Government spokesman: We have adopted the principle of productive borrowing and integration into the international economic cycle
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GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN (X)
Government spokesman, Bassem Al-Awadi, said on Monday, April 8, 2024, that the government has followed the principle of productive borrowing and integration into the international economic cycle.
Al-Awadi issued a statement, seen by Ultra Iraq, which came as “an emphasis from the government on transparency in economic work, and informing public opinion and the national and international media of Iraqi economic performance.”
He added: “In light of the Council of Ministers’ approval of the recommendations of the Diwani Order Committee 23942, related to regulating external borrowing and structuring Iraqi public external debt, the government took a series of executive measures and adopted a package of financial decisions, which ended in reducing external public debt by more than 50%. The debt will decrease from $19.729 billion in late 2022, to $15.976 billion in 2023, reaching approximately $8.9 billion in the current year.”
Mazhar Muhammad Salih, the Sudanese advisor, spoke about “Iraq’s regularity in paying its external debts due annually, of which only approximately 20 billion dollars remain.”
Al-Awadi said, “These financial steps, (which included halting a number of borrowing operations due to their delay and unproductivity, organizing and managing debts and auditing them, and restructuring some debts and directing them to create strategic projects), aim to prevent the Iraqi economy from mortgaging obligations that may affect, in the future, the political decision.” Or in the path of national development, which coincides with an urban renaissance and infrastructure reconstruction, which opens the way to a promising future and a revitalized economy, in which our current and future generations perform best and obtain the greatest opportunities.
In its latest report , the International Monetary Fund warned of the doubling of debt in Iraq, through an increase in the deficit, as it expected “the public finance deficit to reach 7.6% in 2024 and to expand further after that with the expected gradual decline in oil prices in the medium term.” Leading to “a near doubling of public debt from 44% in 2023 to 86% by 2029.”
Al-Awadi pointed out that his government “organized the process of financing cooperation with the international community in specific contexts, including direct productive borrowing, providing sovereign guarantees to ensure the production of projects undertaken by the private sector for the benefit of the government, and sovereign guarantees provided by the government for the benefit of institutions that finance the Iraqi private sector importing production lines from In order to build factories inside Iraq.
He explained, "These steps pave the way for our country's further integration into the international economic cycle, and for the government to adopt the principle of productive borrowing only, which effectively leads to an increase in domestic product, and the financing of national service and productive projects with economic returns, in a way that ensures their completion and is not delayed."
He concluded by saying: “With these firm steps, the government renews its determination to continue making a qualitative shift in the Iraqi economy, in parallel with tangible development in the services, infrastructure and social care sectors, which are all the pillars required to meet the aspirations of our people throughout Iraq, and implement the government program with its priorities.” And its targets.
Iraq's external debt in 2021 amounted to about $13 billion, and it arose while financing the war on ISIS after 2015, as the government advisor stated 3 years ago.
Al-Sudani anticipates his travel to Washington by meeting the American ambassador: We will improve relations between the two countries
Today, Monday, Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani anticipated his travel to the United States of America in the middle of this month, by receiving the American Ambassador to Iraq, Ms. Elena Romanowski.
The Sudanese media office statement stated, “The meeting discussed the overall Iraqi-American relations and ways to enhance cooperation in various economic and development fields.”
He added: “Preparations were discussed for the upcoming visit that the Prime Minister will make in the middle of this month, which comes in the process of improving bilateral relations within the strategic framework agreement signed between the two countries.”
The government issues a statement regarding Iraqi economic performance
Today, Monday (April 8, 2024), the Iraqi government issued a statement to inform public opinion and national and international media about Iraq’s economic performance.
Government spokesman Bassem Al-Awadi said in a statement, received by “Baghdad Today”, that “as an emphasis from the government on transparency in economic work, and informing public opinion and the national and international media of Iraqi economic performance, and in light of the Council of Ministers’ approval of the recommendations of the Diwani Order Committee 23942, Related to regulating external borrowing and structuring Iraqi public external debt, the government took a series of executive measures and adopted a package of financial decisions, which ended in reducing external public debt by more than 50%, bringing the debt down from $19.729 billion in late 2022, to $15.976 billion. In 2023, reaching approximately $8.9 billion in the current year.”
He stated, “These financial steps, (which included halting a number of borrowing operations due to their delay and lack of productivity, organizing and managing debts and auditing them, and restructuring some debts and directing them to create strategic projects), aim to prevent the Iraqi economy from mortgaging obligations that may affect, in the future, the political decision.” Or in the path of national development, which coincides with an urban renaissance and infrastructure reconstruction, which opens the way to a promising future and a revitalized economy, in which our current and future generations perform best and obtain the greatest opportunities.
In a parallel context, Al-Awadi pointed out that “the government organized the process of financing cooperation with the international community in specific contexts, including direct productive borrowing, providing sovereign guarantees to ensure the production of projects undertaken by the private sector for the benefit of the government, and sovereign guarantees provided by the government for the benefit of institutions that finance the Iraqi private sector.” Importer of production lines in order to build factories inside Iraq.
He stressed, "These steps pave the way towards further integration of our country into the international economic cycle, and for the government to adopt the principle of productive borrowing only, which effectively leads to an increase in the domestic product, and the financing of national service and productive projects with economic returns, in a way that ensures their completion and is not delayed." .
He pointed out, "With these firm steps, the government renews its determination to continue making a qualitative shift in the Iraqi economy, in parallel with tangible development in the services, infrastructure, and social care sectors, which are all the pillars required to meet the aspirations of our people throughout Iraq, and implement the government program." with its priorities and goals.”
The Iraqi market suspends its activity for 6 days
The Iraq Stock Exchange announced, on Monday, the suspension of its activity for a period of six days.
The market stated, in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency: “Based on the Council of Ministers’ decision to declare a six-year official holiday for Eid al-Fitr, the market’s activities and trading sessions will stop for six days.”
He explained, "The holiday will be starting Tuesday, April 9, and trading sessions will resume on Sunday, April 14."
It is noteworthy that the Iraq Stock Exchange organizes five trading sessions weekly from Sunday to Thursday, and 103 Iraqi joint stock companies are listed, representing the sectors of banking, communications, industry, agriculture, insurance, financial investment, tourism, hotels and services.
Economic: 25 percent of Iraq's population receives government salaries
Economist Nabil Al-Marsoumi counted employees who receive salaries from the state at about 25 percent of the population of Iraq.
Al-Marsoumi explained to “Al-Sabah” that the number of permanent employees reaches about 4 million and 50 thousand, and this number represents 9 percent of the population, indicating that the percentage could reach 25 percent if we add to them those who receive salaries from the state. Of retirees and workers in self-financing and social protection companies, their number reaches about 10 million.
He stated that this percentage is the largest in the world, as about 80 percent of the workforce is concentrated in the country, while the percentage of employment in the private sector is the lowest, indicating that this slackness has negative repercussions on the general budget, as it depletes the largest part of it by up to To about 70 trillion dinars, warning that this number is subject to increase if we count the salaries that the government will bear for employees of the Kurdistan region, meaning that 70 percent of Iraqi oil revenues go to salaries.
Al-Marsoumi added that employee salaries must be viewed positively as they constitute one of the two wings of the economic process and lead to increased spending and thus stimulate local projects, while there are clear effects regarding the large volume of imports to cover local demand, which puts pressure on the scarce foreign currency resulting from Iraqi oil exports.
He believed that sluggishness hinders economic work in Iraq, burdens the state, and depletes its resources, so it needs greater flexibility in several joints to be able to reduce the burden placed on it and carry out its economic tasks, pointing out that government support related to fuel, electricity, and the ration card drains about 33 billion dollars annually. .
International organizations warn of the danger of continuing government employment in Iraq
The International Labor Organization indicated that 40 percent of Iraqi workers work in the public sector, which is the highest in the world, while an expert stated that this slackness hinders economic work in Iraq, burdens the state, and depletes its resources.
The organization's country coordinator in Iraq, Dr. Maha Qataa, said in a statement followed by Mawazine News that the public sector in Iraq absorbs 40 percent of the country's workforce, which is the highest percentage in the world.
She indicated that most of the women working in the public sector work in teaching and health services jobs in Iraq, warning that any expansion of employment in the public sector may cause them to face many challenges in the future.
For his part, economic expert Dr. Nabil Al-Marsoumi estimated that those who receive salaries from the state amount to about 25 percent of the population of Iraq.
Al-Marsoumi explained that the number of permanent employees reaches about 4 million and 50 thousand, and this number represents 9 percent of the population, indicating that the percentage could reach 25 percent if we add to them those who receive salaries from the state, including retirees and workers in companies. Self-financing and social protection, with their number reaching about 10 million.
He stated that this percentage is the largest in the world, as about 80 percent of the workforce is concentrated in the country, while the percentage of employment in the private sector is the lowest, indicating that this slackness has negative repercussions on the general budget, as it depletes the largest part of it by up to To about 70 trillion dinars, warning that this number is subject to increase if we count the salaries that the government will bear for employees of the Kurdistan region, meaning that 70 percent of Iraqi oil revenues go to salaries.
Al-Marsoumi added that employee salaries must be viewed positively as they constitute one of the two wings of the economic process and lead to increased spending and thus stimulate local projects, while there are clear effects regarding the large volume of imports to cover local demand, which puts pressure on the scarce foreign currency resulting from Iraqi oil exports.
He believed that sluggishness hinders economic work in Iraq, burdens the state, and depletes its resources, so it needs greater flexibility in several joints to be able to reduce the burden placed on it and carry out its economic tasks, pointing out that government support related to fuel, electricity, and the ration card drains about 33 billion dollars annually. .
For his part, economic expert Dr. Nabil Al-Marsoumi estimated that those who receive salaries from the state amount to about 25 percent of the population of Iraq.
Al-Marsoumi explained to “Al-Sabah” that the number of permanent employees reaches about 4 million and 50 thousand, and this number represents 9 percent of the population, indicating that the percentage could reach 25 percent if we add to them those who receive salaries from the state. Of retirees and workers in self-financing and social protection companies, their number reaches about 10 million.
He stated that this percentage is the largest in the world, as about 80 percent of the workforce is concentrated in the country, while the percentage of employment in the private sector is the lowest, indicating that this slackness has negative repercussions on the general budget, as it depletes the largest part of it by up to To about 70 trillion dinars, warning that this number is subject to increase if we count the salaries that the government will bear for employees of the Kurdistan region, meaning that 70 percent of Iraqi oil revenues go to salaries.
Al-Marsoumi added that employee salaries must be viewed positively as they constitute one of the two wings of the economic process and lead to increased spending and thus stimulate local projects, while there are clear effects regarding the large volume of imports to cover local demand, which puts pressure on the scarce foreign currency resulting from Iraqi oil exports.
He believed that sluggishness hinders economic work in Iraq, burdens the state, and depletes its resources, so it needs greater flexibility in several joints to be able to reduce the burden placed on it and carry out its economic tasks, pointing out that government support related to fuel, electricity, and the ration card drains about 33 billion dollars annually.
Al-Sudani anticipates his travel to Washington by meeting the American ambassador: We will improve relations between the two countries
Today, Monday, Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani anticipated his travel to the United States of America in the middle of this month, by receiving the American Ambassador to Iraq, Ms. Elena Romanowski.
The Sudanese media office statement stated, “The meeting discussed the overall Iraqi-American relations and ways to enhance cooperation in various economic and development fields.”
He added: “Preparations were discussed for the upcoming visit that the Prime Minister will make in the middle of this month, which comes in the process of improving bilateral relations within the strategic framework agreement signed between the two countries.”
For the first time.. Iraq announces the production of commercial flour
The Minister of Commerce, Atheer Daoud Al-Ghurairi, announced today, Monday, the production of commercial flour inside Iraq, while stressing the provision of job opportunities and the preservation of the Iraqi currency.
Al-Ghurairi said, during a press conference: “For years, the Ministry began to encourage the transfer of the flour industry imported in large quantities from outside Iraq to its production locally,” indicating that “this flour is considered a safety element for food security.”
He added, "Through this project, two and a half million import quantities will be transformed into three million tons from outside Iraq, which will be produced inside Iraq in Iraqi factories," pointing out that "this will lead to the advancement of the flour industry in Iraq."
He explained, "Flour is an important and basic material and a safety element for food security," noting that "providing zero-grade flour will be a start, as production will be from inside Iraq and in local factories, thus operating factories and labor and preserving the Iraqi currency, in addition to benefiting from the mills' outputs." By providing fodder and reducing the rise in their prices, in addition to increasing the production of local wheat in the Iraqi market.”
He pointed out that "the production of commercial flour will be under the supervision of supervision, standardization, quality control and security agencies, and therefore its production will be of the highest specifications and at a better price than the imported one," noting that "the first quantity of Australian and Russian wheat arrived in Iraq."
He continued, "Flour production inside Iraq will reach two and a half million tons, thus providing job opportunities, preserving the currency, and protecting this material from smuggling."
Knawi to the Iranian ambassador: We are seeking to attract companies to open major centers in Najaf and promote their services
The Governor of Najaf Al-Ashraf, Youssef Makki Kannawi, discussed in his office with the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Iraq, Muhammad Kazem Al Sadiq, the files of economic cooperation and the file of million visits.
Knawi confirmed, according to a statement from his office, a copy of which was received by {Al-Furat News}, that “Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf is a global center visited by all believers from various countries of the world, and the doors of the city are open to all, and we are working to secure delegations and provide services to them.”
Knawi added, "Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf is considered a major economic and commercial center in Iraq, and we seek to strengthen this location by extending bridges of cooperation with neighboring countries and international countries and attracting international companies with major addresses to open major centers in Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf."
He stressed that "the local government is working to develop the services file by improving the service reality of the governorate in general and the old city in particular because it represents a center for the governorate that receives thousands of visitors daily from inside and outside Iraq."
The Governor of Najaf also called on "Iranian companies, through the embassy in Iraq, to hold commercial and industrial exhibitions for Iranian products on the land of Najaf to open industrial, economic and commercial horizons with reputable Iranian companies."
For his part, the Iranian ambassador appreciated the warm reception, stressing that the relationship with Iraq is strong, and we have common components and goals, and we are working with the local government to strengthen relations in various sectors.
Electricity and Total Company sign two contracts to produce 1,000 megawatts of solar energy in Basra
The Ministry of Electricity announced, on Monday, its sponsorship of signing two contracts with the French company Total to produce 1,000 megawatts of solar energy in Basra.
The Ministry stated in a statement, seen by Al-Iqtisad News, that “Minister of Electricity Ziad Ali Fadel is sponsoring today the signing of two important contracts between companies of the Ministry of Electricity and the French company Total Energies, stipulating the production of 1,000 megawatts of solar energy in Basra Governorate, which contributes to enhancing capacity.” Electricity for Iraq and the provision of renewable energy sources.
She added, "According to the concluded agreement, the French company will establish a solar power station in the Artawi field in Basra Governorate in four stages and for a period of two years. In each stage, the national system will be equipped with 250 megawatts of energy."
She continued, “Last year, the federal government signed a contract with Total Company under the auspices of Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani, which includes a package of oil and gas projects and solar energy production for a period of 25 years,” adding, “After that, the Ministry of Electricity formed technical committees to follow up The procedures with the relevant ministries and the foreign company resulted in the signing of contracts between the two sides, including the two contracts concluded today. The first contract includes leasing the land for the solar energy project between the General Company for Energy Production/Southern Region and Total Energies, while the second includes the signing of the connection contract with The electrical network between the General Energy Transmission Company / Southern Region and Total Company.
The Minister of Electricity explained, according to the statement: “The advantages of shifting towards renewable energies in strengthening the country’s electrical infrastructure and achieving energy self-sufficiency.” Appreciating “the efforts of the committees formed for this purpose in overcoming the obstacles of red tape, completing the land lease requirements, and obtaining approvals from ministries and government institutions.”
Iraq ranks fourth in the foreign direct investment classification
Iraq ranked fourth in the foreign direct investment classification, and the best emerging markets for investment in 2024.
A study conducted by the FDI Intelligence website, which specializes in foreign direct investment affairs, and translated by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), stated that “Iraq ranked fourth among ten countries in the latest classification, and this classification was evaluated based on several criteria, including gross domestic product growth.” , the inflation rate, the growth in capital spending in foreign direct investment, and the growth rate in foreign direct investment projects.”
The study indicated that "the growth rate of Iraq's gross domestic product reached 2.9%, while the inflation rate reached 3.6%, and the growth rate in capital spending in foreign direct investment witnessed an increase of 371%, and the growth rate in foreign direct investment projects reached 95%." Noting that "these numbers reflect the noticeable improvement in the investment climate in Iraq and the efforts made to strengthen the economic sector and attract more foreign direct investments."
She continued, “The classification published by FDI Intelligence in January 2023 indicates the top 10 emerging markets for foreign direct investment in 2024, as these markets were represented in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Cambodia is expected to achieve the strongest investment momentum this year.” The countries included in the classification vary to include countries from different continents.”
She stated, "This classification highlights the importance of Iraq as an important investment destination in the region, in addition to identifying other emerging markets that have promising investment potential for the year 2024."
The best person to manage the dialogue with Baghdad"... widespread praise for Nechirvan Barzani's visit
The visit made by the President of the Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Barzani, to Baghdad received governmental, parliamentary and social praise, especially after he announced that an initial agreement had been reached to resolve outstanding issues between Baghdad and Erbil.
Nechirvan Barzani arrived yesterday, Saturday, in the capital, Baghdad, to contain the growing problems between Baghdad and Kurdistan, with the decisions of the Federal Court regarding employee salaries and local elections in the region. The visit also comes days before the Iraqi Prime Minister, Muhammad Shiaa al-Sudani, heads to Washington, where he will hold discussions. With the US administration headed by Joe Biden.
Upon his arrival in Baghdad, Barzani held discussions with Al-Sudani, in which he discussed the government program and the implementation of political agreements, in addition to resolving the problems related between Baghdad and Erbil, most notably the oil files, the budget, and employee salaries.
He also participated in both the coordination framework meeting of the Shiite parties, and the regular meeting of the state administration coalition, which continued until late, and Barzani stressed the region’s serious desire to resolve the disputes and outstanding issues with the federal government in accordance with the provisions of the country’s permanent constitution.
He also held discussions with the American Ambassador and the French Ambassador in Baghdad.
"A very good start"
The President of the Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Barzani, said on Sunday that the salary agreement reached by the governments of Baghdad and Erbil was “very good,” while he stressed that the suspension of oil exports from Kurdistan caused the general Iraqi budget to lose $7 billion.
President Barzani added, in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency, “During our visit to Baghdad, we held several meetings with the Prime Minister, the State Administration Coalition, and the coordination framework,” explaining that “our meetings were generally within the framework of future relations between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad, and I tried to establish a mechanism so that we could Continue holding these meetings so that current problems can be discussed in one place and solutions can be found.”
He continued, "The issue of salaries is a fundamental issue for the Kurdistan Regional Government, and the agreement reached between the Prime Minister of the region and the Federal Prime Minister is a very good start and we hope it will continue."
President Barzani said, "We also discussed the issue of oil, and of course, as the Kurdistan Region, we believe that oil exports must be resumed, because this issue has caused great harm to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, and so far the Iraqi budget has lost more than seven billion dollars."
He added, "Of course this issue was discussed, but it requires more delegations from the Kurdistan Regional Government to visit Baghdad and talk more about this issue, and we hope that we will reach a result."
Regarding holding the Kurdistan Region elections on time, Nechirvan Barzani said, “It is my responsibility as President of the Kurdistan Region. We have set the date for holding the elections and there is no change in this issue. Of course, this is a political issue and all political forces must talk about it and come to an understanding from these discussions.”
Positive indicators
“Nechirvan Barzani’s visit to Baghdad carried many positive indicators, but the most important thing is the implementation of the points that were agreed upon,” says Kurdistan Democratic Party member, Muhammad Zangana.
Zangana added while speaking to Shafaq News Agency, “Nechirvan Barzani is discussing with all political parties, even the parties that were found to be in conflict with the Democratic Party, including the National Union and Sheikh Khazali, even though the National Union is an essential partner in the political process in the Kurdistan Region.”
He continues, "We are awaiting positive results related to the export of oil, the continuation of sending salaries to Kurdistan employees, the inclusion of the region's banks in the issue of nationalization, and reliance on an accounting application to distribute employee salaries."
Zanganeh believes, "This visit proved that the Federal Court was nothing but an institution managed by parties that wanted to exploit it to resolve disputes, similar to the Revolutionary Court during the time of the defunct Baathist regime," he said.
For his part, a member of the Iraqi Parliament, Adnan Burhan Al-Juhaishi, confirms that “understanding between the federal and regional governments is necessary to resolve the issue of salaries, oil and gas, and during Nechirvan Barzani’s visit, understandings will be reached with the Iraqi government to prevent leaving matters loose, as is the case with the position of presidency of the Iraqi parliament.” ".
In an interview with Shafaq News Agency, Al-Juhaishi stressed the importance of “all parties joining together with all their components and factions within the state administration approach to resolve all outstanding issues to confront the regional dangers that may cast a shadow on the country.”
Relief in the Kurdistan street
“Nechirvan Barzani’s visit to Baghdad comes at an appropriate time in light of the existence of openness and understanding in Baghdad and cooperation to resolve financial issues, which created relief in the Kurdish street, especially regarding the issue of receiving monthly salaries,” according to the Kurdish politician and former member of the Kurdistan Parliament, Abdul Salam Barwari.
Berwari added while speaking to Shafaq News Agency, “The atmosphere of Nechirvan Barzani’s meetings with the President of the Republic, the Iraqi Prime Minister, and with the leaders of the State Administration Coalition were all positive, and we hope that this path will be the beginning of stopping the negative manifestations, especially since Nechirvan Barzani is a charismatic statesman and an acceptable personality even from Before competitors.
He points out that “the guarantee that previous negative situations will not be repeated is changing the political mentality in Baghdad, as the new Iraqi constitution builds a federal state, and with Baghdad’s understanding of federalism, all problems will be solved, and this will be through dialogue, and the best person to manage this is Nechirvan Barzani, whose movements we are contemplating.” "Good."
The most diplomatic man
For his part, political analyst and academic, Haider Al-Barzanji, says, “Nechirvan Barzani is always keen to be in Baghdad, as he is the most diplomatic and can deal and interact with the political forces in Baghdad, and he has been supportive from the beginning of the government of Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani.”
Al-Barzanji noted in an interview with Shafaq News Agency, that “the crisis is not a result of the moment and does not end with a visit or multiple visits, as there is a structural defect in the form of the relationship between the federal government and the regional government, and this is diagnostic and requires a real political will to resolve this issue in a form.” "Finally and in a way that does not allow bickering and conflicts to emerge when forming every government and budget."
He believes that "Nechirvan Barzani's visit came because of the flexibility shown by the Iraqi Prime Minister towards this file, which emphasizes the necessity of removing the file of salaries of the region's employees from the political files in order to preserve the rights of the Kurdish citizen."
Hamas rejects the Israeli proposal regarding opening fire.. and these are its most prominent provisions
The leader of the Hamas movement, Ali Baraka, confirmed on Monday that the Palestinian movement rejected the latest proposal presented by Israel during talks in Cairo for a ceasefire, according to Reuters.
A Hamas source told Agence France-Presse earlier, Monday, that the Palestinian movement is considering proposing a three-stage truce lasting six weeks, the first stage of which includes the release of Israeli women and children detained by it in exchange for the release of up to 900 Palestinian detainees.
On Monday, Axios revealed, citing three Israeli officials, that CIA Director Bill Burns presented in Cairo, on Sunday, a new proposal to advance the agreement between Israel and Hamas, “which would ensure the release of about 40 hostages held in... Gaza in exchange for a six-week ceasefire.
The deal includes the release of at least 700 Palestinian prisoners, including more than 100 serving life sentences for killing Israelis, according to Axios.
It is not clear whether this is related to the same proposal that a Hamas source spoke to Agence France-Presse about.
It is noteworthy that Burns met in Cairo, on Sunday, with the head of the Israeli Mossad, the Prime Minister of Qatar, and the head of Egyptian Intelligence in an attempt to break the deadlock in the negotiations.
A large Hamas delegation was in Cairo at the same time and held separate meetings with Egyptian and Qatari mediators.
A spokesman for the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the meetings in Cairo as "encouraging."
Israeli officials told Axios that Burns' proposal is based on conditions discussed during previous negotiations in March.
A third Israeli official said that he (Burns) asked for more concessions from both parties.
Under the American proposal, Hamas - according to Axios - must give up the number and identity of the prisoners it wants to release from Israeli prisons, and submit a list of the names of forty living Israeli hostages that it can release in return.
According to the same proposal, Israel must make concessions regarding the return of displaced Palestinian civilians to the northern Gaza Strip.
Stages of implementing the proposed agreement
The proposal that Agence France-Presse spoke about stipulates, in the first stage, the release of 42 Israeli hostages (including soldiers, children, and elderly women) in exchange for 800 to 900 Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons, including about 100 who are serving long sentences, including life imprisonment. As explained by a source close to the negotiations, who requested that his name not be revealed.
The source pointed out that the first phase of the proposal envisages the return of displaced Palestinian civilians to the northern Gaza Strip, while allowing the entry of between 400 and 500 aid trucks daily.
In a second stage, all other hostages are released.
The third and final stage stipulates the complete withdrawal of the Israeli army from the Gaza Strip and the lifting of the siege that Israel has imposed on the Strip since Hamas took control of it in 2007.
Israel estimates that there are currently 129 hostages still being held in the Gaza Strip, of whom 34 have died.
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