Some “Iraq News” Posted by Clare at KTFA 1-12-2025

KTFA:

Clare:  Al-Sudani to pay official visit to UK tomorrow, Monday

 An informed source reported today, Sunday (January 12, 2025), that Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani will pay an official visit to the United Kingdom tomorrow, Monday.

The source told Baghdad Today, "Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani will pay an official visit to Britain tomorrow, Monday."

He added that "Al-Sudani will discuss a number of important security, economic and investment files with the United Kingdom.   link

Clare:  Trump's envoy on his way to Iraq.. A new message to Al-Sudani

1/11/2025

An informed political source revealed, on Saturday evening, an upcoming visit by the envoy of the US President-elect, Donald Trump, to Iraq, carrying with him a message to Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.

According to the source, who spoke to Shafaq News Agency, "An American envoy is expected to arrive in Baghdad, carrying direct messages from Trump about the security of the region and Iraq's role in it."

The source explained that "the visit may be secret (not officially announced)," noting that the envoy will also discuss the details of Al-Sudani's recent visits, and Trump's vision according to the recent changes in the region.

An informed political source reported last week that the Iraqi Prime Minister received a message from US President-elect Donald Trump, via a special envoy on an unannounced visit, which included several axes .

According to the source, the most prominent axes are the necessity of containing and controlling weapons outside the framework of the state, stopping the activity of factions linked to Iran, in addition to Iraq not interfering in the Syrian file and supporting the formation of the new Syrian government .

Meanwhile, a government source told Shafaq News Agency that Iraq   is working diligently to establish security in the region, and that the Prime Minister presented Iraq's vision in this regard during a visit to Iran .

Al-Sudani had made numerous visits to countries in the region after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, including Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and recently Iran, where he discussed security issues with the leaders of these countries. Iraq also participated in the Aqaba Conference held in Jordan, with the participation of several countries, including the United States .  LINK

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Clare:  The Central Bank calls on banks to expand and expand ATM services and cash payment machines

1/12/2025 Baghdad - 

The Central Bank of Iraq called on banks, on Sunday, to expand the spread of cash delivery outlets through all available channels such as ATMs, POC cash payment devices, as well as authorized exchange companies, electronic payment company outlets, and POS electronic payment devices spread throughout Iraq.

Central Bank statement, as reported to 964 Network :

The Central Bank of Iraq works within its strategy to provide various services to bank card holders, by expanding the spread of cash delivery outlets and through all available channels, including ATMs, POC cash payment devices, as well as authorized exchange companies, electronic payment company outlets, and POS electronic payment devices spread throughout Iraq.

The Central Bank confirms in its circulars that it directed banks and non-banking financial institutions to spread and expand their financial services in areas that lack the aforementioned services.

The bank seeks to develop these services by establishing the latest infrastructure for financial products and services in Iraq, and improving them continuously.

The Central Bank invites you to submit inquiries and complaints, if any, through the following link:

Click here  LINK

Clare: Central Bank of Iraq: We are working to provide ATMs in all regions

1/12/2025

The Central Bank of Iraq confirmed, on Sunday, that it is working to provide ATMs and cash payment machines, while indicating that it has directed all banks to spread their financial services in all regions.

The bank said in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency, "The Central Bank of Iraq is working within its strategy to provide various services to bank card holders, by expanding the spread of cash delivery outlets and through all available channels, including ATMs and POC cash payment devices , as well as authorized exchange companies, electronic payment company outlets, and POS electronic payment devices spread throughout Iraq."

He added that "the Central Bank confirmed in its circulars that it directed banks and non-banking financial institutions to spread and expand their financial services in areas that lack the aforementioned services."

He pointed out that "the bank seeks to develop these services by establishing the latest infrastructure for financial products and services in Iraq, and improving them continuously."  LINK

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Clare:  Currency smuggling.. Central Bank punishes 10 Iraqi banks due to foreign transfer violations

 1/12/2025  Information/Baghdad…

MP Baqir Al-Saadi confirmed today, Sunday, that the Central Bank of Iraq issued penalties against ten Iraqi banks due to violations related to the foreign transfers file, which has become a direct threat to the local economy.

Al-Saadi said in a statement to Al-Maalouma Agency, "The file of smuggling hard currency outside Iraq is still a source of great concern, amidst multiple question marks about the mechanisms for implementing these operations, especially with the ongoing investigations into the commission of serious violations by exchange offices and banks in foreign transfers."

He added that "the penalties issued by the Central Bank against 10 banks so far come within the framework of reducing violations related to foreign transfers, which are considered one of the most prominent methods used to smuggle currency out of the country."

Al-Saadi pointed out that "currency smuggling has serious effects on the local economy and causes an increase in financial crises in the country," noting that "most of the transfers made for the purpose of smuggling go to one of the Gulf countries, which requires serious reconsideration and the implementation of strict measures to stop this ongoing bleeding."

The representative stressed that "the Iraqi Financial Institution is working seriously to address this problem by setting new criteria and re-evaluating the tools used in financial transactions, with the importance of revealing the results of the investigations to public opinion."  LINK

FRANK26….1-10-25…….THE NEXT STEP

Friday Night Conference Call

FRANK26….1-10-25…….THE NEXT STEP

This video is in Frank’s and his team’s opinion only

Frank has stated he will no longer do public videos on the Iraqi dinar UNLESS it is Important, Prudent or Necessary.  

Frank’s team is Walkingstick, Eddie in Iraq and guests

Playback Number: 605-313-5163   PIN: 156996#

What Frank’s suit color’s mean…. FRANKS SUIT COLORS FOR CC'S..... WHITE = NEW INFO…. SILVER = INTEL FROZEN…. RED= HIGH ALERT… PURPLE=GUEST WITH US…. BLUE = AIR FORCE…. BLACK = GROUND/FF’S…. GREEN= MR OR FAB 4 ... GOLD = CHANGE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcUCipIB6Mg

FRANK26….1-7-25…..TRANSFERS NOT AUCTIONS

KTFA

Tuesday Night Conference Call

FRANK26….1-7-25…..TRANSFERS NOT AUCTIONS

This video is in Frank’s and his team’s opinion only

Frank has stated he will no longer do public videos on the Iraqi dinar UNLESS it is Important, Prudent or Necessary.  

Frank’s team is Walkingstick, Eddie in Iraq and guests

Playback Number: 605-313-5163   PIN: 156996#

What Frank’s suit color’s mean…. FRANKS SUIT COLORS FOR CC'S..... WHITE = NEW INFO…. SILVER = INTEL FROZEN…. RED= HIGH ALERT… PURPLE=GUEST WITH US…. BLUE = AIR FORCE…. BLACK = GROUND/FF’S…. GREEN= MR OR FAB 4 ... GOLD = CHANGE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IX3zBlthPag

KTFA Members “Auctions or No Auctions?” and more 1-5-2024

KTFA:

Kimberly:  Imo question so confused have the cbi auctions stopped? Or is the cbi running on a different system? Not understanding what is going on

Harlequin3:  IMO- Yes, the auctions have stopped. There is a currency window (the auctions) that was started in 2003. That window is closed. In those auctions the CBI directly sold dollars for dinars to the local banks INSIDE Iraq only -- basically, they traded money back and forth to each other, and that is how the CBI controlled the rate (what is called a programmed rate.)

The ForEx we watch only reflects those internal auctions because the dinar is not internationally tradable. This is what makes the ForEx curve look like castle walls, up, sideways, down, up, sideways, down, instead of a floating line like a heartbeat.

Harlequin3 cont……..The problem is, this is how the Iranian-backed banks would get USD and launder it through their fronts (money exchangers on the street) and it would get funneled into Iran. These auctions were supposed to only be a temporary thing for a couple years, but the crooks enjoyed skimming and laundering the dollars.

 In 2023, America said enough's enough. On Dec 30 the official announcement came to stop these currency auctions, on Dec 31 the final auction stopped. Now in Jan 2024, these metamorphosized (Frank's term) from out and out cash sales -- here's a dollar on the table for sale for real IQD on the table -- and switched to mostly an electronic platform (that's Saleh's 95% thing)

On Jan 1, the auctions stopped and became foreign reinforcements -- the CBI has nothing to do with this other than monitor and approve the transactions (with the UST, Ernst & Young, and K2 auditing the transaction BEFORE it happens, and ensures it goes where it's supposed to go -- not Iran -- and when it arrives.)

The CBI is NOT selling money to the banks anymore -- the banks MUST go get their money from OTHER banks outside the country (currency swaps, which is the essence of ForEx.)

So Bank A in Iraq is connected to Bank B in England, let's say, and they need foreign currency to cover their deposits, they request XYZ euros from Bank B -- for XYZ dinar at 1310 -- the money is ELECTRONICALLY wired back and forth.

There is a basket of currencies the banks can choose from: Euros, Yuan, Dirhams, Rubles, Jordanian Dinar, etc., etc. All the CBI is doing is watching this now, making sure it's legit.

On Jan 2, notice 7 banks in Iraq said, hey we need foreign currency! And 283m dinars' worth of that foreign currency electronically changed hands. No auction. This is how all banks all over the world operate. International standards.

It's audited on both ends, the request, and the completion. Today's exchange, had 279m dinar in the exact same fashion -- EXCEPT USD ARE allowed to be purchased (not in auction from CBI but from their international counterparts) from 5 (I think it's upped to 7 now) banks currently -- this dollar cash is permitted in Iraq for 3 purposes only: travelers request USD because they are traveling to the USA. They can't physically have the dollars until they've gone through airport security with their ticket, and they pick it up as they board the plane.

Second, the GOI IS allowed to use dollars for financing government approved projects -- audited by E&Y. (Building a bridge with an American company that requires American dollars, something like that.)

Or third, major medical procedures for citizens that require dollars -- that money is audited as it goes to the hospital for the procedure only.

Those are the only three legal uses for the dollar in Iraq. (Parliament wants a fourth for buying cars, so far Sudani says no, because that would be easy to launder.)

 This is effectively drying up dollars on the streets -- Parliament (who skims it) says, whoa, that will raise the demand for the dollar in the black market and the exchange rate will skyrocket -- Saleh/Alaq say no, this is a temporary inflationary bubble that is NOT real -- there IS no black market, you are pirates operating illegally with illegal currency -- there is only ONE currency in Iraq, the dinar, and it has an official rate of 1320 -- anything other than this is against the law.

Saleh says "this bubble" will burst -- which is why we're hoping to see a new rate by then, one higher than the dollar -- because then the citizens won't be looking for dollars illegally -- they'll have strong local national currency.

Without the auctions -- there is NOTHING manipulating and propping up the 1320 rate -- so.... what are they going to do? Raise the value.

 Eventually, the dinar will float in this basket, and ForEx will look like a heartbeat. But all that goes to say the auctions HAVE stopped. What you are seeing is "foreign currency reinforcements" not an auction -- the CBI has NOTHING to do with this money, it's between the two correspondent banks, and CBI is only auditing the transaction.

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Clare:  Economist: New steps by the Central Bank regarding dollar transactions

1/5/2025

Information / Baghdad..

Economic expert Safwan Qusay revealed today, Sunday, that there are new steps by the Central Bank to enhance transparency and global openness.

Qusay said in a statement to Al-Maalouma Agency that “the Central Bank of Iraq and the US Federal Reserve are moving towards authorizing Iraqi banks to contract with international auditing companies, instead of relying on the dollar selling platform alone, with the aim of auditing credits and transfers before implementing them.”

He explained that "this measure is in the interest of the Central Bank, as it contributes to avoiding the risks of money laundering cases and international sanctions," noting that "this step is a turning point that contributes to drawing a clear map for the work of Iraqi banks on the global stage, as they will deal with international correspondents and financial guarantees in addition to instant transfers, which enhances their position in global markets.”

He pointed out that "it is possible to rehabilitate banks facing current restrictions, which will lead to greater stability in the exchange rate," indicating that "the Central Bank attaches special importance in the next stage to increasing foreign currency reserves, which contributes to facilitating trade operations and supporting economic activity.”  LINK

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Clare:  Al-Sudani: The Development Road Project will enhance Iraq's power in the region

1/5/2025   Baghdad

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani confirmed today, Sunday, that the development road project will enhance Iraq's strength in the region, politically and economically.

During his reception of the Director of the Iraqi Institute for Dialogue, Abbas Radhi Al-Amiri, according to a statement from his office received by "Al-Eqtisad News", Al-Sudani was briefed on the work of the organizing committee for the Seventh Baghdad International Dialogue, whose activities will start on February 22-23, 2025 under the slogan "The Path to Iraqi Development... Alliance of Interests and Geopolitical Stakes", noting that choosing this topic falls within the great Iraqi interest in the project, which gives the country a pivotal role in the regional system as an important point of communication between the East and the West.

According to the statement, Al-Sudani expressed his "sponsorship of this annual international gathering hosted by the capital, Baghdad, which hosts an elite group of the most important decision-makers in the region and the world."  LINK

Clare:  Retrospectively.. Details of an agreement between Baghdad and Erbil to resume the region’s oil exports revealed

1/4/2025  Special

The Parliamentary Oil and Energy Committee revealed, on Saturday, the details of an agreement between Baghdad and Erbil to resume exporting oil extracted from the fields of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Committee member Nahro Mahmoud said in an interview with Al-Rabia, "There was an agreement between the government delegation in the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq," indicating that "the main dispute was over the cost of extracting and transporting the oil produced in the region and then exporting it."

He added, "The agreement stipulates amending the three-year budget law and allocating $16 as a temporary cost until one of the international consulting companies in this field is hired and given a period of 60 days."  LINK

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Clare:  Al-Sudani receives a "special" message from Trump: Syria, Iran and the factions

1/4/2025

An informed political source reported on Saturday that the Iraqi Prime Minister received a message from US President-elect Donald Trump.

The source told Shafaq News Agency that Al-Sudani received a message from Donald Trump through a special envoy on an unannounced visit, which included several axes.

The source pointed out that the most prominent axes are the necessity of containing and controlling weapons outside the framework of the state, stopping the activity of factions linked to Iran, in addition to Iraq not interfering in the Syrian file and supporting the formation of the new Syrian government.

Meanwhile, a government source told Shafaq News Agency that Iraq is working diligently to establish security in the region, and that the Prime Minister will present Iraq's vision in this regard during a visit to Iran.

On December 30, an informed source revealed that Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani will begin a visit to Iran at the end of next week to discuss developments in the region.

The source told Shafaq News Agency that Al-Sudani will discuss several files with Iranian leaders, most notably the recent developments in Syria.

Al-Sudani had made several visits to countries in the region after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, including Jordan and Saudi Arabia, where he discussed security issues with the leaders of these countries. Iraq also participated in the Aqaba Conference held in Jordan, with the participation of several countries, including the United States.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian visited Iraq on September 11, and made a three-day tour that included Baghdad, Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Najaf, Karbala and Basra.

On May 22, Al-Sudani also visited Tehran to participate in the funeral of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who was killed in a plane crash.  LINK

Some “Iraq News” Posted by Clare at KTFA 1-4-2024

KTFA:

Clare:  New holiday for all Iraqis

1/3/2025

Sumerian News - Local
witnesses next week vacation Official next Monday on the occasion of memory establishment Army Iraqi Al-Basel, according to the Official Holidays Law No. 12 of 2024.

It will be on Monday, January 6th. vacation Official for all Iraqis On the occasion of the 104th anniversary of the founding of Army Iraqi The brave.   LINK

Clare:  Al-Sudani stresses the importance of raising the level of quality control to preserve public money

1/4/2025  Baghdad

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani stressed today, Saturday, the necessity of working to address the observations and raise the level of quality of oversight; in order to preserve public money.

The Prime Minister's media office stated in a statement received by "Al-Eqtisad News" that "Al-Sudani received the head of the Financial Supervision Bureau, Ammar Sobhi Khalaf, and the meeting witnessed discussions on the contents of the Bureau's reports on the performance of the various state agencies, and ways to enhance them."

 Al-Sudani stressed the "necessity of working to address the comments and raise the level of quality of oversight, in order to preserve public money."

During the meeting, the Audit Bureau’s reports were reviewed, particularly reports related to the performance of ministries and entities not affiliated with a ministry.  LINK

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Clare:  The Iraqi government succeeds in recovering 50 billion dinars from the corrupt during 2024

1/4/2025  Baghdad

The Parliamentary Integrity Committee confirmed, today, Saturday, that the government succeeded in recovering 50 billion dinars from the corrupt during the past year, while indicating that Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani played a prominent role in reducing corruption files.

Committee member MP Alia Nassif said: "Al-Sudani and the Integrity Commission had an effective impact in reducing the aggravation of these files and prosecuting those involved in them," noting that "the government also succeeded in recovering about 50 billion dinars from those involved in corruption files in the Deal of the Century, in addition to the Director General of Refineries and the Assistant Director of Investment during the year 2024."

Nassif pointed out that "the anti-corruption operations also included pursuing those involved in real estate fraud files," noting that "most ministries and governorates formed sub-committees to stop the waste of public money."  LINK

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Clare:  "Oil and Gas Law" resolves pending issues between Baghdad and Erbil

1/4/2025

Oil and Gas Committee in the Iraqi Parliament considered, on Saturday, that the agreement on the draft "Oil and Gas Law" and sending it from the government to the parliament will contribute to resolving many of the pending issues between Baghdad and Erbil.

Committee member Bassem Al-Gharibawi told Shafak News Agency, "Agreeing on the draft oil and gas law and approving it in the Council of Ministers and then sending it to Parliament will contribute to resolving many of the outstanding problems between the federal and regional governments."

According to Al-Gharibawi, the government had previously formed a committee headed by the Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Affairs, the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, and the Iraqi SOMO Company to negotiate with the regional government regarding amending the disputed articles and preparing a final version of the oil and gas law.

He added, "The Parliamentary Oil Committee hosted a number of officials from the Ministry of Oil during the previous legislative session, and discussed the formulas and articles that require amendment to the Oil and Gas Law."

Last week, Iraqi economic expert, Nabil Al-Marsoumi, revealed that 9 foreign companies were demanding compensation amounting to 24 billion dollars resulting from the halt in oil exports after the Iraqi judiciary rejected the appeal of the Iraqi Ministry of Oil to cancel these companies’ contracts with the Kurdistan Region.

The Karkh Court of Appeal rejected an appeal submitted by the Iraqi Ministry of Oil and overturned previous rulings that declared the contracts of foreign companies with the Kurdistan Region invalid .

According to the court, contracts are considered “valid,” enforceable, and binding on both parties, and no party outside the contract has the right to object to them, even if they are based on a legal basis that the Federal Supreme Court in Iraq deemed unconstitutional in February 2022 .

The court explained in the reasons on which it relied that the decision of the Federal Supreme Court issued in February 2022 cannot be applied to contracts concluded before its issuance, in accordance with a general principle in Iraqi civil law.  LINK

Clare:  Iraq surpasses Saudi Arabia in oil exports to America

1/4/2025

The US Energy Information Administration announced on Saturday that Iraq surpassed Saudi Arabia in oil exports to the United States during the past week.

The administration stated in a table seen by Shafaq News Agency, that "the average US imports of crude oil during the past week from 9 major countries amounted to 5.765 million barrels per day, down by 79 thousand barrels per day from the previous week, which amounted to 5.844 million barrels per day."

She added that "Iraq's oil exports to America reached 212 thousand barrels per day last week, down by 17 thousand barrels per day from the previous week, which reached 229 thousand barrels per day, thus exceeding Saudi Arabia, whose exports to America reached only 87 thousand barrels."

The administration indicated that "the largest oil revenues for America during the past week came from Canada at a rate of 3.733 million barrels per day, followed by Mexico at an average of 551 thousand barrels per day, then Venezuela at an average of 353 thousand barrels per day, and Colombia at an average of 289 thousand barrels per day."

According to the table, "the amount of US imports of crude oil from Brazil amounted to 280 thousand barrels per day, from Libya it was at a rate of 189 thousand barrels per day, and from Nigeria at a rate of 71 thousand barrels per day.   LINK

“News and Views” From KTFA Members 1-3-2024

KTFA:

Clare:  Mr. Al-Hakim: We will not allow anyone who wants to bring back the days of conflict, and Iraq today is stronger with its forces and its mobilization.

1/3/2025

The head of the National State Forces Alliance, Mr. Ammar Al Hakim, confirmed his rejection of attempts to return Iraq to “disagreement and conflict.”

In his speech at the mass gathering in Najaf on the anniversary of the martyrdom of the Martyr of the Mihrab, Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Muhammad Baqir al-Hakim {may his secret be sanctified}, Mr. Al-Hakim said: “There will be no compromise on the security and stability of our country, and we will not allow anyone who wants to return the scene to the days of disagreement and conflict and to play on the feelings and unity of the Iraqis.

Iraq today is stronger with its men, government, leaders, army, federal police, crowd, Peshmerga, and all branches of our armed forces, which are rising with the arms of its zealous sons.”   LINK

Clare:  In support of Mr. Al-Hakim’s proposal.. Advisor to Al-Sudani: Iraq strengthens its sustainable economic partnerships

1/3/2025

The economic advisor to the Prime Minister, Mazhar Muhammad Salih, announced that the current Iraqi government seeks to strengthen sustainable economic partnerships with major countries.

Saleh told {Euphrates News}: "Iraq has left behind the legacy of isolation and regional and international conflicts since 2003, and our country is currently experiencing a very high level of stability with the international economic community and building economic relations that achieve common interests, led by openness to an international strategic investment environment based on the path of development, which is led by central infrastructure in improving transportation, energy and port networks."

He added, "In addition to establishing free industrial and economic zones to attract real foreign direct investment with high added value." 

Saleh continued, "Also, continuing the strength of traditional trade tributaries, especially in crude oil trade and traditional trade, will remain important factors in building our country's interests with the world, by dealing with Iraq's international partners, led by major friendly countries, namely India, Turkey, China, Korea, the United States, Japan, and sister and friendly countries such as the Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Iran and the rest of the neighboring countries."

The head of the National State Forces Alliance, Mr. Ammar al-Hakim, stressed during his speech at the mass gathering in Najaf on the anniversary of the martyrdom of the Martyr of the Mihrab, Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Muhammad Baqir al-Hakim {may his secret be sanctified} that combating corruption, establishing security, and building a balanced economy are our gateway to building a strong state, while calling for striving through Iraq to establish long-term economic ties and common interests that our peoples and the peoples of our Arab and Islamic region enjoy.

Mr. Ammar al-Hakim also stressed the importance of focusing on reconstruction projects, economic development, and increasing investments in the country. Raghad LINK

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Clare:  Iraqi Central Bank Streamlines International Transfers

2nd January 2025   By John Lee.

The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) has announced the successful transition of external transfers from an electronic platform to direct operations by Iraqi banks through their international correspondent banks.

According to a CBI statement, this milestone, fully achieved at the end of December, aligns with global best practices, promoting a stable and secure financial system.

Key highlights include:

Modernisation Journey: Transfers evolved from a currency sale window to an electronic platform and now to correspondent banking systems.

Diverse Currency Support: Iraqi banks can now enhance balances with correspondent banks using various currencies, including USD, INR, CNY, EUR, AED, SAR, and JOD.

Global Integration: The system improves efficiency and aligns Iraq's financial operations with international standards, boosting regional and global financial relationships.

Investment and Trust: This achievement strengthens Iraq's appeal for investment and enhances international financial confidence.

The CBI attributed this progress to extensive technical planning, governmental support, and the contributions of its staff, Iraqi banking institutions, and international partners.

The bank reaffirmed its commitment to fostering good governance, compliance, and anti-money laundering measures, further solidifying Iraq's financial system.

(Source: CBI)   LINK

Clare:  Government Advisor: Monetary Stabilization Mechanism Will Maintain Financial Stability in the Country

1/3/2025  Baghdad - WAA - Amina Al-Salami, 

the financial advisor to the Prime Minister, Mazhar Muhammad Salih, confirmed today, Friday, that the Central Bank has adopted the monetary reinforcement mechanism to feed the national banks' requests for foreign currency, indicating that the monetary reinforcement mechanism will maintain financial stability in the country.

Saleh told the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that "the function of the Central Bank will continue to move in two directions: the first is to meet the needs of national banks for foreign currency with their correspondents, which confirms that the new monetary reinforcement mechanism will work to provide monetary stability on the part of the monetary authority in the two issues of continuing the monetary sterilization policy that is concerned with controlling the levels of local liquidity by exchanging foreign currency for the dinar"

Noting that "the new monetary reinforcement mechanism will maintain a fixed exchange rate of 1,320 dinars for every dollar, which will enable the Central Bank to achieve stability in the external value of the Iraqi dinar by controlling the growth in the money supply within the operational objectives of monetary policy through what is called the monetary transmission mechanism to achieve intermediate or real long-term goals in achieving stability in the general price level or reducing growth in inflation rates, and this comes in conjunction with the stability of the exchange rate and the growth of the money supply to achieve stability in the general price level."

Saleh added that "the second trend is to provide foreign currency to correspondents of national banks in order to facilitate the stability of the real supply of basic goods and services flowing into the domestic market with high fluidity, and to make compliance control of foreign currency transactions on two levels: national through the Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorist Funds Office, and external through the role of correspondent banks that undertake the task of auditing compliance issues."  LINK

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David:  the new monetary reinforcement mechanism will maintain a fixed exchange rate of 1,320 dinars for every dollar.   I’m not sure that’s the news we wanted to hear. 

BLKFish:  How's that possible with them issuing lower notes?

BMS32:  IMO They may be saying the 1320 rate sort of how Kuwait said they weren't going to do anything any time soon with their currency and then ended up changing their rate. I have been seeking the bad news that would be similar to Kuwait and this seems pretty similar to that! Bring on the bad news! Remember, IMO, Sudani said they would have the strongest currency (or something along those lines) - 1320 is weak sauce..

Clare:  SALEH IS TALKING ABOUT THE RATE RIGHT NOW AND HE IS NOT THE ONE THAT WILL ANNOUNCE THE NEW RATE. IMO

FRANK26….1-1-25……..THIS IS A HAPPY NEW YEAR

KTFA

Wednesday Night Conference Call

FRANK26….1-1-25……..THIS IS A HAPPY NEW YEAR

This video is in Frank’s and his team’s opinion only

Frank has stated he will no longer do public videos on the Iraqi dinar UNLESS it is Important, Prudent or Necessary.  

Frank’s team is Walkingstick, Eddie in Iraq and guests

Playback Number: 605-313-5163   PIN: 156996#

What Frank’s suit color’s mean…. FRANKS SUIT COLORS FOR CC'S..... WHITE = NEW INFO…. SILVER = INTEL FROZEN…. RED= HIGH ALERT… PURPLE=GUEST WITH US…. BLUE = AIR FORCE…. BLACK = GROUND/FF’S…. GREEN= MR OR FAB 4 ... GOLD = CHANGE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTNIh6wV12s

With the beginning of the new year, the US dollar enters a new phase in Iraq

KTFA:

Clare:  With the beginning of the new year, the US dollar enters a new phase in Iraq

12/30/2024

US dollar dealers in Iraq are awaiting the arrival of the new year 2025, which is now approaching and will end the work of the electronic platform for monitoring the movement and transfer of currencies outside the country, according to what the Central Bank of Iraq announced.

Financial and banking experts consider the suspension of the dollar selling platform by the Central Bank of Iraq a “bold step” as it has multiple economic and regulatory dimensions, but on the other hand, the suspension of the platform may open the door to new challenges.

Experts confirm that the success of this decision depends largely on how it is implemented. If the Central Bank is able to provide strong regulatory alternatives and ensure comprehensive awareness for traders and importers, it may be able to achieve the desired goals of this step.

However, if the process is not managed carefully, it could have negative effects on the stability of the financial market and the overall economy of Iraq, according to experts.

In detail, Kazem Al-Shammari, a member of the Economic Committee in the Iraqi Council of Representatives, says, “The job of the Central Bank is to maintain the cash reserve and the unified exchange rate, so it is not its job to sell the dollar, but rather it is the job of the banks, but because of the economic situation and legal chaos, the Central Bank has taken control of selling the currency.”

Al-Shammari confirmed to Shafaq News Agency, "The committee is in favor of banks selling the currency, but it must be subject to strict restrictions and monitoring, as there are many uses for the currency, and the US administration has imposed sanctions on many banks because of this matter."

Al-Shammari believes that “there are Arab or foreign banks that receive more than 40 to 50% of currency sales, and this causes great harm to the Iraqi economy. Therefore, we must focus on Iraqi banks that are not sanctioned and are able to deliver the dollar to those who deserve it, including traders and industrialists.”

He pointed out that "the House of Representatives is currently in legislative recess, and after the resumption of the House's work, the Governor of the Central Bank will be hosted in this regard, and work will be done to impose strict control over currency exchange and purchase entities."

 Fear of unexpected obstacles

For his part, the head of the Iraqi Economic Alliance, Adi Al-Alawi, says, “Transfers, whether buying dollars for travel or otherwise, were made through a platform linked between the Central Bank of Iraq, the US Federal Reserve, another company for auditing accounts and information, and the Iraqi banking authority. When any of these four entities stops working, the entire process stops.”

Al-Alawi explained the platform’s working method to Shafaq News Agency, saying, “The transfer goes through a series of stages starting with submitting invoices to the bank, which in turn submits them to the platform, then to the Central Bank, the auditing company, and then the US Federal Reserve, to decide whether to proceed with it or return it. If it approves it, it goes to an intermediary bank, which sends the amount to the beneficiary.”

He added, "These stages have been shortened and the new process has become much easier, as the bank sends the transfer directly to the intermediary bank without going through the Central Bank of Iraq and the US Federal Reserve, while the auditing company remains. Thus, the bank that raises the transfer is the decision-maker and responsible before the Central Bank of Iraq and before the entire global financial sector."

He points out, "But the problem is that the Iraqi banks that have correspondents are only five out of 60 to 70 banks, so only five banks will operate in the next phase, which may cause congestion in withdrawals until things are arranged and organized."

Al-Alawi points out that “the Central Bank’s step is correct and we support it, but the Central Bank does not have real tools and a supervisory authority to rely on, so there is a fear of unexpected obstacles that usually arise during practical application, which requires quick measures and a response to the requirements of reality, which the Central Bank lacks based on previous experiences.”

Pros and Cons

In turn, international economic expert, Nawar Al-Saadi, says, "The suspension of the dollar selling platform by the Central Bank of Iraq is a bold step as it has multiple economic and regulatory dimensions."

Al-Saadi told Shafaq News Agency, "The main goal of this measure, as stated by the Central Bank, is to enhance transparency in financial transfer operations, and reduce reliance on a platform that was considered a primary tool for monitoring the flow of dollars."

He added, "For years, the platform has provided an effective means of regulating dollar sales and ensuring that they are directed to authorized purposes, such as imports and supporting the Iraqi economy, while trying to limit money laundering or smuggling of dollars abroad."

He believes that “this decision is supposed to be part of efforts to improve compliance with international banking standards, by moving to a more direct system in dealings between local banks and foreign correspondent banks, reducing bureaucracy and simplifying financial operations.”

Al-Saadi added, “Also, this decision could help reduce the operational costs associated with maintaining and managing the platform itself, which could be interpreted as a positive economic step towards rationalizing resources.”

But on the other hand, stopping the platform “may open the door to new challenges, such as the possibility of increasing reliance on the black market to obtain dollars, especially if there are no clear mechanisms to ensure that dollars reach traders and importers,” says Al-Saadi.

“This could lead to a rise in the exchange rate of the dollar against the Iraqi dinar, which would put pressure on local prices and raise inflation rates. In addition, small traders may find themselves in a difficult situation, as their reliance on the platform provided them with easy access to foreign currency,” he added.

Another challenge that may arise, according to Al-Saadi, is “the issue of the lack of strict oversight that the platform used to provide, as the platform allowed for close monitoring of financial transfers, thus reducing illegal activities such as money laundering or terrorist financing.”

“In the absence of an effective alternative, there may be a risk of these activities increasing, putting Iraq in a sensitive position on the international financial scene,” Al-Saadi said.

The international economic expert confirms that "the success of this decision depends largely on how it is implemented. If the Central Bank can provide strong regulatory alternatives and ensure comprehensive awareness for traders and importers, it may be able to achieve the desired goals of this step."

“However, if the process is not managed carefully, it could have negative effects on the stability of the financial market and the overall economy of Iraq,” Al-Saadi said.

Potential damage to the economy

The financial and economic researcher, Diaa Al-Mohsen, agrees with what Nawar Al-Saadi said about the potential damages, whether to Iraqi traders or to the Iraqi economy in general, as a result of stopping the platform.

Regarding the most prominent damages, Al-Mohsen explained to Shafak News Agency, "It is likely that the suspension will lead to an increase in demand for the dollar in the parallel market, which will push its price to rise significantly."

He added, "There is also a negative impact on the economy, which may lead to an increase in the prices of imported goods and services, which in turn leads to an increase in the inflation rate and a reduction in the purchasing power of citizens."

He added, "In addition to the decline in commercial activity resulting from traders' reluctance to import due to high shipping costs, which leads to a shortage of goods in the markets and an increase in their prices."

"There may also be difficulty in obtaining the dollars needed to import goods, which affects their business," Al Mohsen added.

Al-Mohsen points to the possibility of “an increase in unemployment rates as well, given that any slowdown in business activity results in increased unemployment, especially in sectors that depend on imports, which may generate social unrest such as protests and demonstrations.”

He points out that "the damages may not appear immediately, and may take some time to fully appear, noting that the severity of these damages depends on many factors, such as the duration of the suspension, the economic policies followed, and the general economic situation of the country."

To avoid damage to the monetary authority, the financial and economic researcher calls for the importance of “taking alternative measures, such as gradually increasing the supply of dollars in the market, facilitating procedures for obtaining dollars for traders, and supporting the affected economic sectors.”

The possible reasons for stopping the platform, according to Al-Mohsen, are “an attempt to control the parallel market, as the Central Bank wants to reduce the difference between the official and market exchange rates by reducing the supply of dollars in the market.”

Al-Mohsen adds that it also "represents a step to reduce corruption and tax evasion, and the Central Bank of Iraq is also trying to protect foreign reserves from depletion."

Platform Termination Statement

According to a statement by the Central Bank on September 4, the electronic platform for foreign transfers began at the beginning of 2023 as a first phase to reorganize financial transfers in a way that ensures proactive oversight of them instead of subsequent oversight by the Federal Reserve auditing daily transfers.

The statement added that this was "an exceptional measure, as the Federal Reserve does not usually do this, and a gradual shift was planned towards building direct relationships between banks in Iraq and foreign correspondent and approved banks, mediated by an international auditing company to conduct a preliminary audit of the transfers before they are executed by correspondent banks."

He continued: "During the year 2024 and until now, 95% of the transfer process from the electronic platform to the correspondent banks mechanism directly between it and Iraqi banks has been achieved, which means that only about 5% of it remains within the platform, which will be transferred using the same mechanism before the end of this year and according to the plan."

The statement of the Central Bank of Iraq indicated that "some expectations about possible effects on the exchange rate and transfer operations are baseless, because the process will not be sudden or in one payment at the end of this year, but rather it was achieved in the past period with effort and careful follow-up, except for the remaining small percentage that will be accomplished in the coming short period."

The Central Bank of Iraq confirmed that trade with the UAE, Turkey, India and China represents about 70% of Iraq's foreign trade as imports, which prompted the Central Bank of Iraq to find channels for transfer in euros, Chinese yuan, Indian rupees and UAE dirhams, through approved correspondent banks in those countries.

He added in this regard: "13 Iraqi banks have actually started conducting transfer operations with the prior audit mechanism that has been agreed upon and approved, in addition to transfers in dollars, with the provision of channels for personal transfers for legitimate purposes and external purchases through electronic payment channels and international money transfer companies and cash sales to travelers, and the payment of cash dollars for incoming transfers to the parties and purposes specified in the Central Bank's published instructions."

The bank noted that it has placed foreign transfer operations and meeting dollar demands on sound paths consistent with international practices and standards and the Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Law.

The Central Bank’s statement concluded that “providing the aforementioned channels for all purposes at the official dollar price makes this price the true indicator of economic practices, which is proven by the reality of price stability and control of inflation.

Any other price traded outside of these channels is an abnormal price that those with unorthodox or illegal practices resort to, who avoid official channels in their dealings, and bear the additional costs alone by purchasing at a higher price than the official price to deceive others about the difference between the official price and the other.”  LINK

MilitiaMan & Crew Iraq Dinar News-Dollar Auction by End of 2024-USA Security Inplace-Circulation Banknotes-Metals

MilitiaMan & Crew Iraq Dinar News-Dollar Auction by End of 2024-USA Security Inplace-Circulation Banknotes-Metals

12-29-2024

The Crew:  Samson, PompeyPeter, Petra, Daytrader, Sunkissed, GIGI and Militia Man

Be sure to listen to full video for all the news……..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5zouvpGbvk

FRANK26….12-29-24……COUNTDOWN AT 1

KTFA

Sunday Night Conference Call

FRANK26….12-29-24……COUNTDOWN AT 1

This video is in Frank’s and his team’s opinion only

Frank has stated he will no longer do public videos on the Iraqi dinar UNLESS it is Important, Prudent or Necessary.  

Frank’s team is Walkingstick, Eddie in Iraq and guests

Playback Number: 605-313-5163   PIN: 156996#

What Frank’s suit color’s mean…. FRANKS SUIT COLORS FOR CC'S..... WHITE = NEW INFO…. SILVER = INTEL FROZEN…. RED= HIGH ALERT… PURPLE=GUEST WITH US…. BLUE = AIR FORCE…. BLACK = GROUND/FF’S…. GREEN= MR OR FAB 4 ... GOLD = CHANGE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xywT5mOc6g

FRANK26…..12-27-24……TOMORROW

KTFA

Friday Night Conference Call

FRANK26…..12-27-24……TOMORROW

This video is in Frank’s and his team’s opinion only

Frank has stated he will no longer do public videos on the Iraqi dinar UNLESS it is Important, Prudent or Necessary.  

Frank’s team is Walkingstick, Eddie in Iraq and guests

Playback Number: 605-313-5163   PIN: 156996#

What Frank’s suit color’s mean…. FRANKS SUIT COLORS FOR CC'S..... WHITE = NEW INFO…. SILVER = INTEL FROZEN…. RED= HIGH ALERT… PURPLE=GUEST WITH US…. BLUE = AIR FORCE…. BLACK = GROUND/FF’S…. GREEN= MR OR FAB 4 ... GOLD = CHANGE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spETaTlYalA