Parliamentary Finance Committee Member Identifies ‘Most Dangerous Issue’ in 2025 Budget
Al-Karaawi said, during his hosting on the {Free Talk} program broadcast on Al-Furat satellite channel this evening, that "securing salaries is a talk directed at the people, but the biggest challenge in the 2025 budget is the suspension of investment projects that will be directly affected, followed by operational projects," stressing that "this delay will leave major economic repercussions."
He added that "the subject of the oil and gas law represents a radical solution to end the oil file with the Kurdistan Region and regulate financial relations between the two sides, but the region has not yet committed to delivering any financial revenues to Baghdad, although the Ministry of Finance has proven the delivery of all salaries of the region's employees with official documents, while the Kurdistan government has not provided evidence of the delivery of its oil revenues to the federal government."
Al-Karaawi pointed out that "the objections submitted by the Finance Committee to Article 12 of the budget may not receive a response," expecting that "it will be passed as happened with other controversial laws during the last parliament session."
Regarding the Personal Status Law, Al-Karaawi explained that “this law is not controversial in nature, and cannot be used as a political bargaining chip. Including it in the basket of controversial laws is unjust, as it relates to a law that is not binding on all Iraqis.”
Al-Karaawi stressed that “these challenges reflect the current political situation and its direct impact on financial planning and strategic projects that Iraq relies on to achieve economic development.”
Al-Sudani in a telegram to Trump: We are committed to strategic relations under the umbrella of respect for sovereignty and non-interference
Al-Sudani indicated in the telegram, according to a statement from his office, a copy of which was received by {Euphrates News}, that Iraq aspires to strengthen the bonds of cooperation and partnership with the United States, within the framework of the strategic agreement and the common interests of the two countries, stressing the importance of working to support the foundations of stability, security and development regionally and internationally.
Al-Sudani stated that the Iraqi government adheres to strategic relations with the United States, and seeks to activate and expand the scope of implementing all bilateral memoranda of understanding, and bilateral security and economic coordination, under the umbrella of respect for sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, and supporting bilateral exchange in the cultural and technological fields, and the fields of investment and sustainable development.
An Iranian source reveals to "Baghdad Today" the date of negotiations with America
A source close to the Iranian government revealed, on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, the possibility of starting direct negotiations with the United States in the coming months.
The source, who requested anonymity, told Baghdad Today when asked about Iran’s statements about its readiness to negotiate with the Donald Trump administration, “There is a possibility of direct negotiations between Iran and America in the coming period,” explaining that these negotiations will not take more than two rounds to determine the possibility of reaching an agreement between the two parties.
The Iranian source put forward two scenarios for the upcoming direct negotiations, saying, “If it becomes clear during the negotiations that there is a real opportunity to reach an agreement, it is likely that the Trump administration will enter a phase of medium-term negotiations to complete the details, and this is the first scenario.”
He added, "As for the second scenario, if it becomes clear that it is not possible to reach an agreement, the United States will announce a new policy towards Iran."
The source close to the Iranian government said that US President Donald Trump did not attack Iran in his speech last night, which opened the door to the possibility of even direct negotiations with him, noting that "Iran is ready to negotiate without pressure."
He added, "The Islamic Republic of Iran has announced its readiness to negotiate with America, and therefore there is no need for further pressure to push it to the negotiating table."
Asked about the time frame for the negotiations, he said, “Negotiations are expected to begin in March or April of this year, with the possibility of extending until May if there are positive indications of reaching an agreement.”
All eyes are on the coming months, which could witness the beginning of a direct dialogue between Iran and America, amid expectations that these negotiations will yield tangible progress or clearly define the outlines of American policy towards Iran.
The Minister of Finance calls on the region to send financial budgets and localize the salaries of its employees
Finance Minister Taif Sami confirmed today, Tuesday (January 21, 2025), during her meeting with the Kurdistan Regional Government delegation that the issue of the December salary has ended, and no money can be sent at all, as we have done our duty.
According to an informed source for Baghdad Today, the Minister of Finance said, "We are trying to solve the problem and we will send the salaries for January 2025, but you must also adhere to the demands of the Ministry of Finance on time, and send 50% of the revenues to federal institutions."
The source added that Sami asked the delegation, saying, "The audit balances must be sent monthly and on time, and the process of localizing employees' salaries must begin, and each employee must have his own UPN , and those who do not have a UPN and do not have a biometric will not receive their salaries."
In the same context, Saman Ali, a member of the Sulaymaniyah Protests Committee, confirmed today, Thursday (January 16, 2025), that the citizens of Kurdistan know the party that is negligent in the issue of salaries.
Ali said in an interview with Baghdad Today, "The Kurdistan Regional Government and the ruling parties are responsible for the salary crisis, due to their failure to abide by the Federal Court's decision to localize salaries in Iraqi banks."
He added, "The statements issued by the Kurdistan Regional Government represent one party and one political side that wants to divert the crisis and incite the street, to remove the blame from itself, but we know as citizens of Kurdistan who is responsible for the salary issue, and who bears the responsibility for the crisis, which will not be resolved except by settlement, and this is according to the instructions of the judiciary."
On Tuesday (January 14, 2025), former Kurdish MP Ghaleb Mohammed held Erbil responsible for the crisis of salaries of Kurdistan Region employees.
In an interview with Baghdad Today, Mohammed said, “Everyone knows the fault and the real cause of the salary crisis for the region’s employees is the Kurdistan Regional Government, which does not hand over internal revenues, according to the budget law.”
He added that "the attempt to mobilize the street and blame Baghdad is the policy of the ruling parties to occupy the Kurdish street, and therefore the salary crisis will continue and will not be resolved except by settling in the federal banks, implementing the decision of the Federal Court, and leaving the courtesies by the political parties in Baghdad to the regional government."
Video: Allawi reveals the parties that own the Iraqi dinar and are ready to buy the dollar by any means
The former Iraqi Minister of Communications, Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi, revealed today, Monday, a proposal to solve the problem of conflicting exchange rates of the dollar, indicating that this would protect the economy and maintain the stability of commodity prices in the markets, while at the same time pointing to groups he called the third party that possess many Iraqi currencies and are ready to buy the dollar by any means.
"There is more than one problem, and the most important issue is the difference in currency exchange rates. In my opinion, this problem can be solved easily through an ideal method. We have more than one party that needs the dollar. The first is merchants and people who import goods, and the second party is travelers. This difference can be resolved with the exchange rate. Parties that need money for trade can open a credit at the official price," Allawi said in a statement to Noon News Agency.
He added, "There is a third party, most of whom are unfortunately corrupt, and they have a lot of money in dinars and need dollars. They are ready to buy dollars by any means, and thus they are outbidding the market price. There are facilities for anyone who wants to sell his property and he lives outside Iraq. He can easily transfer his money according to the official exchange rate, and there is no problem."
He explained, "This difference in exchange rates is at the expense of the citizen, as he is the loser, and the price of the Iraqi currency has decreased, and consequently the price of goods has increased. Knowing that we can easily import all goods by opening a credit or another method called cash before shipping documents, and this maintains the balance of prices, but because the corrupt class exists and needs the dollar, this is what caused the difference in the price of the currency."
The President of the Republic discusses ways to enhance relations between Iraq and Honeywell Energy Company
President of the Republic Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid discussed ways to enhance relations between Iraq and Honeywell Company in the oil and energy industries.
The presidency said in a statement, "President of the Republic Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid received today at his residence in Davos, CEO of Honeywell Energy and Sustainability Solutions Ken West.
The statement added, "During the meeting, ways to enhance relations between Iraq and Honeywell Company in the oil and energy industries were discussed.
The President of the Republic referred to the current stability in Iraq at all levels and the investment opportunities available in various sectors. The
President stressed Iraq's desire to develop the management of oil and gas wealth in Iraq and control the burning of associated gas due to its impact on air quality, explaining Iraq's readiness to activate communication mechanisms and provide the necessary facilities for the work of Honeywell Company and exchange experiences with it in a way that helps raise the level of the energy sector in the country.
For his part, West stressed Honeywell's desire to develop relations with Iraq at all levels, especially investment in the field of oil industries and the development of wells, in a way that enhances the positive partnership
Al-Sudani: Iraq is a pivotal partner and national decision-making sovereignty is a priority
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani stressed that Iraq has a special status in dealing with the will to survive, stressing that "the Iraqi people are among the most proud and self-confident personalities, and cannot be subject to anyone, whoever they may be.
The Prime Minister said, in an interview with Elaph website: Washington is a major partner of Iraq, and the government is working to build a stable institutional relationship with it, noting that the government is determined to build a new Iraq based on its cultural heritage.
Al-Sudani pointed out that portraying Iraq as subordinate to any country contradicts the historical character of the country," stressing that "the relationship between Iraq and the United Kingdom enjoys a unique special status."
He added that "Baghdad is working to build a stable institutional relationship with Washington, as the United States remains a major partner of Iraq, and we are committed to a policy of openness and true partnership," indicating: "Today we are facing a new stage in our relationship with the United Kingdom, and Iraq plays a pivotal role as an effective mediator between various regional parties, and Baghdad has become a center for calm dialogue that aims to bridge the gap between the parties."
He explained that "Riyadh is a partner “It is essential to Iraq’s economic equation, and that the electrical connection with Saudi Arabia is not just a technical project, but a step towards achieving long-term economic integration,” stressing that “the country is moving confidently towards institutional reform.”
He pointed out that “the government is working to integrate the armed factions within the legal and institutional frameworks, and is determined to build a new Iraq based on its Arab cultural heritage.”
MP reveals reason for postponing vote on amending budget law
Today, Tuesday (January 21, 2025), the representative of the Al-Fatah parliamentary bloc, Mukhtar Mahmoud, revealed the reason for postponing the vote on amending the budget law during today’s session.
Mahmoud told Baghdad Today that "the vote on amending the budget law was postponed during today's session, due to the government sending a new amendment to the amendment sent previously."
He added, "The new amendment requires new discussions and dialogues within the parliamentary finance committee, and for this reason the vote was postponed until the new amendment is discussed in the coming few days."
Today, Tuesday (January 21, 2025), Parliament voted on the personal status laws, the return of real estate, and the general amnesty in one basket, after which the session was adjourned until further notice.
PM Barzani, Yemeni leader discuss regional peace at Davos forum
On Tuesday, Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani met with Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council and President of the Southern Transitional Council of Yemen, Aidroos Zubaidi, in Davos.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office, the meeting covered the situation in Iraq and Yemen, as well as the latest developments in Syria. Both sides agreed on “the necessity of establishing security and peace in the region.”
On Monday, PM Barzani arrived in Switzerland to participate in the 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, scheduled for 20-24 January under the theme "Collaboration for the IntelligentAge."
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Hantoush: Electronic payment reduces the cost of paper currency and supports economic transparency
Researcher and specialist in financial and banking Mustafa Hantoush confirmed today, Tuesday, that electronic payment reduces the costs of paper currency and supports economic transparency.
Hantoush said in a statement to the Al-Maalouma Agency, “There are major developments in the electronic payment sector in Iraq,” noting that “the government has formed a special committee in cooperation with the Central Bank to support this system.”
He pointed out that "the value of electronic payment in Iraq witnessed a huge leap, as it did not exceed 300 billion dinars during the years 2020-2021, but today it has reached 10 trillion dinars," indicating that "this development was accompanied by a significant expansion in the use of financial technology within state departments, as the number of government departments that rely on this system increased from only 8 departments to more than 600 departments.”
He added, "The number of point-of-sale (POS) devices has witnessed remarkable growth, jumping from 8,000 devices to more than 40,000 devices, reflecting the rapid expansion in the infrastructure needed to implement electronic payment systems."
He explained that "electronic payment exempts the state from the high cost of printing paper currency, in addition to providing solutions to the cash liquidity crisis. It also enables the government to accurately read the market, monitor profitable sectors, and determine the locations of money flow, which contributes to strengthening the national economy."
He pointed out that "the government has succeeded in marketing the culture of electronic payment, but it still needs to exert more efforts to enhance public awareness about the importance of this system and increase reliance on it."
Iraq enters a new phase of cooperation with America after Trump assumes the presidency - Urgent
Political and security affairs specialist Nabil Al-Azzawi commented today, Monday (January 20, 2025), on what awaits Iraq after Donald Trump officially assumes the presidency of the United States of America in a few hours.
Al-Azzawi told Baghdad Today, "There are many questions that have begun to be circulated, about what awaits Iraq after Trump's arrival, what will happen, and whether there will be economic or political consequences on the near horizon. Here we must know that the next man is an economist, and the philosophy of economics is not a flexible or easy philosophy, because economics is what drives politics."
He added, "Therefore, he is trying to restore the prestige of the United States of America, which has reached its lowest levels, especially after the wars that it supported, especially the Russia-Ukraine war, and the Gaza war, which exhausted the American economy. Therefore, Trump promised and believes that he will fulfill his promise to end the crises and tensions, because the competing poles have become stubborn and strong."
He pointed out that "the next US president has learned from the lesson of the past four years, during which he failed to formulate realistic policies, especially with Iraq, and will deal with the Iraqi file with extreme caution, but all indications indicate that Trump will calm the tensions and deal positively with the Sudanese government, which spared the region the fuse of a war with no beginning or end."
Al-Azzawi continued, saying: “Thanks to this shrewdness and wisdom from Al-Sudani’s government, Iraq will not enter into new crises or sanctions, but rather relations will witness great maturity, especially after activating the security agreement and moving to bilateral relations based on mutual interest.”
Trump will be sworn in as US President on Monday, beginning a second term in office. He will be sworn in before US Chief Justice John Roberts at 1700 GMT (8pm Baghdad time).
Trump was originally scheduled to be sworn in in front of the Capitol, but it was decided to take place inside the Capitol due to the extreme cold.
Al-Nusairi: The Central Bank’s measures and cooperation with the government enabled the economy to recover and move towards recovery.
The economic and banking advisor, Samir Al-Nusairi, said that the policies and procedures of the Central Bank and the government during 2023 and 2024 to implement a detailed roadmap to address the previous lack of methodology and dispersion in economic, financial and banking policies, the ambiguity in managing the economy, and the imbalance that occurred as a result of the lack of coordination between financial and monetary policies, have achieved important results at the level of financial and banking reform.
He added that "the map included diagnosing the sources of the problem and developing solutions in coordination between the government and the Central Bank, accompanied by the Bank reviewing the tools and applications of monetary policy and focusing its plans on achieving priorities based on achieving financial and banking reform first."
He added, "These steps resulted in the issuance of joint reform decisions to enable the economy to rise, recover and grow at good growth rates confirmed by international organizations, especially the reports of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, and their recognition that the Iraqi economy in 2024 moved from fragility to gradual recovery and achieved an inflation rate as an annual rate ranging between (3.1% - 3.7%), which is the lowest rate compared to 7.5% in January 2023."
He pointed out that this rate is the lowest compared to inflation rates in Arab and regional countries for the same period, and this is one of the objectives of monetary policy to reduce inflation and maintain the general level of prices despite the fluctuation in the exchange rate. In addition to that, it is expected to achieve growth in the gross domestic product in 2025 by 5.3%.
He stressed that the procedures also included regulating foreign trade financing and moving banks to comply with international banking standards, building trust relationships with global correspondent banks, obtaining their approval to open accounts for our banks with them, which exceeded 30 accounts, and allowing direct commercial and banking dealings with them, leaving the electronic platform permanently on 12/31/2024, and introducing new foreign currencies to dealings for foreign trade purposes with China, the Emirates, Turkey, India, some European countries, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, in addition to the US dollar.
Al-Nusairi pointed out that the measures were also supported by the serious direction of the government and the Central Bank to move and transform from a cash economy to a digital economy, focusing on developing electronic payment systems and securing the infrastructure for that, establishing a national company for payment systems, preparing to license some digital banks, and reviewing the structure of banking financing by preparing, launching, and beginning to implement the national lending strategy, establishing a leadership bank to finance small and medium enterprises, and reviewing the structure, control, and supervision of the bank’s specialized departments.
He explained that "the important and fundamental priority that the Central Bank is working on within the objectives of its third strategy includes preparing to launch the financial inclusion strategy, as the number of accounts opened in banks has grown by more than 14%, to reach more than 10 million accounts, while the number of credit cards issued has reached more than 20 million cards," and the financial inclusion rate has risen to 48%, explaining that "all these reform measures were accomplished under difficult and complex circumstances during 2023 and 2024 and bore great fruit with continuous communication, support, harmony, cooperation and support between the Central Bank and the government, and with precise cooperation and implementation from government and private banks.
Iraq's economy on the verge of collapse.. Expert warns of the consequences of not passing the amendment to Article 12
Oil expert Kovind Shirwani commented on Tuesday (January 21, 2025) on amending Paragraph 12 related to the export of Kurdistan Region oil.
Sherwani told Baghdad Today, "The amendment was submitted by the Federal Government Presidency in consultation with the Ministry of Oil, and it addresses a major dispute over calculating the region's oil production fees."
He added, "Because of the dispute, the region's oil exports were halted for 22 months, and the losses to the Iraqi economy due to the halt of 400,000 barrels of oil per day reached 18 billion dollars."
He pointed out that "not obstructing the amendment of Article 12 will harm all of Iraq and the country's economy, which loses between 800 and 900 million dollars per month due to the halt in exports. Passing this amendment will support the budget with these funds, and thus the first beneficiary of passing the amendment is the Iraqi economy, and not passing it is the Iraqi economy. It is unfortunate that this amendment is portrayed as serving the region only, and this is a great fallacy."
The Finance Committee of the House of Representatives announced on Sunday (January 19, 2025) the imminent vote on amending Article 12 of the budget related to the Kurdistan Region’s oil, while pointing to the most prominent proposals submitted to amend this paragraph.
The head of the committee, Atwan Al-Atwani, said in a speech during a committee meeting, according to a statement received by "Baghdad Today", that "the committee's meetings are continuing to discuss amending Article 12 of the budget law related to the Kurdistan Region's oil," indicating that "the committee has reached the final stages of completing the hosting and providing a lot of information in preparation for voting on the amendment today."
He added, "It is necessary for there to be a decision from the committee to submit the draft law to a vote," expressing his hope that "an agreement will be reached to vote on this draft law, which complements the 2023 budget."
He pointed out that "a number of committee members have raised many paragraphs and submitted proposals, and we will raise them so that everyone is aware of them, but they cannot be added considering that the project is an amendment and not budget tables," indicating that "the committee's opinion from the beginning is to proceed with amending the law, but we do not want the clauses and amendments to be like their predecessors, unproductive amendments."
Al-Atwani explained that “the committee added to the amendment paragraphs the obligation of the parties, whether the Ministry of Finance or the Ministry of Oil Resources, to abide by the outputs of the consulting company,” stressing that “there must be an obligation for both parties.”
Al-Atwani concluded by saying: “The consulting company must have a working period that may end in 2025, and it has not achieved results,” stressing that “we are keen to implement the results during this year to be a basis for 2026.”
Sand detonates surprises in the “eighth”.. The Washington Embassy wants to amend the Iraqi budget
Trump is weak and let him kill me
Member of the Finance Committee, Mustafa Sand, confirmed that there was great joy following the vote on the “general amnesty” law, explaining that the passage of this law came within a political agreement reached during the formation of the current government.
He added, "The Personal Status Law should have been isolated from passing laws in a one-basket manner, as this method is not useful for achieving justice."
During his participation in the “Al-Thamena” program, presented by colleague Ahmed Al-Tayeb and followed by “Jarida Platform” , Sand continued , “There are oppressed people in prisons who entered because of the secret informant, and the prisons are crowded with detainees as a result of malicious reports and personal complaints.”
He pointed out that "Noor Zuhair caused the real estate market in Iraq to rise, which negatively affected the purchasing power of citizens."
He added, "Extracting oil in the Kurdistan Region is more expensive than in the south, and Deloitte will decide the cost of extracting oil there."
He explained: “We amended Article 12 of the budget to restrict revenues to the state treasury, and the Prime Minister added an amendment stronger than the Ministry of Finance’s amendment.”
Regarding Parliament, Sand pointed out that “some MPs have power within the council, while others do not.”
He added: “MP Raed Al-Maliki is respected, and Ammar Taama’s absence represents a loss to Parliament. However, you may find MPs who appear strong, but they are alien.”
Sand confirmed that “the US embassy is seeking to amend the parliament by contacting all parties, and has threatened to punish SOMO in order to pass the budget.” He continued: “Despite the challenges, we supported the government after the amendment of Article 12 of the budget was reached.”
Speaking about the Popular Mobilization Forces, Sand stressed: “Whoever thinks about dissolving the Popular Mobilization Forces will be dissolved. Despite the blood that has been shed, we have not offered anything so far.” He added: “If they demand the dissolution of the Popular Mobilization Forces, will they also demand the dissolution of the Peshmerga? The factions pose a threat to Israel, and this is what raises their concerns.”
He pointed out that "the current calm of the factions is part of the redeployment process."
On the financial front, he stressed that “Iraq is going through a stifling financial crisis, as it is now almost without cash liquidity.”
He explained: “The internal debts will leave negative effects on the economy, and I bear responsibility for the current situation.”
Sand concluded by saying: “I will not give up on Al-Daini, and the trial date is near.” He added in another context: “Although some see Trump as a force, I see him as weak, and let him kill me and my family.”
Will the Kurds cling to Trump's curtain to solve their problems with Baghdad?
Kurdistan Democratic Party member Sherzad Qasim commented on Wednesday (January 22, 2025) regarding the Kurds’ “reliance” on the new US president to resolve outstanding issues with Baghdad.
Qassim told Baghdad Today, "The Kurdistan Region is committed to what the Iraqi government's foreign policy approves in the next phase."
He added, "We have extensive relations with the United States and we welcomed Trump's arrival, and we hope that his arrival to power will be a factor of stability for Iraq. America has had a positive role in resolving many disputes and playing a mediating role between Baghdad and Erbil, but our problems are internal and require adherence to the constitution."
For his part, strategic affairs expert Mustafa Al-Taie revealed the date of US President Donald Trump’s attention to Iraq and taking measures regarding some of its internal files.
Al-Taie told Baghdad Today on Wednesday (January 22, 2025), "Trump will undoubtedly interfere in Iraq's internal affairs, especially those related to security and armed factions, as well as the American presence," noting that "Trump will reject any withdrawal during the next stage."
He added, "Trump's attention to the Iraqi file will be after about four months, as he wants at the beginning of his term to pay attention to the internal files of the United States as well as the Russian-Ukrainian war. After that, the Trump administration will have a role in drawing up many internal Iraqi issues by using the economic sanctions card."
Shortly after his inauguration, US President Donald Trump sat at his desk in the White House and signed a series of executive orders and directives related to immigration, criminal pardons, the LGBT community, withdrawal from international agreements, and reversals of previous decisions by Biden .
Rashid to Zelensky: Iraq stands at an equal distance from the Russian-Ukrainian conflict
The US President has been given a deadline.DonaldTrump, Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg, 100 Days to Resolve War CrisisRussianUkrainian.
In this context, he issuedTrumpHe instructed Kellogg to reach an agreement.peaceBetween Ukraine and Russia in a mandatory manner within 100 days.
The Wall Street Journal reported in its news that it will be necessary forTrumpReviewing all stages of the negotiations, noting that no clear information was provided on whether negotiations would be held withRussiaOr not.
He explained .responsibleFormer White HouseTrumpHe trusts Kellogg and sees him as a very honest man.
The Wall Street Journal added that Kellogg recently said that Biden had decided to offer Ukraine a long-term process, butTrumpGained an advantage in future negotiations that would be beneficial.USArms supplies to Kiev could increase and a deal could be reached if Moscow refuses to negotiate.
The Wall Street Journal noted that there is no fear.RussiaFrom this agreement between Ukraine and the United States and not showingRussiaInterested in the Kellogg talks?
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