KTFA Members "News and Views" Sunday Afternoon 1-19-2020

KTFA:

Samson:  Parliamentary Finance: The 2020 budget will see a deficit of 48 trillion dinars

19th January, 2020

Member of Parliamentary Finance Committee, Magda Al-Tamimi, confirmed today, Sunday, that the 2020 budget will witness a deficit of 48 trillion dinars, while noting that the value of waste in fake projects until 2014 exceeded 282 trillion dinars.

Al-Tamimi told Al-Akhbaria that “more than 6000 fake projects were registered with us until 2014, when the budget was not approved,” stressing that “financial waste in fake projects until 2014 exceeded 282 trillion dinars.”

She noted, "The 2020 budget will witness a financial deficit of 48 trillion dinars," noting that it "raised a number of files to the Integrity Commission for consideration and until now no legal measures have been taken against the whales of corruption.   LINK

Dan:  IMO I think it's time to cut off use of USD in Iraq 100%. It's time to sink or swim.
Let Iraq sweat it out, make them feel Maximum pressure. If they want to implode so be it. I think they want the RI and new value of their currency enough to take necessary steps. Let them worry a little bit.

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Samson:  The presence of only 74 deputies .. The House of Representatives turns its session into deliberative

19th January, 2020
A representative source said, on Sunday, that the regular session of the House of Representatives scheduled for today failed because of the lack of a quorum.

The source said in an interview with (Mawazine News) that "the presidency of the Council decided to turn the session into deliberative, because the quorum was not completed."

He added, "The number of attendees is only 74 deputies."   LINK

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Samson: Parliamentary Integrity calls on the government to prevent the travel of all interrogated ministers

12:50 - 19/01/2020

On Sunday, the Parliamentary Integrity Committee called on the government to prevent all ministers referred to interrogation from traveling by Parliament, stating that the committee formed in the investigation of the Ministry of Electricity's files had reached important leads.

Committee member Alia Nassif said in a statement to "Information" that "the Prime Minister is required to issue a decision prohibiting the travel of any minister around whom suspicions of corruption are raised, or his interrogation has been accepted by Parliament pending confirmation of the allegations."

Nassif added, “The Parliamentary Committee on the Ministry of Electricity has reached important leads and will present it to the judiciary, while there is information regarding the submission by Minister of Electricity Louay al-Khatib of contracts in favor of deputies to keep silent on corruption files.”

She explained that "the dismissal of the government and its transformation into the conduct of business prevented the completion of the interrogation, while all the files will be transferred to the judiciary to take the necessary action."   LINK

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Samson:  Saleh discusses with Pompeo joint cooperation in combating terrorism

19th January, 2020
President of the Republic Barham Salih received, on Saturday evening, a phone call from US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

A statement issued by Saleh's office, which was received by Al-Akhbaria, said, "During the phone call, the latest security and political developments were discussed at the regional and international levels, stressing the need to protect Iraqi sovereignty and respect the independent Iraqi national decision."

He added, "It was also pointed out that self-restraint and dependence on calm and constructive dialogue in solving crises and avoiding escalation in a manner that strengthens the foundations of peace and stability in the region and the world, as well as cooperation and joint coordination to confront ISIS terrorism and the lack of opportunity for terrorists to reorganize their remnants and threat to international peace and security."   LINK

Samson:  Karbouli: The demonstrators have defeated the politicians since the first day of the demonstrations

18th January, 2020
The head of the solution party, Jamal Karbouli, confirmed today, Saturday, that the demonstrators have defeated the politicians since the first day of the demonstrations, over the parties.

Al-Karbouli said in a tweet on his Twitter page, followed by "Al-Ikhbaria,": "The demonstrators have defeated the politicians since the first day of the demonstrations, when the prestige of the parties that used to fence them with kidnappings and assassinations fell with the silences that silenced the rejection of their terrorism."

He added, "The demonstrators are winning because they are defending the cause of a people," noting that "the party of power will be defeated because they are selfish." The leader of the solution party concluded his tweet with Bashtak, "# Protesters - Victory."   LINK

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Samson:  Partial opening of the roads in the Green Zone, central Baghdad, after being closed for more than 3 months

09:46 - 01/19/2020
A security source said, on Sunday, that the security authorities had partially opened the roads in the Green Zone after being closed for more than 3 months due to the demonstrations.

The source said to the "information" that "the area to Khadra was partially opened Sunday morning from the side of the celebration square, through the suspension bridge."

The area was closed in conjunction with the start of the demonstrations during last October in Baghdad and most of the provinces.   LINK

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Samson:  Three candidates were nominated for the post of prime minister, and the most likely win

19th January, 2020
The representative of the Construction Alliance, Mukhtar al-Musawi, revealed the submission of three names as candidates for the post of prime minister.

Al-Moussawi said, "Three names were presented as candidates for the post of prime minister, including Ali Shukri, Adviser to the President of the Republic, and Muhammad Tawfiq Allawi, as well as a third military figure," noting that "Ali Shukri possesses the best chance of taking the position."

He added that "there is what is more important at the present time from the issue of choosing a prime minister, which is the repercussions of the American presence and the expected demonstrations against that presence."

Moussawi continued: "We are likely to choose one of them after the end of the repercussions of the American presence and the demonstrations called by the leader of the Sadrist movement, Muqtada al-Sadr, against the American presence."   LINK

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Samson:  Parliamentary energy is talking about positive agreement with China: oil prices determined by the stock exchange

18th January, 2020
The Parliamentary Committee on Oil and Energy confirmed, on Saturday, that oil prices in the agreement with China will be determined by the global stock exchange, while it indicated that they are positive in the agreement.

Committee member Ali Al-Aboudi told Mawazine News that "the subject of the agreement with China is a lot of talk about it, but the government did not announce its provisions clearly to public opinion and it is assumed that the Prime Minister’s office should clarify the vague points of the people and it can be said that the text of the agreement is oil For ages. "

He added, "As for the oil prices in the agreement, they are determined according to the international stock exchange, day by day, and not a fixed price throughout the implementation of the agreement." He pointed out, "The agreement has a positive point, which includes the marketing of Iraqi oil, regardless of the size of supply and demand for shipments, especially in light of the world’s tendency to clean energy sources during the coming years."

He continued: "We hope that there will be agreements with countries other than China with the same mechanism, so that we can guarantee the marketing of oil and that there will be construction and construction in return, but as for exporting oil and the scene remains the same, this remains a great spoiler."   LINK

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Samson:  A researcher on Iraqi affairs: The armed factions are accused of carrying out the assassinations .. Therefore, their headquarters were burned

19th January, 2020

Kazem al-Muqdadi, an expert and researcher on Iraqi affairs, confirmed that demonstrators are burning the headquarters of armed factions because they are accused of carrying out assassinations against the demonstrators.

Al-Miqdadi said in a statement followed by "Al-Akhbariya", that "the escalation of demonstrations in Baghdad and the provinces is a sign of escalation and is extremely dangerous, and Iraqi wise politicians have become required to calm the situation and contain the situation."

He explained that "the headquarters of the armed factions were burned by the demonstrators, because the demonstrators consider them as the most loyal to Iran and that the assassinations are carried out by them."

He added that "the demonstrators are accusing the factions, because not a single killer has been arrested since the beginning of the demonstrations until now after the fall of the martyrs in Nasiriyah, Basra, Baghdad, Hilla and Tahrir Square in Baghdad."

Al-Miqdadi continued, "If there was a strong government, the mafias and parties would not have killed the demonstrators, and they would not have appeared in public."   LINK

Frank26 Saturday Night Q&A and more 1-18-2020

KTFA:

Samson:  Religious reference to Trump: The Iraqi government is transferring hard currencies to Iran ... We ask you to protect our money

18th January, 2020

Religious authority Hassan al-Musawi sent a letter in English to US President Donald Trump.
The text of Moussawi’s message, translated by Al-Akhbaria, is as follows:

 A message from the Iraqi religious authority, Mr. Hassan Al-Musawi.

To the United Nations.

To His Excellency the President of the United States, Mr. Donald Trump.

We urge you to put your hand on the central bank and other Iraqi banks, because the resigned Iraqi government intends to transfer Iraqi money from hard currencies such as the dollar and the euro to Iran under the pretext of protecting them, we ask you to protect our money.  LINK

MilitiaMan:  I imagine this may have been in the minds of the PTB already, as that there were arrests already and apparently those events may have been fruitful and there may be more arrests to follow, not to mention the insistence on getting orders followed up with is well understood by now and the call for help has been or will be accepted.. imo ~ MM

Samson:  Deputy: The budget law will arrive in the coming hours in parliament

12:07 - 18/01/2020
The deputy revealed a coalition of state law high Nassif, on Saturday, the government's intention to send a draft financial budget law to parliament during the coming hours, indicating that the government approved the draft before submitting its resignation.

Nassif said in a statement to the "information" that "the budget law stipulates that the government cannot send the budget or any law in the event it turns into a caretaker, but the budget law was approved two days before the resignation was submitted." She added that "the law will be sent based on that book to Parliament in the coming hours, provided that it will be dealt with according to public interests and make some amendments."

Nassif explained that "this year's budget is characterized by its non-reliance on foreign loans and its reliance on the Chinese agreement in the field of construction, in addition to the government seeking to conclude similar agreements with large countries to end the file of foreign loans and not pay huge benefits with foreign loans."   LINK

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Frank26:  1-18-2020 Q&A

This video is in Franks opinion

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSak3akSJ4w&feature=youtu.be

MilitiaMan and KTFA Members Saturday Afternoon 1-18-2020

KTFA:

MilitiaMan:  Today we see an article about a company in Mosul having 10 offices to exchange again after many years both inside and out outside Iraq!! 

They will need to be able to do so now, as this month’s exchange rate will need to be reported accordingly in regard to a rate!! Imo The CBI published a rate for year end Dec 2019 at 1182 on December 31. 

They have not as of yesterday updated the data for Dec 2019 as they did for November 2019 for things like the reduction of money, the amount of money to commercial banks, yet.

We know they modified those latter two on November 30th and published the modification on 12/08/2019 and I found the data in the Charts 12/23-12/24/2019 real close.

So it appears they are holding back reporting of those crucial numbers for a reason. Imo That is possibly because they can and will if need be for sensitivity related issues, such as a rate disclosure or exposure of any, and the timing of it or them accordingly, will be kept quiet until the very end. 

The CBI stopped reporting as of 09/30/2019 credit transfers in both iqd and usd. A clear pattern change has happened, as they reported them in all months of 2017 and 2018.

 Now also note the CBI told all banks in very early November “4-7 “ 2019 that all banks should be prepared for possible contract modifications may be warranted.

Then keep in mind later on as early as 12/01/2019 that through 01/01/2020 the ITB told us they were in fact suspending loans. They then subsequently later in the month of December  were to cease cash withdrawals, then later were to cease deposits and wire transfers through 01/05/2020.

We don’t know specifically at what level they are doing business now, as the rate through that time and posted as of 12/31/2019 is 1182.

So with that all that said, they will have to report at some point the rate for January, as that is a transparency issue for the world at large. A key indicator is that they massively reduced the note count and have populated the banks with new small category notes And fils now from what we here.  

What the data to me supports is that the credit transfers ceasing in the end September 2019, the loan modifications happening just a month later real close and the present the lack of some reporting by the CBI now of critical items aforementioned earlier (Nov 30) shows me the CBI has openly shown us that a significant rate change is coming soon!!

Adding to the patterns, what they show is they report as of end of month what they did up to that specific day. They may take time to report that data after the date of end of month, but, it always reflects the end of month numbers to that specific date. 

In the end the evidence from the CBI supports imo, we are going to see them paid Report and internationally accepted rate and have it reported by 01/31/2020, in my honest opinion that is 100% now, aside from an act of God!!

 That if there is one it is in our favor and the CBI does exactly as they have shown they are doing!!  - M

Samson:  Deputy: The budget law will arrive in the coming hours in parliament   LINK

MilitiaMan:  There is a difference between the 2020 Budget Law and the 2019 FML Amendment. Imo This is for and is to be used for after the exposure of the 2019 FML Amendment which will be the mechanism for international trade. In other words, our expectations will be met prior to ever opening the doors internationally. Here again it is said days before Mahdi resigned that the 2020 Budget law was signed before Mahdi resigned.. The powers that be behind the scenes know full well how the system works and have been prepared and on top of things even with all the antics thrown at them by the corrupt that seem to be going by the way side if not arrested.. That may still come soon too, to many more.. Imo –MM

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Samson:  Al-Fateh reveals an intention to elect the Prime Minister directly from the people

09:25 - 01/18/2020
The deputy of the Al-Fateh Alliance, Walid Al-Sahlani, revealed, on Saturday, that there is a trend to amend the Iraqi constitution to choose the personality of the Prime Minister with a direct election from the Iraqi people away from the influence of the bloc or party, stressing that his alliance with the general consensus.

Al-Sahlani said in a statement seen by him / the information: “Iraq has suffered greatly from the nature of choosing the prime minister and the largest bloc, and the competition does not end.” He pointed out that “the solution to this problem is to choose a non-dialectical figure - as indicated by the reference - and the educated elites demanding reform.” 

Al-Sahlani added, “Choosing the personality of the Prime Minister must come directly from the Iraqi people, and through amending the Iraqi constitution and the committee formed according to the decision of the Council of Representatives, which was given a time limit of four months, so that the first paragraph of the regime in Iraq is modified. Choose the prime minister directly by the Iraqi people, and he in turn chooses a courageous government capable of changing the Iraqi reality, away from the political color and the partisan, regional and personal influence.”

He continued, "There is an idea that is slowly beginning to mature, by amending the Iraqi constitution to choose the personality of the prime minister by direct election from the Iraqi people, away from the influence of the bloc or party," pointing out that "Al-Fateh allied with the general consensus in choosing the prime minister."   LINK

MilitiaMan:  This is why imo there is no hold up with the PM in regards to monetary reforms. The caretaker government is in place and can facilitate the  2019 FML Amendment that was completed long before and even prior to the resignation of Mahdi! The elites and educated know this and will massage things in order to get a non dialectic Prime Minister. The Monetary Reforms will need to be met regardless now with the liquidity issues they’ll be facing shortly if not already now. Imo - MM

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Samson:  Deputy: The President of the Republic will hold intense meetings in the coming hours to resolve the premiership
09:00 - 18/01/2020

On Saturday, a member of the House of Representatives, Muhammad Al-Khaldi, revealed the intention of the President of the Republic, Barham Salih, to hold intense meetings of political blocs to resolve the mandate of the next Prime Minister, indicating that all the names that were proposed were excluded, except for Muhammad Tawfiq Allawi.

Al-Khalidi said in a statement to / information / that "the coming hours will witness intensive meetings of President of the Republic Barham Saleh with the heads of political blocs in order to resolve the issue of the presidency of the next government."

He added that "all the names that have been put forward to head the government are no longer competitive, with the exception of Muhammad Tawfiq Allawi, who was nominated by a parliamentary bloc of more than 60 deputies, as well as the presence of support by the demonstrators and the lack of political rejection."

He explained that "the ball is currently in the court of the President of the Republic after not nominating the largest bloc or agreement between the demonstrators and the political blocs to choose a certain figure to head the government."   LINK

MilitiaMan:  Sounds like they have now one name... SMH on the timing.. ~ lol ~  MM

KTFA Members "News and Views" Saturday 1-18-2020

KTFA:

DELTA:  CURRENCY EXCHANGE PLACE IN TURKEY SHOWING... 1 MILLION DINARS=$8377 THE OTHERS STILL AT REGULAR RATE 

Miktar Girin
Şu Dövizden:

Şu Dövize:

Gönder

1000000= 8377 IQD

USD  1 IQD= 0,008377 USD

http://yeyedoviz.com/

Samson:  Karbouli: The currency auction was stolen in broad daylight

Translation....

What @ jamalalkarboli all joints of the country riddled with corruption and the top of the pyramid is where the auction sells hard currency.

Counterfeiting and collusion operations in it have the sole purpose of stealing the dollar from the central  treasury with forged import licenses and volatile instruments and transferring them abroad for the benefit of influential people involved in silent corruption issues. 

Their names are diagnosed by the Integrity and Judicial Authority, but their files are not opened by anyone. The Iraqi economy remains the biggest loser. # Auction _ currency _ theft _ it is _ daylight  18 - 1 - 2020

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Samson:  Al-Fateh: Tomorrow's session will discuss authorizing the government to send the budget and amend the retirement law

16:41 - 18/01/2020

The Al-Fateh coalition announced, on Saturday, the discussion of amending the retirement law and finding a legal formula to send the budget to the House of Representatives and extend the legislative term during the House session scheduled for Sunday.

"The parliament will discuss a number of laws during the session scheduled for tomorrow, including discussing extending the legislative term and reducing the holiday," said the deputy from Al-Fath Fadhel Jaber.

He added that "the session will witness the opening of discussion for the amendments decided on the retirement law, especially the doctors’ retirement clause and some slides," noting that "the council presents a proposal and a legal formula that is voted upon to authorize the government to send a draft budget for 2020."

He explained that "the political blocs are unanimous in authorizing the government to send the budget to its importance in running the daily lives of citizens and it is not possible to wait for the new government." LINK

Moparman:  This is big folks.

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Samson:  Al-Fatlawi confirms that there are parliamentary moves to pass the 2020 budget
10:50 - 01/17/2020

Member of the Al-Fateh Alliance Fadel Al-Fatlawi confirmed on Friday that there are continuous parliamentary moves to pass the 2020 budget, pointing out that the parliament session next Sunday will witness discussions in this regard.

In a statement to Al-Maalouma, Al-Fatlai said, "Parliament has an extensive vision about the budget and the need for Iraq to start with the start of the new year."

He added that "there are moves and discussions within Parliament in order to grant powers to the government to send the 2020 budget to the House of Representatives to vote on it."

He stressed that "the parliament session next Sunday will witness discussions to reach a decisive result on the budget, because Iraq cannot remain without a budget in the presence of the caretaker government."  LINK

Godlover:  I find this article interesting & encouraging. They continue with the talk of the "need" for Iraq to open the 2020 budget in the "start" of this year.....clearly implying as soon as possible imo. Hopefully this Sunday's parliament session will indeed have "decisive results" on the budget....imo

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HisAlone:  Had a thought... What if they picked a really memorable date that was VERY unique? Say like 02/02/2020. A mirror image, so to speak... 02022020... Things that make you go hmmmm.... Imo of course.

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Samson:  The White House: Trump will discuss with President Saleh the issue of withdrawing his forces from Iraq

18th January, 2020
The White House announced on Saturday that US President Donald Trump will discuss with his Iraqi counterpart, Barham Salih, the issue of withdrawing his forces from Iraq.

And sources in the White House said, according to the American "CBS" channel, that "Trump will discuss with Saleh at the World Economic Forum, which will be held from January 21 to January 24 in Davos, the issue of his forces leaving Iraq."

The attacks of the American army since last December 29 on the Iraqi popular crowd, and the assassination of its deputy commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis and the Iranian general Qassem Soleimani near the Baghdad airport, have provoked a wide response from the Iraqi authorities, which criticized the actions of the Americans. On January 5, the Iraqi parliament adopted a resolution demanding the full withdrawal of all foreign forces from the country. But Trump refused to heed this demand, and threatened Baghdad with "unprecedented sanctions."

The Davos Forum is an annual meeting of representatives of global political and commercial elites. It has been taking place since the eighties. This event constitutes one of the major international events annually relative to politicians, businessmen, representatives of public organizations, academia, cultural figures and media leaders who participate in the discussions of this World Economic Forum.   LINK

Samson:  Al-Attar: The Iraqi-Chinese agreement is a great opportunity for the national economy

18th January, 2020
Economist Ghadeer Al-Attar stressed on Saturday the importance of the Iraqi-Chinese agreement for the national economy.

Al-Attar said in a statement followed by / Mawazine News /, that "the Iraq agreement with China is a great opportunity for the national economy and will contribute to pushing the wheel of development in the country," noting that "the agreement will enhance the position of Iraq between manufacturers and importers of cars."

He added that "Iraq has a successful previous experience by opening production lines for Chinese cars in cooperation with the General Company for the Automotive Industry," stressing that "Chinese cars have great acceptance among Iraqi customers in terms of strength, durability and prices that are accessible to everyone."    LINK

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Don961:  :  Advisor to the Mahdi: The China Agreement is the most important in the history of Iraq .. This is the reason for the postponement of the China-Iraq Forum

Politics 01/17/2020 12:09 691 Editor: ht   Baghdad today - follow up

The advisor to the Prime Minister for Economic Energy Affairs, Abdul Hussein Al-Hanin, Friday (January 17, 2020), considered that the Iraqi-Chinese agreement is the most important in the history of Iraq, indicating that the recent events directly affected its implementation.

The official Iraqi News Agency "conscious" quoted Al-Hanin as saying that "Iraq required Chinese companies to implement projects with global American and European technology," noting that "the government will not accept second-class projects, but rather first-class projects and serve the community."

He added, "There are 40 major Chinese companies ready with all capabilities, financially and technically guaranteed at the practical level, capable of carrying out major works in the field of roads, bridges and city building."

Al-Hanin said, "Some people describe the agreement as pledging Iraqi oil and this is not true, because it is a guarantee for selling oil for a long time and is a major achievement," noting that "this agreement includes the implementation of projects on the principle of oil for construction and reconstruction ."

Al Hanin pointed out that "Iraq will pay 100 thousand barrels per day, equivalent to the price of the oil market, 6 million dollars per day, and by 180 million dollars per month," noting that "the agreement rate of oil is 10% of Iraqi oil exports to China, which reaches Million barrels per day. "

And he added that "the recent events directly affected the implementation of the agreement," noting that "it was hoped that the China-Iraq Forum would be held in Baghdad on 11-17 of last year for a period of four days, but it was postponed and replaced by small workshops that will take place these days and in coordination with the Chamber Chinese trade, Chinese embassy, ​​prime minister's office and other ministries. "

Al-Hanin went on to say that "the ministers had issued a book a few days ago requesting ministries and governorates, including the Kurdistan region, to update their previous data to prepare for the completion of projects related to infrastructure in all sectors," usually "the agreement with China that it is one of the most important agreements that occurred in the history of Iraq."

The Adviser to the Prime Minister for Financial Affairs, the appearance of Mohamed Saleh, revealed Tuesday (January 15, 2020), new details about the most prominent offer of the agreement between Iraq and China, indicating that the agreement will focus on the implementation of infrastructure projects .

Saleh said in a press statement, "The agreement includes the exchange of oil revenues for the implementation of projects in Iraq," noting that "the Iraqi government opened a credit account in one of the sober Chinese banks to deposit oil revenues of 100,000 barrels per day within the Chinese agreement."

He added that "this account is spent on companies that implement projects," noting that "the agreement will focus on infrastructure projects such as schools, hospitals, roads, electricity and sanitation, to be determined through the Ministry of Planning and in coordination with the Council of Ministers."

Saleh added that "the agreement will provide many job opportunities for the unemployed and give an opportunity to the Iraqi private sector companies, as well as relying on Iraqi products to implement projects such as cement, bricks, sand and others," noting that "this will create significant economic development in the country."

And that "the age of the agreement reaches 20 years, stressing that this agreement will revive the infrastructure of Iraq, which has been destroyed for four decades."  link

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Samson:  Dozens of agreements between Myanmar and China to accelerate the Belt and Road Initiative

18th January, 2020

China and Myanmar signed dozens of agreements on Saturday, aiming to accelerate infrastructure projects in Myanmar, as Beijing seeks to boost its influence in a neighbor increasingly alienated from the West

However, no new major projects were agreed upon during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit, which started on Friday and ends on Saturday, the first visit by a Chinese leader to Myanmar in 19 years

Analysts said Myanmar is generally cautious about Beijing's investment and is taking a particularly cautious approach ahead of elections this year

However, Chinese President Xi and Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi signed 33 agreements related to major projects under the Belt and Road Initiative, which represents China's vision of new trade routes described as "the Silk Road of the 21st century

The two leaders agreed to accelerate the implementation of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, a massive multi-billion dollar infrastructure plan, through agreements to build railways linking southwest China with the Indian Ocean, establishing a deep sea port in the troubled Rakhine State, and establishing an economic zone Especially at the border, the establishment of a new city in the commercial capital Yangon

The two have not touched on a controversial giant dam backed by Beijing costing $ 3.6 billion, where work has been stalled since 2011, which reflects the sensitivity surrounding China's investment in Myanmar, where many are uncomfortable with Beijing's domination of its smaller neighbor

On Friday, the Chinese president praised the "new era" in the relations between the two countries

"We are drawing a road map for the future that brings back bilateral relations based on brotherhood ties, to overcome difficulties together and assign each other to each other," he said

Suu Kyi described China as "a great country playing an important role in international affairs and the global economy," but she urged economic projects to avoid causing environmental damage and benefiting citizens  LINK

KTFA Members "News and Views" Thursday Afternoon 1-16-2020

KTFA:

2Cents:  Frank asked us to discuss. "What if there is a date for the stoppage of the 'auctions'?"........

It was my understanding from the Monday CC that there is "insistence" to stop the USD Sales by a specific date.  This was stated by WS via text and further "as of two days ago".  This date is still unknown but that WS and associates are "narrowing" in on this date.  Frank also states that he anticipates this date will be known within the next few days........

Why would Frank want us to discuss "What if" there is a date?  Would this not challenge the report from WS?  Based on WS, there IS a date already given and it was given approximately last Saturday....

Is there a firm specific DATE or not?  Is this Date the "specific" date or an "on, or by" date?????

What date is logical?  Reportedly, notice was given on January 11.  For such a drastic change, would a 30 day Notice be appropriate?  This would take us to Mid February.  We believe the extension given to Iraq to bypass US sanctions on Iran expires on February 15.  Would this be a logical "on, or by date"?

Or, as the Sales continue to be at near record levels, does the Trump Team want an end much sooner?  After all, the specific avenue and characters involved in the corruption of the Currency Sales were starting to be exposed to the public yesterday.  

Clearly, the investigation has been occurring for a period of time prior to yesterday.  It is not characteristic of the Trump Team to announce what they are going to do but rather, what they have been doing.  They like setting the stage to allow the rats to expose themselves.  They then start to slowly educate the public at large as to what is about to come.  

Bottom line, I strongly believe that all involved in the corruption of the Currency Sales are now already known and they can no longer take measures to cover-up their actions.  If that is the case, it it were me, I would shut down the money flow ASAP........ After all, we know that the CBI has reportedly put all in place to make the move....

I would give a 7-day Notice!!!!!!

Tony777:  2cents, that is what I call "A detailed dissection" of last night's info from Frank26.  There is definitely a "sense of urgency" IMO to accomplish what is needed; 2020 Budget is ready & headed to Parliament, stoppage of the auctions, choking off Iran's ability to secure dollars, selection of a new prime minister, meet the needs of the protestors, attack the corruption, including prosecute & confiscate moveable & immovable property, finish cleaning up the corruption in the CBI (5-7 days old) & reinstate the rate!!! 

2Cents:  I agree on "sense of urgency"......Look at the US........Impeachment finally moves, China Deal signed, Religious Freedom signed, USMCA vote taking place now......Everyone (except anti-Trumpers) state the economy is set to explode in 2020......Is the table perfectly set for what happens to the economy after the RD/RV and RI occurs????   I think so!!!

Not to mention JA reportedly may testify in the US in February, Declas coming, 140,000+ sealed indictments staged to be unsealed, Durham report coming, "Unknown prosecutor inspector general" about to be made visible, Barr getting ready, Troops sent to beef up Gitmo......

Not to mention Iran reportedly cleaning house behind the scenes, CIA black ops being cleared from Iran and ME, funding about to be shut down......

The increased pace is palpable.......292 days to election.......hold on to your seats and enjoy the ride.  I just hope we can all enjoy it with our many new toys, total financial security and enjoying our new ability to give to and help others......

DCDriver:  It would be a heck of a State of the Union address. Trump could tout paying off the National debt. Just a thought (smile)

Mr.Harfax:  I can't help but think the announcement of the PM needs to tie in with this narrative.  It fits the concept of the citizens taking the country back from the corrupt.  Their peaceful persistence results in a win in the GOI and a change in the behavior from the CBI.

2Cents:  And........An article today states "early next week" and there is a name "all agree upon"......I am not holding my breath but it would seem to be well overdue

Mr.Harfax:  Which technically could be Sunday but given how they proceed historically I'm not overly optimistic we are that close (not this weekend). I'm basically waiting for a PM announcement and an auction announcement at the moment.  Certainly can change but those of the big ones on my list.

2Cents:  And, IMO, the Protestors are giving a Sunday deadline to name the new PM or face severe escalatory measures on Monday.......They have spent this week getting organized between Baghdad, Dhi Qar and the rest of the provinces.......

CoCo:  If it's a 7 day window, that would be this upcoming 3 day weekend (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day) here in the U.S.  If it's a 30 day window, that could be another 3 day weekend  (President's Day).  Time will tell.

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Samson:  Al-Attar reveals the importance of the Financial Management Law and its link to the budget

15th January, 2020
A member of the Iraqi Economic Council, Ghadeer Al-Attar, revealed on Wednesday the importance of the new financial management law recently passed by the parliament.

Al-Attar said in a statement received by / Mawazine News / a copy of it, "The Financial Management Law aims to regulate the rules and procedures governing financial and accounting management in the field of planning, preparation, implementation, control and audit of the federal public budget." He added, "The law will direct all federal revenues to the public treasury to cover public expenditures, determine the internal control units' link in administrative and technical terms, establish mechanisms related to budget implementation, the commitment of each implementing agency, and determine the responsibility of the Ministry of Finance in the implementation phase."

Al-Attar pointed out that "through the Financial Management Law, it will be possible to set specific dates to present the final accounts and adhere to the principles of the budget (budget transparency, budget comprehensiveness, budget unity, annual budget and non-allocation) when preparing and implementing the federal public budget and related matters in a manner that ensures the achievement of macroeconomic stability and financial stability Strengthening the allocation of budget resources, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of spending, ensuring optimal cash management and improving the quality of budget information provided to the House of Representatives and public opinion.” The Iraqi Council of Representatives voted in its session on (13-January-2020) to amend the Financial Management Law.   LINK

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Samson:  The caretaker government confirms that the Basra Oil Manager has 31 corruption cases against him

16th January, 2020

Criticized MP Alia Nassif, on Thursday, strongly that the caretaker government installed some of the corrupt in the position of general manager, among them the general manager of the Southern Oil Company, which has 31 cases in the Integrity Commission, stating that private grades are sold and bought millions of dollars in deals that are held Among party personalities, and whoever buys a position for twenty-two million dollars, this means that he will receive in return amounts equivalent to the state budget.

Nassif said, in a statement received by / Mawazine News / a copy of it, that "the caretaker government installed a number of people in the private grades despite the presence of corruption files and investigations related to them in the Integrity Commission, including the general manager of the General Company for Hydraulic Industries in the Ministry of Industry, and a general manager Basra Oil Company, a subsidiary of the Ministry of Oil, which has 31 cases in the Integrity Commission, after distributing $ 22 million to corrupt party figures.

Nassif pointed out, "Among the many corruption files that belong to the director of the Basra Oil Company, corruption and manipulation in the operation and maintenance contract for public ports, the disbursement of six billion dinars without legal bond, waste ($ 4 and a half billion) in favor of Shell, and corruption in the protection project Warehouses and pipelines, corruption in armored cars in the Basra Oil Company, corruption in the housing of oil port workers, the placement of company cars to parties and personalities, corruption in the Italian Perissa contract, corruption in the contract to transport and treat oil waste, and the list goes on, in short, this person is only a model for whales Corruption who buy the job in millions Dollars to earn billions of dollars and each one of them valued his wealth with a state budget."

And she added, "The caretaker government should back down from its (false) decisions in installing these people, and the Integrity, Judicial and Prosecution Authority should expedite the resolution of these cases and the prosecution and accountability of those involved."   LINK

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StephenMac63:  "Where does it say in the Trade Agreement about Currencies?"

https://ustr.gov/sites/default/files/files/agreements/phase%20one%20agreement/Economic_And_Trade_Agreement_Between_The_United_States_And_China_Text.pdf

Section 5, which reads as: Article 5.1: General Provisions

1. Each Party shall respect the other Party’s autonomy in monetary policy, in accordance
with its domestic law.

2. The Parties recognize that strong fundamentals, sound policies, and a resilient
international monetary system are essential to the stability of exchange rates, contributing to
strong and sustainable growth and investment. Flexible exchange rates, where feasible, can
serve as a shock absorber.

3. The Parties share the objective of pursuing policies that strengthen underlying economic
fundamentals, foster growth and transparency, and avoid unsustainable external imbalances.

4. The Parties shall honor currency-related commitments each has undertaken in G20
communiqués, including to refrain from competitive devaluations and the targeting of exchange
rates for competitive purposes.

Article 5.2: Exchange Rate Practices

1. Each Party confirms that it is bound under the International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Articles of Agreement to avoid manipulating exchange rates or the international monetary
system in order to prevent effective balance of payments adjustment or to gain an unfair
competitive advantage.

2. Each Party should:
(a) achieve and maintain a market-determined exchange rate regime; and
(b) strengthen underlying economic fundamentals, which reinforces the conditions
for macroeconomic and exchange rate stability.
5-2

3. The Parties shall refrain from competitive devaluations and not target exchange rates for
competitive purposes, including through large-scale, persistent, one-sided intervention in
exchange markets.

4. The Parties will communicate regularly and consult on foreign exchange markets,
activities, and policies. The Parties will consult with each other regarding the IMF’s assessment
of the exchange rate of each Party.

Article 5.3: Transparency

1. The Parties affirm that they shall continue to disclose publicly within the prescribed
timeframes below:

(a) monthly foreign exchange reserves data and forward positions according to the
IMF’s Data Template on International Reserves and Foreign Currency Liquidity,
no later than 30 days after the end of each month;

(b) quarterly balance of payments for the sub-components of the financial account,
including direct investment, portfolio investment, and other investment (loans and
receivables), no later than 90 days after the end of each quarter; and
(c) quarterly exports and imports of goods and services, no later than 90 days after
the end of each quarter.

2. The Parties reaffirm and shall continue to consent to the public disclosure by the IMF of:
(a) each IMF Article IV Staff Report on the country of the Party, including the
exchange rate assessment, within four weeks of the IMF Executive Board
discussion; and

(b) confirmation of the Party’s participation in the IMF COFER database.

3. If the IMF does not disclose publicly any items listed in paragraph 2 with respect to a
Party, that Party shall request that the IMF disclose publicly those items.

Article 5.4: Enforcement Mechanism

1. Issues related to exchange rate policy or transparency shall be referred by either the U.S.
Secretary of the Treasury or the Governor of the People’s Bank of China to the Bilateral
Evaluation and Dispute Resolution Arrangement established in Chapter 7 (Bilateral Evaluation
5-3 and Dispute Resolution).

2. If there is failure to arrive at a mutually satisfactory resolution under the Bilateral
Evaluation and Dispute Resolution Arrangement, the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury or the
Governor of the People’s Bank of China may also request that the IMF, consistent with its
mandate:

(a) undertake rigorous surveillance of the macroeconomic and exchange rate policies
and data transparency and reporting policies of the requested Party; or

(b) initiate formal consultations and provide input, as appropriate.

Frank26 Video "From Pressure To insistance" and more Wednesday Night 1-15-2020

KTFA:

Don961:  Conscious / Al-Attar: The importance of the new financial management law passed by the House of Representatives

Written by Iraqi Media News Agency / conscious January 15, 2020

Conscious / Baghdad / N.N.

On Wednesday, a member of the Iraqi Economic Council, Ghadeer Al-Attar, announced the importance of the new financial management law recently passed by the parliament.

A statement by Al-Attar received by ( Iraqi Media News Agency / INA ) stated that "the Financial Management Law aims to regulate the rules and procedures governing financial and accounting management in the field of planning, preparation, implementation, control and audit of the federal public budget."

He added, "The law will direct all federal revenues to the public treasury to cover public expenditures, determine the internal control units' link in administrative and technical terms, establish mechanisms related to budget implementation, the commitment of each implementing agency, and determine the responsibility of the Ministry of Finance in the implementation phase."

Al-Attar indicated that “through the Financial Management Law, it will be possible to set specific dates to present the final accounts and adhere to the principles of the budget (budget transparency, budget comprehensiveness, budget unity, annual budget, and non-allocation) when preparing and implementing the federal public budget and related matters in a manner that ensures the stability of the economy Macro and financial stability, enhancing budget allocation, improving spending efficiency and effectiveness, ensuring optimal cash management and improving the quality of budget information provided to the House of Representatives and public opinion. ”

The House of Representatives voted in its session yesterday, Monday, to amend the Financial Management Law   link

Don961:  THE CENTRAL BANK OF IRAQ FILE ... AN EMPLOYEE REVEALS THE HIDDEN

Wednesday, 15 January 2020 9:59 PM

Baghdad / National News Center -
An employee at the Central Bank of Iraq revealed to the station that the named Hassan Nasser Jaafar al-Lami is Qasim Soleimani the financial in Iraq, and one of the main officials in financing Iran and Hezbollah in foreign currency, and that he entered Lebanon on the sixth of last December.

According to press sources, “On last December 2, an Arab satellite channel received a call from Baghdad from an Iraqi woman saying that she works in the Central Bank of Iraq and in possession of evidence condemning Iraqi figures who illegally withdrew dollars from the aforementioned bank before escaping abroad to finance groups linked to Iran Classified as a terrorist organization in the United States, including Hezbollah and even ISIS groups.

And after "multiple contacts with the woman and checking the documents and her identity, a team from the satellite channel met in one of the neighboring countries to preserve the confidentiality of the meeting and preserve us for her security."

The lady indicated that “the corruption that occurred previously, present, and independently was caused by the governor of the Central Bank, Ali Al-Alaq, who has withdrawn powers,” noting that “there are two general managers who have full powers. ”

And she continued that "there are three heads of corruption in the central bank who consider Iran’s arms in Iraq to control the central bank, the first of which is Hamad Al-Musawi, the owner of Al Hoda Bank, Ali Ghulam, the owner of the Bank of the Middle East, and Hassan Nasser Jaafar al-Lami, the owner of the Bank of Iraq and across Iraq."

The sources pointed out that "the Iraqi lady said that the Federal Bank in New York asked the Iraqi Central Bank to prevent Hassan Nasser and the owners of other banks from selling foreign work, specifically the dollar, because of charges against them such as money laundering and the smuggling of dollars for terrorist purposes."

And she continued, "Hassan Nasser Jaafar Al-Lami has this Noor Bank of Iraq and across Iraq, this is a dangerous man and he has a strong ability to sell dollars and foreign work abroad, confirming that he is one of the ISIS financiers."

She pointed out that "White House sources assured her that the US administration has started investigations with senior influential employees of the Central Bank of Iraq after it became clear that pro-Iranian banks are trying to break US economic sanctions by smuggling the dollar to Iran and its allies in the region."

She added that "Al-Lami hid all the documents in the bank and forged them," noting that she "got the real documents by helping employees inside the bank."

She noted that Al-Lami "came to Lebanon during this month and met Hezbollah to negotiate how to fund them from Iraqi money."   link

Hammy14:  Wow, wow, wow!!!!  Un-freaking-believeable.  And we wondered why we weren't seeing the RI......IMO.

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

Frank26:  1-15-2020 ....FROM PRESSURE TO INSISTENCE

THIS YOUTUBE IS ALL IN FRANK'S OPINION

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

"Wednesday News" Posted by Samson 1-15-2020

KTFA:

Samson:  Foreign currency rates, gold and oil
15th January, 2020

Publishes the prices of foreign currencies, gold and oil globally, on Wednesday, according to the Iraqi Economic and Political Center

Dollar buying and selling prices, banking companies
The selling price of the dollar = 122,000
The purchase price of the dollar = 121,000

EUR World price: 100 euros = 111.35 dollars
A pound World price: 100 pounds = 129.30
Turkish lira World price: 100 dollars = 588.17 TL

The price of an ounce of gold worldwide is $ 1551.35

The price of a barrel of Brent crude oil = 64.36 dollars
The price of a barrel of US crude oil = 58.11 dollars   LINK

Samson:  Learn about the American character who secretly arrived at Baghdad International Airport and Ain Al-Asad base

17:07 - 13/01/2020

A parliamentary source inside the Parliamentary Security and Defense Committee revealed, on Monday, the American character who arrived in the capital, Baghdad, through its international airport and Ain al-Assad base in Anbar province, in secret.

The source said in a statement to the "information", that "American Vice President Michael Pence arrived last Friday to Baghdad International Airport secretly and was transferred to Ain al-Assad base in Anbar Governorate via Apache planes," pointing out that "Pence was transported with heavy guard by the American aviation and a squadron of Apache aircraft.”

He added that "Pence's visit came to know the extent of the damage left by the Iranian strike in the runway of the base of Ain al-Assad, which removed it from service and the size of the losses in the American military barracks," noting that "Pence did not meet with the resigned Prime Minister Adel Abdel-Mahdi and moved with great secrecy for his fear of targeting."

It is noteworthy that last Friday, Baghdad International Airport witnessed an intense flight of the American planes, after the arrival of an unidentified figure from the Trump government.    LINK

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Samson:  What if you know about the first phase agreement between the United States and China?

16:49 - 01/14/2020

Chinese media have revealed some details of the "stage 1" trade agreement to be signed soon between China and the United States, which stops the escalation of trade disputes between the two largest economies in the world.

The "South China Morning Post" newspaper, citing informed sources, said that the first part of the trade deal involves China buying US goods worth $ 200 billion over two years.

The deal states that the Chinese side will buy 75 billion dollars in US industrial products, 50 billion dollars in energy resources, and 40 billion dollars in agricultural products, and China will have to spend another 35-40 billion on services in the same period.

The first-stage agreement is expected to be signed this week. Where he is supposed to travel to Washington, Liu He, Chinese Deputy Prime Minister and head of the negotiating team in the trade talks between the United States and China.

According to previous statements by US President Donald Trump, negotiations for the second phase will begin as soon as the first phase agreement is signed. LINK

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Samson:  US Treasury Secretary: The US-China trade agreement is fully enforceable and documents announced today
15th January, 2020

US Treasury Secretary Stephen Mnuchin said that the first stage of the trade agreement between the United States and China will be fully enforceable, including a pledge by China to refrain from manipulating its currency

Mnuchin told Fox Business Tuesday that documents of the trade agreement will be announced on Wednesday, when US President Donald Trump will sign the agreement with Chinese Vice Prime Minister Liu He at a ceremony at the White House

He said that China pledges to purchase additional US goods and services worth 200 billion dollars over the next two years under the agreement, adding that American companies and farmers may reap more gains once dealing with structural reforms in the stage two agreement   LINK

Samson:  Oil rises after 5 days' losses ahead of the signing of the US-China trade agreement
15th January, 2020

Oil prices rose after a five-day decline as the United States and China prepared to sign a tentative trade agreement and easing tensions in the Middle East

Brent futures rose 29 cents, or 0.5%, to settle the settlement price at $ 64.49 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude closed up 15 cents, or 0.3%, to $ 58.23

The contract price for the closest benefit to West Texas Intermediate is thus lower than the price for the second closest benefit for the first time since November 19

Analysts pointed out that oil found technical support after West Texas dropped to a five-week low of $57.75, which was followed by a bounce from the 200-day moving average

"Oil prices are temporarily recovering after the sellers' fatigue resolves as investors await the next trade developments and whether we will see a strong improvement in global demand after the one-stage trade agreement," Edward Moya, chief market analyst at Oanda in New York, said in a report   LINK

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Samson:  Saleh: The China agreement does not mortgage oil and can be canceled at any time Iraq wants

13:36 - 01/15/2020
The chief adviser to the Iraqi government for financial and economic affairs, and one of the negotiators in the Iraqi-Chinese agreements, the appearance of Mohammed Saleh, said on Wednesday that the China agreement does not mortgage Iraqi oil for many years as it is rumored, while it is possible to cancel it at any time Iraq wants.

"The agreement between China and Iraq is technical, and we are surprised by the chaos of the current analyzes of economists and politicians alike. We know that an agreement with a country like China is a strong competitor to the United States in Iraq, which raises Controversy also, but this does not mean that it is politicized.

Saleh added, “The agreement includes allocating export revenues of 100,000 barrels of total Iraqi exports China’s daily turnover of around 850,000 barrels for reconstruction projects, which is the start of Chinese companies entering the reconstruction of dilapidated infrastructure.”

He continued, "All oil revenues go to the operational budget, while this is an opportunity to allocate a portion of the revenues well to reconstruction and construction." He stressed that "the issue of mortgaging Iraqi oil for many years, as some warn and heard about the past two days, is incorrect, there is a clause in the agreement that enables Cancel it any time you want, it is an aid agreement from China as a friendly country to Iraq.

He considered that "there are no fears of any US economic or other sanctions, in light of the application of this agreement, because the American side has nothing to do with this file, and we have not heard that there are American objections or warnings about the agreement or its application," noting that "there is an intention in The future, if Chinese projects succeed, is to allocate 300,000 barrels of oil a day for reconstruction projects, instead of the current 100,000 barrels.   LINK

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Samson:  Governor of Karbala: The Chinese agreement will have positive effects on us and future generations

13:02 - 01/15/2020

The Holy Governor of Karbala, Nassif Al-Khattabi, affirmed on Wednesday that the China-Iraq agreement will have positive effects now and for future generations, while he indicated that the agreement will provide a valuable opportunity for Iraq at the great strategic level.

Al-Khattabi said in statements followed by / information /, that "the strategic agreement between Iraq China has positive effects on the strategic level now and for our future generations, and will enable the provinces to provide services in all their sectors to the citizens."

He added that "Iraq was subjected to wars and setbacks in the administrative and service work not only 15 years ago, but also experienced major setbacks during the era of dictatorial rule and then al-Qaeda and others."

The Governor of Karbala explained: “Now there is a valuable and important opportunity at the great strategic level by implementing the agreement between Iraq and China to establish the China- Iraq Fund, which will provide capabilities on large infrastructure, not just the usual infrastructure, but to the issue of large investment projects.”    LINK

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Government advisor: 2020 budget is ready in finance and will include China agreement

15th January, 2020

Advisor to the Prime Minister, Mazhar Muhammad Saleh, announced that the current 2020 budget is ready in the Ministry of Finance.

Saleh said that the budget was approved by the Cabinet before the resignation of the government, but the student council re - engineered again and consider some paragraphs of spending and then be transferred to the Ministry of Finance in preparation to be sent to the parliament."

He stressed that "currently the budget ready for the financial" and called "the parliament to Requesting it to be informed of what paves the way for its legislation.”

Saleh pointed out that the budget “will include listing the most prominent projects that will be implemented by China for the purpose of passing it in Parliament.”    LINK

Frank26 Video "Stop USD- Stop Auctions" 1-14-2020

KTFA:

Frank26:  1-14-2020. STOP USD ......STOP AUCTIONS

This video is in Franks opinion only

From Eddie (Firefly77)  Sunday 2:19 in the afternoon , They are telling us on TV that The International Management law that was passed is a tool to be used when the rate is changed….relating to International Standards.

F26: Wow. Let that sink in……the International Management law that was passed yesterday (amended) It was passed a while ago and the caretaker Govt. can only amend it….but they are telling the Iraqi citizens on TV that this law is a tool that will be used when the rate is changed!!!  WHEN THE RATE IS CHANGED!!!!  Relating to international standards!! 

F26: In order for it to meet international standards it must be under article 8…….seriosly that is awesome.  

F26:  From FF77:  4:07 pm..Mr. Frank we see on our TV the secretary of the supreme council in iran is going to resign ….they are resigning over not shutting down all flights when the missiles were being shot.

F26: I said yesterday that within 48 hours you would see some resignations coming from Iran . this is the actions of desperate human beings….When they resign they have no more immunity through their government,. I told you yesterday they were going to find a scapegoat..

Please listen to the replay for the full report……..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pan1ASy133w

KTFA Members "News and Views" Tuesday AM 1-14-2020

KTFA:

Don961:  Source: Parliament will enter a legislative holiday for a month and a half after today's session

Politics 01/20/20 12:24 782 Editor: ht   
Baghdad today - Baghdad

A parliamentary source said, on Tuesday (January 14, 2020), that the parliament will enter a legislative holiday for a month and a half after its session for today.

The source told (Baghdad Today), "The House of Representatives intends to hold its session for this day, after which it will enter into its legislative holiday for a month and a half."

He added, "Parliament will only keep its parliamentary committees."

The media department in the House of Representatives announced Monday (January 13, 2020) the agenda for Tuesday's session.

And the department stated in a statement received (Baghdad today), that "the session will witness the vote on the draft law of accession of the Republic of Iraq to the grain trade agreement of 1995."

The statement added that "the council will also vote on the second amendment bill for the unified retirement law No. (9) for the year 2014, in addition to voting on the proposal of the first amendment law for the law on human organ transplants and the prevention of trafficking in it number (11) for the year 2016."

He continued that "the session will witness the first reading of the proposed law of equivalence of certificates and degrees, in addition to reviewing the report of the Finance Committee regarding the building of the Central Bank of Iraq."

The statement pointed out that "the last paragraph of the session's agenda will be for public discussions," noting that "the session will start at one o'clock in the afternoon."   LINK

Don961:  Association of Lebanese Banks: We are in a dangerous situation and we may be forced to close the banks

14/01/2020

Economy News _ Baghdad

The Association of Lebanese Banks said on Tuesday that it is in a dangerous situation and cannot continue without an executive authority, and may reach a stage when it is forced to close

The politicians have not agreed on a new government or bailout plan since Saad Hariri resigned from the premiership last October, knowing that international bonds for Lebanon worth 2.5 billion dollars are due this year

The president of the Association of Banks in Lebanon, Salim Sfeir, has said that it is likely to restructure the sovereign debt of Lebanon in a way that does not harm the economy or depositors, adding that payment will be made to foreign creditors, as reported by Reuters   LINK

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

Don961:  Washington surprised Beijing with "currency decision" .. a step two days ago

l 3 hours ago

The trade truce contributed to easing the pressures on the Chinese yuan.

Agencies - Abu Dhabi

The United States removed China from its blacklist of countries manipulating the value of its currency, in a step that comes two days before the two countries signed a partial trade agreement to establish a truce in the trade war between them, according to a document published by them. Ministry of US Treasury Monday.

In its biannual report to Congress, the ministry said that the value of the yuan has been strengthened and that, in the eyes of the United States, China is no longer a country that is manipulating the price of its currency to boost its exports.

On August 5, by order of President Donald Trump, China placed China on the list of countries that devalue its currency against the dollar in order to boost its exports at the expense of US exports.

However, China will remain on the list of 10 countries that are subject to monitoring, and these countries are in addition to China, Switzerland, Germany, South Korea, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam, according to the document issued by the Treasury.

Since March 2018, a fierce trade war has taken place between the United States and China, during which the world's two largest economic powers have exchanged tight customs tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars in annual trade exchanges.

The US Treasury's move comes just two days before Trump signed the "first phase" of a trade agreement the two countries reached.

And last August, the Chinese authorities allowed their national currency to drop their price to more than 7 yuan to the dollar, a level unprecedented a decade ago, which led to Tension in stock markets fueled Trump's anger.

"During the summer, China took concrete steps to devalue its currency," which caused the yuan's price to drop "to its weakest level against the dollar in more than 11 years," the Treasury said in its semi-annual report.

China recently boosted its currency to 6.93 yuan to the dollar.

"China has made positive commitments to refrain from devaluating its currency for competitive purposes and by not setting its exchange rate for competitive purposes," said US Treasury Secretary Stephen Mnuchen in a statement.

However, this commitment is not new. Beijing has previously pledged to do the same as a member of the G20 group of the world's largest economies.  LINK

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Don961:  Parliamentary Finance: Parliament will issue an amendment to some paragraphs of the retirement law today

14/01/2020

 Economy News _ Baghdad

The head of the Parliamentary Finance Committee, Haitham Al-Jubouri, announced on Tuesday that the House of Representatives will issue at its scheduled session this afternoon an amendment to some paragraphs of the retirement law

Al-Jubouri said in a statement, a copy of which was quoted by Al-Iqtisad News, that "state employees born in 1957 are referred for retirement during the current period, and 1958 births are referred to retirement on the first of May"

Al-Jubouri added, “1959 births will be referred on the first of next September, and 1960 births on December 31”    LINK

Don961:  Member of Al-Fateh: More than 75 names were nominated for prime minister

09:02 - 01/14/2020   Information / private ..

Al-Fateh Alliance member Naseem Abdullah said, on Tuesday, that more than 75 names were nominated for prime minister as an alternative to Abdul-Mahdi, pointing out that opinions were dispersed behind the non-resolution of this position, stressing that there are limitations set to choose an alternative personality for Abdul-Mahdi in the next few days.

Abdullah said in a statement to "Information", that "more than 75 names nominated for prime minister were raised during the last period, but did not find an open door that qualifies them to take up this position, because of the limitations that were made for the person who receives the prime minister."

He added that "the street imposed itself and there are new restrictions, as it is not possible under this limitations to come with a person linked to a certain political party to hand over the prime minister."

He explained that "the Presidency of the Republic and the Iraqi street stand against any candidate who represents a certain political party, as the candidate must have the approval of the building and others, and the president and the street that represents the greatest opinion at the present time."

And that "there is a dispersion of opinions regarding the selection of a new prime minister," pointing out that "many names did not appear to the media despite the fact that they were candidates for this position, in addition to the name Ali Shukri was also raised from the beginning, as was Muhammad Tawfiq Allawi, but Things are still in the process of being discussed among the bloc leaders to present a candidate that everyone can agree upon. 25 n ended   LINK

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Don961:  Global debt exceeds $ 252 trillion, reaching a record high

January 13, 2020 08:39 PM

Mubasher - Ahmed Shawky : The global debt increased to more than $ 250 trillion at the end of the third quarter of last year, to set a new record

The report of the International Finance Institute released on Monday revealed that the debt of families, governments, non-profits, and the financial sector increased to 252.6 trillion dollars at the end of the three-month period ending last September, compared to 243 trillion dollars during the same period of the previous year

During the first 9 months of last year, global debt rose by about $ 9 trillion

The Institute of Finance stated that global debt has become 322 percent of the world's gross domestic product, which is a new record, achieving the fastest pace of increase since 2016

 The developed markets debts recorded $ 180.1 trillion in the third quarter of 2019, representing 383 percent of the gross domestic product

The ratio of debt to gross domestic product in emerging markets increased to 223 percent, after debt reached the level of $ 72.5 trillion

The Institute expects that the global debt will exceed the level of $ 257 trillion by the end of the first quarter of last year, led by the debts of non-financial companies due to the low interest rates and concessional financial conditions    LINK

S41755k:  IMO Repo market...banks version of why I don't want to lend money to other banks, banks version. of musical chairs ECB can you hear me now! IMO

ChrisC:  I truly don't know how this is still going.  The banks are being loaned over 450 Billion every night to settle their accounts.  Maybe they can just make up the numbers forever, but it would seem reality would eventually have to take hold.  Maybe some kind of debt forgiveness is planned, otherwise all of our windfall won't overcome that kind of debt.

Frank26 Video and KTFA Members Monday PM 1-13-2020

KTFA:

Frank26:   1-13-2020......THE PARLAY OF IRAQ

THIS YOUTUBE IS ENTIRELY IN FRANK'S OPINION

FRANKS SUIT COLORS FOR CC'S..... WHITE = NEW INFO…. SILVER = INTEL FROZEN…. RED= HIGH ALERT… PURPLE=GUEST WITH US…. BLUE = AIR FORCE…. BLACK = GROUND/FF’S…. GREEN= MR OR 3 HEADS ... GOLD = CHANGE

KTFA CONFERENCE CALL INFORMATION: 7PM EST 605.313.5164 PIN: 156996# Can't join us live? PLAYBACK : 605.313.5163 PIN: 156996#

TONIGHT’S LIVESTREAM LINK: https://livestream.com/accounts/78544

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esmLeseK0D4

 Don961:  Pompeo: America will work with Iraqi leaders to determine the most appropriate place to deploy its forces

Politics 01/13/2020 22:17 494 Editor: as   
Baghdad today - follow up

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced on Monday that the United States intends to work with the Iraqi leadership to determine the most appropriate place for the deployment of American forces in Iraq.

Pompeo said in a speech to him, California, today, Monday: "As for how the issue of the location of our forces inside Iraq will be resolved in the end, we will work ... with the elected leaders in Iraq to choose the most appropriate place."

He added, "I have contacted 50 personalities in Iraq from all sects, including Shiite personalities, and all of them appreciates, even if not openly, the American role in Iraq."
 
The US Secretary of State had confirmed the US readiness to continue the dialogue with Iraq on the "appropriate structure" for the American military presence in the country, following the issuance of a statement by the Office of the Iraqi Prime Minister, Adel Abdul-Mahdi, in which he said he had requested to send delegates to Iraq to put in place mechanisms for implementation. Iraqi House of Representatives decision to withdraw American forces.

The United States announced that any American delegation visiting Iraq will not discuss withdrawing American forces.   LINK

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Don961:  The State Department: We are in full talks with the Iraqi government and imposing sanctions under review

 Politics 01/2020 20:21 1534 Editor: gf   
Baghdad today - Baghdad

The State Department official, Matthew Cornell, said Monday that his government is in full talks with the Iraqi government, pointing out that "the imposition of sanctions" is under review .

"We have no intention of imposing sanctions on Iraq but the matter is under review," Cornell said, in a televised interview, via Al Arabiya television. "Noting that any country that does not comply with the sanctions on Iran will face the consequences of the violation."

He pointed out that "the Iraqi parliament's vote to remove our forces was a decision, not a law," adding that his government was conducting "comprehensive talks with the Iraqi government not only to fight ISIS."

He continued: "We have repeatedly warned Iran against killing or wounding Americans," noting that "the former Iranian commander of the Quds Force, Qassem Soleimani, planned to attack American targets."

He continued: "We knew Soleimani's movements between Syria, Iraq and Lebanon," noting that "the decision to kill Soleimani was not taken overnight."

He added, "President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo have confidence that they are legally authorized to kill Soleimani."

The US administration had warned Saturday (January 11, 2020) that Iraq could lose access to a vital bank account if it expelled American forces from the country, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The newspaper quoted Iraqi officials that "the US State Department informed the authorities in Baghdad that they may lose access to an account in the New York Federal Reserve, which includes the proceeds of oil sales, which threatens to deal a painful blow to the faltering Iraqi economy."

One of the Iraqi officials indicated that "the warning about the aforementioned account came through a phone call made by the US State Department, last Wednesday, with the head of the Iraqi caretaker government, Adel Abdul-Mahdi, as the two sides discussed other files of the military, financial and political partnership between Washington and Baghdad."

And the threat of Iraq being subjected to US sanctions on the horizon after the assassination of the Iranian General, Qassem Soleimani, as a result of a US air raid near Baghdad International Airport, on January 3, the event to which the Iraqi Parliament responded by voting, on January 5, in favor of a resolution demanding the Prime Minister to act to remove About 5,300 American soldiers from the country.

In response to this decision, US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose sanctions against Iraq in the event that Baghdad insists on withdrawing US forces.

Iraq, like other countries, maintains government accounts in the New York Federal Reserve, as an important part of the country's financial affairs administration, including oil sales revenue. The loss of access to the account could limit Iraq’s use of these revenues, which raises a monetary crisis in the financial system and limits important resources for the economy.

And the United States previously prevented Baghdad from accessing the aforementioned account for several weeks, on the grounds of suspicions that part of its money was used to meet Iran's needs, as well as to finance the "ISIS" organization.    LINK

Don961:  The US State Department: The Iraqi parliament vote to withdraw the American forces is deficient due to the absence of sectarian representatives from the session

Politics 01/13/2020 17:16 632   
Baghdad today - Baghdad

US State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagos said on Monday (January 13, 2020) that the Iraqi parliament’s vote on a law obligating foreign forces to leave Iraq is defective and challenged its legitimacy.

"The Iraqi parliament’s vote to withdraw the American forces is deficient due to the absence of the representatives of the sects from the session," Ortagos quoted Sky News as saying.

And the US State Department spokeswoman, Morgan Ortagos, said Monday (06 January 2020) that the American forces made sacrifices in order for Iraq to be stable, and it is in the interest of Iraq that our forces remain.

"The Trump administration has supported the protests that have taken place due to Iran's influence in Iraq," Morgan Ortagos said in statements to Al-Arabiya Al-Hadath, noting that "the protesters want to end Iranian influence and we will continue to support the Iraqi people in this."

Ortagos added, "The American forces made sacrifices in order for Iraq to be stable, and it is in the interest of Iraq that our forces remain and ally with them."

And about the recent decision of the House of Representatives, which voted to remove foreign forces from the country, she said: "We were very disappointed after the vote to remove our forces."

Regarding the threat of factions targeting the American forces in Iraq, the State Department spokeswoman stressed that "any attack by armed factions against American interests and forces will be treated as an attack by Iran."

The Iraqi parliament, on Sunday (January 05, 2020), voted in favor of the government’s obligation to remove foreign forces from the country, cancel the security agreement with the United States, and cancel the request to assist the international coalition led by Washington in combating terrorism.

And US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose sanctions on Baghdad after the parliament voted to remove foreign forces, on condition that Baghdad pays Washington the cost of building its air base.

"If Iraq demands the departure of American forces and this is not done on an amicable basis, we will impose sanctions on them they have never seen before. Iran's sanctions will be a small thing next door," Trump said.   LINK

KTFA Members "Monday News" 1-13-2020

KTFA:

DELTA:   The Central Bank of Iraq opens 4 accounts with the US Federal Bank for the purpose of starting to implement the Chinese agreement

by Othman Abu KhadraIraq news4 Hours ago

The Department of Investments and Foreign Remittances at the Central Bank of Iraq announced the completion of the opening of four accounts with the American Federal Bank for the purpose of starting the implementation of the framework agreement with the Chinese Government Export and Credit Guarantee Agency.

The Central Bank of Iraq confirmed in a letter addressed to the Prime Minister’s Office, to inform it of depositing the amounts of oil shipments issued under the above agreement by the Sumo Oil Marketing Company in the accounts of the Central Bank of Iraq, which amounted to four hundred and eighteen million and ten thousand eight hundred and sixty-seven American countries and twenty-four cents for the month of October The first and the second of October.

The Central Bank of Iraq called on the Prime Minister’s Office to inform him of the start of implementing the agreement for the purpose of completing the contract with an investment company to monitor the accounts.

https://altaghier.tv/ 

Samson:  Parliamentary Finance: The 2020 budget will only be approved by a new government
13th January, 2020

The Parliamentary Finance Committee affirmed that there is no legal way out to send the general federal budget for 2020 except by forming a new government, indicating that the current government will proceed with the disbursement of operating funds according to the “1/12” mechanism until the ratification of the first amendment to the Financial Management Law

"There is no legal basis for sending the 2020 budget by the daily caretaker government," the official newspaper, "The Sabah" quoted the committee's rapporteur, Ahmed Al-Saffar, as saying, "The budget is related to the language of numbers and the caretaker government is responsible for daily spending only

He added, "Expediting the approval of the Financial Management Law, which the House of Representatives voted on Saturday, will give the government the reinvigoration of investment projects until a new government is formed

The House of Representatives voted during its regular session, held on Saturday, on the law of the first amendment to the law of the Federal Financial Administration   LINK

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Don961:  The demonstrators are spreading in Azadi Square in Tehran, chanting against the Revolutionary Guards and the Iranian guide

by Othman Abu KhadraArab and World News13 Hours ago

Popular protests escalated in a number of Iranian cities, against the policies of the ruling regime in Tehran.

Videos circulated by activists on social networking sites showed that thousands of protesters went to Azadi Square, which means in Arabic “freedom”, in the capital Tehran, chanting slogans denouncing the ruling regime and the Iranian guide, including that the Revolutionary Guard commits massacres and the guide supports it, in reference to the recognition of the Revolutionary Guards.

With his responsibility to shoot down the Ukrainian passenger plane, and the killing of a hundred and seventy-six passengers on board, while other cities, including Yazd, Mashhad, and Kermanshah, witnessed similar popular demonstrations, in light of the widespread deployment of the security forces of the regime.   LINK

Don961:  An earthquake measuring 4 on the Richter scale strikes Iran

Sunday, January 12, 2020 02:49 PM

On Sunday, an earthquake measuring 4 on the Richter scale struck the Ahram region of Bushehr Province, in southern Iran.

The seismological center of the Geophysical Institution at Tehran University said in a report that this tremor occurred today, Sunday.

He added that the tremor occurred at a depth of 10 km from the surface of the earth in the Ahram region, 55 km from Bushehr, the center of Bushehr Province, in southern Iran.

The center also recorded an earthquake measuring 3.9 on the Richter scale in the city of Iza, Khuzestan Province, southwestern Iran, 10 minutes before the earthquake that struck the Ahram region.   LINK

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Iggy:   Prosecutions Expose Extensive Iran-Hezbollah Operations Network Inside US

https://www.prophecynewswatch.com/article.cfm?recent_news_id=3762

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Don961:  US report: Iran’s name is linked to the corruption of leaders in Iraq and Lebanon

by EditorIraq News1 Hour ago

A report by former US diplomat Dennis Ross and Dana Stroll of the Washington Institute, published in Foreign Policy, called on the United States to focus on what Washington can offer the Middle East, and what sets it apart from other parties to embrace street demands.

The report pointed out that the name of Iran is linked to the corruption of the leaders in Iraq and Lebanon, so that corruption has become a trademark of the Khamenei regime, wherever corruption has occurred in these countries, Iran has also dissolved, while this is an opportunity for the United States to mobilize its efforts to support the demands of citizens who demonstrate in the streets.

The report stated that the US administration is required to mobilize the necessary support from the Republican and Democratic parties in Congress to complete this matter and make a fundamental shift in its policy for the stability of the Middle East region.

The report stressed that the United States has an opportunity to present what Iran cannot provide, by sensing the desire for change led by the two peoples in Iraq and Lebanon, and that the situation in these two countries may not stabilize without real change taking place in them.   LINK

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Samson:  Parliamentary Finance: Payment of the last two billion dollars of debt owed by Kuwait during 2020

20:16 - 12/01/2020

The Parliamentary Finance Committee confirmed, on Sunday, that 2020 will see the payment of the last two billion dollars in debt owed by Kuwait to Iraq, indicating that it will be guaranteed in the budget for the current year.

Member of the Finance Committee Hanin Al-Qaddu said to "The Information" that "Iraq has many debts that may move to postpone the payment of some of them to the coming years or to reduce them by talking to the creditor countries."

He added that "among the debts incurred by Iraq are Kuwait's debts," noting that "the debts of Kuwait, of which two billion dollars remain, with Iraq owed , will be paid in full during 2020, and the Kuwaiti debt file involves."

He explained that "Kuwait's debts will include the 2020 budget to pay it after the budget is approved and completed completely," noting that "there are efforts to authorize the government to send the 2020 budget for the purpose of discussing it and then voting on it."    LINK