WOTS Saturday 2/1/2020
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DC NY Iraq Articles:dd
Urgent: Allawi will be appointed as prime minister tomorrow afternoon
01-02-2020 01:12 AMBaghdad / newsletter:
A political source familiar with, on Saturday, revealed that the political blocs agreed on assigning candidate Mohammed Allawi to head the government this afternoon.
The source said to "Al-Ikhbaria" that "the political blocs agreed to name Muhammad Tawfiq Allawi as prime minister after the approval of all parties."
He added, "The President of the Republic, Barham Salih, may appoint Allawi to head the government at 12 noon."
The source said to "Al-Ikhbaria" that "the political blocs agreed to name Muhammad Tawfiq Allawi as prime minister after the approval of all parties."
He added, "The President of the Republic, Barham Salih, may appoint Allawi to head the government at 12 noon."
Britain officially graduated from the European Union after 47 years
01-02-2020 02:11 AM Baghdad / newsletter:
Britain withdrew officially at 23:00 GMT Friday night from the European Union, after 3 years of the referendum in which about 52% of citizens voted in favor of "divorce" from Brussels.
"Our job now is to unite the country and move it forward," British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, explaining that "Brexit" is not the end but rather the beginning of a new page in British history.
Britain's official withdrawal will not lead to any fundamental changes until December 2020, when the transitional period in relations between London and Brussels will end.
The UK is expected to hold negotiations with the European Union over their future relationship this year.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson seeks to conclude a free trade agreement and maintain cooperation in many vital areas with Brussels, and above all security cooperation.
In the event that the negotiations fail, Britain will be exposed to the so-called "tough Brexit", as it will impose trade duties on the UK according to the rules of the World Trade Organization, which will lead to high prices and a possible shortage of European goods.d
"Our job now is to unite the country and move it forward," British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, explaining that "Brexit" is not the end but rather the beginning of a new page in British history.
Britain's official withdrawal will not lead to any fundamental changes until December 2020, when the transitional period in relations between London and Brussels will end.
The UK is expected to hold negotiations with the European Union over their future relationship this year.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson seeks to conclude a free trade agreement and maintain cooperation in many vital areas with Brussels, and above all security cooperation.
In the event that the negotiations fail, Britain will be exposed to the so-called "tough Brexit", as it will impose trade duties on the UK according to the rules of the World Trade Organization, which will lead to high prices and a possible shortage of European goods.d
Sistani questions the eligibility of the current parliament ... and calls for early elections
Baghdad: Hamza Mustafa
He said that the next parliament will be the one who will take the fateful decisions
The supreme Shiite authority in Iraq, Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani, said that holding early elections in Iraq is the guarantor of ending the state of division in the country, indicating that the next parliament that emerges from these elections is the one who is responsible for making crucial decisions.
Al-Sistani, during Friday’s sermon in Karbala yesterday, which was represented by his representative, Sheikh Abdul Mahdi Al-Karbalai, who emphasized that «going back to the polls to determine what the people see is the appropriate option in the present situation, given the divisions witnessed by the political forces from various components, and the differences of views between them While it is a priority in the coming stage, and it has not been possible to agree on the necessary reforms demanded by most citizens, which exposes the country to more risks and problems. ” He added that, in light of these conditions, it is imperative to speed up the early elections so that the people will have their say, and that the next parliament that emanates from its free will is concerned with taking the necessary steps for reform and issuing the fateful decisions that determine the future of the country, especially with regard to maintaining its sovereignty, independence of its political decision and territorial integrity. And people. ”
Al-Sistani also considered that "the continuation of the current crisis and political, economic and security instability is not in the interest of the country and the future of its people", indicating that this is "accelerating the formation of the new government, and that it should be a government worthy of the trust of the people and able to calm conditions and restore the prestige of the state and take the necessary steps to conduct Free and fair elections as soon as possible.
The former head of the Electoral Commission in the Electoral Commission, Miqdad Al-Sharifi, ruled out the possibility of holding early elections in light of the incomplete requirements for that. Al-Sharifi told Al-Sharq Al-Awsat that "the opinion of the Marjaiya represents a strong pressure on the political blocs to start the required procedures in this context, but the technical conditions are not ready for early elections." He explained that «there are many problems in the new election law that have not been resolved yet, as well as many issues related to the status of the Electoral Commission, which needs a long time in order to be ready to conduct such elections».
For his part, the dean of the College of Political Science at Al-Mustansiriya University, Dr. Khaled Abdel-Ilah, told Asharq Al-Awsat that it is "difficult to hold early elections in light of the lack of logistical support required so far with regard to the new High Electoral Commission, in addition to the fact that the law The elections have not yet been approved by the President of the Republic, in addition to the fact that the Federal Court, due to the severe dispute between the Supreme Judicial Council and the Federal Court, is stalled, which means that the situation is more complicated than imagined.
In turn, the legal expert, Tariq Harb, confirmed that yesterday's religious reference sermon withdrew the legitimacy from the current parliament when it entrusted the taking of fateful decisions in the country in the next parliament. Harb said in a statement, “The reference was clear in terms of the speed of the elections to reach a new parliament other than the current parliament, which did not provide anything in spite of the authority’s call to him with several previous speeches and entrusted the reform to the next parliament, not the current one.”
To that, the political crisis continues in the country in terms of the inability of the political blocs to choose who is responsible for forming the government within the deadline granted by the President of the Republic, Barham Saleh, which ends today. While the competition is limited to former Minister Muhammad Tawfiq Allawi and the current head of the intelligence service, Mustafa al-Kazemi, the Shiite blocs charged with choosing the candidate have not been able to resolve their differences over them. For his part, Allawi expressed his willingness in the event he was assigned the position to give up the second citizenship he holds (British citizenship) while Al-Kazemi did not announce a position on "dual nationality". Allawi said in a statement, that he does not ask «any political party or any political bloc to nominate me for the position of Prime Minister, but I ask them not to object to my candidacy for this position and respond to the desire of the honorable Iraqi citizens and their representatives in the squares, and not to stand in the way of forming the government That will not be a partisan quota government, but rather a government of competent and impartial independents with the participation of some peaceful demonstrators at the level of ministers or without it ».
Human waves
Eyewitnesses stated to the German News Agency that hundreds of demonstrators joined the demonstration arenas in Tahrir and Al-Khulani in Baghdad and the governorates of Basra, Maysan, Nasiriyah, Muthanna, Diwaniyah, Karbala, Najaf, Babil and Wasit carrying the flags of Iraq, and chanting slogans and popular songs that confirm the determination of the pretending arenas to move towards steadfastness to the demands and the formation of a transitional government, For early elections away from party interference.
They made it clear that the masses of the demonstration squares will remain adhered to the acceptance of an independent candidate who is not affiliated with the power parties, and that all the names currently offered have been rejected because they do not represent the aspirations of the demonstration squares nor the blood that has been shed since the start of the demonstrations last October.
»Bridges closed
According to witnesses, a number of bridges are still closed since the early morning hours, in light of a wide security spread in the streets and in the vicinity of the demonstration squares, while demonstrators closed the entrances to the demonstration squares and the publication of expatriate inspection groups to provide protection for the demonstration squares.
There was calm in the demonstration grounds, and no security disturbances were recorded with the early morning hours.
Canada and 16 countries have condemned the use of excessive violence by the security forces and PMF militia against protesters, calling on the Iraqi government to conduct a credible investigation into the killing of protesters.
Activists have called for a major demonstration in the Tahrir Square in the capital, Baghdad, and sit-in squares in the southern governorates, to condemn the ongoing killings of peaceful protesters.
Calls also come to pressure the political class to nominate a prime minister, set a specific date for early elections, and approve the election law.
"Ongoing assassinations
In addition, Iraqi press sources said Friday that the TV reporter, Ishtiaq Adel, had survived an assassination attempt by masked men who shot her near her house in Baghdad.
The sources reported that unidentified masked men riding on a motorcycle shot the TV reporter, Ishtiaq Adel, in front of her house in Baghdad, and she escaped the assassination attempt, but she was bruised by falling on the ground and shocked after the masked men failed to hit her directly.
On Wednesday, member of the Commission for Human Rights in Iraq, Ali al-Bayati, had documented 171 cases of kidnappings, assassinations, and violence that accompanied the demonstrations, which Iraq has witnessed for the fourth consecutive month.
»UN support
For his part, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday expressed readiness to support the unity and stability of Iraq.
This came in a telephone call made by the Secretary-General of the United Nations with Foreign Minister Muhammad Ali al-Hakim, according to a statement issued by the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The statement stated that the latest developments in Iraq and the Middle East region were discussed.
And Iraq has been witnessing for four months, demonstrations to demand the reform of the political process and the solution of unemployment problems and improve the reality of life.
Al-Sistani, during Friday’s sermon in Karbala yesterday, which was represented by his representative, Sheikh Abdul Mahdi Al-Karbalai, who emphasized that «going back to the polls to determine what the people see is the appropriate option in the present situation, given the divisions witnessed by the political forces from various components, and the differences of views between them While it is a priority in the coming stage, and it has not been possible to agree on the necessary reforms demanded by most citizens, which exposes the country to more risks and problems. ” He added that, in light of these conditions, it is imperative to speed up the early elections so that the people will have their say, and that the next parliament that emanates from its free will is concerned with taking the necessary steps for reform and issuing the fateful decisions that determine the future of the country, especially with regard to maintaining its sovereignty, independence of its political decision and territorial integrity. And people. ”
Al-Sistani also considered that "the continuation of the current crisis and political, economic and security instability is not in the interest of the country and the future of its people", indicating that this is "accelerating the formation of the new government, and that it should be a government worthy of the trust of the people and able to calm conditions and restore the prestige of the state and take the necessary steps to conduct Free and fair elections as soon as possible.
The former head of the Electoral Commission in the Electoral Commission, Miqdad Al-Sharifi, ruled out the possibility of holding early elections in light of the incomplete requirements for that. Al-Sharifi told Al-Sharq Al-Awsat that "the opinion of the Marjaiya represents a strong pressure on the political blocs to start the required procedures in this context, but the technical conditions are not ready for early elections." He explained that «there are many problems in the new election law that have not been resolved yet, as well as many issues related to the status of the Electoral Commission, which needs a long time in order to be ready to conduct such elections».
For his part, the dean of the College of Political Science at Al-Mustansiriya University, Dr. Khaled Abdel-Ilah, told Asharq Al-Awsat that it is "difficult to hold early elections in light of the lack of logistical support required so far with regard to the new High Electoral Commission, in addition to the fact that the law The elections have not yet been approved by the President of the Republic, in addition to the fact that the Federal Court, due to the severe dispute between the Supreme Judicial Council and the Federal Court, is stalled, which means that the situation is more complicated than imagined.
In turn, the legal expert, Tariq Harb, confirmed that yesterday's religious reference sermon withdrew the legitimacy from the current parliament when it entrusted the taking of fateful decisions in the country in the next parliament. Harb said in a statement, “The reference was clear in terms of the speed of the elections to reach a new parliament other than the current parliament, which did not provide anything in spite of the authority’s call to him with several previous speeches and entrusted the reform to the next parliament, not the current one.”
To that, the political crisis continues in the country in terms of the inability of the political blocs to choose who is responsible for forming the government within the deadline granted by the President of the Republic, Barham Saleh, which ends today. While the competition is limited to former Minister Muhammad Tawfiq Allawi and the current head of the intelligence service, Mustafa al-Kazemi, the Shiite blocs charged with choosing the candidate have not been able to resolve their differences over them. For his part, Allawi expressed his willingness in the event he was assigned the position to give up the second citizenship he holds (British citizenship) while Al-Kazemi did not announce a position on "dual nationality". Allawi said in a statement, that he does not ask «any political party or any political bloc to nominate me for the position of Prime Minister, but I ask them not to object to my candidacy for this position and respond to the desire of the honorable Iraqi citizens and their representatives in the squares, and not to stand in the way of forming the government That will not be a partisan quota government, but rather a government of competent and impartial independents with the participation of some peaceful demonstrators at the level of ministers or without it ».
Iraqis join the squares in support of the protesters' demands
Witnesses reported that hundreds of Iraqis joined the demonstrations and sit-ins yesterday, to support the demonstrators and sit-in demands to resolve the nomination of a new prime minister within the deadline set by President Barham Saleh, after protests that lasted for four continuous months in Baghdad and 9 southern governorates.
Human waves
Eyewitnesses stated to the German News Agency that hundreds of demonstrators joined the demonstration arenas in Tahrir and Al-Khulani in Baghdad and the governorates of Basra, Maysan, Nasiriyah, Muthanna, Diwaniyah, Karbala, Najaf, Babil and Wasit carrying the flags of Iraq, and chanting slogans and popular songs that confirm the determination of the pretending arenas to move towards steadfastness to the demands and the formation of a transitional government, For early elections away from party interference.
They made it clear that the masses of the demonstration squares will remain adhered to the acceptance of an independent candidate who is not affiliated with the power parties, and that all the names currently offered have been rejected because they do not represent the aspirations of the demonstration squares nor the blood that has been shed since the start of the demonstrations last October.
»Bridges closed
According to witnesses, a number of bridges are still closed since the early morning hours, in light of a wide security spread in the streets and in the vicinity of the demonstration squares, while demonstrators closed the entrances to the demonstration squares and the publication of expatriate inspection groups to provide protection for the demonstration squares.
There was calm in the demonstration grounds, and no security disturbances were recorded with the early morning hours.
Canada and 16 countries have condemned the use of excessive violence by the security forces and PMF militia against protesters, calling on the Iraqi government to conduct a credible investigation into the killing of protesters.
Activists have called for a major demonstration in the Tahrir Square in the capital, Baghdad, and sit-in squares in the southern governorates, to condemn the ongoing killings of peaceful protesters.
Calls also come to pressure the political class to nominate a prime minister, set a specific date for early elections, and approve the election law.
"Ongoing assassinations
In addition, Iraqi press sources said Friday that the TV reporter, Ishtiaq Adel, had survived an assassination attempt by masked men who shot her near her house in Baghdad.
The sources reported that unidentified masked men riding on a motorcycle shot the TV reporter, Ishtiaq Adel, in front of her house in Baghdad, and she escaped the assassination attempt, but she was bruised by falling on the ground and shocked after the masked men failed to hit her directly.
On Wednesday, member of the Commission for Human Rights in Iraq, Ali al-Bayati, had documented 171 cases of kidnappings, assassinations, and violence that accompanied the demonstrations, which Iraq has witnessed for the fourth consecutive month.
»UN support
For his part, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday expressed readiness to support the unity and stability of Iraq.
This came in a telephone call made by the Secretary-General of the United Nations with Foreign Minister Muhammad Ali al-Hakim, according to a statement issued by the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The statement stated that the latest developments in Iraq and the Middle East region were discussed.
And Iraq has been witnessing for four months, demonstrations to demand the reform of the political process and the solution of unemployment problems and improve the reality of life.
KRG Urges Citizens Not to Travel to China as Coronavirus Spreads
The Kurdistan Regional Government has called on citizens in the autonomous region to suspend their visits to China, as coronavirus continues to spread in the country.
The Ministry of Interior issued a statement on Friday evening, urging the citizens not to visit China until further notice, as no cures have so far been found for the dangerous virus.
The call came a day after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of coronavirus as a global health emergency.
Meanwhile, Basra International Airport also postponed all travels to China on Friday evening.
Kauaihn Iraq Articles:dd
Iraq .. Sistani is stepping up pressure on the political blocs and Sadr to protest again
Saturday 01 February 2020
Baghdad - Agencies: Pressure mounted on the Iraqi political class yesterday regarding the issue of naming a new prime minister, after a strongly worded sermon from the Supreme Shiite religious authority, and the call of the Sadrist leader, Muqtada al-Sadr, to support his supporters to return to the street again.
Demand protests continue, in which the younger generation is the active factor, despite the repression and violence that have killed more than 480 people, the vast majority of them demonstrators, since the outbreak of the demonstrations on October 1, in Baghdad and cities in the south of the country.
"It is imperative to speed up the early elections so that the people will have their say," Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani said in his Friday sermon, which was read by his representative, Sheikh Abdul Mahdi al-Karbalai. He added, "We must accelerate the formation of the new government" and "take the necessary steps to conduct free and fair elections as soon as possible."
The Marjaiya call comes as a simulation of the demands of demonstrators in Baghdad and southern cities who are demanding early parliamentary elections and an independent figure in place of the resigned Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi.
Parties are holding last-minute talks to nominate a new prime minister, after President Barham Salih set a deadline of February 1 for the political blocs to present their alternative candidate from Abdul-Mahdi. An official in the office of the President of the Republic said, "President Barham Saleh is hosting the leaders of the various political blocs in an attempt to reach a consensus candidate."
Saleh warned the political blocs that he would name a new Prime Minister, if she did not submit her candidate.
Abdul-Mahdi submitted his resignation last December, after two months of anti-government protests that witnessed bloody violence.
Immediately after the reference sermon, Sadr published a statement on Twitter calling on his supporters to return to the street again. Al-Sadr had called for a demonstration last Friday in which thousands participated in denouncing the American presence in the country, after which he announced that he would not interfere with the required movement "neither in the negative nor in the affirmative", which made apartments in the street and even among his supporters.
"I find it in the interest to renew the peaceful reform revolution through a massive peaceful popular demonstration in the capital," and "mass peaceful sit-ins near the Green Zone," Sadr said in his tweet.
Thus, the complications are due to the political scene in the country, where the constitutional deadline for choosing a prime minister has repeatedly been exceeded.
Normally, the constitution stipulates that the largest parliamentary bloc nominate a candidate for prime minister within 15 days of the legislative elections. Then the President of the Republic assigns the Prime Minister to form his government within one month.
But the constitution does not mention in its articles the possibility of the resignation of the Prime Minister. Consequently, the 15-day period has passed since Abdul-Mahdi's resignation.
Any candidate will need to endorse the divided political blocs, the supreme Shi'a religious authority, and Iran and its enemy the United States, in addition to the approval of the rising street for nearly four months.
The street has rejected a number of names that have been circulating recently, including former communications minister Muhammad Tawfiq Allawi, and yesterday announced his rejection with a large banner nominating the head of the intelligence service, Mustafa Al-Kazemi. And it became popular that Al-Kazemi is the candidate of the President of the Republic who maneuvered him in the face of the division of parties.
Iraq still weighing Pentagon Patriot missile request weeks after Iran attack
The presence of some 5,000 American troops inside Iraq has become a divisive political issue in Baghdad, with some Iraqi leaders saying they don't want to be drawn into a hot war between Washington and Tehran.
The Patriot deployment is “one of the matters we have to work on and work through,” Mr. Esper told reporters at a Thursday Pentagon briefing. “We need the permission of the Iraqis.”
Iraqi lawmakers passed a resolution to expel US troops from their country after a Jan. 5 airstrike that killed Gen. Qassem Soleimani, commander of Iran's elite Quds Force, and senior Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis. According to the Associated Press, outgoing Prime Minister AdilAdudu-Mahdi has said steps are being taken to “move the process forward.”
Mr. Esper did say if Iraqi leaders are balking at the idea of moving a Patriot unit - possibly from Saudi Arabia - into Iraq to protect American troops. Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said a green light from Baghdad is only part of the challenge US commanders face.
“A Patriot battalion is not a small organization.
Gen. Milley that shooting down the type of theater ballistic missiles that Iran fired Jan. 8 at two US positions “is exactly what [the Patriots] were designed to do.”
Iraqi political blocs are playing in the wasted time to choose an acceptable candidate for prime minister
A side of the protests in Baghdad yesterday (AP)
Baghdad: Hamza Mustafa
The movement of the Iraqi street continued yesterday to press the politicians to meet the demands of the protesters, while the political blocs held last minute talks to name a new prime minister, after Iraqi President Barham Saleh set a deadline for tomorrow so that the political blocs presented their alternative candidate for the outgoing prime minister, Adel Abdul Mahdi. An official in the Office of the President of the Republic told "French Press" that "President Barham Saleh hosts the leaders of the various political blocs in an attempt to reach a consensus candidate." Saleh warned the day before yesterday the political blocs that he would name a new prime minister if the political blocs did not submit their candidate within three days.
As the deadline approaches, the United Nations has also stepped up pressure on Iraqi officials. "The time has come to restore confidence by putting partisans aside and working in the interests of the country and its people," said Jenin Haines Blaskhardt, the UN's Iraqi representative, in a statement yesterday.
And she added that «there is an urgent need for solutions, that Iraq cannot endure persistent violent persecution nor political and economic paralysis».
The caretaker Prime Minister Abdel-Mahdi submitted his resignation in December, after two months of anti-government protests that witnessed bloody violence, but he continued to operate temporarily due to the failure of political parties to agree on an alternative. In the natural case, the Iraqi constitution stipulates that the largest parliamentary bloc be nominated as a candidate for prime minister, within 15 days of the legislative elections, and then the president of the republic is tasked with the prime minister to form his ministry within one month. But the constitution does not mention in its articles the possibility of the resignation of the Prime Minister, and therefore the period of 15 days since the resignation of Abdel-Mahdi has been skipped.
Any candidate will need approval from divided political blocs, and from the highest Shiite religious authority, in addition to the approval of the rising street for nearly four months. Last month, Saleh announced his readiness to resign after he rejected the candidate of the "Al-Benaa" bloc, Basra Governor Asaad al-Eidani, for the post of prime minister. Saleh refused to present Al-Aidani's candidacy to parliament, considering him a "polemical figure."
An Iraqi politician familiar with the talks told Asharq Al-Awsat, asking not to be named, that the President of the Republic does not want to enter into a conflict with the parliamentary blocs by nominating a person from outside the parliament because any candidate must ultimately gain the confidence of Parliament, and if it does not happen So, the crisis will continue. He added that President Saleh "gave the political blocs one last chance to obligate them to choose who they deem appropriate, and he will be obligated to assign him because the task of the President of the Republic is to assign in accordance with Article 76 of the Constitution, and not to discuss or reject the mandate."
In response to a question about the existence of a precedent in this regard when the President rejected the candidacy of Al-Aidani and expressed his willingness to resign, the source said, "This was a smart maneuver by the President, as he embarrassed the blocs and won the street because the religious authority itself talks about the importance of not bringing controversial figures to head the government." Therefore, Saleh, who had waited for more than a month for a candidate with almost complete agreement, whether from within the political blocs or by the demonstration arenas, had no choice but to end this long crisis. In the event that the political blocs are unable to reach a consensus, this will give the President of the Republic the opportunity to use his constitutional right afforded to him by paragraph 3 of Article 76 of the Constitution, according to which the President can nominate whom he deems appropriate without returning to the largest bloc in Parliament.
During the three-day deadline, everyone's position appears to be very embarrassing. On the level of nominations, the source said that the shares of many candidates have fallen either because of lack of approval within the blocs or as a result of their rejection by the pretending arenas, and competition is now between only two unless there are surprises in the last moments, namely the former Minister of Communications Muhammad Tawfiq Allawi And the current head of the intelligence service, Mustafa Al-Kazemi. Allawi almost went through twice, the first about two weeks ago, when he was immediately recalled from London, where he lives directly to the Peace Palace, the headquarters of the President of the Republic. The second time was on Wednesday evening. And the first time, a book assigned to him was at the president’s table and in the presence of dozens of deputies and leaders of political blocs before announcing his withdrawal after he accused some of the blocs of bargaining with it. The second time, the news that was circulated that the Al-Fateh bloc led by Hadi al-Amiri and others backed by the leader of the Sadrist movement Muqtada al-Sadr agreed with Muhammad Tawfiq Allawi, and then repeated the same scenario in the Peace Palace.
However, the facts soon changed when it emerged that there were disputes about it between the Shiite blocs and the issue of his candidacy was lingered. The two options before the Shiite blocs, whether Allawi or Al-Kazemi, are not entirely appropriate to their orientations, but with time running out, Allawi’s opportunity may swing again after his re-presentation, or the President of the Republic goes to his constitutional choice. However, it is likely that Allawi's fortunes will return to the forefront unless an unexpected surprise occurs that the political blocs see that Saleh appointed to a candidate that does not all match him, and he is Mustafa Al-Kazemi, who is almost the only one who did not burn completely in the demonstration squares.
A senior government official told Feras Press that one of the reasons for the continuing stalemate is the absence of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani and Deputy Chairman of the Popular Mobilization Committee, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, who were assassinated by Washington by a plane airstrike in Baghdad on January 3. These two people were influential in mediating political agreements between the parties.
As the deadline approaches, the United Nations has also stepped up pressure on Iraqi officials. "The time has come to restore confidence by putting partisans aside and working in the interests of the country and its people," said Jenin Haines Blaskhardt, the UN's Iraqi representative, in a statement yesterday.
And she added that «there is an urgent need for solutions, that Iraq cannot endure persistent violent persecution nor political and economic paralysis».
The caretaker Prime Minister Abdel-Mahdi submitted his resignation in December, after two months of anti-government protests that witnessed bloody violence, but he continued to operate temporarily due to the failure of political parties to agree on an alternative. In the natural case, the Iraqi constitution stipulates that the largest parliamentary bloc be nominated as a candidate for prime minister, within 15 days of the legislative elections, and then the president of the republic is tasked with the prime minister to form his ministry within one month. But the constitution does not mention in its articles the possibility of the resignation of the Prime Minister, and therefore the period of 15 days since the resignation of Abdel-Mahdi has been skipped.
Any candidate will need approval from divided political blocs, and from the highest Shiite religious authority, in addition to the approval of the rising street for nearly four months. Last month, Saleh announced his readiness to resign after he rejected the candidate of the "Al-Benaa" bloc, Basra Governor Asaad al-Eidani, for the post of prime minister. Saleh refused to present Al-Aidani's candidacy to parliament, considering him a "polemical figure."
An Iraqi politician familiar with the talks told Asharq Al-Awsat, asking not to be named, that the President of the Republic does not want to enter into a conflict with the parliamentary blocs by nominating a person from outside the parliament because any candidate must ultimately gain the confidence of Parliament, and if it does not happen So, the crisis will continue. He added that President Saleh "gave the political blocs one last chance to obligate them to choose who they deem appropriate, and he will be obligated to assign him because the task of the President of the Republic is to assign in accordance with Article 76 of the Constitution, and not to discuss or reject the mandate."
In response to a question about the existence of a precedent in this regard when the President rejected the candidacy of Al-Aidani and expressed his willingness to resign, the source said, "This was a smart maneuver by the President, as he embarrassed the blocs and won the street because the religious authority itself talks about the importance of not bringing controversial figures to head the government." Therefore, Saleh, who had waited for more than a month for a candidate with almost complete agreement, whether from within the political blocs or by the demonstration arenas, had no choice but to end this long crisis. In the event that the political blocs are unable to reach a consensus, this will give the President of the Republic the opportunity to use his constitutional right afforded to him by paragraph 3 of Article 76 of the Constitution, according to which the President can nominate whom he deems appropriate without returning to the largest bloc in Parliament.
During the three-day deadline, everyone's position appears to be very embarrassing. On the level of nominations, the source said that the shares of many candidates have fallen either because of lack of approval within the blocs or as a result of their rejection by the pretending arenas, and competition is now between only two unless there are surprises in the last moments, namely the former Minister of Communications Muhammad Tawfiq Allawi And the current head of the intelligence service, Mustafa Al-Kazemi. Allawi almost went through twice, the first about two weeks ago, when he was immediately recalled from London, where he lives directly to the Peace Palace, the headquarters of the President of the Republic. The second time was on Wednesday evening. And the first time, a book assigned to him was at the president’s table and in the presence of dozens of deputies and leaders of political blocs before announcing his withdrawal after he accused some of the blocs of bargaining with it. The second time, the news that was circulated that the Al-Fateh bloc led by Hadi al-Amiri and others backed by the leader of the Sadrist movement Muqtada al-Sadr agreed with Muhammad Tawfiq Allawi, and then repeated the same scenario in the Peace Palace.
However, the facts soon changed when it emerged that there were disputes about it between the Shiite blocs and the issue of his candidacy was lingered. The two options before the Shiite blocs, whether Allawi or Al-Kazemi, are not entirely appropriate to their orientations, but with time running out, Allawi’s opportunity may swing again after his re-presentation, or the President of the Republic goes to his constitutional choice. However, it is likely that Allawi's fortunes will return to the forefront unless an unexpected surprise occurs that the political blocs see that Saleh appointed to a candidate that does not all match him, and he is Mustafa Al-Kazemi, who is almost the only one who did not burn completely in the demonstration squares.
A senior government official told Feras Press that one of the reasons for the continuing stalemate is the absence of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani and Deputy Chairman of the Popular Mobilization Committee, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, who were assassinated by Washington by a plane airstrike in Baghdad on January 3. These two people were influential in mediating political agreements between the parties.
Washington wants Baghdad to agree to introduce air defense systems after the Iran attack
Iraq announces the resumption of operations against "ISIS" in cooperation with the international coalition
2-1- 2020
US Secretary of Defense, Mark Esp
Baghdad - London: «The Middle East»
US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper said yesterday that the United States is trying to obtain Iraqi approval to introduce the country's "Patriot" missile defense systems to defend American forces after Iran's January 8 missile attack, which wounded 50 US soldiers. . The United States does not have Patriot missiles at Ein Al-Assad Air Force Base, where at least 11 Iranian ballistic missiles have fallen.
For his part, British Ambassador to Iraq Stephen Hickey yesterday called on the Iraqi government to reconsider the decision to remove foreign forces from the country. The British ambassador said during his meeting with the Iraqi Minister of Interior, Yassin Al-Yasiri: "The removal of foreign forces from Iraq is an opportunity for the (ISIS) organization to return again, and the House of Representatives decision regarding the removal of the international coalition forces from Iraq must be reconsidered."
He called for "improving cooperation between the British and Iraqi ministries of interior through a memorandum of understanding expected between the two parties to train and develop the forces of the Ministry of the Interior", in addition to "his country's desire to increase joint security coordination". For his part, the Iraqi Minister of Interior affirmed that "the removal of the coalition forces from Iraq came through a vote on it in the House of Representatives, and that the government formed several committees to implement the decision in a way that preserves the security and sovereignty of the country."
On the other hand, the Iraqi army said, yesterday (Thursday), that it had resumed its operations, in cooperation with the US-led coalition to combat ISIS. These operations stopped following the killing of the Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani, and the subsequent Iranian attacks on two bases in Iraq hosting American forces.
The army statement said: “Given the continued activity of (ISIS) terrorist gangs in many areas of Iraq, and for the purposes of exploiting the remaining time for the international coalition before organizing the new relationship between our forces and the international coalition forces, it was decided to undertake joint actions that provide facilities for our forces in the area of air support, And according to the need of our forces determined by the concerned operations command.
For his part, British Ambassador to Iraq Stephen Hickey yesterday called on the Iraqi government to reconsider the decision to remove foreign forces from the country. The British ambassador said during his meeting with the Iraqi Minister of Interior, Yassin Al-Yasiri: "The removal of foreign forces from Iraq is an opportunity for the (ISIS) organization to return again, and the House of Representatives decision regarding the removal of the international coalition forces from Iraq must be reconsidered."
He called for "improving cooperation between the British and Iraqi ministries of interior through a memorandum of understanding expected between the two parties to train and develop the forces of the Ministry of the Interior", in addition to "his country's desire to increase joint security coordination". For his part, the Iraqi Minister of Interior affirmed that "the removal of the coalition forces from Iraq came through a vote on it in the House of Representatives, and that the government formed several committees to implement the decision in a way that preserves the security and sovereignty of the country."
On the other hand, the Iraqi army said, yesterday (Thursday), that it had resumed its operations, in cooperation with the US-led coalition to combat ISIS. These operations stopped following the killing of the Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani, and the subsequent Iranian attacks on two bases in Iraq hosting American forces.
The army statement said: “Given the continued activity of (ISIS) terrorist gangs in many areas of Iraq, and for the purposes of exploiting the remaining time for the international coalition before organizing the new relationship between our forces and the international coalition forces, it was decided to undertake joint actions that provide facilities for our forces in the area of air support, And according to the need of our forces determined by the concerned operations command.
Security Council Report: ISIS is beginning to rearrange in both Iraq and Syria under the leadership of a new leader
Washington - Agencies and websites
A report of the UN Security Council warned that ISIS had started to rearrange itself in both Iraq and Syria under the leadership of a new leader, who is believed to be one of the Iraqi actors who led the organization’s massacre against the Yezidis.
The new report said that after the organization lost its lands, it began to arrange itself in both Syria and Iraq, where it carried out attacks, and demanded and plans to remove the organization's fighters from detention camps, and the organization took advantage of the weak security conditions in both countries.
The lengthy report indicated that one of the reasons for ISIS's resilience is its adequate sources of funding, especially after the organization's general expenditures have shrunk as it no longer has a large country to manage it.
The report said that, according to one of the most conservative assessments by Security Council members, ISIS still has $ 100 million in its treasury.
“The period between July to September 2019 witnessed an acceleration in the process of re-establishing ISIS as a secret network in Syria, in conformity with what happened in Iraq since 2017. The organization was freed from the responsibility to defend the lands, and there was a noticeable increase in attacks in previously quiet areas located In the hands of the Syrian government inside the country, ”the report says.
The report pointed out that the borders between Iraq and Syria are not sufficiently secure, allowing some movements for fighters between the two countries, and recent developments in the east of the Euphrates have led to an increase in ISIS activity in the provinces of Deir Ezzor and Hasaka, and an increase in the number of attacks targeting the US-led coalition, And local non-state armed groups.
Warning from Khalifa Al-Baghdadi
The report revealed that the new leader of the organization is Prince Muhammad Saeed Abdul Rahman Muhammad al-Mawla, who was a deputy to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, but the report warned that the information has not yet been confirmed.
Kauaihn Economic Times:
Gold, Silver And Mining Stock Charts Look Bullish
The charts on the mining stocks I follow in my Mining Stock Journal are all starting to look very bullish. Many have pulled back this month after a nice rally during the fourth quarter of 2019. China goes on a week-long holiday observance which will close Shanghai until next Friday.
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Gold edges higher as coronavirus worries spark haven demand
Gold trades slightly higher Thursday, finding modest support as renewed worries over the spread of the coronavirus contributed to demand for havens.
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How China's Central Bank Distorts The Shanghai Gold Price
Evidence suggests that since 2017 the Chinese central bank is artificially elevating premiums on gold traded at the Shanghai Gold Exchange by roughly 0.5%. Although there should be no costs involved in transferring SGEI gold into the domestic market, early 2017 the PBoC decided to implement a barrier cost of roughly 0.5%. To be clear, the manipulation of the "SGE Premium Over SGEI" is, of course, translated in the "SGE Premium Over London" (which carries the extra 0.5 % as well). One reason the
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Europe's biggest oil company warns of 'tough and uncertain' market as coronavirus fears intensify
The chief executive of Royal Dutch Shell is preparing for a tough and uncertain energy market, amid heightened fears China's fast-spreading coronavirus could suppress oil demand growth.
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Oil falls to more-than-3-month low as coronavirus fears rise
Oil futures fell Thursday, with the U.S. benchmark trading at a more-than-three-month low, as worries rise over the potential economic impact from the continued spread of the coronavirus.
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Oil jumps as WHO declares emergency but recommends no travel, trade restrictionsOil prices jumped on Friday following sharp losses this week, as the World Health Organization (WHO) came out against travel and trade restrictions in declaring a global emergency over the spread of the coronavirus that originated in China last year.
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Deutsche Bank posts fourth annual loss in five years after worse-than-expected quarter
Deutsche Bank AG posted its fourth annual loss in five years after reporting yet another quarterly loss for the last three months of 2019.
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Banks propose one-year trial of shorter European trading day
Two leading financial industry bodies have called for a one-year trial of a shorter trading day for European stock exchanges to make markets more efficient, lift volumes, and attract more women to the sector.
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What Does Twitter’s New Decentralized Initiative Mean?
Back in December 2019, Jack Dorsey, the founder and CEO of Twitter and payments operator Square, announced a new team dubbed Bluesky, to work on decentralized social media standards. The news has gotten both the crypto and noncrypto communities abuzz — and for good reason. Mr. Dorsey has not only spoken in favor of decentralized protocols but (as proven by his work at Square) has committed resources trying to get there. Advocates and thought leaders of Web 3.0 such as Vitalik Buterin, Fred
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Hungary's central bank warns market liquidity could drop in short term
Liquidity in Hungary's interbank market may fall markedly in the short term due to various factors, even if the central bank does not reduce the stock of its swaps that manage liquidity, the National Bank of Hungary said in a study on Thursday.
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Saudi central bank shrugs off weaker growth forecast as tourism sector heats up
The opening up of Saudi Arabia's tourism sector will boost the country's growth outlook and protect the economy from a slew of rising external risks, according to Ahmed Alkholifey, governor of the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority.
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U.K. Repo Prepares For Lower Rates From Bank Of England
The U.K. repo market is increasingly expecting a cut in interest rates, after the U.K. posted weak economic data for late 2019. However, some analysts are expecting a "Boris Bounce" as the economy responds positively to greater political certainty following Boris Johnson's overwhelming victory in the general election, and to the relative health of the employment sector. The uncertainty around the prospects for U.K. rates has so far deterred repo market participants from taking longer-term
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When Will Interest Rates Bottom?
During QEs, the expected future date of the first rate hike would remain relatively level, but when QEs were stopped, the expected future date of the first rate hike would move ahead in time. Today, we might look at another pattern. Since the short end of the yield curve inverted in late 2018, one way we could think about the Fed's posture is to infer from Eurodollar futures markets what the expected last rate cut will be. The further into the future that expected last cut occurs, the longer we
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FICO is about to change credit scores. Here’s why it matters.The firm says 40 million Americans' scores will drop by more than 20 points, and a similar number will rise.
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Axios Markets: Sinking toward record lows
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Treasury yields are sinking toward record lows as geopolitical risks take center stage
Those who have bet on fear overtaking the market by piling into U.S. Treasury bonds have been rewarded handsomely so far in 2020, as prices on safe-haven government debt have risen and yields have fallen significantly.
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Treasury yields deepen weeklong plunge as coronavirus worries keep investors on edge
Treasury yields fall Thursday, extending their weeklong drop, as growing concerns about the coronavirus and the prospect for the World Health Organization to declare it a global emergency keep haven assets in demand.
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There was brief inversion of 3-month and 10-year Treasurys in Asia trade
The yield on the U.S. 3-month T-bill overnight surpassed that of the 10-year note, in a day of risk aversion on Thursday. Shortly after 9 a.m. London time, the 3-month yield was back at 1.55%, below the 10-year at 1.57%. When shorter-dated yields are higher than longer-dated ones, it is called an inversion and looked upon as a signal of a looming recession. More broadly, European stocks slumped, with the Stoxx Europe 600 losing 0.8%, and S&P 500 futures fell 0.7%.
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'SARS' Vs. 'Wuhan': The Difference Between 'Now And Then'
With the stock market perched near all-time highs, it is understandable investors are quick to dismiss the potential ramifications of the virus very quickly. Currently, asset prices are near historic highs along with investor sentiment and overall market optimism. Given that U.S. exporters have already been under pressure from the impact of the "trade war," the current outbreak could lead to further deterioration of exports to China.
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Three defensive plays are telling a different story about the bull market run
Stocks are in rally mode, but three defensive plays could be undermining the bull case. Here's which are knocking it out of the park.
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Wealthiest Americans to cut back on stock buying in 2020, Goldman says
The richest Americans already own so much stock that they're not likely to buy as much this year compared with 2019, write Goldman Sachs Group strategists including Arjun Menon and David Kostin. They forecast the S&P 500 will end 2020 at 3,400, only a 3.9% increase from Wednesday's close and far smaller than its 2019 gain of 29%. "We expect households to remain net buyers of stocks this year, but demand will likely be lower than 2019," the strategists wrote. Wealthy investors typically boost net
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Coronavirus boosts US dollar status as safe haven, to the slight detriment of gold
Gold had ticked up to US$1,580 per ounce as at mid-morning on Thursday 30 January, significantly higher than the US$1,510 at which it started the year, but only marginally above the previous year-to-date US$1,570 high hit at the end of the first week of the year. Two factors account for the rise, subsequent drift and then lacklustre recovery. The first is that Donald Trump assassinated an Iranian general. The second is that the US dollar has been strengthening. But what of the coronavirus, I
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GBP/USD: Upside Risk For February 2020
GBP/USD price action has been less volatile recently, as the market anticipates the United Kingdom's formal leaving of the European Union on Friday, January 31, 2020. On January 30, 2020, the market will also look to the Bank of England. The bond market appears to expect a rate cut. If the Bank of England keeps rates on hold, the GBP could spike on the back of improving bond yield spreads (which closely correlate with FX spot prices). Even if the Bank of England does cut rates, the GBP is not
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Pound rallies while U.K. stocks extend slide after Bank of England holds interest rates steady
Sterling climbed and U.K. equities deepened a slide on Thursday as the Bank of England opted to refrain from cutting interest rates.
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UPDATE 1-Sterling gains after BoE leaves interest rates unchanged
* Graphic: Trade-weighted sterling since Brexit vote http:\/\/tmsnrt.rs\/2hwV9Hv (Writes through, adds quotes, details)
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Pound Gains as BOE Puts Currency’s Future Firmly in Data’s Hands
The pound advanced on relief the Bank of England refrained from cutting interest rates, a decision that leaves the currency’s fate all the more dependent on economic data.
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Sterling could fall toward $1.20 if EU trade talks disappoint, strategists predict
Markets are underestimating the possibility that a trade agreement between the U.K. and the EU ends up resembling the much-feared "no-deal" scenario, some strategists say.
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Australian dollar slides - Inside Retail
Aussie dollar down against US counterpart. The post Australian dollar slides appeared first on Inside Retail.
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Turkish lira 'competitive' at current level -cenbank chief
The Turkish lira's real exchange rate is competitive at the moment, Central Bank Governor Murat Uysal said on Thursday, adding that the \"dollarization\" trend of Turks turning to more stable foreign currencies will continue to fade.
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Japan Braces For Launch Of Digital Yen Amid Rapidly Changing Technology
An official of the central bank of Japan announced Thursday that it must brace itself for the issuance of virtual currencies, considering the fast-evolving world of global payments.
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Why Is A Company That Prints Money Running Out Of Cash?De La Rue, the company that supplies banknotes to the Bank of England, is in trouble.
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The world's most expensive drug brought in $186 million during 2019's 4th quarter
Novartis said yesterday that Zolgensma — the gene therapy that's the most expensive drug in the world — brought in $186 million in the fourth quarter of 2019, STAT reports.
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U.S. life expectancy rises slightly after cancer and overdose rates dip
On average, an infant born in 2018 year is expected to live about 78 years and eight months, the CDC says in a report out Thursday.
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U.S. life expectancy goes up for the first time since 2014
Despite the slight uptick, life expectancy in the U.S. is the lowest among wealthy nations.
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The U.S. suicide rate is exceptionally high among wealthy nations
The U.S. has the highest suicide rate among wealthy nations, according to a Commonwealth Fund report.
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Can face masks fend off coronavirus? For LA's Chinese communities, it's a cultural disconnect
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend using masks for preventive purposes. Nonetheless, stores have run out of masks.
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Surgical Masks Are Selling Out Because of Coronavirus Fears—but Do You Really Need One?
An infectious disease specialist explains who should wear one, and who doesn't have to.
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No, Coronavirus Was Not Caused by 'Bat Soup'–But Here's What Researchers Think May Be to Blame
Bats in general aren't entirely blameless, though...
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Number of U.S. troops diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries after Iran attack rises to 64The number of U.S. troops diagnosed with mild traumatic brain injury since an Iranian airstrike earlier this month has increased to 64, the Pentagon said Thursday.
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U.S. GDP growth slows to 2.3% in 2019
U.S. gross domestic product grew at a 2.1% annual rate in the final quarter of last year, the Commerce Department said on Thursday.
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China doesn’t pose ‘imminent risk’ to U.S. economy, Powell says
Fed Chairman Jerome Powell said Wednesday that China’s financial sector doesn’t pose ‘imminent risk’ to U.S. economy.
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Why low rates are raising questions about the next commercial real estate unwind
Low rates are helping push U.S. commercial real-estate prices far beyond their precrisis peak, even through rents aren’t keeping up in most sectors, warn BCA Research strategists.
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It is New York vs London in the battle of the financial centers. But who cares?
London and New York have long vied to grab the top spot in various surveys—which are a dime a dozen.
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Economy grows 2.1% in the fourth quarter as GDP gets boost from falling trade deficit
The U.S. economy grew slightly faster than 2% in the final three months of 2019, aided by a temporary plunge in imports and a resurgent housing market. The modest rate of growth likely foreshadows what lies ahead.
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New U.S. jobless claim fall slightly to 216,000
The number of Americans who applied for unemployment benefits in late January fell slightly and gave no hint of rising layoffs, indicating U.S. the labor market remains very healthy. Initial jobless claims fell by 7,000 to 216,000.
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Southern Africa: Visas Between Mozambique and China Suspended
Maputo The Mozambican government announced on Tuesday that it is suspending the issuing of entry visas for visitors from China, a measure aimed at preventing the spread to Mozambique of the coronavirus epidemic. Briefing reporters after the weekly meeting of the Council of Ministers (Cabinet), the government spokesperson, Justice Minister Helena Kida, said that to date there have been no reports of any Mozambicans (in Mozambique or in China) infected with the coronavirus. She said the suspension
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Kenya: U.S. Picks Kenya for Bilateral Trade Deal
New York, The Trump administration has tapped Kenya as the first sub-Saharan nation to start talks with the US on a bilateral trade deal, the Bloomberg News agency reported on Tuesday. The prestigious designation is expected to be announced during President Kenyatta's visit to Washington next week, Bloomberg said. Kenya's Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Macharia Kamau confirmed the report. TRADE PACT Mr Kamau told Bloomberg that the US and Kenya are aiming for significant progress towards an
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Ethiopia collects £1B from exports in 6 monthsEthiopia has earned a revenue of $1.33 billion in the first six months of the Ethiopian fiscal year that started in July 2019. This is 80 percent of the target set, the Ethiopian Ministry of Trade and Industry announced. Giving a briefing about the same, Wondimu Filate, Public Relations and Communication Director at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, pointed out the amount showed an increase of 1.33 percent compared to the same period last year when $1.21 billion has been collected. The target
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Africa: Ghana Slams Zim Sanctions
GHANA President Nana Akufo-Addo has called for the immediate removal of sanctions placed on Zimbabwe saying they are "unacceptable and unjustifiable" and hindering efforts to grow the country's economy. The call comes as Zimbabwe's economy continues to be crippled by illegal sanctions imposed by the United States and its allies. Sadc and the African Union have stepped up the crusade against sanctions imposed by the US two decades ago. President Akufo-Addo was speaking while receiving Zimbabwe's
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Tanzania Clears Road for $200m Investment in Two Mines
Dar es Salaam The government has flashed the greenlight for two large-scale mining firms to proceed to the mineral extraction stage that would see them inject over $200 million (about Sh440 billion) in the local economy and create hundreds of jobs. One of the big mines may start operations as early as next year. The investments by Australian firms OreCorp and Peak Resources will be the largest for Tanzania after close to a decade of virtual dormancy in the establishment of new mines. Inline with
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Africa's Food, Agriculture Will Be Worth $1 Trillion By 2030 - AfDB President
Africa's agricultural business will be worth $1 trillion by 2030, the African Development Bank President (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, has said. Mr Adesina explained that this could be achieved due to the need to feed the expected continent's increased population that is estimated to hit 2.5 billion by 2050, double its current 1.2 billion. The AfDB president said this on Tuesday, while receiving an honorary doctorate award by the Federal University of Agriculture, FUNAAB in Abeokuta, Nigeria,
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Zimbabwe: Us$7,5m Facelift for Hospital
Zimbabwe and Japan have committed US$7,75 million towards the refurbishment and immediate needs of Sally Mugabe Central Hospital (formerly Harare Central Hospital) in the next three months, in line with the aspirations of the Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP), which priorities infrastructure development. Part of the funds will be channelled to Harare Children's Hospital to reduce the infant mortality rate. The Government has mobilised US$5 million for the main hospital, while Japan will
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Zimbabwe: Japan Ambassador Shocked Over State of Zimbabwe Hospitals
Japan Ambassador to Zimbabwe Toshiyuki Iwado has expressed shock at the state of the country's public hospitals due to lack of sufficient equipment, something that has led to a high number of patients turned away as the crisis persists. Ambassador Iwado raised alarm over the state of the country's public hospitals Wednesday while signing an exchange note with Zimbabwe for Harare Hospital equipment supply. "Zimbabwe used to have a well-established health sector, through its well-organised
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Zimbabwe: Japan Commits U.S.$ 2,7 Million to Harare Children's Hospital
Japan has committed funds amounting to US$ 2.75 million towards the refurbishment of Harare Children's Hospital. Speaking during the exchange of notes meeting for the procurement of hospital equipment, the Japanese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Toshiyuki Iwado said Japan places its utmost priority on the health sector in its strategy of development cooperation with Africa and Zimbabwe. "Japan is determined to improve access primary health care for 3 million people in Africa. Our country has been
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Zimbabwe: Zim, EU Launch € 10m Project
Government and the European Union yesterday officially launched the €10 million Zimbabwe Economic Partnership Agreement Support Project that is expected to boost small to medium scale enterprises. The ZEPA project was officially launched by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Deputy Minister David Musabayana who was standing in for Minister Sibusiso Moyo. Zimbabwe signed the ZEPA Financing Agreement with the EU in 2017. This followed the country's signing of the interim Economic Partnership
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Southern Africa: Zimbabwe Now a Threat to SADC's Peace and Stability - Chamisa
MDC President Nelson Chamisa has made an appeal for South Africa to urgently intervene and resolve Zimbabwe's deteriorating economic and political crisis as failure to deal with the issue will engulf the whole SADC region. Chamisa is currently visiting South Africa where the main opposition leader says he is mobilising regional solidarity to halt Zimbabwe's mounting political and economic problems. Speaking to SABC TV Wednesday, Chamisa said a 'sick Zimbabwe' can spread the crisis across the
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Zimbabwe: Polad Members to Globe-Trot Calling for Sanctions Removal
Political Actors and Leaders Dialogue (POLAD) members are set to travel across Africa, Europe and other countries demanding the immediate removal of western imposed sanctions and for Zimbabwe to be re-admitted into the global family of nations. This was announced Wednesday by Foreign Affairs deputy minister David Musabayana while speaking on the sidelines of the launch of Zimbabwe Europe Partnership Support (ZEPA) programme. He said his ministry was conducting briefing sessions with POLAD
South African corn exports to Zimbabwe hit 7-year high
South Africa exported 13,688 tons of corn to Zimbabwe in the week ended Jan. 24, the highest weekly amount since Dec. 2013, in a sign the drought-stricken country may finally be acting to avert what could be its worst famine. The country, which is also in the midst of an economic collapse, has a supply gap of as much as 1 million tons. While the shipment is a marked increase from previous weeks, Zimbabwe has imported just 50,410 tons of white corn from South Africa in the season that began April
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China confirms coronavirus cases in all regions after Tibet diagnosis
Coronavirus has now reached every region in mainland China, with health authorities confirming the first confirmed case in Tibet on Wednesday.
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Coronavirus may hit China economy harder than SARS, warns Nomura
Economists are downgrading China growth forecasts in the wake of a growing crisis surrounding the quickly spreading coronavirus.
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Hong Kong braces for spread of coronavirus
The coronavirus outbreak which has killed 170 people and infected thousands across mainland China has now spread to every part of the country. The World Health Organization is preparing to hold another urgent meeting later on Thursday, to decide whether the outbreak should be considered a global emergency. Al Jazeera's Wayne Hay has more from Hong Kong.
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China's economy was supposed to get a boost this year. The coronavirus makes that unlikely
We shall have to see, once the public health scare is over, how the economy bounces back and whether the government tries to give it some additional help.
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Coronavirus panic shuts down Chinese cities
As the coronavirus panic grows, international events are being canceled in China as villages outside of Beijing are building physical barricades to keep outsiders from entering. Ramy Inocencio is in Beijing to share the increasingly severe reactions in China and abroad.
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American describes scene in Wuhan amid coronavirus outbreak: 'Like something out of a sci-fi movie'
What's it like to be stuck in the Chinese city where the deadly coronavirus began? The "Fox News Rundown" podcast spoke with Doug Perez, an American living in the quarantined city of Wuhan.
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Opinion: Time for investors to take a look at post-Brexit U.K.
The U.K. stock market has massively unperformed its European peers in the last three years. Brexit will now create dangers and opportunities.
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AP PHOTOS: Irish border residents watch for Brexit fallout
When Brexit takes effect Friday, residents of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are concerned about protecting the relative peace and prosperity that has endured since the 1998 Good Friday Agreement
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Brexit Day Is Finally Here; Now the Hard Part Begins: Opinion
London and Brussels are two hours apart by train but on Friday, the day the U.K. officially leaves the European Union, the two cities will feel worlds apart. The Brits are planning a Brexit celebration worthy of a downtrodden colony freed from the shackles of imperialist rule. A new coin has been minted for the occasion, trumpeting “peace, prosperity and friendship with all nations.” There will be a light show to mark the U.K. regaining its “independence.” Never mind that the country didn’t
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Brexit costs: How much has Brexit cost the UK? Is it more than the EU membership bill?
THE UK will officially leave the EU on Friday as it begins the next phase of untangling itself from the bloc. So how much has this all cost so far? And is it more than the cost of staying in? Britain will cease to be a member of the European Union at 11pm GMT on Friday, January 31. After more than three years of negotiations, a deal was reached which will now trigger an 11-month transition period, during which both sides must negotiate a deal on trade, immigration, rights and beyond.
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'New dawn' Brexit to do list: money, charming Trump and making friends
The United Kingdom leaves the European Union at 2300 GMT on Friday but Prime Minister Boris Johnson has a bulging to do list for what he has cast as a \"new dawn\" for the country.
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Europe to Britain: So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, adieu
With sorrow, some support for Brexit and even hope of a return, Europeans from across the EU's 27 remaining members bade farewell to the United Kingdom on the eve of its historic departure.
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COMMODITIES/ENERGY
Gold, Silver And Mining Stock Charts Look Bullish
The charts on the mining stocks I follow in my Mining Stock Journal are all starting to look very bullish. Many have pulled back this month after a nice rally during the fourth quarter of 2019. China goes on a week-long holiday observance which will close Shanghai until next Friday.
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Gold edges higher as coronavirus worries spark haven demand
Gold trades slightly higher Thursday, finding modest support as renewed worries over the spread of the coronavirus contributed to demand for havens.
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How China's Central Bank Distorts The Shanghai Gold Price
Evidence suggests that since 2017 the Chinese central bank is artificially elevating premiums on gold traded at the Shanghai Gold Exchange by roughly 0.5%. Although there should be no costs involved in transferring SGEI gold into the domestic market, early 2017 the PBoC decided to implement a barrier cost of roughly 0.5%. To be clear, the manipulation of the "SGE Premium Over SGEI" is, of course, translated in the "SGE Premium Over London" (which carries the extra 0.5 % as well). One reason the
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Europe's biggest oil company warns of 'tough and uncertain' market as coronavirus fears intensify
The chief executive of Royal Dutch Shell is preparing for a tough and uncertain energy market, amid heightened fears China's fast-spreading coronavirus could suppress oil demand growth.
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Oil falls to more-than-3-month low as coronavirus fears rise
Oil futures fell Thursday, with the U.S. benchmark trading at a more-than-three-month low, as worries rise over the potential economic impact from the continued spread of the coronavirus.
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Oil jumps as WHO declares emergency but recommends no travel, trade restrictionsOil prices jumped on Friday following sharp losses this week, as the World Health Organization (WHO) came out against travel and trade restrictions in declaring a global emergency over the spread of the coronavirus that originated in China last year.
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BANKS/BANKING/CREDIT
Deutsche Bank posts fourth annual loss in five years after worse-than-expected quarter
Deutsche Bank AG posted its fourth annual loss in five years after reporting yet another quarterly loss for the last three months of 2019.
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Banks propose one-year trial of shorter European trading day
Two leading financial industry bodies have called for a one-year trial of a shorter trading day for European stock exchanges to make markets more efficient, lift volumes, and attract more women to the sector.
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What Does Twitter’s New Decentralized Initiative Mean?
Back in December 2019, Jack Dorsey, the founder and CEO of Twitter and payments operator Square, announced a new team dubbed Bluesky, to work on decentralized social media standards. The news has gotten both the crypto and noncrypto communities abuzz — and for good reason. Mr. Dorsey has not only spoken in favor of decentralized protocols but (as proven by his work at Square) has committed resources trying to get there. Advocates and thought leaders of Web 3.0 such as Vitalik Buterin, Fred
Read in Cointelegraph: https://apple.news/Ay_
Hungary's central bank warns market liquidity could drop in short term
Liquidity in Hungary's interbank market may fall markedly in the short term due to various factors, even if the central bank does not reduce the stock of its swaps that manage liquidity, the National Bank of Hungary said in a study on Thursday.
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Saudi central bank shrugs off weaker growth forecast as tourism sector heats up
The opening up of Saudi Arabia's tourism sector will boost the country's growth outlook and protect the economy from a slew of rising external risks, according to Ahmed Alkholifey, governor of the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority.
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U.K. Repo Prepares For Lower Rates From Bank Of England
The U.K. repo market is increasingly expecting a cut in interest rates, after the U.K. posted weak economic data for late 2019. However, some analysts are expecting a "Boris Bounce" as the economy responds positively to greater political certainty following Boris Johnson's overwhelming victory in the general election, and to the relative health of the employment sector. The uncertainty around the prospects for U.K. rates has so far deterred repo market participants from taking longer-term
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When Will Interest Rates Bottom?
During QEs, the expected future date of the first rate hike would remain relatively level, but when QEs were stopped, the expected future date of the first rate hike would move ahead in time. Today, we might look at another pattern. Since the short end of the yield curve inverted in late 2018, one way we could think about the Fed's posture is to infer from Eurodollar futures markets what the expected last rate cut will be. The further into the future that expected last cut occurs, the longer we
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FICO is about to change credit scores. Here’s why it matters.The firm says 40 million Americans' scores will drop by more than 20 points, and a similar number will rise.
Read in NPR: https://apple.news/Aq5q0y-
TREASURIES / STOCKS / BONDS
Axios Markets: Sinking toward record lows
Good morning! Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here. (Today's Smart Brevity count: 1,247 words, < 5 minutes.)
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Treasury yields are sinking toward record lows as geopolitical risks take center stage
Those who have bet on fear overtaking the market by piling into U.S. Treasury bonds have been rewarded handsomely so far in 2020, as prices on safe-haven government debt have risen and yields have fallen significantly.
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Treasury yields deepen weeklong plunge as coronavirus worries keep investors on edge
Treasury yields fall Thursday, extending their weeklong drop, as growing concerns about the coronavirus and the prospect for the World Health Organization to declare it a global emergency keep haven assets in demand.
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There was brief inversion of 3-month and 10-year Treasurys in Asia trade
The yield on the U.S. 3-month T-bill overnight surpassed that of the 10-year note, in a day of risk aversion on Thursday. Shortly after 9 a.m. London time, the 3-month yield was back at 1.55%, below the 10-year at 1.57%. When shorter-dated yields are higher than longer-dated ones, it is called an inversion and looked upon as a signal of a looming recession. More broadly, European stocks slumped, with the Stoxx Europe 600 losing 0.8%, and S&P 500 futures fell 0.7%.
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'SARS' Vs. 'Wuhan': The Difference Between 'Now And Then'
With the stock market perched near all-time highs, it is understandable investors are quick to dismiss the potential ramifications of the virus very quickly. Currently, asset prices are near historic highs along with investor sentiment and overall market optimism. Given that U.S. exporters have already been under pressure from the impact of the "trade war," the current outbreak could lead to further deterioration of exports to China.
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Three defensive plays are telling a different story about the bull market run
Stocks are in rally mode, but three defensive plays could be undermining the bull case. Here's which are knocking it out of the park.
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Wealthiest Americans to cut back on stock buying in 2020, Goldman says
The richest Americans already own so much stock that they're not likely to buy as much this year compared with 2019, write Goldman Sachs Group strategists including Arjun Menon and David Kostin. They forecast the S&P 500 will end 2020 at 3,400, only a 3.9% increase from Wednesday's close and far smaller than its 2019 gain of 29%. "We expect households to remain net buyers of stocks this year, but demand will likely be lower than 2019," the strategists wrote. Wealthy investors typically boost net
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Top 5 Things to Know in the Market on Friday, 31st January
Investing.com -- Stock markets are heading lower as the coronavirus death toll showed its biggest daily increase to date. Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) and IBM (NYSE:IBM) are set to buck the trend after the former posted blowout earnings and the latter announced the departure of CEO Ginni Rometty. Most of China's factories are due to stay shut next week as the country tries to stop the virus spreading - that will have impacts on demand for commodities and will disrupt global supply chains. Eurozone GDP grew at its slowest since 2014 in the fourth quarter, with the French and Italian economies both contracting. And Donald Trump looks set for a speedy acquittal by a friendly Senate in his impeachment trial. Here's what you need to know in financial markets on January 31st, 2020.
Top 5 Things to Know in the Market on Friday, 31st January
Watch Now: Here's What's Moving Markets -Economy Jan 30, 2020 12:53 GMT Investing.com - Our Senior Analyst Jesse Cohen gives us his top five things to know in financial markets on Thursday, January 30, including: - Coronavirus Outbreak Worsens - Global Stocks Plunge - Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) Soars - Facebook (NASDAQ:FB) Tumbles - Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) Earnings After The Close Watch Now: Here’s What’s Moving Markets - Jan. 30 (Video) Follow us on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/
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Watch Now: Here's What's Moving Markets -Economy Jan 30, 2020 12:53 GMT Investing.com - Our Senior Analyst Jesse Cohen gives us his top five things to know in financial markets on Thursday, January 30, including: - Coronavirus Outbreak Worsens - Global Stocks Plunge - Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) Soars - Facebook (NASDAQ:FB) Tumbles - Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) Earnings After The Close Watch Now: Here’s What’s Moving Markets - Jan. 30 (Video) Follow us on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/
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CRYPTO / DIGITAL CURRENCIES
The End Of Cash And Age Of Crypto Coming By 2030?
Cash is quickly becoming outdated, as are card payments. But does this mean in the next 10 years we will have officially moved to crypto?
Read in Forbes: https://apple.news/
Cash is quickly becoming outdated, as are card payments. But does this mean in the next 10 years we will have officially moved to crypto?
Read in Forbes: https://apple.news/
Stablecoins Flip ETH Volume, DeFi the Primary Motor
Stablecoins on Ethereum had a cumulative transfer volume greater than its native ETH in 2019. This point indicates larger trends at play that could change the broader crypto landscape. The Advent of Stable Money in Crypto Data from Messari Research suggests ETH’s trailing 12 month transfer volume fell from approximately $430 billion to $150 billion over the course of 2019. At the same time, stablecoins also followed ETH’s downtrend until July 2019, when these assets began picking up steam.
Read in Crypto Briefing: https://apple.news/ApQXkKRR_
Stablecoins on Ethereum had a cumulative transfer volume greater than its native ETH in 2019. This point indicates larger trends at play that could change the broader crypto landscape. The Advent of Stable Money in Crypto Data from Messari Research suggests ETH’s trailing 12 month transfer volume fell from approximately $430 billion to $150 billion over the course of 2019. At the same time, stablecoins also followed ETH’s downtrend until July 2019, when these assets began picking up steam.
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Blockchain.com Is The Latest to Launch A Fiat Gateway For This Pro-Crypto Country
United Kingdom-based cryptocurrency data and wallet provider Blockchain.com has launched a gateway for the Turkish lira on its crypto exchange. Blockchain.com is the latest major crypto exchange to join the growing roster of crypto platforms with a direct gateway for the Turkish lira, according to a press release published on Jan. 29. Blockchain has launched full banking integration to enable users to deposit and withdraw TRY on the exchange platform. Crypto users from Turkey don't need a third-
Read in Cointelegraph: https://apple.news/
United Kingdom-based cryptocurrency data and wallet provider Blockchain.com has launched a gateway for the Turkish lira on its crypto exchange. Blockchain.com is the latest major crypto exchange to join the growing roster of crypto platforms with a direct gateway for the Turkish lira, according to a press release published on Jan. 29. Blockchain has launched full banking integration to enable users to deposit and withdraw TRY on the exchange platform. Crypto users from Turkey don't need a third-
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Coinbase Launches International Cryptocurrency Custody Arm
Major United States-based cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase has established an entity in Ireland to expand its crypto custody services to European institutions. According to a Coinbase announcement published on Jan. 30, the new entity is called Coinbase Custody International and is based out of Dublin. The firm’s services will be the same as those provided by Coinbase Custody in addition to taking over all the staking activities performed by the exchange. Coinbase Custody initially began offering
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Major United States-based cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase has established an entity in Ireland to expand its crypto custody services to European institutions. According to a Coinbase announcement published on Jan. 30, the new entity is called Coinbase Custody International and is based out of Dublin. The firm’s services will be the same as those provided by Coinbase Custody in addition to taking over all the staking activities performed by the exchange. Coinbase Custody initially began offering
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Bank of Japan Must Be Ready to Issue Digital Currency, Says Exec
CURRENCIES
Coronavirus boosts US dollar status as safe haven, to the slight detriment of gold
Gold had ticked up to US$1,580 per ounce as at mid-morning on Thursday 30 January, significantly higher than the US$1,510 at which it started the year, but only marginally above the previous year-to-date US$1,570 high hit at the end of the first week of the year. Two factors account for the rise, subsequent drift and then lacklustre recovery. The first is that Donald Trump assassinated an Iranian general. The second is that the US dollar has been strengthening. But what of the coronavirus, I
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GBP/USD: Upside Risk For February 2020
GBP/USD price action has been less volatile recently, as the market anticipates the United Kingdom's formal leaving of the European Union on Friday, January 31, 2020. On January 30, 2020, the market will also look to the Bank of England. The bond market appears to expect a rate cut. If the Bank of England keeps rates on hold, the GBP could spike on the back of improving bond yield spreads (which closely correlate with FX spot prices). Even if the Bank of England does cut rates, the GBP is not
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Pound rallies while U.K. stocks extend slide after Bank of England holds interest rates steady
Sterling climbed and U.K. equities deepened a slide on Thursday as the Bank of England opted to refrain from cutting interest rates.
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UPDATE 1-Sterling gains after BoE leaves interest rates unchanged
* Graphic: Trade-weighted sterling since Brexit vote http:\/\/tmsnrt.rs\/2hwV9Hv (Writes through, adds quotes, details)
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Pound Gains as BOE Puts Currency’s Future Firmly in Data’s Hands
The pound advanced on relief the Bank of England refrained from cutting interest rates, a decision that leaves the currency’s fate all the more dependent on economic data.
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Sterling could fall toward $1.20 if EU trade talks disappoint, strategists predict
Markets are underestimating the possibility that a trade agreement between the U.K. and the EU ends up resembling the much-feared "no-deal" scenario, some strategists say.
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Australian dollar slides - Inside Retail
Aussie dollar down against US counterpart. The post Australian dollar slides appeared first on Inside Retail.
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Turkish lira 'competitive' at current level -cenbank chief
The Turkish lira's real exchange rate is competitive at the moment, Central Bank Governor Murat Uysal said on Thursday, adding that the \"dollarization\" trend of Turks turning to more stable foreign currencies will continue to fade.
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Japan Braces For Launch Of Digital Yen Amid Rapidly Changing Technology
An official of the central bank of Japan announced Thursday that it must brace itself for the issuance of virtual currencies, considering the fast-evolving world of global payments.
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Why Is A Company That Prints Money Running Out Of Cash?De La Rue, the company that supplies banknotes to the Bank of England, is in trouble.
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HEALTH / SCIENCE
The world's most expensive drug brought in $186 million during 2019's 4th quarter
Novartis said yesterday that Zolgensma — the gene therapy that's the most expensive drug in the world — brought in $186 million in the fourth quarter of 2019, STAT reports.
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U.S. life expectancy rises slightly after cancer and overdose rates dip
On average, an infant born in 2018 year is expected to live about 78 years and eight months, the CDC says in a report out Thursday.
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U.S. life expectancy goes up for the first time since 2014
Despite the slight uptick, life expectancy in the U.S. is the lowest among wealthy nations.
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The U.S. suicide rate is exceptionally high among wealthy nations
The U.S. has the highest suicide rate among wealthy nations, according to a Commonwealth Fund report.
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Can face masks fend off coronavirus? For LA's Chinese communities, it's a cultural disconnect
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend using masks for preventive purposes. Nonetheless, stores have run out of masks.
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Surgical Masks Are Selling Out Because of Coronavirus Fears—but Do You Really Need One?
An infectious disease specialist explains who should wear one, and who doesn't have to.
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No, Coronavirus Was Not Caused by 'Bat Soup'–But Here's What Researchers Think May Be to Blame
Bats in general aren't entirely blameless, though...
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Number of U.S. troops diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries after Iran attack rises to 64The number of U.S. troops diagnosed with mild traumatic brain injury since an Iranian airstrike earlier this month has increased to 64, the Pentagon said Thursday.
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USA/CANADA
U.S. GDP growth slows to 2.3% in 2019
U.S. gross domestic product grew at a 2.1% annual rate in the final quarter of last year, the Commerce Department said on Thursday.
Read in Axios: https://apple.news/AE-
China doesn’t pose ‘imminent risk’ to U.S. economy, Powell says
Fed Chairman Jerome Powell said Wednesday that China’s financial sector doesn’t pose ‘imminent risk’ to U.S. economy.
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Why low rates are raising questions about the next commercial real estate unwind
Low rates are helping push U.S. commercial real-estate prices far beyond their precrisis peak, even through rents aren’t keeping up in most sectors, warn BCA Research strategists.
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It is New York vs London in the battle of the financial centers. But who cares?
London and New York have long vied to grab the top spot in various surveys—which are a dime a dozen.
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Economy grows 2.1% in the fourth quarter as GDP gets boost from falling trade deficit
The U.S. economy grew slightly faster than 2% in the final three months of 2019, aided by a temporary plunge in imports and a resurgent housing market. The modest rate of growth likely foreshadows what lies ahead.
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New U.S. jobless claim fall slightly to 216,000
The number of Americans who applied for unemployment benefits in late January fell slightly and gave no hint of rising layoffs, indicating U.S. the labor market remains very healthy. Initial jobless claims fell by 7,000 to 216,000.
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EMERGING MARKETS
As the mental health crisis grows, Puerto Ricans need long-term care
Due to the significant amounts of natural disasters that Puerto Ricans have faced, they are at risk for mental trauma and PTSD.
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Due to the significant amounts of natural disasters that Puerto Ricans have faced, they are at risk for mental trauma and PTSD.
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Puerto Rico's Internet Voting Plan Threatens Election Security: ACLU
The civil liberties group is urging the U.S. territory's governor to veto a bill that could shift all voting to the Internet by 2028.
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The civil liberties group is urging the U.S. territory's governor to veto a bill that could shift all voting to the Internet by 2028.
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Argentina debates debt restructuring, reawakening old fears
Argentina's Chamber of Deputies has overwhelmingly approved a bill to restructure the government's $100 billion debt, which officials say is unpayable amid a deep recession that has reawakened old fears of financial crises
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Argentina's Chamber of Deputies has overwhelmingly approved a bill to restructure the government's $100 billion debt, which officials say is unpayable amid a deep recession that has reawakened old fears of financial crises
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Argentina needs policy clarity to reinvigorate economy: IMF
Greater certainty around Argentina's public policies could help reactivate growth and investments in the recession-hit South American country, the International Monetary Fund said on Wednesday.
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Greater certainty around Argentina's public policies could help reactivate growth and investments in the recession-hit South American country, the International Monetary Fund said on Wednesday.
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EMQQ: Will The Next Internet Revolution Come From Emerging Markets? (Podcast)
EMQQ founder Kevin Carter believes emerging market internet companies provide the "greatest growth opportunity of our lifetime." Starting out as a classic value investor, Carter's initial pivot to high-octane EM tech growth names saw him promoting already existing ETFs like ECON to friends and colleagues. Not satisfied with the makeup of these funds, he ultimately decided to construct his own highly targeted EM Internet & Ecommerce ETF, in the form of the now $400M EMQQ.
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EMQQ founder Kevin Carter believes emerging market internet companies provide the "greatest growth opportunity of our lifetime." Starting out as a classic value investor, Carter's initial pivot to high-octane EM tech growth names saw him promoting already existing ETFs like ECON to friends and colleagues. Not satisfied with the makeup of these funds, he ultimately decided to construct his own highly targeted EM Internet & Ecommerce ETF, in the form of the now $400M EMQQ.
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Is Coronavirus an "Opportunity" for Emerging Markets ETFs?
Coronavirus might just open up an opportunity for emerging markets (EM) ETF investing.
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Coronavirus might just open up an opportunity for emerging markets (EM) ETF investing.
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Unilever CEO: Saw 'extreme volatility' in some emerging markets
Unilever CEO Alan Jope discusses the consumer goods giant's fourth-quarter earnings report.
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Unilever CEO Alan Jope discusses the consumer goods giant's fourth-quarter earnings report.
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A Call For Vigilance After A Strong Year For Risky Assets
One important driving force boosting asset prices was the synchronized monetary policy easing throughout 2019. The combined number of policy rate cuts in advanced and emerging- market economies was the largest since the global financial crisis in 2008. The improvement in market sentiment is reflected in one of the most commonly cited indicators of downside risks, the 10-year-2-year yield curve slope. It is crucial that policymakers continue to monitor the buildup of financial vulnerabilities and
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One important driving force boosting asset prices was the synchronized monetary policy easing throughout 2019. The combined number of policy rate cuts in advanced and emerging- market economies was the largest since the global financial crisis in 2008. The improvement in market sentiment is reflected in one of the most commonly cited indicators of downside risks, the 10-year-2-year yield curve slope. It is crucial that policymakers continue to monitor the buildup of financial vulnerabilities and
Read in Seeking Alpha: https://apple.news/
MIDDLE EAST
Putin meets Netanyahu, reserves judgement on Middle East plan
The Israeli prime minister visited Moscow on Thursday to discuss the US Middle East plan and take an Israeli woman who had been jailed in Russia back home. Benjamin Netanyahu made a stopover in Moscow after visiting Washington, where President Donald Trump as he unveiled his long-awaited Mideast peace plan Tuesday. More: Trump's Middle East plan announcement: Why now? Anger in Palestine over Trump plan, but protests see low turnout World leaders react to Trump's Middle East plan Trump's plan
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The Israeli prime minister visited Moscow on Thursday to discuss the US Middle East plan and take an Israeli woman who had been jailed in Russia back home. Benjamin Netanyahu made a stopover in Moscow after visiting Washington, where President Donald Trump as he unveiled his long-awaited Mideast peace plan Tuesday. More: Trump's Middle East plan announcement: Why now? Anger in Palestine over Trump plan, but protests see low turnout World leaders react to Trump's Middle East plan Trump's plan
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After Russia, China veto, U.N. says medical aid for Syria stuck in Iraq
Truckloads of medical aid for civilians in Syria's northeast is stuck in Iraq, the United Nations aid chief said on Wednesday, after Russia and China prevented the U.N. Security Council from renewing authorization for the cross-border deliveries.
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Truckloads of medical aid for civilians in Syria's northeast is stuck in Iraq, the United Nations aid chief said on Wednesday, after Russia and China prevented the U.N. Security Council from renewing authorization for the cross-border deliveries.
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Iraq says it resumes counter-Islamic State operations with U.S. coalition -statement
Iraq's military said on Thursday it was resuming operations with the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State after a halt following the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani and Iranian attacks on bases hosting U.S. forces.
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Iraq's military said on Thursday it was resuming operations with the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State after a halt following the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani and Iranian attacks on bases hosting U.S. forces.
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UK takes charge of coalition Gulf mission to protect ships from Iran
Britain has taken over command from the United States of a maritime security mission in the Gulf to protect global shipping from the threat of attack by Iran.
Read in Sky News: https://apple.news/AOUu-
Britain has taken over command from the United States of a maritime security mission in the Gulf to protect global shipping from the threat of attack by Iran.
Read in Sky News: https://apple.news/AOUu-
Trump administration to renew Iran sanctions waivers amid worries over US nuclear supply
EXCLUSIVE: Concerns over the United States' nuclear supply have prompted the State Department to renew sanctions waivers for companies working on Iran's civilian nuclear program, according to senior U.S. officials.
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https://apple.news/AVN_NDX--EXCLUSIVE: Concerns over the United States' nuclear supply have prompted the State Department to renew sanctions waivers for companies working on Iran's civilian nuclear program, according to senior U.S. officials.
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NEOM signs deal for innovative water desalination project
Riyadh – Mubasher: NEOM announced that it has signed an agreement with the UK-based Solar Water Company Limited to build the first desalination plant with Solar Dome technology in the futuristic city Work on the project is set to begin next month …
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Riyadh – Mubasher: NEOM announced that it has signed an agreement with the UK-based Solar Water Company Limited to build the first desalination plant with Solar Dome technology in the futuristic city Work on the project is set to begin next month …
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AFRICA
Southern Africa: Visas Between Mozambique and China Suspended
Maputo The Mozambican government announced on Tuesday that it is suspending the issuing of entry visas for visitors from China, a measure aimed at preventing the spread to Mozambique of the coronavirus epidemic. Briefing reporters after the weekly meeting of the Council of Ministers (Cabinet), the government spokesperson, Justice Minister Helena Kida, said that to date there have been no reports of any Mozambicans (in Mozambique or in China) infected with the coronavirus. She said the suspension
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Kenya: U.S. Picks Kenya for Bilateral Trade Deal
New York, The Trump administration has tapped Kenya as the first sub-Saharan nation to start talks with the US on a bilateral trade deal, the Bloomberg News agency reported on Tuesday. The prestigious designation is expected to be announced during President Kenyatta's visit to Washington next week, Bloomberg said. Kenya's Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Macharia Kamau confirmed the report. TRADE PACT Mr Kamau told Bloomberg that the US and Kenya are aiming for significant progress towards an
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Ethiopia collects £1B from exports in 6 monthsEthiopia has earned a revenue of $1.33 billion in the first six months of the Ethiopian fiscal year that started in July 2019. This is 80 percent of the target set, the Ethiopian Ministry of Trade and Industry announced. Giving a briefing about the same, Wondimu Filate, Public Relations and Communication Director at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, pointed out the amount showed an increase of 1.33 percent compared to the same period last year when $1.21 billion has been collected. The target
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Africa: Ghana Slams Zim Sanctions
GHANA President Nana Akufo-Addo has called for the immediate removal of sanctions placed on Zimbabwe saying they are "unacceptable and unjustifiable" and hindering efforts to grow the country's economy. The call comes as Zimbabwe's economy continues to be crippled by illegal sanctions imposed by the United States and its allies. Sadc and the African Union have stepped up the crusade against sanctions imposed by the US two decades ago. President Akufo-Addo was speaking while receiving Zimbabwe's
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Tanzania Clears Road for $200m Investment in Two Mines
Dar es Salaam The government has flashed the greenlight for two large-scale mining firms to proceed to the mineral extraction stage that would see them inject over $200 million (about Sh440 billion) in the local economy and create hundreds of jobs. One of the big mines may start operations as early as next year. The investments by Australian firms OreCorp and Peak Resources will be the largest for Tanzania after close to a decade of virtual dormancy in the establishment of new mines. Inline with
Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/A_
Africa's Food, Agriculture Will Be Worth $1 Trillion By 2030 - AfDB President
Africa's agricultural business will be worth $1 trillion by 2030, the African Development Bank President (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, has said. Mr Adesina explained that this could be achieved due to the need to feed the expected continent's increased population that is estimated to hit 2.5 billion by 2050, double its current 1.2 billion. The AfDB president said this on Tuesday, while receiving an honorary doctorate award by the Federal University of Agriculture, FUNAAB in Abeokuta, Nigeria,
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Zimbabwe: Us$7,5m Facelift for Hospital
Zimbabwe and Japan have committed US$7,75 million towards the refurbishment and immediate needs of Sally Mugabe Central Hospital (formerly Harare Central Hospital) in the next three months, in line with the aspirations of the Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP), which priorities infrastructure development. Part of the funds will be channelled to Harare Children's Hospital to reduce the infant mortality rate. The Government has mobilised US$5 million for the main hospital, while Japan will
Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/
Zimbabwe: Japan Ambassador Shocked Over State of Zimbabwe Hospitals
Japan Ambassador to Zimbabwe Toshiyuki Iwado has expressed shock at the state of the country's public hospitals due to lack of sufficient equipment, something that has led to a high number of patients turned away as the crisis persists. Ambassador Iwado raised alarm over the state of the country's public hospitals Wednesday while signing an exchange note with Zimbabwe for Harare Hospital equipment supply. "Zimbabwe used to have a well-established health sector, through its well-organised
Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/
Zimbabwe: Japan Commits U.S.$ 2,7 Million to Harare Children's Hospital
Japan has committed funds amounting to US$ 2.75 million towards the refurbishment of Harare Children's Hospital. Speaking during the exchange of notes meeting for the procurement of hospital equipment, the Japanese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Toshiyuki Iwado said Japan places its utmost priority on the health sector in its strategy of development cooperation with Africa and Zimbabwe. "Japan is determined to improve access primary health care for 3 million people in Africa. Our country has been
Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/Akjs8_
Zimbabwe: Zim, EU Launch € 10m Project
Government and the European Union yesterday officially launched the €10 million Zimbabwe Economic Partnership Agreement Support Project that is expected to boost small to medium scale enterprises. The ZEPA project was officially launched by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Deputy Minister David Musabayana who was standing in for Minister Sibusiso Moyo. Zimbabwe signed the ZEPA Financing Agreement with the EU in 2017. This followed the country's signing of the interim Economic Partnership
Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/Alq-
Southern Africa: Zimbabwe Now a Threat to SADC's Peace and Stability - Chamisa
MDC President Nelson Chamisa has made an appeal for South Africa to urgently intervene and resolve Zimbabwe's deteriorating economic and political crisis as failure to deal with the issue will engulf the whole SADC region. Chamisa is currently visiting South Africa where the main opposition leader says he is mobilising regional solidarity to halt Zimbabwe's mounting political and economic problems. Speaking to SABC TV Wednesday, Chamisa said a 'sick Zimbabwe' can spread the crisis across the
Read in AllAfrica: https://apple.news/
Zimbabwe: Polad Members to Globe-Trot Calling for Sanctions Removal
Political Actors and Leaders Dialogue (POLAD) members are set to travel across Africa, Europe and other countries demanding the immediate removal of western imposed sanctions and for Zimbabwe to be re-admitted into the global family of nations. This was announced Wednesday by Foreign Affairs deputy minister David Musabayana while speaking on the sidelines of the launch of Zimbabwe Europe Partnership Support (ZEPA) programme. He said his ministry was conducting briefing sessions with POLAD
South African corn exports to Zimbabwe hit 7-year high
South Africa exported 13,688 tons of corn to Zimbabwe in the week ended Jan. 24, the highest weekly amount since Dec. 2013, in a sign the drought-stricken country may finally be acting to avert what could be its worst famine. The country, which is also in the midst of an economic collapse, has a supply gap of as much as 1 million tons. While the shipment is a marked increase from previous weeks, Zimbabwe has imported just 50,410 tons of white corn from South Africa in the season that began April
Read in FurtherAfrica: https://apple.news/
ASIA
China confirms coronavirus cases in all regions after Tibet diagnosis
Coronavirus has now reached every region in mainland China, with health authorities confirming the first confirmed case in Tibet on Wednesday.
Read in Axios: https://apple.news/A9TzFH-
Coronavirus may hit China economy harder than SARS, warns Nomura
Economists are downgrading China growth forecasts in the wake of a growing crisis surrounding the quickly spreading coronavirus.
Read in MarketWatch: https://apple.news/AON_P_
Hong Kong braces for spread of coronavirus
The coronavirus outbreak which has killed 170 people and infected thousands across mainland China has now spread to every part of the country. The World Health Organization is preparing to hold another urgent meeting later on Thursday, to decide whether the outbreak should be considered a global emergency. Al Jazeera's Wayne Hay has more from Hong Kong.
Read in Al Jazeera: https://apple.news/
China's economy was supposed to get a boost this year. The coronavirus makes that unlikely
We shall have to see, once the public health scare is over, how the economy bounces back and whether the government tries to give it some additional help.
Read in CNN Business: https://apple.news/
Coronavirus panic shuts down Chinese cities
As the coronavirus panic grows, international events are being canceled in China as villages outside of Beijing are building physical barricades to keep outsiders from entering. Ramy Inocencio is in Beijing to share the increasingly severe reactions in China and abroad.
Read in CBS News: https://apple.news/
American describes scene in Wuhan amid coronavirus outbreak: 'Like something out of a sci-fi movie'
What's it like to be stuck in the Chinese city where the deadly coronavirus began? The "Fox News Rundown" podcast spoke with Doug Perez, an American living in the quarantined city of Wuhan.
Read in Fox News: https://apple.news/
EUROPE
Opinion: Time for investors to take a look at post-Brexit U.K.
The U.K. stock market has massively unperformed its European peers in the last three years. Brexit will now create dangers and opportunities.
Read in MarketWatch: https://apple.news/
AP PHOTOS: Irish border residents watch for Brexit fallout
When Brexit takes effect Friday, residents of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are concerned about protecting the relative peace and prosperity that has endured since the 1998 Good Friday Agreement
Read in ABC News: https://apple.news/AMzIri_
Brexit Day Is Finally Here; Now the Hard Part Begins: Opinion
London and Brussels are two hours apart by train but on Friday, the day the U.K. officially leaves the European Union, the two cities will feel worlds apart. The Brits are planning a Brexit celebration worthy of a downtrodden colony freed from the shackles of imperialist rule. A new coin has been minted for the occasion, trumpeting “peace, prosperity and friendship with all nations.” There will be a light show to mark the U.K. regaining its “independence.” Never mind that the country didn’t
Read in Insurance Journal: https://apple.news/
Brexit costs: How much has Brexit cost the UK? Is it more than the EU membership bill?
THE UK will officially leave the EU on Friday as it begins the next phase of untangling itself from the bloc. So how much has this all cost so far? And is it more than the cost of staying in? Britain will cease to be a member of the European Union at 11pm GMT on Friday, January 31. After more than three years of negotiations, a deal was reached which will now trigger an 11-month transition period, during which both sides must negotiate a deal on trade, immigration, rights and beyond.
Read in Express: https://apple.news/
'New dawn' Brexit to do list: money, charming Trump and making friends
The United Kingdom leaves the European Union at 2300 GMT on Friday but Prime Minister Boris Johnson has a bulging to do list for what he has cast as a \"new dawn\" for the country.
Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/
Europe to Britain: So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, adieu
With sorrow, some support for Brexit and even hope of a return, Europeans from across the EU's 27 remaining members bade farewell to the United Kingdom on the eve of its historic departure.
Read in Reuters: https://apple.news/
CBI, ISX, Dinar Guru:
CBI Update:
Closed on Friday and Saturday
Dinar Guru:dd
1-31-2020 Newshound Guru Kaperoni ...guru Jeff says Iraq cant do a damn thing until their is a rate change. ...Of course the can and will...
1-31-2020 Intel Guru MarkZ Here we are at Jan 31st, and it always irritates me that they let another month slip by...My redemption center folks will be on call all weekend. [We hear from other gurus that give their opinion but why doesn’t anybody ever hear from bank personnel, exchange center people, people in Iraq...?] ...because most of them are under very strict NDA's.
1-31-2020 Newshound Guru Jeff ...the 2020 budget can only be implemented at the start of a fiscal year...they're most likely transitioning to a new fiscal year which will most likely start on April 1st...April 1st through the end of March in the 1970's was Iraq's fiscal year which is identical to Kuwait's fiscal year today. That's why Kuwait had changed the [their] rate towards the end of March...there are no delays. There are no holdups. If you want to say there's a delay or hold up you know what it is? It's called the rate change...Iraq can't do a damn thing until that rate change. They can't even start the approval process of the budget until the rate changes...more factual evidence supports Q1...Iraq is walking in Kuwait's footsteps...
1-31-2020 Newshound Guru Chattels It is Holy Day in Iraq. Not a lot of news today. Tomorrow could be a watershed day in the history of Iraq. Can Iraq's competing factions decide upon a Prime Minister for all? The prospects and opportunity over time for good government are not without limits. Iraq is running out of time, IMO.
1-31-2020 Newshound/Intel Guru Mnt Goat Article: Reuters Thu Apr 12, 2012 "IRAQ HALTS PLANS TO CUT ZEROS OFF DINAR CURRENCY-CABINET" Quote: "...a statement on the website of the cabinet secretary said THE CABINET HAD DECIDED TO HALT ALL PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE REDENOMINATION OF THE DINAR "UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE". So why is this old article from 2012 important? It is important because...it shows us they do plan to delete the zeros and redenominate the currency and so this is real not just a get rich quick scheme or scam.
1-31-2020 Intel Guru MarkZ Here we are at Jan 31st, and it always irritates me that they let another month slip by...My redemption center folks will be on call all weekend. [We hear from other gurus that give their opinion but why doesn’t anybody ever hear from bank personnel, exchange center people, people in Iraq...?] ...because most of them are under very strict NDA's.
1-31-2020 Newshound Guru Jeff ...the 2020 budget can only be implemented at the start of a fiscal year...they're most likely transitioning to a new fiscal year which will most likely start on April 1st...April 1st through the end of March in the 1970's was Iraq's fiscal year which is identical to Kuwait's fiscal year today. That's why Kuwait had changed the [their] rate towards the end of March...there are no delays. There are no holdups. If you want to say there's a delay or hold up you know what it is? It's called the rate change...Iraq can't do a damn thing until that rate change. They can't even start the approval process of the budget until the rate changes...more factual evidence supports Q1...Iraq is walking in Kuwait's footsteps...
1-31-2020 Newshound Guru Chattels It is Holy Day in Iraq. Not a lot of news today. Tomorrow could be a watershed day in the history of Iraq. Can Iraq's competing factions decide upon a Prime Minister for all? The prospects and opportunity over time for good government are not without limits. Iraq is running out of time, IMO.
1-31-2020 Newshound/Intel Guru Mnt Goat Article: Reuters Thu Apr 12, 2012 "IRAQ HALTS PLANS TO CUT ZEROS OFF DINAR CURRENCY-CABINET" Quote: "...a statement on the website of the cabinet secretary said THE CABINET HAD DECIDED TO HALT ALL PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE REDENOMINATION OF THE DINAR "UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE". So why is this old article from 2012 important? It is important because...it shows us they do plan to delete the zeros and redenominate the currency and so this is real not just a get rich quick scheme or scam.
1-30-2020 Intel Guru Footforward Article quote: "Sairoon & Fatah Coalitions agree on nomination of Mohammed Allawi as next PM." Mohamed is the guy we want...Alot of news going around. I do expect Allawi to be the next PM. [Did you think will see dr. Shabibi involved in the new government?] I sure hope so but it doesn't look like it at the moment. But that can change. They may make him the finance minister.
Elmer:
Not in today
Artmeister:
Not in today
Catnip:
*************
ARTICLE 1 (from PM Mahdi's website)
At the time this report was submitted, there are no new articles posted on PM Mahdi's website.
*************
ARTICLE 2 (from Government of Iraq twitter account)
1-31-2020 around 3 am
Eastren
Private
sector investment in affordable housing supports the
@IraqiGovt’s objective of
making sure all Iraqis have a decent and safe home.
Watch
this video about Al-Rehab, a housing investment project in the city of Fallujah
that is helping local people have a home.
*************
ARTICLE 3
The law denies al-Maliki’s objection to Allawi’s nomination or an agreement originally between the blocs
01/31/2020 14:06
[Baghdad-where]
The State of Law Coalition denied that the head of the coalition, Nuri al-Maliki, objected to the nomination of former Communications Minister Muhammad Tawfiq Allawi to head the transitional government, as reported in the media.
A statement of the state of law, the agency received [a copy] of it, "While we categorically deny the reports reported by some media about Nuri al-Maliki's opposition to the agreement of the political blocs on one of the candidates for prime minister, we confirm that no agreement has ever occurred between the political blocs."
"The political parties are still deliberating the names of a number of candidates to choose the best candidate for the mission," he added.
"We reaffirm that we have not adopted any special candidate as we explained previously, but we find it necessary for the candidate to have this responsibility with features consistent with the nature of the mission and the stage in terms of his competence and independence of his decision and not being affiliated to an internal or external political party and a strong impartial protector of the country's unity and sovereignty that applies to it specifications It was launched by the reference and the demands of the demonstrators, and we have said and we are now asserting that we are in agreement with the political and social forces.
The chances of the prime minister's candidate, Muhammad Tawfiq Allawi, have returned once again after they were hampered last week when he approached the assignment.
An informed political source stated, "There is a consensus that occurred between the Al-Fath coalitions and others that occurred during the past few hours to present the name of the candidate [Muhammad Tawfiq Allawi] to the President of the Republic in order to assign him to form a new government."
He added, "The Alliance of Saireon started the political movement tonight on the rest of the poles of the political process, especially the Shiites, to discuss re-nomination of Allawi again."
Muhammad Tawfiq Allawi was strongly named as a candidate for the presidency of the transitional government last week, but he was excluded hours before his official assignment, the President of the Republic Barham Salih travel to Switzerland and his participation in the Davos conference.
And President of the Republic Barham Salih called in a message last Wednesday to the political blocs to resume the constructive and serious political dialogue in order to agree on a new candidate for the presidency of the Council of Ministers with popular approval and submit it to the Presidency of the Republic in order to issue the order of assignment.
"If the concerned blocs are not able to settle the nomination order no later than Saturday [tomorrow], 1 February 2019, I see an obligation to exercise my constitutional powers by assigning those whom I find most acceptable to parliament and popularly, and within the framework of the results of the consultations that I conducted during the last period with Political forces and popular activities. "
"The political parties are still deliberating the names of a number of candidates to choose the best candidate for the mission," he added.
"We reaffirm that we have not adopted any special candidate as we explained previously, but we find it necessary for the candidate to have this responsibility with features consistent with the nature of the mission and the stage in terms of his competence and independence of his decision and not being affiliated to an internal or external political party and a strong impartial protector of the country's unity and sovereignty that applies to it specifications It was launched by the reference and the demands of the demonstrators, and we have said and we are now asserting that we are in agreement with the political and social forces.
The chances of the prime minister's candidate, Muhammad Tawfiq Allawi, have returned once again after they were hampered last week when he approached the assignment.
An informed political source stated, "There is a consensus that occurred between the Al-Fath coalitions and others that occurred during the past few hours to present the name of the candidate [Muhammad Tawfiq Allawi] to the President of the Republic in order to assign him to form a new government."
He added, "The Alliance of Saireon started the political movement tonight on the rest of the poles of the political process, especially the Shiites, to discuss re-nomination of Allawi again."
Muhammad Tawfiq Allawi was strongly named as a candidate for the presidency of the transitional government last week, but he was excluded hours before his official assignment, the President of the Republic Barham Salih travel to Switzerland and his participation in the Davos conference.
And President of the Republic Barham Salih called in a message last Wednesday to the political blocs to resume the constructive and serious political dialogue in order to agree on a new candidate for the presidency of the Council of Ministers with popular approval and submit it to the Presidency of the Republic in order to issue the order of assignment.
"If the concerned blocs are not able to settle the nomination order no later than Saturday [tomorrow], 1 February 2019, I see an obligation to exercise my constitutional powers by assigning those whom I find most acceptable to parliament and popularly, and within the framework of the results of the consultations that I conducted during the last period with Political forces and popular activities. "
*************
ARTICLE 4
The supreme authority stresses the speedy formation of a government that will conduct early elections that restore the confidence of the people and condemn the attacks on peaceful demonstrators and security forces
01/31/2020 14:02
[Karbala-Where]
The supreme religious authority stressed the peaceful demonstrations and the speedy formation of the government.
"It has been four months since the popular movement demanding reform and ridding the country of the clutches of corruption and failure that pervaded various state institutions and departments, and during this period I asked A lot of innocent blood, wounding, and injuring thousands of citizens, and there are still some clashes that result in more innocent victims. "
He added, "The religious authority, once again confirming its condemnation of the use of violence against peaceful demonstrators and the assassinations and kidnappings of some of them, and its categorical rejection of trying to break up peaceful gatherings and sit-ins using violence and force, at the same time it rejects the aggression of some of the security forces and government agencies The acts of sabotage and threats against some educational and service institutions and all that violates the security of citizens and harms their interests, and warns that these unjustified actions will not serve as a substitute for the mass public presence to pressure towards responding to the reformist demands On the contrary, it leads to a decline in solidarity with the protest movement and its participants. "
Sheikh Al-Karbalai stressed, "On the other hand, the continuation of the current crisis and political, economic and security instability is not in the interest of the country and the future of its children. It must be prepared to get out of it by accelerating the formation of the new government, and it must be a government worthy of the trust of the people and capable of calming the situation and restoring the state's prestige and establishing With the necessary steps to conduct free and fair elections as soon as possible. "
And, "Returning to the polls to determine what the people see is the appropriate option in the present situation, in view of the divisions witnessed by the political forces from different components, and the differences of viewpoints among them regarding priority in the next stage, and their inability to agree on the necessary reforms demanded by most of the people." Citizens, which exposes the country to more risks and problems, so it is imperative to speed up the holding of early elections so that the people will have their say, and the next parliament that emanates from its free will is concerned with taking the necessary steps for reform and issuing the crucial decisions that determine the future of the country. He was born, especially with regard to preserving his sovereignty, independence of his political decision, and his unity over land and people.
He said, "Finally: It remains to point out that the religious authority strongly condemns the unjust plan recently revealed to give (legitimacy) to the occupation of more usurped Palestinian lands, and it affirms its standing with the oppressed Palestinian people in its adherence to its right to regain its occupied lands and establish its independent state, and calls Arabs, Muslims and all the world are free to support him in that. "
*************
ARTICLE 5
The spokesman for the Commander in Chief denies the resumption of the work of the international coalition in Iraq
1/30/2020 20:40
[Baghdad-where]
Spokesman for the Armed Forces Commander in Chief, Major General Abdul Karim Khalaf, denied resuming the work of the international coalition in Iraq.
Khalaf's comments come hours after the Office of the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces announced the return of joint work with the international coalition forces.
A statement stated by the security media cell of the Joint Operations Command, "Given the continued activity of ISIS terrorist gangs in many areas of Iraq and for the purpose of exploiting the remaining time for the international alliance before organizing the new relationship between our forces and the international coalition forces, it was decided to carry out joint actions that provide facilities for our forces in the field of support Airspace, according to the need and our forces determined by the relevant operations leaders until an agreement is reached on the form of future cooperation in a way that achieves the sovereignty of Iraq over its territory and airspace. "
A statement stated by the security media cell of the Joint Operations Command, "Given the continued activity of ISIS terrorist gangs in many areas of Iraq and for the purpose of exploiting the remaining time for the international alliance before organizing the new relationship between our forces and the international coalition forces, it was decided to carry out joint actions that provide facilities for our forces in the field of support Airspace, according to the need and our forces determined by the relevant operations leaders until an agreement is reached on the form of future cooperation in a way that achieves the sovereignty of Iraq over its territory and airspace. "
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