. "A supporter who persecuted Iraqis of all sects, including Christians, is not Iraqi. We continue the efforts to build and rebuild and return all displaced people to their homes. To work together to stabilize our peoples.

For his part, said the Prime Minister of the Vatican:
His Holiness asked us to convey his best wishes to the beloved Iraqi people, and he was very happy to be in Iraq to celebrate Christmas.

"I am very happy to be with you on this blessed night. I thank you for the good reception. We support your efforts to face the challenge of reconstruction and the realization of peace." He called on Christians and Muslims to sow the seeds of love, peace and coexistence. A source of strength for all, wishing Iraq and its people good and prosperity.

During the meeting, they discussed the existing cooperation relations between Iraq and the Vatican, and the views on the need to achieve security and stability for the peoples of the region and the world.

Media Office of the Prime Minister
24 December 2018

***************
ARTICLE 1-B (from PM Mahdi's website; posted only on Arabic side, not on English)

The Council of Ministers issues several resolutions in its ordinary session headed by the Prime Minister, Mr. Adel Abdul Mahdi, December 24, 2018
The Council of Ministers issued a number of resolutions during its regular session held on Monday 24 December 2018 under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister, Mr. Adel Abdul Mahdi. Topics were also discussed for the agenda and political and security issues.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Prime Minister congratulated the ministers who voted for the House of Representatives and attended today's session. He expressed the hope that the government will be completed soon after the vote on the ministers of education and immigration.

The Prime Minister reviewed Iraq's position and preparations after the US decision to withdraw from Syria and the measures and plans to be taken to protect Iraq and to avoid any harm or repercussions of this decision on our security and stability and security of the region in general.

The Council of Ministers voted to postpone the official working day on Tuesday and to propose that on the 25th of December every year an official holiday be held on the occasion of the birth of Jesus Christ, and vote on the amendment of the official holidays law, blessed to Christians and all our people.

The Council of Ministers approved the nomination of representatives of ministries and governorates for the purpose of completing the file of services in the government program, and approved the annual report of the Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Council.

In the field of human rights and freedoms, the reports of the Republic of Iraq on the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights have been contradictory.

Media Office of the Prime Minister
24 December 2018

*************
ARTICLE 2 (from Government of Iraq twitter account):
  1. PM @AdilAbdAlMahdi: Later on today, I will have the pleasure of welcoming Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State and the accompanying delegation, to Baghdad. We will discuss bilateral relations and a range of other issues.
  2. PM @AdilAbdAlMahdi: Earlier this week I spoke with HM King @KingAbdullahII of Jordan. We discussed strengthening bilateral relations across all areas. I look forward to visiting Jordan and other neighbouring countries soon.
  3. PM @AdilAbdAlMahdi: We are following closely the situation in Basra and Nineveh provinces. The @IraqiGovt is implementing measures to respond to the legitimate grievances of our citizens, and to deliver better public services in the two provinces and the rest of Iraq.
  4. PM @AdilAbdAlMahdi: I directed officials from relevant ministries to make similar visits, and to take the necessary measures to deliver immediate improvement to public services in those areas.
  5. PM @AdilAbdAlMahdi: Over the last few days, I visited several areas on the outskirts of Baghdad and met residents to discuss public services in their areas.
  6. PM @AdilAbdAlMahdi: Our armed and security forces continue to conduct counter-terrorism operations. The @IraqiGovt is working closely with our allies and partners to eradicate the threat from Daesh and to hunt down their remnants.
  7. PM @AdilAbdAlMahdi holds his weekly press conference in Baghdad, briefs media on national security, public services, regional developments and international relation
*************
ARTICLE 3

Hakim: Success in the services file will be the culmination of what has been achieved previously
2018/12/24 23:37
[Ayna - Baghdad]
"The success in the services file is a culmination of past achievements," said Ammar al-Hakim, head of the Reform and Reconstruction Coalition.
Al-Hakim said in a statement received by the agency of all Iraq [where] a copy of it today, "We stressed during the presence of the Mass of the glorious Christmas at the Church of Our Lady of Deliverance in the city of Karrada in Baghdad on our need for coexistence and adherence to the diversity of Iraq, and stressed the need to combine love of Iraq and sincerity to him and to serve the entire family The sons of the Iraqi people with their various national, religious, political and sectarian titles. "
He added that "the importance of services in the next phase and success in this file, which will be a culmination of what has been achieved in the past period, while we are more hopeful letters of hope expressed by the Christian brothers in Iraq from the depth of pain they experienced with the rest of the Iraqi components of terrorism, The anniversary of the birth of Jesus "peace be upon him" coincided with the first anniversary of the liberation of Iraq and the declaration of victory over the preacher of the terrorist. "
"We also remembered the crime of our Lady of Salvation when the Christian brothers targeted terrorism without sin, except that they were performing their religious rites. We confirmed that the Lady of Salvation was a model of sacrifice and in turning pain into hope and launching."
"We also remembered the martyrs who fell in the massacre and the martyrs of the security services who cleared the place and later cleansed the land of Iraq from the terrorist organizations, while we stressed the Christian component and patience and patience and sacrifice and sacrifice, and renewed our support for them and stand with them in their joys and comforts."

*************
ARTICLE 4

These are the decisions of the Council of Ministers in today's session
2018/12/24 21:00
[Ayna - Baghdad]
The Council of Ministers issued a number of resolutions during the regular session held on Monday 24 December 2018 under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi. Topics were also discussed for the agenda and political and security issues.
At the beginning of the meeting, Abdul Mahdi congratulated the ministers who voted in the House of Representatives and attended the session today, expressing the hope to complete the government formation soon after the vote on the Ministers of Education and Migration.
"The Prime Minister reviewed the position of Iraq and its preparations after the American decision to withdraw from Syria, and the measures and plans to be taken to protect Iraq and to avoid any damage or repercussions of this decision on our security and stability and the security of the region in general," the statement said. Recommendations ".
He added that "the Council of Ministers approved the vote to disrupt the official working day on Tuesday and the proposal to be on the 25/12 of each year an official holiday on the anniversary of the birth of Jesus, peace be upon him, and vote on the amendment of the law of public holidays, blessed Christians and all our people with birthdays and New Year. "
He pointed out that "the Council of Ministers to nominate representatives of ministries and governorates for the purpose of completing the file of services in the government program, and approved the annual report of the meeting of the Anti-Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism.
In the field of human rights and freedoms, the reports of the Republic of Iraq on the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights have been contradictory.

*************
ARTICLE 5

Kurdistan Region disrupts the official work for 3 days on the occasion of the New Year

Arbil, Iraq - December 24: The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) announced on Monday that the three-day official holidays would be suspended for the New Year.

"On the occasion of New Year's Day, it was decided to suspend official work for three days," said Sven Dzai, spokesman for the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).

He added that "the disruption will be on 30, 31, of this year and the first day of 2019."

He stressed that "on Wednesday, January 2, 2019, will be resumed in all departments in the Kurdistan Regional Government." (1)

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