KTFA Members "News and Views" Thursday AM 12-5-19

KTFA:

Samson:  Parliament holds an evening session tomorrow (today)

12/4/2019 21:52

The Parliament will hold an evening session tomorrow, Thursday.

The Director General of the Parliamentary Chamber in a statement received by the agency (Euphrates News) a copy of it "attributed the presidency of the Council to hold a meeting on Thursday at 4 pm."

Parliament was scheduled to hold its regular session on Tuesday but was postponed to complete discussion of the legal committee, parliamentary blocs and UNAMI experts on the bills of the House and Electoral Commission elections.   LINK

2Cents:  Very Interesting start time especially on a Thursday.........

HoosierGirl:  I'm thinking maybe they aren't "running the show" and somebody else is cracking the whip!!! 

DELTA:  Al-Taif Islamic Bank offers its customers the service of buying and selling foreign currencies at the best competitive prices supported.

(wink)  Note that the price of the dollar may change.

Speed in completion and accuracy in dealing

# Islamic Bank of Latif
#Sales_Purchase_Foreigns
#Department_Awareness_Banking and protection_public

Don961:   Abdul Mahdi announced the transformation of his government to the caretaker

Wednesday 04 December 2019

Baghdad / Al-Sabah / Muhannad Abdul Wahab

 Outgoing Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi announced the transformation of the government to a caretaker government daily, while the parliamentary legal committee confirmed that the President of the Republic performs the functions of the resigned Prime Minister until the assignment of another person within a period of not more than 15 days Article 81 of the Constitution.

Abdul-Mahdi said in a televised speech followed by "morning" yesterday: "The political blocs have to expedite the selection of a new prime minister," noting that "the demonstrations a good and great event and triggered crises exist in the country and warned everyone that there are demands did not hear the required form."

Abdul Mahdi said that "there is a need for great public pressure to restore things to the right", pointing out that "the government will send to parliament the final accounts of the budgets of previous years."

Meanwhile, member of the parliamentary legal committee, Bahar Mahmoud, "Article 81 of the Constitution requires that in the event of the vacancy of the post of Prime Minister that the President of the Republic for a period of 15 days, provided that another person to form a government during this period in accordance with Article 76 of the Constitution."

Meanwhile, the head of the Bareq al-Khair bloc, which is part of the victory coalition, Mohammed al-Khalidi, told "morning", that more than 130

A signature submitted by deputies from the various political blocs of the President of the Republic specifies the prime minister's specifications conforming to the demands of the demonstrators, indicating that these signatures represent a "veto" on any political bloc puts a personality does not match the specifications required by the Prime Minister.     LINK

Don961:  An official source for : imminent verdicts in 8 thousand file corruption

Wednesday 04 December 2019

Baghdad / Omar Abdul Latif

 The Supreme Council for Combating Corruption has completed 8 thousand corruption cases out of 12 thousand, while the spokesman for the Information Office of the Prime Minister, Dr. Saad Al-Hadithi, that it can not undo the fight against corruption and take serious and concrete steps towards the prosecution of corrupt and open files and take legal judicial decisions Accused.

The Hadithi told "morning", that "after the formation of the Special Court for felonies corruption Became central to the fight against corruption, the court formed investigative judicial bodies in all courts of appeal, which in turn issued orders to arrest, bring and prevent travel and seizure of funds, also sentenced to prison sentences later a number of former officials And the present. "

Observer member of the Supreme Council for Combating Corruption Said Yassin Moussa said in a statement to "morning": "There are 12 thousand investigative files related to corruption cases, has been coordinated on the finalization of 8 thousand files by the Integrity Commission and the Council of Justice and Prosecution, to issue judgments, and there Four thousand investigative files are still being worked on to finalize them in coordination with the Judicial Council, stressing that "the majority of the recent files are disabled because of ministers or officials Direct. "

For his part, a member of the Integrity Committee in the House of Representatives Jawad Hamdan al-Saadi, "the formation of a committee to follow up the cases and files of corruption in the Integrity Commission," stressing that "the next stage will see the detection and accountability of all corrupt to get their just punishment."    LINK

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Samson:  For the first time since 2014 .. the region delivers its oil to Baghdad and announces important details

5th December, 2019

The Minister of Finance in the Kurdistan Regional Government Awat Sheikh Janab on Thursday announced the delivery of the federal government in Baghdad 250 thousand barrels of crude oil per day, in the first time since 2014.

"We have decided to deliver 250,000 barrels of oil per month per month to Baghdad," Sheikh Janab said at a joint news conference with provincial council secretary Amang Rahim and chief of the provincial council of ministers Omid Sabah. "We have agreed on a formula on the payment of loans," he said, adding that "most of the Kurds' demands have been met."

He pointed out that "we reached an agreement with Baghdad on the budget and oil," pointing out that "reducing the share of the Kurdistan region in the financial budget was a political decision unfortunately." "Our negotiations this time with Baghdad have been successful," he said, stressing that "if Baghdad abides by the agreement, there will be no problems with the payment of salaries." He continued that "the ball now in the court of the Iraqi parliament with regard to the budget," stressing that the Kurdistan region will abide by the agreement we reached with Baghdad.

For his part, Secretary of the Council of Ministers of the Kurdistan Region Amang Rahim that the region will contribute to raising financial revenues for Iraq in accordance with the agreement reached with the federal government on the budget and oil.  Rahim added that the federal budget for 2020 is still in the process of legislation. He said that the Kurdistan region will contribute to increase financial revenues for Iraq in accordance with the agreement reached with Baghdad, stressing that the recent agreement is in the interest of both sides.

He added that "Iraq borrowed 62 billion dollars and part of it has nothing to do with the Kurdistan region." He pointed out that the region will provide Baghdad with information about the debt of the Kurdistan region, noting that the debt of the region will be installed in the financial budget for next year. Rahim said there was an understanding between Arbil and Baghdad about the debt.   LINK

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Samson:  Kurdistan Regional Government: We will contribute to increase the financial revenues of Iraq

5th December, 2019

The Secretary of the Kurdistan Regional Council, Amang Rahim, confirmed on Thursday that the region will contribute to raising financial revenues for Iraq according to the agreement he reached with the federal government on budget and oil.

Rahim said in a joint press conference held with the Minister of Finance Awat Sheikh Janab, and the head of the Cabinet Office of the Region Omid Sabah that the federal fiscal budget for 2020 is still in the process of legislation  

He added that the Kurdistan region will contribute to increase financial revenues for Iraq in accordance with the agreement we reached with Baghdad, stressing that the recent agreement is in the interest of both sides.

"Iraq has borrowed $ 62 billion, part of which has nothing to do with the Kurdistan region," he said.

He pointed out that the region will provide Baghdad with information about the debt of the Kurdistan Region, noting that the region's debt will be fixed in the financial budget for the next year.

Rahim said there was an understanding between Erbil and Baghdad about the debt.  LINK

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Samson:  Deputy confirms the existence of a parliamentary consensus on the passage of the Electoral Commission Act

10:11 - 05/12/2019

A member of the Front for Correction and Change Parliamentary Abbas Jaber Al-Atafi, Thursday, that today's session will see the vote on the Electoral Commission Act, pointing to the existence of a parliamentary consensus to pass the law.

Al-Atafi said in a statement to the information, that "the agenda of today's meeting will include the inclusion of the Electoral Commission law, as well as the presence of demands to include the election law to vote on them in today's meeting." He added, "All views and proposals on the Commission's law was completed with the will of the people," noting that "there is a parliamentary consensus to pass the law in today's meeting, which will be held in the afternoon."

Al-Atafi pointed out that "the Legal Committee continues until the moment the maturity of the election law before submitting it to vote."   LINK

Frank26 and Angel1 Video "Bank Shot" and more.....Wed. Night 12-4-19

KTFA:

Mr.Harfax:  I’m as optimistic as anyone that good things are coming. However, I try to take a level approach to events as they occur. As such here is my question regarding the announcements of “the receipt of all credit transactions for loans will be suspended”… was any further information released regarding this change?

I unfortunately know nothing about the Iraqi Commercial Bank but is it possible the change could relate to any of the following factors:

A re-examination of lending policies. We are seeing banks fail somewhat regularly these days is it possible this bank is having issue given its current environment?

A large volume of lending requests (i.e. new loans) was received/issued previously raising a possible flag?

Fears related to possible future asset bubbles or inflation

Is it possible this could be or will be discussed tonight?  

MilitiaMan:  I recall and posted what I think may have been reasoning in the matter in respect to loan suspensions.

That is, the CBI told banks to be prepared to modify contracts. Loans are contracts. Just as salaries are. All are in the news of recent too.

So if there is a rate change so no one gets an unfair deal or shorted in anyway, they may have suspended the loans payment wise for the month in anticipation of a rate change, fair is fair.

 There even in today's article on insurance supports that they are gearing for investors. They state for instance they will have the highest insurance payout in the world.

Here in the USA FDIC is $250,000. If that article above in respect to insurance and the relationship to capital. It m be may be suggesting they are telling us by using "in Billions" when they know the 3 zeros are going away when they raise the value, thus, may mean millions.

Thus , they may mean the are to be willing to pay out $1.5 million in insurance. That would be the highest in the world and would support investors safety or risk requirements far better in Iraq that in the USA..

Attractive it may very well be.. Just thinking out loud.. ijmo..

So we shall see what comes of it tonight.. ~ MM

Samson: The start of the Nineveh Investment Forum with the participation of the Association of Iraqi private banks in Erbil
4th December, 2019

The Nineveh Investment Forum, which will bring together companies operating in Nineveh with international, regional and local investors, business leaders and other stakeholders with the participation of the Association of Iraqi Private Banks, kicked off on Tuesday 3-5 December 2019 in Erbil

The forum will discuss the possibilities of investment in the Kurdistan region and provide exciting opportunities in the sectors of agriculture, manufacturing, services and technology

The Nineveh Investment Forum, funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), will announce the expansion of its ongoing efforts to support regional development by opening additional business development centers at the upcoming Nineveh Investment Forum, which will help revive the private sector in Nineveh

"Shortly after the launch of the EIPI program in Nineveh six months ago, we established the first business development center in Erbil and are now assessing the location of additional facilities in Nineveh province," said Sahl al-Annabi, a private sector team leader in the Nineveh Investment Facility program. - With the expected opening of our second facility during the first quarter of 2020

For his part, the facilitator of the Nineveh Investment Facilitation Program team, Aaron Hsu, pointed out that “Business Development Centers will provide access to knowledge, tools and financial facilitation services to companies operating in Nineveh. To help her On revitalizing and mobilizing finance and growth, special programs will be offered to support women entrepreneurs and startups

The event, organized by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), brings together experts and speakers in international investment and development, a unique collaboration between the United States and the public and private sectors in Iraq to support communities in Nineveh by creating investment opportunities

Institutions supporting the Nineveh Investment Forum include: the American Chamber of Commerce in Iraq, the Kurdistan Regional Investment Commission, Yazda Organization (an international Yazidi organization), the Federation of Iraqi Industries - Nineveh Chamber of Industry, the Iraqi Intermediate Market Development Corporation, the Association of Iraqi Private Banks, and the Nineveh Investment Commission. And the American-Iraqi Business Council   LINK

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Samson:  Washington shows support for the Baghdad-Erbil understanding on the 2020 budget

4th December, 2019
President of the Kurdistan Regional Government Masroor Barzani received in his office on Wednesday, US Ambassador to Iraq Matthew Toller.

During the meeting, which was attended by the US Consul General in Erbil, Stephen Wagen, discussed the latest developments on the Iraqi arena and the region in general, and stressed the importance of stability and security in Iraq.

The Prime Minister pointed out that the Kurdistan region is fully prepared to continue its positive role for the stability of Iraq. 

The US Ambassador expressed support for the mutual understanding between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Federal Government, especially with regard to the draft budget for 2020. During the meeting, the US ambassador also reiterated US support for the Kurdistan Region.  LINK

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Samson: Pentagon: New evidence of Iran's threat to America in the Middle East

4th December, 2019
New evidence of an Iranian threat to US forces and interests in the Middle East, state media reported on Wednesday, citing the Pentagon.

The media quoted the ministry as saying that Iran has moved troops and weapons in a manner that raises US fears of a possible attack if ordered by the Iranian regime, while stressing that there is no evidence of an Iranian threat to US officials.

Pentagon spokeswoman Rebecca Rebric told Sky News Arabia that we continue to monitor the Iranian regime's military and proxies. "We are very ready to defend American forces and interests if we need to." "It is not clear whether the potential threat will come from the central government or the Iranian Revolutionary Guards," CNN quoted a Trump administration official as saying.

The head of US military operations in the Middle East recently pointed out that the United States expects some kind of Iranian action in response to US sanctions and pressure, which are trying to get the regime to abandon its nuclear program. "I expect that if we look at the last three or four months, they are likely to do something irresponsible," said Gen. Kenneth Mackenzie, commander of US Central Command.

The United States confirmed that the Iranians had made several provocations against commercial shipping in the Gulf earlier this year and were also responsible for a massive drone attack on Saudi Arabia's oil infrastructure.

Several weeks ago, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said that "the administration is pleased to see a decline in Iranian public actions in the region and the administration wanted to send a signal that the way forward is through diplomacy but the military is ready to act as needed." Earlier, the Pentagon said Trump had agreed to send US troops of a defensive nature, focusing mainly on air and missile defense.

The Pentagon said that an additional 3,000 US troops will be deployed in Saudi Arabia, pointing out that the troops to be deployed, including air defense and combat groups. In May 2018, Trump announced his country's withdrawal from the nuclear deal with Iran and reimposed tough sanctions on Tehran for its role in destabilizing the Middle East.   LINK

Frank26:  12-4-19 ......... BANK SHOT

WELCOME TO FRANK'S UB2B

THIS ENTIRE VIDEO IS IN FRANK'S OPINION

THIS VIDEO WILL LAST 45 MINS AT THAT TIME WE WILL STOP THIS VIDEO AND START A NEW ONE PLEASE JOIN US ON A NEW ONE THEN PLEASE

Tonight we have our bank expert with us…Angel1…and the banks are talking.

Angel1: Mike Pence came to Iraq last week and delivered the rider….This is HUGE!!!!!.And he didnt come alone….with him were big people with big credentials…

And all my banking contacts are so excited because the banks of Iraq all agreed to no loans for the next 30 days……this is giving them a runway for the take-off!!!! ALL THE BANKS AGREED TO THIS because they know its coming…..and we are in an incredible window!!! The banks if Iraq are in unity and they are all listening to the CBI!!!

Frank26 And where did Pence go?

Angel1: He went to the Kurds….to Kurdistan….he came bearing gifts…he brought the rider to the budgetand the HCL…and the gift he brought is what we have been waiting for … America is ready and the UST is ready and we are pushing this along

Angel1:  The UN was there and they said they were thinking of putting sanctions on…..but they didn’t do it…because the UN has dinars and they are going to fund themselves with the reinstatement of the Iraqi Dinar…….The Fab 4 is the UN, The WB, the IMF and the UST which is Donald Trump. …

Angel1: Not only are the Banks in Iraq in unity but the Fab 4 is also in unity….They all say go ahead and raise the value…My contacts are in HIGH ALERT right now because of the speed in which this is happening

There is much more………….

Please listen to the replay for all the news……

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKamqS5rNCI

KTFA Members "News and Views" Tuesday 12-3-19

KTFA:

JJimmyJJ:  If anyone is curious about how Trump feels about international monetary policy,  here are two tweets from his account today (Monday)  :

"Brazil and Argentina have been presiding over a massive devaluation of their currencies. which is not good for our farmers. Therefore, effective immediately, I will restore the Tariffs on all Steel & Aluminum that is shipped into the U.S. from those countries.

The Federa Reserve should likewise act so that countries, of which there are many, no longer take advantage of our strong dollar by further devaluing their currencies. This makes it very hard for our manufactures & farmers to fairly export their goods. Lower Rates & Loosen - Fed!"

It should be perfectly clear that Trump hates devalued currency, and that he wants all countries to compete on a level playing field in regards to monetary supply. IOW, Iraq shouldn't think for a second that the US will allow them to keep their currency at a program rate (or,  more accurately,  that the US will allow Iran to keep Iraq at a program rate).

Monday Night CC 12-2-19

PLAYBACK : 605.313.5163    PIN: 156996#

https://fccdl.in/gZwlsKPXvy

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Samson:  Ki: Electronic payment supports economic reform

3rd December, 2019
The expansion of electronic payment is an important step that supports the paths of economic reform and the trends of economic recovery, a company official said.

The source added that the adoption of electronic payment in all financial operations bring great economic benefits for the country, and makes the tracks of funds in the direction of security away from forms of manipulation. He pointed out that the expansion of electronic payment means more direct and indirect employment opportunities for a wide segment of young people.

The financial expert d. The appearance of Mohammed Saleh between the adoption of fingerprint in electronic payment is an important step and safer in electronic payment, pointing out that the footprint helps prevent all forms of manipulation that may accompany the process. He praised the efforts of KNC, which represents a mixed national sector that has proved itself and led to the detection of cases of excess of public funds.   LINK

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Samson:  Upcoming meeting of more than 120 deputies with the President of the Republic to discuss the selection of the Prime Minister

10:18 - 03/12/2019

The head of the Bayrak parliamentary bloc, Mohammed Al-Khalidi, on Tuesday, a meeting expected with President Barham Saleh with more than 120 deputies to choose the prime minister for the next, indicating that the deputies will submit a document signed by them showing the specifications of the candidate.

Khalidi said in a statement to the information that "more than 120 deputies will meet with the President of the Republic at eleven o'clock this day at the Peace Palace in Baghdad," indicating "the meeting will include the definition of features and specifications of the next prime minister, according to a petition to be submitted by deputies to the President of the Republic."

Khalidi said that "the petition stipulates that the prime minister is independent and that he does not hold another nationality and that he did not take senior positions in previous governments and there is no indication of corruption around it," noting that "the deputies participating in the meeting do not represent their blocs, but their views."

The MP from the Alliance Building Alliance Nassif confirmed in a previous statement to the / information /, that the names currently put in the media to succeed Abdul Mahdi after his resignation are the names of "burnt out" and can not be passed, pointing out that the conditions for the selection of the next prime minister are specific and must Be from outside the political formation and did not take office previously.   LINK

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Samson:  Saleh calls for the involvement of the masses in the selection of a new prime minister for Iraq

3rd December, 2019
A delegation from the "Sairoun" alliance, backed by Sadr's leader Muqtada al-Sadr, met on Tuesday with President Barham Salih.

"The delegation handed over an official letter from the parliamentary bloc" Siron "declaring its waiver of its electoral entitlement as the largest bloc, stressing that the people are the largest bloc and that the options for peaceful demonstrations are ours," a coalition statement said.

"The president stressed the need to involve the public in the process of selecting the next prime minister.

 The delegation included "Saraon" MP Sadiq al-Sulaiti, deputy head of the bloc and MP Hamdallah al-Rikabi bloc spokesman.    LINK

Samson:  Seven banks won membership in the Board of Directors of the Iraqi Deposit Guarantee Company

10:40 - 03/12/2019
The Association of Iraqi private banks, on Tuesday, won 7 private and government banks membership of the Board of Directors of the Iraqi company to ensure deposits elections of the General Assembly, which took place at the headquarters of the Association.

The Executive Director of the Association of Iraqi private banks, Ali Tariq in a statement received / information / copy of it, that "a meeting of the General Assembly of the Iraqi company to ensure deposits, a joint-stock company with a capital of 100 billion dinars in the presence of the Central Bank of Iraq and the Department of Companies Registration in the Ministry of Commerce and the Iraqi market Securities, the Retirement Authority and members of private and government banks in which the members of the board of directors of the company were elected.

Tariq added that the number of shares of the company is distributed between 25% for government banks and 30% distributed between commercial banks and foreign branches and the National Pension Agency, while 45% of the shares were offered for public subscription. He pointed out that "the winning banks on the board of directors are Rafidain, industrial, investment and development and the Iraqi National and Assyria and the guarantees company, pointing out that the banks that won the membership of the reserve are rational and Iraqi Trade" TBI "and credit, national and Mansour, credit and Erbil.

Tariq pointed out that "this company is one of the most important companies established at the moment because it aims to protect depositors and preserve their rights and restore confidence to the banking sector and encourage savings and public awareness of the system of guaranteeing deposits within Iraq and manage the process of compensating depositors efficiently and effectively," noting that "the proportion of compensation Depositors will reach a maximum of 150 million dinars, the highest compensation rate regionally and internationally.   LINK

MadeeandLyndee:  This article is HUGE.

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Samson: Kurdistan urges the completion of the later stages of the draft federal budget to ensure their rights

3rd December, 2019

The head of the Kurdistan Regional Government Masroor Barzani, on Tuesday, a meeting of the delegation of talks with the federal government.

A statement issued by the government that the delegation of the Kurdistan Regional Government presented during the meeting, details of the initial agreement during his talks with the Federal Ministry of Finance in Baghdad on the draft financial budget for 2020.

The discussions of the region were conducted under the direct guidance and supervision of the Prime Minister and resulted in the participation of the Kurdistan Region for the first time in the first stages of preparing the draft law draft budget 2020.

The meeting expressed the hope to implement what was agreed between the two sides, and urged the Kurdish blocs in the House of Representatives and other blocs to support the preparation of subsequent stages during the discussion of the draft budget, including securing the rights and financial constitutional entitlements to the Kurdistan region.

The Kurdistan Regional Government, the Iraqi Council of Ministers approved the draft federal budget law for 2020, before the resignation of Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi from office.

The spokesman for the provincial government, Gutiar Adel, told Shafaq News, "The provincial government expressed its willingness to meet its oil obligations in return for the federal government's commitment to pay the financial dues to the region in accordance with an agreement contained in the draft budget law 2020, which was approved by the Iraqi Council of Ministers before resignation.''

He said details of the agreement would be announced on Wednesday.

A delegation from the Kurdistan Regional Government held several meetings in Baghdad after which they reached an agreement on the federal budget 2020.

Under the agreement, details of which were announced by Iraqi Oil Minister Thamer Ghadhban, that the oil extracted from the Kurdistan region to the Iraqi Oil Marketing Company (SOMO), which will export through a pipeline to the Turkish port of Ceyhan at a rate of 250 thousand barrels per day. Under the agreement, the region sends oil at the beginning of the new year, and in return install the financial dues of the region from salaries and budget in the budget law of 2020.  LINK

Doodlebug:  Come on Salih, ANNOUNCE IT! I know you want to... here let me help you... "Citizens of Iraq, I am pleased to stand before you and announce to you that Baghdad and Kurdistan have finally executed.. (wait that is probably a bad word to use in the Middle East)... have finally reached an agreement after 15 years! Details about the agreement/Budget will be coming out tomorrow. We are proud of this Agreement and most importantly, We are proud of you, the citizens of Iraq!"

BlaqueBeauty:   This is what our ears need to hear

 “The provincial government expressed its willingness to meet its oil obligations in return for the federal government's commitment to pay the financial dues to the region in accordance with an agreement contained in the draft budget law 2020, which was approved by the Iraqi Council of Ministers before resignation.'' He said details of the agreement would be announced on Wednesday.”

Frank26 Video and KTFA Members Monday Afternoon 12-2-19

KTFA:

Ryan1216:  I'm keeping the month of December in prayer  

Frank26:  IMO ............. AFTER TONIGHT'S MONDAY CC .................. MANY WILL...........AMEN.

LISTEN TO WHEN I TALK ABOUT THE CBI/BANKS AND .................. NO LOANS !!! !!! !!! 

Frank26:  12-2-19....... NO SOUP AND NO LOANS FOR YOU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhmwapoYR0o

Doc.K:  Dec 20. …..USA runs out of $$$

Don961:  Al-Hadithi: The cabinet will send the budget law to parliament in the coming days

Prime Minister Saad al-Hadithi's office confirmed on Sunday that the cabinet is continuing to complete the federal budget bill for 2020 despite the acceptance of the resignation of Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi.

Al-Hadithi said in a statement followed by "Trend Press", that "the transfer of the government to conduct a daily business does not hinder the completion of the draft federal budget law for 2020 as a fundamental part of the work of the government," pointing out that "the Council of Ministers in the process of completing the budget law during the coming days and send To the House of Representatives. ”

He added that "the Council of Ministers is committed to complete the budget quickly because of the existence of financial commitments can not be stopped for any reason."

He explained that "the Council is about to complete the law fully in the coming days."  link

Doodlebug:  So we have the Kurdish "delegation" in Baghdad right now, without Barzani doing last minute dotting of the "i's" and crossing of the "t's" and Mahdi's office is announcing that the Budget will go to Parliament in the coming days. LOL yeah okay... "Tell them what they've won, Johnny!" The Citizens have won an agreed upon deal between Baghdad and Kurdistan! Come on Salih, make the announcement (Kurdistan/Bahgdad Deal), I know you want to! All IMOO.

Pete2001:  "cant be stopped for any reason"....certainly like that!!

MilitiaMan:  In essence imo this will expose the 2018-2019 (rider) that may have been or was used to keep the 2020 Budget under wraps to date.. And this is all to happen within the coming days.. So they say they need to do it quickly, as there is an existence of financial commitments that can not be stopped, thus, they merely suspended the financial commitments (loans / cotnracts) for the month ending 01/02/2020, as noted in the article Delta posted. - ..imo.. ~ If that is the case then, shut the front door Alice! lol ~imo~  MM

MilitiaMan:  The data sure seems to suggest that many fronts are converging.. All good too. imo..

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Samson:  Parliamentary Finance: The budget of 2020 almost complete and the resignation of the government will not hinder its access to Parliament

09:25 - 02/12/2019

The decision of the Parliamentary Finance Committee Ahmed al-Saffar, on Monday, that the budget of 2020 is almost complete and left only sent to parliament, indicating that the resignation of the government will not hinder the arrival of the budget to the House of Representatives, as the budget was prepared before the resignation of the government.

Saffar said in a statement to the information, that "the 2020 budget is almost complete and it was hoped that the government sent to the parliamentary Finance Committee this week, but the resignation of the government will delay the arrival of the budget."

He added that "the government will send the budget to parliament and that does not conflict with the law, although it is a caretaker government, because it has prepared the budget before resigning."

He explained that 'the budget and if not approved during the current year, the Financial Management Law stipulates that the government operates a budget 1/12 and operating only the same paragraphs and items of the 2019 budget, until the adoption of the new budget.'

He pointed out that "the delay in the 2020 budget has seen a lot of changes in addition to the inclusion of the demands of the demonstrators in its items, where almost daily changes in paragraphs."  LINK

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Giants:  Thought this may interest some.  I've been tracking the daily exchange rate from some time now and this is the first time they are only showing monthly exchange rate averages, with December being empty.

Things that make you go hmmmm... A break in pattern or a change to something else????  Also for those who care, the link will show the historical value of the IQD from 1974.  Just adding to your study for the newbies.       https://cbi.iq/news/view/1128

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Samson:  Masoudi: The interim government is much more important than it will follow for these reasons

09:15 - 02/12/2019

The deputy of the alliance of Sairon Riad Masoudi, on Monday, that the interim government is very important in order to establish a good atmosphere for the holding of fair early elections, pointing to the importance of choosing a strong prime minister gives everyone the freedom of choice.

"The interim government is much more important than the future government," he said.

He added that "the interim government, which will be established to hold early elections, it will take into account the principle of empowerment, participation, transparency and availability, where these Muslim women will increase the rate of participation in power, and who will come to parliament is elected from the people."

"The next prime minister should be strong to provide freedom of choice, in order for all voters to be equal in terms of ability, competition and running," Masoudi said.   LINK

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Samson:  Minister: Most of Kurdistan's constitutional rights and demands are decided by the federal budget

2nd December, 2019
The Minister of Planning in the Kurdistan Regional Government Dara Rashid said on Monday that most of the constitutional rights of the region were fixed in the draft federal budget law for 2020.

"Our delegation is still in Baghdad and I think the budget has been finalized and there are no problems left around it," Rashid told reporters in Arbil.

He added that "has been installed and most of the demands and rights of the Kurdistan region legal and constitutional in the budget in 2020."  LINK

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Samson:  Saleh discusses with three delegations achieving security and reforms in Iraq

2nd December, 2019

President Barham Salih received on Monday at the Peace Palace in Baghdad, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General in Iraq, Jenin Hennes Blaskhart, and the European Union and Russian Ambassadors to Iraq Martin Huth and Maxim Maksimov separately.

During the meeting, they discussed international support to enhance security, stability and reforms in the country, as well as ways to improve bilateral relations and achieve common interests.

They also reviewed the latest political developments on the regional and international arenas.  LINK

Delta and KTFA Members "News and Views" Sunday Night 12-1-19

KTFA:

DELTA:  The Iraqi Commercial Bank would like to draw the attention of its valued customers to the fact that the receipt of all credit transactions for loans will be suspended from 12/01/2019 until 01/02/2020

Ourcoin:  Because payments for loans can't be made due to a change in the rate for the IQD?  Wishful thinking?

MilitiaMan:  They did mention awhile ago about the need to modify contracts.. Wala.. They are now telling us a window of that to occur..  A rate change is coming like you have said! Thanks DELTA... ~ MM

Pete2001:  Delta . what does this post mean to you for us?  

DELTA:  BANKS MAKE MONEY WHEN THEY GIVE LOANS ...FOR THEM TO STOP ...IMO...... RATE IS GOING TO CHANGE...

MilitiaMan:  AGREED to that. Modified contracts are in supension while the rate gets taken care of. Wow! - IMO... ~ MM

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 Coco:  Important Dates to Watch:

12-1-19 through 1-2-20 Iraqi Commercial Bank suspends receipt of all credit transactions for loans.

12-3-19 Adam Schiff gives committee members until Tuesday, December 3rd to read and sign off on his report recommending Articles of Impeachment against President Trump.

12-5-19 USA will sit in President's seat of UN Security Council for one month.

12-9-19  FISA report to be released.

Please feel free to add to this list.

DELTA:  12-10-2019...……..(fireworks)

12-11-19......PONYTAIL CEREMONY 

12-17-2019..........KTFA PARTY IN HAWAII  IMO LOL

Samson:  KRG delegation arrives in Baghdad

1st December, 2019

The delegation of the Kurdistan Regional Government, on Sunday, to Baghdad on an official visit to discuss several common files.

A source familiar with the / Mawazine News /, "The delegation of the Kurdistan Regional Government arrived, today, to Baghdad on an official visit to discuss several common files." The source added, "The delegation will hold a meeting with Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi to reach an agreement on the budget and oil."

A government official said earlier, "The forthcoming agreement between Baghdad and Erbil on the budget requires that the region to deliver 250 thousand barrels of oil per day to Baghdad, which is exported through the Iraqi oil pipeline to the Turkish port of Ceyhan, in exchange for granting the region its full share, including salaries, from Financial Budget for Iraq.  He stressed, "Next week will see a delegation from Kurdistan to Baghdad to complete the negotiations."

 He continued: "This may be crucial to the agreement in the event to continue to send the budget for next year to the Iraqi parliament for approval and the share of the region 12.67%, which is naturally rejected by political forces in parliament is expected to challenge it, considering that the budget granted to the region more than the estimated value , As the budget and the share of each Iraqi province is calculated according to the census and the reality of living in it.

A high-level Kurdish delegation visited Baghdad, which included the Ministers of Finance of the Kurdistan Region Awat Sheikh Janab, the Minister of the Region Omid Sabah, and the President of the Regional Court Amang Rahim, and met with Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi and other officials.  LINK

Popeye7:  Lots of confusion on what is going on at the moment concerning this process of the oil, and gas agreement between Baghdad, and Erbil within the press... But what else do we expect in the land of Babylon, or confusion...

 I thought that Mahdi had resigned, yet he is meeting with the delegation from Kurdistan... Are they going to get this done now, or what for the next government to complete it as the Kurd Interior Minister suggested?...

Have they already completed this, and it is not in print yet?...

Does anyone know how many licks it takes to get to the center of a tootsie roll pop?...

The inner workings, behind the scenes scheming, as well as orchestration of this process has certainly been fascinating, sad, and frustrating as well...

Thank you Frank, and the teams for the Youbee Toobee, and the information you provided us last night...

May the people of Iraq be comforted, and receive a some relief of the turmoil that has taken place of the last few months as they seek stability within the governing of their nation... God bless, and have a great day

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Doodlebug:  So I am chewing a little bit more on the "UN Security Council/US will assume the Presidency in December...." article that was posted yesterday, and I think the timing of it is all too curious. So I went googling and here is what I found:

There are 15 Members that make up the "Security Council" of the United Nations. Each Member has one vote. The position of the Security Council President is a "rotating" chair, meaning each month a member country serves as the President.

So the United States has it's turn this month.

Wasn't it the UN "Security Council" that put the "sanction handcuffs" on Iraq, first? Isn't it the UN "Security Council" that holds the last tidbit of Chapter 7 on Iraq? You know, we have always said, "The UN "Security Council" was the first to put the handcuffs on, they are the last ones to take the handcuffs off"... layer that with Pence/Trump and Barzani, Mahdi resigning, Iran FINALLY being dealt with (chat room November 2017)... oh my it is all so exciting!

Again, from the article, the US of A will sit in the President's Seat of the UN Security Council starting on December 5th. I think this is FASCINATING and this is all in my opinion only.

The article from yesterday's thread:

Samson:  Statement By The White House: "The United States Will Assume The Presidency Of The Security Council Next Month"  

The White House announced that President Donald Trump will meet with the permanent representatives of the United Nations Security Council on the fifth of next month, coinciding with the assumption of the presidency of the Council during the month of December.

"President Donald Trump will meet with the permanent representatives of the UN Security Council on December 5," the White House said in a statement.

"Trump will shed light on the US leadership of the UN Security Council and will invite permanent representatives to act to address the challenges to international peace and security," the statement said.

"Members of the council will go to Washington and are expected to have lunch with President Trump," a UN Security Council source said.

 The members are also likely to visit Kentucky, home of the US ambassador to the UN Security Council, Kelly Kraft, from December 13 to 15.   LINK

PollieAnna:  Thank you so much DB!!!  I brought this up in TC last night due to the fact I found Frank's statement last night intriguing.."If anything at all look for the President to give the UN their next orders, IMO!

Iobey777:  yes!! There you go, Pollieanna!! Looks like Trump will be "in the driver's seat" next month for the UN! IMO, things will be moved very quickly after he takes the realm! Looking very good to see the RI in December! IMO!

EHankins:  There are NO coincidences!.... December 5th the USA takes their turn.  Brilliance in motion!!

Mryantodd:  I may be missing something, but I am not getting excited by this announcement. The members of the UN Security Council take turns at the presidency and each nation serves as President for one month when it is their turn.  The order is established in alphabetical order by the country's name in English and it is our turn in December.  I have been in this investment for several years and the U.S. has held the presidency several times during this period. I really don't think this has direct implications for the IQD.  Of course this is IMHO and I remain hopeful that we are nearing the end of this, but I don't think there is a reason to get excited because the U.S. will assume the presidency for the next month.

Moparman:  what you are missing is this is the United States chance. It won't happen for another 15 months. It very well could happen any month. But, the chances increase when the USA has the presidency.

Jay:  While I agree there is nothing to get excited about, I think what Doodles and I are trying to say is the timing of it being "OUR" turn to lead the Unsc NOW with THIS POTUS...AT THIS moment with IRAQ IN THIS POSITION could be something to behold. IOHOO.   Also keep in mind that many countries are socialist/communist countries. Where as this maassive movement of wealth is not only benefitting the super rich but the peasants (us) too. They... (the socialist COMMUNIST pigs) hate that. WE WILL NOW be able to put the NWO take over off for years to come. Maybe a generation.  Deep state is being squashed back into the pits of hell for a while with this RI. Imo.

Don961:  Real reforms maximize revenue and contribute to its multiplicity

Sunday 01 December 2019

Baghdad / Hussein Thaghb - Farah Al - Khafaf 

One of the reform steps the government is embarking on in response to popular demands is to correct the country's fiscal policy.

Financial expert Thamer Al-Azzawi believes that "the financial policy followed by the competent authorities such as the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank, has succeeded during the past period compared to the conditions experienced by the country, especially with regard to the preservation of the value of the Iraqi dinar, and the financial stock, which has increased, despite recent events."

However, he stressed to Al-Sabah, the need to "correct or update this policy in line with the requirements, in terms of diversifying and maximizing revenues, operating the accumulated funds in banks, and the introduction of the private sector as a key partner for the advancement of the economy." to reach common points to start in the real implementation."

The Finance Committee hosted the Governor of the Central Bank and the Director General of the Tax Authority to discuss the issue of maximizing non-oil revenues and assessing the monetary and economic policy of the country.

  Maximizing revenue

The Chairman of the Finance Committee, Haitham al-Jubouri, according to a press statement, "Supporting the Iraqi economic reality and moving it through the correction of financial policy and rectification,

 Real reforms

To that member of the Baghdad Economic Forum Jassem Al-Aradi, "the need to work to have real reforms that move the change of the reality of the national economy and move it to a better stage, and this is not complicated, but we can see the fruits of reforms within a short period, because of the elements of success that are unique to Iraq However, we need good governance to achieve a smooth implementation of the work in its form    link

Iobey777:  Yes!!! This is HUGE ...IMO!! Wow!! I especially like this statement:

“especially with regard to the preservation of the value of the Iraqi dinar, and the financial stock, which has increased, despite recent events."

KTFA Members "Iraqi News" Sunday Morning 12-1-19

KTFA:

Samson:  Parliamentary Legal: The government will be turned into a caretaker for a month

10:46 - 01/12/2019
The parliamentary legal committee confirmed on Sunday that the current government will turn into a caretaker government for one month after accepting the resignation of Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi.

A member of the Committee MP Hussein al-Oqabi in a statement to / information /, "The House of Representatives will exercise the process of voting on the request to resign or not at the request submitted by Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi to parliament."

 He added that "the submission of the application to the parliament is constitutional," noting that "acceptance of the resignation of parliament will include the resignation of all ministers and the government turns into a caretaker government for one month until the nomination of a new prime minister."

Explained that the issue of the largest bloc The bloc, which claims to be the largest collection of live signatures and submitted to the Federal Court or is by consensus of all the blocks nominate a new prime minister.

Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi announced, on Friday, the resignation of the post of Prime Minister in response to the directives of the wise authority and submit a request to resign to the House of Representatives to decide.    LINK

Samson:  Kurdish deputy: a delegation from Kurdistan will visit Baghdad today to agree on the 2020 budget

08:55 - 01/12/2019

A representative of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, Ahmed al-Saffar, on Sunday, a delegation from the Kurdistan region will visit Baghdad today to agree on the terms of the 2020 budget.

Al-Saffar said in a statement to the information, that "a high delegation of the Kurdistan Regional Government will visit Baghdad today, to agree on some budget items with regard to paragraphs that concern the region."

He added that "the delegation of the region will sign in Baghdad on two agreements on the 2020 budget, one on the amount of oil for the region, where it was agreed on 250 thousand barrels, and the other on the budget to be sent by the government to the region."

He explained that "dialogues on the outstanding problems between Baghdad and the region stopped because of the current situation," stressing that "the oil agreement with Baghdad provides for the export of 250 thousand barrels per day through the company SOMO, while paying the rest of oil revenues exported to the licenses of oil companies, because the region owed debts From outside Iraq, it will work through the remaining quantities of oil to pay off its debts in the past years. 

LINK

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Samson:  After the resignation of Abdul Mahdi .. Kurdish delegation arrives in Baghdad to meet the three presidencies and discuss the developments of the budget

1st December, 2019

Kurdish delegation arrived in Baghdad to meet the three presidencies and meet with them to discuss the latest political developments and the budget for 2020.

The MP for the Kurdistan Islamic Group in a statement to "news" that "a Kurdish delegation, arrived in Baghdad to meet the three presidencies and meet with the ministers to discuss the latest political developments and the conclusion of the 2020 budget agreement."

He explained that "the date of receipt of the budget should have been within the next two days, but the resignation of the government hindered its presentation to the House of Representatives."

"There are good understandings between Erbil and Baghdad that need to be developed and made into agreements," Hamza said.   LINK

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Samson:  Protesters burn Jamil al-Shammari's house in Diwaniya

1st December, 2019
Demonstrators in the province of Diwaniya, burned the house of the former supervisor of the crisis cell in the province of Dhi Qar Lieutenant General Jamil al-Shammari.

Witnesses said a group of demonstrators burned the house of the former supervisor of the crisis cell in the province of Dhi Qar Lieutenant General Jamil al-Shammari, after being accused of killing protesters in Nasiriyah.

Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi decided on Thursday to withdraw the hand of Lieutenant General Jamil al-Shammari from the management of the crisis cell in the province of Dhi Qar after killing 22 people and wounding more than 180 others in clashes with security forces on Wednesday evening. LINK

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Samson:  The judiciary issues an arrest warrant and a travel ban against General Jamil al-Shammari

1st December, 2019
The judicial investigative body formed to hear the cases of events in the demonstrations in Dhi Qar arrest warrant and travel ban against Lieutenant General Jamil al-Shammari.

The Supreme Judicial Council said in a statement received to Twilight News that "the investigative body in the presidency of the Court of Appeal of Dhi Qar issued a warrant of arrest and travel ban against General Jamil al-Shammari for the crime of issuing orders that caused the killing of demonstrators in the province."

Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi decided on Thursday to withdraw the hand of Lieutenant General Jamil al-Shammari from the management of the crisis cell in the province of Dhi Qar after killing 22 people and wounding more than 180 others in clashes with security forces on Wednesday evening. LINK

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Don961:  :  New list of arrest warrants and officials .. Officials and parliamentarians in the lead

 2019/11/30 18:09

Baghdad - Iraq today:

Iraqi government spokesman Saad al-Hadithi announced on Saturday the issuance of arrest warrants and arrest warrants against government officials.

Al-Hadithi said that "there is a special central court for felonies of corruption, formed in coordination between the executive judicial authorities, and has issued a decision to the investigative bodies of the courts of appeal in all the courts of Iraq to issue arrest warrants and recruitment and seizure of funds against those suspected of corruption."

According to al-Hadithi, "the issuance of dozens of orders of recruitment, detention, arrest and even prison sentences on senior officials at the level of ministers and governors and members of the House of Representatives and members of provincial councils."   LINK

Don961:  Iranian illusions burned by Iraq

- 49 Minutes Have Passed

The burning of the Iranian consulate in Najaf and the brutal reactions to it, which targeted Iraqis in several cities, most notably Nasiriyah, are not a passing event. The evidence is that Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi intends to resign, despite Iran's adherence to it. This shows the depth of the Iraqi crisis on the one hand and Iraq escapes from Iran on the other.

Sixteen years after the fall of Saddam Hussein, Iran has failed to win the loyalty of Iraqis, especially Shiite Arabs who have resisted, mostly Iranian influence in Iraq and are still resisting it to this day with their naked breasts.

Since the establishment of the Islamic Republic in 1979, Iran has wanted to export its revolution to Iraq. Iraq was Ayatollah Khomeini's first target. That is why the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war, which, despite its absurdity and heavy losses, prevented the “demarcation of the boundary between two civilizations”, in the words of the late French President Francois Mitterrand in justifying his support for Iraq militarily. That war. For centuries, the Iraqi-Iranian border has been a symbol of the existing balance in the region, a balance that collapsed after 2003 with American desire.

The Iranian failure in the 1988-80 war did not prevent the repetition of the Iranian attempt to control Iraq in accordance with the theory that the sectarian link is superior to the national and national bond. This means from the Iranian point of view that Khomeini promoted, and then his successor, Ali Khamenei, that the sectarian link would turn Iraq into an Iranian reserve. Post-1979 Iran did not ever notice that the first reference to the Shiites was in Najaf, not in Qom.

This seems to be the first dimension of the Iraqi burning of the Islamic Republic consulate in Najaf. At the same time, it is a burning of the Iranian illusions that have been dragged into the eight-year war and the ongoing Iranian threats to the Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia. These threats reached a certain stage, especially in the 1980s, the attempt to politicize the pilgrimage and turn it into a demonstration that raises slogans unrelated to the religion of Islam.

What is happening in Iraq is just as important as what is happening inside Iran itself. What is happening in Iraq is the most prominent evidence of the fall of the Iranian project, which regained vitality after the US invasion of Iraq in 2003. That year there was a US war on Iraq culminated in the fall of the regime. Iran was a partner in that war, which the Iraqi people began to erase more than a year ago.

It simply appeared that the project of Iran's control of Iraq was not a picnic. This is due to several reasons, primarily that the Arabs are Arabs and the Persians are Persians and that it is not enough to have a sectarian link to the demise of the borders between two countries that differ from each other in many things. Moreover, it is clear that Iraq is not prepared to live under a regime that allowed Iran to become the first and last word in determining who is the Iraqi prime minister. 

In the end, Adel Abdul Mahdi, who is supposed to have submitted his resignation, found himself on this site because Iran wanted him to be there. There is no other reason to be prime minister after the May 12 election, except that Iran has put a veto on Haider al-Abadi's return to prime minister, just as Iyad Allawi did in 2010.

The burning of the Iranian consulate in Najaf revealed the reality of Iran. Iraqis have dropped the aura of the Islamic Republic itself. 

There is a viable Iranian expansionist project that first fell in Iran itself, where the popular revolution continues. In Iran, the fire is still under the ashes, contrary to what Khamenei says of "dropping a dangerous plot and of American and Israeli participation in that plot." There is an Iranian conspiracy against Iran. There is an Iranian regime that does not realize that playing the role of a regional power in the region needs elements. At the forefront of these elements is a strong, diversified economy that depends not only on oil and gas income.

In the end, Iran has nothing more to export than sectarian militias. What the Iraqis reject above all is these militias and Iran's pursuit of a satellite regime in Iraq where the PMF is a branch of the IRGC, the backbone of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

From Iraq, the new start of the Iranian expansion project was in 2003. From Iraq, this project begins to decline after its exposure. There is no doubt that the sanctions imposed by the Donald Trump administration have led to unprecedented pressure on Iran and its ability to expand to the announcement that Tehran is controlling four Arab capitals: Baghdad, Damascus, Beirut and Sana'a.

Lebanon's revolution against the “Hezbollah era” - that is, the Iranian influence - seems detailed compared to what is happening in Iraq. Iran believes that it has managed to silence the popular revolution and that the situation has returned to normal in light of the most severe repression with the Iranians. These people did not rise to return to their homes. This is because the Iranian regime has nothing to deal with the economy except for serious negotiations with the United States on the nuclear issue. Such negotiations must address Iranian behavior in the region.

The region will not be after the events of Iraq as it was before. Iraq will not be the biggest prize Iran received from the US war in 2003. When it speaks the language of economics and numbers, other languages, including the language of empty slogan-type auctions, are silenced in all matters concerning Jerusalem and Palestine. Israel annexed Jerusalem without Iran doing anything.

There is a game that ended after the Iraqi uprising against Iran. Nothing has changed with the replacement of Adil Abdul Mahdi as an Iraqi army officer, the dismissal of the officer in charge of the crisis cell in Dhi Qar province, or the promise of a reshuffle before he has to resign personally.

There is a very simple question that arises in the light of what Iraq has witnessed and is still witnessing. Is Iran a normal country or not? Can she reconcile with her people before thinking of putting her hand on Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen?

The Arabs     LINK

Frank26 and KTFA Members Saturday Afternoon 11-30-19

KTFA:

Frank26:   KTFA KONA FAMILY ...........

THERE IS A MASSIVE EXODUS OCCURRING AT THESE VERY SECONDS IN IRAQ !!!

IT IS HUGE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WE WILL SEE U ALL ON UB2B AT 7 PM EST WITH PREMIUM Q AND A AND .................... SILVER/RED

ALOHA OI \M/

Jay:  Thank you Frank and Teams... Hmmm

1. Parliament exodus

2. Iranian exodus 

3. Citizens exodus  aka going home. (I don't think they would be going home until the get all they want. As per there words/article) 

MilitiaMan:  Maybe all three.. ~ MM

ex·o·dus /ˈeksədəs/  a mass departure of people, especially emigrants.

Frank26:  BINGO !!!

Strongcbm:   and all of this by the end of the month... hmmmmm and budget was his name-o...

Rommy:  Just before Daddy takes control of the UNSC!  Don't Blink!

MilitiaMan:  Then that means they need to leave and apparently for good reason. Their immunity will be at stake once Mahdi is officially out. The writing is on the wall.. Better safe than sorry and may even beat  hanging from one.. ~ ~ MM

Adamb7777:   Ok if Salih becomes the next President ……Is Salih a Iraqi or a Iranian ?

MilitiaMan:   Iraqi and us backed by USA... imo ~ MM

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Doc.K:  "Abdul Mahdi has officially handed over his letter of resignation to the Iraqi parliament," the Saudi-funded channel said.
****************************
..
WHICH WILL IT BE ?    3 possible options ......any other options ? 

1. Iraq PM Mahdi submits his resignation to parl't, whenever it next meets, and parl't puts it on hold until the political class can decide what it wants to do, & vote no confidence in a few weeks or months. 

2) Parliament votes no confidence immediately. If so, then President Salih has 30 days to pick a new prime minister-designate and Mahdi stays on as caretaker PM for that month. 

3) Parliament accepts Mahdi's resignation, the PM's office becomes vacant, and President Salih becomes PM according to the constitution.  

**************

Samson:  Statement By The White House: "The United States Will Assume The Presidency Of The Security Council Next Month"

30th November, 2019

The White House announced that President Donald Trump will meet with the permanent representatives of the United Nations Security Council on the fifth of next month, coinciding with the assumption of the presidency of the Council during the month of December.

"President Donald Trump will meet with the permanent representatives of the UN Security Council on December 5," the White House said in a statement.

  "Trump will shed light on the US leadership of the UN Security Council and will invite permanent representatives to act to address the challenges to international peace and security," the statement said.

  "Members of the council will go to Washington and are expected to have lunch with President Trump," a UN Security Council source said.

  The members are also likely to visit Kentucky, home of the US ambassador to the UN Security Council, Kelly Kraft, from December 13 to 15.   LINK

Jay:  WOWZERS!!!!.... Keeping a close eye on this event. Afterall, the UNSC is the last remaining entity that stands in the way of Iraq goin live and international. They have the power of releasing the last of the sanctions on Iraq and its program rate. This  is a UUUUUUUUGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! announcement. Its though as if Trump just put his hand on the button, if you will. WOW... Just WOW. Lol

Doc.K:  Yes, also coincides with the China Trade Deadline, Dec 15.

MilitiaMan:  Interesting on the timing of this. Look at the leverage that may come from it. Look at the connection to the WTO.. ~ MM

https://www.cfr.org/article/funding-united-nations-what-impact-do-us-contributions-have-un-agencies-and-programs

KTFA Members "Saturday Iraqi News" 11-30-19

KTFA:

Samson:  Support: the resignation of Abdul-Mahdi and his government a big victory achieved by the people

2019/11/29 19:50

MP from the opposition bloc of wisdom Hassan al-Janabi support Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi announced today his intention to submit his resignation from the post to the House of Representatives.

"The resignation of Adel Abdul Mahdi and his government team is a great victory achieved by the Iraqi people," he said in a statement received by the Euphrates News agency.

The Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi, announced today his intention to submit his resignation from the post to the House of Representatives, after the invitation of the supreme religious authority in Friday sermon House of Representatives "from which the current government to reconsider his options in this regard and act as dictated by the interest of Iraq and the preservation of blood To avoid a slide into violence, chaos and devastation. "   LINK

Samson:  Allawi calls for the formation of a caretaker government to prepare for elections in a period not exceeding 5 months

2019/11/29 19:08

The head of the Iraqi Platform, Iyad Allawi, called for the formation of a caretaker government after Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi announced on Friday his intention to submit his resignation to the House of Representatives.

Allawi said in a statement received by the agency (Euphrates News) a copy of "after two months of the start of peaceful protests, and the accompanying excessive violence as long as we warned of the continuation and caused by the bloodshed of innocent people, we make clear to the public that the issue of demonstrations and demonstrators does not bear just Abdul-Mahdi only the smallest part of it

As the bulk of the problem lies in the nature and structure of the political process that has become harmful and devastating for Iraq, and led to fragmentation, and adopted marginalization, exclusion, and political sectarianism, and depend on its decisions to the regional external powers, and introduced the fate of Iraq after weakening it To play E Nations."

He added: "How much we have called for and worked for the reform of the political process before things got to where they were and we made our proposals for a deep belief in the homeland and the citizen." Allawi continued: So what should work today is:

1. Form a caretaker government whose task is to prepare for early and fair elections not exceeding 4 or 5 months.

2. The dismissal of the current Commission and the adoption of a new Commission from the Union of Teachers, Lawyers and former members of the former commissions known for their competence and integrity.

3. To prosecute the spoilers and their protectors and anyone involved in the shedding of Iraqi blood and to bring them to public trials.

4. Liberate the Iraqi sovereign decision and ensure its independence away from the degrading regional influences of one party or the other.

5- Preventing the emergence of sectarian quotas and amending some paragraphs of the constitution and completing them from an elected government and parliament.   LINK

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Don961:  Washington comments on the resignation of Abdul-Mahdi and appeals to "Iraqi leaders"

Politics 2019/11/29 20:30 1968    
Baghdad Today-Continue

The United States commented on Friday, November 29, 2019, on the intention of Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi, to resign to the House of Representatives, while making a request to "Iraqi leaders."

Al Arabiya said the event, in an urgent news that "Washington calls on Iraqi leaders to respond quickly to the demands of protesters after the resignation of Abdul Mahdi."

Earlier, the spokesman for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Major General Abdul Karim Khalaf, confirmed that the armed forces are exercising their role away from the political movement.

Khalaf said in a brief statement that "our forces exercise their role away from the political movement."

This comes against the backdrop of the announcement by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Prime Minister, Adel Abdul Mahdi, that he will submit to the House of Representatives, requesting his resignation, in response to the invitation of the religious authority.

Abdul Mahdi said in a statement received (Baghdad today), "I listened very carefully to the speech of the Supreme Religious authority on 29/11/2019 and stated that (in view of the difficult circumstances experienced by the country, and the apparent deficit in dealing with the authorities concerned with the developments of the two months The Council of Representatives, from which the current government emerged, is called upon to reconsider its options in this regard and act in the interests of Iraq and to preserve the blood of its people, and avoid sliding into a cycle of violence, chaos and devastation. "

He added: "In response to this call and to facilitate and expedite its completion as soon as possible, I will submit to the House of Representatives the official letter requesting the resignation of the current government to enable the Council to reconsider its options."

He warned that "the proximal and distant knows that I have already made this option publicly and in official notes, and in the interest of the people and the country."

The highest religious authority represented by Mr. Ali al-Sistani, has seen, today, that the House of Representatives, which chose the government is invited to reconsider its options, and it is called to accelerate the adoption of a package of reform legislation to be in preparation for free and fair elections.   LINK

Samson:  Deputy: Parliament is obliged to accept the resignation of Abdul Mahdi during the next session

08:55 - 30/11/2019

Al-Nasr MP Nada Shaker Jawdat called on Saturday for an emergency session of the House of Representatives to accept the resignation of Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi.

Jawdat said in a statement to / information / that "the political blocs are required to come to an emergency session of the House of Representatives during the coming hours to accept the resignation of Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi."

She added that "the demands of the reference clear to keep the House of Representatives as it is until the order of the new government and the adoption of the laws of the elections and the Electoral Commission." 

Jawdat called on the House of Representatives to "draft a parliamentary resolution to hold all military leaders involved in bloodshed and use excessive force to suppress demonstrations."  LINK

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Samson:  Legal: All cabinet cabs are covered by resignation and this will happen next month

08:44 - 30/11/2019

The legal expert Ali al-Tamimi, on Saturday, details of the resignation of Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi, noting that all members of the cabinet are covered by the resignation according to the Constitution.

Al-Tamimi said in a statement to the information that "the constitution provides for the inclusion of all ministers to resign the prime minister from his position without excluding any person."

He added that "the government of Abdul-Mahdi will be transformed into a caretaker government for a period of only one month is not extendable provided that the President of the Republic is committed to designate the second bloc to nominate the prime minister."

Al-Tamimi said, "The President of the Republic will head the government with the powers of a caretaker government in the event of the expiry of the month without identifying a candidate for Abdul Mahdi."   LINK

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Samson:  Extraordinary session of the Council of Ministers on the resignation of Abdul Mahdi

30th November, 2019
The Council of Ministers, on Saturday, an extraordinary session called by Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi to present the subject of his resignation and the government and submitted to the House of Representatives, and to discuss the consequences of the government of the conduct of daily affairs in accordance with the Constitution.

"The Prime Minister affirmed the principle of the peaceful transfer of power in the democratic system, and the achievement of the interests of the people is an underestimating goal," a statement issued by the council told Shafaq News. He called on the House of Representatives to find appropriate solutions at its next session, and called on members of the government to continue their work. While forming the new government."

"The Prime Minister reviewed the complex circumstances in which the government was formed, the challenges it faced and the achievements it has achieved in the past period at the internal level and foreign relations," the statement said.   LINK

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Samson:  The Cabinet approves the resignations of Abu Jihad and Ghazi

30th November, 2019
The Council of Ministers approved on Saturday, the resignations of the Director of the Office of Prime Minister Abu Jihad al-Hashemi and Secretary-General of the Council Hamid al-Ghazi from their positions.

Government sources told Mawazine News that the cabinet approved the resignation of Prime Minister Abu Jihad al-Hashemi's office. She added, "The Council also approved the resignation of the Secretary-General of the Council Hamid al-Ghazi."

Both al-Ghazzi and al-Hashemi resigned from their posts in the wake of protests in Baghdad and the southern governorates.  LINK

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Samson:  Delegation of the Kurdistan Region: our dialogues with state institutions and not personalities and we will visit Baghdad tomorrow

30th November, 2019
The resignation of Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi from his post will not affect the course of the ongoing negotiations on the draft budget law, confirming a visit to the capital Baghdad on Sunday.

"The prime minister has submitted his resignation and we should not anticipate the events and wait for what happened," regional minister Khalid Shwani said in a press statement.  

He added that "we will visit Baghdad tomorrow and we will meet with the Iraqi parties in order to reach a final agreement on the budget law and go to submit its draft law to the House of Representatives for approval."   LINK

KTFA Members "Saleh is the New Prime Minister" Friday PM 11-29-19

KTFA:

Samson:  Hashemi: Saleh as prime minister in accordance with the Constitution

29th November, 2019
Security and strategic expert Hisham al-Hashimi, confirmed that President Barham Saleh will be prime minister in accordance with the Constitution.

Al-Hashimi said in a tweet on his Twitter account: "According to Article 81 of the Iraqi Constitution of 2005, Mr. Barham Salih is assigned as prime minister within a limited period of time.   LINK

SandnSea:  Remember Trump met with him privately recently

Clare:  THANKS SAMSON!! ..THINGS WILL MOVE VERY QUICKLY NOW IMO! WITH ALL FRANK AND ANGEL-1 MENTIONED ON THE LAST YOUTUBE...WHAT WE SEEK IS OH SO CLOSE!  IMO

Dan:  Ba bye mandi …….Another one bites the dust.
The USA has appointed poor leaders in Iraq over the years. Who knows maybe They'll get it right this time.  Iraq has there elections…..The US installs there selection   IMO

Frank26:  TY HEAVENLY ABBA .......... TY USA DADDY ..................... TY WS AND KTFA TEAMS !!!

Popeye7:  Boy they sure are happening quickly... Mahdi became weak under pressure, and after signing all of the agreements for economic progress within Iraq during the earlier portion of this year, buckled to the pressure...

What is puzzling to me is why all of the agreements signed off by Mahdi on if there was no intention to release the Iraqi dinar internationally?... Remember Mahdi's trip to China?...

Anyway, there are things that go on behind the scenes we do not understand... Despite all of the violence, and protests, Iraq's currency remained stable, and the Kurd's were still willing to progress forward with the HCL... And yet they were willing to work with Mahdi as well, and not with Abadi, or Maliki... This is why I cannot help but think that Mahdi was a willing participant in all of this...

The reason?.. To draw out the Iranian influence that permeated the Iraqi government... To show the people of Iraq who were truly the corrupt ones... Remember the words of former US President FDR as he was quoted as saying, "In politics, nothing happens by accident. If something happens, you can bet it was planned that way."   

Mahdi could have been the hero in all of this, but maybe just maybe it was not a part of the plan... And the now former PM may have understood this from the beginning... Remember also family, he was only supposed to be PM for a year... It has been a little over that time frame, and now the mission has been accomplished... All IMO, but again, in all that has occurred, many things do not add up...

Sad, that many had to lose their lives in order for the Iranian stronghold to be broken within Iraq... But during times of revolution, and when dramatic change is necessary within a government, bloodshed occurs...

As it stands within this particular revolution, the Iraqi people will stand united with one another... That is not always the case within these types of situations... This is the way of the world we live in...  Now as it stands, Saleh will be the one who receives the glory for ushering in a new day within Iraq...

As others have stated now PM Saleh met with President Trump about a month ago... Curious?... As Frank pointed out time, and time again, this could not fail... And as stable as the dinar remained during all of this, the powers that be were in control the whole time to ensure its success.. Again, all IMO... 

Thanks Frank, and teams for all you do, and the terrific info provided for us... Watching this unfold has certainly been a roller coaster ride... One that I am personally ready to get off of, and try out another... Blessings to all, and God bless.. Hope your Thanksgiving was a blessed one... 

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Samson:  Hundreds flock to Tahrir Square to celebrate Abdul Mahdi's resignation

29th November, 2019

Hundreds of people from the capital Baghdad, on Friday evening, to Tahrir Square in the center of the capital, to celebrate the announcement of Abdul-Mahdi, his intention to resign from the prime minister. "Hundreds of people in Baghdad began arriving in Tahrir Square to celebrate the resignation of Adel Abdul-Mahdi," said Mawazine News.

Our correspondent added, "Tahrir Square witnessed massive celebrations and fireworks firing after Abdul Mahdi announced his intention to resign." Abdel Mahdi announced earlier in the day that he would submit to the House of Representatives the official letter of his resignation.   LINK

"Protests, Killings and Resignations " Friday News Posted by Samson

KTFA:

Samson:  Southern protests overthrow the first Iraqi official

29th November, 2019
The Governor of Dhi Qar in Iraq, Adel Abdul Hussein al-Dakhili, announced his resignation from his position, declaring his solidarity with the elements of the movement.

In a statement, al-Dukhaili said in his resignation statement, "I have stated clearly and explicitly my position in support of the sons of Iraq and in support of your legitimate demands for decent living and social justice."

He continued: "We announce before you and your hands our resignation from our position in protest against what happened and the evacuation of the responsibility of the local government, which has been committed and renew the call for an immediate and comprehensive investigation to expose all the details that accompanied the events of Thursday."

This comes after 32 people were killed and 255 injured in Dhi Qar, according to security sources for Twilight News.   LINK

Samson:  Within hours, protests in the south push the second Iraqi official to resign

29th November, 2019
Talal Bilal, deputy governor of Najaf, announced at dawn Friday, his resignation from his post.

Bilal said in a statement broadcast through a video, that "what is happening in Iraq of demonstrations for young people, women and children have only asked for a homeland, amid the government ignored all their requests and procrastination and the loss of many deaths in all provinces." He added: "We came to this government and we hope to be part of the solution, but the fact showed that there is no solution with this government."

Bilal is the second local official to resign after the bloody events witnessed in a number of areas of the country, including the provinces of Najaf and Dhi Qar, where the Governor of the latter Adel al-Dakhili, announced on Thursday, his resignation from his post.   LINK

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Samson:  Nujaifi Front: The government opened the door of civil war by adopting a military solution with demonstrations

2019/11/29 9:04

The Salvation and Development Front, headed by Osama al-Nujaifi, accused the government and the power-bearers of "opening the door to civil war in Iraq."  "Blood was never a way for the government to continue to lose credibility in front of the people," a statement from the front received a copy of which was received by the Euphrates News Agency.

He added that "while the FIS condemns in the strongest terms the bloodbath, it affirms its stated vision of the resignation of the government, and the formation of an interim government whose task is to prepare the election law and the formation of a new commission, followed by the dissolution of parliament and go to early elections to establish a new phase will not be the blood of the demonstrators. A target that sheds in the squares and streets, but young people have great energy to rise, and build a nation that cherishes its citizens." 

He pointed out that "the government and the holders of power open the door of civil war by adopting a military solution to address their crisis with the rebellious people, and implicate the security forces with them in the issues of political parties and popular repression."

The statement added, "Let the people of this approach know that peaceful demonstrations will turn into armies that confront the government rampage against them, which means Iraq is going to the unknown that we have warned of, and we have not warned, the misery of the authority that is clothed with the shame of murder and the repression of the rebellious people against corruption and injustice."   LINK

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Samson:  Political expert calls for the trial of Abdul Mahdi internationally

29th November, 2019
The political expert, Basil Hussein, on Friday, called for the trial of Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi, internationally after the crimes committed against the demonstrators.

Hussein told Al-Ikhbaria that Abdul Mahdi's demand for resignation is no longer sufficient.

"Article 28 of the Rome Statute of the Criminal Court states that the commander is criminally responsible for the crimes committed if he knows or does not intervene by preventing or ignoring any information that could prevent the crimes from occurring."

In the past two days, Najaf and Nasiriyah provinces have witnessed bloody incidents, which resulted in the death and injury of dozens of demonstrators.   LINK

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Samson:  The Supreme Judiciary forms a body to investigate the killings of demonstrators in Dhi Qar

29th November, 2019
The Supreme Judicial Council decided on Friday to form a body to investigate the killings of demonstrators in Dhi Qar province.

"The head of the Supreme Judicial Council, Judge Abdul Sattar Bayrakdar, has ordered the formation of an investigative body of three vice-presidents of the Dhi Qar Court of Appeal for the urgent investigation into the killings of demonstrators over the past two days," the statement said.

It is noteworthy that the leadership of the police in the province of Dhi Qar, the relationship with the events, yesterday, which witnessed bloody incidents of violence against demonstrators in the province.

For its part, announced the security cell on Thursday, summoned Major General Jamil al-Shammari against the backdrop of events in the province of Dhi Qar.

It is noteworthy that a security source, reported yesterday, that the number of martyrs of the suppression of demonstrations in the city of Nasiriyah rose to 27 martyrs and 243 wounded.   LINK

Samson:  Allawi: The people's uprising threatens the entire regime and will not exclude anyone

2019/11/29 11:30

The head of the Iraqi platform, Iyad Allawi, said that "the uprising of the people threatens the entire system, and will not exclude anyone."

"When will the murderers and criminals be tried and the innocent blood flowing in Nasiriyah, Najaf and other cities?" Allawi asked in a tweet on Twitter.

"The complacency with those responsible for these massacres is an indirect message of support. It is time for the policy of deportation of crises to end," he added.  LINK

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Samson:   The tribes of Dhi Qar meet and announce its demands, including the dismissal of the government

2019/11/29 12:05

The tribes of Dhi Qar province held a meeting against the backdrop of what happened in the city of Nasiriyah on Thursday, killing and injuring dozens of demonstrators.

The tribal demands included the removal of Adel Abdul Mahdi's government, dissolution of parliament and early elections under the supervision of the judiciary and the United Nations. LINK

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Samson:  The "dangerous" situation in Iraq is at the Security Council table mid-week

29th November, 2019

The United Nations' Special Representative for Iraq, Jenin Haines Plasschaert, said Friday that she would brief the Security Council on the worsening situation in the country against the backdrop of nearly two months of bloody protests in Baghdad and predominantly Shiite provinces.

"The increasing number of victims and injuries has reached intolerable levels," she said in a post on Twitter. 

"The presence of engineers to derail peaceful protests puts Iraq on a dangerous course," she said.

LINK

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Samson: Publishes the text of Abdul Mahdi's statement and includes resignation

2019/11/29 15:33

Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi announced that he intends to resign to the House of Representatives.

Abdul-Mahdi said in a statement received by the Euphrates News, a copy of it, "(Oabt do what you will find me, God willing from the patient) sincerely God Almighty, I listened very carefully to the speech of the Supreme religious authority today and stated that" given the difficult circumstances experienced by the country And the apparent deficit in dealing with the authorities concerned with the developments of the last two months in order to preserve the rights and inject blood,

the House of Representatives from which the current government is called to reconsider its options in this regard and act as dictated by the interest of Iraq and the preservation of the blood of its people, and avoid slipping into a downward spiral "Violence, chaos and ruin."

Abdul Mehdi added that "in response to this call and to facilitate and expedite its completion as soon as possible, I will submit to the House of Representatives official letter requesting the resignation of the current prime minister so that the Council can reconsider its options, knowing that I have already made this option publicly and in official memos, including It is in the interest of the people and the country."  LINK

*Director of the Office of Abdul Mahdi resigns from his post

29th November, 2019
Got on Friday, a document containing the submission of the Director of the Office of the Prime Minister, Abu Jihad al-Hashemi, resigning from his post.

The document, which was seen by Mawazine News: "Given the directives of the supreme religious authority to leave quotas in government positions and the magnitude of the great pressure that we faced from some in our work and to allow the people to assume responsibilities away from any meaning of quotas, I am the first He initiates to abide by the guidelines of the wise authority and I submit my resignation and put it in your hands, hoping to accept it.

Hashemi continued: "Wishing you and my brothers in the Iraqi state success and success in the service of our dear people, and we will remain loyal to serve our country and advance his career and the well-being of his beloved people."   LINK

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Samson:  Sadr's coalition bloc demands a session of parliament on Saturday to accept the resignation of Abdul Mahdi

29th November, 2019

The bloc of the "Saeron" coalition backed by the leader of the Sadr movement Muqtada al-Sadr on Friday called on Parliament Speaker Mohammed Halbousi to hold an emergency session tomorrow to accept the resignation of Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi.

"We support what was mentioned in the sermon of the religious authority," MP Sadik al-Sulaiti said at a joint news conference with several MPs held today.

He added that "the bloc (Siron) had asked Parliament Speaker Mohammed Halbousi to hold a meeting on Saturday and after the announcement of the Prime Minister of the Federal Government resign from his post we reaffirm and immediately hold that meeting tomorrow to accept the resignation."

Al-Sulaiti called for the formation of a national government of Iraqi will in preparation for early elections in Iraq.  LINK

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Samson:  Tahrir Square demonstrations celebrate the resignation of Adel Abdul Mahdi

29th November, 2019

Baghdad's Tahrir Square is witnessing celebrations on Friday evening after Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi announced his resignation.

Our correspondent said: The large celebrations in Tahrir Square fireworks, after the statement issued by Abdul-Mahdi on his intention to lift his resignation from the government officially to parliament.  The religious authority, in a sermon Friday, asked the parliament, which elected the government to take effective measures in this regard.    LINK

Late Thursday Night News Posted by Samson 11-28-19

KTFA:

Samson:  Trump's surprise visit to Afghanistan

29th November, 2019

US President Donald Trump made a surprise visit to Afghanistan on Thursday, where he met with its president, Ashraf Ghani.

The plane landed on Thursday evening at Bagram Air Force Base, carrying First Lady Melania Trump, his national security adviser, Robert O'Brien, and a small group of White House aides, Secret Service agents, and journalists. A visit to Afghanistan since taking office in 2017.

And Trump held in Bagram talks with the Afghan president, during which they discussed the issue of reaching an agreement with the "Taliban" on the declaration of a ceasefire in the country. Trump also met with the US military serving at Bagram, where he distributed Thanksgiving food. 

Trump, in a speech from the military base, that the United States is continuing negotiations with the "Taliban", which he said "wants to reach a deal" on the ceasefire. "We are meeting with them and telling them that a ceasefire must be declared. They did not want to do it but now, in my opinion, they want to reach it. I think it will work," he said. He also stressed that the United States is "gradually" reducing the number of troops deployed in Afghanistan.

This is the first visit by a US president to Afghanistan since 2014, when Trump's predecessor, Barack Obama, visited the country.

Samson:  Trump says peace talks with Taliban have resumed during surprise visit to Afghanistan

29th November 2019

On a surprise trip to Afghanistan on Thursday, President Trump said that the United States has reopened peace talks with the Taliban - just three months after the president scuttled negotiations between Washington and the Afghan insurgents following a terror attack that killed 11 people, including one U.S. soldier.

Trump, who made his first trip to Afghanistan under a veil of secrecy for security reasons, told troops gathered at the Air Force base for Thanksgiving dinner that the Taliban "wants to make a deal very badly."

“We’re going to stay until such time as we have a deal, or we have total victory, and they want to make to make a deal very badly,” Trump said. “The Taliban wants to make a deal — we’ll see if they make a deal. If they do, they do, and if they don’t they don’t. That’s fine."

The president also reaffirmed his commitment to bring the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan down to about 8,600 - from about 12,000 to 13,000. “We’re bringing down the number of troops substantially,” he said.

Earlier in the day, however, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley said no decisions had been made on troop reductions, but there were several options, including going down to 8,600,

White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham, acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney, National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien, White House deputy press secretary Judd Deere and Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wy., traveled with the president on a 13-hour overnight trip on Air Force One from Joint Base Andrews in Maryland to Afghanistan on Wednesday.

The president arrived in Afghanistan just in time to serve troops Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday. Standing alongside Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley, he dished out turkey to roughly two dozen troops at a dining facility decorated with red, orange and yellow Thanksgiving banners and tablecloths. Mulvaney, Barrasso, and O’Brien were also behind the counter.

"There's nowhere I'd rather spend Thanksgiving than with the toughest, fiercest warriors," Trump said. "I'm here to say Happy Thanksgiving and thank you very much. As president of the United States, I have no higher honor than serving as commander-in-chief." He added: "We will continue to work tirelessly for the day when all of you can go home to your families, and that day is coming very soon."

The president was originally slated to spend Thanksgiving at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla. Details of how he was able to sneak out of the resort property are still unclear. He did, though, fly out of an undisclosed airport on Wednesday evening. Fox News has learned that security precautions for the trip were taken to the extreme, with the cellular devices, including those of senior White House officials on the flight, taken before boarding the plane. The president greeted the crew and even stayed in the cockpit for takeoff.

On the flight to Afghanistan, Grisham told the small group of press that the purpose of the trip is “truly about Thanksgiving and supporting the troops." “It’s a dangerous area and he wants to support the troops,” Grisham said. “He and Mrs. Trump recognize that there is a lot of people who are away from their families during the holidays and we thought it would be a nice surprise.”

Grisham also said that while the trip has been in the works for weeks, only a very tight circle of White House officials knew about it.  To keep suspicions at bay, Grisham says the White House scheduled tweets to be sent from the President’s twitter account during the many hours that he did not have access to the internet.

Thursday’s surprise trip is the president’s first to Afghanistan and his second to a conflict zone. Last year, he traveled to Iraq to visit U.S. troops on the day after Christmas.

*** There are five video clips on the link   LINK

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Samson:  Iraqi parliament announced Sunday a special session

28th November, 2019
The presidency of the Iraqi parliament, called a special session on Sunday.

A statement to the Presidency of the Parliament, "We invite deputies to attend a special session to be held on Sunday, 1 - December, dealing with developments in the situation in the province of Dhi Qar."

"The Legal Committee calls for the continuation of the discussion of the draft law of the Independent High Electoral Commission and the elections of the Iraqi Council of Representatives and the completion of all observations to be submitted to the vote."

"The presidency of the House of Representatives confirms that next week will see a vote on the laws of the Independent High Electoral Commission and the elections of the Iraqi Council of Representatives."

LINK

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Samson:  A delegation from the region will visit Baghdad next week to sign the oil and budget agreement

2019/11/28 20:28

A delegation from the Kurdistan region will visit Baghdad next week to sign a formal agreement with the federal government on oil and the budget.

"The dialogues between Erbil and Baghdad have reached their final stages," MP Mayada al-Najjar said in a press statement. Najjar added that "the return of the Kurdish government delegation to Baghdad comes in order to sign the agreement reached by the two sides during the talks between them during the last period."

She explained that according to the information received, the provincial government is seeking to install the largest possible share of financial resources in favor of the region in the General Budget Law for the year 2020, "noting that" there is no talk about raising the share of the region from 12.67% to 17% of the Iraqi general budget.   LINK