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

Originally Posted by Seaview

Foreigners can buy up to 49 percent of stock of any one Company and no more.

There are any number of things that can be done to the ISX to stop it being bought out for pennies here are just a couple : The stocks may well be reverse split or ratioed down. A thousand block of shares may become 1 share.

Iraqi Companies who will release shares and those who have already also hold a large amount back and may well do for sometime to come.

As regards it opening up to foreigners - I read elsewhere - I don't have a link - it was a couple of weeks ago - that it may open for a fortnight with the new 10 sessions a week before they let the foreigners in - sometime in mid June. Although I cannot confirm that.

you did read it and it was an article posted right here.

Originally Posted by shotgunsusie

now can you comprehende why a nickel is so hilariously far fetched??

Yepadoodle!

Originally Posted by shotgunsusie

you did read it and it was an article posted right here.

Thanks - I knew I had read it somewhere - just couldn't remember where.
.

Washington intends to give a greater role for the United Nations in Iraq

Barzani refused to renew the Kurds to postpone the referendum on the identity of Kirkuk

Baghdad -23-5 : The President of Iraq's Kurdistan region Massoud Barzani refused to postpone the referendum on the identity of the northern city of Kirkuk, according to what is stipulated in the Iraqi constitution, among other high-level U.S. source said his country intends to promote greater involvement of the United Nations in Iraq to eventually be able to reduce its military presence in it.

In the details, he pointed out during a meeting with the representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations in Iraq, Ashraf Qazi, in the city of Arbil in northern Iraq, "The postponement of that article was totally unacceptable and that the Kurdish people committed to the implementation of Article 140 of the Constitution."

The number of parliamentary blocs have demanded postponement of the implementation of article 140 of the Iraqi Constitution, which provides for a referendum on the identity of the city of Kirkuk late this year, with the Kurds demanding annexation of the city to the Iraqi Kurdistan region, at the time rejected the powerful Arab and Turkmen, which led to the faltering of the constitutional amendments which was expected to submit the middle of this month.

Meanwhile, the newspaper "The Guardian" on Wednesday, the British high-ranking source in the American administration that the United States intends to encourage greater involvement of the United Nations in Iraq to eventually be able to reduce its military presence in it.

The newspaper added that American plans provide for a more important role for the UN Security Council, Japan and the European Union in addition to the Iraqi neighboring states, in determining the priorities of this country.

Plan on several fronts

The newspaper quoted a source, who did not reveal his identity and he recently submitted to the American administration as saying that the American administration plan calls for progress on several fronts, he said, "First there is a plan to get international support political, economic and military

The government and the Iraqi state, especially during orientation to the United Nations and asked the United Nations to replace the leadership of the American alliance. "

He added : "At the regional level there are diplomatic efforts aimed at mobilizing greater Arab neighbors to be understood that it must support the (Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki before that becomes with no option but to the full alliance with Iran."

The source continued saying : "At the international level, the plan is for the American forces in helping to isolate Altkeverien (Islamists) and the separation of the year from the rebellion and contain hardline elements in the Al-Mahdi army of Moqtada al-Sadr and stop the infiltration of Iran via Syria of troops and materiel," The source pointed out that the United States could conclude an agreement with Sadr to secure an orderly transition of power.

Requires noted that American General David Petros commander of the multinational force in Iraq will be assessed in early September of the military strategy adopted since the beginning of the year and the decision of President George Bush to send 28 thousand additional troops to Iraq.

It should be noted that 3426 soldiers and an American employee killed in Iraq since the American invasion of that country in March 2003, according to figures on the numbers and the American Defense Department.

الرافدين

Rafidain

www.alrafidayn.com

Www.alrafidayn.com

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

Three differences fail another attempt to amend the Constitution :

Financing Albecmer گ e and the identity of Iraq and the sharing of oil

Baghdad, Samir Abdel Kazem
Karim Zaire
London struggle Laithy

The failed amendment to the Constitution that was formed in the Iraqi parliament to finalize the agreement on the amendment of the Constitution in the background material on the completion of reconciliation and the abolition of the chopping and reconsideration of the article 140 of the Constitution relating to Kirkuk and the distribution of Iraq's oil wealth between the central government and regions with is one of the political criteria that Washington says it is important to end sectarian violence. At the time of the delegation from the Kurdistan led by Barzani, head Najirfan territorial government talks with Nuri al-Maliki Iraqi prime minister on amendments to the Constitution and the financing of the Peshmergas forces where differences emerged between the two parties as Kurds demanding special funding while demanding Baghdad Bandhamahm to the Defense Ministry portfolios funding from the central government. For his part, Al-Hakim's son, Ammar Abdul Aziz Al-Hakim told "time" that the validity of his father, who is receiving treatment in one of the centers of Iran lung cancer and father stable and there is no cause for concern.

The Ammar Hakim, "his father started treatment and that the health conditions are good. He explained that "the cadre of medical physician confirmed that there were no problems with it during the treatment received by the father." Asked about the reasons for the transfer of his father from the United States to Iran while in Washington and other American cities advanced centers for the treatment of cancer Ammar Hakim said, "The American doctors responded to the request of the parent to receive treatment in one of the countries of the region to be close to Iraq." The American team wizard "had suggested a number of treatment centers in neighboring he signed choice on Iran." He stressed that "the treatment does not require a stay long in the United States. " In response to another question of "time" on the willingness of the leadership of the Council in the event of any emergency the President said Ammar Hakim, "the entity that carries out its activities on the basis of the founders managed Shura Council, a 15-member board chaired by the newly elected Aziz Hakim." He explained that "the Shura make decisions daily, but due sometimes the president in Alkadhayat task. " He confirmed that "there are a number of leaders of the Council are eligible for leadership in the event of any emergency during the period of treatment." After six months of talks, was expected to provide the commission on constitutional reform to the Parliament a final draft of its recommendations yesterday, where Atnht extension period of ten days with The committee amendments have failed to accomplish its mission during the period agreed upon by the heads of parliamentary blocs in the earlier members of the Committee said they would ask political leaders to address the sensitive issues such as the sharing of Iraq's oil wealth more equitably and ending the ban on former members of the dissolved Baath Party for public office. Salim al-Jabouri member Accord Front in the Parliament said that the Front agreed to some materials but pointed to the presence of sensitive issues require agreement among political leaders. March and the American President George Bush put pressure on Iraqi leaders to agree on power-sharing legislation.

Reject the Kurdish territories distribute oil revenues

Violators Bush is also under pressure to show tangible progress in the ongoing war four years ago. Al-Jabouri said that members of the Commission did not approve the request to allow the Kurdish regions of the distribution of oil revenues, rather than the central government. Some deputies opposed to the Shiite sect that dominates the government of former Baathists to fill government posts This is a major problem in the path of reconciliation. The Kurds opposed to the formulation provides the Arab identity of Iraq. Al-Jabouri said that among the issues disputed status of the city of Kirkuk, inhabited by a mixture of races. The current Constitution provides that Iraq should be a referendum on the final status of Kirkuk this year. While Kurds claim that Kirkuk is part of Kurdistan opposed to the Arabs, Turkomen and Assyrians this allegation. He said another official in the Arab members of Shiites and Sunnites SUGGEST make Kirkuk a separate area and abandon the idea of a referendum, which is likely to come from the Kurds winners in any case, accusing the other parties Petkrid city.

..

The official said the Kurds do not want it because they still want part of their autonomous okrugs .. Only political leaders can decide on this matter. These issues are very sensitive.

For his part, Deputy Chairman of the UAE, who is also the Prime Minister of my UAE and Ruler of Dubai, we hope that the United States leave Iraq and the duration of the program programmer programmed and united Iraq. " On the other hand, announced in Tehran yesterday that Iran's ambassador to the United Nations outgoing Javad Zarif will represent his country in talks coming with the United States on Iraq, which will take place on 28 this month in the Iraqi capital.

Sources said several in Congress that the text would probably entail the deadline for the withdrawal of troops, which is strongly rejected Bush's campaign and to exercise the right to veto the law previously provided
Budget allocation worth 412 billion dollars to finance the war.
The sources added that the text which finances the war until the end of September (September) Bush will submit reports on the progress of the Iraqi government at both the security and political.
And now the Democrats are ready for approval at least at the present time to abandon the imposition of deadline for withdrawal after realized, it seems that Bush in his capacity as Supreme Commander of the American forces, controlled decisions on war and foreign policy.
He said democratic member of Congress, asking to remain anonymous has the ball in the other court, "adding that any text signed by the president will include some sort of restrictions."
The sources said he is still imperative to put the latest details of the text and submit it to the Democrats, including members of Congress who opposes the war strongly.
In another search Iraqi Vice President Adel Abdelmahdi yesterday with the delegation of the United States Congress who is visiting Baghdad headed by Christopher Shas from the Republican Party and Brian Baird of the Democratic Party scheduled withdrawal and the security situation in Iraq according to a statement issued by the Presidency of the Republic.
He stressed the need for members of Congress the Iraqi government to assume its responsibility in imposing security and stability according to the statement itself.
For their part, leaders of the Democratic Party appeared ready to abandon their insistence on the inclusion of a timetable for withdrawing its forces from Iraq in the resolution provides for the financing of the war in this country. In a step that may lead to resolving the confrontation with President George Bush in this regard.
For his part, Deputy Chairman of the UAE Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum yesterday that his country wants a timetable for American withdrawal from Iraq and emphasized that it seeks to strengthen its relations with Asian countries is part of the policy adopted balance.

Newspaper (time) - International No. 2703-the date 05/23/2007

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

Hi All, Is this news article old as it is from Iraqupdates site ? I know at times this site publishes articles that are 1 to 2 weeks old.

It states at the bottom of the Gulf Petrochemicals Conference on June 4th-5th 2007.

I thought that was changed to later part in September. Maybe it has changed again. I hope it has changed again for the fact that the HCL will be passed soon...Maybe they know something we don't....Hmmmmmmmmm

Please advise.

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New MEED rankings table for Middle East's national oil companies
Saudi Arabia, 23 May 2007 (AME Info FZ LLC)

Saudi Aramco is the Middle East's best-run national oil company (NOC), according to an exclusive analysis of the region's national oil companies carried out by the Middle East Economic Digest (MEED).

The study scored NOC's in ten key areas of activity, including commercial performance, downstream investment, freedom from political interference, commitment to staff training, and environmental protection. Scores out of ten were awarded under each of the criteria, with these then analysed to provide an overall company performance ranking.

Saudi Arabia's state oil company, Saudi Aramco, scored highest in a comprehensive survey of the region's ten biggest national oil companies carried out in early May. Combining statistical performance indicators with expert opinion from top industry executives in the public and private sector, leading analysts and senior academics, the survey put Aramco at the top with a score of 80 out of a possible 100.

MEED's editor-in-chief Sean Brierley commented,
'The Saudi oil giant has outperformed its regional counterparts in almost all categories. When it comes to production, technology development and commercial performance it is head and shoulders above the competition."
'Saudi Aramco falls short on just two measures - its effectiveness in partnering with other companies and its record on the environment. Time will tell whether they will replicate here, the other high standards they have set.'
The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Qatar Petroleum were tied in second place with 73 points, and Algeria's Sonatrach and Petroleum Development Oman also scored well. However, the study went on to reveal that the region's other five major producers all failed to make the grade, with the national oil companies of Kuwait, Egypt and Iraq being the worst performers.

The top ten ranking list reads (scores out of 100):
Saudi Aramco 80/100
ADNOC (Abu Dhabi) 73/100
2. Qatar Petroleum 73/100
Sonatrach (Algeria) 63/100
Petroleum Development Oman 60/100
National Iran Oil Company 46/100
6. National Oil Corporation (Libya) 46/100
Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation 45/100
8. Iraq National Oil Company 45/100
8. Kuwait Petroleum Corporation 45/100

The study highlighted the crucial importance of political independence, quality of personnel and development of technology to the performance of state oil firms. All were notable failings in the worst-ranked companies.
It also drew attention to the challenge presented to international oil companies by the onset of an era in which national oil companies are expected to dominate. If the major foreign oil firms are to maintain their strategic position in the market, they too will need to adapt to the new environment.
The study is published in the latest issue of MEED (out in the Middle East on Sunday 20 May) and is available both in print and online versions.
It is published as MEED prepares to host the region's leading petrochemicals conference 'Gulf Petrochemicals 2007' at the Ritz Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa, on 4th-5th June 2007.



New MEED rankings table for Middle East's national oil companies | Iraq Updates

Please excuse, if already posted. Thank you.

Iraq to auction oil, gas blocks once law passed
(Reuters)

23 May 2007

NEW DELHI - Iraq will auction 15 oil and gas assets once a new hydrocarbons law is passed, a top oil ministry official said on Wednesday during a trip to India, where he sought Indian interest to build new refineries.


“Iraq is preparing 15 fields and blocks for first round of auction after approval of the oil and gas law ... tenders are under preparation,” Fayadh Hassan Nima, director general at Iraq’s oil ministry, told reporters.

Oil multinationals are waiting until a new hydrocarbon law, which sets the rules of investment in Iraq, to be passed by the parliament before pumping cash into Iraq.

International oil firms are eyeing its giant and largely underdeveloped oilfields.

Nima said he expected the law to be finalised within “two to three months”.

Iraqi Oil Minister Hussain al-Shahristani said earlier this month all parties had agreed to pass the law by the end of May.

Oil is the country’s main source of the hard currency needed to rebuild its economy, and the energy sector is struggling to recover from years of mismanagement and sanctions.

Baghdad wants to build at least four new refineries to help it solve chronic fuel shortages.

Nima said in New Delhi, it was hoping Indian firms would build two of those refineries.

Iraq has eight oil refineries, none of which were damaged during the invasion. Oil officials say that the plants are operating at only 50 percent-75 percent of capacity, forcing Baghdad to import most of its fuel

Originally Posted by shotgunsusie

apparently we are still on, at latest printing, for the hcl passage this month.

Thank you. Maybe, just maybe..............

Oman affirms "out" of unified GCC currency

ECO-GCC-OMAN-CURRENCY
Oman affirms "out" of unified GCC currency
(With ECO-GCC-NBK-SESSIONS) KUWAIT, May 23 (KUNA) -- Oman affirmed on Wednesday it is opting out on the proposed Gulf Cooperation Council unified currency, adding it would reconsider the matter when the currency is circulated.

In a press statement on the sidelines of the 8th GCC Banking Conference, Executive President of Central Bank of Oman Hamood Saqoor Al-Zadjali said the decision not to partake in the currency's adoption was taken in view of Oman's current development plan and a number of arising developments.

The GCC's standards for the monetary union are good and necessary, he noted.

He said Oman believed that any drastic decline in oil prices would greatly affect the nation and its economy, as well as its role over the unified currency.

As for the possibility of Oman changing its stance in the future, he said this matter could only be determined with time, wishing other GCC nations all the best in this regard.
(end)
kt

KUNA 231357 May 07NNNN

Kuna site|Story page|Oman affirms "out" of unified GCC currency ...5/23/2007

GCC nations will launch unified currency in 2010 -- Saudi official

ECO-GCC-SAUDI-CURRENCY
GCC nations will launch unified currency in 2010 -- Saudi official
(with ECO-GCC-OMAN-CURRENCY) KUWAIT, May 23 (KUNA) -- Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations are committed to the timetable to launch their unified currency in 2010, said Governor of Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA) Hamad Al-Sayari on Wednesday.

During discussions at the 8th GCC Banking Conference, Al-Sayari said there are committees operating in accordance with the timetable to implement the currency.

The current shortage of time, he said, requires exceptional efforts to achieve meet the objective, noting that any change in the date of launching the currency has to come from a GCC summit.

Al-Sayari's statement came after Oman's exit from the unified currency plan and after Kuwait said it would no longer peg the Dinar with the US Dollar and rather link with a basket of currencies.
(end)
kt

KUNA 231406 May 07NNNN

Kuna site|Story page|GCC nations will launch unified currency in 2010 -...5/23/2007