Some "Sunday News" Posted by Clare at KTFA 10-22-2023

KTFA:

Clare:   Washington directs the families of its diplomats and non-essential employees to leave Iraq and not to use Baghdad Airport

10/22/2023

The US State Department directed, on Sunday, the departure of the families of its diplomats and non-essential employees from Iraq, warning of “kidnappings.”

In a statement, the US State Department called on its citizens "not to travel to Iraq due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest, and the limited ability of the Iraqi mission to provide support to American citizens."

The American forces at the Harir and Ain al-Asad bases in Erbil and Anbar were subjected to more than one attack by drones, according to what the armed factions announced.

The department directed the departure of "eligible family members and non-essential U.S. government employees from the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and the U.S. Consulate General in Erbil due to increased security threats against U.S. government employees and interests."

She explained, “American citizens in Iraq face significant risks to their safety and security, including the possibility of violence and kidnapping,” noting that “terrorist and insurgent groups regularly attack Iraqi security forces and civilians. Anti-American militias also threaten American citizens and international companies throughout Iraq.” ".

She pointed out that “attacks are occurring using improvised explosive devices, indirect fire, and unmanned aerial vehicles in many areas of the country, including Baghdad and other major cities. In emergency situations, consular services for American citizens in Iraq are limited due to strict restrictions on the movements of US personnel.” American government.

The statement added, "Demonstrations, protests, and strikes occur frequently across the country. These events can develop quickly without prior notice, often leading to disruption of traffic, transportation, and other services, and sometimes turning into violence."

The US State Department continued, “Do not travel near the northern border of Iraq due to the continuing threat of attacks by terrorist groups, armed conflict, aerial bombardment, and civil unrest. US citizens should especially avoid areas near armed groups in northern Iraq, which have been targeted.” "With air strikes by the armies of neighboring countries."

She explained, “United States citizens should not travel through Iraq to participate in an armed conflict in Syria, as they would face severe personal risks (kidnapping, injury, or death) and legal risks (arrest, fines, expulsion). The Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq announced that it will impose prison sentences of up to ten years.” "On individuals who illegally cross the Iraqi-Syrian border. Additionally, fighting on behalf of or supporting designated terrorist organizations is a crime under United States law that can result in prison sentences and large fines in the United States."

She concluded by saying, “Due to security concerns, US government employees in Baghdad have been instructed not to use Baghdad International Airport.

Due to the risks to civil aviation operating in the Baghdad FIR, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has extended the Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR).” for an additional two years which prohibits certain flights at altitudes below 32,000 feet. For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the FAA's Prohibitions, Restrictions, and Notices."   LINK

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Clare:  Iraqi Integrity announces the recovery of more than $70 million from a Swiss bank

10/22/2023

The head of the Federal Integrity Commission announced, on Saturday, the recovery of more than 70 million dollars from a bank in Switzerland, while it confirmed the recovery of billions of Iraqi dinars from convicts including the advisor to the former Prime Minister, Mustafa Al-Kadhimi, local officials, and a director in the intelligence service of the former regime. 

Haider Hanoun said in a press conference held today, at the Commission’s headquarters in Baghdad, and attended by a Shafaq News Agency correspondent, that the Integrity Commission has achieved achievements, laid foundations for combating corruption, and erased many of the voids that were exploited by corrupt people.

This is not an independent effort of the Commission, but rather in cooperation with the executive authority. Especially the government headed by Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani, who set a new variable in Iraq by ensuring that the government, in its form and content, sponsors the issue of combating corruption, and it is sincere in doing so.   LINK

Clare:  Al-Sudani chairs a meeting regarding the unified treasury account and the electronic payment system

10/22/2023

Today, Sunday, Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani chaired a meeting devoted to discussing the completion of the unified treasury account, and following up on the electronic payment system and electronic card payment points/POS, in the presence of the Minister of Finance, the Governor of the Central Bank, the Head of the Federal Financial Supervision Bureau, and a number of advisors. And the general managers of a number of government banks, according to a statement from Al-Sudani’s office received by Shafaq News Agency.

The statement added: “The meeting witnessed a presentation and follow-up of the implementation of the unified treasury account, the level of progress in implementing and disseminating the electronic card payment system, and a discussion of the challenges facing public and private sector institutions and electronic payment companies.”

The facilities and incentives that can be provided to citizens and employing entities were also reviewed, with the aim of encouragement, along with the overall measures taken, progress rates, and necessary requirements for completion, as His Excellency stressed the necessity of giving priority to the goal of encouraging the government sector, and identifying negligent or lagging entities.

He pointed out that "during the meeting, the report containing a set of recommendations was approved, and it was decided to present it to the Council of Ministers."

Al-Sudani directed to activate the work and tasks of the Payments Council at the Central Bank, and the importance of submitting a final report on the achievements to be presented to the Council of Ministers meeting.

In terms of completing the unified treasury account, the Prime Minister directed all ministries to implement the fourth paragraph of Cabinet Resolution (3581 of 2023), and the necessity of accelerating the formation of committees and analyzing the non-active bank accounts for each of them, within one month, according to the statement.   LINK

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Clare:  The Border Crossings Announce The Completion Of Connecting All Their Ports To The Optical Cable Network

10/22/2023

The Border Ports Authority announced today, Sunday, the completion of connecting all its ports to the optical cable network.

A statement from the Authority received by Earth News Agency stated, “The network connection team, headed by the Deputy Chairman of the Ports Authority and under the supervision of the Prime Minister’s Advisor for Ports Affairs, was able to complete the connection of the Kirkuk International Airport port to the optical cable network, which is the last port to be connected to the network.” 

He added, “Connecting the border ports to the optical cable network will provide better performance and more technical advantages in terms of speed in transferring data over a very long distance via optical waves in a secure, impenetrable manner, in addition to the relatively low cost compared to traditional wired cables.” 

He continued, “Connecting the ports to the optical cable network will play a major role in transmitting data electronically, ensuring speedy procedures to prevent tampering and smuggling operations by analyzing sonar images of the goods and monitoring them from the Authority’s headquarters through a specialized operations center equipped with the latest screens and computers and managed by specialized employees with expertise.”

“The news is in analyzing differences in the density of goods and comparing them with those mentioned in customs transactions, as well as monitoring the performance of workers at border crossings with regard to examining goods with M60 sonar wheels.” LINK

Some "Tuesday News" Posted by Clare at KTFA 10-17-2023

KTFA:

Clare:  Thwarting the smuggling of $400,000 out of the country at Baghdad Airport

10/17/2023

The Security Media Cell announced that it thwarted the smuggling of $400,000 out of the country at Baghdad International Airport

A statement from the cell, a copy of which was received by {Al-Furat News}, said, "As part of the ongoing pursuit of currency smugglers, and after intensifying oversight efforts, teams from the Customs Directorate at Baghdad International Airport were able to seize $400,000 that was intended for smuggling."

The cell confirmed that "the competent security services continue their work day and night to pursue all those who harm the national economy by smuggling currency out of the country."

It called on "citizens to cooperate with the competent authorities to report any case related to currency manipulation or smuggling, in order to preserve the stability of currency prices and prevent sabotage of the country's economy."   LINK

Clare:  His advisor: Al-Sudani’s visit to Russia settled its debts to Iraq...and this is what he will raise in Washington

10/17/2023

The advisor to the Prime Minister, Subhan Al-Mullah Jiyad, announced that the visit of Muhammad Shia Al-Sudani to Russia settled its debts to Iraq - while revealing what the Prime Minister will present in Washington

Jiyad said: For the program {Free Speech} broadcast by Al-Furat satellite channel on Monday evening, it said: “The Sudanese visit to Russia resolved the issue of its debts to Iraq, which seeks to resolve the strategic agreement with America because it does not need combat forces, but rather technology, weapons and equipment.”

He added, "Al-Sudani did not address the issue of Russian armament of Iraq during his visit to Moscow, which provided rapid armament during the period of confronting the terrorist ISIS, and now he wants to invest in the oil and gas industries."

Jiyad continued, "Iraq yearns to see the second face of America, which is industrial, civilized, cultural, and economic, since its military face has become heavy and boring for the Iraqis. Al-Sudani will present this talk during his visit to Washington in accordance with the strategic agreement, in addition to opening the door to investment for American companies in Iraq."

He explained, "American loans and military aid to Iraq amount to two billion dollars. Iraq has its own sovereign decision and will not be with one axis against another axis. In light of this policy, Al-Sudani responded to the Russian president's call to meet the country's interest."

Jiyad added, "From the first moment, the Sudanese government sent great optimism to the citizens, and the ministerial platform was also optimistic, and with the approval of all political forces, this through the personality of the president, the ministerial platform, and consensus on it sent optimism and it will be strengthened in the coming days."

He stated, "The government is working on different paths despite the difficulties and the service effort team was established to avoid red tape and budget problems. There is tremendous work being achieved in terms of services, reaching areas not reached by successive governments, and packages to relieve traffic congestion. On the political level, there is great calm."

Jiyad added, "We have reaped the results of the electrical connection with Jordan and with the Gulf, which will open very soon, and the construction of large electrical stations. There is a significant reduction in corruption in institutions and departments. We have also reaped distinction in international and regional relations. The supervisory role will be further strengthened after the provincial council elections, and there are legal mechanisms to follow up on the work of the councils." ".

Regarding gas investment projects, Jiyad said, “Gas projects in Iraq will be invested beyond the life of the government, and we have the sixth licensing round in the western regions that will be announced soon. It carries promising numbers in the amount of free gas, and its level is expected to be large and high. We have sent out invitations to companies of all nationalities to invest in gas.” ".

He pointed out, "Work on implementing the development road project began in the second year of the government's life, and all external parties are enthusiastic about the project, and the internal challenge remains dependent on political forces."

In the banking sector, Jiyad explained, “There is currently something different from previous governments, which is that the current government does not take a step randomly without planning and follow-up. Today, Iraq is moving towards the localization of industries, and to advance industries, the private sector must be revived. In the 2023 budget, one trillion dinars were allocated to the Development Fund to support the sector. 
” Private projects and the guarantees themselves are the guarantees given in exchange for loans. Producer and consumer protection laws exist and are important and may need to be trimmed.

Jiyad ruled out obstruction of government projects, saying, “So far, there is no obstruction of an agreed-upon government project, whether economic, commercial, or international relations, that would serve Iraq’s return to its pivotal role, and this is considered good. However, disagreements may emerge in the last year with the elections approaching, and the Sudanese who is furthest from private interests is staying away from... Governorate elections.

He noted that "the French company Total had practice and previous experience in Iraq and presented its offer, which was the most appropriate in terms of time and cost. It was quick to respond to the invitation and began implementation after signing the contract. France has good political positions towards Iraq."

Regarding the salaries of Kurdistan Region employees, Jiyad said, “The region’s parties are patriotic and close to their constituencies, and salaries were distributed to their employees. There is a claim to remove salaries from political agreements through their association with the Federal Ministry of Finance.” 

Jiyad concluded by saying, "The project funds for the governorates were released this week, and the delay in releasing the funds is due to the approval of the projects. Legislating the oil and gas law is one of the government's commitments to the political document, and the positive atmosphere now is very favorable for opening this file."  

Wafaa Al-Fatlawi   LINK

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Clare:  Al-Nusairi calls for supporting and implementing the Central Bank’s measures in financial and banking reform

10/17/2023

Advisor to the Iraqi Private Banks Association, Samir Al-Nusairi, called for the ministries, concerned authorities and banks to support and implement the Central Bank’s procedures to achieve financial and banking reform based on the axes of its new strategy, which relies primarily on regulating foreign trade, maintaining the general level of prices, and reducing the inflation rate, which is one of the basic goals of the policy. Cash.

Al-Nusairi indicated in an interview with Al-Eqtisad News that the percentage of external transfers on the electronic platform exceeded 95 percent of merchants’ daily transfers, and efforts are continuing to conclude agreements with countries to adopt their local currencies such as the Indian rupee, the Turkish lira, the Emirati dirham, and the euro for direct dealing instead of the US dollar. .

He stated that it is in line with the campaign to support the Iraqi dinar in internal and external transactions, the Prime Minister’s announcement of Iraq’s desire to enter the BRICS group, as approximately 70% of the total trade exchange takes place with China, India, and Brazil, in addition to the fact that 50% of Iraq’s oil exports are through the BRICS countries. This is an important step if the group accepts the joining of Iraq.

Al-Nusairi confirmed that the Central Bank’s departure from the platform method in 2024 will contribute to the fact that external transfers will be made directly between the Iraqi merchant and the exporter through the correspondent banks that will be approved and international companies that undertake pre-audit operations. 

Al-Nusairi concluded his speech by saying that the challenges faced by the Central Bank and the government against the financial and banking reform strategy, and that what is spread by speculators, the corrupt, and their media and analysts, will not last long, as the battle will inevitably be decided by completing comprehensive financial and banking reform processes and stabilizing the exchange rate within the targeted limits.   LINK

Clare:  Iraq raises the interest rate to 7.5%, and the Economic Council is considering increasing the rate

10/16/2023

The Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Ali Al-Alaq, revealed on Monday that the interest rate for amounts deposited in banks has been raised to 7.5% to encourage citizens to deposit their amounts in banks, and to withdraw the monetary mass outside the banks, while the Ministerial Council for the Iraqi Economy confirmed the study of increasing the price of... Interest on deposits.

This came during the presidency of Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, the 31st session of the Ministerial Council for the Economy, in the presence of the Ministers of Planning, Finance, Labor and Social Affairs, the Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers, the Governor of the Central Bank, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Oil, the Vice-President of the National Investment Authority, the Chairman of the Securities Commission, and advisors to the President. Ministers for Economic and Legal Affairs.

According to a statement received by Shafaq News Agency, the Council hosted the Chairman of the Finance Committee in the Iraqi Parliament, Atwan Al-Atwani, and a number of committee members, to discuss the dollar exchange rates in Iraqi markets.

The Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Ali Al-Alaq, provided a detailed explanation of the tasks and objectives of the Central Bank and monetary policy in Iraq.

Al-Alaq pointed out, according to the statement, that "the exchange rate depends mainly on imports, not on local production, and that the exchange rate in Iraq has peculiarities because it is linked to the price of oil, as it is the largest source of providing hard currency."

He explained that "many factors affect the exchange rate, the most important of which is the leakage of the dollar to neighboring countries, internal trading in local markets in a currency other than the national currency, as well as the lack of complete control over ports and smuggling."

Al-Alaq added, "The level of inflation has decreased significantly and that the goods that enter officially are witnessing price stability, because imports are covered by the official price."

The Governor of the Central Bank pointed out the opening of a special lounge for private banks to sell dollars to travelers at Baghdad International Airport, and raising the interest rate for amounts deposited in banks to 7.5% to encourage citizens to deposit their amounts in banks, and to withdraw the cash mass outside the banks.

After objective and serious discussions, the head of the Ministerial Council for the Economy, Fouad Hussein, noted that “the Council will study in detail this important issue, and will follow up on the localization of salaries for all workers in the government sector, and then the mixed sector up to the private sector.”

Hussein said, “The Ministerial Council will study increasing the interest rate on deposits,” adding: “We are looking forward to building basic future tools that will help the Central Bank and the Ministry of Finance assume their role in a manner commensurate with the nature of their work.”  LINK

KTFA Monday Night CC " SUDANI TALKS DIRECTLY TO THE CITIZENS OF IRAQ" 10-16-2023

KTFA

Monday Night Conference Call

FRANK26….IQD UPDATE 10-16-23……SUDANI TALKS DIRECTLY TO THE CITIZENS OF IRAQ

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

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

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

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

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

KTFA Wed Night CC "IQD….10-11-23……RING A DING DING…..HELLO ?"

KTFA

Wednesday Night Conference Call

FRANK26…IQD….10-11-23……RING A DING DING…..HELLO ?

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

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

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

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXHexs6Vu1Y

Some "Tuesday News" Posted by Clare at KTFA 10-10-2023

KTFA:

Clare:  Putin announces the size of Russia's investments in Iraq: $19 billion and 50 operating companies

10/10/2023

On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin revealed the volume of investments by Russian companies in Iraq, indicating that it amounts to 19 billion dinars, in addition to 50 companies operating in Iraq.

The Russian President's statement came during discussions held Tuesday in Moscow with Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad Shia'a al-Sudani, who arrived in the Russian capital earlier today.

Putin indicated that Moscow and Baghdad are successfully coordinating work within the framework of “OPEC+” with the aim of achieving stability in global energy markets. He said: “We are coordinating work within “OPEC+” and we are doing so with great success with the aim of achieving stability of the situation in global markets, and I hope that we will continue. In working with this approach.

The Russian President added that the energy sector is a major area of ​​cooperation between Russia and Iraq, a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

Regarding the size of Russian investments in Iraq, Putin said, "Our major companies operate in your country (Iraq) with great success. The total investments of our companies amounted to about 19 billion dollars. There are prospects for further development of cooperation."

Moscow and Baghdad have strategic and historical relations, and approximately 50 Russian companies currently operate in Iraq, including Lukoil and Gazprom Neft, the oil arm of the Russian company Gazprom.

Russia is currently implementing a large project to rebuild and modernize a factory for the production of glass and ceramic products in the city of Ramadi in Anbar Governorate. A Russian industrial alliance has begun the practical implementation of this project for the benefit of the Iraqi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources.  LINK

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Clare:  Plasschaert: The Sudanese government has made important steps and Iraq is in a position to seize opportunities

10/10/2023

UN Representative Jeanine Plasschaert during her briefing at the Security Council on developments in Iraq:

The government of Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani made important steps and promising initiatives within a year of its formation

The Iraqi government has taken important steps in reforming the financial and banking sector

Iraq is in a position to seize opportunities

The Iraqi government has taken steps in the budget that allow for increased private sector investments

 Iraq has made efforts to secure its borders with Iran

We welcome the continued efforts to activate bilateral committees between Iraq and Turkey

 The Iraqi government has made clear beyond doubt its commitment to the principles of international law and its respect for bilateral agreements and United Nations resolutions

 Iraq is committed to its positive relations with its neighbors

The Iraqi government has made achieving water security its top priority  LINK

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Clare:  The Center for Banking Studies celebrates the participants in its training courses

October 10, 2023

Today, Monday, the Center for Banking Studies at the Central Bank of Iraq held a ceremony for participants in internationally accredited training courses.

The ceremony, which was attended by a number of officials from this bank, witnessed the distribution of approved certificates in the field of anti-money laundering and compliance to the participants in the training courses and those who passed the exam to obtain the (CGSS), (CAMS), (KYCS), and (CCM) certificates.

The Director General of the Center for Banking Studies at the Central Bank of Iraq, Dr. Bassem Abdul Hadi, indicated that obtaining this type of certificate for participants contributes to raising the ability of the banking sector in Iraq to confront the phenomenon of money laundering and terrorist financing and achieve international compliance requirements. Congratulations to the participants in these courses for the banking sector. The Iraqi.

It is noteworthy that the Center for Banking Studies of the Central Bank of Iraq provides dozens of training courses throughout the year in various banking fields, in addition to its cooperation with regional and international training centers.

 Central Bank of Iraq
Information Office
9 - October – 2023   LINK

Clare:  Similar to Iran, the Iraqi president hopes to sign a joint security agreement with Türkiye

10/10/2023

The President of the Republic, Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid, expressed, on Tuesday, his hope that a joint security agreement would be concluded with Turkey similar to the agreement with Iran, which led to the disarmament of the Kurdish parties opposing the regime in Tehran and present on the territory of the Kurdistan Region.

The Iraqi presidency stated in a statement that Rashid received, at Baghdad Palace, the National Security Advisor, Mr. Qasim Al-Araji.

According to the statement, during the meeting, the latest political and security developments in Iraq and the region were discussed, as the President indicated the need to intensify efforts and enhance security in the border areas.

The statement added that Rashid appreciated the signing of the joint security agreement with the Islamic Republic of Iran, stressing the importance of the agreement in enhancing security and stability.

During the same meeting, the President of the Republic expressed his hope to sign a joint security agreement with Turkey, and to limit the violations that negatively affect the nature of relations between the two countries.

For his part, Al-Araji provided the president with an extensive explanation of the current and future plans of the National Security Advisory, stressing that no effort would be spared to support the internal stability of Iraq and secure the interests and lives of citizens.   LINK

Monday Night KTFA CC -FRANK26 IQD UPDATE 10-9-23…..THIS IS THE MIDDLE EAST

KTFA

Monday Night Conference Call

FRANK26 IQD UPDATE 10-9-23…..THIS IS THE MIDDLE EAST

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

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

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

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

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

Some "Iraqi News" posted by Clare at KTFA Sunday 10-8-2023

KTFA:

Clare:  Al-Sudani chairs a special meeting that included the Ministry of Communications and the Communications and Media Authority

10/8/2023   Baghdad /

 Today, Sunday, Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani chaired a meeting that included the Minister of Communications, Mrs. Hiyam Abboud Al-Yasiri, and the CEO of the Media and Communications Authority, Ali Al-Moayyed.

 The meeting discussed the services provided by these two institutions, ways to develop the communications sector, and the most prominent obstacles and impediments to their work. And remove everything that affects the provision of services to citizens.

A statement from Al-Sudani’s office said that the meeting discussed studying the development of plans to achieve the maximum benefit from this sector, because it represents an important financial source that contributes to maximizing the imports that the government employs in implementing the priorities and items of its government program.   LINK

In pictures...the first skyscraper in Iraq

10/7/2023

The capital, Baghdad, witnessed this evening, Saturday, the official announcement of the details of the tallest skyscraper in Iraq.

The project will be implemented in the capital, Baghdad, at a height of up to 250 metres.
The design is inspired by the historical Tower of Babel, as it gradually rises to the top, while the facade is decorated with carvings from Abbasid architecture that characterize Baghdad’s local architecture.

The tower includes 65 floors, including residential apartments, offices, and commercial corridors, and will be built on a land area estimated at 12,000 square meters.

The tower is located within the Downtown Baghdad project, which is being implemented in the Al-Baijiyah area, next to Al-Muthanna Airport in the center of the capital.   LINK

Clare:  Al-Emaar announces the completion of basic designs for 20 new residential cities

10/8/2023  Baghdad

The Ministry of Construction, Housing, Municipalities and Public Works announced on Sunday the completion of basic designs for 20 new residential cities in all governorates. 

Ministry spokesman Nabil Al-Saffar said, “The analysis requirements for four new residential cities, which were announced by the Ministry, have been completed, as recommendations for referral to the private sector and developers have been submitted,” noting that “the four cities are out of a total of five cities that were announced as opportunities.” investment, which was published on the website of the National Investment Authority and the New Cities Authority.”

Al-Saffar added in an interview with the official news agency, “The Ministry is currently in the process of completing the announcement requirements for six other new cities that have been identified in some governorates, and will be announced soon,” noting that “the basic designs for twenty cities have been completed, in coordination with all governorates.”

He continued, "The main obstacle to these cities was the issue of sorting and expropriation, as the Prime Minister had previously instructed the Ministries of Finance and Agriculture of the necessity of expediting the resolution of all conflicts and ownership of lands outside the basic designs of municipal institutions in the governorates and in accordance with the Ownership of Plots and Princely Buildings Law No. 3 of 1960."  LINK

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Clare:  Baghdad hosts a conference of Arab foreign ministers

10/8/2023

The General Secretariat of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers decided, on Sunday, to hold its meeting in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, to discuss a number of important files, most notably the method of remote security training and qualification.

The Secretariat stated in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency, that the Thirteenth Arab Conference for Heads of Security Training and Qualification Institutions, under the auspices of the Iraqi Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani, will be held in Baghdad, hosted by the Ministry of Interior, during the period 10-11 October. This October.

 She indicated that representatives of the ministries of interior in Arab countries will participate in the conference, as well as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, and representatives of the General Secretariat of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers.

The conference will discuss a number of important topics on its agenda, including: a model vision for the method of remote security training and qualification, distance training and qualification: pros and cons, the repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic on security training and qualification programs in the Arab world, and the localization of the specialized curriculum for the English language in... Arab ministries of interior.

The General Secretariat will submit the conference’s recommendations to the next session of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers to take what it deems appropriate regarding them. LINK

Clare:  The million is paid in 6,000 weekly installments

The dollar disaster has begun.. Baghdad banks to depositors: We apologize, our balance is zero today

10/8/2023 Al-Mansur (Baghdad) 964

The situation was not much different in Baghdad banks on Sunday morning, and procedures for disbursing balances in dollars continued to be halted, as the 964 network monitored in the Trade Bank branch in the “Babylon” Mall, and learned from depositors in other banks.

The urgent attempts of depositors to withdraw amounts from their balances were unsuccessful, as they fear that the balances will continue to be frozen until the end of the year, and that they will later be forced to spend them in dinars, and according to the official exchange rate.

The details:

The bank branch in the mall witnessed a state of chaos this morning, following the protest of dozens of customers demanding the disbursement of amounts of foreign transfers coming into their accounts, or the withdrawal of previously deposited balances.

The manager of the bank branch in the mall informed customers at 11:00 a.m. that the dollar balance in the bank had run out, and said, “The Central Bank did not send reinforcements.”

Customers of other banks in Baghdad are facing the same problems, as the banks are devoid of dollars, with depositors protesting against what they consider “theft operations to take advantage of their balances in the parallel market, or give them to people with influence or authority.”

Number of customers for the 964 network:

We have been checking in daily for more than a month to withdraw our external transfers. We wait for hours and the day ends and we are unable to withdraw our balances.

The bank claims that there is not enough dollar balance. Our transfers are supposed to be insured, so why are they being tampered with?

The branch management claims that the Central Bank does not provide it with sufficient dollar balances, but we see that some depositors have withdrawn their balances thanks to their personal relationships with bank employees.
Anyone who has a transfer worth one million dollars was told to disburse it in weekly payments not exceeding $6,000.

Transfers not exceeding $10,000. No more than $1,000 has been delivered to each depositor for approximately a month.

A source in the bank, to the 964 network:

The problem is related to the Central Bank and not to our bank. There is no reinforcement from the Central Bank of the bank’s accounts in dollars.

A source at the Central Bank, to the 964 network:

We send daily reinforcements to banks, but they are not sufficient for the withdrawal requests received from customers. There are fears among customers that they will not be able to withdraw their balances before the end of the current year and convert them to the Iraqi dinar, which makes them pressure to withdraw them during this period.   LINK

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Clare:  “Dealing with dinars is much better.”

The dollar transfer will not be withdrawn in cash after today.. A financial expert explains the chaos in Baghdad’s banks

10/8/2023   Baghdad –

Iraqi financial expert Mahmoud Dagher explained to the 964 Network the chaos that banks in Baghdad witnessed today, Sunday, after depositors were unable to receive their money in dollars. He said that amounts deposited in cash can be withdrawn in cash, but this never applies to remittances.

Until Sunday morning, banks in Baghdad continued to stop procedures for disbursing balances in dollars, as the 964 network monitored in the branch of the Trade Bank in the “Babylon” Mall, and learned from depositors in other banks.

Financial expert Mahmoud Dagher, told 964 Network :

The root of the problem is that the Bank of Baghdad “TBI” was giving dollars in cash to cash deposit holders and remittance holders alike.

The instructions now stipulate that whoever deposits cash can be reciprocated, while remittances are not given in cash, they can be sent to people to any place or method according to their decision.

This made banks unable to adequately cope with dollar withdrawals.

There is no reason to panic, especially since Iraq's reserves are 115 billion dollars.

There will be no crisis in 2024, and the rule will remain: whoever deposits in dollars withdraws in dollars.

The dollar will not be banned, but it will be better to use the Iraqi dinar to make payments.

Mustafa Akram Hantoush - economic expert for 964 Network :

Deposits in banks remain at the disposal of the bank, and the Central Bank withdraws a reserve percentage of 12% from fixed deposits and 15% from demand deposits, meaning that approximately 90 percent of deposits are in banks.

What some banks in Baghdad did was a speculative operation, and therefore they refused to give people money in dollars by presenting weak arguments.

The Central Bank is clear on this matter and issued a statement confirming that deposits are returned in the same currency in which they were deposited and the account is closed with the same transactions in which the transaction was completed.   LINK

Monday Night KTFA CC ".INTERNATIONAL = A NEW EXCHANGE RATE" 10-2-2023

KTFA

Monday Night Conference Call

FRANK26…..10-2-23…..INTERNATIONAL = A NEW EXCHANGE RATE

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

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

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

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OYw3dND9go

Wednesday Night KTFA CC "72 Hours" 9-27-2023

KTFA

Wednesday Night Conference Call

FRANK26……9-27-23…..72 HOURS

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

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

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

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vh95HX4csA

KTFA Members "Tuesday Iraq News" 9-26-2023

KTFA:

Clare:  Al-Sudani directs the suspension of official working hours on October 3

9/26/2023

Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani directed that official working hours be suspended on the occasion of National Day.

 A brief statement received by Shafaq News Agency stated: Al-Sudani directed the closure on Tuesday, 10/3/2023, in all ministries and state institutions, in celebration of the National Day of the Republic of Iraq.

The Iraqi National Day is a day that was proposed in 2008 to be made a national day that falls on October 3, to commemorate the day of Iraq’s declaration of independence from the British Mandate and its joining the League of the United Nations, and that independence was on October 3, 1932.  LINK

Clare:  Minister of Finance: Iraq aims to benefit from the expertise and capabilities of the Asian Bank

9/26/2023

Finance Minister Taif Sami Muhammad confirmed on Tuesday that Iraq aims to benefit from the expertise and capabilities of the Asian Bank.

A statement from the Ministry of Finance received by Al-Iqtisad News stated, “Minister of Finance, Taif Sami Muhammad, met with Konstantin Lemdtovsky, Vice President of the Asian Bank, and during the meeting, they discussed entering into joint projects related to the public and private sectors in the field of industry, transportation, and energy.”

The minister added, according to the statement, that “their desire to enter the field of infrastructure investment will be conveyed to the Iraqi government and will be provided with projects that Iraq considers top priorities,” pointing out that “Iraq aims to benefit from the expertise and capabilities of the Asian Bank in mobilizing financial resources for private investments.” In order to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development goals that are based on strengthening partnership with the private sector due to its importance to economic growth, in a way that contributes to increasing growth rates and job opportunities.”

It is worth noting that the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, one of the multilateral development banks, invests in sustainable infrastructure and other productive sectors in Asian countries, including (electric power, transportation, communications, rural infrastructure, agricultural development, water supply and sanitation, environmental protection, and urban development.  LINK

MOAKES:  Vietnam became a member on April 11,2016 and has 8,689 votes. 
Maybe this will help the Dong to increase in value.IMO

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

Clare:  Minister of Finance: The government continues its efforts for economic reforms

9/26/2023 Baghdad

The Minister of Finance and Governor of Iraq at the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Taif Sami, participated today, Tuesday, in the work of the official session at the governors’ level in the bank for its second and final day, with the participation of the Director General of the Iraqi Fund for Foreign Development in the Ministry of Finance.

According to a statement by the Ministry of Finance, the session’s agenda included “voting on a number of decisions, most notably accepting the membership of a number of countries in Asia and Africa in the bank, voting on electing a new president and two deputies to the bank’s Board of Governors, in addition to approving the annual report of the Asian Bank’s work for the year 2022.”

The Minister of Finance indicated, "The Iraqi government will continue its efforts for economic reforms, adopting a road map to achieve sustainable development goals and a gradual approach to financing development by maximizing revenues for the budget and the contribution of international banks, including the Asian Bank, to finance promising investment projects in Iraq."  LINK

Clare:  Al-Sudani: There is no need for the international coalition to be in Iraq

9/26/2023

Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani confirmed today, Tuesday, that “the terrorist organization ISIS today does not represent a threat to Iraq.”

Al-Sudani said, during an interview with “The National” newspaper, that “there is no longer a necessity for the existence of the international coalition that was formed to confront ISIS,” indicating that “the joint committee will meet during this month with the American side, and will emphasize the bilateral relationship with the United States for security cooperation.” We are open in all fields.”

The Prime Minister stated that "the presence of Syria, with its political system and people, is better than an unknown alternative that may plunge the region into a second war with ISIS, and any security confusion in Syria will unleash the monsters of terrorists and threaten security in Iraq and the region."

Yesterday, Monday, Al-Sudani received the commander of the international coalition forces to combat terrorism in Iraq and Syria, General Joel Fowell, in the presence of the American ambassador to Iraq. During the meeting, security cooperation relations between Iraq and the international coalition were reviewed in the scope of providing advice, arming, exchanging intelligence information, and in the field of training. Iraqi security forces; To develop it and raise its combat capabilities, according to an official statement.

The meeting witnessed, according to the statement, an emphasis on the continuation of the work of the joint committee between Iraq and the international coalition, which was formed following the visit of the security delegation headed by the Minister of Defense to the United States of America last August, which aims to determine the form of the future relationship with the coalition after the victory over ISIS gangs. Terrorism, the growing capabilities of the Iraqi forces, and their ability to carry out their tasks in providing security in all areas and areas of responsibility.

Al-Sudani recently confirmed that “the form of the relationship with the international coalition will be determined in the coming days.”

Al-Sudani said, in a meeting with a number of media professionals, that "the recent American movements were a process to replace the forces present in Syria, one brigade with another," adding that "there is no movement of the forces present in Iraq without the knowledge of the Iraqi government."

He pointed out that "Iraq does not need any combat forces," noting that the Iraqi-American joint committee will hold its meeting in mid-September to determine the form of the relationship with the international coalition.

US President Joe Biden and Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi signed an agreement officially ending the combat missions of US forces in Iraq by the end of 2021, more than 18 years after US forces were sent to the country.

Biden stressed that the American role in Iraq will focus on assistance in the field of training, in addition to combating the terrorist organization ISIS, and intelligence support.

There are currently about 2,500 American soldiers in Iraq, whose tasks are focused on confronting the remnants of ISIS, and the American role in Iraq will change completely to be limited to training and providing advice to the Iraqi army.

A US-led coalition invaded Iraq in March 2003, based on accusations that President Saddam Hussein's government possessed weapons of mass destruction. Saddam was removed from power, but such weapons were never found.   LINK

Monday Night KTFA CC "SECURITY & STABILITY...MISSION ACCOMPLISHED SIR !!!"

KTFA

Monday Night Conference Call

(FRANK26 9-25-23 IQD UPDATE) SECURITY & STABILITY...MISSION ACCOMPLISHED SIR !!!

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

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

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

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

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