Biden extends an invitation to meet Sudanese at the White House, and the framework is confused
The leaders of the coordination framework remained silent about the news of the invitation sent to Prime Minister Mohamed Al-Sudani, who has been in New York for days to attend United Nations meetings, to meet with US President Joe Biden. During recent weeks, there were two opinions within the Shiite coalition regarding Iraqi and American efforts to complete the meeting between the two parties. A conservative opinion and a move to obstruct the meeting or at least lower its level, and a second enthusiastic opinion.
Before the Sudanese traveled to the United States, the Prime Minister had temporarily resolved the salary crisis with Kurdistan, which he expected would disturb his meetings with world leaders there, while the second file related to currency smuggling is still strongly active.
On the eve of the Prime Minister's departure to attend the global event, the value of the Iraqi dinar had declined significantly against the dollar, and the reason for the rise of the foreign currency against the local currency was mostly due to the continued smuggling of money to Tehran.
On the other hand, activists published new details about the demonstrations that are supposed to begin today, Wednesday, in front of the government headquarters, which may complement other protests on the occasion of the fourth anniversary of the October protests that broke out in 2019.
Yesterday, a statement from Al-Sudani’s office revealed that the Prime Minister received an official invitation from President Joe Biden to visit the White House, which was conveyed to him by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken during a meeting on Monday on the sidelines of the United Nations meetings.
But informed political sources said in an interview with Al-Mada that “the invitation so far is still within the protocol context because no specific date has been set.”
According to the government statement, “The US Minister conveyed President Joseph Biden’s invitation to Al-Sudani to visit the White House in order to further discuss bilateral relations between the two countries.” The Prime Minister affirmed his "appreciation of the invitation and his readiness to respond to it at a date to be determined later."
So far, there has been no comment from the leaders of the coordinating framework on the news of the invitation, especially since some leaders of the Shiite coalition declare hostility to the United States. Ihsan Al-Shammari, head of the Center for Political Thinking, believes in an interview with (Al-Mada) that accepting the meeting means that it will have a double impact, positive on the one hand and with major repercussions on the other hand.
Al-Shammari said in an interview with Al-Mada: “The meeting with the American President will lose a trump card from the hands of some extremists within the coordination framework who declare their opposition to Washington.”
Al-Mada had revealed, in mid-August, movements from within and in American circles to hold an expanded meeting between Sudanese and Biden, but some Shiite parties close to Iran tried to make the meeting on the sidelines of United Nations meetings.
Despite this, Al-Shammari finds that "the invitation gives an indication of initial American acceptance of the measures taken by the Sudanese government within American requirements." He added: "The invitation also indicates that the United States can work with the current prime minister if he adheres to the American road map." The researcher in political affairs considered that "the coordinating framework breathed a sigh of relief after announcing the invitation because it feared that the United States would not accept its government." Al-Shammari expects that the files that could be discussed at the meeting relate to “the government’s measures to restrict Iranian influence, disengagement from Tehran on the energy and currency issues, the long-term presence of American forces, and the dissolution of the factions.”
Al-Sudani arrived in New York last Monday, while government spokesman Bassem Al-Awadi said that the Prime Minister will deliver a speech before the United Nations General Assembly.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed Al-Sahhaf said that the Prime Minister will meet with a number of world leaders on the sidelines of the global meeting.
Before Sudanese left Baghdad, he had decided to send more than 2 trillion dinars to Kurdistan to solve the crisis of stopping the salaries of the region’s employees.
Washington praised the government's decision, which political circles had expected might be raised during Sudan's upcoming meeting with the US President.
But on the other hand, the dollar crisis is still continuing and escalated during the Prime Minister's departure from the capital to New York, and the dinar exchange rate reached the threshold of 1,600 dinars to one dollar.
This file was one of the issues that Al-Sudani discussed during his stay in America, as a government statement confirmed that Al-Sudani assured the US Treasury Undersecretary, who met with him on Monday evening, that his government: “has taken several measures with the Central Bank of Iraq in implementing financial reform.”
The statement noted that "the meeting witnessed a discussion of cooperation mechanisms between Iraq and the US Treasury Department, and a review of the government's priorities in implementing economic and administrative reforms that fall within the government program."
It is expected that the dollar issue will be one of the demands of the demonstrators who are supposed to meet on Wednesday morning in Nisour Square in preparation for organizing demonstrations inside the Green Zone.
According to the pages of activists on social media platforms, Wednesday’s protest was called the “Great Iraqis Demonstration,” and they confirmed that it would not conflict with demonstrations that are supposed to take place on October 1 to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the October protests. A group calling itself "the Iraqi people's demonstrators" called in a statement for what it called a major "demonstration" in Baghdad, heading to the Green Zone.
The statement said: “During a whole year, we listened a lot to the promises of the framework government, and their talk about an integrated program to address the crises that the country is going through, but none of that happened.”
The group criticized the continued rise in the price of the dollar, the drying up of rivers, the shrinkage of food rations, and the lack of attention to poor families.
The statement also touched on what it described as a “violation of sovereignty” by Iran, Turkey, Kuwait, and the United States. The group called on the Iraqis: "to participate in the next major demonstration, which will start from the heart of Baghdad towards the headquarters of the current government."
The statement indicated that the gathering will take place on Wednesday, September 20, in Nisour Square at 9 am.
Iran: Iraq is our first trading partner and we plan to establish a joint bank and a free trade zone
Head of the West Asia Department at the Iranian Trade Development Foundation, Farzad Belten, announced on Tuesday the Iranian government’s intention to establish a joint bank and a joint free trade zone with Iraq.
Belten said in a speech he delivered before the Forum for the Sustainable Development of Trade between Iran and Iraq until 2025, which was held in the Iranian Chamber of Commerce, according to Fars News Agency, that “Iraq is our first trade partner in the world and our partner in the field of electric energy in Asia.”
He added, "Every week we see an event in Iran related to Iraq, such as sending trade delegations and holding conferences and exhibitions by the private and government sectors, and this stems from the importance of trade with Iraq."
He continued, "We have 5 border crossings with Iraq, and the presence of merchants who are fluent in the Arabic language is considered an advantage for us in trade with Iraq compared to Turkey."
Belten pointed to the goal set to bring the volume of trade with Iraq to 20 billion dollars, saying, “There is a decision taken to establish new institutions with the participation of the private sector, including a complex of commercial centers that can perform the work of a large number of commercial attachés in providing services to merchants.”
He also stated that "there is a trend towards participation in production with Iraq and its companies."
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Competition between foreign companies for major investments in Iraq
The National Investment Authority confirmed that foreign companies compete with each other to implement projects in Iraq in various sectors.
The authority stated in a statement that it “hosted a meeting of the joint Iraqi-Qatari committee and discussed the proposals and requirements related to the local entities and institutions participating in the committee to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Qatari side.”
The statement added, "The meeting witnessed the presentation of a number of visions and proposals by the participants to enhance economic and financial cooperation between the two countries, raise the level of joint investments, exchange experiences and educational programs, and increase the number of grants and missions, as well as strengthening cooperation in the field of health, environment, solar energy, oil and gas, and contributing to the field of infrastructure." Infrastructure, construction and development of road projects and residential and tourist complexes.”
Deputy Chairman of the Investment Authority, Salar Muhammad Amin, confirmed, according to the statement, that “Iraq is witnessing international and regional demand due to the stability of the political and security situation, and it possesses many capabilities that make it an attractive area for capital and investors.” He pointed out that “investment projects in Iraq are also witnessing a state
of “There is competition for its implementation by investment companies in all sectors.”
Demonstrations in front of the government headquarters
Meanwhile, information is leaking about the possibility of supporters of Muqtada al-Sadr, the leader of the Sadrist movement, holding demonstrations due to the sentencing of 18 officers to imprisonment for attacking the Swedish embassy in Baghdad.
Al-Sadr's supporters set fire to the embassy last July, after an Iraqi in Sweden burned a copy of the Qur'an.
Al-Sadr, who has been out of politics for more than a year, criticized the government after meeting with the families of embassy officers who were sentenced to imprisonment and expulsion from service.
Al-Sadr said in the text of his response to the complaint of the officers’ families: “It is not surprising that that (Abbasid) government issued that punishment, as they have no companionship from the Qur’an, nor companionship from the faith, and they only have chairs, dinner, and money.”
The judiciary issued rulings that included imprisonment for a period ranging between two and three years for the convicted officers, in addition to expulsion from service against officers of the embassy protection, anti-terrorism, and law enforcement forces. The ranks of the convicted officers range from a major general, 3 brigadier generals, 5 colonels, and 3 lieutenant colonels, in addition to two with the rank of captain.
In addition, a group calling itself the "Iraqi People's Demonstrators" broadcast a statement in which it called for what it called a major "demonstration" in Baghdad, heading to the Green Zone.
The statement said: “During a whole year, we listened a lot to the promises of the framework government, and their talk about an integrated program to address the crises that the country is going through, but none of that happened.”
The group's statement criticized the continued rise in the price of the dollar, the drying up of rivers, the shrinking rations, and the lack of attention to poor families. The statement also touched on what it described as a “violation of sovereignty” by Iran, Turkey, Kuwait, and the United States.
The group called on the Iraqis: "to participate in the next major demonstration, which will start from the heart of Baghdad towards the headquarters of the current government."
The statement indicated that the gathering will take place on Wednesday, September 20, in Nisour Square at 9 am.
Expectations that the oil and gas law will be passed after the local elections
The Oil and Gas Law can be called “the dean of deferred laws” in Iraq, as 15 years after it was presented in the House of Representatives, it continues to be postponed for political reasons that coincided with the crises that the political process was periodically exposed to, while the law, according to its draft, allows for production sharing agreements that It guarantees a profit to foreign oil companies, and the federal government distributes remaining oil revenues throughout the country on a per capita basis.
Member of the Parliamentary Oil and Gas Committee, Ali Al-Mashkoor, said in an interview with Al-Sabah, followed by Al-Iqtisad News, that the oil and gas law is a subject of disagreement between the federal government and the region, as they both view it from their own angles, noting that there are 11 controversial points regarding its articles that were drawn up by the federal government. It takes time to solve it because it is in the spirit of the law and interferes with its name.
He pointed out that one of the controversial points, according to the law, is the formation of the Oil and Gas Law Authority, which includes representatives of the producing governorates as well as the federal government and the region, and whose president is the Federal Minister of Oil, while the region wants the region’s Oil Minister to be his equal, expecting it to be passed after the scheduled local elections. Mid of next December.
Mashkoor explained that there are no two states in Iraq, but rather there is a federal government and a region, calling for the centralization of the law to take into account the rights of the provinces and the region, expressing his committee’s readiness to approve the law at any time.
It is noteworthy that the draft law allows production sharing agreements that guarantee a profit for foreign oil companies, while the central government distributes the remaining oil revenues throughout the country on a per capita basis, and allows governorates freedom to award exploration and production contracts.
For his part, parliamentary economics member Kazem Al-Fayyad expected that the passage of the law would contribute to a qualitative shift in the Iraqi economy, and would give better control to the federal government and a more equitable distribution among the governorates, noting that most of the laws passed in the House of Representatives depend primarily on the way they are dealt with and the way they are implemented.
He explained that if the oil and gas law is applied correctly and according to what is stated in its text, the citizen will benefit from it, as oil revenues will be distributed fairly and equally, pointing out that the producing governorates that bear the consequences of oil extraction will benefit, as will the federal government, which will have greater freedom in contracting with companies. Companies will reduce restrictions, and the extraction and export file will be more controlled.
Al-Fayad stressed that the law is excellent, calling for its implementation without political pressure or external or internal interference, with the public interest prevailing.
Expectations that the oil and gas law will be passed after the local elections
he Oil and Gas Law can be called “the dean of deferred laws” in Iraq. Fifteen years after it was presented in the House of Representatives, it continues to be postponed for political reasons that coincided with the crises that the political process was exposed to periodically, while the law, according to its draft, allows for production sharing agreements that guarantee A profit for foreign oil companies, and the central government distributes the remaining oil revenues throughout the country on a share basis The individual.
A member of the Parliamentary Oil and Gas Committee, Ali Al-Mashkoor, told Al-Sabah: The oil and gas law is the subject of disagreement between the federal government and the region, as both of them look at it from their own angles, noting that there are 11 controversial points regarding its articles that were drawn up by the federal government, and they need time to be resolved because they It pours into the spirit of the law and interferes with its name.
He pointed out that one of the controversial points, according to the law, is the formation of the Oil and Gas Law Authority, which includes representatives of the producing governorates in addition to the federal government and the region, and whose president is the Federal Minister of Oil, while the region wants the region’s Oil Minister to be an equal to him, expecting it to be passed after the scheduled local elections. Mid of next December. Mashkoor explained that there are no two states in Iraq, but rather there is a federal government and a region, calling for the centralization of the law to take into account the rights of the provinces and the region.
Parliamentary Committee: The region wants to put an oil minister on par with his federal counterpart!
A member of the Parliamentary Oil and Gas Committee, Ali Al-Mashkoor, said today, Thursday, that the oil and gas law is the subject of disagreement between the federal government and the region, as they both view it from their own angles, noting that there are 11 controversial points regarding its articles that were drawn up by the federal government, and they need time to be resolved because they are aimed at The spirit of the law intervenes in its name.
He pointed out that “one of the controversial points, according to the law, is the formation of the Oil and Gas Law Authority, which includes representatives of the producing governorates as well as the federal government and the region, and whose president is the Federal Minister of Oil, while the region wants the region’s Oil Minister to be an equal to him, expecting it to be passed after the local elections.” Scheduled for mid-December.
Mashkour explained that “there are no two states in Iraq, but rather there is a federal government and a region,” calling for the centralization of the law to take into account the rights of the provinces and the region, expressing his committee’s readiness to approve the law at any time.
For his part, parliamentary economics member Kazem Al-Fayyad expected that “the adoption of the law will contribute to a qualitative shift in the Iraqi economy, and will give better control to the federal government and a more equitable distribution among the governorates,” noting that most of the laws that are approved in the House of Representatives depend primarily on the way they are dealt with and the way they are applied. .
He explained that if the oil and gas law is applied correctly and according to what is stated in its text, the citizen will benefit from it, as oil revenues will be distributed fairly and equally, pointing out that the producing governorates that bear the consequences of oil extraction will benefit, as will the federal government, which will have greater freedom in contracting with companies. Companies will reduce restrictions, and the extraction and export file will be more controlled.
Al-Fayyad stressed that the law is excellent, calling for its implementation without political pressure or external or internal interference, while giving priority to the public interest, according to the official newspaper.
It is noteworthy that the draft law allows production sharing agreements that guarantee a profit for foreign oil companies, while the central government distributes the remaining oil revenues throughout the country on a per capita basis, and allows governorates freedom to award exploration and production contracts.
Al-Sudani meets with American companies to support gas investments in Iraq
link to video in English https://www.bloomberg.
Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani announced yesterday, Wednesday, that he will meet with dozens of American companies as part of efforts to boost investment in the gas sector.
Al-Sudani said in an interview with Bloomberg TV in New York: “My government is serious about investing in gas and in becoming an active and strong player in the market.”
Al-Sudani, who met with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken while he was in New York, said that the latter invited him to visit the White House, expressing his hope to do so by the end of this year.
Al-Sudani revealed that he met with American companies operating in the Kurdistan region of Iraq and wishing to move to the rest of the regions in his country, and that he intends to meet representatives of 31 other companies today. He indicated that his government also aspires to complete agreements with Emirati and Chinese companies, although he refused to give specific information in this regard.
Iraq aims to achieve self-sufficiency in gas production and export
Iraq is trying to reduce its dependence on Iran for obtaining gas, a measure that has become more difficult given that the harsh US sanctions on Iran make the payment process difficult. It is also spending billions of dollars to increase its gas production to avoid supply disruptions.
Al-Sudani stated that Iraq - the second largest oil producer in OPEC - wants to maintain stable oil prices “to ensure the interests of producers and consumers,” expecting the price of oil not to fall below a range ranging between 85 and 95 dollars per barrel.
He concluded: "Iraq is committed to achieving the voluntary goal that we agreed upon within OPEC."
The Prime Minister confirms during his meeting with the Yemeni President in New York that Iraq is committed to supporting the stability of Yemen
Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani confirmed that Iraq is committed to supporting the stability of Yemen, working to enhance calm and stability in the region, dealing positively through dialogue windows with regional crises, and bringing viewpoints closer between the various parties.
During his meeting in New York last night with the Chairman of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, Rashad Muhammad Al-Alimi, on the sidelines of his participation in the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Al-Sudani expressed Iraq’s endeavor to strengthen the bonds of cooperation and partnership with brotherly and friendly countries, and to achieve economic integration. In order to confront the various challenges faced by the peoples of the region.
For his part, Mr. Al-Alimi pointed to his country's desire to strengthen the extended bilateral cooperation relations with Iraq, and to work jointly at various levels and fields, for the benefit of the brotherly peoples of Iraq and Yemen.
During the meeting, bilateral relations were discussed, ways to consolidate them, and a number of regional and international issues of common interest.
During his meeting with his Kuwaiti counterpart, the Prime Minister confirmed Iraq's desire to continue holding joint committee meetings between the two countries
Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani confirmed Iraq's desire to continue holding joint committee meetings with Kuwait.
A statement from his media office said, “Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani met after midnight Baghdad time with the Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Ahmed Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, on the sidelines of his participation in the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly.”
During the meeting, the Prime Minister affirmed Iraq's commitment to the relevant Security Council resolutions, the principles of international law, common understandings and good neighbourliness, and the territory and integrity of the sister State of Kuwait.
He expressed the desire of the Republic of Iraq to continue holding joint committee meetings, and to exchange visits between officials and experts in the two countries, in all fields, in order to enhance levels of cooperation and partnership, build confidence, advance bilateral relations, and overcome all obstacles.
Al-Sudani receives McGurk and confirms Iraq's endeavor to pursue strategic relations with the United States
Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani confirmed that Iraq seeks to continue strategic relations with the United States.
A statement from his media office said in a statement, “Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani met in New York, after midnight on Wednesday (Baghdad time), with the US President’s special envoy to the Middle East and North Africa, Brett McGurk, on the sidelines of his participation in the 78th session of the Assembly’s work.” General Assembly of the United Nations.
He added, "The meeting witnessed discussion of the overall relations between Iraq and the United States, and ways to strengthen and develop them at various levels and fields, in a way that serves the interests of the two friendly peoples."
The Prime Minister affirmed Iraq's endeavor to pursue strategic relations with the United States, based on mutual interests and constructive economic partnership, indicating that the investment arena in Iraq is open for American companies to contribute to the reform and reconstruction plans of Iraqi infrastructure.
Al-Sudani renewed his reference to the readiness of the Iraqi security forces, the advanced level of performance and integration of their formations in various categories, and their success in pursuing the terrorist remnants of ISIS, stressing the investment of the successful visit recently conducted by an Iraqi delegation headed by the Minister of Defense to Washington, and his discussion with the American side of the future relationship with the international coalition to combat Terrorism.
For his part, McGurk affirmed his country’s support for the success of the reform steps pursued by the government, and the United States’ continued provision of advice and training to Iraqi forces in their fight against ISIS, reiterating the American administration’s commitment to the Strategic Framework Agreement, and supporting the reforms undertaken by the government, in the economic fields, infrastructure reconstruction, and combating corruption.
During his meeting with the Iranian President, Al-Sudani stressed the importance of consolidating relations between the two countries and accelerating efforts to complete joint projects
Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani stressed the importance of consolidating Iraqi-Iranian relations in various fields and accelerating efforts to complete joint projects.
His media office stated in a statement, “Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani met in New York, yesterday evening, Wednesday (Baghdad time), with the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ibrahim Raisi, on the sidelines of his participation in the 78th session of the work of the United Nations General Assembly.”
The Prime Minister stressed, according to the statement, "the importance of consolidating relations between the two countries, in various fields, in the interest of the two neighboring peoples," noting "the necessity of accelerating efforts to make joint projects between the two parties successful, which was recently represented by the railway connection project for transporting passengers between the two countries." ".
He stressed that "Iraq will never allow its territory to be exploited to attack neighboring countries, just as it refuses to compromise its security and sovereignty, and that all problems with its regional neighborhood must be subject to dialogue in order to reach radical solutions to the crises."
In turn, Raisi thanked the Islamic Republic of Iran, according to the statement, the government and people, to Iraq, its government and its citizens for their good hosting of visitors to the holy shrines participating in the commemoration of the Arbaeen anniversary of Imam Hussein and his companions (peace be upon them), describing the relations between the two countries as important and distinguished, stressing the importance for the officials of the two countries to address To consolidate and raise the level of economic and trade relations, through bilateral initiatives, and praising the efforts of the Iraqi government in addressing the situation in the areas adjacent to Iraq’s northern borders.
Sudanese meets in New York with the Norwegian Prime Minister
Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani met, in New York, yesterday evening, Tuesday (Baghdad time), with the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Norway, Jonas Jar Sture, on the sidelines of his participation in the 78th session of the work of the United Nations General Assembly.
The meeting witnessed discussion of bilateral relations between the two countries, and the importance of consolidating them by activating joint cooperation in various fields.
The Prime Minister appreciated Norway's military participation within the NATO/NATO mission, and its contribution to supporting and training the Iraqi security forces in their war against terrorism.
Al-Sudani urged Norway to restore resident diplomatic representation and open the Norwegian embassy in Baghdad. In order to develop diplomatic relations between the two countries, he called on Norwegian companies to work in Iraq and benefit from the available investment opportunities.
For his part, Stoura stressed that Iraq and Norway are economically similar in terms of their dependence on oil and gas, and that his country has experience in investing imports through Norway’s sovereign fund, as well as its experience in the field of associated gas investment, appreciating the Sudanese efforts in achieving stability for the country, as well as the efforts of Iraq. In supporting the stability of the region, by bringing the views of regional countries closer together, which reflects on their security and the prosperity of their people.
Al-Sudani calls on Bulgarian companies to seize investment opportunities in Iraq
Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani called on Bulgarian companies to seize investment opportunities in Iraq, strengthen economic partnership and raise the level of exchange in various fields.
The Prime Minister's Media Office stated in a statement that Al-Sudani met with the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, Rumen Radev, on the sidelines of his participation in the work of the United Nations General Assembly at its seventy-eighth session held in New York.
During the meeting, relations between the two countries were reviewed, and ways to consolidate joint cooperation in the economic and security fields, health and agriculture, and confronting climate challenges. The meeting also discussed the resumption of the work of the Iraqi-Bulgarian Joint Committee, in order to advance bilateral relations to a better level.
Al-Sudani pointed to the extended history of Iraqi-Bulgarian relations, and the Bulgarian role in supporting Iraq, within the mission of the NATO/NATO mission, in the field of training and enhancing the combat capabilities of the Iraqi forces on the path of combating terrorism.
Al-Sudani expressed Iraq's desire to revitalize relations with Bulgaria and sign a memorandum of understanding for political consultations between the foreign ministries of the two friendly countries.
Al-Sudani called on Bulgarian companies to seize investment opportunities in Iraq, strengthen economic partnership and raise the level of exchange in various fields.
For his part, the Bulgarian President expressed his country's interest in participating in the Development Road Project, stressing the desire of the Bulgarian industrial and economic sectors to contribute and extend the economic partnership within this vital and promising project
Al-Sudani stresses the importance of activating the work of the joint Iraqi-Spanish committee
Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani stressed the importance of activating the work of the joint Iraqi-Spanish committee.
The Prime Minister's Media Office said in a statement that Al-Sudani met in New York, this evening, Tuesday (Baghdad time), with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, on the sidelines of his participation in the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
During the meeting, bilateral relations between the two countries were reviewed, and aspects of mutual cooperation in several fields were discussed, as Al-Sudani stressed the importance of activating the work of the joint Iraqi-Spanish committee, welcoming the holding of the thirteenth regular meeting of the committee in the capital, Baghdad, next November.
During the meeting, Al-Sudani extended an official invitation to his Spanish counterpart to visit Iraq, in order to enhance the prospects for cooperation and discussion on a number of economic files, calling on Spanish companies to engage in the Great Development Road Project, which is a gateway to strengthening the economy and promoting the social and economic development of Iraq and the region, as well as companies working in the field. Military manufacturing, railways, and companies specialized in agriculture and modern irrigation technologies.
For his part, Sanchez expressed his desire to respond to the official invitation and visit Iraq as soon as possible. He also called for mutual visits between senior officials in the two friendly countries, stressing that Spain also faces the challenges of water scarcity and desertification, and has pioneering experience in the field of regulating the use of water in agriculture. He called on Iraq to join the (International Alliance for Resilience in the Face of Drought), which was initiated by Spain and Senegal and includes more than 40 countries and international organizations, and aims to accelerate work to better prepare for drought and help countries overcome its effects.
Sudanese to Russia before the end of the year
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein revealed on Thursday that Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani is planning to visit Russia before the end of this year.
The Russian "Novosti" agency quoted the Foreign Minister as saying that the Prime Minister's visit "will take place this year and in the coming months. We are now in the process of organizing the visit."
Last July, the Russian ambassador to Baghdad, Elbrus Kurtashev, said that the Iraqi Prime Minister had accepted an invitation to visit Russia, but the date of the visit had not yet been determined.
The head of the Russian diplomatic mission indicated that such a visit would be an opportunity to discuss issues of concern to the leadership of the two countries, including those of a political and economic nature.
Although months have passed since the implementation date, the budget projects have not seen the light
Between the Ministry of Finance's slow procedures in financing projects and the warning against exploiting its projects for electoral propaganda, the tripartite budget allocations have not been launched on the ground yet.
The current year is about to end, and the budget projects have not been launched on the ground yet, even though several months have passed since their implementation date, for technical reasons related to financing the projects previously.Ministry of FinanceAccording to deputies.
The delay in implementing its provisions opened the door to speculation and questions about the possibility of exploiting budget funds for electoral propaganda by influential parties, which representatives warned about.
The Iraqi street is awaiting the results of the Sudanese visit to New York and hopes for reviving the market movement
The Iraqi street is waiting for Al-Sudani's visit to New York and his participation in the United Nations General Assembly meetings to bring good news, especially with regard to the exchange rate of the dollar, which has witnessed a noticeable rise recently, which has negatively affected the movement of markets and increased the suffering of citizens.
Touching one hundred and sixty thousand dinars, the dollar continues to rise against the Iraqi dinar, reflecting negatively on the market movement and increasing the suffering of citizens, at a time when popular circles are looking forward to this issue being present during the Prime Minister’s meetings inNew YorkOn the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
Several government measures have been taken to control the exchange rate of the dollar. However, despite this, the exchange rates are still high, and the reason is attributed by stakeholders and economists to several factors, most notably the smuggling of currency out of the country.
A parliamentary move to dismiss the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq because of the dollar
Two independent representatives confirmed, on Thursday, that steps were being taken to dismiss the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq due to his lack of control over the exchange rate of the US dollar in local markets, and the presence of forgery in currency purchase receipts.
Independent MP Ahmed Majeed said during a joint press conference with independent MP Hadi Al-Salami, which they held in the parliament building and attended by a Shafaq News Agency correspondent, that "the rise in the price of the dollar has harmed all sectors of the state and the Iraqi economy, especially the segment of poor citizens in their livelihood and daily needs."
He stressed that "there is forgery in the receipts that are submitted to the Central Bank through the currency selling window to buy the dollar to import goods, and it is in fact an operation to smuggle the currency outside Iraq, and these banks - which buy the dollar - are the economic arms of political parties."
He pointed out that "all of this was not followed up by the Central Bank and the banks that were included in the blacklist were not held accountable, so we hold the Governor of the Central Bank and the Prime Minister accountable for the chaos and confusion that is occurring in the rise and fall of the dollar exchange rate, which has had a direct impact on the simple Iraqi citizen." In his strength and daily livelihood.
He concluded by saying, "We previously asked to host the Governor of the Central Bank during the crisis of the rise in the dollar exchange rate, but unfortunately there were parties trying to defend the governor so that he would not come to the House of Representatives, and we will take all the legal measures guaranteed to us by the Constitution in cooperation with the independent representatives to end this chaos, and we will continue to do so." All procedures for removing the Governor of the Central Bank from his position.”
In turn, Representative Hadi Al-Salami said, “We previously sent a letter to the Prime Minister on July 26, which included a request to terminate the assignment of the Central Bank Governor and implement the provisions of Article 13 of the Central Bank Law No. 56 of 2004, based on the text of Article 61 of the Constitution and House of Representatives Law No. 13 of the year 2018".
He added that the dismissal also comes “based on Article Fifth of the Constitution, which stipulates the appointment of ambassadors and those with special grades upon a proposal from the Council of Ministers, and also based on the provisions of Article 44 Second of the House of Representatives Law 2018, which stipulates that those concerned shall exercise their agency duties for a period not exceeding six years.” months from the date of appointment, and the party concerned with the proposal must recommend the appointment of a candidate to be presented to the House of Representatives within three months.”
Al-Salami continued, "We asked the Prime Minister to take measures to end the assignment of the current Central Bank governor due to the mismanagement of the appointed governor and his inability to control the rise in the exchange rate of the dollar against the dinar in the parallel market, as well as the failure to take legal measures against the banks that were subject to US sanctions for smuggling the dollar." And money laundering, in addition to the bank governor’s refusal to announce the daily sales bulletin.”
The rise of the dollar stifles the poor class as the return to school approaches
The prices of the US dollar against the Iraqi dinar continue to rise, as the exchange rate exceeded 156 thousand dinars for every 100 dollars, with the closure of the main Kifah and Harithiya stock exchanges in Baghdad.
This increase was reflected in the increase in high prices and the rise in the price of goods and food and basic materials, which exacerbated the suffering of citizens, especially the poor and middle classes, and pushed them to resort to austerity to manage their affairs, amid difficult living conditions. With the start of the school year approaching (next October 1), families are heading to the markets to provide school supplies for their students, while families are facing difficulty in providing these requirements, due to financial pressure and high prices.
High prices
Citizen Umm Amir, a resident of Babil Governorate, is one of those affected by the rise in the dollar. She complains about the high cost of school supplies, and says: “The rise in the exchange rate has directly affected the poor class, and that she has given up buying school clothes for her children because of the high prices.” Umm Amir points out during her talk to: (Al-Mada) noted that “some shop owners took advantage of the dollar crisis and raised prices.”
According to statistics from the Social Welfare Department of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, the number of poor people in Iraq exceeds 10 million people, out of more than 41 million Iraqis, as more than 5 million people are included in social welfare salaries.
The educational process in Iraq is witnessing a significant deterioration, whether in terms of school supplies and the provision of their requirements, or in terms of high school dropout rates, due to the lack of supervision and poverty in light of deteriorating living conditions, which has led to the graduation of generations who are educationally weak.
Recession
Specialists confirm that the crisis of the high exchange rate caused “inflation in the prices of basic materials, which created a reluctance in shopping for citizens, due to weak purchasing power, which portends an economic recession,” according to the economic expert, Omar Al-Halbousi.
Al-Halbousi adds to (Al-Mada), “The process of the rise in the exchange rate has affected the citizen who struggles to obtain the dollar, due to the presence of exchange companies that obstruct the citizen’s access to the dollar and monopolize it for speculators with unofficial documents.” He continues, “The Iraqi state treasury is also one of Those affected, due to the difference between the real exchange rate and the exchange rate on the black market, which causes annual losses estimated at about 6 billion dollars that go into the pockets of speculators.”
Reasons for the rise
Al-Halbousi attributes the crisis of the exchange rate rise to a number of reasons, including “the inability of the Central Bank to control the speculators who control the black market and cause the exchange rate to rise and the value of the Iraqi dinar to fluctuate.”
He adds, "In addition to the failure to implement the Central Bank's procedures fairly, which made major speculators continue their activity, which caused the value of the Iraqi dinar to decline." He continued, "In addition, trade with countries sanctioned by the US Treasury Department cannot be transferred through the platform or dollars can be purchased through the foreign currency sales window. Rather, merchants use black transfers, which makes them acquire dollars illegally and transfer them through money changers, which "It caused a decline in the supply of the dollar in the Iraqi market." The economic expert expected "the exchange rate to continue to rise in light of the Central Bank not performing its real duty of monitoring the work of banks and exchange companies, punishing violators, and controlling the black market, which is called the parallel market."
Futile procedures
For his part, the researcher in economic affairs, Ahmed Eid, points out that “there is a major intersection between the state’s interest and the influential parties that benefit from the dollar and control the parallel market, with the aim of smuggling the currency through various means and achieving their financial goals internally at the expense of the citizen.”
Eid explains to (Al-Mada) that “the illegal activities and the Central Bank of Iraq’s large sales without interest, and its attempt to balance its sales between beneficiaries and influential people did not go according to the price balance equation adopted by the US Federal Reserve, which worked to reduce the dollar supply to the Central Bank of Iraq to less than half.” .
He asserts, "The absence of price control, the continuation of smuggling, and currency traders' exploitation of the market's need for the dollar in light of the great need for traders to import their goods necessary for the seasonal change in Iraq, led to the rise of the dollar in this way."
At the conclusion of his speech, Eid held "the Iraqi government responsible for its fruitless measures that exacerbated the economic crisis resulting from the financial market in Iraq."
Travelers from the provinces complain of the difficulty of traveling to Baghdad to obtain the dollar
Today, Thursday, travelers from Iraqi governorates called on the Central Bank of Iraq to open outlets to sell the dollar at the official price in their governorates, instead of the hassle of the trip to the capital, Baghdad.
Faisal Ahmed (a traveler from Najaf) told Shafaq News Agency, “We need the dollar at the official rate when travelling, especially since my treatment costs are very high,” noting that “selling dollars is limited to bank branches in Baghdad and Baghdad Airport, while Najaf Airport is devoid of them.” .
He added, "Opening a dollar outlet at Najaf airport will save us from traveling through Baghdad airport, especially after the distance and the medical condition that I suffer from. Otherwise, I will be forced to buy dollars from the black market."
While citizen Ali Hazem (from Kirkuk) told Shafaq News Agency, “Exchange companies that sell the dollar at the official rate are very few in the governorates, and therefore we find great momentum on them, while we do not find branches of government banks practicing this commercial activity.”
Meanwhile, Abu Muhammad (traveling from Basra) called on the Central Bank and the government to open more outlets, stressing during his talk to Shafaq News Agency, the need for all banks to be given a quota to reduce the momentum occurring and at the same time reduce the rise in dollar prices on the black market.
The Iraqi traveler to countries specified by the Central Bank is given $3,000, and in the case of treatment, he and the companion are given $6,000 at the official rate, with the exception of Iran, Syria, and Lebanon.
The dollar rose against the Iraqi dinar to reach 156 thousand dinars in the parallel market, while the official price is 132 thousand dinars.
The branches of Rafidain Bank in Baghdad included in depositing the dinar and receiving the dollar from Baghdad Airport are (Al-Ma’rifa - Al-Khadraa - Al-Firdaws Square - Al-Mashtal - Bab Al-Muadham - Al-Quds - The Main Branch - The General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers - Al-Muhit Street - Al-Sinak - The Arab Quarter - Al-Amel Neighborhood - Buratha - the Palestine street )
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