The cost of Iraq’s empty promises
Deputy for Al-Fateh: The oil and gas law will be dealt with in parliament within a maximum period of three months
The representative of the Al-Fatah Alliance, Mortada Al-Saadi, announced that the oil and gas law will be dealt with in parliament within a maximum period of three months.
Al-Saadi said in a televised statement: "There must be a legal ceiling for dialogue with the region about the final version of the oil and gas law."
He added, "The fight against corruption in unconventional ways is a priority for the Sudanese government, explaining that the anti-corruption team works under the umbrella of the Integrity Commission.
An expert reveals a "suspicious" American meeting with 35 Iraqi banks
Al-Sheikhly said; For the “Unannounced” program, broadcast by Al-Furat TV channel this evening, it says: “It is supposed to start fighting corruption in state institutions from the top of the pyramid or below, and big personalities who were involved in stealing the century.”
He added, "The US Federal Reserve addressed the Central Bank to stop the work of 14 private banks and audit them, and the representative of the US embassy met with 35 banks to warn their owners without the knowledge of the Central Bank of Iraq."
Al-Sheikhly said, "The banks that the representative of the US embassy met with leaked money to internationally sanctioned countries," noting that "sales at the currency auction have decreased remarkably in the past two days."
He continued, "Iraq is not the only country that suffers from corruption, and the previous governments did not seize the opportunity to combat corruption, and the people stand by the Sudanese Prime Minister, Muhammad Shia'a, in the steps to combat corruption."
Al-Sheikhly indicated, "The state system has become a norm for transferring money illegally, and part of the money for goods does not go to buy them, but to smuggle them, and control is the responsibility of taxes and customs, not the central bank."
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Expert: Private banks in Iraq seized the initiatives of the Central Bank
Economic expert Abd al-Rahman al-Mashhadani confirmed today, Saturday, that private banks have taken over all the initiatives of the Central Bank, adding that they are without any benefit to citizens and investors.
Al-Mashhadani said in an interview with "The Information", that "private banks seized all the initiatives of the Central Bank in order to finance themselves and open other branches for them," pointing out that "we have not seen these huge initiatives to support investors and emerging entrepreneurs from among citizens."
And he continued, "Most of the private banks inside Iraq put the name of investment and development next to their name only without any benefit to the citizens."
He added, "The establishment of private banks in Iraq has become mainly for the purpose of financing affiliated projects," pointing out that "there are many private banks working to keep citizens away and to monopolize their own projects."
And the deputy of the State of Law coalition, Jassem Atwan, had earlier accused the "information" that "private banks smuggled currency and money laundering in the previous period, calling on the new government to control the doors of smuggling currency out of Iraq.
Government advisor: The 2023 budget is services... and Iraqis will witness a remarkable development in well-being
The financial expert, advisor to the Prime Minister, Mazhar Muhammad Salih, confirmed today, Saturday, that the 2023 budget will be a budget for service projects and will bring about a remarkable development in welfare, while he indicated that it will aim to raise the contribution of non-oil revenues to be 20% of the total revenues.
Saleh said in a statement to (Baghdad Today), that "the federal general budget for the year 2023, which will be submitted to legislation soon and before the end of this year, will carry the economic and financial principles of the government curriculum in terms of being a budget for service projects that affect the lives of the people and bring about a remarkable development in welfare ."
He added, "It aims at the same time to correct the path of non-oil revenues wasted due to corruption and neglect of public money, in a way that enables the reform goals of fiscal policy to achieve what is planned, which is to increase non-oil revenues to 20% of total revenues instead of the current reality that does not exceed Non-oil revenues are at best 7% of the total revenues in the federal budget.
And that it "will contain a package of strategic investment projects that operate and generate income, and will have first priority in the country's next budget ."
Al-Sudani from Diwaniyah: Economic reform cannot be delayed
On Saturday, Prime Minister Mohamed Shia Al-Sudani affirmed that the fight against administrative and financial corruption is a top priority for the government, while noting that the issue of social protection is a priority.
The media office of the Prime Minister said in a statement that the latter "chaired a meeting in the Diwaniyah governorate building devoted to discussing the service situation in the governorate," noting that "the meeting was attended by the ministers of health and agriculture, and the governor of Diwaniyah, in addition to a number of undersecretaries of the relevant ministries and officials in the departments." SOA".
Al-Sudani confirmed during the meeting a number of points and axes, the most important of which is his visit to Diwaniyah Governorate, which is an affirmation of the government's message to adopt its priorities that were announced in the ministerial curriculum, and it will be included in the government program, and therefore it is the government's action plan for this period.
He added, "Our priorities are clear, and they stem from diagnosing the most important problems and obstacles facing our people in all governorates, which have led to an increase in the suffering of citizens at various levels of living and services."
He pointed out that "this accompanies the government's vision towards economic reform, which must be, and cannot be delayed in light of the deterioration and ineffectiveness of the various sectors driving the economy represented by industry, agriculture and tourism. We cannot continue with the policy of relying on oil as a major source of the budget."
Al-Sudani stressed that "combating administrative and financial corruption is a top priority for us, because this phenomenon poses a serious threat to all plans, programs and policies implemented by any government, whether the federal government or local governments."
He continued, "According to this vision, we found it appropriate to start from Diwaniyah, this governorate that leads the governorates in terms of poverty and unemployment rates, and in the weakness of economic activity at various levels, which greatly affected the service and living conditions of all the people of the governorate."
Al-Sudani stressed that "this province gave and sacrificed, and offered offerings of martyrs and wounded in the various stations that passed through the country, the last of which was the war on ISIS. Put the martyrs in front of you in every joint, in every movement and position, and in every decision, the nation that does not recognize or immortalize its martyrs, inanimate nation.
He continued, "The visit to Diwaniyah Governorate is not a cursory visit within the Prime Minister's program. All our visits are working visits, in which we review problems, develop solutions, and listen if there are initiatives, support them, and come up with an outcome of recommendations."
He noted that "there is a team that follows up the recommendations, and on the basis of follow-up, all concerned are evaluated, starting with the governor and ending with managers and heads of administrative units and all departments."
And he continued: "We have projects lagging behind in the service side, and the ministers and agents present must stand on these projects, follow up on the reality of the work of the departments, and put solutions and go to the governorate's allocations to see where they were allocated, and the sectors benefiting from them."
He pointed out that "starting with it, we must prioritize and choose the project that achieves the greatest service and benefit for the citizen, especially when it comes to working with a governorate budget, which is directed to serve the people of the governorate first, by providing basic services."
Al-Sudani stressed that "the government took the initiative, urgently, to form an engineering and service effort, and this effort is to serve all the provinces. It is true that we started in Baghdad, but we will go to the provinces, so we are looking for priority projects."
And he continued: "We hear about the ways of death, which took many of our citizens into traffic accidents, and this is a situation that must end, and the existence of this term ends. These projects may have priority, or any projects that you find that serve the largest segment of citizens."
He added, "The issue of social protection has priority, as the state pays attention to this program, according to an internationally approved scientific methodology that contributes to poverty alleviation. I do not mean only pension income, but we target multidimensional poverty, which includes education, health and housing services."
And he indicated that "every governor and every governorate must draw their service projects according to the poverty map that the Ministry of Planning provides you with. Today we are concerned with directing the budget at the governorate level to infrastructure projects."
Foreign Minister: The government continues at a steady pace in international partnerships
The Iraqi Foreign Minister, Fouad Hussein, confirmed today, Saturday, that the new government is continuing, at a steady pace, to expand the circle of international partnerships.
This came in a speech delivered by Hussein at the Manama Dialogue, which was received by Mawazine News, that "the challenges the region is going through require unifying efforts to confront them," while stressing "the need to strengthen regional and international cooperation."
He added, "The convening of the conference represents an important opportunity to end instability in the region. The Iraqi government continues its cooperation with all international organizations to curb terrorist activities."
Hussein continued, by saying, "Iraq seeks to enhance work in the fields of legal, judicial and security cooperation," pointing to "strengthening cooperation in the areas of security and economic diplomacy, and Iraqi diplomacy seeks to build distinguished relations with all countries."
On the Russian-Ukrainian crisis, Hussein said it "affected the global economy."
As he continued, "resolving conflicts is a fundamental priority for establishing security and stability in the Middle East."
With regard to the Yemeni crisis, he stressed that it "constitutes a state of instability."
The Iraqi foreign minister said, "Iraq supports the path of settling the Libyan crisis."
He concluded by saying, "The Iraqi government was formed through fair elections and with the support of the United Nations."
Regarding the newly elected government of al-Sudani, he said that it is "continuing at a steady pace in international partnerships. The Iraqi government adopts the principle of balance and moves away from the policy of axes."
Al-Saadi: The current has no intention of bringing back the protests, and Al-Sadr gave Al-Sudani the opportunity
The political analyst, Saadoun Al-Saadi, saw on Saturday that the Sadrist movement had no intention of bringing the protests back to the street.
Al-Saadi said in an interview with Mawazine News, "The Sadrist movement did not intend to take to the streets again for the purpose of protesting, and this was evident through its allowing Muhammad Shia'a al-Sudani to form the new government."
He added, "The life of the government is still one month, and if there were complaints about the government of al-Sudani, al-Sadr or his minister, Saleh al-Iraqi, would have declared it."
Al-Saadi continued, "Everything that is said about this situation is mere speculation, if there was an opposing position." For al-Sadr to reveal him without hesitation,” noting that “giving an opportunity to al-Sudani is clear, and that so far his beginnings are considered successful, and that he has made a decision until this moment
An economist on bank loans: they are not feasible for the citizen and their interest is high
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Today, Saturday, the economist, Diaa Al-Mohsen, counted that government bank loans are “not economically feasible” for citizens, while stressing that the loan interest may approach 56%.
Al-Mohsen said in an interview with Al-Maalouma Agency, "When the Iraqi citizen goes to borrow from the banks, he is in the process of fulfilling his needs, but we notice, especially the government, that the interest it imposes on citizens is close to 56%."
He added, "Any citizen trying to obtain a loan of 10 million dinars must pay the amount of 16 million and 600 thousand Iraqi dinars, which is a large amount for citizens."
The economist explained, "Citizens resort to loans for two reasons, either to satisfy a consumer need or go in the process of establishing a project to increase income, which may provide value to the Iraqi economy, and therefore when he sees such rates and benefits for loans, he refrains from that loan."
And he indicated, "There is a set of obstacles, including guarantees for granting loans to some groups, such as employees and associates, and the salary of the sponsor must be high," considering that these loans are "not economically feasible for citizens."
Governmental banks, such as Mesopotamia, release, from time to time, many financial loans in different amounts with high interest rates, which may reach half of the amount that a citizen may receive.
A parliamentarian warns of enacting a law that contributes to undermining the Iraqi economy
The representative of the National Approach Bloc, Hassan al-Asadi, warned, on Saturday, against proceeding with the legislation of the partnership law between the public and private sectors in its current form without making any amendments to it, considering that this law will contribute to undermining the economy of Iraq if it is enacted.
The House of Representatives, in its regular session held earlier today, finished reading a report and discussing the draft law on partnership between the public and private sectors.
Al-Asadi said during a press conference held in the parliament building, which was attended by the Shafaq News Agency reporter, that the House of Representatives proceeded with the second reading of the partnership law between the public and private sectors, which is a law that contains dangerous materials that can contribute to undermining the Iraqi economy, and poses a threat to its structure and wealth, indicating that there are observations on The law defines partnership as activity related to infrastructure, production and service projects, and this is a dangerous trend, as the law allows merchants and their influential political partners to own the infrastructure of state ministries, whether productive such as the oil and gas sector or services such as the electricity sector, health and others.
He added that the Iraqi constitution is explicit in limiting the ownership of oil and gas and the internal infrastructure in its production, extraction and marketing to the Iraqi people, and it is managed by the constitutional authorities that the people have authorized to manage it according to specific and clear criteria, not including granting the privilege of domination and ownership to a few merchants of the most important resources of the national economy, and the same is the case in the facilities of the Ministry Electricity and its infrastructure, as the Iraqi state has spent tens of billions of dollars on it over the past years, adding that this trend is negligent.
Al-Asadi also indicated that one of the dangers of this law is that it allows foreign companies to partner with the public sector, state departments and its productive public companies, including in infrastructure and production projects, including even the oil sector and existing infrastructure according to the formula of expanding or modifying that project, meaning that the infrastructure that The state has spent billions of dollars on it, in which foreigners participate.
The parliamentarian noted that the motives of the partners among the merchants is (collecting profits and increasing them, which is what is obtained from increasing the prices of the services of these institutions and reducing the employees working in them) laying off a lot of employees) because their profit equation depends on these elements.
He went on to say that, the law gives the region and the governorate that is not affiliated with a region the right to contract partnership with the foreign private sector, including infrastructure and production companies, and this includes even oil and gas, and then the country’s economic resources will be scattered and dependent on contracts that give foreign companies participation in its management decisions, and drawing up its production and extractive policy. , and marketing, and this has the most dangerous consequences for the country's economy and the independence of its economic decision.
And he added, saying: Article (11) of the law allows both parties to the partnership contract to be subject to a legal jurisdiction other than Iraqi law, and here is the point of danger, so the private partner can file a case in international courts, and has influence over their decisions, especially the major foreign companies, and Iraq bears one of two risks. One is more severe than the other, either subject to the desire of the private partner to change the contents of the contract in his favor, and at the expense of the Iraqi interest in order to avoid the decisions of international courts, or that those courts issue decisions that bear the Iraqi economy high costs and burdensome obligations.
Al-Asadi also explained that the law provides for the government to provide the project with financial facilities, and any other means required by the project and bear part of the risks of the project, and to provide land, existing infrastructure and public utility services, wondering if the government - which is the partner of the partnership with the private sector - provides all These privileges and grants are for the private partner, so what does that partner bear and provide after this so that the state bears?
He continued by saying that the law must prevent the conclusion of any partnership contract between the public and private sectors in the areas of extraction and production of oil, gas and refineries, in the sectors of banking and insurance companies, in the military and military industries, and in service infrastructures such as power stations, ports, infrastructure for the communications sector, and service projects of a security nature. Or directly related to it and water dam projects and in the government health sector.
Our national economy, our banks, and reputational risk
At a time when the Central Bank and the Iraqi banking sector celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Central Bank of Iraq. This anniversary culminated this year with great achievements at the level of supporting and stimulating the national economy.
And revitalizing the economic cycle and securing allocations that exceeded 18 trillion dinars to finance small, medium, housing, investment and renewable energy projects. The World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and international organizations commended the developments in
In the Iraqi economy and expectations of an increase in the growth rate in the gross domestic product this year to 9.3% and the arrival of foreign cash reserves to the limits of 90 billion dollars and 130 tons of gold due to the rational procedures in the applications of monetary policy and safe investments, which had a major role in achieving the above achievements. Unfortunately we noticed
Some yellow and non-competent means of communication and media, and personalities with special interests these days, are spreading rumors and fabricated news that are not based on reliable and official sources that harm our banks. And the official body that must be approved is the Central Bank of Iraq exclusively. to the applicable law. And he is concerned with the implementation of international sanctions imposed on some banks that violate internationally approved standards, as happened a few days ago by stopping the dealings of only four banks in foreign currencies with circulars issued by the Central Bank.
We must not forget that our country is now going through complex crises and great challenges facing the new government, which requires everyone to cooperate with it in order to achieve its governmental approach to achieving economic reform.
And the effects of the global economic and financial crisis and its negative repercussions on our economy in the coming months, as expected.
The rumors and fabricated news currently circulating from some social networks and some satellite channels whose orientations are well known and intended to deliberately offend the national economy and national economic institutions that have clear success experiences and work with national Iraqi cadres, and that these parties are driven by special interests and projections. They target our national economy and its institutions that have achieved clear achievements. During the economic and security shocks that Iraq went through after mid-2014 until the present time, it contributed to achieving economic resilience and supported our national economy. Their posts and press and media reports have preoccupied us these days by targeting our banks
And involving it in organizational, administrative and technical problems and exploiting leaks to amplify fabricated information that has not been audited and verified. Its aim is to blackmail and cover up the achievements made during the years of crisis. So why target? The reason, as I see it, is that the Central Bank insists that all banks for which it is responsible for supervision and control and related financial institutions do their daily work, internally and externally, to adhere to the instructions, controls and regulations in accordance with its objectives contained in its law, which maintain economic stability in the country.
Although I respect the other opinion issued by non-specialists or those who specialize in the economy and monetary policy in particular, but I may disagree with the opinion that tries to harm the reputation of the Iraqi banking sector
And the reflection of reputational risks on our international banking dealings. Therefore, I call on the media to look, even for once, at preserving the reputation of the Iraqi economy internally and externally, because it is illogical for us to allow the targeting of our economic institutions that are directly responsible for achieving steadfastness and economic stability. Because directing accusations against our banking sector is an insult to Iraq's economic reputation internationally without scrutiny and investigation of the leaked information.
These authorities know before others, through evidence, facts, and business results, that banks are the first basic link in the economy, and without a sound banking sector, it is not possible to build a sound economic sector. To implement the controls and instructions issued by the Central Bank, to give due diligence to all internal and external banking operations, and to operate openly under the spotlight of the internal and external supervisory authorities, in order to preserve the reputation of our national economy and the achievements of the Central Bank during the past twenty years.
The cost of Iraq’s empty promises
Sudani’s tenure has not even reached the 30-day mark, but judging by his performance so far, there is little that can be described as success (or even the hint of it). Unless something changes, Iraqis are facing three more years of empty words and politics as usual.
Less than a month after being inaugurated as Iraq’s prime minister, Mohammed Shiaa Al Sudani is already reneging on promises he made to secure his governing coalition. The longer these pledges go unmet, the longer Iraq’s destabilising political polarisation will persist.
To elect a president and form a cabinet, Sudani’s pro-Iran Shia political bloc, the Coordination Framework, needed support from the country’s Sunnis.
Sunnis traded their support for a promise that, once in power, the new prime minister would withdraw pro-Iran Shia militias, known as Popular Mobilisation Units (PMU), from Sunni-dominated provinces in the northwest. Al Sudani agreed and also vowed to issue a general pardon that would open the door for the rehabilitation of the mostly-Sunni ISIS fighters.
Neither of these promises has been kept. Pro-Iran Shia lawmakers have obstructed measures that would undermine the PMUs without disbanding them. Meanwhile, proposed legislation to reinstate a compulsory military draft, introduced as a way to deplete the pool of unemployed young men for pro-Iran militias to recruit from, has been blocked by pro-Iran Shia politicians.
Along similar lines, Interior Minister Abdul Amir Al Shammari, a Shia who ascended the military ranks (and who once ordered government forces to storm the headquarters of the biggest pro-Iran Shia militia, Kataeb Hezbollah) proposed the demilitarisation of the country’s biggest cities and recommended that security be handed over to local and federal police.
Ejecting militias from cities would force them to shut down their offices, which are used to dispense favours to the local population, recruit fighters, and disseminate pro-Iran regime propaganda. Again, while Al Sudani feigned support for such a plan before his appointment, execution has fizzled since.
While Sudani has given the impression that he plans to empower the Iraqi state, his actions have so far avoided antagonising pro-Iran Shia militias, whose very existence undermine the state itself.
As in Lebanon, Iraq’s pro-Iran militias are skilled political manipulators and use politics to secure their fate. These militias manoeuvre to force the election of an executive branch that bestows legitimacy on their existence, without ever questioning their armament or corruption.
Sudani has depicted himself as a prime minister busy combatting corruption and building an economy that works for all Iraqis. But the governing model he has employed is doing just the opposite. Akin to the Iranian regime’s approach, Iraq’s government is concerned only with the economy and has ceded nearly everything else, especially security, to pro-Iran militias.
After the assassination of Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in 2005, pro-Iran Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah called for partnership with the opposition bloc, with caveats. “You handle reconstruction and we handle resistance,” he said, explaining how Hezbollah would dictate Lebanon’s security and foreign policies. It is a similar calculus in Iraq today.
Al Sudani’s effort to combat corruption has so far looked half-hearted and vengeful. The new cabinet did slaughter some sacred cows and arrested senior officers accused of running the “largest oil smuggling network” in the country. But it has yet to go after the political titans known for embezzling public funds and extending protection to corrupt civil servants and military personnel.
No one knows what Al Sudani is waiting for, if he is waiting for anything at all. The man got his call only because Iraq’s pro-Iran bloc, whose lawmakers lost the election, replaced the Sadrist bloc after its 73 MPs committed the blunder of resigning.
Sudani has tried to depict himself as an independent non-partisan who stands at equal distance from everyone. So far, however, he has not looked as impartial as claimed. On the contrary, he has proven to be extremely biased toward the policies of the Iran regime in Iraq.
Sudani has yet to show willingness to defend Iraq’s basic interests. For example, Iraq has been raking in $10 billion a month since the beginning of this year, yet the Iraqi dinar has been losing value. The culprit is Iran, which uses small Iraqi banks and exchange shops to syphon foreign currency into the Iranian treasury.
Sudani’s tenure has not even reached the 30-day mark, but judging by his performance so far, there is little that can be described as success (or even the hint of it). Unless something changes, Iraqis are facing three more years of empty words and politics as usual.
Al-Sudani issues a package of decisions affecting high-ranking positions in Iraq
The Iraqi Prime Minister, Muhammad Shia'a al-Sudani, announced the withdrawal of the protections of former presidents and ministers who assumed their duties after 2003.
The decision also included canceling the allocations for the three presidencies for President Abdel Latif Rashid and Speaker of Parliament Muhammad al-Halbousi, in addition to al-Sudani himself.
He also withdrew protections from the former presidents of the republic, Fuad Masum and Barham Salih, and the protections of former prime ministers Iyad Allawi, Ibrahim al-Jaafari, Nuri al-Maliki, Haider al-Abadi, Adel Abdul-Mahdi and Mustafa al-Kazemi.
These decisions, which seemed shocking to senior Iraqi officials, come in an attempt by the prime minister to restructure state institutions and pressure government spending.
As is the norm in post-2003 Iraq, former senior officials usually maintain several government protection regiments, even years after leaving office.
The Prime Minister's decisions also included the deduction of two and a half million dinars from the salaries of members of his government, and the reduction of exaggerated government spending in Iraq.
According to the decisions, the Iraqi Prime Minister canceled the allocations for hospitality, treatment, and renting private planes for the three presidencies, including his office.
Earlier, Al-Sudani decided to cancel 20 Iraqi embassies abroad due to the lack of Iraqi expatriates there, in addition to the huge funds allocated from the annual budget for them and their diplomatic staff.
During the past week, the force assigned to protect the former Prime Minister, Mustafa Al-Kadhimi, numbering about 100, received orders to withdraw and leave its location near his house in the Green Zone.
Muhammad Shia al-Sudani assumed the position of prime minister on the 27th of last October, after the Iraqi parliament approved, by an absolute majority, his cabinet.
The Washington Institute: America is blackmailing the Sudanese government
A report revealed by the Washington Institute that the United States monitors the work and performance of the Sudanese government, especially with regard to the security aspect, and while it indicated that Washington is concerned about Al-Sudanese appointing himself to run the intelligence service, it suggested that it refrain from providing and exchanging security information for this reason.
The report, which was translated by Al-Maalouma Agency, stated that "the process of forming the Iraqi government was marred by a lot of change in ministerial positions, while the United States monitors that process because it may be considered really decisive for relations between Washington and Baghdad.However, little has been written in the Western media about the personality of Al-Sudanese. ".
And the report indicated that "Al-Sudanese's choice of himself to head the intelligence service, removing Al-Kazemi's aids and expanding the space for his people in this sensitive apparatus may make Washington concerned about cooperation with him, especially in the field of information exchange." , which will affect the future of the entire security relations between the two sides.” As the report claims.
And he continued, "Within the framework of Al-Sudanese pledge to fight corruption, the appointment of Sami Taif to the Ministry of Finance can play an important role in a much-needed government campaign," noting that "the Sudanese government program includes fighting improving public services, and reforming the economy, while Washington is awaiting corruption the next steps to find out. directions of the new government.
He added, "Al-Sudanese, who was born in 1970 and holds a master's degree in project management, executed his father and five members of his family at the hands of Saddam's regime on charges of belonging to the Dawa Party. After that, Al -Sudanese became active and participated in the popular uprising that followed the Gulf War in 1991.
He added, "Unlike most of the country's current political elite, Al-Sudanese remained in Iraq throughout his life rather than living in exile during Saddam's rule. In contrast, Mustafa Al-Kazemi resided in the United States and other Western countries before returning to his homeland after 2003, even he obtained British citizenship.”
The Deputy Speaker of Parliament proposes to the federal government to prepare the budget in coordination with the region
Shakhwan Abdullah, Deputy Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament announced, on Saturday, that he had submitted a proposal to the federal government that includes cooperation and coordination with the Kurdistan Regional Government in preparing the country's general financial budget for the current year.
"We hope that what happened in previous years will not be repeated in the budget," Abdullah said in a statement to reporters from inside the parliament building, adding, "We made a proposal to the government that the draft budget law be prepared in cooperation with the Kurdistan Regional Government in order to reduce disputes over the budget within Parliament during the passage of its law.”
The federal government is ready and has set the negotiating committee and is awaiting the arrival of the Kurdistan Region delegation to resume the dialogues in order to resolve the differences and outstanding issues between Erbil and Baghdad.
The is manipulating the capabilities of the Iraqis.. Deputy: Washington's ambassador must be removed from internal decisions
Today, Saturday, the representative of the Al-Fateh Alliance, Rafik al-Salihi, accused the US ambassador of manipulating the capabilities of the Iraqi people, calling on the new government to keep it away from interfering with decisions that concern the Iraqi interior.
Al-Salihi said in an interview with Al-Maalouma, that "the Washington ambassador has tampered with the capabilities of the Iraqi people on more than one occasion through her interference in political decisions," adding that "her continued influence on political decisions has caused many problems and crises."
He added, "What the American ambassador is practicing represents the hidden hands that have worked to change many Iraqi decisions on many occasions."
He continued, "Iraq will not achieve complete stability unless this ambassador and others are removed from interfering in internal affairs," calling on the House of Representatives to take a decision to end the foreign presence inside Iraq.
And the leader of the State of Law coalition, Abbas al-Maliki, had spoken earlier to Al-Maalouma, that "the American ambassador to Iraq acts as if she is a high representative so that she receives political and non-political personalities, and all doors, including social and political ones, are open to this ambassador, who believes that she is the ultimate matter." in the country.”
Foreign Minister: Iraq is still coordinating with many countries to eliminate sources of financing ISIS,
The Iraqi Foreign Minister, Fouad Hussein confirmed, on Saturday, that his country continues to coordinate with various countries of the world with the aim of combating terrorism represented by ISIS.
Hussein said in a speech during the Manama Dialogue, "Iraq is still coordinating with many countries around the world to combat terrorism and eliminate all sources of funding for ISIS."
"All of us in this region are aware of the impact of climate change, and we support all international efforts to ensure a clean environment for the future," he added.
Hussein continued by saying that "finding permanent solutions to conflicts in the Middle East is the key to establishing regional security, such as the Palestinian issue, and the situations in Yemen and Libya."
A high-ranking Iraqi government delegation, headed by Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, arrived Friday morning in Bahrain to participate in a dialogue forum in the capital, Manama.
The delegation, which also includes National Security Adviser Qassem Al-Araji, arrived in the Bahraini capital to participate in the Manama Dialogue Forum, which was held from November 18-20 of this year, under the title "Rules and Competition in the Middle East."
Yesterday evening, the 18th Security Summit, "Manama Dialogue 2022", kicked off with a wide participation of more than 400 participants from different countries through high-level representation of ministers, security officials, military leaders and academics.
Baghdad Governor: The 2023 budget will focus on infrastructure projects
Baghdad Governorate announced, on Saturday, that the budget for the next year 2023 will focus on implementing infrastructure projects.
The governor of Baghdad, Muhammad Jaber al-Atta, said in a statement, "The meeting that was held recently with Prime Minister Muhammad Shia' al-Sudani discussed the lack of financial allocations for the governorate that would enable it to implement projects."
Al-Atta added, "Despite this problem, the governorate was able to implement a number of projects after carrying out careful studies to reduce costs and increase performance, the most important of which is the implementation of about 400 schools, some of which have been completed and others are under construction."
And that "the meeting stressed the importance of increasing financial allocations for the governorate during the budget for the next year 2023 to implement infrastructure projects such as water and sanitation, as well as building hospitals and health centers."
He pointed out that "the governorate will conduct a study of a number of its projects in order to reduce its costs, especially those that are lagging," noting that "there is a problem in providing land for school projects because it is of the agricultural type, as this file faces legal and administrative problems."
The governor of Baghdad pointed out that "the prime minister confirmed that it will study this file in order to assign the province in this field."
Iraq: We are determined to develop the oil sector and implement projects to meet the needs of citizens
Today, Saturday, the Iraqi Prime Minister, Muhammad Shia Al-Sudani, affirmed the government's determination to develop the oil sector and to complete projects that meet the citizens' need for fuel .
A statement issued by the Prime Ministry - reported by the Iraqi "Al-Ikhbariya" channel - stated that "Al-Sudani announced the start of work on the expansion project (Al-Shinafiyah Refinery) in Al-Diwaniyah Governorate, and this project will increase the production capacity of the refinery from 20,000 barrels per day to 90,000 barrels per day." By adding a refining unit with a capacity of 70,000 barrels per day .
Al-Sudani explained that "this increase will contribute to reducing the import of gasoline and gas oil, and providing surplus quantities of liquid gas and fuel oil production, which have a great economic return. The project will also provide about three thousand job opportunities ."
He added, "The cost of this project amounted to 125 million dollars, and it is expected to add hydrogenation and refining units and complementary units to improve the specifications of gasoline, which units will need another allocation of about 675 million dollars .
Leadership in the frame: foreign parties in Kurdistan are draining the pockets of Iraqis with billions of dinars
On Friday, the leader in the coordination framework, Jabbar Odeh, confirmed the presence of foreign parties in Kurdistan draining the pockets of Iraqis with billions of dinars.
In an interview with Al-Maalouma, Odeh said, "There are headquarters of parties, some of which are armed, not Iraqi. They have headquarters in some areas of the Kurdistan region that impose royalties and are involved in the file of smuggling and extortion They drain the pockets of the people of those areas with billions of dinars annually.”
He added, “There is an international agenda that wants to make Iraq an arena of regional conflict through the presence of the headquarters of those parties, whose presence has become a real threat to the security of Kurdistan and the entire country, pointing out that the Iraqi constitution is clear in preventing the presence of any political headquarters that pose a threat to the security of neighboring countries.
He pointed out, "The need to pay attention to the danger of these parties and the agenda they represent that harms the higher interests of Iraq because it plunges it into many problems, which calls for bold decisions that contribute to ending the tension."
The Kurdistan region includes the headquarters of several non-Iraqi political parties, some of which are armed and have caused problems with some neighboring countries in recent years.
The government's financial advisor to NINA: Al-Sudani's decisions regarding corruption will reflect positively on the country's economy
The financial advisor to the government, Mazhar Muhammad Salih, affirmed: "The decisions and steps of Prime Minister Muhammad Shia'a Al-Sudani, to combat corruption, are correct decisions that will reflect positively on the country's economy."
Muhammad Salih said in a statement to the National Iraqi News Agency ( NINA ): "This government will have among its priorities (no development without combating corruption), and the issue of development and economic progress is linked to dismantling corruption, which is deliberately sabotaging the future of the country's economy."
He added: "The government program, which was approved by the House of Representatives and has become an applicable document, is a first priority for the Prime Minister, who will establish a logistical support council for combating corruption, to accelerate and advance economic development as soon as possible."
Do you reduce government expenditures due to the decline in oil prices.. Parliamentary finance answers!
A member of the Parliamentary Finance Committee, Jamal Cougar, commented today, Saturday, on the impact of government expenditures in the draft budget law for the year 2023 due to the decline in oil prices in the global market.
Cougar told Earth News, "The main and total reliance in supporting Iraq's budget is the sale of oil, and for this reason, any decline in oil prices in the global market will have a direct impact on all financial allocations in the budget paragraphs."
And Cougar indicated that “oil prices have declined in the global market, and it will certainly have a direct impact on the price of a barrel in the draft budget law, and for this Iraq always sets a price much lower than the real price, so that it can face any crisis that may occur if oil prices fall, for any reason.” cause was in the world.
Economist: Al-Rafidain Bank obtains 33 million dinars in interest from one borrower for housing
An economist confirmed, on Saturday, that the government "Al-Rafidain" Bank obtains 33 million Iraqi dinars as interest from a single borrower for housing loans.
The expert, Nabil Al-Marsoumi, said, in a press statement received by Shafaq News Agency, that "the name of the project: housing loans provided by Al-Rafidain Bank, at a value of 150 million dinars," noting that "the period of installment payment: 10 years, at a rate of 15 million dinars annually."
And Al-Marsawi indicated that “the annual interest rate is 4%,” explaining that the beneficiary of the interest rate will pay to the Rafidain Bank, as shown:
The first year = 150 at 4% = 6 million dinars
The second year = 135 at 4% = 5.4 million dinars
The third year = 120 at 4% = 4.8 million dinars
The fourth year = 105 at 4% = 4.2 million dinars
The fifth year = 90 at 4% = 3.6 million dinars
The sixth year = 75 at 4% = 3 million dinars
The seventh year = 60 at 4% = 2.4 million dinars
The eighth year = 45 at 4% = 1.8 million dinars
The ninth year = 30 times 4% = 1.2 million dinars
The tenth year = 15 at 4% = 0.6 million dinars
Al-Marsawi concluded, from this, that the total accumulated interest to be paid by the beneficiary of the loan = 33 million dinars, meaning that the percentage of the cumulative total interest to the loan amount reaches 22%.
Earlier today, Al-Rafidain Bank announced that its branches in all governorates had provided a loan to purchase a house for 150 million dinars, to be paid in installments over ten years, at 4% interest.
The real estate market in Iraq is witnessing a significant increase during the last two years, as prices sometimes doubled or more in some areas.
In a previous interview with Shafaq News Agency, the economic and financial expert, Hilal Al-Tahan, attributes; The rise in real estate prices in Iraq, especially in the capital, Baghdad, is due to three reasons, including "the government banks that started lending to citizens to buy residential homes at an amount of 100 and 150 million dinars, and sometimes even more than these amounts."
Sunday 21, 2022
this is my favorite today so far
An expert reveals 3 reasons why the 2023 budget will be the best in 20 years
Economic expert Nasser Al-Kinani confirmed today, Sunday, that the 2023 budget will be the best budget since 2003 until next year for several reasons.
Al-Kinani said in a statement to (Baghdad Today), that "one of the most important reasons that make the budget the best is the presence of a modern government that was born after the labors of Aserdam a year," explaining that "the Prime Minister is betting on providing the best of the best in all areas of reform and service and addressing all failures past years".
He added, "The second reason is achieving oil revenues estimated at $120 billion, in addition to other revenues estimated at $30 billion."
Al-Kinani continued, "The third reason is to reduce the salaries and allocations of the three presidencies and an attempt to eliminate corruption in all aspects of the state."
Expert: The oil export structure must be developed with an increase in production to 8 million barrels per day in Iraq,
The oil expert, Hamza Al-Jawahiry, said on Sunday that the increase in Iraq's oil production must be in parallel with the development of its export structure, expecting that production will reach 8 million barrels per day within two years, with the completion of field development operations in the country.
Al-Jawahiry said in an interview with Shafaq News agency, "Iraq's calls to increase its oil share in OPEC are considered normal because its oil reserves are very large and it has oil development operations taking place in 18 oil fields across the country, which will lead to an increase in its oil production."
He added, "The processes of increasing production must be accompanied in parallel by the processes of injecting water into old reservoirs, in which production processes decrease as a result of low pressure, and Iraq needs to develop its export infrastructure to be integrated, including marine pipelines that go to floating ports."
Al-Jawahiri continued by saying, "There is a sea line that must be completed, and a line to the Khor al-Amaya port that must be completely replaced due to its obsolescence, as well as the Basra deep port line that returns surplus oil from export operations, which also needs repair, in addition to that Iraq needs reservoirs." Not only in Faw, but in 7-8 oil fields," pointing out that "this is despite the fact that it is a lot of operations, but if it takes place in parallel with each other, it will be completed in a year or two and will enable Iraq to reach 8 million barrels per day."
The expert also pointed out that "the companies operating in the oil fields are very large companies and are able to increase production in the event that there is work in developing and improving the infrastructure for export and oil storage," pointing out that "Iraq cannot currently increase its production because it is restricted by OPEC controls that set Iraq's production is part of its policy to maintain and not reduce oil prices.
The former Iraqi Oil Minister, Ihsan Abdul-Jabbar, said earlier this year that his country is working to increase crude oil production capacities to 8 million barrels per day, in cooperation with foreign partners, by the end of 2027.
In November 2022, the head of the state oil marketing company "SOMO" Alaa Al-Yasiri said that the Ministry of Oil is looking forward to increasing oil production rates and increasing basic exports in line with global market demand and OPEC decisions.
On October 4, OPEC, which includes 13 members, including Iraq, reduced its oil production quotas by two million barrels per day to maintain oil prices, and Iraq's share of the reduction was by 220,000 barrels per day, to reach 4.431 million barrels per day.
Baghdad offers "mediation" between Washington and Tehran to resolve the nuclear issue
Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein announced the readiness of the Baghdad government to "play the role of mediator" between the United States and Iran during the next stage, with the aim of resolving the Iranian nuclear file crisis that has been pending for months.
Hussein said on the sidelines of the Manama Summit held in Bahrain, according to what was reported by the American network MSN, that "the conflict between the United States and America is now reflected in its impact on the lands, society and politics of Iraq," continuing, "It is in our interest to help if we can encourage the two sides to Return to the negotiations in Vienna.
He stressed that Baghdad "enjoys positive relations with both Tehran and Washington, and can talk to both sides easily, given the positive historical relations it enjoys," explaining, "We are concerned that the increase in tension between the United States and Iran will lead to the region entering a dangerous phase." As he said.
Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian praised Iraq's efforts and its role in promoting regional and international dialogues to consolidate stability and security in the region, while affirming Tehran's readiness to continue coordination with Baghdad on common issues.
Parliament publishes the agenda for tomorrow's session
On Sunday (November 20, 2022), the House of Representatives published the agenda for its session, which is scheduled to be held tomorrow.
The media department of the council said in a statement, "The agenda for tomorrow's session, Monday, corresponding to the 21st of November, included the first reading of the draft law on the accession of the Republic of Iraq to the basic system of the Hague Conference on Private International Law, and the first reading of the draft law ratifying the basic cooperation agreement between the government of the Republic of Iraq." and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization ( unido ).
She added, "The table also included the first reading of the draft informatics crimes law, in addition to the report and discussion (second reading) of the draft law of the third amendment to the Law of the Great Imam College No. (19) for the year 1997."
She pointed out that "the table also included a report and discussion (second reading) of a draft law regulating wages for services in the centrally funded state departments and their devolution, as well as general discussions."
Rasheed Bank announces the launch of the electronic secured documents system
Al-Rashid Bank announced the launch of the electronic secured documents system, the national project to cancel breast health transactions.
And the bank stated that “this came in accordance with the directives of the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers / Data Center, and this project cancels all validity of manual issuance and be electronic through an electronic system between the bank and all departments, and this procedure will reduce routine and shorten the time for the citizen in all banking transactions.”
notices (CBI Site)
To ensure that the exchange companies ( A , B ) and the brokerage companies in the sale and purchase of foreign currencies adhere to due diligence procedures towards customers, and to ensure that dealings with persons included in the local and international deprivation lists, it was decided not to allow companies contracting with each other in the field of internal transfers to receive notifications of incoming transfers.
For the benefit of customers via a mobile phone, rather, this is done through the company's electronic system. In the event that this is not possible, it is done by correspondence via the official e-mail of the company and through its computers.
An expert reveals a "suspicious" American meeting with 35 Iraqi banks
Al-Sheikhly said; For the “Unannounced” program, broadcast by Al-Furat TV channel this evening, it says: “It is supposed to start fighting corruption in state institutions from the top of the pyramid or below, and big personalities who were involved in stealing the century.”
He added, "The US Federal Reserve addressed the Central Bank to stop the work of 14 private banks and audit them, and the representative of the US embassy met with 35 banks to warn their owners without the knowledge of the Central Bank of Iraq."
Al-Sheikhly said, "The banks that the representative of the US embassy met with leaked money to internationally sanctioned countries," noting that "sales at the currency auction have decreased remarkably in the past two days."
He continued, "Iraq is not the only country that suffers from corruption, and the previous governments did not seize the opportunity to combat corruption, and the people stand by the Sudanese Prime Minister, Muhammad Shia'a, in the steps to combat corruption."
Al-Sheikhly indicated, "The state system has become a norm for transferring money illegally, and part of the money for goods does not go to buy them, but to smuggle them, and control is the responsibility of taxes and customs, not the central bank."
The President of the Republic affirms Iraq's determination to maintain and develop strong relations with the Netherlands
And the presidential statement, received {Euphrates News} a copy of it, said: "The President of the Republic received, at the Peace Palace in Baghdad, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Hans Sande, who extended his congratulations and blessings to God on the occasion of his election as President of the Republic."
The President of the Republic expressed his thanks and appreciation for the kind congratulations, stressing "Iraq's determination to perpetuate and develop strong relations with the Netherlands and consolidate horizons of constructive cooperation in various fields in a way that serves the common interests of the two friendly peoples."
He stressed, "the need for international cooperation to coordinate the basic humanitarian services provided to the displaced, as concerns focus on expediting the resolution of this file and returning the displaced families to their areas of residence."
The President of the Republic also spoke about the problems of climate change and the importance of joint action to reach results that contribute to reducing its negative effects, in addition to reviewing the water problem that Iraq suffers from, which affected all sectors of life in the country.
Deputy for Al-Fateh: The oil and gas law will be dealt with in parliament within a maximum period of three months
The representative of the Al-Fatah Alliance, Mortada Al-Saadi, announced that the oil and gas law will be dealt with in parliament within a maximum period of three months.
Al-Saadi said in a televised statement: "There must be a legal ceiling for dialogue with the region about the final version of the oil and gas law."
He added, "The fight against corruption in unconventional ways is a priority for the Sudanese government, explaining that the anti-corruption team works under the umbrella of the Integrity Commission.
America refrain from providing and exchanging information with the Iraqi intelligence service!
A report by (The Washington Institute) revealed; that the “United States” is monitoring the work and performance of the “Al-Sudani” government; Especially with regard to the security aspect, and while he indicated that “Washington” was concerned about the appointment of “Al-Sudani” himself to run the “intelligence service”, he suggested that it refrain from providing and exchanging security information for this reason.
The report stated; That: “The process of forming the Iraqi government was marred by a lot of change in ministerial positions; While the United States monitors this process because it may be considered really decisive for relations between Washington and Baghdad, yet little has been written in the Western media about the personality of Al-Sudani.
American concern..
And the report of the American Institute showed; That: “Al-Sudani chose himself to head the intelligence service; Removing Al-Kazemi's aides and expanding the space for his faction in this sensitive body; It may make Washington anxious about cooperating with him, especially in the field of information exchange, which will affect the future of all security relations between the two sides.” As the report claims.
And he continued: “Within the framework of the Sudanese pledge to fight corruption; set can play; Taif Sami, for the Ministry of Finance, plays an important role in a much-needed government campaign,” noting that: “The Sudanese government program includes fighting corruption, improving public services, and reforming the economy, while Washington is looking forward to the next steps to find out the directions of the new government.”
He did not leave Iraq.
The report added; That: “Sudani; Who was born in 1970, and holds a master's degree in project management. His father and five members of his family were executed by Saddam's regime on charges of belonging to the (Dawa) party, where Al-Sudani was active after that; participated in the Shaaban uprising; following the Gulf War in 1991.
He continued, “Unlike most of the country’s current political elite, Al-Sudani has been in Iraq his entire life rather than living in exile during Saddam’s rule. On the other hand, Mustafa Al-Kazemi resided; In the United States and other Western countries before returning to his homeland after 2003, he even obtained British citizenship.
The US administration confirms its commitment to ensuring the stability of Iraq
The US Under Secretary of Defense for Political Affairs, Colin Kahl, met with the Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, along with the US National Security Council Coordinator for the Middle East, Brett McGurk, and the US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, Barbara Leaf, in the Bahraini capital, Manama, on the sidelines of a conference Manama Annual Dialogue.
Pentagon spokesman David Herndon stated that the US delegation reaffirmed the US commitment to the strategic partnership with Iraq and also reaffirmed the US commitment to maintaining US forces in the country to support the Iraqi security forces in their ongoing fight to defeat ISIS.
The US delegation also expressed its concerns about threats to Iraq's security and stability and expressed hope for continued progress in the Iraqi government's economic stabilization program, as well as decisive steps to facilitate Iraq's integration into the region.
Al-Sudani and Al-Maliki stress the importance of supporting the government in implementing its ministerial program
Today, Sunday, the Prime Minister, Muhammad Shia Al-Sudani, received the former Prime Minister, Nuri Al-Maliki, while they stressed the importance of supporting the government in implementing its ministerial program.
A statement from Al-Sudani's office, received by (Baghdad Today), stated that "during the meeting, they discussed the overall general situation in the country, in the political, security and economic aspects."
He continued, "The meeting witnessed an emphasis on the importance of supporting the government in implementing its ministerial program, and searching for new mechanisms that would improve government performance and develop government policies in fighting corruption and activating economic engines, in order to support the citizen and redress vulnerable groups in society."
Al-Rafidain and Al-Rasheed are discussing the introduction of modern technology in banking transactions
Al-Rafidain Bank confirmed, on Sunday, its endeavor to simplify banking procedures and introduce modern technology.
The bank stated in a statement, which Mawazine News received a copy of, that "General Director of Al-Rafidain Bank, Muhammad Samir, received General Manager of Al-Rashid Bank, Bassem Abd Ali Youssef, and during the meeting, they discussed the mechanisms of joint cooperation between the two sides with regard to banking work and its development."
The two sides stressed, according to the statement, "keeping pace with modern banking technology and advancing the banking sector in the country, which will reflect positively on the growth of the national economy."
Muhammad Samir stressed, "The need to improve the level of service performance provided to citizens and simplify banking procedures and facilities in line with the ministry's directives in overcoming all obstacles and routine procedures that would impede the completion of transactions.
Vice reveals the reason for the decline in central bank sales
Today, Sunday, the deputy of the State of Law coalition, Muhammad Al-Shammari, attributed the decrease in the central bank’s sales of dollars in the currency sale auction to the new government’s control of currency smuggling and money laundering.
Al-Shammari said, in an interview with Al-Maalouma, that "the decrease in the central bank's sales of dollars in the currency auction took place after controlling and laundering all the money that was entering the field of smuggling," stressing that "the Sudanese made a correct start by standing in the face of everyone who was earning money." Profits from selling hard currency for very high amounts, especially in the recent period.
He added, "The features of the work of the new government began to appear through a number of files that were dealt with in the period that followed the previous caretaker government."
He pointed out that "there are many officials who have been dismissed or held accountable for all the files that were hacked in the caretaker government headed by Mustafa Al-Kazemi."
And the economic expert, Abd al-Rahman al-Mashhadani, had previously spoken to Al-Maalouma, that "private banks are the only beneficiaries of the sale of the central bank by smuggling hard currency out of Iraq."
The leader of the State of Law coalition, Ibrahim al-Sukaini, had previously spoken to / information /, that "the goal of the change in positions is not to repeat the mistakes and breaches that occurred in the previous caretaker government," pointing out that "state institutions, departments and ministries need to A revolution in changing positions at the level of senior positions in it.
Washington comments on the Turkish strikes in northern Syria
The United States commented, on Sunday, on the Turkish bombing that targeted separate areas in northern and eastern Syria under the control of the Syrian Democratic Forces, describing the situation as "difficult".
At dawn on Sunday, Turkish warplanes carried out air strikes on the areas of Kobani, al-Shahba, Zarkan, and the countryside of Derik, killing 12 people, including fighters from the Syrian Democratic Forces, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
On the sidelines of the Manama Dialogue Conference, the coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa in the National Security Council at the White House, Brett McGurk, called for stopping destabilization in northern Syria.
Ankara announced that its air strikes are in response to the Istanbul explosion, accusing the "Kurdistan Workers" and "Syrian Democratic Forces" of involvement in the operation that killed 6 people and injured 81 others, according to official Turkish statistics.
Meanwhile, McGurk stressed his country's commitment and keenness to keep the Syrian-Turkish border safe, noting at the same time that Washington "has no information about the side" that carried out the recent Istanbul attack.
While the Syrian Democratic Forces deny responsibility for the Taksim Street explosion, the commander of those forces, Mazloum Abdi, confirms that the recent Turkish strikes on areas in northern Syria "have nothing to do with the Istanbul bombing, and that Ankara has been planning the attack for a year."
In addition, the Middle East and North Africa coordinator at the US National Security Council affirmed the United States' long-term commitment to the security of the entire region.
McGurk said that partnerships are "the first principle of US policy in the region, strengthening it and developing new ones," noting that building alliances to confront various challenges such as Iran, food and energy security and climate change "is a priority."
After threatening a military invasion.. An American report: Iraq will be unable to fulfill Qaani's demand
The American newspaper Newswire expected, in a report in cooperation with the American Institute for the Study of War, that Iraq would reject the Iranian demands that were presented to it by the commander of the Iranian Quds Force, Ismail Qaani, during an unannounced visit that he made to the capital, Baghdad.
The newspaper stated, according to its report, which was translated by (Baghdad Today), that the “threat” that Qaani made to the Iraqi and Kurdish authorities, and their choice is between “disarming the Kurdish separatist factions and securing the borders or exposure to a large Iranian military operation across the land,” which cannot be achieved by Iraq, according to the same source. described.
And "NewsWire" indicated that the Iraqi constitution prohibits the official government forces from entering the territory of the Kurdistan region of Iraq, and the Iraqi forces, in any case, do not have the capabilities or equipment to fulfill Qaani's wishes.
And she continued by saying: "If the transfer of Iraqi forces into Kurdistan is achieved, the field will open wide for the terrorist organization ISIS to exploit security gaps in the rest of Iraq, which Baghdad cannot risk."
She added that among the other important reasons is the repercussions that the movement of the Iraqi army forces to Kurdistan, at Iranian request, will have on the popularity of the Sudanese government, at a time when it is in dire need of popularity.
These reasons cited by the newspaper come together with what the American Institute for the Study of War said were "indications" issued by the Prime Minister of the region, Masrour Barzani, and showed his intention to "use the Peshmerga forces to resist the Iraqi and Iranian forces in the event that they try to enter the territory of Kurdistan," leading to the conclusion that "the two parties The Kurdish and the Iraqi, they will not accept the implementation of Qaani's demands in any way," as he put it.
The institute also suggested that Qaani had “prior knowledge” of the impossibility of implementing his demands by the government of Baghdad and Erbil, even if they wanted to do so, and that Qaani’s declaration of official demands is just an attempt to obtain “political cover for a planned and prepared ground invasion in any case, which Iran intends to carry out.” against northern Iraq," as he described it.
Economist: Iraq is part of {OPEC} and trying to increase productivity depends on its population
Al-Saadi told {Euphrates News} that "oil prices are linked to political aspects, as they have direct effects on prices, and if the situation continues in this case and the continuation of the Russian-Ukrainian war, prices will not drop more than this, oil prices will remain in this range, and it actually affects the activities of developing countries." Economically, there are positive and negative aspects.
And he continued, "With regard to Iraq, it is part of the OPEC organization and is subject to its instructions regarding prices and productivity, although there are attempts to increase that productivity and depending on its population, which is now about forty million, so its productivity cannot be less than Kuwait, which is less than Iraq in the number of people, so the There are many attempts to increase Iraq's production within OPEC.
Details of Pavel Talabani's meeting with Khazali and Chaldani
The President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, Pavel Talabani, discussed, on Sunday, with the Secretary-General of the "Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq" movement, and the Secretary-General of the "Babylon" movement, Rayan al-Kildani, the program of the new government.
A statement from Talabani's office stated, "Pavel Jalal Talabani, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, received Qais al-Khazali, Secretary-General of the League of the Righteous Movement, Qais al-Khazali, Secretary-General of the League of the Righteous Movement, and Rayan al-Kildani, Secretary-General of the Babylon Movement. During the meeting, they discussed the country's situation, the new government's program, the success of the reform process, and the provision of more services." The meeting stressed the implementation of the government's work program, calling for it to carry out its tasks within the framework of the law and the constitution, and to see everyone with one look.
Talabani stressed during the meeting, according to the statement, "The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan is keen on the success of the new government's program, saying we want this cabinet to be at the level of expectations and aspirations of all parties. And that providing services, confronting corruption and maintaining stability are among its priorities, and for this goal all parties must be The parties are collaborators and contributors.
Iraq invites British companies to invest
Today, Sunday, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein called on British companies to invest in Iraq
A statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, received by Alsumaria News, stated that Hussein "met with his British counterpart, James Cleverly, on the sidelines of the 18th Manama Dialogue meetings, which are taking place in the Bahraini capital, Manama."
Hussein stressed, "the need to activate the Iraqi-British relations at various levels, including (economic and financial)," calling on British investment companies to "invest in Iraq, praising the financial stability that our country is going through at the present time, and discussing the status of investment companies in Basra
The meeting discussed, according to the statement, "ways to improve bilateral relations between the two countries, and the importance of consultation on issues of common interest. Iraq's pioneering role in the region and its efforts to combat terrorism were also discussed."
The two sides stressed "the importance of continuing efforts to combat terrorist organizations, because they pose a threat to security and stability in Iraq and the region."
For his part, the British Foreign Minister affirmed "the British government's commitment to continue supporting the Iraqi government in the economic, security, combating terrorism, renewable energy, investment and combating the effects of climate change, expressing his government's desire to raise the pace of bilateral relations between the two countries and develop them in a way that serves common interests.
Iraq stresses the need to activate relations with Britain at various levels
The Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Fouad Hussein stressed, during his meeting with his British counterpart, today, Sunday, the need to activate Iraqi-British relations at various levels.
The Iraqi Foreign Ministry said, according to a statement received by Shafaq News Agency, that Hussein met with his British counterpart, Mr. James Cleverly, on the sidelines of the Manama Dialogue 18 meetings, which are taking place in the Bahraini capital, Manama.
Hussein stressed the need to activate the Iraqi-British relations at various levels, including (economic and financial), calling on British investment companies to invest in Iraq, praising the financial stability that our country is going through at the present time, and discussing the status of investment companies in Basra.
During the meeting, they also discussed ways to improve bilateral relations between the two countries, and the importance of consultation on issues of common concern. They also discussed Iraq's pioneering role in the region and its efforts in combating terrorism. The two sides stressed the importance of continuing efforts to combat terrorist organizations. Because it poses a threat to security and stability in Iraq and the region.
For his part, the British Foreign Minister affirmed the British government's commitment to continue supporting the Iraqi government in the economic, security, combating terrorism, and in the areas of renewable energy, investment and combating the effects of climate change, expressing his government's desire to raise the pace of bilateral relations between the two countries and develop them in a way that serves common interests.
Al-Sadr comments on the Qatar World Cup and reveals a wish
The leader of the Sadrist movement, Muqtada al-Sadr, expressed his wishes that the World Cup held in Qatar would be a cup for the unity of the Arab ranks and the spread of peace.
text:
In the name of the Almighty
The FIFA World Cup in its first Arab edition... The first fruit was the restoration of relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the two sister states of Qatar. May it be a trophy for the unity of the Arab and Islamic ranks and the spread of peace, especially in Yemen, Syria, Lebanon and the rest of the Arab countries, so it will be a clear proof to the world that the Arabs and Muslims are capable of managing and organizing the trophy and are able to spread peace and unity of the Arab, Islamic and international ranks, and that is the greatest victory and success against the West.
good in depth article imo
Recovery Fund: A new proposal for refunds and exemptions of up to $5 million
Today, Sunday, the Money Recovery Fund in Iraq announced a new proposal to return funds from abroad, and while determining the value of the informant’s reward from the recovered money, it revealed in numbers the funds recovered in four countries during the recent period.
The deputy chairman of the fund’s board of directors, Moataz Al-Abbasi, said, in an interview with the Iraqi News Agency (INA), that “The Iraq Money Recovery Fund was established according to Iraq Money Recovery Fund Law No. (9) of 2012, which was amended according to Law No. (7) of 2019 And it was approved in Parliament,” indicating that “the most important goals that the fund aims to reach are: recovering all the financial rights of the Republic of Iraq that others (Iraqis and foreigners) obtained illegally, as a result of misuse of the oil-for-food program, blockade, or smuggling.” Or economic sabotage or exploitation of the sanctions imposed on Iraq at the time, to achieve financial gains at the expense of the Iraqi people, and to receive any compensation due to the Republic of Iraq as a result of any legitimate and recognized decision.
He added, "The fund is linked, according to Article (1) of its law, to the Council of Ministers and has a legal personality and is represented by the chairman of the fund's board of directors or whomever he authorizes. As for the management of the fund, it is represented by a board of directors consisting of: the head of the Integrity Commission as president, and the general manager of the Recovery Department in the Integrity Commission as a member and vice-chairman. In addition to a representative with the rank of Director General of several ministries and entities with specialization as members, and these entities are: the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Oil, Finance, Justice and Trade, the Central Bank of Iraq, as well as the Federal Office of Financial Supervision, the Iraqi National Intelligence Service, and the Supreme National Commission for Accountability and Justice. .
He continued, "The Board of Directors of the Fund may seek the assistance of whomever it deems appropriate from among the specialists from inside and outside Iraq to accomplish tasks, contract with them and determine the rewards granted to them, and it may also propose to conclude international agreements with countries or regional and international organizations regarding achieving the goals of the Fund, and the use of all means of communication." To carry out the tasks entrusted to him, in addition to filing civil and penal lawsuits inside or outside Iraq against natural and legal persons, appointing lawyers from inside or outside Iraq, and paying in installments the amounts agreed upon to be recovered in no more than four installments within a period not exceeding (6) six months from The date of the agreement in exchange for guarantees, and the opening of one or more closed accounts in banks inside or outside Iraq in the name of the Ministry of Finance, to deposit the revenues obtained by the fund, but mostly the fund relies on self-efforts and available expertise that led to the completion of many files.
He referred to "efforts to conclude international agreements with countries or regional and international organizations regarding achieving the fund's goals and overcoming difficulties, especially legal ones," explaining that "if this is not possible, the government can be obligated when it concludes investment or economic agreements with any country that has funds for Iraq covered by provisions." This law requires concluding agreements with those countries to recover those funds, and this is what was stipulated in Law No. (9 of 2012), which was expressly amended by Article No. (14) of the aforementioned law.
He pointed out that “the Fund, according to its amended Law No. (9 of 2012), has the power to exempt its collaborators from the amounts owed by them at a rate of (25%) and up to (5) million dollars of the recovered money as a maximum limit, and the approval of the Council of Ministers is obtained for what exceeds that, and on the one hand Another, set-off with the dues of the collaborators with the various Iraqi departments in the amounts agreed upon and not exceeding the percentage stipulated in Article
(4 / Sixth) of the Fund Law regarding the exemption of the collaborators,” explaining that “the Board of Directors grants a reward to the informant at a rate of (10%), provided that It does not exceed (5) million dollars of the recovered money, but in the case of multiple informants, the rewards are distributed in specific proportions to each of them, and according to the role of each of them in recovering the money.
Al-Abbasi stressed, “There is a special committee for auditing, investigation, and investigation stipulated in the Fund Law in Article (5/First) thereof, and it is formed under the chairmanship of an employee with the title of Director General of the Integrity Commission, and the membership of representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, the Central Bank of Iraq, the National Intelligence Service, and the Bureau of Supreme Audit. The job of any of them is less than an expert or a manager with specialization. This committee receives requests from those wishing to cooperate with the Fund from the bodies covered in its scope of work and from the violators and informants, and studies them and requests documents that support them, and uses the information available from its various sources (internal and external), to identify Natural and legal persons suspected of carrying out illegal actions towards Iraq, which fall within the scope of the Fund’s work, and submit a report thereon to the Settlement Committee, indicating that “The Fund consists of a Board of Directors, an Audit, Investigation and Investigation Committee, and a Settlement Committee, in addition to the secretarial department. For the purpose of supporting the work of these two committees, supportive technical departments have been created to receive applications, study them, and verify their validity, in order to complete the procedures and recover the funds.
He continued, "The committee's tasks are wide, arduous, and important at the same time, as its work is represented by
investigation and auditing through the investigation department, evaluating what the applicants and violators disclose, counting the Iraqi funds that they obtained illegally, determining the amounts that must be recovered for approval, and submitting proposals to the committee." Settlement for each request separately, provided that the proposal includes a clear and explicit opinion and justification for whether the settlement will be made or not, in addition to “the committee undertakes to audit the Iraqi indebtedness to third parties and the parties subject to audit and submit proposals in this regard, and participate in the indebtedness discussions for Iraq with the entities and companies related to the fund, and work not to Paying debts only after the approval of the fund, and coordination with Iraqi and non-Iraqi authorities regarding debt settlement requests submitted by collaborators or any wages required by the fund's work.
He pointed out, “The Settlement Committee is responsible for studying the proposals submitted by the Audit and Investigation Committee, applying the requirements for refunding money to the requests of the collaborators, issuing decisions on the amounts required to be recovered, proposing the method of recovery, making recommendations to the Board of Directors, proposing to take several measures against the non-cooperators, and presenting them also to the The council, such as filing civil or penal lawsuits, requesting that the name be put on the black list, seizing movable and immovable funds in accordance with the law, seizing or confiscating dues and insurances with state departments in accordance with the law, publishing the names of violators and details of violations on the international information network (Internet), as well as proposing concessions It is required to be granted to those collaborating with the fund, and to reconsider the proposals of the Audit and Investigation Committee, and it has the right to cancel or amend it. When objecting, the proposals are submitted to the Board of Directors, and its decision is final.
Regarding the connection of the Iraq Money Recovery Fund to the judiciary and the Integrity Commission, Al-Abbasi stated, “The Judicial Council assigns a judge of the first class to consider cases that are related to the tasks of the Fund. The Director General of the Recovery Department in the Commission, as stipulated in the Fund’s law in Article (3 / First and Second)”, indicating that “the Fund supports the Integrity Commission with the information available to it and which it obtains during the performance of its tasks and duties, in order to recover the funds of Iraq that were smuggled due to corruption after the year 2003.
And he went on, "The fund's work is accurate and contains confidential information related to funds on the one hand, and the cooperating persons from the violators on the other hand, especially since some personalities have international and national judicial decisions issued against them, so out of concern for the safety of the collaborator and the success of the recovery process procedures are being investigated." Significantly and not revealing the procedures until the recovery stage is approaching.
And he added, "The fund's work and the measures taken to achieve its goals in recovering Iraq's money go through stages, and we may need quite short periods of time to complete and be able to recover the funds. (1282) requests, of which (482) were referred, according to the jurisdiction.
He added, "The fund was able to achieve important and tangible achievements in the past short period, including the fund's recovery of (160,000,000) million US dollars from Switzerland, (20,495,415) US dollars from Germany, (5,447,473) US dollars from Germany as well, and (11,915,440). ) euros from Spain, and (65,102) thousand US dollars from Jordan, in addition to the presence of files in the process of completion, including: more than (185,000,000) million US dollars, in addition to settling claims on Iraq and the last of them with Jordan, as debts were extinguished in the amount of ( 750,000) thousand US dollars, while the fund’s negotiations with the collaborators are in full swing, and we will disclose the results as soon as the desired goal is reached
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