Al-Hakim: Kirkuk will get its due in the 2024 budget
The head of the National Wisdom Movement, Ammar al-Hakim, held a press conference in Kirkuk on Wednesday, during which he confirmed that support for the governorates will be present in the 2024 budget and Kirkuk will receive its due share.
The video for this blog is below here:
Al-Hakim said during the conference, during his meeting with a number of members of the provincial council, heads of administrative units, directors of service departments, and security leaders in the province, in the presence of Governor Ribwar Taha, his deputies, and the head of the provincial council, Engineer Muhammad Ibrahim Al-Hafez, that “Kirkuk is an icon of Iraqi coexistence and the key to consolidating national unity.”
He stressed the "importance of administrative decentralization and the powers of local governments as a guarantee for the unity of Iraq," calling for "abandoning the rentier state and activating productive sectors."
He added, "Kirkuk is a model of coexistence and is prepared to activate agriculture, industry and tourism," indicating that "support for the governorates will be present in the 2024 budget and Kirkuk will get its due share."
He called for “fighting corruption, supporting youth, and spreading positivity,” stressing that “improving services enhances confidence in the political system and fortifies the country,” noting “restoring the powers of local governments according to the constitution and working to facilitate citizens’ transactions.”
Al-Hakim praised the “zeroing of Kirkuk’s stalled projects and stressed the importance of investing in health and education,” adding that “diversifying the economy is the solution to confronting the challenges of population growth.”
DEC 9 24
Parliamentary Committee Criticizes Dollar Selling Platform: It Has Many Problems and Suspicions of Corruption
CriticizedDeputypresidentCommitteeStrategic Planning and Federal Service Mohammed Al-Baldawi, Central Bank PlatformIraqiTo sell the dollar, while he pointed out that there are professional groups in fraudthe law.
He pointed out that "these procedures are supposed to move forward to reduce the lengthy procedures and we see them as good, but today they need continuous follow-up, review, evaluation process and then evaluation of the performance of institutions because there are professional groups to introduce fraud and deception intothe lawThrough groups, we saw this through cards and the platform.
He added: “We hope that this method and procedures will be easy for citizens and will ensure the preservation of foreign currency, as well as finding ways and outlets to facilitate procedures and provide what citizens need for travel, treatment and study.”
Iraq signs MoUs with 15 Greek companies to invest in various sectors
The Ministry of Trade explained, on Monday, the importance of resuming the meetings of the Iraqi-Greek Joint Committee, while the Federation of Iraqi Chambers of Commerce indicated the signing of memoranda of understanding with 15 Greek companies to invest in various sectors.
The administrative undersecretary of the ministry, Sattar Al-Jaberi, said in a speech during the Iraqi-Greek Business Forum, which was attended by the correspondent of the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "The participation of the Greek delegation, which includes representatives from the government sector and an elite of businessmen and investors in this important forum, constitutes a valuable opportunity to enhance economic and trade relations between the two countries and consolidate the bonds of joint dealing."
He added that "this important forum, held under the auspices of the Iraqi Ministry of Trade and with direct support from the Minister of Trade, aims to support and develop trade and economic relations with friendly countries, including the Republic of Greece," praising "the pioneering role played by the Federation of Iraqi Chambers of Commerce, headed by Abdul Razzaq Al-Zuhairi, in building international cooperation and creating a supportive environment for businessmen."
He pointed out "the efforts made by the Ministry of Trade, represented by its various institutions and the Director General of Economic Relations, to activate the joint economic and trade committees with brotherly and friendly countries."
He stressed "the importance of resuming the meetings of the Iraqi-Greek Joint Committee, which have not been held since 2000, as a necessary step to develop cooperation in various economic and trade fields in a way that achieves the common interests of the two countries."
He called on "the Greek delegation to participate actively in the next course of Baghdad International Fair, which is a unique platform for showcasing investment and trade opportunities and enhancing communication between Iraqi and Greek businessmen."
For his part, the head of the Federation of Iraqi Chambers of Commerce, Abdul Razzaq Al-Zuhairi, confirmed during the conference: "We signed many memoranda of understanding with countries around the world, including 15 major Greek companies to work in various sectors including (construction, building, health and agriculture), indicating that "this forum is positive and reflects a good image of Iraq to the world that it is healthy and does not resemble yesterday."
He continued, "The purpose of the conferences or meetings is to create continuous work with our Greek partners to invest and work inside Iraq," expressing his "thanks to the government with its legislative and executive authorities for supporting the Federation of Chambers of Commerce, which represents the largest segment."
DEC 10 24
Iraq Development Fund announces imminent launch of 4 basic projects
link
Chairman of the Iraq Development Fund, Mohammed Al-Najjar, revealed today, Tuesday, the fund's future plans, while confirming the imminent launch of 4 basic projects.
Al-Najjar said in a statement to the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "The fund has spent the first year of its work arranging and organizing its affairs, given that it is a completely new experience in Iraq, and has no local backgrounds," noting that "international companies and institutions were hired to support it in this field."
He added, "During the second year, the focus was on 4 main projects that will be launched soon through (Ejr w Tamlik), and now we are ready to start the projects that we promised the public."
He pointed out that "during the coming period, new projects will be announced, approximately every month, with a new announcement," noting that "each project goes through preparation and study stages that may take from 6 to 7 months in order to reach convictions that these projects are good and serve
citizens by preparing correct partners and financing because we work extensively with the private sector."
He continued: "Soon, many projects will appear on the ground."
New collaboration between K and SAS to provide hybrid cars with convenient installments
K Company and Rafidain Bank announced the signing of an agreement with SAS Company, the authorized agent for Toyota and Lexus cars in Iraq, with the aim of providing high-quality hybrid cars.
A source in the company said that cars are provided through the “Aqsati” service with flexible financing plans for “Ki” card holders and with unique advantages by providing environmentally friendly cars with modern technologies and easy installments through “Aqsati”.
He added that the agreement was signed in early December 2024, in the presence of prominent figures, in a move aimed at supporting the local economy and meeting the growing demand for hybrid cars.
He pointed out that the company is working to provide what suits the needs of the Iraqi family, with uncomplicated mechanisms.
I think this is a really good article
Government advisor: Tighter controls on suspicious money transfers reduce exchange rate manipulation
Advisor to the Prime Minister, Mazhar Mohammed Salih, confirmed today, Wednesday, that tightening control over suspicious financial transfers reduces manipulation of exchange rates and the stability of the national currency, while indicating that limiting speculation reduces the use of foreign currencies in unproductive operations.
Salih said in a statement to the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "The Prime Minister's directives to the monetary and financial authorities stressed the intensification of inspection and control procedures for financial transfers and monitoring speculators, which remain of great importance in enhancing currency stability and reducing speculation that is harmful to the national economy, through mechanisms leading to combating illegal speculative activities, including specifically: tightening control over suspicious financial transfers that conflict with the rules of compliance and transparency in a manner that reduces illegal activities, such as money smuggling or manipulation of exchange rates, which maintains the stability of the value of the national currency."
He added that "taking strict measures against speculators and manipulators in the currency market strengthens confidence in the financial system and demonstrates the strength of government policy in protecting the national economy, and increases the confidence of citizens and investors in the country's financial system, in addition to directing resources towards the real economy to invest in the available opportunities in it, whether industrial, agricultural or service," noting that "by limiting speculation, the use of foreign currencies in unproductive operations is reduced, which helps to provide them to finance imports or beneficial investments."
He continued that "the protective measures against currency speculation come to limit the negative effects resulting from the impact of regional crises, through preventive measures that reduce the exploitation of economic and political crises in the region to achieve illegitimate gains, which enhances the stability of the local market."
Saleh explained that "the importance of limiting speculation and speculators' opportunities remains in enhancing the efficiency of the banking system through the role of monitoring financial transfers, which undoubtedly contributes to revealing the loopholes in the banking system and enhancing governance and transparency in it, as such measures are in line with the comprehensive reform plan for the financial and banking sector, and aim to enhance financial stability and prevent violations that negatively affect the national economy."
this is very interesting .... setting up a leasing company? hmmm
Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq receives a delegation from the International Finance Corporation
During the meeting, they discussed strengthening bilateral relations between the Central Bank of Iraq and the International Finance Corporation, the importance of cooperation between local banks and correspondent banks with technical support from the Corporation, and the development of Islamic banks operating in Iraq, in addition to the banking reforms carried out by the Bank in cooperation with the relevant authorities, especially the restructuring of government banks, and the role of international companies operating in this field (Ernst & Young and Oliver Wyman).
His Excellency the Governor discussed the proposal to establish a leasing company with local and foreign contributions, which is one of the financial systems used to provide financing for projects and individuals without the need to directly purchase assets such as machinery and industrial equipment, vehicles, offices, and warehouses. This proposal supports emerging projects and small and medium-sized companies looking for easy and flexible financing.
The meeting discussed the importance of launching Riyada Bank next year, which will support projects with small and medium-sized loans, in line with the government’s vision to support graduates and entrepreneurs and develop labor markets.
Media Office
December 11, 2024
Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq receives the Czech Ambassador
During the meeting, they discussed economic and banking relations and how to enhance them to serve the interests of the two countries, in addition to cooperation in the field of training and building the capabilities of the financial and banking sector within the digital transformation process led by the Central Bank of Iraq with the support and integration of the Iraqi government. It was agreed to train a team of employees from the Central Bank of Iraq and the Ministry of Finance in the Czech Republic with the support of the Czech Ministry of Finance.
Central Bank of Iraq
Media Office
December 11, 2024
Parliament and government.. a race with the 2025 budget
The 2025 budget schedules in Iraq are witnessing a delay that is causing widespread controversy between the government and parliament, as the government has not yet sent the full details of the budget to the House of Representatives, which has raised concerns among members of the parliamentary finance committee about the deadline for approval.
The statements indicate that the reasons for the delay are related to reviews of financial schedules, especially those related to oil extraction expenses in the Kurdistan Region and the costs of projects funded in 2025.
The Financial Management Law requires the government to submit the general budget to the Council of Representatives 45 days before the beginning of the fiscal year, in order to allow the necessary time to discuss and approve it. Despite the clarity and explicitness of the legal text, no Iraqi government, including the current government, has committed to implementing this entitlement.
Speaking about this file, member of the Parliamentary Finance Committee, Mustafa Al-Karaawi, revealed the existence of legal and constitutional violations by the government in sending the budget law to the House of Representatives.
Al-Karawi said in a statement to Al-Maalouma Agency, “Article 77, paragraph two of the Federal Triennial Budget Law indicated that the government must send the budget tables before the end of the fiscal year,” indicating that “the government sent only one amendment to the text of the budget, which is the text of Article 12 related to the costs of extracting oil in the region.”
He added, "Not sending the schedules on time is considered a legal and constitutional violation, and if the government proceeds with amendments to the articles, there are many articles that need to be amended and to be fair to many groups," adding, " We recorded all of these observations in the session last Tuesday during the first reading of the amendment to the budget law.”
He explained that "his committee is working on re-amending the budget and sending it to the government to work on general amendments to the law so that it is fair to all segments of society and addresses the problems in the previous budget."
In addition, a member of the Parliamentary Finance Committee, Hussein Mounes, revealed that the budget amendments are subject to political amendments, not technical ones.
In a statement to Al-Maalouma Agency, Mounes said, “The government has a point of view in resolving the issues with the region and limiting oil smuggling operations by increasing production costs by $16 per barrel.”
He added, "During the discussion of the proposal, we raised several questions: Why was $16 set? Is it a technical or political consensus number?"
He pointed out that "the Parliamentary Finance Committee hosted the concerned parties and they confirmed to us that the issue is political and not technical."
He explained that "the government's proposal is to form an advisory body, and in the event of non-compliance, a committee of consultants will be formed to determine production costs."
He pointed out that "the Finance Committee determined that the amount would be an advance granted to the region and that a settlement would be arranged later."
He added, "There are approximately 256 thousand barrels smuggled daily from the region with OPEC's permission. This file must be closed because it negatively affects government production," stressing that "the Finance Committee has reservations regarding the advances and loans granted to the region. "
It is noteworthy that the House of Representatives previously hosted Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani and his deputies, the Minister of Planning, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Minister of Interior, where the amendments to the budget for next year 2025 were discussed .
The Iraqi Parliament... Frustrates Iraqis and Causes Huge Financial Losses
The Iraqi parliament ended its second legislative session without being able to pass any of the pending controversial laws, despite extending its sessions for an additional month to try to resolve these sensitive issues.
At the forefront of these laws are the general amnesty, personal status, state real estate, and the vital amendment to the general budget law, which is seen as a renewed dilemma affecting the resumption of oil exports from the Kurdistan Region.
These issues reflect the deep-rooted differences between political parties, where factional, sectarian and national interests appear to be a solid barrier to any common understanding.
According to an informed political source speaking from Baghdad, “the delay in passing the laws was not due to the complexity of the texts as much as it was a direct result of party directives that prompted some representatives to deliberately miss sessions in order to disrupt the legal quorum.”
The source added that these directives are linked to what he called “rearranging political alliances” that precede any influential vote.
Citizen Ahmed Al-Saadi, an activist from Basra, commented in a Facebook post saying: “The House of Representatives lives in a parallel world; it discusses matters that concern its interests while the citizen suffers from crises in services and the economy. The budget is faltering, oil exports have stopped, and millions are being lost every day.”
A similar tweet on the X platform described the situation as “legislative chaos that reflects the collapse of the concept of the state in favor of the concept of class and party.”
The election of Mahmoud al-Mashhadani as the new speaker of parliament has sparked great controversy. Analysts have suggested that this change reflects an attempt to restore the image of the legislative institution, but the same analyses have not ruled out that the issue could turn into a mere change in names without achieving a fundamental change in performance.
Social researcher Ali Al-Jubouri said: “This election is like trying to treat a deep wound with a simple bandage. The problem lies in the quota structure that turns positions into fixed shares for parties and sects.”
On the other hand, obstructing the amendment related to the budget law will cause the state huge losses.
According to economic information published by a local financial institution, stopping oil exports from the Kurdistan Region costs Iraq more than $8 million per day, deepening the financial crisis for both the federal state and the region.
Kurdish citizen Saman Abdullah from Erbil spoke in a video clip he posted on Facebook, saying: “Political differences do not only harm Baghdad, but we in the region are paying the price directly. Employee salaries are delayed, and prices are rising without control.”
An analysis by economic expert Fadhel Al-Dulaimi explained that the crisis could become more complicated if it is not resolved in the coming months.
Al-Dulaimi said: “Without an agreement on the budget law and oil exports, the economic situation may explode, especially with the increase in debts and the decrease in cash reserves.”
The atmosphere inside the parliament is described as gloomy, according to what a citizen named Iman Al-Taie said on her X account, where she said: “The representatives are exchanging accusations via media platforms, while we have not seen any practical steps yet. Everyone blames everyone else, but it is the people who pay the price.”
Thus, the Iraqi parliament remains stuck in a vicious circle of disagreements, as its sessions turn into an arena for settling political scores instead of resolving crises. Analysts expect that this situation will continue as long as sectarian and nationalist quotas govern the state’s scene.
Prime Minister returns to Baghdad after short visit to Jordan
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani returned to the capital, Baghdad, today, Wednesday, after a short visit to Jordan.
The Prime Minister's Media Office stated in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), "Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani returned to the capital, Baghdad, after a short visit to Jordan."
He added, "The Prime Minister met King Abdullah II during the visit."
Baghdad/Al-Masala: Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani stressed, on Wednesday, the importance of standing by the brotherly Syrian people, while stressing the need to intensify international efforts to reach an immediate halt to the aggression on Gaza.
Al-Masala publishes the text of the statement:
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani met today, Wednesday, in the Jordanian capital, Amman, with His Majesty King Abdullah II of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, where they discussed current developments in the region and events in the Syrian arena.
The meeting witnessed emphasis on the importance of enhancing bilateral coordination in order to confront regional and international challenges, and continuing efforts to prevent the expansion of the conflict in the Middle East, and the risk of sliding into chaos.
Mr. Al-Sudani stressed the importance of standing by the brotherly Syrian people in these difficult circumstances, the necessity of respecting the free will of all Syrians, preserving the unity of Syrian territory, the country’s sovereignty, and its ethnic, religious, and social diversity, and supporting the Syrian people’s choices towards building a stable and prosperous Syria that ensures the participation of all its components in managing the country’s affairs, continuing consultations with all parties, and exchanging visions to present effective initiatives that serve common interests and enhance stability in the region.
The two sides also stressed the need to intensify international efforts to reach an immediate halt to the aggression on Gaza, and to double relief and medical aid to reduce the suffering of the people of the Strip, while warning of the danger of continued hostile actions by settlers against the Palestinians in the West Bank, as well as working to make efforts to ensure the consolidation of the ceasefire in Lebanon and guarantee its stability.
The meeting discussed aspects of bilateral relations between the two countries, ways to enhance them, and continue working to build fruitful partnerships in various fields, in the interest of the two brotherly peoples.
Prime Minister's Media Office
December 11, 2024
a new scandal?
Between Finance Purchases and Central Bank Sales... Disclosing a $10 Billion Difference
Where did he go? (I think it should say where did it go?)
Earlier, MP Sarwa Abdul Wahid called for the formation of a parliamentary committee to present its results to the House of Representatives regarding the difference in the budget tables, which amounts to 8 trillion dinars.
He visited the Christian community in Michigan.. Halbousi's message restores hope to the components of Iraq
Progress Party member Ali Al-Issawi revealed today, Wednesday, the details of the party leader Mohammed Al-Halbousi's visit to Washington, noting that it addressed political, economic and social issues aimed at enhancing cooperation between Iraq and the United States.
Al-Issawi told Al-Jarida that “Al-Halbousi’s visit to Washington was an official visit that discussed many common issues between the two countries, including investment, energy, and strengthening the Iraqi economy in a way that serves the country’s interests in the next stage.”
He added, "During his visit, Halbousi met with a number of American officials, and discussed prospects for joint cooperation and the development of bilateral relations between Iraq and the United States."
He pointed out that "Al-Halbousi also visited the American state of Michigan, where he met with the Christian community there and listened to their opinions and demands, and stressed that the components of the Iraqi people, including the Christian component, are the foundation of the formation of Iraq, and no component can be compromised under any circumstances."
Al-Issawi added, "The visit also addressed developments in regional situations, while stressing the need to keep Iraq away from international polarizations and preserve the country's unity and stability."
Strengthening Iraq’s position”: Praise for Al-Sudani and Al-Halbousi’s regional and international moves
Political analyst, Aid Al-Hilali, praised today, Wednesday, the regional and international moves made by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani and the head of the Progress Party, Mohammed Al-Halbousi, to enhance Iraq's position and have a role in shaping the region's policies in the future.
Al-Hilali told Al-Jarida, “Iraq, with its careful and balanced stance, has gained the respect and appreciation of the regional and international environment, and the moves made by the Prime Minister at various levels in the issue of openness to the Arab and international environments come in order for Iraq to have a role in shaping the region’s policies in the future. This is a result of Iraq’s great recovery and the agreements and partnerships signed by the Iraqi government with countries of the world, and these connections have great effects on Iraq’s position.”
He added, “There are also political parties that have worked to open channels for dialogue, especially with the United States of America, and one of these figures is Mohammed al-Halbousi, who returned the visit to America and was well received there. This visit received different reactions, between those who welcomed it and those who doubted it, but it seems that al-Halbousi’s visit is in the interest of Iraq and the Iraqi government and greatly supports the position of the Iraqi government.”
He pointed out that “Al-Sudani’s visit to Jordan today and before that his contact with the Emir of Qatar confirms Iraq’s firm and steadfast position and strengthens its position and makes it steadfast in its position, and this stance will be credited to Iraq and Al-Sudani, and despite some political leaders issuing irresponsible statements, Al-Sudani’s rationality, calmness and balance were positively reflected in Iraq’s position.”
Washington: Committed to protecting Iraq's security and sovereignty from external threats
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and an American official stressed, on Wednesday, the importance of the transitional phase in Syria including all parties.
Al-Sudani's office stated in a statement received by "Mawazine News" that "the latter received, on Wednesday, a delegation from the US State Department, headed by Under Secretary for Political Affairs John Bass, and Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf, where the meeting discussed bilateral relations between Iraq and the United States, and ways to enhance and develop them."
He added that "during the meeting, emphasis was placed on joint coordination regarding the situation in Syria, and the importance of having a transitional phase that includes all parties, and preserves the rights of all components, in order to consolidate stability within Syria."
The Prime Minister stressed, according to the statement, that "Iraq is playing its role in communicating with brothers and friends to consult on the Syrian situation, and the importance of respecting the will of the Syrian people in determining their future."
For his part, Bass said that "Iraq is a key partner in the region," stressing "the importance of consulting with it on developments."
He expressed "the commitment of the international coalition to protect Iraq's security and sovereignty from any external threat."
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