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Iraqi Prime Minister meets with US Senate delegation
Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi met in his official office in Baghdad today, the US Senate delegation headed by Senator Jane Shaheen.
During the meeting, they discussed the fields of economic cooperation between the two countries, ways to meet Iraq's needs to implement reconstruction programs and develop the economy. They also exchanged views on issues of common concern. 11:32 PM China Willing to Improve Ties with Kurdistan, Invites PM Barzani
BasNews 17/04/2019 - 00:24 Published in Kurdistan
As China is willing to further strengthen its relations with the Kurdistan Region, the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) has invited Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani to visit the Asian country.
A delegation from China visited the Kurdish premier on Tuesday in Erbil, where Chinese ambassador to Iraq and the Consul General in Erbil were also present, the sides stressed on the development of ties between Erbil and Beijing in areas of economy, trade, infrastructure, finance, investment and other related subjects, Barzani's office said in a statement.
The delegates additionally praised the role of the Kurdistan Region in combatting terrorism and defeating the Islamic State (IS) in the region, reiterating their country's support to the region in many areas.
PM Barzani, in return, expressed his appreciation for both the Chinese Embassy in Baghdad and consulate in Erbil "who always work to improve the ties between the Kurdistan Region and China.”
Al-Tamimi: Government spending is a waste of public funds
In policy April 17, 2019 Comments on Tamimi: Government spending waste of public money
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqi parliamentarian MP Majida al-Tamimi confirmed Tuesday that government spending is large and unproductive and is wasted on public money, in return for poor services for citizens.
"This came during a scientific symposium organized by the Faculty of Political Science at Al-Nahrain University entitled" The Problem of Growing Non-Production Government Expenditure in Iraq after 2003 ", in which a large number of academic, economic and political elites participated. , And postgraduate students and gave Tamimi "a valuable scientific lecture on government spending after 2003 and the doors of spending in detail"
Al-Tamimi called on the need to review the method of presenting the budget and rely on the balance of performance and programs and the formation of a higher council for investment and treatment of government spending is not productive, and responded Tamimi during the symposium on a lot of questions that were raised by the attendees and their interventions.
She thanked al-Tamimi, "President of the University of Nahrain and the Deanship of faculty and staff and expressed her happiness in the academic atmosphere, and at the end of the session thanked the audience Tamimi for her chest and valuable information.
UK announces £1bn to support Trade with Iraq
17th April 2019
In the first visit to Iraq by a cabinet minister for more than a year, Dr Fox will be meeting with senior Iraqis including the Prime Minister and President to discuss the bilateral trading relationship. Alongside the Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul Mehdi, the Trade Secretary announced that UK Export Finance is making an additional £1 billion available to support UK exports to Iraq, bringing its total support for the country to £2 billion. The measure is designed to promote Iraq’s economic development and nation-building, ensuring that UKEF can continue to help the Government of Iraq deliver critical infrastructure. To date, UKEF has deployed its existing capacity for Iraq, providing around £1 billion in support for projects including:
The International Trade Secretary Dr Liam Fox MP said:
“The atmosphere in Baghdad is one of optimism – it is a country which is having an increasingly stable period at a time of significant unrest in the wider region. The British government, working closely with the UK private sector and our Iraqi partners, have a key role to play in the country’s long-term prosperity. The £1 billion we have announced today will significantly strengthen our ability to do just that.
“Iraq’s future is bright, and my international economic department will continue to work tirelessly to ensure it maintains this stability, allowing the hard work of its talented citizens to flourish for the benefit of all.
“Trade is about more than economic self-interest, it is the means through which we deliver the mutual prosperity that underpins our collective security. That is the true prize of trade policy and promotion done right.“
During the visit, the Trade Secretary will speak to young Iraqi entrepreneurs who are working to create a more vibrant private sector to support the long-term stabilisation and prosperity of Iraq. He will also meet British firms operating in-country whose investments are vital in the country’s rebuilding efforts.Siemens UK is improving the electricity supply in Iraq using UKEF finance. Steve Scrimshaw, Country Lead, Gas and Power UK and Ireland, Siemens UK, said:
“We are delighted this additional funding has been made available for ongoing regeneration in Iraq and look forward to working with UKEF and the Iraqi government on future opportunities.
“Siemens has already benefited from UKEF support for work on the refurbishment of the Al Mussaib power plant. This will be vital for the people of Iraq who will benefit from both the power and the jobs it will create. With work being delivered from our Newcastle business, it is also helping to secure jobs in the UK.“
US Provides Additional $100m for Iraq Stabilization
17th April 2019 in Construction & Engineering In Iraq, Healthcare, Iraq Education and Training News, Iraq Public Works News U.S. Government to Provide Additional $100 Million for Iraq Stabilization
US Chargé d’Affaires Joey Hood has announced that the United States Government intends to provide an additional $100 million to help stabilize liberated areas once held by the Islamic State.The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will provide the funds to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). With this $100 million contribution, the U.S. Government will have provided $358 million to stabilization efforts in Iraq since 2015. The Funding Facility for Stabilization is supported by the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS and managed in cooperation with the Government of Iraq. The United States and the GOI are committed to creating the conditions to allow displaced Iraqis to return to their homes and start to rebuild their lives. Strengthened with new funding, this stabilization program will restore essential services, such as water, electricity, sewage, health, housing, and education. In his announcement, the Chargé called on Anbar’s elected officials, tribal sheikhs, and residents to protect the project work sites and do their part to re-integrate back into their communities all displaced Iraqis who wished to return home. (Source: U.S. Embassy Baghdad) President of the Government of Iraq on an official visit to Saudi Arabia .. Wednesday
Iraqi Prime Minister Receives Saudi Minister of Trade and Investment in Baghdad
17 April 2019
RIYADH: Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi will arrive in the kingdom tomorrow, heading a high-level delegation of more than 11 ministers, 68 government officials and more than 70 private sector businessmen for a two-day visit .
The visit will focus on the bilateral relations between the two countries and means of enhancing them, as well as developments in regional and international issues of common interest, according to the official SPA news agency.
The visit will discuss Iraq's prosperity, deepening relations of cooperation in all fields, and the desire for relations to witness further development, coordination and reaching agreements that serve the common interests.
The agency said that the visit of the Iraqi delegation to the Kingdom will include the signing of several agreements and economic memoranda of understanding, educational and technical as well as bilateral meetings, and the convening of an economic forum and meet businessmen from both countries .
The meeting will be held on the sidelines of the visit of the political, security and military committee chaired by the foreign ministers of the Saudi-Iraqi Coordinating Council, based on the strength of relations between the two countries, which will constitute a cornerstone of relations in the region based on the many interests that bring together their peoples and countries .
The visit comes as a result of the work of the Coordinating Council between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Iraq, which was established under the guidance of the two countries' leadership as one of the main means for the two countries to upgrade relations to the desired strategic level and to open new horizons of cooperation in various fields, including political, security, economic, development, trade and investment. Tourism and cultural activities.
The Minister of Commerce and Investment, Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al Qasabi, headed the Saudi side, and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Oil Thamer Ghadhban from the Iraqi side, where he discussed the agreements and memoranda of understanding (13) in various fields. And is working on them in preparation for signing on the sidelines of the visit of the Prime Minister of the Kingdom, which will begin tomorrow .
The second session also included the opening of the Saudi consulate in Baghdad to facilitate the obtaining of commercial visas, and the agreement on the importance of continuing joint work to develop trade exchange and remove any obstacles facing it, and exit priorities for the next phase within a specific plan with milestones and indicators that will achieve the desired leadership As well as enabling the contribution of the private sector from both sides to the next stage and discussing the formation of the Joint Business Council from the Iraqi side to start the work of the Council and come up with a plan of action that will enable it to achieve the desired objectives .
The second session witnessed private sector meetings and the readiness of four major Saudi companies to enter the Iraqi market in a number of sectors targeted by Iraq: Saudi Aramco to invest in a gas assembly project, SABIC to invest in the construction of a petrochemical complex, Phosphate, fertilizers and aluminum, Aqua Power to invest in a project to connect electricity and renewable energy projects .
It is expected that during this visit, the Kingdom will be ready to operate the Trade Exchange at the New Arar port starting from the beginning of next June to start trade exchange between the two countries and complete the full port in mid October .
Kauaihn Iraq Articles:dd
Source: Abdul Mahdi intends to conclude 13 cooperation agreements with Saudi Arabia in various fields
The Ministry of Finance sends the budget estimates to the ministries for the year 2019 and demands the work
BAGHDAD /
A senior political source said on Wednesday that Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi intends to conclude 13 cooperation agreements with Saudi Arabia in various fields of economy and energy.
Abdul Mahdi will visit Saudi Arabia today, accompanied by foreign ministers, electricity, oil, trade and directors of the intelligence and national security services," the source said. The source added that "Abdul Mahdi intends to conclude 13 cooperation agreements with Saudi Arabia in various fields of economy and energy and the opening of the land crossing between the two countries and the return of visas from Baghdad and Riyadh, according to the controls agreed upon and the reconstruction of areas liberated from the control of the organization calling the terrorist." "The prime minister is armed with a message that Iraq is moving according to its interests first. It also declares that it does not line up with anyone at the expense of the other, and that Baghdad is not aligned with one axis against another, and that Iraq wants to contribute to bringing closer the points of view between Saudi Arabia and Iran PM Barzani Thanks Germany for Prolonged Support
BasNews 16/04/2019 - 22:42 Published in Kurdistan
Kurdistan Region PM Nechirvan Barzani has reiterated his government's gratitude to Germany for its prolonged support to the region in hard times by providing Erbil with humanitarian and military aid.
Barzani made the remarks during a meeting with a German delegation from Baden-Württemberg region, led by Consul General Barbara Wolf, in Erbil on Tuesday where the two sides shed light on a number of political and security issues, the premier's office said in a statement.
The German delegates hailed the Kurdistan Region, its people and Peshmerga forces in the war against the Islamic State (IS) while sheltering nearly two million IDPs and Syrian refugees during in the past few years.
They further reaffirmed their support to strengthen the relations between the Kurdistan Region and Baden-Württemberg in the areas of education, humanitarian aid, environment, and health.
PM Barzani welcomed the initiative by the German delegation to provide medical and psychological treatment to the Yezidi survivors of the militant group of IS.
Al-Nasr accuses some of its allies of taking decisions and hinting at secession
17/04/2019 61
Al-Nasr accuses some of its allies of taking decisions and hinting at secession
The coalition of victory, Tuesday, accused some of its allies of taking political decisions, while hinting at secession.
The victory coalition held its regular meeting on Tuesday 16 April 2019 under the chairmanship of Haider al-Abbadi and discussed the latest developments in the country where the conditions of the provinces were reviewed in terms of floods and the importance of increasing efforts and providing assistance to citizens whose cities were damaged.
A coalition statement has been evaluated the performance of the government and parliament during the last period and confirmed the coalition the existence of many observations on the performance of the government during the last period and the importance of the government's initiative to correct it and the implementation of the government program as the coalition will stand strongly with the government and support in promoting the positive to achieve the aspirations of our people and build a state institutions He will stand with the same force in diagnosing the negatives and any deviation from the constants of institutional work and not to provide services to citizens and maintain the achievements made.
He added that "discussions have been held on the parliamentary committees to choose their presidencies, where the coalition refused to return to sectarian division and national distribution of presidencies of the committees and the importance of the committees on the basis of competence and competence and electoral benefits."
The coalition discussed the status of alliances and the process of exclusive parties to the decisions and agreements without any involvement to the rest of the electoral blocs, which will be a negative response to the political situation where there will be a position of the coalition victory in line with the national project and what the citizen wants.
US troops with heavy military equipment reaching an Iraqi province
17-04-2019 12:35 AM
US troops arrived at the Spyker base in Tikrit on Tuesday, according to press reports.
The agency 'Petra' in a report and quoted an officer in the army, that 'an American force with its weapons equipment arrived in the past hours to the base of Spyker in Tikrit, Salahaddin province,' noting that 'the military force carrying weapons and heavy equipment'.
Barzani on Yezidi New Year’s Eve: Yezidis Should Decide Their Fate
Basnews 17/04/2019 - Published in Kurdistan
Kurdish leader and former president of Kurdistan Region, Masoud Barzani, said on Tuesday that the Yezidis should be given the chance to decide on their fate themselves.
Barzani issued an official statement to congratulate the Yezidis on their religious new year, known as Charshamba Sor (Red Wednesday).
The Kurdish leader also shed light on the hard times for Yezidis in the past few years during the Islamic State (IS) crisis, saying that the crimes committed by terrorists against the Kurdish religious minority were unprecedented in history.
“I support my Yezidi brothers and sisters’ plea. We have to all help them decide on their fate and future themselves,” reads the statement.
“On this occasion, I ensure Yezidi brothers and sisters, and all other components, that Kurdistan is the land for coexistence, and this spirit of peace and brotherhood should further grow,” the statement added.
On Wednesday, 17th April, Yezidis in Kurdistan and around the world celebrate their religious New Year. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) announced the day as a public holiday this year.
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GLOBAL/NEWS/INFO
10 Things to Know for Today
Among 10 Things to Know: Fire out, organ intact but work ahead for charred Notre Dame cathedral; 'Redacted' is America's new buzzword; Columbine survivors mark 20 years since high school massacre Read in ABC News: https://apple.news/
OIL/COMMODITIES/ENERGY
PRECIOUS-Gold slips to 1-week low as trade deal hopes boost risk appetite * Gold's break below key moving averages a bearish sign-traders Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/
Gold Dips With Sluggish Week Seen
Commodities Apr 15, 2019 19:05 GMT By Barani Krishnan Investing.com - For gold longs, it’s just not enough that the dollar dips whenever there’s progress reported on the U.S.-China trade talks. Equities have to see a decent slide, too. U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin’s remarks on Monday that Washington and Beijing might be “close to the final round” of their trade negotiations not only weakened the dollar, which had been a hedge to the trade war, but also limited Wall Street’s downside Read in Investing.com: https://apple.news/
Gold Prices Slip as China, U.S. Trade Talks Near Finish
Commodities Apr 16, 2019 04:46 GMT Investing.com - Prices of the safe-haven gold fell on Tuesday in Asia amid more positive developments in the Sino-U.S. trade talks. Gold futures for June delivery, traded on the Comex division of the New York Mercantile Exchange, were down 0.2%, at $1,288.15 per ounce by 12:55 AM ET (04:55 GMT). U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin’s said on Monday that Washington and Beijing might be “close to the final round” of their trade negotiations. Mnuchin told Fox Read in Investing.com: https://apple.news/
Oil Prices Trade Lower Amid Reports that Russia Wants to End Output Restraint
Commodities Apr 16, 2019 05:23 GMT Investing.com - Oil prices traded lower on Tuesday in Asia on reports that Russia wants to end the current deal on output restraint in June. U.S. Crude Oil WTI Futures slipped 0.1% to $63.34 by 1:20 AM ET (05:20 GMT), while International Brent Oil Futures was down 0.2% to $71.03. Oil prices jumped more than 30% so far in 2019, mainly due to a deal by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies to curb oil production by 1.2 Read in Investing.com: https://apple.news/
Oil Prices Head Lower on Increased U.S. Drilling Activity, OPEC Meeting in Focus
Commodities Apr 15, 2019 12:48 GMT Investing.com - Oil prices traded lower on Monday after logging its longest stretch of weekly gains in nearly three years, while signs of increased drilling activity in the U.S. urged profit-taking ahead of a meeting of major oil producers. New York-traded West Texas Intermediate crude futures fell 57 cents, or 0.9%, at $63.32 a barrel by 8:42 AM ET (12:42 GMT), pulling back from last week’s five-month high of $64.79. Meanwhile, Brent crude futures, the Read in Investing.com: https://apple.news/A7a-
BANKS/BANKING/CREDIT
Bank of America Will Likely Beat on Earnings Expectations
BAC stock is knocking on the door of a key technical breakout, and the Bank of America earnings slated for Tuesday morning could do the deed. Read in InvestorPlace: https://apple.news/
I have 26 credit cards. Here's the best advice I can give you to maximize your rewards
Personal Finance Insider writes about products, strategies, and tips to help you make smart decisions with your money. Business Insider may receive a commission from The Points Guy Affiliate Network, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective. Holly Johnson, who maximizes credit card rewards from 26 cards. Currently, my husband and I (and our businesses) have 26 different credit cards to our names. We've had as many as 40 at one time in the past, but we've Read in Business Insider: https://apple.news/AgP_
Democrats subpoena Deutsche Bank as part of ongoing investigation into Trump
Democrats are seeking more information about ties to the Trump Organization. Read in ABC News: https://apple.news/
US fines Italian bank $1.3 billion in sanctions probe
Italian bank UniCredit will pay $1.3 billion (1.5 billion euros) to settle charges by the U.S. government that it violated sanctions against Iran and other countries Read in ABC News: https://apple.news/
TREASURIES/BONDS/STOCKS
One chart shows how much the Fed tightened financial conditions — and how far it still could go
The trend toward less accommodative financial market conditions has reversed this year, as the Fed moved to the sidelines, an IMF chart shows. Read in MarketWatch: https://apple.news/
Is a Stock Market Correction in the Cards?
Historically high stock valuations and murky economic data point to a mean reversion. Here's how to prepare for whenever the ax falls. Read in Kiplinger: https://apple.news/
Here’s one sign in bonds that the U.S. is poised for a sharp economic slowdown in 2019
Stock-market bulls are mistaken if they expect the Federal Reserve’s recent monetary-policy pivot, and the subsequent retreat in inflation-adjusted debt yields, or real yields, will juice growth later in 2019 following a poor first-quarter, says Capital Economics’s Michael Pearce. Read in MarketWatch: https://apple.news/AFOdINB-
Stocks - Wall Street Falls After Mixed Bank Earnings
Stock Markets Apr 15, 2019 13:52 GMT Investing.com – Wall Street was lower on Monday as financial results from Goldman Sachs and Citi pointed to a weak earnings season. The Dow lost 64 points or 0.2% by 9:51 AM ET (13:51 GMT) while the S&P 500 was down 5 points or 0.2% and tech-heavy Nasdaq composite slipped by 4 points or 0.06%. Earnings season looks like it will disappoint after key bank results earlier in the day. Goldman Sachs Group (NYSE:GS) slumped 3% after its quarterly revenue was down Read in Investing.com: https://apple.news/
Day Ahead: Top 3 Things to Watch
Stock Markets Apr 15, 2019 21:09 GMT Investing.com - Here’s a preview of the top 3 things that could rock markets tomorrow. 1. Netflix, IBM, J&J and UnitedHealth to Report The first-quarter earnings season is in full swing. Tomorrow’s reports include three Dow stocks and one of the fastest-growing media companies. Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX) is due after the close. Analysts polled by Investing.com expect the company report a profit of 57 cents a share in the quarter, down from 64 cents a year ago. But Read in Investing.com: https://apple.news/AnqSo88i- Economy Apr 16, 2019 09:55 GMT Investing.com - Here are the top five things you need to know in financial markets on Tuesday, April 17: 1. Earnings set to drive the session The first-quarter earnings season will drive stocks on Tuesday with another report from the financial sector, figures reports from three Dow components and numbers from video-streamer Netflix. As the season only begins to rev up - only 34 S&P 500 companies have released earnings so far, Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) is set to Read in Investing.com: https://apple.news/A_
CRYPTO'S / DIGITAL CURRENCY
Ethereum [ETH] and Tron [TRX] Price Analysis: Prices rise, but bears yet to abandon market
Ethereum [ETH] and Tron [TRX] continued their sideways movement as they looked to recover from a minor price fall. The Vitalik Buterin-backed virtual asset improved its valuation by 3.13 percent against the US dollar and was priced at $169.62, at press time. The trade volume recorded over the last 24 hours was about $5.06 billion.... Read in AMBCrypto: https://apple.news/AEs_
France to ask EU partners to adopt its cryptocurrency regulation
France will push for the European Union to adopt a regulatory framework on cryptocurrencies similar to the one it brought in last week at a national level, becoming the first major country to do so, French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said on Monday. Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/Aypk_
Bitcoin [BTC] notes transactions worth $7 billion over the past day, finds report
The cryptocurrency market saw a rise in the price of most major cryptocurrencies, including Tezos [XTZ], Bitcoin Cash [BCH] and Litecoin [LTC], on April 15. The price of the largest cryptocurrency, Bitcoin [BTC] also remained above $5k and noted minimal growth. However, according to TrustNodes, almost $7 billion worth of BTC was moved on-chain over the... Read in AMBCrypto: https://apple.news/
CURRENCIES
Forex - U.S. Dollar Flat as Trump Renews Fed Criticism
Forex Apr 15, 2019 14:53 GMT Investing.com - The greenback remained under pressure on Monday as investors remained cautious after U.S. President Donald Trump renewed his criticism of the Federal Reserve over the weekend. The U.S. dollar index, which measures the greenback’s strength against a basket of six major currencies, fell 0.1% to 96.495 as of 10:52 AM ET (14:52 GMT). On Friday President Donald Trump blamed the Fed for slowing growth in the U.S. and falling stock prices due to its Read in Investing.com: https://apple.news/
Forex - Dollar Little Changed, Shrugs off Firmer NY Manufacturing Data
Forex Apr 15, 2019 18:17 GMT Investing.com - The U.S dollar was little changed on Monday as a better-than-expected regional manufacturing report and dovish remarks on monetary policy from Chicago Federal Reserve President Charles Evans failed to trigger a meaningful move in the greenback. The U.S. dollar index, which measures the greenback against a trade-weighted basket of six major currencies, fell by 0.05% to 96.55. The Empire State manufacturing index rose 6.4 points in April to a reading of Read in Investing.com: https://apple.news/Ad4Qam-V_ Forex Apr 16, 2019 04:06 GMT Investing.com - The Australian dollar fell on Tuesday in Asia after the release of the minutes of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA)’s April meeting. The AUD/USD pair last traded at 0.7148 by 12:05 AM ET (04:05 GMT), down 0.3%. The RBA expects inflation to remain muted for some time, but suggested that it remains open to rates cut if inflation remains low and the jobless rate ticks higher. The central bank then noted that the slowdown in GDP growth contradicts the Read in Investing.com: https://apple.news/
HEALTH / SCIENCE
Measles cases continue to soar, stirring concern over long-term effects The number of new U.S. measles cases continued to accelerate last week as health authorities race to curb the outbreaks and scientists who study the virus say measles may be more harmful than previously believed. Read in The Wall Street Journal: https://apple.news/
Ground beef likely cause of 6-state E. coli outbreak
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday said no common supplier, distributor or brand of the meat has been identified Read in CBS News: https://apple.news/
3 Important Health Services Medicare Won’t Cover
Consider yourself warned. Read in The Motley Fool: https://apple.news/
Israeli scientists 3D-print heart with human tissue in world first
A team of Israeli scientists at Tel Aviv University 3D-printed a heart with a patient's own cells in a world first, researchers say. Read in USA TODAY: https://apple.news/
The FDA Just Approved a New Prescription Weight-Loss Drug. Here's How It Works
It helps people feel full but eat less Read in TIME: https://apple.news/
USA / CANADA
Death toll rises to 8 as tornadoes, storms cut swath of destruction through much of nation
Powerful storms killed at least eight people and brought devastation from Texas to Maryland Read in USA TODAY: https://apple.news/A6K-
Trump plan to transport undocumented migrants to “sanctuary cities” inches closer to reality
Administration officials denied only days ago that the legally dubious policy was still under discussion. Read in POLITICO: https://apple.news/
EMERGING MARKETS
A New Emerging Markets ETF With A Surprise Exclusion (NYSE:KEMX)
It's not unusual for an emerging markets exchange traded fund to use exclusionary tactics. What is unusual is when an emerging market ETF offering access to multiple developing economies excludes China, the world's second-largest economy. What Happened KraneShares, the ETF issuer known primarily for its expertise with Chinese assets, introduced the KraneShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index ETF (NYSE: KEMX) last Friday. The new ETF, the 13th fund in the KraneShares stable, tracks the MSCI Read in Benzinga: https://apple.news/AL7MhX_
Russia, China and Iran Defend Support for Venezuela, Warn U.S. Cannot Tell Them or Latin America What to Do
"Such behaviors are really beneath their dignity," China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson said. "Mr. Pompeo might as well take a break." Read in Newsweek: https://apple.news/
After years of crisis, Venezuelans wonder what is 'normal'
Normalcy elsewhere in the world doesn't fit Venezuela, where two men say they are president and the worst nationwide blackouts played havoc with the lives of millions Read in ABC News: https://apple.news/
Egypt's lawmakers vote to extend president's term limits
Egypt's parliament in final debate on constitutional amendments that could see el-Sissi's term extended until 2030 Read in ABC News: https://apple.news/
An unlikely casualty of a hard Brexit - Turkey's exports
The threat of a hard British exit from the European Union looms large over a country that has a big stake in the process but no official say: Turkey. Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/
Merkel voices concern about situation in Libya, Sudan
German Chancellor Angela Merkel is expressing concern about the human rights situation in Libya and Sudan while calling for an improved approach to the factors that force people to migrate Read in ABC News: https://apple.news/
Europe urged to reject US Middle East plan if it is unfair to Palestinians
Exclusive: letter from former officials says Europe must stand by the two-state solution High-ranking former European politicians have condemned the Trump administration’s one-sided Israel-Palestine policy and called in a letter for Europe to reject any US Middle East peace plan unless it is fair to Palestinians. The letter, sent to the Guardian, the EU and European governments, was signed by 25 former foreign ministers, six former prime ministers, and two former Nato secretary generals. Read in the guardian: https://apple.news/ "If your solution does not include self-determination for everyone, and basic civil, human, and political rights for everyone — it’s not a real process." Read in Vox: https://apple.news/
Egypt seeks to improve tax system – Minister
Cairo – Mubasher: The Egyptian Ministry of Finance (MoF) is working on upgrading the tax allocation system by streamlining the procedures, the finance minister said. This move aims at reinforcing the efficiency of tax administration and enhancing … Read in Mubasher: https://apple.news/
Doha conference seeks to address impunity for war crimes
Doha, Qatar - Seeking to find ways to hold individuals and countries accountable for war crimes and human rights violations around the world, speakers at a conference here recommended the establishment of an international mechanism to combat impunity and the disregard of international law by powerful nations. The problem is particularly acute in the Arab world, where devastating atrocities during civil wars and widespread human rights abuses are committed by regimes and armed groups alike, Read in Aljazeera: https://apple.news/
AFRICA
Nigeria: Excess Crude Account Most Poorly Managed - Report
(Photo: This Day) Nigeria's Excess Crude Account (ECA) has been ranked as the most poorly governed among similar funds operated by resource-rich countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, a new report by the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) has shown. The report showed that Nigeria's ECA ranked lowest among other sovereign wealth funds assessed by the NRGI, ranking last alongside the Qatari Investment Authority. The new report, titled "Resource Governance Index: From Legal Reform to Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/
Nigeria Spends U.S.$1 Billion Annually On Fish Importation
Abakaliki The Director of Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research Lagos, Dr. Adekunle Oresegun, has disclosed that Nigeria spends about $1 billion annually on the importation of fish. He stated this in Abakaliki during a four-day vocational training and empowerment on aquaculture production and fish post harvest for youths and women from Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo Federal constituency in Ebonyi State. Oresegun said the 40 participants drawn from the area were part of the constituency Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/A_
Kenya Airways Spending $142m Annually On Leasing Aircraft, Report Shows
(Photo: Diana Ngila/Nation Media Group) Troubled national carrier Kenya Airways spends a whopping $142 million annually to service the onerous leasing contracts it signed with financiers to acquire 20 aircraft, a new report shows. The confidential report, which was submitted to the Transport committee of the Kenyan parliament, means servicing loans accounts for up to 11 per cent of the airline's operating costs -- way above the global average of five per cent. Kenya Airways, which is struggling Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/
Mozambique: Chevron Buys Anadarko for $33 bn, Taking Part of Cabo Delgado Gas
(Photo: Pixabay) U.S. oil major Chevron swallowed up Anadarko on Friday, but the US press stresses it is mainly to obtain Anadarko's interests in shale gas and and Gulf of Mexico oil. Anadarko's part of Mozambique's giant gas field off Cabo Delgado is just a small part of the deal. But after discussing other issues, Chevron CEO Michael Wirth told CNBC yesterday that "Anadarko has a great LNG project in Mozambique [which] fits nicely into our portfolio. We think LNG is a good business to be in in Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/As2gYuQx_
Zimbabwe white farmers sue South Africa | DW | 15.04.2019
Ben Freeth, is one of the farmers who lost everything during the land evictions in the early 2000s. "It was chaos all around and there was tremendous fear in the land. We were abducted and tortured and sadly my father-in-law was very badly beaten in the process and never recovered and later died." He says memories of those brutal events are still fresh in his mind. Freeth became one of the most prominent activists among Zimbabwe's white farmers. Many at the time were scared to act against the Read in DW: https://apple.news/AB-o-
ASIA
UK's concern over poor countries owing vast amounts to China
China has invited the UK to join an initiative to help reduce the risk of a new emerging markets debt crisis. The Multilateral Co-operation Centre for Development Finance will improve lending standards Read in Daily Mail: https://apple.news/
Bank of Japan chief: Trade is the biggest risk to the global economy
Increasing trade protectionism around the globe is the biggest threat to global economic growth, Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda says. Read in CNBC: https://apple.news/AxPOnaxacQ-
Israel has reached ‘peak China’ – US pressure and domestic concerns mean relations won’t improve from here
With elections now over and a nationalist, centre-right coalition poised to govern for the foreseeable future, expect Jerusalem to move to cool what has been a remarkable, decade-long Sino-Israeli romance. The change will not be immediate or obvious… Read in South China Morning Post: https://apple.news/Aab-
‘Mr Pompeo, you can stop’: China hits back at criticism over Latin America
China’s foreign ministry has hit back at criticism from US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo over the country’s activities in Latin America, urging the top US diplomat to watch his words. Ministry spokesman Lu Kang on Monday responded angrily to Pompeo’s… Read in South China Morning Post: https://apple.news/
China asks Japan for concrete measures to improve ‘sensitive’ and ‘fragile’ relationship
Japan has been urged to take “concrete action” to help improve ties with China by Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who warned that elements of their relationship remained “sensitive and fragile”. At a meeting with his Japanese counterpart Taro Kono in Beijing on… Read in South China Morning Post: https://apple.news/AAPJgHYA4R- The Kremlin spokesman says it is not clear yet when and where the Russian president and the North Korea leader will meet for a rare summit Read in ABC News: https://apple.news/A5SRU-
EUROPE
Greece looks to repay IMF early as bond yields tumble
Greece in talks with European bailout lenders to repay IMF debts early as market borrowing rates tumble to lowest level since 2005 Read in ABC News: https://apple.news/AIMi-
Brexit Brief: Cross-party talks test Brexit ideas
The U.K. government and the Labour Party are “testing out” each other’s ideas in an attempt to dissolve the Brexit deadlock, the Prime Minister’s deputy David Lidington said Read in MarketWatch: https://apple.news/As-
Theresa May: no-deal preparations will continue despite Brexit delay
UK prime minister writes to civil service to rebuke reports contingency plans were being wound down Theresa May has written to civil servants saying no-deal preparations must carry on despite a new October deadline for the UK’s exit from the European Union. An email seen by the Guardian shows that the prime minister has told government staff that plans for crashing out of the EU are necessary and will continue to be signed off by permanent secretaries. Continue reading... Read in the guardian: https://apple.news/ The UK is set to be the only large advanced economy in the world to see a decline in productivity growth in 2019, according to a report by Conference Board. The figures show a likely decline in UK productivity is worse than with any other comparable country. "The UK is a consistent story of slow output growth, slow employment growth, and slow productivity growth," Bart van Ark, chief economist of the Conference Board, told the Financial Times. The UK economy is taking a beating with slugging. Read in Business Insider: https://apple.news/
CBI, ISX, Kauaihn Chatter:
CBI Update:
The CBI for Wednesday 4/17/19 did update on the indicative rates Sell Rate 1190
The currency auction is 198,315,960
There are no news and announcements.
Trade Bank of Iraq to open first Saudi Branch
17th April 2019 in Iraq Banking & Finance News
The state-owned Trade Bank of Iraq (TBI) will reportedly open its first operational branch outside Iraq on Thursday. Chairman and President Faisal Al-Haimus told Arab News that the new branch in Saudi capital Riyadh will also be the only active Iraqi bank in the Kingdom. (Source: Arab News) Integrity arrests suspects by passing advances in government banks
Value Traded
790,787,126
Shares Traded
1,083,577,873
ISX ended in Green Red
Kauaihn Chatter:dd
http://www.dinarguru.com/
4-17-2019 Newshound/Intel Guru Walkingstick [via Clare] THERE IS NOTHING FROM STOPPING IRAQ FROM ADDING VALUE TO THEIR CURRENCY. EACH WEEK THEY ARE PREPARED TO RAISE THE VALUE OF THEIR CURRENCY...EACH WEEK THEY ADD FUEL TO THE FIRE."
4-16-2019 Newshound Guru Chattels Article "Iraq's central bank announced on Tuesday that Iraq's foreign currency reserves rose to $ 62 billion. "The bank's foreign exchange reserve rose from $ 40 billion to $ 62 billion," said Central Bank of Payments director general Doha Abdul Karim. "The central bank has managed to control the level of inflation and maintain prices and maintain the purchasing power of the national currency, and adjust the exchange rate and close the gap." The Iraqi Central Bank, on July 12, 2018, that Iraq's foreign currency reserves amounted to 55.7 billion dollars, noting that Iraq has 89 tons of gold."
4-16-2019 Intel Guru MarkZ ...It’s going to be a good week…I feel very positive...All kinds of stuff shaking loose right now...I’m looking for an action packed week...and if I am hearing all this good news from Reno and DC and New York...I am sure you will read that others...are also hearing this news...After some back and forth with my BIS contacts…...they are expecting things to happen today...we are looking for a whole lot of news for completion this week...I was afraid to share this...after all the negative emails I have been getting ...So I am double and triple checking to make sure my info is correct before putting out...Dinar 4.50 street rate.. low 2's on dong...and Dinar in US may be $2 to $3 more... 4-16-2019 Newshound Guru Kaperoni Most people that follow me know what we're waiting on before will start to see any activity as far as the currency rising in value. But for those that don't know I'll recap a few of them...It is a must that they finish filling the final three or four ministers that are missing in the new government. Parliament needs to start passing some laws. These laws will make it more appealing for investors to come to Iraq. There are several still outstanding. Stability still needs to improve in some areas mostly outlining areas where construction will take place. [Post 1 of 2]
4-16-2019 Newshound Guru MilitiaMan Article: "The stock market continues its high rise" Quote: "The number of shares traded 1,1 billion shares valued at 820.5 million dinars" The volume has been increasing since ealier last week. A good sign confidence is gaining traction...imo A good thing!
4-16-2019 Newshound Guru Kaperoni The dinar can never RV...The dinar will float, and will rise gradually over time as investment come to Iraq...not overnight. Be patient. ...several good banking articles today including one from the IMF talking about the agreement they have with Iraq to diversify their economy...exactly what we been saying for years.
4-15-2019 Newshound Guru Sunkissed This is a very BIG article when you break it down. For us:
1. settlement of salaries of employees in the public and private sectors 2. integration of Iraq in the global economy3. increasing geographical spread of banks 4. electronic payment and their impact in attracting the mass of cash5. and the launch of deposit insurance Why would they need these mechanisms AT A PROGRAM RATE? They wouldn't!! I love this article!! [post 2 of 2] 4-15-2019 Newshound Guru Sunkissed Article: "76.89 trillion dinars value of deposits in commercial banks" WOW!!!...HUGE HUGE statement: "...in addition to Iraq rid of the financial crisis that hit in 2014" They are saying here that they have overcome their financial crisis!! AND the private sector deposits EXCEEDED the government deposits -- looks like the mattresses are getting leaner! And furthermore: "the relationship between the citizen and the banking sector is witnessing a significant improvement" The Iraqi's are TRUSTING their banks! WOWOWOWOWOW! Think about the significance of this for a minute: Would you trust your bank if every. single. dictator. that you have ever had, has stolen your money and gold from your accounts? The CBI and Banks have accomplished GREAT strides for sure!! [post 1 of 2....stay tuned]
Elmer:
Not in today
Artmeister:
Not in today
Catnip:
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ARTICLE 1-A (from PM Mahdi's website; posted only on the Arabic side, not on the English side)
Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi congratulates the Yezidis by the Eastern Yezidi New Year
I extend my sincere congratulations to the Yazidis on the occasion of the New Year's Day. We sincerely wish all Iraqis of all faiths to live together in safety and peace and to cooperate in building their present and their common future. Every year you are fine.
Adel Abdul Mahdi, Prime Minister
17 April 2019
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ARTICLE 1-B (from PM Mahdi's website; posted only on the Arabic side, not on the English side)
Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi receives US Senate delegation led by Senator Jane Shaheen
Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi received in his official office a delegation of the US Senate headed by Senator Jane Shaheen,
He stressed the importance of cooperation between Iraq and the United States, pointing out that calling for cancer requires the elimination of it, and that Iraq has been able to sacrifice his people, and we have a lot of work to achieve the progress we seek in the areas of reconstruction and provision of services and complete the return of all displaced persons to their areas. , As well as the challenges of restoring infrastructure and settling salaries to reduce corruption, stimulate the private sector and investments.
On Iraq's foreign policy, he stressed Iraq's keenness to establish relations of cooperation and exchange of interests with all neighboring countries in order to achieve stability and prosperity as Iraq is a center of gravity in the region, stressing the importance of consultation on decisions that may be directly reflected on the situation in Iraq and the region.
She praised the developments And discussed the cooperation between the two countries in the economic field and the work of companies and meet the needs of Iraq to implement reconstruction programs and the development of the economy, and exchange views on issues of common concern.
The meeting was attended by Sen. Doug Jones, a senator from the Alabama Democratic Party, a member of the Armed Services Committee, the Banking Committee, the Economic Policy Subcommittee, Senator Jack Reid, and the US embassy's charge d'affaires in Iraq.
And attended by the Iraqi side, the Chairman of the Security and Defense Committee Adnan al-Asadi, the Vice-Chairman of the Finance Committee Haitham al-Jubouri in the House of Representatives, and a number of advisers.
Media Office of the Prime Minister
17 April 2019
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ARTICLE 1-C (from PM Mahdi's website; posted only on the Arabic side, not on the English side)
Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mehdi sends a cable of condolences to French President Emmanuel Macaron in a fire incident The Notre Dame Cathedral
Honorable Emmanuel Macron
President of the French Republic
good greeting ...
We received with great pain the news of the fire that has extended the historic building of the French Notre Dame Cathedral and the collapse of its historic tower.
On behalf of the Iraqi Government, I express my regret for this sad incident and wish the friendly Republic of France and its people good luck and stability and the safety of the historic and civilized monuments of your beautiful country.
And Yours sincerely ...
Adel Abdul Mahdi
Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq
17 April 2019
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ARTICLE 1-D (from PM Mahdi's website; posted only on the Arabic side, not on the English side)
The Cabinet holds its regular session chaired by Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi
The Cabinet held its regular session on Tuesday, April 16, 2019, chaired by Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi.
The Council of Ministers decided to authorize the Prime Minister to approve amendments to the draft investment promotion agreement between Iraq and Saudi Arabia approved by the Council of Ministers.
The Council voted to extinguish the debts of the Republic of Iraq within the funds of the League of Arab States, and extinguish the balance of the Iraqi loan in the name of Tunisia in recognition of its position on extinguishing its debts to Iraq.
The Board approved the provision of liquidity in the support and support of some hospitals.
The Council of Ministers approved the establishment of the Ministry of Electricity to contract with the Elite Company on the maintenance and operation and rehabilitation of power station Dora thermal.
It was also agreed to include the imported petroleum products in favor of the Ministry of Oil by the decrees of the Council of Ministers numbered (23 for 2018 and 3 of 2019) exception to the customs procedures in contradiction with the Customs Law.
The Council of Ministers authorized the Minister of Finance to negotiate and sign a draft agreement to avoid double taxation and prevent evasion of taxes on income and capital between the Government of the Republic of Iraq and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as amended by the Council of State, based on the provisions of Article 80 / .
The Council decided to authorize the Minister of Transport to negotiate and sign a draft cooperation agreement between the Government of the Republic of Iraq and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the field of maritime transport as amended by the Council of State, based on the provisions of Article (80/6) of the Constitution.
On the land and orchards, the Cabinet decided to form a high-level working team (Ministry of Finance / State Real Estate Department, Ministry of Justice / General Directorate of Real Estate Registration, Ministry of Agriculture / General Directorate of Agricultural Land, Municipality of Baghdad) to prepare a preparatory program for a major workshop Through which the final recommendations necessary for the purpose of re-drafting and issuing decisions concerning the destruction of agricultural land and orchards.
The Council of Ministers agreed to address the phenomenon of fish deaths.
To allocate land for industrial purposes, the Council agreed on the following:
Firstly :
- The ministries and entities not affiliated with the Ministry and the relevant provinces to extract the plots of land belonging to the appropriate areas and allocated for industrial purposes of various types with the aim of establishing industrial parks and areas.
- The use of developers and investors to establish these complexes and areas and provide them with the necessary services in exchange for the wages they receive from the beneficiaries of those complexes.
- Training unemployed youth according to a training program prepared by the relevant authorities for this purpose.
- Providing unemployed youth with small loans for the purpose of establishing their industrial projects.
- Authorizing the governors the powers of the ministries necessary to implement the necessary measures all to implement the above.
Second :
Forming a committee headed by the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs to supervise the implementation of the provisions of paragraph 1 above, and confer the necessary powers to implement this decision.
Media Office of the Prime Minister
16 April 2019
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ARTICLE 2 (from Government of Iraq twitter account)
At the time this report was submitted, there were no new tweets posted on the Government of Iraq twitter account.
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ARTICLE 3
Vatican affirms Pope's desire to visit Iraq
2019/4/16 23:04
[Baghdad-where]
The Vatican's foreign minister said on Tuesday that Pope Francis wanted to visit Iraq. A Foreign Ministry statement, in which a copy of it was received, said Ambassador Amal Moussa Hussein had met Paul Kalker, the Vatican's foreign minister.
The minister welcomed the ambassador and stressed his support for the success of the mission.The Ambassador expressed her great happiness to represent Iraq at the Holy See and the determination to develop relations. She gave a summary of pluralism in Iraq, explaining the peaceful coexistence of various religions in it. She also referred to the Pope's visit to Iraq as it gives a message of support for Iraqis in general and Christians, But a terrorist.
For his part, Minister Kalaker stressed the Pope's desire for this visit.
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ARTICLE 4
Maliki's office: We have not engaged in a political bloc to topple the government of Abdul Mahdi
BAGHDAD - April 16 - The head of a coalition of state law, Nuri al-Maliki, on Tuesday denied entering a political bloc to topple the government of Adel Abdul Mahdi.
"There is no truth to the involvement of a coalition of state law in a new bloc or an alliance aimed at overthrowing or changing the government," office director Hashem al-Rikabi said in a tweet on Twitter.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar reported that political alliances in Iraq were witnessing internal conflicts that could end the partnership at any moment, indicating that the leader of a coalition of state law, Nuri al-Maliki, is uncomfortable in the construction alliance. With problems and suffering.
The newspaper added that there are reports that the establishment of a new political alliance includes a number of components of reform and construction, pointing out that Abadi, Maliki and Hakim are working on the establishment of a new political alliance, and negotiations have reached an advanced stage.
Political sources said that the coalition will work in the first stage to oppose the government and will try to topple it if it did not implement its program, which it pledged.
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ARTICLE 5
Iraq's foreign currency reserves rose to $ 62 billion
2019/4/16 20:50
[Baghdad-where]
Iraq's central bank announced on Tuesday that Iraq's foreign currency reserves rose to 62 billion dollars.
"The bank's foreign exchange reserve rose from $ 40 billion to $ 62 billion," said Central Bank of Payments director general Doha Abdul Karim. "The diversification of the basket of currencies to support the balance of payments and to cope with crises."
"The central bank has managed to control the level of inflation and maintain prices and maintain the purchasing power of the national currency, and adjust the exchange rate and close the gap."
The Iraqi Central Bank, on July 12, 2018, that Iraq's foreign currency reserves amounted to 55.7 billion dollars, noting that Iraq has 89 tons of gold.
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