Thread: Iraq/Dinar News until 5/23/07 Midnight CST

Maliki confirmed politicians' desire to approve laws

Baghdad, May.

22, P. 1

Prime Minister Noori Maliki confirmed national unity government's resolution to activate initiative of national reconciliation and continuation.

At reconstruction's process and executing security plan.

Mr. Maliki referred at a call with US President George Bush to importance of increasing cooperation and coordination between Iraqi forces and multinational troops in fighting all outlaws to destroy terrorism organizations and armed groups. While, the US President renewed his country's supporting to the Iraqi Govt. To success political process and imposing security in the country.





Translated version of http://www.alsabaah.com/

Politicians : National accord, reconciliation is Iraq's solution

Baghdad, May. P.22

MP's agreed on necessity of support Govt. Through a national accord among all political parties and strength national reconciliation project.

MP Hassan Senaid said that Prime Minister Noori Maliki's Govt.

Translated version of http://www.alsabaah.com/

Kuwait re-asserts its commitment to united GCC currency

ECO-LD KUWAIT-CBK-DINAR
Kuwait re-asserts its commitment to united GCC currency
KUWAIT, May 22 (KUNA) -- The governor of the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK), Sheikh Salem Abdulaziz Al-Sabah on Tuesday renewed Kuwait's commitment to fully cooperate with other GCC member states in order to launch the united GCC currency.

Sheikh Salem, who was responding to questions on the overnight decision to un-peg the Dinar from the US currency, said the decision did not mean that Kuwait was backing down on its commitments towards the united GCC currency.

"We are persuaded that this project (united currency) should go to the end, " he said. He added there was no relation between un-pegging the Dinar from the US currency and the GCC united currency.

"These are two different issues," he said and pointed out that a 2003 decision to un-peg the KD from a basket of currencies and peg it solely to the greenback was taken in line with other GCC states, whose currencies were already pegged to the USD.

He said that keeping the KD pegged to the USD was "no longer in Kuwait's interest" so it was decided to peg it once again to a basket of major currencies.

He added that the constituents of the basket would change in line with Kuwait's trade relations with foreign countries.

He said the basket would depend on Kuwait's imports and financial relations.

He dismissed conflicting reports about impending revaluation or devaluation of the KD and said a new policy would be launched "linking the Dinar's exchange value with the basket of currencies as it was the case in the 28 years before the KD was pegged to the USD in 2003." In answer to a question on the individual rates of foreign currencies included in the basket, he said they were "secret rates, but the USD is their most important constituent." He said he was not certain about the date of the launch of the GCC united currency. "Would it be in 2010? Everyone hopes so although some (GCC) states might not be ready by then to meet the requirements of the united currency." He added that when technical, institutional and legislative requirements for the process (united currency) are ready, Kuwait will coordinate with other GCC member states to facilitate the launch of the united currency.

He said it was too early to predict whether or not the Dinar would be pegged to the USD once again after the launch of the united currency. He added that GCC member states would agree among themselves on the manner in which the value of the united currency would be set.

Turning to the issue of the expected impact on the Kuwaiti economy of the un-pegging of the Dinar from the USD, Sheikh Salem said the un-pegging decision would affect the national inflation rate, which was 4.1 percent in 2005 and 3.1 percent last year compared to inflation rates of one percent and 1,8 percent before the 2003 pegging process.

He stressed that central banks were always on the lookout for ways to restrain the inflation rates and indicated that if fiscal policies failed to restrain inflation, other means would be resorted to including monetary policies and allowing the Dinar's exchange value to be set by the free market.

In answer to a question by the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on how long it would take the Dinar to regain its former strength with regard to other major currencies, Sheikh Salem said "God only knows" because this depended on the fluctuations of those currencies.

Sheikh Salem made the remarks on the sidelines of the two-day Eighth GCC Banking Conference, which opened here Tuesday and was jointly hosted by the National Bank of Kuwait and the CBK.(end) fk.
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KUNA 221549 May 07NNNN

Kuna site|Story page|Kuwait re-asserts its commitment to united GCC cur...5/22/2007

Word Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki

(صوت العراق) - 22-05-2007

(Voice of Iraq) - 22-05-2007

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Word Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki, one year after the formation of a government of national unity

The name of God the Merciful
Oh dear Iraqi people
Yaabenai Rafidain

Dear brothers and sisters

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings
A year ago the formation of the first permanent elected government in Iraq's modern history, this government, which enjoyed the support of the parliamentary blocs participating in the political process, which was unanimously support the national program and granted confidence for the government, this unanimity, it aught to God, and relying on the people's confidence in the implementation of the government program, a task no doubt you know that it is difficult, complicated, and facing enormous challenges.
The year two thousand and six real test of the will of the government and people, we were at a crossroads, either to keep Iraq's unity and the social fabric intact and strong, or plunging into a sectarian war, a war that is the dirtiest of wars throughout history.
We have managed to overcome the threat of sectarian war after the bombing of the tombs of the two Imams, the military, this ugly crime carried out by Altkeverion and their allies from the henchmen of the regime. ave become sectarian war that threatened our national unity behind our backs.
The year two thousand and six late dictator and his hateful drag the country into wars and reckless adventure, those dark era which we have suffered more tragedies and pain, and we have hundreds of thousands of martyrs in prisons and detention centers, Anfal and Halabja and the mass graves. We ended and irrevocably one-party rule, and one community leader Alzarora approach and discrimination, exclusion and marginalization.
Not our success in overcoming sectarian war and the end of the dictator without great sacrifices, we have somewhat Mervina blood and tears, and we faced difficulties, Unprizable pay that price today in the face of terror, which is the same that we have paid over thirty five years, the road to freedom, justice, democracy and equality can only be difficult and arduous.

Dear brothers and sisters
Since the first day of formation of a government of national unity, which I was privileged to chair, an initiative of reconciliation and national dialogue, and the announcement of the initiative stems from the accounts of political, partisan or sectarian it is a strategic vision for rebuilding the state and consecrate the culture of dialogue, tolerance and discard differences side to turn a page.
We have put national reconciliation at the top of government work and we had all the possibilities and said on more than one occasion they Lifeboat to the Iraqis and the only option to overcome the ordeal and crossing to safety and we regret that some may revolt on dialogue and reconciliation with them and we will have a strong position in accordance with the law.
The initiative of national reconciliation, produced major clans and civil society, political forces, and officers and intellectuals throughout Iraq,
It also provided the groundwork for constitutional amendments where the authority of law is the chapter, through the draft accountability and justice to the House.
The bill ensures accountability and justice, human martyrs and differentiate between the tarnished their hands the blood of the innocent is forced to belong to the Baath Party is dissolved, bill provides a legal framework and fair accounting and turning a page in the bloody past. The law that we want a governor does not mean lenient with criminals and Baathists wasting human martyrs and prisoners, but the realization of the right and rehabilitation of all those who were subjected to injustice and tyranny and oppression.

Dear Iraqi people Quran

The draft national reconciliation, we consider the strongest weapon in the fight against terrorism, and we are fully confident that he will succeed in defeating Altkeverien and their allies despite the skepticism of some political forces that were betting on the turn of national reconciliation to bridge for the return of criminals and murderers, impossible to be achieved this illusion, The new Iraq is the possibility of the Baath Party history abounds coups, conspiracy and violent crime and genocide.
I feel it is important here to invite Iraqi tribal sincere and civil society organizations for the formation of the National Salvation councils in all governorates of Iraq, and to stand by our armed forces to eliminate the scourge of terrorism targeting Iraq, land and people and a great legacy, Terrorists destroy infrastructure and kill teachers, doctors and engineers, of building workers, journalists, athletes, artists, as well as women and children and beating mosques, churches, universities and blind hatred Affects milestones Baghdad historical, civil and cultural rights.

Dear brothers and sisters

The battle with terrorism is open and long, Aydhann one that this battle will end today or tomorrow, the security challenges facing the Iraqna Aziz extremely serious, and are more difficult to external interference, which is no longer secret to everyone, The response and that certain political forces to Tathiraadd States has complicated the security file, which is no longer a challenge internally waters further Diligence and vigilance, The day will expose the involvement of groups and political figures in fueling terrorist acts will not hesitate to expose the destructive role played by some regional and international parties that are easiest to see Iraq live strong democratic experience and is determined to establish a state of institutions.
These actors with which we are familiar will pay Bahia of security and stability in the event did not stop the policy of security to confuse Iraq remains weak, strong Iraq, democratic, pluralistic is the only guarantee to prevent a return to dictatorship and a safety valve for stability and prosperity in the region.
Big mistake committed, any of the components of the Iraqi people should Arabia abroad, because that would lead to conflict regional and international forces in the Iraqi arena and we invite all keen for the unity and territorial integrity and sovereignty of Iraq must stop interfering in our internal affairs, Iraqis alone can protect their country and defend their dignity.The people who line Successive election in a period of time Qiasehuauseibeh and stayed on the ruins of its constitutional dictatorship rejects the logic of tutelage and thinking on his behalf.

Dear brothers and sisters

The completion of the task of our armed forces and national central working to achieve as soon as possible a process which brings us day after day of the receipt of full security responsibility and keeping the security file in the whole country. We have in this field a long way and we are racing against time in the training and rehabilitation and processing of arms and military equipment to modern take our security initiative and responsibility to protect the homeland and the citizen and pave the way for the withdrawal of the multinational forces from the country, and this task will remain at the forefront of our priorities in the year two thousand and seven.
On this occasion I call upon all Iraqis to assume their responsibilities and help our armed forces to be able to carry out their duty under the rule of law and respect for human rights.
The plan to impose law, which entered the fourth month is complementary professional plan to be implemented in stages, and we have said since the first day it Atstahedv Autaeva any component, but to protect Almutanien and open war on terrorists. We are determined to beating an iron hand all of the outlaws of terrorist organizations and militias and armed groups that abuse the security of the country, We can not build a state militia under the multiple loyalties and affiliations and interests and we will give full opportunity to those who voluntarily lay down arms and return to the national front will be exhausted every political solutions before embarking military actions which we hope to Andhtar to be followed to impose the rule of law.
We have succeeded in reducing rates of sectarian killings substantially and we were able to restore life to a number of areas in Baghdad, which was controlled by terrorists, in spite of the confusion intended by the parties and some known personalities case and tarnish the reputation of our armed forces and our security, we call on the judiciary to prosecute them and to transmit files to justice for their as encouraging terrorism, inciting hatred and sectarian sedition.

Dear brothers and sisters

Anyone who thinks that the building of the state and its institutions and its various government only confined however, we are all responsible for Iraq to recover its vitality and achieve security and stability, and prosperity There is no doubt that this arduous task, difficult and long can be achieved in a short period. it requires a gradual task accomplished act of solidarity and sacrifice of all the political forces may not participate in the political process stand toward the neutral position or viewer or Prowler mistakes,
We sensed that, alas, some of those who put themselves into the observers and if this distance instead put their hands in our hands to build a new Iraq.
Cooperation between the three powers are complementary manner and without interference by any authority in the affairs of other authorities, has hung with our partners in the political process Chaaraltaaon integration and review to achieve Akberkdrmen understanding based on constitutional controls to audit programs and legislation to serve the higher interests of the country.

We have built in the year two thousand and six regional and international relations balanced with many countries of the world, and succeeded in Ttaiwieruallakat Iraq with these countries in various fields.Iraq has signed with the 60th State and international organization to document the International Covenant in Sharm el-Sheikh, a document that represents mutual commitments between Iraq and the international community,

We expect to reap good results from Iraq will be reflected on the economy and infrastructure and the process of construction and Alaammarotcjia foreign investments and the provision of security and stability.
Government has been able, in cooperation with the parliament to ratify the draft law Alaschmar which is a very significant step to develop the economy and rebuild shattered infrastructure and providing opportunities for the unemployed as the government approved the largest budget in the history of Iraq has been allocated an important part of rebuilding and reconstruction. The government also submitted a bill which represents oil ratification by Parliament, a quality leap in the process of construction and development of the oil industry and a fair distribution of wealth and devoted to the unity and sovereignty of Iraq.

Dear brothers and sisters.

Realizing you down and your expectations are at the heart of our program and mindful of God and leave no stone has Aahidnakam to move to notch We will spare no effort to reach this goal.
Your concerns of everyday life are not absent from us, moment by moment following it up and we are working very hard and diligently to improve services and raise the standard of living and that our approach will continue and will not be deterred by vandalism of terrorist gangs from your services or shake the resolve to hear your concerns and your suffering.
That Maisaadna to continue to assume responsibility, the feeling is that you are aware of the magnitude of the challenges and the internal and external risks faced by Iraqna Aziz, a Maizidna determination to continue the road to build a free, democratic, pluralistic, federal.
May peace and God's mercy and blessings.

Nouri Kamel al-Maliki
Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq

22/5/2007

www.iraqi-pm.org

Www.iraqi - pm.org

Translated version of http://www.sotaliraq.com/

Iraqi company for banking services for the movement of currencies Bemsarfi Rafidain and Rashid

Luna / May 22 / BAGHDAD / A source at the Ministry of Finance today, Tuesday, that the Iraqi company for banking services have transported currency and the special Bemsarfi Rafidain and Rasheed branches in Baghdad, the company also achieved several trips to transport currency bank's eligibility They (credit, trade, petroleum products distribution company in the session)

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Vice President receives Ngervan Barzani and pays federal experience in Kurdistan
May 22

Deputy President Dr Adel Abdul Mahdi Ngervan Mr. Barzani, head of the Iraqi Kurdistan region in his official Baghdad
He said Dr Adel Abdul Mahdi discussed the matter in the political affairs and the Law of oil, gas and other things we agree on all things, we discuss not only the mechanisms also praised Vice President federal experiment in Iraqi Kurdistan

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Iraqi oil law not applicable to the current situation
22 May 2007 (Iraq Directory)


One of the drafters of the new Iraqi oil law said that the law has gaps needing to be filled before international companies start investing their funds and technological expertise in the country.
Tariq Shafeeq and two other petrol experts spent months last year developing rules that Baghdad hopes will encourage oil companies which have been waiting for years to exploit the third largest oil reserves in the world.
The draft bill, which may be passed by the parliament by the end of this month, is being challenged by the Kurds in the north who say that they would not receive a fair share of the oil wealth.

Shafeeq, one of the founders of the Iraqi National Oil Company in 1964 and who left Iraq after a few years before returning in 2003 after the invasion led by the United States to overthrow President Saddam Hussein, said that the law does not technically meet all the requirements of international companies.
He added: "Why would a major oil company want to go to Iraq? It can not work under the present circumstances, and this is not in the interests of either the companies or the country."

The main problem faced by the law is the disagreement between the central government and the government of Kurdistan. Even after months of discussion, the current draft law before Parliament does not provide any protection to a company which enters into an agreement only with the regional government.
Shafeeq, who manages the advisory company Petrology & Associates, said, "There are many procedural matters that could go wrong ... That will cost money, effort and time".

The law, backed by Washington, is important to ensure billions of dollars of extraction investments needed to increase Iraqi oil production, currently stable at two million barrels per day, and for rebuilding the economy.
But some members of the Iraqi Parliament still recall the British, American and French companies dominating the Iraqi oil sector for half a century with the Iraqi Petroleum Company which controlled the Iraqi oil sector from the 1927 start of production in the giant Kirkuk field until expelled by nationalization in 1972.

Shafeeq said that Baghdad does not have to let foreign companies regain control of the sector, adding, "We learned our lesson from the era of concessions before nationalization in the 1970s. We lost money and market share."
The draft law calls for establishment of a new Iraqi national oil company to control the existing oil producing fields in the country and of a federal oil and gas council to be the highest body responsible for setting oil policies.
Shafeeq said that the oil and gas council, to include representatives from various regions, will lack the competitive administrative capacity to manage a sector devastated by years of mismanagement, wars and sanctions. He added, "The process of decision-making must be corrected."

With regard to the Iraqi National Oil Company, the Kurds says that the addenda to the bill are unconstitutional and deprive regions of control of the oil fields and place them in the hands of the new governmental company.
Shafeeiq says, "We must be clearly trustees to get the type of contracts that we want."
The major oil companies, which are keen to begin drilling, especially in the southern fields such as Ibn Umar, Majnun and West Qurna, may have their own reservations about parts of the law.

Shafeeq said that those already producing in fields to be controlled by the governmental company will be contracted at conditions similar to those offered by the neighboring Iran. He added, "These fields are known and productive. The risk no longer exists. I believe strongly that the contracts must be to provide services."
Oil companies consider such short-term contracts too restrictive. They prefer partnership agreements whose terms extend to 20 to 30 years and give them a greater degree of control.

What Iraq needs badly from international oil companies is technical expertise.
Shafeeq continued, "This is the strongest card they have. Producers in the Middle East today are in need of technology."
When the government approved the draft oil law last February, it was praised by Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki as a basis for the unity of Iraq .
But Shafeeq says, "It is very difficult to predict whether the oil law would be approved or not. If I were to guess -- perhaps it will but after a big uproar."

Iraqi oil law not applicable to the current situation | Iraq Updates

Iraq could be headed for new leadership
WASHINGTON, 22 May 2007 (UPI)

Some U.S. officials privately acknowledged that the Bush administration is facing increasing pressure to rearrange the government of Iraq.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, one U.S. official has told The Los Angeles Times the days may be numbered for Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.
"As we get closer and closer to the fall, and the benchmarks are not met, there will be a growing appeal to the idea that if we can replace the top guy, we can get back on track," the official told the Times.
Publicly the Bush administration remained committed to Maliki even though his government has failed to complete important steps toward political reconciliation.
Congress will be pushing for another approach if no progress is made toward decreasing sectarian violence, bringing more minority Sunnis into the government and fairly dividing up Iraq's oil reserves, the paper said.

Iraq could be headed for new leadership | Iraq Updates

The Rebuild Iraw Recruitment Program (RIRP) and EQM enter strategic partnership

The Rebuild Iraq Recruitment Program (RIRP) is proud to announce a strategic partnership with EQM (Environmental Quality Management, Inc.), a full-service environmental consulting, engineering, and remediation firm headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio and directly involved in the ongoing reconstruction of the Iraqi infrastructure.

New challenges for the European Industry in Iraq - CEC starts third year of Rebuild Iraq Recruitment Program (RIRP)
RIRP supports the establishment of a Private Free Zone in Khor Al-Zubair, south of Iraq
CEC starts second year of Rebuild Iraq Recruitment Program (RIRP)
RIRP declares cooperation agreements with Iraqi Ministries
The Iraq services from EQM focus on E&C projects, expert environmental consultation, and on-site environmental and engineering projects.
„The declared cooperation with an Iraq-experienced multi national company like EQM will significantly broaden the business opportunities for the German and European industry in Iraq within the scope of the RIRP', says Mr. Arndt Fritsche, Head of mission of the RIRP program.
In Iraq, EQM has had an established presence since 2003.

The EQM project portfolio for Iraq is extensive and includes:
An active role in the re-electrification of southern Iraq;
Re-establishment of the country's oil sector;
High level consultation in water and sewerage treatment projects;
Design, sizing and specification to complete detailed structural civil, military and private facilities across Iraq;
Introduction and implementation of new engineering and construction technologies that have led, for example, to faster and more sound construction of road infrastructure at far less cost than conventional methods;
Mentoring the development of small engineering and construction businesses drawing from and developing the strength of local human resources.

Furthermore, EQM is dedicated to the recognition of local talent and to develop the existing expertise of local people. EQM has built a solid team of Iraqi professionals to establish, develop, build and maintain facilities. This hands-on approach reflects EQM's knowledge of local capability and commitment to the capacity building of available human resources.

EQM's experience shows that most risks can be minimised if one is aware of the existing dangers and adapts to the circumstances, also in hostile regions like Iraq. This experience is impressively proved through the fact that EQM has been awarded high ratings by both the AFCEE and Title II for 'excellence' in project delivery and quality. All EQM projects have been achieved without personal injury or death to any workers.

RIRPs and EQMs strategic cooperation ensures German companies doing business in the country that they can rely on an experienced partner within the mentioned areas of expertise. Due to this, the strategic partnership with EQM means a further opening of the Iraqi market for the German Industry within the RIRP Program.

The White House is inclined to resort to the recommendations of the Baker-Hamilton on Iraq
21/05/2007 18:27 (GMT)

Michael said Abrasmuetz in an article written in the Washington Post newspaper Monday that the American administration appears to have begun to study the recommendations of the Baker Hamilton on Iraq.

He added that President Bush expressed last week accepted that the draft law contingencies which the American Congress continue its discussion on the essential pillars of the Iraqi government must abide by and implement, but lost support by America, which provided for a study group Baker Hamilton.

The study called for a dialogue with Syria and Iran on Iraq, which is applied by Washington with Syria first in Sharm el-Sheikh on the sidelines of the Iraqi neighboring states now with Iran, where talks will be held between Iranian officials and Americans in Baghdad next week.

The study group urged Iraq on the need to reach a political settlement in Iraq in order to reduce sectarian violence, which is one of the most important pillars advocated by President Bush. as he asked the Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki more than once to activate steps of national reconciliation and to amend the law abolishing the Baath Party and the law of oil and gas which would distribute wealth equally to the Iraqis.

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