Thread: Iraq/Dinar News Until 5/31/2007 7:15 PM CST..

SALAH AL-DIN TRIBES MOBILIZING TO FIGHT AL-QAEDA...
Tribal leaders in Salah Al-Din Governorate, northwest of Baghdad, announced they will mobilize the tribes to fight Al-Qaeda in the governorate, state-run Al-Iraqiyah television reported on May 24. The Salah Al-Din Awakening Conference is modeled on the Al-Anbar Awakening Conference that was formed last year for the same purpose (see "RFE/RL Newsline," April 4, 2007). Tribal leader Hamad al-Juburi, a representative of the Salah Al-Din conference, announced the mobilization, saying: "The launch of the awakening [conference]...is a continuation of the efforts of our brothers in Al-Anbar, represented [there] by Chieftain Abd al-Sattar Abu Rishah, who has salvaged Al-Anbar from the deviant terrorist gangs. We will follow in his footsteps in enforcing the law." Fellow Salah Al-Din tribal leader Sabah Mitsir Hasan al-Shammari also spoke at the announcement, saying the governorate's tribes "will join forces with all tribes [in Iraq] against terrorism and anybody who seeks to disrupt the security of this country." KR

...AS DIYALA TRIBAL LEADERS CONSIDER SIMILAR STANCE
Tribal leaders in the eastern Diyala Governorate met with governorate-council representatives on May 23 to discuss ways to overcome outstanding grievances and unite against terrorism, according to a May 24 coalition press release. Present at the meeting were Diyala Governor Ra'd Rashid al-Mullah Jawad al-Tamimi and representatives from governorate police, as well as Iraqi and U.S. military officers. Jawad stressed the need to forge reconciliation from the ground up, and said he plans to meet with leaders across the governorate to discuss the need to present a unified stance against terrorism, the press release stated. KR

IRAQI INSURGENT GROUP CLAIMS IT DEFUSED BOMB TO PROTECT CITIZENS
Jaysh Al-Fatihin said in a May 24 Internet statement that it defused a bomb planted near a school in Samarra in an effort to protect students and passersby. The Iraqi insurgent group said the bomb was planted by "unknown men," which is likely a reference to Al-Qaeda-affiliated Islamic State of Iraq. Several Iraqi insurgent groups have criticized Islamic State in recent months for its indiscriminate killing of civilians across the country (see "RFE/RL Newsline," April 17, 2007). KR

Iraqi Government Offers Its 'Full Support' to the Persecuted Christians of Baghdad
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Posted GMT 5-25-2007 20:56:27
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Baghdad (AsiaNews) -- The Iraqi government has expressed its solidarity to the Christians of Baghdad and has pledged to protect them. In a statement in English reported yesterday by the AINA news agency, a spokesman for the Iraqi government said that the "Iraqi Cabinet addressed the issue of threats and expulsions of Christian families in Baghdad by terrorist groups. The Cabinet expressed its full support to provide all necessary assistance needed to protect them, and provide any assistance to face this threat that is rejected by our orthodox Islamic religion and the forgiving Iraqi society, between all of its components--especially the relationship with our Christians brothers."

Iraqi Christians, both at home and abroad, have welcomed the government's statement, which they have been waiting for a long time following many complaints by bishops and the clergy. They note however that the statement is only about intentions and that it does not contain any concrete steps to limit the campaign of persecution directed at the Christian community in the capital and Mosul. These two cities are at present the most affected by violence, threats and abuses, including seizure of property and forced conversion to Islam.

Similarly, Muslims are coming to the defence of their 'Christian brothers' in two ways. On the one hand, there are secular groups, unarmed and with no political influence, who in Baghdad have organised some protection for persecuted Christian families, including giving them refuge in their own homes; on the other, there are Muslim religious leaders who are speaking out against bloodshed regardless of faith. This is the case of the secretary general to the grand mufti of Iraq who in a signed message said: "We hear with sadness and distress about what is happening to our Christian brothers in Iraq. We [. . .] incriminate the perpetrator (sic)."

A few days ago, Shia leader Hussain Sadr also spoke about the issue. In an interview to a Christian satellite channel, he expressed his solidarity vis-à-vis his "Christian" brothers and all of Iraq's minorities.

© 2007, Assyrian International News Agency

Iraqi Police reach out to communities through security, presence
Saturday, 26 May 2007

Iraqi National Police Col. Ahmed Hatem Hamid Taher, the commander of 1st Battalion, 1st Mechanized Brigade, hands out toys and school supplies in Al Furat, Iraq, May 17. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Bennie Corbett.BAGHDAD – Iraqi Police have been recognized for their determination across the nation this week, which included a ceremony in Ramadi Sunday.
Iraqi Police across the country have improved security while providing humanitarian aid for children in cities such as Ramadi and Baghdad.

“Every day I see Iraqi Police putting their lives on the line to protect the people of [Ramadi],” said U.S. Army Col. John Charlton, commander of 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. “It is because of their continued bravery that children can play outside and people can open shops and begin to live normal lives again.”

As Iraqi citizens continue to support Iraqi and Coalition forces by providing key information on terrorists and weapons caches, security forces utilize the information to secure the cities.

“[Terrorists] know the police are the only thing preventing them from coming into the area and taking over,” said Charlton.

Not only have the Iraqi Police been successful in securing key areas, they’ve also reached out to local communities through public gatherings.

“It’s nice to be able to provide an opportunity for Iraqi Police, Coalition forces and the citizens of Al-Furat [a neighborhood in Baghdad] to have a friendly gathering and bring smiles to the faces of so many impressionable Iraqi children,” said U.S. Army Maj. E. E. Smith of 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, National Police Transition Team.

During the gathering, Iraqi National Police dropped off soccer balls, clothing and food to children.

Often times, Iraqi Police are less equipped than their Coalition counterparts as they face improvised explosive devices, snipers and other dangers where terrorists continue to threaten peace.

According to the Iraqi Police Chief in Ramadi, Brig. Gen. Ahmed Khalil, the Iraqi Police have achieved victory, but they must continue their hard work because they are going through a very critical point in time.

“Maintaining victory will be the hardest part, therefore we must continue our hard work during this state of war and stick together as we fight the insurgents,” said Khalil.

(U.S. Army story by Spc. Carl N. Hudson, Combined Press Information Center)

Diyala sheiks meet to address concerns
Saturday, 26 May 2007
Multinational Division – North PAO



A tribal sheik from Diyala province, Iraq, discusses concerns on behalf of his tribe during a sheik meeting with provincial leadership in Baqubah, May 23. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Serena Hayden.TIKRIT — About 45 local sheiks met with Diyala provincial leadership in Baqubah, Iraq, to discuss their tribe’s concerns, reconcile grievances and discover solutions to rid terrorism from the province, May 23.

Diyala governor, Gov. Ra’ad Hameed Al-Mula Jowad Al-Tamimi, addressed services the government could help provide; while Staff Maj. Gen. Ghanem Abass Ibraham al-Qureshy, the provincial director of police, and Staff Brig. Gen. Adul Hussein al-Tamimi, the new 5th Iraqi Army Division commander, discussed security plans for the province.

Also in attendance was Brig. Gen. Mick Bednarek, Multi-National Division-North operations officer; and Col. David W. Sutherland, senior coalition forces commander in Diyala, who spoke of reconciling tribal differences to achieve “strength through unity.”

After the key leaders spoke, the sheiks addressed three main concerns – the failure of the central government to focus on the problems of Diyala, the failure of the Provincial Council to effectively represent the people and the common goal of ridding the tribal lands of terrorists and foreign fighters.

Sheik Ahmed Azziz, Sistani’s representative in Diyala, continued to challenge the leaders to settle their differences and work with the legitimate government; while Ra’ad committed to continue meeting with different nahias throughout Diyala in an effort to create reconciliation at the lowest levels where it can be most easily enforced.

Ra’ad said his intent is to unite the provincial leadership with the local leadership in order to build reconciliation from the ground up.

After the meeting, the leaders gathered for a feast to continue their discussion and work to solve their grievances.

Baghdad bouncer for RIL-ONGC plans

TIMES NEWS NETWORK[ SATURDAY, MAY 26, 2007 12:00:06 AM]


NEW DELHI: The US-supported government in Baghdad has just delivered what might be termed a ‘crude’ blow to India. The Iraqi government has refused to honour an earlier deal relating to the Tuba oil block in Southern Iraq, awarded to the unlikely combine of ONGC and RIL by the deposed Saddam Hussein regime. The Tuba block will be bid again, according to Baghdad.

Although the consortium had bagged the exploration project during the Saddam reign, the block’s formal handover was still to happen. Visiting Iraqi oil minister Hussain al-Shahristani held that the block, which was secured by the Indian companies during the previous regime, was not formally awarded.

On the Tuba oilfield, Mr al-Shahristani said: “Contract (for the field) was not signed and so it will be put up in international competitive bidding round and Indian companies will have to bid for it.” A consortium of OVL (ONGC’s overseas arm), RIL and Algeria’s Sonatrach had been shortlisted in 2000 for the block.

ONGC Videsh (OVL) may, however, be allowed to retain its other oil block (Block-8), which was also awarded during the previous regime. “The decision of awarding Block-8 to ONGC may have to reviewed to restructure it in conformity with the new law,” Mr al-Shahristani said.

The contract for Block 8 (bordering Kuwait) will have to be amended in accordance with the new oil and gas law likely to be enacted in the next two months. The legislation has been cleared by the Cabinet and it is awaiting Parliament’s nod, he said after a meeting of the Indo-Iraq Joint Working Group in New Delhi.

“All contracts signed by the previous regime or Kurdish regional government will have to be revisited and amended to make them compliant with our new law,” the minister said .

It is learnt that OVL, which has been the contractor for Block-8, an oil producing block, had already done some field development work before war broke out in Iraq in 2003. “Discovery of oil in the block was made, but it was not appraised,” an OVL official said.

Mr al-Shahristani said Iraq would announce new rounds of bidding for hydrocarbon assets. “The first round of bidding is expected by the end of 2007,” he said. Iraq will invite bids for oil and gas blocks in every six months.

While Iraq categorically said it would not favour India in any way in getting oil blocks, it sought the help of Indian companies to rebuild its refineries. It is understood that India expressed reservation in helping Iraq as these refineries would eventually compete with its own in export markets.

“They should give us oilfields on a nomination basis if they want us to build refineries. There should be reciprocity,” an official said. The three-day joint commission meeting was led by petroleum minister Murli Deora.

Mr al-Shahristani said Iraq was willing to supply long-term crude oil at discounted price to companies building refineries. He, however, ruled out giving fields on a nomination basis, citing Iraqi law.

MENAFN - Khaleej Times) Iraqi membership in the World Trade Organisation would send a powerful message that the country has emerged from decades of international exclusion under Saddam Hussein and is on the path to economic development, its trade minister said yesterday.


Abed Falah Al Sudani told ambassadors meeting in Geneva for first discussions on Iraq's bid to enter the 150-member commerce body that "joining the WTO is an important step toward integration into the global trading system and restores its position with the international community after decades of isolation from the world," according to a copy of the statement obtained by The Associated Press.

Iraq applied for membership almost three years ago, and a WTO negotiating group was established in December 2004.

Membership isn't expected for years to come.

"We were very pleased with this meeting," U.S. Ambassador Peter Allgeier told The AP. "We look forward to working with the (Iraqi) delegation to make this a successful process."

WTO ambassadors from the European Union, Japan and other countries also asked questions of Iraqi officials presenting a 284-page report of its progress in harmonising its trading rules with international standards.

Trade officials stressed that the current security situation and political instability in Iraq means it is premature to talk about any timetable for accession.

The first meeting focused on political support for the Iraqi government, rather than the tough reforms it needs to make, officials said. "As you know, there is much to be done," Al Sudani conceded.

But he added that the Iraqi government was still able to generate economic growth over the last two years "despite the current circumstances Iraq is going through."

Since U.S.-led forces toppled Saddam's regime in 2003, the country has taken "rapid steps" to develop a market economy from a state-planned economy, boosting private enterprise, economic freedom, employment and free trade, Al Sudani said.

He said Iraq was hoping to gain the WTO's assistance in the transition.

"Iraq's membership in the WTO sends a positive signal to the people of Iraq that they are welcomed back and that the world really cares about their welfare," Al Sudani said.


MENAFN - Middle East North Africa . Financial Network News: Iraq begins process to join WTO


NOTE:

WTO SAYS:

Membership isn't expected for years to come.

US AMBASSADOR SAYS:

"We were very pleased with this meeting," U.S. Ambassador Peter Allgeier told The AP. "We look forward to working with the (Iraqi) delegation to make this a successful process."

WHAT DOES NOT MATCH UP HERE?

Originally Posted by Mike5200

Iraq oil law to shut out foreign firms
by David Westley and Reuters on Friday, 25 May 2007 Iraq’s new oil law is to guarantee that 80% of its oil reserves are managed by the state owned Iraqi national oil company, ending speculation that foreign firms would be given widespread access to the country’s oil fields.

Speaking to pan-Arabic daily newspaper al-Hayat, the country’s oil minister Hussain al-Shahristani said that the firm would control all fields other than those that are not now in production and which are a long way from production.

"This means that 80 percent of discovered Iraqi reserves will be set aside for the Iraqi National (Oil) Company, and this invalidates the claim that the law will pave the way for foreign companies to control Iraqi oil," he said. Arrangements for developing the other oilfields will depend on a Federal Oil and Gas Council, he added.

Story continues below ↓
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Iraq needs billions of dollars in foreign investment to boost oil output and rebuild its economy, which had given rise to speculation that international companies would be given access to largely underdeveloped oilfields.

Shahristani said the new law should be approved in two months. It will regulate how wealth from Iraq's oil reserves will be shared between its sectarian and ethnic groups.

Iraq's current production capacity ranges between 2.8 and 2.9 barrels a day (bpd). "It is possible to boost this capacity as it is planned to 3 barrels each day," Shahristani said.

He also said that Iraq is trying to add more units to Iraqi refineries to raise their capacity from 700,000 to 750,000 bpd to meet the increasing demand for derivatives.

The energy sector is struggling to recover from years of mismanagement, sanctions and attacks against infrastructure by insurgents.

Iraq has eight oil refineries, none of which was damaged during the U.S.-led invasion in 2003.

sounds like they got their differences on the oil and gas straightened out from this article.

22 May 2007

Inspector General Finds Progress, Problems in Iraq Rebuilding
Stuart Bowen expresses concern over Iraqi budget execution, corruption

By David Shelby
USINFO Staff Writer





Iraqi workers repair a building in downtown Baghdad, Iraq. Poor coordination among U.S. government agencies, inadequate project oversight by U.S. officials and difficulty in matching qualified personnel with specific projects have been among the challenges facing reconstruction projects in Iraq, reported Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction Stuart Bowen May 22. (© AP Images)

Iraqi workers repair a building in downtown Baghdad, Iraq. (© AP Images)Washington – Much has been accomplished in the effort to rebuild Iraq, but projects face tremendous challenges, according to Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction Stuart Bowen.

Bowen addressed members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee May 22 in a hearing entitled, “Iraq: Is Reconstruction Failing?”

“The short answer is ‘no,’ but it must be put in context," he said. "The reconstruction program in Iraq has been fraught with challenge – a mixture of success and failure.”

Bowen said the security environment remains the chief impediment to reconstruction efforts.

“This is not the Marshall Plan,” he said, referring to the reconstruction of Europe following World War II. “This is a reconstruction program conducted virtually under fire. That means every project has cost more than expected and has taken longer to complete, and a lot of projects have not been finished.”

He also identified poor coordination among U.S. government agencies as a significant problem in managing reconstruction projects. Among other things, he said, the various agencies had inconsistent and poorly managed contracting practices.

U.S. officials, Bowen said, had provided inadequate project oversight and contractors had exercised inadequate quality control.

Bowen said the reconstruction program also has suffered from the difficulty in matching qualified personnel with specific projects, and he called for the creation of a U.S. civilian reserve corps that would provide a ready pool of individuals with the skills necessary to execute post-conflict reconstruction programs in the future.

The inspector general said he sent teams to visit reconstruction projects completed more than six months ago to assess the sustainability of those efforts and found some troubling results. He pointed out specific concerns with a refurbished maternity hospital in Erbil and with the Baghdad Airport. The hospital now suffers from backed-up sewage and a broken water purification system, and the new power generators at the airport are not functioning.

Bowen said U.S. reconstruction efforts are moving away from large-scale infrastructure projects toward government capacity-building programs managed by provincial reconstruction teams and small-scale building projects funded by military commanders at the local level. This shifts the burden for capital investment to the Iraqi government, which, he said, has difficulty with budget execution.

“Last year, the Iraqi government simply did not execute its capital budget program effectively – most notably in the Ministry of Oil, arguably the most critical economic ministry. Oil generates 94 percent of Iraq’s budget, 75 percent of its GDP [gross domestic product]. And it spent a fraction, a tiny fraction of its capital budget last year,” he said.

He said the Iraqi government must address this problem if reconstruction is to continue apace.

Bowen also expressed concern with the Iraqi government’s ability to fight corruption. He said the Iraqi prime minister has prohibited the Commission on Public Integrity from prosecuting current or former ministers and that the Iraqi criminal code allows ministers to exempt any employee from prosecution. He said these limitations fundamentally undermine the commission’s ability to prosecute corruption cases. Bowen called corruption “the second insurgency,” indicating, in his view, the severity of the problem.

The full text of Bowen’s prepared statement is available on the Web site of the House Foreign Relations Committee.

For more on U.S. policies, see Iraq Update.

(USINFO is produced by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: USINFO - The United States Department of State)

Originally Posted by Mike5200

Iraqi Government Offers Its 'Full Support' to the Persecuted Christians of Baghdad
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted GMT 5-25-2007 20:56:27
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Baghdad (AsiaNews) -- The Iraqi government has expressed its solidarity to the Christians of Baghdad and has pledged to protect them. In a statement in English reported yesterday by the AINA news agency, a spokesman for the Iraqi government said that the "Iraqi Cabinet addressed the issue of threats and expulsions of Christian families in Baghdad by terrorist groups. The Cabinet expressed its full support to provide all necessary assistance needed to protect them, and provide any assistance to face this threat that is rejected by our orthodox Islamic religion and the forgiving Iraqi society, between all of its components--especially the relationship with our Christians brothers."

Iraqi Christians, both at home and abroad, have welcomed the government's statement, which they have been waiting for a long time following many complaints by bishops and the clergy. They note however that the statement is only about intentions and that it does not contain any concrete steps to limit the campaign of persecution directed at the Christian community in the capital and Mosul. These two cities are at present the most affected by violence, threats and abuses, including seizure of property and forced conversion to Islam.

Similarly, Muslims are coming to the defence of their 'Christian brothers' in two ways. On the one hand, there are secular groups, unarmed and with no political influence, who in Baghdad have organised some protection for persecuted Christian families, including giving them refuge in their own homes; on the other, there are Muslim religious leaders who are speaking out against bloodshed regardless of faith. This is the case of the secretary general to the grand mufti of Iraq who in a signed message said: "We hear with sadness and distress about what is happening to our Christian brothers in Iraq. We [. . .] incriminate the perpetrator (sic)."

A few days ago, Shia leader Hussain Sadr also spoke about the issue. In an interview to a Christian satellite channel, he expressed his solidarity vis-à-vis his "Christian" brothers and all of Iraq's minorities.

© 2007, Assyrian International News Agency

Thanks for this post!