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

THE WTO SAYS:

Membership isn't expected for years to come

THE 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 CONNECT WITH THIS STORY?

THE ARTICLE SAYS:
Abed Falah Al Sudani told ambassadors meeting in Geneva for first discussions on Iraq's bid to enter the 150-member commerce body

This not the first but rather the six/seventh step of the process and as thre Italian News reported last week (and posted here) that Iraq had met all the requirement for WTO Entry and was to sign a letter of intent to join...

WHAT DOES NOT CONNECT HERE WITH THIS REPORT?



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

Iraq says joining WTO is important step

COM-WTO-IRAQ-MEMBERSHIP
Iraq says joining WTO is important step

GENEVA, May 25 (KUNA) -- The World Trade Organization (WTO) started today negotiations with Iraq for membership.

Iraq's Trade Minister Dr. Hammadi Al-Sudani stated "Iraq's joining the WTO is an important step towards its integration into the global trading system and restores its position within the international community after decades of isolation.

He added in his remarks during the meeting at the WTO that "Iraq has shifted from a centrally planned economy to free market and with the WTO accession will build a transparent economic environment consistent with free trade".

WTO members who attended the accession party strongly supported Iraq's accession and welcomed the start of a new phase in the negotiations.

Members have acknowledged the progress made by Iraq in passing or drafting new legislation to comply with WTO rules.

They have asked for a detail action plan outlining future legislative activities.

The Chair of the Iraq's Working Party, Mrs. Claudia Uribe, Ambassador for Columbia declared "the presence of a high-level delegation from Baghdad shows Iraq's strong will to integrate the multilateral trading system through its accession to the WTO".

She concluded from today's meeting that "the mood was very positive and constructive".

In parallel of this multilateral negotiation, Iraq entered into bilateral negotiations with Morocco, Brazil, United Arab Emirates , Chinese Taipei, Jordan, Vietnam, the US, Norway, Egypt, Oman, and the EU.

Through these negotiations, countries intend to agree on market access for goods and services.

Iraq will prepare documents on agriculture, services, technical barriers to trade, sanitary and phytosanitary issues and intellectual property.

It will also prepare a general legislative action plan providing members with a state of play of current and future legislation. No decision was made on a future meeting. (end) hn.

ajs


KUNA 252236 May 07NNNN

Originally Posted by fredgwest1999

If US Is to Have a Semblance of Success in Its Iraqi Mission
Hassan Tahsin
Guest Contributor


The American administration has been stubbornly refusing to admit its dismal failure to achieve anything in Iraq. President George Bush is desperate to gain some support from US Congress to continue the war in Iraq though the American casualties have been rising steadily, not to say anything of the countless number of Iraqis getting killed. But Bush would never admit that the war is a costly misadventure.

Despite the escalating sectarian strife in Iraq, the US president insists that the violence in Iraq has decreased by half since February after more soldiers were flown into Iraq, though the whole world knows that this is an attempt to conceal the bitter truth that the whole exercise has proved a colossal waste.

If the American and British soldiers have been successful in putting down the violence in that unhappy land, as claimed by President Bush, then why, one wonders, the United States organized a conference of Iraq’s neighbors to find a way out of the tragic state the country has been thrown into. The conference was held early this month following the “International Compact” conference at the Egyptian resort town of Sharm El-Sheikh to raise funds for the reconstruction of the war-battered Iraq.

One need not be a shrewd analyst of international politics to figure out the reasons for the conference. The US knows it is facing defeat in Iraq and it will be unable on its own to restore normalcy or stability in that country.

Though the International Compact was hailed as a success as the participating countries agreed to write off about $30 billion out of Iraq’s $140 billion debt, the 19-point final communiqué did not give any hope of peace returning to Iraq. The final communiqué must have disappointed even an optimist because it did not give any indication of a change in Washington’s Iraq strategy.

All that the US wants is to protect its economic and political interests in the region at any cost. The United States also did not propose any practical steps to end the sectarian clashes.

The conference was organized without preparing the ground for a rapport between the warring groups in Iraq.
Iran, Syria and Turkey blamed the dictatorial attitude of the US for the deteriorating law and order situation in Iraq.

The Bush administration has, obviously, never made an attempt to understand the aspirations of the Iraqi people belonging to diverse sects and creeds.

Turkey is worried about the Iraqi Kurds gaining more power, which would encourage the Turkish Kurds to rise up against Ankara.

On the other hand, the countries in the Gulf region are worried about the threat to their security if chaos and instability continued in Iraq or the US conducted military strikes against Iran.

The US wants peace in Iraq but on its own terms. It also wants an honorable pullout so that the critics of war at home are silenced.

It is obvious that Iraq will not have peace until both the US and Iran made sincere efforts toward that end.

Washington totally rejects a give-and-take policy toward Iran: The Iranian cooperation to stabilize the situation in Iraq in exchange for some US concessions over Iran’s nuclear programs.

The consequences of such concessions, the US believes, would be more calamitous than the dangers of prolonged turmoil and bloodshed in Iraq. On the other hand, Iran wants to negotiate directly with Washington on every outstanding issue, not just Iraq.

This is how the conference ended without achieving any concrete results. This was the 18th meeting on Iraq since the war began in 2003.

The failure of the conference does not mean that the impasse can’t be broken.

It can be — provided there is a shift in attitudes and willingness to offer a few concessions.

Arab View: If US Is to Have a Semblance of Success in Its Iraqi Mission

NOTE:
Restoring Sunni Civil Rights for the Saudis would greatly change this (above) opinion held by the Saudis and would greatly enhanse debt reduction and future assistance in the rebuilding of Iraq...(Just IMHO) But, the PARLIAMENT still seem deadset against this in any of the near term future...SAD! (IMO)

They should have titled that the minority Saudi view point.

Moqtada Sadr urges his followers not to fight government forces

POL-IRAQ-SADR-FIGHTING
Moqtada Sadr urges his followers not to fight government forces

BAGHDAD, May 25 (KUNA) -- Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr on Friday said he was against clashing with the legitimate forces of law and order because this served the interests of foreign occupation forces.

The young cleric, who called for the withdrawal of multinational forces (MNF) appeared for Friday prayers at a local mosque three months after he had reportedly fled to Iran when the US-backed Baghdad security plan was launched.

"You should beware that those who are behind your clashes with the forces of law and order are the occupation forces, who are looking for an excuse for staying in Iraq. So do not give them that excuse," he said in a Friday sermon addressed to his followers, who gathered in the mosque for the traditional Friday prayers.

He stressed that "any fighting between the Mehdi army (loyal to him) and the forcers of law and order, is forbidden and banned," he said.

He called on members of the Mehdi army to use "peaceful means in the face of any provocation from the weak-hearted." He urged the government not to renew the mandate of the MNF "not even for an extra day, because we want them to withdraw." He called on the authorities to restore basic services, prevent members of the dismantled Baath Party from returning to positions of power and called for repairing religious shrines, that were recently damaged by bomb attacks. (end) mag.

eh

KUNA 251524 May 07NNNN

Originally Posted by Mike5200

Moqtada Sadr urges his followers not to fight government forces

POL-IRAQ-SADR-FIGHTING
Moqtada Sadr urges his followers not to fight government forces

BAGHDAD, May 25 (KUNA) -- Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr on Friday said he was against clashing with the legitimate forces of law and order because this served the interests of foreign occupation forces.

The young cleric, who called for the withdrawal of multinational forces (MNF) appeared for Friday prayers at a local mosque three months after he had reportedly fled to Iran when the US-backed Baghdad security plan was launched.

"You should beware that those who are behind your clashes with the forces of law and order are the occupation forces, who are looking for an excuse for staying in Iraq. So do not give them that excuse," he said in a Friday sermon addressed to his followers, who gathered in the mosque for the traditional Friday prayers.

He stressed that "any fighting between the Mehdi army (loyal to him) and the forcers of law and order, is forbidden and banned," he said.

He called on members of the Mehdi army to use "peaceful means in the face of any provocation from the weak-hearted." He urged the government not to renew the mandate of the MNF "not even for an extra day, because we want them to withdraw." He called on the authorities to restore basic services, prevent members of the dismantled Baath Party from returning to positions of power and called for repairing religious shrines, that were recently damaged by bomb attacks. (end) mag.

eh

KUNA 251524 May 07NNNN

I think even if they stop their fighting they will find that the fighting is being done by Al Quida and not them anyway !!! .........and after hearing the news this morning sounds like bush might be thinking of down sizing the troops ..as he knows the same thing.......after the surge is over...my guess after Sept. .... However the U.S will maintain a pretty good size presents there anyway .....

Parliament examines Kurdistan Sunday to face the Bills

(صوت العراق) - 26-05-2007

(Voice of Iraq) - 26-05-2007

ارسل هذا الموضوع لصديق

Send this topic to a friend

Kurdistan Parliament examines Sunday draft laws to address smoking
Arbil-Iraq votes
The Geman Saleh

Mr. Tariq essence Information Advisor to the President of the Parliament of Kurdistan, Saturday, the parliament will convene a meeting Sunday to discuss a package of draft laws to address smoking.

He added the essence of the Independent News Agency (Voices of Iraq) that "the parliament to convene, Sunday, a residence to discuss a package of draft laws and the initial reading of other laws.
He explained : "Parliament will begin preliminary reading of the laws of the Ministries of Justice and Health for the purpose of adoption."

"

He added : "Parliament will also discuss seven draft laws again highlighted in the draft law against smoking in public places."
N p

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

يوليوThe Iraqi oil issue in July
5-2007, 12:23Added news on 26-5-2007, 12:23

مهديAmman - WAI-Mahdi mirage


رويترز،Reuters,

·Iraqi Oil Minister Hussein Shahrastani said yesterday said that he expects the new Iraqi oil law during the next two months recently timetable for the issuance of law vital for Iraq after it was expected by the end of May, explaining at the same time, The law does not provide for the production sharing contracts will ensure control of the Iraqi National Oil Company, 80% of oil reserves image and added that the Iraqi National Oil Company owned by the state would dominate all fields except those non-productive now and away from the production stage image and went on to say that agreements exploit oil fields left to the other federal oil and gas image and international companies looking to the giant Iraqi oilfields and unused full image and Shahrastani quoted as saying in India that the new law will be issued within two months image and the law is a prerequisite to legalize the sharing of the wealth of Iraq's oil reserves among the sects and ethnic groups Prime Minister said that the production capacity of Iraq now hit 2.8 to 2.9 one million barrels daily.''and continued in the possible lifting As planned to three million barrels per day, "she said Fayyad good grace Director General ministry last Wednesday that Iraq will be presented in an auction of 15 wild oil and gas immediately after the new law •
ÇáÚÑÇÞ ááÌãíÚ :: æßÇáÉ ÇáÃÎÈÇÑ ÇáÚÑÇÞíÉ :: :: ÞÇäæä ÇáäÝØ ÇáÚÑÇÞí íÕÏÑ Ýí íæáíæ

Statement by the existing Iraqi national attack on the members list

Added news on 26-5-2007, 12:12

A statement of the existing Iraqi national attack on the members list

Amman - WAI

The existing Iraqi national Pellna about the situation the country is currently ongoing and the assault against members of the list has received Office (WAI - Oman), a copy of the statement reads as follows :

MERCIFUL

Statement by the Iraqi National List

26/5/2007

The Iraqi National List met in Amman on 18 until 05/23/2007 addressed the current situation in the country are of the security situation and the economic, political and national forces need to circumvent the Iraqi Parliament to form a national front to help correct the course of the political process and the mines of sectarian and success of a plan to impose law ...

.

Assessment participation in the government of Brother Al-Maliki and its openness to all national forces to contribute to the political process and the meeting comes within the periodic meetings.

..

Then surprise attack range of some media accusing the Iraqi List, symbols of conspiring against the nation .. This nation which Rphinah Boukhireh family and friends, where men and women at the top contributors to building the new Iraq, The building of democracy and concern for the purification of the political climate during the rejection of seizing abhorrent sectarianism and national political success of the project and the participation of all political forces that want to engage in peaceful political action and employ good relations with the countries of the region to support the political process and the current government, for example, is not limited to preparation for the Sharm El Sheikh Summit II as well as seeking to extend invitations to Mr. Prime Minister Maliki to visit some Arab countries that were conservative open to the Iraqi government.

While we insist on our national stress the need to share responsibility in the government's decisions through contributing to Atkhadat making and implementation. We emphasize that we continue the dialogue with all the political forces contribute to the parliament to get Iraq out of its current Aziz In this context, our options open to all possibilities including withdrawal from the government at a time we deem appropriate.
National Iraqi List

Translated version of http://www.iraq-na.com/index.php?sec=news&act=view_cat&cid=1

on the road to recovery!! this shows that those lazy iraqis that some closed minded people call them are taking matters into their own hands coz they are fed up. maybe we can get some silence in that area from the ones who only gripe when they post.

Originally Posted by Mike5200

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

i hope the nellies are watching this all come together nicely!!

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