KTFA Members "Thursday News" 8-27-2020

KTFA:

Don961:  Al-Kazemi presents the results of his visit to America and Jordan and takes a decision regarding the popular crowd

11 hours ago Rudaw Digital

 The Council of Ministers held its regular session today, Wednesday, (August 26, 2020) under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister, Mustafa Al-Kazemi, where the latter gave a presentation on the results of the tripartite summit in which he participated in the Jordanian capital Amman, as well as his visit to the American capital, Washington, and what resulted from it Bilateral understandings.

 Al-Kazemi said in a statement that Rudaw Media Network received a copy of, that moving away from "the policy of axes is the approach that Iraq has taken for itself, and that Iraq affirms the commitment to balance and moderation, as well as relying on cooperation and partnership in the economic and investment fields, as a way to build bridges of interdependence between the peoples of the region." ".

 Al-Kazemi directed the ministers to intensify their meetings with their counterparts from Jordan and Egypt, in order to activate aspects of exchange and cooperation in various fields that serve the interest of Iraq, just as it serves the interests of other peoples.

 In turn, the Minister of Health gave a presentation on the latest developments in facing the Corona pandemic, and ways to reduce the chances of transmission of infection and provide medical services to the injured.

 The Council stressed the importance of the bodies in charge of the preventive measures, especially in connection with religious occasions and Ashura rituals.

In the energy sector, the Minister of Electricity made a presentation to the Council on the current reality of the system for producing and distributing electric energy, and the latest efforts made in this aspect to sustain production and provide the best services available to citizens.

The council discussed the issues and topics on its agenda, and took the necessary decisions and actions in their regard, and it came in its decisions:

1- Canceling the Council of Ministers Decision No. 197 of 2015, related to the discharge of state employees when they join the ranks of the Popular Mobilization Forces, due to the absence of the need for it after the issuance of the Popular Mobilization Authority Law No. 40 of 2016, which undertook to regulate the work of the employees of the aforementioned body.

2- Amortizing the amounts owed by the Army Department of Shops on the profits made for previous years in favor of the public treasury, and using an amount of two billion five hundred million dinars, for the purpose of the Ministry of Defense to pay the aforementioned amount to the company implementing the general hospital project for the armed forces with a capacity of 400 beds in Baghdad.

3- Empowering the Minister of Finance with the authority to negotiate and sign a draft agreement (avoiding double taxation and preventing evasion from paying taxes imposed on income and capital) between the government of the Republic of Iraq and the government of the Swiss Federation, as amended by the State Council, based on the provisions of Article 80 / Sixth Article of the Constitution.

LINK

Samson:  Saudi Foreign Minister arrives in Baghdad

08/27/2020 12:40:30

 The Saudi Foreign Minister, Faisal bin Farhan, arrived in the capital, Baghdad, today, Thursday.

The visit comes before the anticipated visit of the postponed Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi to Riyadh.  LINK

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Samson:  Al-Ghanimi and the Saudi ambassador discuss coordinating efforts to combat terrorism and secure borders

08/26/2020 23:31:45

 Minister of Interior Othman Al-Ghanimi discussed, on Wednesday, with the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Iraq, Abdulaziz Al-Shammari, to coordinate efforts in combating terrorism and drugs and securing borders.

An interior ministry statement, Al-Furat News received a copy of, stated that "at the beginning of the meeting, Al-Ghanimi welcomed his guest and discussed with him a number of issues of common interest."

He explained, "Where the two sides discussed the importance of developing bilateral relations in a way that serves the interests of the two brotherly peoples, and working to coordinate security efforts with regard to combating terrorism and drugs, securing borders, and common security issues."  LINK

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Samson:  The foreign minister and his Saudi counterpart agree to activate memoranda of understanding concluded by previous governments

08/27/2020 17:10:25

Iraq and Saudi Arabia agreed to activate memoranda of understanding concluded by the previous government between the two parties.

The Foreign Ministry said in a statement that "the foreign minister is discussing with his Saudi counterpart ways to enhance bilateral cooperation between the two countries on various levels." He added, "Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein received Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the Saudi Foreign Minister, who is conducting an official visit to Iraq to discuss bilateral relations between Baghdad and Riyadh."

In the meeting, bilateral relations were discussed, and the positive development achieved at all levels was praised, and the two sides agreed to activate memoranda of understanding concluded by previous governments.

They also discussed deepening economic and investment relations between the two countries, especially in the field of agriculture, petrochemicals, and providing Iraq with energy, And discuss the issue of linking energy with the countries of the Cooperation Council.

The two sides discussed the results of the visit of the Prime Minister and his accompanying delegation to Washington, and what emerged from it, as well as the outcome of the tripartite summit between Iraq, Egypt and Jordan that took place in the capital, Amman.

The two ministers discussed developments in the regional situation of common interest, and stressed the importance of enhancing security and stability in the region.  It is worth noting that this is the first visit of Prince Faisal bin Farhan to Iraq since he assumed his position as Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.   LINK

Samson:  Al-Kazemi government is preparing a budget for only three months

26th August, 2020

The Iraqi government announced, on Wednesday, that it is working on preparing the general budget for the remaining three months of the current year.

Ahmed Mulla Talal, the spokesman for the Prime Minister, said in a press conference in the presence of the Shafaq News Agency correspondent, that the 2021 budget is almost complete and upon completion, it will be voted on in the Council of Ministers and sent to the House of Representatives. 

Talal pointed out that "the degrees of deletion and creation will be allocated to holders of higher degrees and employees with contracts and wages in state institutions." 

It is noteworthy that the sending of the federal budget for the year 2020, by the government to the Iraqi parliament, has been delayed as a result of the continuous protests since last October, which led to the resignation of the previous government headed by Adel Abdul Mahdi and its transformation into a caretaker government whose powers are not to send the draft financial budget law to Parliament.

Earlier, the Iraqi Minister of Finance, Ali Abdul Amir Allawi, ruled out approving the general budget for the year 2020 and confirmed that his ministry is working on preparing the 2021 budget.

The fall in oil prices due to the Corona pandemic has caused a financial deficit, while the Parliamentary Finance Committee confirmed last July that the fiscal deficit of the 2021 budget bill is estimated according to financial revenues and oil prices.  LINK

JJimmyJJ:  Hmm... I'm thinking there must be a good reason for all this energy and effort to be expended. What is going to change for the last quarter that they need a new budget for it?

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Samson:  US official: Each country has its own timetable for normalization with Israel

26th August, 2020

A senior American official accompanying the Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, said on his Arab tour, on Wednesday, that the region sees in the Emirati-Israeli agreement all good reasons for normalization with Tel Aviv, especially the Gulf countries.

On the steps for rapprochement between the Arab countries and Israel, the official pointed out that "each country has its own timetable and its own process." According to the American Al-Hurra channel. He added, "We were able to broker an agreement between the UAE and Israel, and we would like to see more countries printed with Israel."

The US official indicated that Bahrain will take any decision regarding its bilateral relations with other countries in a way that is in the interest of its people, and "we respect that."  The American official emphasized that the Emirati-Israeli agreement is seen as very successful regionally.  He pointed out that the leadership of the United Arab Emirates can pave the way for other countries.

On Wednesday, Pompeo visited Bahrain and the UAE, where the Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa confirmed to Pompeo that Manama adheres to the Arab Peace Initiative to solve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Pompeo's tour to a number of Middle Eastern countries falls within the framework of encouraging Arab countries to normalize their relations with Israel, similar to the historic peace agreement with the United Arab Emirates.  LINK

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Samson:  Exposing hundreds of fake offices to employ foreign workers in Iraq

27th August, 2020

The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs spotted fake and unlicensed offices claiming to employ foreign workers in Iraq

The Director General of the Department of Labor and Vocational Training in the Ministry, Raed Jabbar, said that the ministry is coordinating with "the National Security and Intelligence Service and a number of ministries to conduct a database for foreign workers in the country, while a campaign has started to refer unlicensed employment offices to the judiciary," according to the official Al-Sabah newspaper

He explained, "Coordination has been made with representatives of the national security and intelligence agencies, the ministries of transport, electricity, commerce, health, and the investment authority for the purpose of establishing a national database for foreigners working in the country," noting that "the number of foreign workers in the country will be restricted by granting them special entry permits and attributes." Companies and projects of the Ministry of Oil. He added, "The ministry granted 20 licenses to offices distributed in Baghdad and the provinces

He pointed out that "hundreds of fake and unlicensed offices and companies have been monitored for the employment of national and foreign workers, working through social networking sites, as well as forming committees from the Ministries of Interior and Foreign Affairs and the Intelligence Service to hold accountable the owners of unlicensed companies and offices and refer them to the courts

Jabbar pointed to "the ministry’s endeavor to build the capabilities of national workers and job-seekers by holding training courses in oil specialties, which are free of charge in order to put them in oil field projects and industries that need workers with experience and specialization such as those possessed by foreign workers  LINK

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Samson:  Next Wednesday .. Plasschaert will brief the UN Security Council on developments in Iraq

24th August, 2020

The United Nations Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) announced that the head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq, Jeanine Plasschaert, will brief the UN Security Council on the latest developments in Iraq.

"On Wednesday (26 August), the UN Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) Jeanine Hennes-Plasschaert will brief the United Nations Security Council on the Secretary-General's recent report on UNAMI and the latest developments in Iraq," the mission stated in a statement.    LINK

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Samson:  Parliamentary Finance : The International Monetary Fund's support for Iraq is subject to two conditions

24th August, 2020

A member of the Parliamentary Finance Committee, Jamal Cougar, announced today, Monday, two conditions for the International Monetary Fund to support Iraq with important loans and projects.

"The meeting that the Prime Minister, Mustafa Al-Kazemi, conducted during his visit to Washington with the Director General of the International Monetary Fund, Kristalina Georgieva, is very important to the Iraqi state," Cougar said in a press interview, followed by the National News Center.

He added, "The meeting held between Al-Kazemi and the International Monetary Fund is very important, in general, because when there is direct interaction from such institutions and the World Bank, it means that the situation is stable, which prompts these institutions to encourage countries that have relations with them to support Iraq with projects or loans." Or investments or charitable projects such as donations.

Cougar explained, "We hope that Al-Kazemi has been able to persuade these institutions to support Iraq and obtain infrastructure projects from them," noting that "the International Monetary Fund announced a while ago that it was ready to support Iraq with an amount of about $ 2.2 billion."

Cougar continued, "But so far, the amount of money from the International Monetary Fund to support Iraq has not been determined."

And a member of the Finance Committee stated that "there are two conditions for the International Monetary Fund to support Iraq, namely:

The first is for that money to go to infrastructure projects, not to salaries and the operating budget, and the second is for the atmosphere to be appropriate for the establishment of those projects, meaning providing an appropriate security and investment environment.   LINK

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Samson:  Imprisonment for a convict who embezzled 1.5 billion dinars from Nineveh reconstruction funds

24th August, 2020

The Integrity Commission revealed the issuance of a 15-year prison sentence for embezzling 1.5 billion dinars of Nineveh reconstruction funds

A statement of the commission reviewed by Al-Iqtisad News stated, “The department indicated, in the course of talking about the details of the case that it investigated and referred to the judiciary, that the convict had embezzled an amount (1,500,000.00) billion dinars from the funds allocated for the reconstruction and stability of Nineveh Governorate after Edit it

He added that "the criminal court specialized in integrity cases in Baghdad after reviewing the evidence obtained in the case represented by the statements of the legal representative of Nineveh Governorate who requested the complaint against the accused, and the report of the External Audit Department at the Integrity Commission that contained irregularities in the exchange value and purchase receipts, in addition to the statements of witnesses, and the minutes. The administrative investigation that includes the convict’s negligence and his referral to the judiciary, as well as the presumption of his escape from justice

The statement clarified that “the court issued a sentence in absentia with a term of fifteen years imprisonment against the convicted person in accordance with the provisions of Article (316 / Part One) of the Penal Code, issuing an arrest and investigation order against him, while supporting the seizure of his movable and immovable property, while giving the right to the Nineveh Provincial Council to claim compensation. Before the civil courts after acquiring the judgment to the final degree LINK

Samson:  Their thefts are estimated at about $ 300 billion .. Will the Iraqis accept making deals with the corrupt?

24th August, 2020

The Iraqis were divided over the calls of some politicians to conclude deals with the corrupt figures, who stole project funds and operational budgets in the country, which represent the return of up to 90% of the stolen funds in exchange for dropping all international lawsuits and prosecutions against them

The size of corruption in Iraq is estimated at about $ 300 billion, as more than 4 thousand projects were halted, according to the Ministry of Planning, as a result of the theft of funds allocated to them after withdrawing financial advances without any significant action or very limited achievement

Iraq ranks 162 out of 180 countries in Transparency International's corruption indicators, and it is the sixth in the Arab world. Corruption is rampant in it despite its possession of oversight bodies, including the Supreme Council for Combating Corruption, the Integrity Commission, Parliamentary Integrity Committee, the Financial Supervision Bureau, the Public Prosecution office, and the offices of public inspectors. Which was canceled last year by a parliamentary decision

Iraq has witnessed large demonstrations since 2011 until now, calling for fighting corruption, but the matter is still without radical solutions, and there is no political desire to fight it. Because most of the rampant corruption in Iraq is covered politically

Proposal details

A member of the Parliamentary Finance Committee, Jamal Cougar, recently presented a proposal to return the stolen Iraqi funds represented by returning 90% of it to the state treasury in exchange for dropping the charges against them. It bears an actual confirmation from those accused of stealing public money by returning 80 to 90 percent of the money in their possession to the state treasury

Couger explained that "returning the defendants the bulk of the money they have in order to drop the charges brought against them is a sign of regret they feel," noting that "the matter remains dependent on the defendants' intention to return the money to the state treasury but this proposal has faced a torrent of criticism from specialists in the issue of integrity, as it is a lifeline for the corrupt and the waste of great efforts by institutions that fight corruption in Iraq

The Prime Minister, Mustafa Al-Kazemi, responded to this invitation, during his visit to America, specifically when he met businessmen, saying that the government had held talks with a number of international legal institutions to track down corrupt people and corruption deals and hold accountable everyone who tampered with state funds, explaining that the government is working to reconsider legislation To fill the loopholes that allow the corrupt to exploit

Iraq has become a repellent environment for investors because of the rampant corruption in the joints of the state, and the investor is exposed to extortion and death threats if he does not give money to some political, partisan and armed parties

Contrary to common sense

A member of the Parliamentary Integrity Committee, Jawad Al-Saadi, commented on this call, saying: "It represents support for and defense of money thieves, and it is not a rational logic to fight corruption," noting that "the stolen money is the property of all Iraqis, and it is not the property of this person or a specific political party, and therefore All must be returned, and the corrupt will be punished

Al-Saadi noted that "a few days ago, the Integrity Committee referred 10 corruption files to the competent authorities related to the waste of public money," noting that "corruption is a major scourge that harms the country and everyone must support the competent authorities to eliminate it

On the other hand, the head of the Al-Nahrain Foundation to Support Transparency and Integrity in Iraq, Muhammad Rahim, said, "The goal behind these calls is to return the funds withheld from the corrupt in other countries to Iraq, and then steal them from the Iraqi state again under political pressure." That "this is a method of manipulation practiced by some corrupt parties in Iraq and that "some electronic armies have recently begun to support this trend," considering that "the corrupt's acquisition of 10% means millions of dollars out of the stolen money.

He explained, "This call needs legal legislation, especially as the government has a strong will to fight corruption and work to recover these funds   LINK

MilitiaMan and KTFA Members Sunday PM 8-23-2020

KTFA:

Samson:  A Project To “Automate” Customs And Ports, In Agreement With A Well-Known Company

23rd August, 2020

Member of the Finance Committee in the House of Representatives, Ikhlas Al-Dulaimi, announced that there is a tendency to agree with a sober international company to establish a project to operate customs and border crossings electronically.

Al-Dulaimi said in a statement to Al-Mustaqilla, that the Finance Committee met more than once on this issue and reached the necessity of “completing” the border crossings and customs to control the amounts that enter it, which are estimated at billions of dollars per month.

And it indicated that we can absolutely not control the revenues that enter the ports and customs as long as they are still handled by hand, because we do not know where they have gone.

Al-Dulaimi indicated that the debate is still continuing about the company that can implement this project, the experience and the competence that it has enjoyed in order to end this thorny file for years.  

Al-Dulaimi said in a statement to Al-Mustaqilla, that the Finance Committee met more than once on this issue and reached the necessity of “completing” the border crossings and customs to control the amounts that enter it, which are estimated at billions of dollars per month.  LINK

MilitiaMan:  The border crossings and customs  have been in a work in progress for some time and suggesting now they have completion with electronic system that will not be done by hand where corruption lays!! Electronic systems provide transparency and this new PM knows it and with his new deputy in place they’ll make sure the systems work in the citizens best interest..

We can see his ability to hit the ground running, like we witnessed yesterday and today by heading immediately to Basra to show his ability to take charge. The mayhem that was done while he was in America is now needing attention to shore up the borders to the south and clean up the riff raff creating insecurity and apparently have been arrested and more to follow.

His goal is to secure finances to help pay salaries and bring confidence to his people..

The finance minister has not release salaries, yet. Recall the minister told banks not to issue salaries until approval was given. As of today that has not happened yet, per articles and or tweets.

My view is there is a reason for that and it is what we are looking for. A change to the way and or amounts that will be paid..

A-good sign is pressure is on from the lack of liquidity and payments. The citizens want to get paid.. ~ MM imo 

Samson:  The Finance Ministry responds to "shaded information" on customs automation 

08/23/2020 19:17:59 

The Ministry of Finance responded, on Sunday, to what it called shady information about (automating customs) with strange news that contradicts the facts and deliberately offends the ministry.

In a statement, the Euphrates News Agency received a copy of it, the ministry said, "Some media outlets and social networking sites have transmitted misleading information about (automating customs) with strange news that contradicts the facts and deliberately offends the ministry and its work. The news aims to mislead the Iraqi public opinion and confuse papers for political goals and to scourge Inform me.

She stated, "As we deal with professionalism, transparency and in accordance with the law, we wish to inform the public opinion of the facts and not to launch charges arbitrarily, far from the reality that the government and the Ministry of Finance are continuing to implement automation and simplify procedures in the ministry as part of the government's program in reforming the economy and diversifying revenues, including the application of automation and simplification of procedures in customs." 

 She indicated that these measures come within the white paper prepared by the government, which includes economic, financial and administrative reforms, plans and strategies to meet the challenges facing the country.

The ministry confirmed, "The automation procedures and the selection of companies are carried out in a transparent manner, in accordance with the laws and instructions, and in coordination with the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers. The ministry is also in continuous dialogue with the World Bank and with brotherly Arab countries to benefit from its successful experience in automating customs. In addition, the Ministry of Finance will not present any Bidding in this field without complete transparency and preparing an equitable atmosphere and space for all.

Therefore, we ask the just Iraqi Supreme Judicial Council to take all legal measures against anyone who misleads facts and casts false accusations and tries through this to discredit everyone who does transparent, clear and careful work During his work site.

She added, "In this regard, this ministry wishes to express its respect and appreciation for the supervisory authority of the media and freedom of expression and opinion, and at the same time it warns everyone who manipulates facts and misleads public opinion, and reserves the right to prosecute anyone who falsifies the truth."   LINK

MilitiaMan:  The transparency that comes with automation is exactly what they need. They have the interests of the region and are in continuous talks with the World Bank. I'll bet that in of it self shows they are about ready to fully complete the what is in the White Papers to usher in the new Market Economy. They also warn against mis leading the public in the media about the automated procedures they are completing.. ~ MM imo

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Samson:  The Central Bank renews the ISO Quality Management System Certificate in Cash Management

23rd August, 2020

As a continuation of the efforts made to achieve sustainability in the application of quality management standards, the Central Bank of Iraq completed the second annual review procedures to renew the quality management system in accordance with the international standard ISO 9001: 2015.

  It is noteworthy that the company specialized in this field granted the Central Bank of Iraq in the year 2018 a certificate in effect for three years after internal audit in the field of cash management and its full implementation of the requirements of the international system.

  The Central Bank of Iraq  information Office 23 August 2020  

MilitiaMan:  They are certified again and that will be a leg up going into the new social market economy they are going to. imo ~ MM

Don961:  :  A leader in victory talks about the reasons behind Washington's keenness to improve the relationship between Baghdad and Erbil

Policy 08/22/2020 20:24 410 Editor: amm   
Baghdad today - Baghdad
 
And the Minister of the Kurdistan Region for Negotiation Affairs with Baghdad, Khaled Shawani, announced on Sunday (August 16, 2020)

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that an agreement between Baghdad and Erbil will be valid until the 2021 budget is approved, and includes financial dues, outlets and a set of pending files.  link  

MilitiaMan:  They have an agreement, They are completing automation at the borders and customs ports. They have not paid salaries yet and the Ministry of Finance has said to not yet, as there is equality issues to deal with. They have the newly updated ISO Certificate. Based on best practices and equality. Don't think for a minute this is not all related to economic reforms being implemented.. imo  ~ MM

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Samson:  Pompeo visited 4 countries, three of which are Arab

08/23/2020 18:51:54

 On Sunday, August 23, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo began official visits that will include 4 countries, where he will first land in Israel, then he will visit Sudan, Bahrain and the UAE.

The State Department said in a statement that Pompeo would meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. She indicated that Pompeo would discuss with Netanyahu regional security issues related to Iran's influence, establishing and deepening Israeli relations in the region, as well as cooperation in protecting the American and Israeli economies from "bad" investors.

In Sudan, the US diplomat will meet Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdok and Chairman of the Transitional Sovereign Council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, to discuss the continued US support for the transitional government and express their support for deepening the relationship between Sudan and Israel.

The minister will then travel to Manama to meet Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and conclude his trip in the United Arab Emirates, where he will meet with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi to discuss the "Ibrahim Agreement."

"The commitment of the United States to peace, security and stability in Israel, Sudan and among the Gulf states has never been stronger than it was under the leadership of President Donald Trump," the US State Department said in the conclusion of its statement.   LINK

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Officially, the international coalition hands over the Taji military base to the Iraqi forces  LINK

Bearcinnabar:  IMO Remember:  quote:   " Trump made it very clear we are not removing our troops until we've been paid which means theoretically...we're not pulling the troops until Iraq has revalued the currency and it has value. So until it has value we have not been paid... "

"Iraq News" posted by Samson Sunday 8-23-2020

KTFA:

Samson:  The Central Bank renews the ISO Quality Management System Certificate in Cash Management

23rd August, 2020

As a continuation of the efforts made to achieve sustainability in the application of quality management standards, the Central Bank of Iraq completed the second annual review procedures to renew the quality management system in accordance with the international standard ISO 9001: 2015.

It is noteworthy that the company specialized in this field granted the Central Bank of Iraq in the year 2018 a certificate in effect for three years after internal audit in the field of cash management and its full implementation of the requirements of the international system.

The Central Bank of Iraq information Office    23 August 2020   LINK

Samson:  An explosion targets an American convoy west of Baghdad19:16 - 22/08/2020

On Saturday, a security source reported that an attack had targeted a military convoy of the American forces, west of Baghdad.

The source told "the information" that "an explosive device that was placed under a bridge on the highway towards the Shuala-Ghazaliya area exploded on an American convoy."

He added, "The explosion targeted one of the American convoys fleeing from the Taji base, after the US forces announced their readiness to hand over the base tomorrow."

He pointed out that "smoke plumes rose clearly in the middle of the Karkh area."   LINK

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Samson:  The ceremony of handing over Taji base to Iraqi forces begins

09:32 - 23/08/2020

On Sunday, the Joint Operations Command announced that the international coalition forces had begun withdrawing from the Taji base north of Baghdad, indicating that the American side would hand over several bases during the next phase.

The spokesman for the leadership, Major General Pilot Tahseen Al-Khafaji, said in a statement to / information / that “the New Zealand, American and Australian forces within the international coalition began this morning to withdraw from the Taji military base,” indicating that “the handover ceremony was attended by the representative of the prime minister and several military leaders.”

Al-Khafaji added, "These forces were working as advisors and trainers for the Iraqi forces, and their term of work ended according to joint memoranda of understanding."

He pointed out that "the American side will hand over several bases according to a timetable agreed upon between the two countries to the Iraqi forces."   LINK

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Samson:  Al-Saadi: Iraq is surrounded by a fire belt

23rd August, 2020

The head of the Iraqi Business Council in Jordan, Majed Al-Saadi, confirmed, on Sunday, that Iraq is surrounded by a fire belt represented by its sensitivity to the sensitivity of the geopolitical factors surrounding it

Al-Saadi said, in a press statement followed by Al-Eqtisad News, that "Iraq is surrounded by a fire belt, resulting from the influence of neighboring countries on it, as well as internal problems accumulated for 17 years, which is a heavy legacy for Mustafa Al-Kazemi's government regarding the file of the Iraqi economy

He added, we presented many economic proposals to the previous Iraqi governments, but the latter did not interact with them because they were preoccupied with "the quota system and the sharing of positions

Al-Saadi explained that the interest in restoring the security system is an urgent necessity to rebuild the Iraqi economy, pointing out that Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi raised the issue of rebuilding the security system with US President Donald Trump

He stated, that in light of the dangerous repercussions of the Corona virus on the global economy, the low oil prices and the inability of Iraq to finance new projects, the solution lies in the Iraqi and foreign private sector, which will only return through the giant oil companies   LINK

Samson:  Al-Kazemi identifies "difficult questions that remain unresolved" with America

23rd August, 2020

The Prime Minister, Mustafa Al-Kazemi, identified what he described as "difficult questions" with the United States of America. The prime minister is trying to create a different model for Iraq that emphasizes sovereignty, combating corruption, and a sustainable military training relationship with the United States, the Washington Post said about him.

Al-Kazemi explained his vision in a lengthy interview Thursday, after his meeting at the White House with President Donald Trump, and it seems that he and Trump are comfortable at the present time with a military relationship in which several thousand American forces remain in Iraq to train local forces, without any timetable so far for their withdrawal. Given the United States' history of military expansion in Iraq, followed by a hasty retreat, this approach is a welcome change.

 It is clear that the combat role of the United States there is over, but it appears that limited military support will continue and that is the right balance.  Despite all of Trump's past speeches about Iraq, he was surprisingly friendly in his meeting with Al-Kazemi, describing him as a "very respectable gentleman" and describing the relationship between the United States and Iraq as "very good."

The newspaper adds that Al-Kazemi is an interesting new face in the region, as he was the head of intelligence and then became interim prime minister last May, after months of anti-corruption protests by Iraqi youths that paralyzed the country.  “We don't need American combat forces in Iraq,” Al-Kazemi said, now that ISIS is defeated. "We need American forces that focus on training and capacity building."  He added that former Iraqi leaders were "shy" about recognizing military support from the United States, "We believe that this relationship is not an embarrassment," adding, "It is something we should be proud of."

Al-Kazemi explained that some difficult questions remain unresolved, including the United States' use of Iraqi airspace and the "road map" for the redeployment of American forces, and that these issues will be addressed in a joint "strategic dialogue" between the two countries. Al-Kazemi also seeks to improve relations with Saudi Arabia. He said that he discussed Saudi-Iraqi coordination on oil and economic policy with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in a phone call on Wednesday, one day before his meeting with Trump.

Al-Kazemi talks about a European-like future for his region, with freer flows of capital and technology. Next week, he plans to meet with the leaders of Egypt and Jordan in Amman, Jordan, to discuss this approach, and he will soon travel to Saudi Arabia. When asked about the recent normalization of relations between the United Arab Emirates and Israel, Al-Kazemi said with an accurate answer: "This is an Emirati decision, and we should not interfere."

Asked about his agenda, Al-Kazemi listed a series of initiatives dealing with public health and the economy. But he said that in order to make progress in every area, "the most important issue is corruption." Sadly, such reforms are rarely successful in the modern Middle East. But in Iraq and across the region, public anger at politicians is growing as usual.   LINK

KTFA Members "News and Views" Saturday 8-22-2020

KTFA:

Samson:  Al-Kazemi returns to Baghdad after concluding his visit to Washington

08/22/2020 17:28:53

 The Prime Minister, Mustafa Al-Kazemi, arrived in the capital, Baghdad, on Saturday afternoon, after concluding his visit to Washington. His office said in a brief statement that Al-Furat News received a copy, that "Al-Kazemi returns to Baghdad after concluding his visit to Washington."

After arriving in the American capital, Washington, DC, after midnight last Tuesday, Al-Kazemi held a round of talks with US President Donald Trump and senior officials that resulted in the conclusion of investment contracts with US companies in the economic, humanitarian, political and cultural fields. It was also agreed to continue joint coordination to combat the terrorist ISIS.

Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi described his meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday as "important and successful." Al-Kazemi said, "We agreed with the American side on the redeployment of forces outside Iraq, and we also agreed to set up a technical team to find a mechanism for this deployment." He added, "Iraq has an opportunity to benefit from its partnership with a major industrial country."

Al-Kazemi announced the "signing of an important and beneficial bill for the whole of Iraq regarding oil in Dhi Qar Governorate."   LINK

Samson:  Al-Kazemi concludes his first visit to Washington and returns to Baghdad

22nd August 2020

The Office of the Prime Minister, Mustafa Al-Kazemi said on Saturday that the latter had concluded his first visit to the United States of America.

22nd August 2020

In a brief statement received by Shafaq News, the office said that Al-Kazemi "returns to Baghdad after concluding his visit to Washington."

Al-Kazemi left Tuesday for Washington on his first visit to the United States of America since he took office last May. Al-Kazemi and his accompanying delegation met with US administration officials led by President Donald Trump, and the visit also witnessed a second round of strategic dialogue talks.

Al-Kazemi had said, following his meeting with Trump on Thursday, that the latter had pledged to withdraw the remainder of his country's forces from Iraq within 3 years.

And Iraq concluded in Washington agreements with US energy companies worth up to $ 8 billion, according to a statement issued by the US Department of Energy.   LINK

DeepWoodz:  Take a look at the second picture, zoom in, and this is what I think of....

Lead the way...

George Washington ... 1st President. During the American Revolution, he led the colonial forces to victory over the British and became our national hero. Our beginning of freedom.

Donald J. Trump...45th President and 223 years later. He is leading the charge against what we call an extreme radical left agenda, but should be considered the culmination of evil from around the globe and through the years, that seeks to destroy our United States of America from within because we are too strong any other way.

Mustafa Al-Kahdimi...Prime Minister of Iraq 2020. Good student rubbing shoulders with greatness. Soon to be a great ally and brother in arms to our great United States. You can see it in his smile. It’s genuine, it’s bold, and it’s sincerely appreciative of what our people have sacrificed to put his people on the path to decency. I dare say that with his perspective, he IS Iraq’s first great President.

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Samson:  Mohamed Darraji Reveals A Corruption File Worth 11 Trillion Dinars

22nd August, 2020
Representative Muhammad Sahib al-Darraji revealed that there is corruption in customs imports and the currency auction is estimated at more than 11 trillion dinars.

Al-Darraji said in a tweet on Twitter, followed by Al-Mustaqila, today, Saturday, that “On Wednesday, Customs announced that its imports were two billion dinars, or about one million and 600 thousand dollars, and on the same day the Central Bank sold 226 million dollars, on the basis that it was converted to import.”

He added that "if we take 5% as a minimum for customs, the least thing should be 11.3 million dollars, or about 13 trillion dinars," noting that "there is a difference of 11 trillion dinars."

Al-Darraji asked, "Where did these sums go?"   LINK

Samson:  For the first time in two decades, a surprise US-European agreement on tariff cuts for some goods

22nd August, 2020

The United States and the European Union announced that they had agreed to reduce tariffs imposed on lobsters and some crystal glassware, in a surprise move that could pave the way for a truce in the trade war between the two parties

In a joint statement, the two countries said, "The US Trade Representative, Robert Lighthizer, and European Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan, announced an agreement on customs cuts that would increase the value of US and European exports to hundreds of millions of dollars. "This is the first time in more than two decades that the United States and the European Union announce a reduction in customs duties," the statement added

Since Donald Trump received the keys to the White House, trade tensions between the United States and the European Union have continued to increase after the US president pursued a firm protectionist agenda and imposed punitive tariffs on US steel and aluminum imports from Europe and other countries that were previously considered partners of his country. The US president especially targeted Germany and its exports of cars, as well as France and its exports of wine and cheese. A source in the European Union said, "We consider this agreement a first step towards easing tensions between the United States and the European Union

According to the agreement reached by the two parties, the European Union will cancel customs duties on its imports of American lobsters, both frozen and live. According to the statement, the United States exported in 2017 to the countries of the Union 111 million dollars of these crustaceans, and customs duties on these imports will be canceled retroactively from 1 August 2020 for a period of 5 years

For its part, Washington will reduce by 50% the customs duties it imposes on a number of goods exported by the European Union to the United States, which are valued at $ 160 million annually and include some ready meals, some crystal glassware, lighters and their spare parts, for a period of 5 years that began with a retroactive effect. On August 1

Lighthizer and Hogan emphasized in their statement that this agreement is "mutually beneficial", improves relations between the European Union and the United States, and brings positive results for both . economies.  He stressed that this is only the beginning of a process in which other agreements will be concluded, allowing for more free, fair and equitable transatlantic trade relations   LIN

KTFA Members "Iraq/US News and Views" Thursday 8-20-2020

KTFA:

Samson:  Washington: Al-Kazemi Agrees To Extend His Visit

20th August, 2020

Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi approved a request from leaders and members of the US Congress to extend his visit to the United States because of their desire to meet him.

And government media reported that "Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi's council agreed to postpone the return date to Baghdad, which was scheduled for Thursday evening."

She added that "the extension was requested by congressional officials for the desire of members and leaders in it to meet Al-Kazemi, as well as a number of economic, research and political centers."

She indicated that "the new meetings may include a meeting with the Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi."

Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi received at his residence in Washington, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and discussed ways to develop relations between Iraq and the United States at various levels and fields.   LINK

JJimmyJJ:  Check out Pres. Trump's twitter account. He just tweeted out a sort video showing PM Kazimi's arrival at the White House.  Pretty clear he wanted it to be known that Iraq and the PM are in the US's and Trump's good graces, IMO.

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Samson:  Trump affirms his commitment to withdraw the international coalition: Al-Kazemi is a man who gets along very well with him

20th August, 2020
US President Donald Trump confirmed, on Thursday, his commitment to a "rapid exit" of the international coalition forces from Iraq, indicating that he is in harmony with the Iraqi Prime Minister, Mustafa Al-Kazemi "very".

The official Iraqi News Agency, INA, stated that "Al-Kazemi succeeded in leading the strategic dialogue to obtain an American withdrawal from Iraq," explaining that "the Iraqi and American sides emphasized the need to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq."

She added that "the Iraqi and American sides have agreed to form a special team to discuss the mechanisms and timing of the redeployment of the international coalition forces led by the United States of America outside Iraq."

And quoted statements by US President Trump as saying, "We withdrew dramatically from Iraq and very few soldiers remained," adding that "Al-Kazemi is a man who gets along very well with him."

Trump affirmed his "commitment to the rapid exit of the international coalition forces over a period of three years."

And continued, "conscious," that "Washington confirmed its support for Al-Kazemi's plans to reform the Iraqi economy," noting that "Baghdad and Washington signed a memorandum of understanding to support the health sector in Iraq."   LINK

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Samson:  Iraq, US companies sign deals worth more than $8 billion before Kadhimi-Trump meeting

20th August, 2020
An Iraqi prime minister will visit the White House Thursday for the first time in three years as ties have warmed between Washington and Baghdad since Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi was appointed earlier this year.

On Wednesday, Kadhimi and other members of his government met with US officials, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, where several bilateral agreements and deals were signed.

A deal between Iraq and the US’s General Electric worth more than $1 billion was among the new agreements. A $500 million agreement was signed between Iraq and GE Gas Power to service power plants in Iraq and to help maintain over 6,000 megawatts of electricity, a statement from GE said. Another agreement worth $727 million was signed between Iraq and GE Renewable Energy’s Grid Solutions “to reinforce Iraq’s transmission network, enhancing grid stability and interconnection with the electricity grid of Jordan.”

A statement from the US Department of Energy said five American companies signed deals with Iraqi officials in the Oil and Electricity Ministries worth over $8 billion.

Earlier in the day, a senior US administration official said that “many US companies” would sign different agreements with the Iraqi government during the visit. “We are covering a broad range of investments,” and a number of different US companies are working on energy and electricity projects, the official said. “The Prime Minister [Kadhimi] and President [Trump] made this a priority,” the official, speaking to reporters on background, said.

The US official said Washington would continue to assist and enable the Iraqi electricity grid so that it can be connected to the GCC.

On July 16, a joint statement from the US, Iraq and the GCC announced full support for the Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority (GCCIA) project to connect the electricity grids of Iraq and the GCC. “The United States is committed to facilitating this project and providing support where needed,” the statement said at the time. “Our goal is to ensure that there is a balance within Iraq with its relationship with its neighbors,” the US official said Wednesday.

US withdrawal of troops

Kadhimi’s visit comes on the heels of the US-Iraqi Strategic Dialogue where both sides look to boost bilateral relations and build a better understanding on how to counter common threats.

Trump visits US troops in Iraq. (AP)

Trump has repeatedly said he would pull the US out of “endless wars,” with Iraq being one of them.

On Wednesday, Trump reiterated his desire to continue reducing the number of US soldiers abroad. This will be discussed on Thursday, according to the US administration official, who said he did not expect a specific timeline to be announced.

Western military trainers are expected to remain in Iraq, but it is not clear how many. The US has had around 5,000 troops stationed in the country, and coalition allies have another 2,500.

In an interview with The Associated Press ahead of his trip to the US, Kadhimi hinted at downsizing the US force. “In the end, we will still need cooperation and assistance at levels that today might not require direct and military support, and support on the ground,” he said. Kadhimi added that the cooperation “will reflect the changing nature of terrorism’s threat,” including continued training and weapons support.   LINK

Samson:  Al-Kazemi: Iraq is working to establish a strong economic alliance with America

20th August, 2020

Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi confirmed that economic reforms are the only option to confront the financial and economic crisis currently facing Iraq, explaining that Iraq is working to establish a strong and sustainable alliance with America in the economic field

In his speech at the American Chamber of Commerce, followed by "Economy News", Al-Kazemi said that Iraq is going through an unprecedented financial crisis due to the drop in oil prices, which increases the financial budget by more than 90% and is accompanied by the outbreak of the Corona virus

He added that the government is working to correct the course of the Iraqi economy by focusing on two main axes, the first is to implement an integrated reform program that includes all economic aspects, the second is to combat corruption and enhance transparency, explaining that Iraq's problems are the control of the government sector, dependence on oil, high unemployment rates, low growth rates and Iraqi income

He indicated that the government is seeking to implement real reform measures that may be painful in the short term, but they are very necessary in advancing the economy

He pointed out that the reform program depends on diversifying the economy, revitalizing non-oil economic sectors such as agriculture, industry and services, and moving towards a market economy by moving away from government control over the economy, pointing out that the development of infrastructure will be with the participation of the private sector

Al-Kazemi revealed that the government is holding talks with a number of international legal institutions to track down corruption and corruption deals and hold accountable everyone who tampered with state funds, explaining that the government is working to reconsider legislation to fill the gaps that allow the corrupt to exploit them

In the conclusion of his speech, Al-Kazemi noted that Iraq believes in a strong and sustainable alliance with America in the areas of economic growth and reforms, and this alliance will achieve stability and the aspirations of the Iraqi and American peoples

Al-Kazemi opened the way for American investors to work inside Iraq in the fields of oil exploration, construction of refineries, petrochemical and gas plants associated with production, housing, education and health   LINK

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Samson:  Al-Kazemi meets with members of the Businessmen Forum and the American Chamber of Commerce in Washington

20th August, 2020

In the framework of his current visit to Washington, the Prime Minister, Mustafa Al-Kazemi, met with a number of members of the American Businessmen Forum and the American Chamber of Commerce, in the presence of the US Secretary of Energy Dan Proelt

At the beginning of the meeting, Al-Kazemi welcomed the members of the Businessmen Forum and the American Chamber of Commerce, and expressed his thanks for their warm hospitality and reception

Al-Kazemi pointed to the importance of sustainable strategic cooperation with the United States, and with American companies and banks, and stressed the government's willingness to remove all obstacles to the work of American companies in Iraq

He indicated that investment opportunities are available to American businessmen and companies, and called on American banks to cooperate in the development of the Iraqi banking system, to keep pace with international banks as the basis for a major economic openness

For their part, members of the Businessmen Forum and the American Chamber of Commerce expressed the readiness of major American companies to work and invest in Iraq, and expressed their optimism about the steps of the Prime Minister, Mustafa Al-Kazemi, since he assumed his duties in the government   LINK

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Don961:  Iraqi Prime Minister meets US Secretary of State

Thursday 1/1/1442 AH corresponding to 20/08/2020 AD, SPA

Washington, 29 Dhu al-Hijjah 1441 AH, corresponding to August 19, 2020 AD, SPA

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kazemi met with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, on the sidelines of the strategic dialogue between the United States of America and Iraq, which was held today in Washington, DC.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the highlights of the strategic dialogue, reaffirming the principles that were agreed upon by the two sides in the Strategic Framework Agreement.

Pompeo encouraged the Prime Minister and the Iraqi government to continue efforts to meet the demands of the Iraqi people for a more equitable and just state, expressing his support for the holding of proposed early elections next year.

The US Secretary of State pledged to continue working with the Iraqi Prime Minister on ways to address the enormous economic challenges facing Iraq in light of the Covid-19 epidemic and the decline in oil prices, stressing the need for Iraq to enact fundamental economic reforms, to strengthen trade relations between the United States and Iraq.

The two sides also discussed ways in which the United States could continue to provide long-term support to Iraqi security forces and civilian security institutions, including the Iraqi-led effort on internal security sector reforms.   LINK

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Samson:  Finance announces the signing of three agreements with American companies

20th August, 2020

On Thursday, the Ministry of Finance announced the signing of three agreements with well-known American companies to support the economy, finance large projects and develop the electricity sector.

Finance Minister Ali Abdul Amir Allawi told government media that "three agreements were signed with the American side, the first with USAID to restore their programs in Iraq and support the Iraqi economy, especially in the field of social development," noting that "the agency is one of the largest institutions that contributed In the reconstruction of Iraq."
 
He added that "the second agreement was with one of the American government institutions that supports direct investments by taking shares in corporate institutions, including Iraqi companies, and they will be an important source in financing large projects."
 
Regarding the third signature, Allawi explained that "it has been done with the Jie Electric Equipment Company to finance major projects in the electricity sector. The agreement will be important to rebuilding the electricity sector and power generation in Iraq," noting that "the Development Agency with the American Foundation for Investment Support will provide up to five billion dollars." And it will be in installments and will be directed towards development projects for the purpose of developing the Iraqi economy."  LINK

Samson:  The delegation accompanying Al-Kazemi in Washington delivers "good news"

20th August, 2020

A member of the delegation accompanying the Iraqi Prime Minister, Mustafa Al-Kazemi, who is visiting Washington, revealed positive results reached by the visit, especially in the economic aspect and the financial crisis between Baghdad and Erbil. 

The deputy of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, Aras Khoshnaw, told Shafaq News, in a phone call from Washington, "There is good news after the visit of the Iraqi delegation to Washington," regarding the financial crisis between the region and Baghdad.

Khoshnaw, a member of the Iraqi delegation in Washington, accused the media and communication sites of confusion about the truth of the negotiations between Baghdad and Erbil, stressing the Kurdistan Region’s keenness to obtain constitutional rights and reach fair and just solutions to the crises.

On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced financial aid to Baghdad, and called on the Iraqi government to launch the budget for the Kurdistan Region.

Last April, a document issued by the Federal Government revealed that the salaries of Kurdistan Region employees were stopped, due to "Erbil's failure to deliver imports of oil sales to it." However, the regional government denied this information, and began rounds of dialogue with the government in Baghdad.

The rounds of dialogue concluded with the signing of an agreement this month that regulates the financial relationship between the two parties. Baghdad pays 453 billion Iraqi dinars (about 380 million dollars) per month in salaries to the region's employees, but these amounts decreased after the collapse of oil prices due to the Corona pandemic.  LINK

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Don961:  Al-Kazemi confirms from Washington that Iraq looks forward to working with the International Monetary Fund to achieve economic reform

Policy 08/19/2020 20:23 499    Baghdad Today - Baghdad

Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi confirmed, on Wednesday, from Washington that Iraq looks forward to working with the International Monetary Fund to achieve economic reform.

Al-Kazemi's office said in a statement that the latter "met at his residence in Washington today, Wednesday, with the Director General of the International Monetary Fund, Kristalina Georgieva, and her accompanying delegation, and during the meeting, aspects of cooperation between Iraq and the International Monetary Fund were discussed."

Al-Kazemi stressed that "Iraq looks forward to working with the International Monetary Fund to achieve economic reform, and that the government is ready to overcome all obstacles facing the work of the International Monetary Fund in Iraq."

The Prime Minister discussed with the delegation the possibility of concluding an agreement with the International Monetary Fund, to support the Iraqi economy and reduce its dependence on oil, by rehabilitating other sectors and making them compete with the oil sector in a way that can absorb unemployment in the country.

For her part, the Director General of the International Monetary Fund, Kristalina Georgieva, congratulated the Prime Minister, Mustafa Al-Kazemi, for his ability to achieve stability in Iraq within a short period of the assumption of his governmental duties.  

And it commended the steps taken by his sovereignty to achieve economic reform, despite the many challenges he faces, foremost of which is the Corona pandemic, as well as the economic problems resulting from the drop in global oil prices, according to the statement.

Georgieva confirmed that they believe in the partnership with Iraq, and the importance of standing with it from international economic institutions, whether it is the International Monetary Fund or the World Bank.

Georgieva praised the professionalism and frankness of the Iraqi negotiator, and praised the leadership of the Prime Minister, Mr. Mustafa Al-Kazemi, in his confrontation with the current economic challenges, and expressed her optimism about Iraq's ability to overcome the current crisis to a better economic future.  LINK

Ryan1216:  We have to be at the finish line for this investment. Bring it home Kazemi!!!

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Samson:  Joint Statement by the Governments of the Republic of Iraq and the United States of America

20th August, 2020

The following statement was released by the Governments of the Republic of Iraq and the United States of America:

Begin text:

The Government of Iraq, led by Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, and the Government of United States, led by Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, held a meeting of the Higher Coordinating Committee today in Washington, D.C. as described in the 2008 Strategic Framework Agreement for a Relationship of Friendship and Cooperation between the United States of America and the Republic of Iraq (SFA). The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to a robust and productive bilateral relationship. Separate sessions covered economics, energy, health and environment, political and diplomatic issues, security and counterterrorism, and education and cultural relations.

In the economic session, Iraq outlined its ideas for economic reform plans that would unleash faster growth and a more vibrant private sector. The United States reiterated its support for Iraq’s economic reforms and identified areas of cooperation that could help Iraq implement its plans. Both countries discussed coordination with international financial institutions to help Iraq recover from low oil prices and COVID-19 and put the country on a more sustainable fiscal path.  

Both nations plan to cooperate on e-government, financial sector reforms, and private sector partnerships to boost U.S.-Iraq trade and investment. The two governments look forward to holding a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) Council meeting later this year to follow up on the June 2019 meeting.

In the energy session, the United States and Iraq discussed the Government of Iraq’s efforts to increase domestic electricity and gas production, reduce wasteful gas flaring, and implement energy market reforms. The two governments plan to hold an Energy Joint Coordination Committee meeting soon to discuss these topics in more detail.

On the sidelines of today’s meeting, the Government of Iraq signed substantial energy agreements with U.S. companies, including General Electric, Honeywell UOP, and Stellar Energy, as well as Memoranda of Understanding with Chevron and Baker Hughes, as concrete examples of the U.S.-Iraq energy partnership. Iraq and the United States noted ongoing cooperation with the International Energy Agency (IEA) to develop plans for electricity tariff reform in Iraq. The two governments plan to continue cooperation with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member-states and Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority on Iraq/GCC electricity connections and energy investment.

United States welcomed the progress in the talks between the Iraqi Federal Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government with regard to budgetary and energy issues.

In the health and environmental session, the United States and Iraq noted their ongoing partnership to combat COVID-19 and their intent to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to expand bilateral health trade.

The two governments also discussed ongoing cooperation on environmental, water, and scientific issues and plan to hold a separate Joint Coordination Committee meeting on those topics.

In the political and diplomatic session, the United States reaffirmed its respect for Iraq’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and relevant decisions of the Iraqi legislative and executive authorities. The two sides discussed how the United States could best support the Iraqi government as it prepares for parliamentary elections, including by increasing support for the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq. Both nations reiterated their support for freedom of expression and media freedom, and the necessity to hold accountable the perpetrators of violence against peaceful protesters.

The United States supports Iraq’s efforts to improve relations with its neighboring states and plans to assist the Iraqi Government in this endeavor. The United States reaffirmed its continued commitment to supporting Iraq in advancing durable solutions for internally displaced persons that are voluntary, safe, and dignified, and to help those communities that have been targeted for genocide by ISIS. The two sides recognized the need to improve access for humanitarian organizations.

In the security and counterterrorism session, the United States and Iraq reaffirmed their commitment to achieving common objectives through bilateral security coordination and continued cooperation between the Iraqi Security Forces and the U.S.-led Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. The two delegations praised the growing capabilities of the Iraqi Security Forces and their joint success in the fight against ISIS, which has enabled the Global Coalition to transition to a new phase focused on training, equipping, and supporting the Iraqi Security Forces.

The Iraqi government expressed its gratitude to the Global Coalition and asserted its willingness to facilitate this transition and confirmed its obligation as host country to provide protection for the Coalition’s personnel and diplomatic facilities in Iraq. Adapting to the requirements of this new phase, the Global Coalition has been able to depart from some Iraqi military bases and reduce combat forces in Iraq. The two sides plan on separate technical talks to manage the timing and transition to the new phase, including any associated redeployments from Iraq.

The U.S. and Iraqi delegations recognized the progress of the Iraqi Federal Security Institutions and the Kurdistan Regional Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs in coordinating their efforts to combat ISIS remnants and discussed ways to further this cooperation.

In the education and culture session, the two governments discussed both past and current U.S. support for Iraq’s efforts to strengthen higher education in cooperation with American universities in Iraq, through the Fulbright program, and through the U.S. Embassy’s Higher Education Partnership initiative. The United States and Iraq identified additional ways to support Iraq’s plans to address higher education reform priorities and strengthen U.S.-Iraqi university partnerships.

The two sides also reviewed progress in the return of the Baath Party Archives to Iraq as an important artifact of Iraq’s history. The two delegations discussed their mutual efforts to preserve Iraq’s rich cultural heritage and religious diversity and reaffirmed their commitment to cooperating in the return of Iraqi cultural property illegally imported into the United States to their rightful place in Iraq.  LINK

MilitiaMan, Delta and KTFA Members "News and Veiws" Wed. 8-19-2020

KTFA:

Article: PM meets Trump: What Outcome for Iraqi Economy?   LINK

MilitiaMan  This article is packed with good information. They say the word soon 7 times lol... They are in a hurry..

With K in the USA now, there has to be so very important things to get done. I presume both sides are very well prepared to get the right things done and the right way.. 

An equitable situation for both sides, is what I can see as an outcome. The path looks like it is fresh as new asphalt for smooth rolling.. imo ~ MM

DELTA:  SO WHAT IS THE RELATION BETWEEN PM AND AMERICAN VOTER.......... (smile)

The turnout of the American voter and his election to Trump depends mainly on Al-Kazemi's visit to Washington

Baghdad / Al-Akhbariya

Independent MP Ali Al-Badiri said, on Monday, that the American voter's turnout and his election to Trump depends mainly on Al-Kazemi's visit to Washington, revealing that Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi met with the heads of political blocs before going to America and will not return with an empty quiver from there.

  Al-Badiri said in a statement followed by Al-Akhbariya, that Al-Kazemi consulted with the leaders of the blocs on the axes of his visit to America and everyone assured that sovereignty is the main focus of the visit, and Al-Kazemi is more aware of what Iraq needs from America.

 He continued, "Trump is trying to persuade the American voter through Iraq and the turnout of American voters in the elections is linked to Al-Kazemi's visit to America," noting that "the prime minister will not return with an empty quiver from Washington."

Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi is supposed to leave for Washington in the coming hours, accompanied by a number of ministers and advisors, to meet with US President Donald Trump on the twentieth of this month.

https://www.ikhnews.com/index.php?page=article&id=224228

Cleitus:  Now, this is HUUUUGE! Thanks Delta!!!

Clare:  THANKS DELTA! .............AND THERE'S OUR KEYWORD AGAIN!   "sovereignty" 

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Samson:  Al-Kazemi's visit will witness a series of meetings that will focus on the economic aspect

19th August, 2020

The Prime Minister's Office indicated that Al-Kazemi arrived in Washington at the head of a high-ranking delegation, to complete the strategic dialogue and meet with US President Donald Trump.

Officials in the delegation visiting the United States revealed that the visit will witness a series of meetings that will focus on the economic aspect, including a meeting with a large number of major companies and economic institutions on the reconstruction of Iraq.

The officials explained that the delegation will sign contracts with major companies at the level of gas, oil and electricity, in the presence of the ministers of oil, electricity and finance, indicating that Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi will hold a session with American economic institutions, in addition to a number of American research centers.

Al-Kazemi received an exceptional reception, as a large number of streets in the American capital were closed, and US officials conveyed to members of the Iraqi delegation that US President Donald Trump requested a reception from the highest level at the security level for the Prime Minister.

LINK

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Samson:  Pompeo: We hope for an Iraq free of corruption ... and we have provided him with $ 200 million in aid

08/19/2020 17:25:19

 US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said during a joint press conference with Secretary of State Fouad Hussein that the United States wishes for an Iraq free of corruption.

Pompeo said during the conference: "We support the Iraqi government by conducting early elections," noting that "we promised to provide $ 200 million in aid to Iraq."
Pompeo noted that "Washington is committed to providing support to Iraq."

Pompeo stressed that "we had good talks, our partnership is very strong, and armed groups are limiting our ability to act."

He continued: "We hope to see Iraq free of corruption and energy remains a major engine of economic progress."   LINK

Samson:  Iraqi foreign minister: USA is a strong ally for Iraq

19th August, 2020

The second round of the Iraqi-American strategic dialogue began in Washington on Wednesday. 

In a statement received by Shafaq News agency, the spokesman for the Iraqi Foreign Ministry, Ahmed Al-Sahaf, announced that "Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and his American counterpart Pompeo opened the Iraqi-American strategic dialogue session."

Later, The US. Secretary Mike Pompeo holds joint press availability with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein.

Pompeo said, "We urged Baghdad to solve the problems with the Kurdistan Region and release its budget, and we promised to aid Iraq with $ 200 million."

He added, “Our partnership with Iraq is very strong but armed groups limit our ability to act, these Militias threaten stability,” adding that, “freedom in Iraq is the priority of the Trump administration."

Pompeo said, "We are committed to supporting Iraq and preventing foreign interference in its affairs, and the strategic dialogue should not focus on the issue of the withdrawal of our forces from Iraq."

For his part, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said, "Washington is a strong ally of Iraq and and Iran is a neighboring country,” adding that, “our policy is based on the Iraqi interest, and and we reject any foreign interference in our affairs."

"The meeting with Pompeo was a good, and we discussed economic relations and Covid-19 pandemic,"

Hussein added, "America and Iraq were in one place to fight ISIS," stressing "the continuity of cooperation in the field of combating terrorism."

Hussein added, “the continuity of dialogue to reach joint action in other areas related to energy production is necessary," noting that "a memorandum of understanding will be signed today with USA to cooperate in the electricity, oil and higher education fields.”

The Iraqi Foreign Minister indicated that "the dialogue is continuing and will have positive results for the benefit of the two countries and peoples."

Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi arrived on Wednesday, August 18, in Washington, DC, at the head of a high-ranking ministerial delegation.  LINK

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Samson:  Fouad Hussein: The United States of America is a strong ally of Iraq .. and he announces the signing of deals

08/19/2020 17:18:34

We assured Washington of continuing cooperation in combating terrorism.

 Memoranda of understanding and cooperation in various fields will be signed today.

He will sign a memorandum of understanding with US Chevron for oil exploration today.

The United States of America is a strong ally of Iraq.

We discussed during the meeting With the US Secretary of State to economic relations and how to combat Corona.

Baghdad and Washington are in one trench to fight ISIS
 
We emphasized the continuity of dialogue in the fields of energy, health and culture.
 
Our policy stems from the Iraqi interest.
 
We want good relations with the neighborhood, provided that there is no interference in Iraq’s affairs. 

LINK

Samson:  Al-Ziyadi: hosting Al-Kazemi in Parliament after his visit to Washington

08/18/2020 22:53:41

The deputy of the Sa`irun Parliamentary Bloc, Badr Al-Ziyadi, revealed, on Tuesday, that he had submitted a request to Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi to host him in the House of Representatives after his visit to Washington.

Al-Ziyadi told Al-Furat News, "We submitted a request to Al-Kazemi to host him in the House of Representatives after his visit to Washington, to inform us of his discussions, the results of his visit and the files he discussed with the American side, including the withdrawal." "The armament of the Iraqi army is very limited, and the air defense technology is almost non-existent," he added.

Al-Ziyadi noted that "the strategic agreement provides for the protection of Iraqi sovereignty," wondering, "Why did the American forces not act against the Turkish aggression?", Indicating that "the presence of the American bases in Iraq is unclear." And that "Tehran is clear in its position and proceeds from the principle of strength, and the Iraqi-Iranian relations are good, and Iran helped us a lot," adding that "the Iraqi economy is not that bad and our problem is in the administration only."     LINK

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Samson:  The Cabinet Secretariat announces the suspension of the official working hours for tomorrow, Thursday

19th August, 2020

The General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers announced, on Wednesday, that the official working hours will be suspended for tomorrow, Thursday.

A statement by the secretariat received by Al-Akhbariya stated that the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers announces that the official working hours will be suspended for tomorrow, Thursday, 8/20/2020, for the occasion of the beginning of the Hijri year corresponding to the first of the month of Muharram of the year 1442 AH.    LINK

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Samson:  Iraq in the 5th place on the list of countries with the largest gold reserves

19th August, 2020
The World Gold Council announced that 14 Arab countries have the largest gold reserves, out of 100 countries listed in the council's report.

In its latest report for August, the council said, "Iraq came in fifth place in the Arab world, with gold reserves of 96.3 tons, while Saudi Arabia ranked first (323 tons), followed by Lebanon (286 tons), and then Libya (116 tons). Egypt came in sixth place with a reserve of 79.6 tons, while Kuwait ranked seventh with a reserve of 79 tons.

The report added, "Jordan came in the eighth rank with a reserve of 43 tons, followed by Qatar in the ninth place with a reserve of 42 tons. The Emirates came in the tenth place with a reserve of 31.5 tons, Syria in the eleventh place with 28.8 tons, then Morocco in the twelfth place (22 tons), Tunisia (6.8) tons, and finally Bahrain (4.7 tons).

"Only three Arab countries bought and sold gold during the year 2020, which are Egypt which bought one ton in February, Qatar that bought 1.6 tons in February also, and the UAE that bought a ton of gold in February, 1.8 Tons in March, 0.4 tons in April, and sold 0.2 tons in May".   LINK

KTFA Members "Tuesday News" 8-18-2020

KTFA:

Don961:  The stability of the Iraqi dinar

Tuesday 18th August 2020  Samir Al-Nasiri

 Central banks in the countries of the world mainly aim at achieving economic stability by achieving stability in the monetary system and the financial system through their programs and strategies aimed at maintaining stability in the exchange of their local currencies against other foreign currencies and building sufficient foreign cash reserves to cover their local currency in Circulation.

According to special international standards issued by the International Monetary Fund, banks are evaluated based on other criteria related to facing crises, challenges, economic, political and security shocks, and natural and epidemic disasters in their countries, controlling stable rates of inflation and interest rates, and applying compliance and anti-money laundering and terrorist financing regulations and rules that are internationally established.

And since for ten months, all countries of the world have been going through two economic and epidemic crises due to the global drop in oil prices, economic stagnation and slowing economic growth due to the Corona pandemic. 

And that the above conditions suffered from Iraq and neighboring regional countries such as Iran, Turkey, Lebanon and Syria, as well as the economic, political and security conditions and challenges that all these countries shared with Iraq in them.

One of the results of that was the devouring of the US dollar of the local currencies of the above regional countries and their collapse in very large proportions, for example. Currencies decreased against the dollar, so the Turkish lira became 7.30 pounds per dollar, and in Iran one riyal corresponds to 0.000024 dollars, the Lebanese pound is 8500 pounds, and the Syrian pound is 2250 pounds against the dollar, while the exchange rate of the Iraqi dinar has stabilized within its rates for the past two years.

So why was the exchange rate of the Iraqi dinar not affected except by a slight relative rise in the exchange rate of the dollar and a decrease in the purchasing power of the Iraqi dinar, and the Central Bank took quick monetary measures to return the exchange rate according to what was targeted before the events. In order for the economic analyzes to be accurate and not extreme of the reality of monetary stability in Iraq and the effects of the new and expected economic and epidemic shock on the exchange rate of the Iraqi dinar, which has stabilized for more than two years and is still strong and maintains its stability and will continue as well despite international and local political shocks.

In order not to take the expectations of media exaggeration and create a state of fear among the public and the banking sector, I assert, through an economic and analytical view of the state of stability in the exchange rate of the dinar, and from a neutral and transparent point of view, we note that the positive stems from the independence and balanced management of the central bank and the availability of foreign cash reserves at the rate. As for that which determines its sufficiency to cover the cash mass in circulation and to cover imports, as the foreign cash reserve is fully insured and Iraq ranks fourth in the Arab world.

In addition to that, the strength and recovery of the Iraqi dinar, and deal with responsibility and independence by the Central Bank 

The application of the monetary policy adopted by the Central Bank, which achieved stability in the exchange rate for more than two years, represents the real guarantees to protect the local currency from collapse and face the new shock, and it will be bypassed. The economic and security shocks that the Iraqi economy suffered from during previous years have also been overcome. The Iraqi dinar will remain stable and maintain its purchasing power despite the challenges.

• An economic and banking advisor   LINK

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Samson:  US Treasury: The Group of Seven is considering extending the debt freeze for low-income countries

18th August, 2020

A spokesman for the US Treasury said, Tuesday, that the finance ministers of the Group of Seven rich countries indicated improvement in economic conditions in their countries, but stressed their concern about the debt problems facing low-income countries

The spokesman added that during a videoconference conference hosted by US Treasury Secretary Stephen Mnuchin, the ministers reiterated their call to all official bilateral creditors to fully implement the G20 initiative to freeze debt service payments for the poorest countries, and agreed to study additional options, including extending the initiative to 2021

The heads of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund also participated in the meeting, who urged the G20 to extend its initiative to suspend debt service, given the economic repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic

In April, members of the G20, including China, and the Paris Club of official creditors, offered to freeze debt service payments for the seventy-three poorest countries until the end of the year, to allow about $ 12 billion in financing to the poorest countries to fight the pandemic and mitigate its economic effects. However, implementing the debt freeze is facing difficulties, which is prompting calls for its extension and expansion

The spokesman said that the G7 ministers agreed today to "enhance the transparency of debt data and to study additional options for low-income countries, including extending the debt service suspension initiative to 2021

They also stressed the need to manufacture and distribute vaccines and treatments for Covid-19 disease, which is caused by the Coronavirus, especially in low-income countries

The spokesman said the ministers also discussed other issues, including support for the people of Lebanon   LINK

Samson:  Al-Kadhimi heads to US today and will meet Trump on Thursday

18th August, 2020

Iraqi Prime Minister, Mustafa Al-Kadhimi, left the capital Baghdad, today, Tuesday, to the United States of America heading a government delegation, in response to an official invitation.

Al-Kadhimi's office said in a statement today, that Al-Kadhimi will meet with US President Donald Trump, on Thursday, as well as senior US officials, where bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest between Iraq and the United States will be discussed, as well as cooperation in the fields of security, energy, health, economy and investment, in addition to the COVID-19 file.

PM @MAKadhimi accompanied by a high level delegation departs Baghdad to begin an official visit to the USA during which he will hold talks with @POTUS on security, energy, health care, and economic cooperation. pic.twitter.com/gh2iYbCO5U— Government of Iraq - (@IraqiGovt) August 18, 2020 LINK

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Samson:  Al-Kazemi to Washington ... for an independent Iraq that invests its wealth and its role to please the Iraqis ... and calls for a unified position in support of the president

18th August, 2020

On Tuesday August 18, 2020, the Prime Minister, Mustafa Al-Kazemi, left the capital, Baghdad, heading to the United States of America, at the head of a government delegation, in response to an official invitation, while his office revealed to the obelisk some of the discussion axes.

The media office of the Prime Minister told Al-Masala that Al-Kazemi will meet US President Donald Trump on Thursday, and during the meeting, discussions will be held on strengthening bilateral relations between Baghdad and Washington, in addition to discussing current developments on the regional arena, and discussing issues of common interest.

He added that Al-Kazemi will hold talks with senior US officials during his visit, which will include discussing bilateral relations between the two countries, and enhancing joint cooperation in many areas, foremost among which are security, economy, health, and other sectors.

Private sources told Al-Masalla that Al-Kazemi will invest the visit mainly in affirming the sovereignty of Iraq, the independence of its decision, and curbing any interference in its regional affairs, which is something that the United States understands, from an independent president, who is not accused of subordination to any party, and is not involved in corruption. He enjoys great popularity among Iraqis, which allows Kazemi to speak as a strong leader, who has a broad popular base.

While the attempts of parties to thwart Al-Kazemi's visit are monitored, through bombing of the Green Zone, or US forces' camps, Representative Alia Nassif calls on the political forces to unite the word in support of Al-Kazemi's efforts in Washington.

Representative Alia Nassif told Al-Masalla that she calls MPs and political forces to unite the word in order to provide an opportunity to achieve the supreme Iraqi interest in establishing equal relations, and in obtaining financial support and investment, as Washington has a great influence on countries, economic forums and global banks. Obelisk sources say that the visit acquires special importance with the approaching US presidential elections, early November, which will enable Iraq to have strengths that enable it to establish a new security understanding, and to sign a final memorandum, which is the essence of the ongoing strategic dialogue between the two countries.

On the street level, the Iraqi public, according to the obelisk poll among the demonstrators, is no longer on the list of priorities, the issue of removing the American forces, as much as working with sophistication and diplomacy to serve the country by benefiting from the American aid, whether material or political and technical.

Parties may seek to thwart Al-Kazemi's visit, through bombing the Green Zone, or US forces' camps, but that will not win the satisfaction of the Iraqi people who are looking for stability, development and services.

The visit, according to the prospect of the obelisk, will make Al-Kazemi know the concerns of the Iraqis, focusing on the economy and requesting financial assistance to overcome the acute financial crisis in convincing international donors of the need to help Baghdad.

In the mid-crossroads agreement, the two sides will discuss the role of the international coalition mission participating in the war against ISIS in Iraq after the decline of terrorism.

Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi said, Tuesday, August 18, 2020, that Iraq still needs the assistance of the United States of America to confront the threat posed by ISIS, and that his administration is committed to introducing reforms in the security sector with armed groups launching almost daily attacks against its headquarters.

Al-Kazemi said: In the end, we will continue to need cooperation and assistance at levels that may not require direct military and field support today, adding that the cooperation will reflect the changing nature of the terrorist threat, including continuous training and weapons support. Asked if he was relaying any messages from Tehran after a recent visit there, the prime minister said we are not playing the role of postman in Iraq.   LINK

Samson:  Al-Fath: Any economic agreement with Washington must be subject to Iraqi sovereignty

17:51 - 08/18/2020

A member of the Al-Fateh Alliance, MP Hassan Shaker revealed, on Tuesday, his most important demands on Al-Kazemi's visit to the American capital, Washington, DC, stressing that any economic agreement with the United States must respect Iraqi sovereignty.

"Our demands are constant to Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi on his current visit to Washington, DC, which is the sovereignty of Iraq and scheduling the exit of US forces from the country, given that their exit is a national decision that represents all components, and Parliament voted in this direction months ago," Shaker said.

Shaker added, "We refuse to have economic relations with America or other countries in the world in accordance with the principle of common interests, provided that the interests of the Iraqi people be in the first place and that the will and sovereignty of the country be respected."

Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi went this afternoon to the American capital, Washington, with an official delegation to meet with the leaders of the White House.   LINK

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Samson:  A statement on urging the banking sector to use modern financial technologies in banking transactions

18th August, 2020

The Central Bank of Iraq calls on all citizens to deal with banks and licensed financial intermediation companies, during large cash exchanges, instead of hoarding in homes.

The central bank seeks, through this, to preserve the money supply of citizens, avoid cases of theft and fraud, and promote counterfeit currencies. 

The bank stresses the need to reduce trade exchange in paper currencies, which medical studies have proven to be an effective vector for viruses and bacteria, especially as the country is going through a crisis of the spread of Corona virus. 

The Central Bank adopts the mechanisms of spreading financial inclusion in Iraq, which enhances the banking culture and the shift to monetary exchange through banking in all its advanced civilized forms.

The Central Bank of Iraq

information Office

2020/8/18     LINK

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Samson:  Arrest warrants against former local officials in Al-Diwaniyah

18th August, 2020

A source revealed, on Tuesday, that arrest warrants had been issued against "former" local officials in Al-Diwaniyah governorate on charges of using their positions to secure their personal interests.

The source told Shafaq News agency, "the Iraqi judiciary issued arrest warrants against several members of (the dissolved) Al-Diwaniyah Governorate Council, using their positions.

Al-Diwaniyah, southern Iraq, has been witnessing angry demonstrations, the most intense of which were by the end of last June, when protestors stormed the local government building and both the health and education departments, after knowing that the provincial council building had been opened by the governor, whom they consider he lost legitimacy.   LINK

KTFA Monday Night CC with Frank and Friends and more 8-17-2020

KTFA:

KTFA Monday Night CC

GREETINGS FAMILY

TONIGHT IS OUR IQD UPDATE CC WITH SPECIAL GUESTS – DELTA, MM AND PETRA!

FRANK WILL DO AN INTRO TO THE CC ON YOUTUBE JUST BEFORE THEY START THE CONFERENCE CALL. WE WILL BE RECORDING THE ENTIRE CALL ON YOUTUBE THIS EVENING.

PLAYBACK IS: 605.313.5163   PIN: 156996#

Frank26:  8-17-20.....RELAXING

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dwFkyT0hQY

8-17-20 M.R. IN THE EYE OF THE STORM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-SyyISS3VA

Samson:  Economist: The government must use the exchange rate of the dollar to overcome the financial crisis

08:50 - 17/08/2020

The economic expert, Wissam Al-Tamimi, stressed the need to exploit the dollar exchange rate in government banks to maximize budget resources and contribute to overcoming the financial crisis, pointing out that selling millions of dollars per day enters the state huge sums after increasing the exchange rate.

Al-Timi said to / the information /, that "the dollar exchange rate witnessed stability 6 months ago from today, but it rose slightly, and this increase came after the emergence of the financial crisis in the country due to the drop in oil prices."

He added that "the increase in the exchange rate in government banks contributes to eliminating the current crisis and maximizes state resources, at a time when Iraq needs to make a boom in the banking sector."

And that "many countries depend on the banking sector in investment, achieving revenues, building budgets, launching loans and achieving benefits from them to provide the government with the necessary sums to provide the salaries of its employees."   LINK

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Samson:  Al-Nasiri identifies the reasons for the exit of hard currency from Iraq and suggests how to preserve it

16th August, 2020

The economic and banking advisor, Samir al-Nusiri, confirmed, on Sunday, that hard currency in Iraq is still vulnerable to leakage outside the country without return due to unplanned and uncontrolled imports of goods and consumer and unnecessary goods and of poor origin and outside the Iraqi standard specifications, revealing a set of proposals that would preserve the currency The difficult situation that Iraq needs in the current crisis it is going through

Al-Nusiri said in an interview with "Al-Eqtisad News", that "imports in every country are traded in hard currency, while in Iraq since 2003 and until now, local production has not been supported, which is the basis for determining imports," indicating that "import is complementary to local production and not As a substitute for it, but after the opening of the borders and markets, and the introduction of inferior consumer products and at low prices compared to the local product, due to the insecurity of raw materials and government support, this led to the exit of hard currency, mainly through imports of the private sector

Al-Nasiri added, "The best solution to preserving hard currency is for the government to support local production and activate the laws on protecting the domestic product and protecting the consumer, which are laws that have been on the shelves for years and have not been activated," stressing the importance of providing raw materials and electricity to the factories and structuring government factories. And the participation of the private sector in its management

And he continued, "Iraq without local products comparable to the importer cannot maintain its hard currency as required," noting "the need for the government to address the structural imbalance in the economy, activate the productive sectors and address the deficit in non-oil revenue and the deficit in the balance of payments and the trade balance

Al-Nusiri concluded his speech by saying: "We are a country. We do not have a clear economic approach, and the private sector has not been involved in making economic decisions, which requires and must meet with support from the government   LINK

Samson:  US National Security Adviser: Saudi Arabia Next to Normalization

10:20 - 17/08/2020

The American National Security Adviser, Robert O'Brien, confirmed that Saudi Arabia could be the next one in the normalization of relations with (Israel).

He said in a statement to "Fox News", America: "We are optimistic ... we have to see what will happen ... We are talking with a number of countries in addition to Saudi Arabia."

O'Brien affirmed the confidence of President Donald Trump's administration that a number of other countries will conclude agreements with (Israel) after announcing the normalization of relations with the UAE, praising the courage of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed.

He indicated that there are talks with many other Middle Eastern countries to implement a similar peace agreement with (Israel), stressing that “Trump” has ended talks with other leaders (he did not name them) in the region about joining the agreement.

He continued, "We hope that we can build on this momentum," expressing his confidence that there are two other countries that will work to normalize relations with (Israel) soon.   LINK

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Samson:  Russia and China abandon the dollar in their trade

14:04 - 17/08/2020
Moscow and Beijing are moving towards abandoning the US currency, and the dollar’s ​​share in trade operations between Russia and China has reached a minimum.

In light of that, economists expressed confidence that this cooperation will ultimately end with a "financial alliance", in which there will be no place for the American currency. Economic data showed that the dollar’s ​​share in the commercial accounts between the two countries in the first quarter of this year fell below 50% to 46%, for the first time to launch.

The share of the yuan and ruble during the aforementioned period was 24%, while the share of the euro was 30%. This shift is part of a Russian strategy aimed at "reducing" the dependence of the Russian economy on the dollar and making it more flexible in the face of the threat of new US sanctions.

In 2014, Moscow and Beijing signed a three-year currency swap agreement worth 150 billion yuan ($ 24.5 billion). Experts say that efforts by Russia and China to abandon the dollar is one of the main reasons for the decline in demand for the dollar. Also, the International Monetary Fund warned, in a report last August, that printing trillions of dollars to fight the crisis and extremely low interest rates undermine the dollar's position as a reserve currency.

The US debt, which has reached $ 26 trillion, is a heavy burden on the US economy, and according to Swiss bank UBS, this will hurt the dollar in the end.

KTFA Members "Sunday News" 8-16-2020

KTFA:

Don961:  The agenda of Al-Kazemi's visit to Washington, the date of his meeting with Trump, and the names of the accompanying delegation

Policy 08/16/2020 17:17 1138   Baghdad Today - Baghdad

An informed source revealed, on Sunday, the agenda of the Iraqi delegation headed by Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi during his visit to Washington on August 18.

The source told (Baghdad Today), "Al-Kazemi will arrive in the American capital, Washington, at the head of a large ministerial delegation, on the eighteenth of August. The delegation includes: Minister of Defense Jumah Inad Saadoun, Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, Oil Minister Ihsan Abdul Jabbar Ismail, Minister Immigration Ivan Jabro, Minister of Electricity Majid Mahdi Hantoush.

He added, "The schedule of the visit for Tuesday, August 18 will be as follows: The delegation arrives at 6 pm, Washington time - 1 am Baghdad time - the reception ceremony will take place at Andrua Military Base in the suburbs of Washington DC (there will be an official reception ceremony, but it is It will depend on the weather in Washington, where a rainstorm is expected. I will send the cover material as soon as the delegation arrives at the hotel. "

He continued, “Wednesday August 19: The second strategic dialogue will be held between the two countries, at the US State Department’s headquarters in Washington, in the presence of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his Iraqi counterpart Fouad Hussein, and we expect a press conference for the two ministers. The Prime Minister will deliver a speech. Al-Iraqiya will be present to cover the meeting of the room, and the speech, and we expect bilateral meetings with the World Bank (not yet clear). "

The source pointed out that "the agenda for Thursday, August 20: will include a corona examination at the hotel at six in the morning, for the summit meeting between Presidents Donald Trump and Mustafa Al-Kazemi at the White House at two in the afternoon Washington time - nine in the evening Baghdad time."

Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi begins this week an official visit to the United States of America, at the head of a government delegation based on an official invitation.

Al-Kazemi's office indicated that "Al-Kazemi will meet US President Donald Trump on the twentieth of this month."

He added, "The visit will include discussing the files of bilateral relations between Iraq and the United States, issues of common interest, joint cooperation in the fields of security, energy, health, economy and investment, and ways to enhance them, in addition to the file to address the Corona pandemic, and bilateral cooperation to serve the common interests of the two countries."   link

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Samson:  The Foreign Minister heads to Washington in preparation for Al-Kazemi's visit

13:16 - 16/08/2020

A high-ranking delegation headed by the Iraqi Foreign Minister, Fuad Hussein, went to the United States of America on Sunday, in preparation for the upcoming visit of the Prime Minister, Mustafa Al-Kazemi to Washington and his meeting with the US President, Donald Trump, on August 20.

The Kurdish website, Rudaw, quoted a representative of the Democratic Party, Ikhlas Al-Dulaimi, as saying, "A delegation headed today to America, headed by Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and a large number of financial and economic advisers and experts to study the situation and relations between the Iraqi government and the American administration." The Iraqi foreign minister will meet with his US counterpart, Mike Pompeo, during the visit.

Two days later, another delegation will head to the United States headed by Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi, to be joined by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Finance Ali Allawi, Minister of Defense Jumah Inad and the ministers concerned with economic affairs, who will be received by US President Donald Trump.   LINK

Samson:  After the UAE, Bahrain announces the normalization of its relations with "Israel" before the end of 2020!

18:25 - 15/08/2020

A government official announced in Bahrain, on Saturday, that the Kingdom will announce the normalization of its relations with the Israeli entity before the end of this year.

Hebrew media quoted the advisor to the King of Bahrain, Rabbi Mark Schneier, “Bahrain will announce its relations with Israel in 2020.

US President Donald Trump announced, last Thursday, that a peace agreement had been reached between the UAE and the Israeli entity, to become the first Gulf country to normalize relations with the Israeli entity and the third Arab country after Jordan and Egypt.

Arab countries supported the Emirati-Israeli normalization, the most important of which are Bahrain, Egypt and the Sultanate of Oman, while Iraq, Iran and Turkey rejected it, and the Palestinian resistance considered it a stab in the back of Palestine and the first cause of Muslims.     LINK

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Samson:  Today .. Al-Kazemi meets with a Kurdish delegation in Baghdad to negotiate the outstanding issues

11:02 - 16/08/2020
Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi is scheduled to meet today, Sunday, a delegation from the Kurdistan region that will arrive in the capital, Baghdad, to negotiate the determination of the financial ceiling for the region, with the latter's commitment to pay the resulting oil dues and border crossings to the central government.

Jamal Cougar, a member of the Parliamentary Finance Committee for the Kurdistan Alliance, said in a statement to / information /, that “after a call between Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi and Masrour Barzani yesterday, an official delegation from the Kurdistan Regional Government will arrive today in Baghdad to meet Al-Kazemi.”

Cougar added, "The delegation will negotiate with the central government to determine the financial ceiling to be paid by the central government to the region in exchange for the final commitment to pay the resulting oil dues and border crossings," noting that "the meeting will resolve the dispute between the region and the center."

Kurdish media sources have confirmed that Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi has agreed to spend 320 billion in the region for the purpose of paying the salaries of the region’s employees after a phone call took place between the latter and Masrour Barzani.    LINK

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Samson:  Kurdistan reveals new details about the Barzani and Kazemi agreement

15:21 - 16/08/2020

The Minister of External Affairs of the Region in the Kurdistan Regional Government, Khaled Shawani, revealed, on Sunday, new details regarding the financial and economic benefits in the agreement reached by the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, Masrour Barzani, and the Federal Prime Minister, Mustafa Al-Kazemi.

Shwani said in a statement received by the information that "the agreement will continue until the fiscal budget law for 2021 is approved," referring to "the start of a new phase of negotiations on the budget for next year."

He explained that "according to the agreement, 320 billion dinars will be sent a month to the Kurdistan Region," noting that "the agreement includes a set of benefits related to control and auditing and setting up a mechanism to solve a set of other financial and economic files."

Shawani indicated that "the agreement also includes dealing with financial revenues at border crossings, in accordance with Federal Financial Administration Law No. 6 of 2019."

On Saturday, Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi decided to send an amount of 320 billion dinars as part of the salaries to the Kurdistan region as soon as possible. This came in a phone call with the Prime Minister of the region, Masrour Barzani.    LINK

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Samson:  The Finance committee: The salaries will be delayed for "a few days only"

16th August, 2020
The Finance Committee in the Iraqi Parliament suggested that the salaries of employees will be delayed "for a few days" only, due to "technical" issues.

Member of the committee, MP Ahmad Hama Rashid, said in an interview with Shafaq News agency, "salaries may be delayed but the government cannot cut them because it is the citizen's sustenance", stressing that, "the government is obligated to release it, whether by borrowing or withdrawing from the cash reserve or anything else".

Rashid explained, "the Central Bank promised to pay salaries for the coming months", explaining, "the government needs 6 billion dollars a month to cover its expenses, of which more than 3 billion are paid in salaries. Therefore, there is a deficit of about two billion dollars".

Rashid indicated, "August salaries may be delayed for a few days because of the lack of income to the federal treasury, as oil and other revenues do not arrive on a precise date. This leads to the delay", stressing, "the delay is due to technical issues".

The government has submitted a law that stipulates external borrowing of $ 5 billion and internal borrowing of $ 15 trillion to address the country's fiscal deficit.

The Iraqi government is struggling to secure employee salaries and other operating expenses after the collapse in oil prices due to COVID-19 pandemic, which has paralyzed large sectors of the world economy, while Iraq relies on the revenues of crude oil to fund 95 percent of state expenditures.

LINK

Samson:  Imprisonment of officials of the Martyrs Foundation damaged public funds by 7 billion dinars

09:14 - 16/08/2020

On Sunday, the Federal Commission for Integrity announced the issuance of two prison sentences for two officials of the Martyrs Foundation. For deliberately damaging public funds of more than seven billion dinars.

A statement of the commission, a copy of which was received by the information, stated that “the investigation department of the authority, and in its talk about the case that the commission investigated and referred to the judiciary, indicated that the convicts, the vice president of the Martyrs Foundation, and a member of the “former”care council, committed violations In the contract concluded between the corporation and a German company, indicating that this resulted in intentional damage to the funds of the entity in which they work, amounting to (7,116,984,650) billion dinars.

The department clarified that "the criminal court specialized in integrity cases in Baghdad, after reviewing the evidence obtained in the case, represented by the statements of the legal representative of the Martyrs Foundation, the administrative investigation, the report of the Board of Financial Supervision, as well as the presumption of the escape of the convicts, and reached full conviction in their courts."

She emphasized that “the court issued a sentence in absentia with seven years imprisonment against the convicts in accordance with the provisions of Article (340) of the Penal Code and in terms of subscription articles 47, 48 and 49 thereof, and also issued an arrest and investigation order against them, and upheld the seizure of their movable and immovable property, while retaining the right to claim compensation for the Martyrs Foundation. Before civil courts after acquiring the judgment to the final degree.   LINK

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Samson:  Trump's younger brother dies of a mysterious illness

09:37 - 16/08/2020

US President Donald Trump announced, on Sunday, that his younger brother Robert died, at the age of 72, after being admitted to a New York hospital for treatment of an undisclosed illness.

In a statement, Trump said, "With a heavy heart, I announce that my wonderful brother Robert passed away peacefully tonight."

He added, “He wasn't just my brother, he was my best friend. We'll miss him a lot, but we'll meet again. His memory will forever live in my heart. ”

Earlier, Trump appeared during a visit to his younger brother Robert, in a New York hospital, to check on his health.

Trump had previously admitted that his brother was going through a difficult period, expressing his hope that his 72-year-old brother would be cured.

Robert Trump, just two years younger than him, was a business executive and real estate developer.  LINK

Samson and MilitiaMan Saturday PM "Key to the Solution is the Exchange Rate"

KTFA:

Samson:  The Iraqi parliament: the finance minister does not cooperate

15th August, 2020

The Parliamentary Finance Committee pledged, on Saturday, to question Finance Minister Ali Allawi for not cooperating with it. 

The committee's reporter, Ahmed Al-Saffar, told Shafaq News Agency, "The government works as it has all legislative powers, and is not interested of no having the general budget."

He added that "the Minister of Finance is not cooperative and does not care about Parliament and the Parliamentary Finance Committee.”

Al-Saffar stated, "The Finance Committee holds frequent meetings every week via the online platform, and has requested to host the Finance Minister Ali Allawi and officials in the ministry, but they did not respond to our request."

He pointed out, "The committee asked the minister to send a short budget in order to have a legal framework for spending expenditures, but he did not respond to us also.”

The reporter of the Finance Committee continued, "The committee will host the Minister of Finance in the Parliament building after resuming the Council's sessions. However, some members of the committee insisted on questioning the minister for not cooperating with the existence of administrative and financial irregularities by the government and the ministry."  LINK

MilitiaMan:  Like I said.. Allawi has the data they want.. He may have a reason to not, yet. A very good reason.. I suspect before, Kahdimi gets to the USA there will be an adjustment made and he will then bring business to America and will have sovereignty in tow. Just as the US Navy has Iranian oil in Gulf Ports off Galveston.. We saw Trump say that today live.. Wow. The minister of Finance has our back, as he holds the cards.. I bet they are all aces too. lol imo. ~ MM

MilitiaMan:  Today is the 15th. This article was yesterday.. Interesting...They have instructions to apply.. imo ~ MM

Samson:  Representative economy: activating the law of partnership with the private sector and investment soon

14th August, 2020

The Parliamentary Economic and Investment Committee confirmed, today, Friday, that activating the single window in state departments will encourage investment and eliminate extortionists.

A member of the committee, Representative Yahya Al-Ithawi, said, "Activating the single window in all state institutions that give licenses and granting powers to the workers at the window will facilitate the procedures of the investor, as well as simplify the process of establishing industrial and agricultural projects," indicating that "the application of the single window in the collection of state departments, "Especially those concerned with investment, it will eliminate extortionists and reduce red tape." He pointed out that "the defect lies in the process of implementing the laws that prevent the proper functioning of the agricultural and industrial sector, which is primarily concerned with obtaining approvals, which are very difficult, especially in the case of establishing factories."

Al-Ithawi pointed out that "the committee is in the process of activating the partnership law with the private sector and the investment law in the near future, as well as activating the mineral investment law, which we are in the process of voting on," stressing that "the amended Iraqi investment law is one of the best laws in the region, but The instructions and how to apply must be considered." He added, "There are a number of things that the government is supposed to do, foremost among which are customs and taxes, as well as controlling the ports and cleaning them from smuggling, especially the entry of spoiled and unlicensed goods, so that we can revitalize the agricultural and industrial sectors."

He pointed out that "Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi met with the members of the committee after the approval of the internal and external borrowing law, to discuss how to revitalize the resources of the Iraqi economy, and not rely on oil in the first place." Agricultural support, in the face of the importer, and revitalizing industry, because it is the main pillar for absorbing unemployment." Concerning the double-wage earners, he indicated that "this file has not been completed yet, because the interruption of their salaries takes a period of time, and it is not easy to count them."    LINK

MilitiaMan:  They are telling us they have activation and revitalization on the mind. They need investors to help activation of industry, agriculture, minerals, etc.. For them to activate and to revitalize, they need a new international exchange rate. EOS imo...Euroclear is a platform that we have been told to be the venue for much of the items aforementioned and much more. Notice they tell us the laws will be the best in the region. That is important to the investors!! Very important!!.. Good stuff.. ~ MM

Samson:  Al-Fatah bloc proposes to resume the parliamentary sessions

14th August, 2020

Al-Fatah Parliamentary Bloc announced today, Friday, submitting a proposal to resume the Parliamentary sessions to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic, the Turkish aggressions and approve important laws.

Al-Fatah MP, Muhammad Al-Baldawi, told Shafaq News agency, "The parliament needs to resume its sessions, as there are several important issues that need to be discussed, including the pandemic, the Turkish aggression on Iraqi lands and the demonstrations taking place in the country, in addition to the approval of important laws, such as the multiple electoral districts law and the Federal Court and Unified Pension Law".

Al-Baldawi pointed that, "Al-Fatah bloc, in addition to a group of MPs, submitted several proposals to the Presidency of the Council of Representatives to resume its sessions".

Accordingly, MP Nada Shaker Jawdat revealed, earlier, that a parliamentary session will be held, for discussing four "important and urgent" files.   Jawdat told Shafaq News agency, "the parliament will hold its session next week to discuss four important and urgent files"; the recent Turkish attacks on Iraq, the economic reform paper PM Mustafa Al-Kadhimi is supposed to submit, approving the new elections law, and amending the Federal Court Law, for re-activating the court's work, which is currently suspended due to the lack of quorum".

On Monday, 83 members of the Iraqi parliament signed to resume holding the parliamentary sessions.

The council of Representatives Rapporteur, Hoshyar Qardagh, revealed, on June 22, that the parliament would resort to an online platform (VideoConference) to hold the next sessions, after registering several Covid-19 cases among the members of the council.  LINK

MilitiaMan:  Kadhimi is coming to America next week. The white papers have exactly what we are waiting for. Parliament wants the data in them before he leaves to go.. So do I.. lol As the 2019 FMLA is in there.. Key to the solution is the exchange rate.. imo ~ MM

~ FA #222 (Final Article) "The exchange rate is one of the “keys” to the solution, but the blessed central bank can still defend the blessed “current” dinar exchange rate, in light of all these blessed “rational” expectations"

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Samson:  A deputy denies the cancellation of the Kurdish delegation's visit to Baghdad and confirms: A comprehensive agreement will be signed during the coming period

15th August, 2020

The MP for the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, Hassan Ali, revealed, on Saturday August 15, 2020, the fact that the visit of the Kurdish delegation to the capital Baghdad has been canceled, while confirming that the situation between Baghdad and Erbil has never reached a dead end.

In an interview with "Al-Masalla" media, Ali said that last week matters were complicated by a lot, due to statements and media statements, but contacts between officials from both sides are still continuing.

He added that the initiative of the President of the Republic and his call for understanding had a good effect, indicating that there will be development in the coming days, and the visit of the Kurdish delegation has not been canceled, but so far the date has not been set and awaiting the results of contacts and exchanged messages.

He explained that the agreement is still in place, and there are some observations from the federal government and the conditions and work is underway to reform them, stressing that in the end an understanding will be made and a comprehensive agreement signed during the coming period.

On Saturday August 15, 2020, the MP for the rule of law, Kata Al-Rikabi, proposed solutions to end tensions between Baghdad and Erbil, while noting that they begin forming committees.

Al-Rikabi said in a press statement followed by Al-Masalla that it was not the first time that tensions rose between the center and the region regarding issues of salaries and financial entitlements. Paragraphs and the agreement passes, but after a month or two of the agreement’s life, tensions and obstacles return to what they were, and the region did not comply with what was agreed upon. He added that the financial distress cast a shadow over the opinion of the current government, and its opinion was different from the usual views every year, so the Ministry of Finance demanded clarifications from the region regarding the money it received, and it is clear that the regional government did not respond to the central government's claims and show the details, so the response of the Ministry was The region has a message of limitations or tensions, which is what increased tensions between the region and the center.

Al-Rikabi pointed out that the solutions that contribute to ending these tensions start with the formation of committees from the region and enter into a serious dialogue with the central government, in which all obstacles are dissolved, indicating that the overall solutions are clear and the region should abide by the pledges and the agreement that is made with the central government.

He continued that the government’s agreement with the region does not involve any wrongdoing in the region, but the central government will bear its responsibilities towards this agreement, however the region has not adhered to this agreement, noting that the region’s repeated calls to the center regarding employee salaries have raised the center’s questions about the reason for the delay in the distribution of salaries in The region is responsible for the employees, at the time when the center delivered the salary dues to the region.  LINK

MilitiaMan:  Interesting that they do talk about this today. So many things in motion that imo they had to! The agreement they have is still in effect. Thus, today is effective... Let that one simmer in the pot a few moments.. They have a deal on the oil.. imo.. That means they have an expectation of what is in the White Papers.. Kahdimi and Allawi are holding close to their chest. Why? We all know why.. imo ~ RATE, comes to mind  imo... ~ MM

MilitiaMan:  They have resolved the issues. imo... ~ MM ~ $$$$$$$$$$$$$ lol