Thread: Iraq/Dinar News until 6/17/07 8:30 PM CST

Deputy Prime Minister receives a number of Ambassadors

(Voice of Iraq) - 17-06-2007

Send this topic to a friend

Republic of Iraq
The Cabinet-National Information Center
Media Relations

Press Release

Press statement / Press Release
Sunday 17-6-2007


Deputy Prime Minister receives a number of Ambassadors to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations

Prime Minister Barham Saleh Ahmed Deputy Prime Minister Japanese ambassador in Baghdad, Mr. Kenjiro Monge.

It was during the meeting, bilateral relations between the two countries and the most important developments at the Iraqi and regional levels, has also been exploring the best ways to strengthen these relations for the benefit of the two friendly countries, especially in economic fields.

They discussed the mechanisms of the loan application, the Japanese government announced that the Japanese earlier in order to support the process of building and reconstruction.

For his part, the Japanese ambassador in his government's full support for the document on the International Covenant and readiness to activate the decisions and document Sharm el-Sheikh. The meeting was attended by the Japanese consul and advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister for Political Affairs.

And in relation met Deputy Prime Minister Australian Ambassador in Baghdad, Mr. Mark Brown during the meeting was to review the prospects for bilateral relations between Iraq and Australia and the best ways to strengthen these relations for the benefit of the peoples of the two countries, built on the basis of common interests.

For his part, Australian Ambassador renewed his country's support for the International Covenant document its strong condemnation of the hideous crime that targeted military goat Imams (p).

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

Originally Posted by lewscrew

BAGHDAD — Adjusted security measures have resulted in a resurgence of economic growth in the western Baghdad

Baghdad soldiers and Iraqi Security Forces give way to shopkeepers, and fear gives way to progress. neighborhood of Hateen. A local market has seen a resurgence of activity as Multi-National Division –

Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery Regiment, have teamed up with members of the 2nd Battalion, 5th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army to find a way to stimulate business in the Hateen Market while still maintaining security.
As a result, economic activity in the market has increased, fostering better relations between local merchants and the Iraqi Army.

The market, located in the southeastern Mansour neighborhood of Hateen, is the economic center of the area and its activity is directly tied to the economic prosperity of the residents.

Markets in Baghdad have long been a favorite target of suicide bombers, and the previous Iraqi Army unit in Hateen worried that the market there might be next in the long line of attacks committed by insurgents. With its three blocks of
grocery stores, butcher shops, cafes, and vegetable stands, the Hateen Market presented a security problem for 3rd Battalion, 5th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Infantry Division.

In response to this problem, the Iraqi battalion blocked the roads leading into the market with concertina wire and concrete and sand-filled barriers. The concertina wire and concrete kept suicide bombers at bay, but it also limited
pedestrian access to the market. As a result, sales plummeted and a large number of proprietors closed their shops.

The local merchants were distraught by the decline in customers, and requested that the Iraqi Army and Coalition Forces find a way to secure their market without limiting pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

The new Iraqi Army battalion commander, Col. Ali Al-Obaydi, made fixing the situation in the Hateen Market his top priority. On May 21, Col. Ali toured the market, along with Maj. Jim MacGregor, 2-32 FA’s executive officer, and Capt. Brian McCall, commander of Battery A, 2-32 FA.

Together, the three leaders engaged local merchants about the status of commerce in the market and asked the shop owners what could be done to stimulate business. Most of the owners agreed that the Iraqi Army needed to remove the concertina wire and abandon its blocking position to allow local residents easier access to the market.

They also asked that Coalition Forces conduct regular combined patrols of the market with Iraqi Army units. Within one week, the blocking position was unmanned and the concertina wire was removed. Business in the market immediately picked up. Soldiers from 2-32 FA regularly patrol through the market with Iraqi Army troops, and local merchants greet both forces with smiles and, many times, an offer of a cold drink or snacks.

“It was unbelievable,” remarked McCall, following a patrol of the market a week after his tour with Col. Ali. “Just a week ago, half of these stores were closed, and the ones that were open had owners who only wanted to complain to Col. Ali and I. A week later, I felt like I was walking through a completely different market. The shops were all open. The merchants seemed happy, and best of all, there were customers everywhere.”

McCall added that his unit, in conjunction with 2-5-6th IA, will continue to evaluate economic activity in the market. He said they are currently planning an advertising campaign that will use billboards to highlight the security of the market.


Multi-National Force - Iraq - West Baghdad market thrives during troop surge

ever wonder why you NEVER see this stuff on abc, cbs, or nbc?? i would think this kind of stuff would be HUGE to a network that wanted to put themselves above the rest.

Originally Posted by rvalreadydang

Ok there is apparantely a brand new news paper born today, put out by the Ministry of Trade "the Trade", now this article on that site seems familiar, not sure if it's old and they are rehashing from other articles, or if it's current.

Minister of trade confirms... The success of the Iraqi negotiator delegation with the World Trade Organization to answer on the organization's questions about the joining of Iraq...
Baghdad /

Dr. Abdul falah Hassan Al sudany Minister of Trade confirmed the success of the negotiations which made the Iraqi negotiation team with the World Trade Organization for the purpose of the joining of Iraq to the Organization and the success of the delegation to answer most questions which posed by the world organization on the commercial dealings and economic in the Iraq.

Al Sudany added that he met with the delegation of the world Organization and he presented explanation on the nature and the procedures which adopted by the Iraqi government in addition to the laws and the legislation which issued by the government, for the taxes purpose of economic and commercial in Iraq.
He added that the talks resulted in the full understanding of the International Organization for the economic measures being taken in Iraq for the purpose of organizing the economic and commercial work so as to contribute to Iraq's entry into the international organization which plans of global economic policy.
Al sudany pointed out that he presented explanation for every question put forward in the negotiations especially on the subjects of investment inside Iraq and petroleum projects as well as taxes (customs tariff) further explain the nature of the measures being taken to facilitate the process of the commercial exchange with the region and the world states in addition to the procedures adopted to get suppliers licenses exportation and importation to be decided by the ministry and established by a special law which was recorded (2000) companies since the fall of the regime to the end of the previous year and that means existence large flexibility in the registration of companies.

Pointing out that the exportation -importation procedures in Iraq under specific instructions, the role of the Ministry of Trade was to grant the licenses to give greater flexibility to the importer and exporter with regard to the health minister said that there are legislated laws on these subjects and on the procedures relating to intellectual property, trademarks and relevance with business.

Al sudany explained that there are many actions that could be taken with respect to intellectual property, trademarks, explaining that the government has law on intellectual property and patent, but we see it inappropriate to the laws of the World Trade Organization at the present time. Minister of Trade and the Iraqi negotiation team had met both Moroccan and Brazilian Ambassadors, the European Union and Egypt in the World Trade Organization and confirmed Iraq's desire to develop its economic and commercial relations as well as the importance of their contribution to reduction the barriers and obstacles in Iraq’s joining to the World Trade Organization , he spoke about the common desire to develop the economic and commercial cooperation and to enhance the economic ability of Iraq in the world organization .


Iraqi Ministry of Trade - News

thanks tracey!! well this says to me they are ready for article 8 and the only requirement they havent met for that is an internationally exchangeable currency. lets get those laws passed this week and its party time!!!!

Hoshyar Zebari : Iraqi city of Kirkuk and Turkey is not right

(Voice of Iraq) - 17-06-2007

Hoshyar Zebari : Iraqi city of Kirkuk and Turkey has no right to interfere
PNA - The Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari, that the government of Nuri al-Maliki was not obliged to schedule or timetable for the implementation of what was agreed upon issues of constitution amendment and the law of oil and gas and other issues. Zebari explained in a conversation with «Middle East» happened in New York «The problem that we face in the speedy implementation of these things».

The Iraqi minister timetable for the implementation of what was agreed upon that is artificially by the complexity of the Iraqi situation from the political and security. He went on to say «that the current government is not ideal and this always what we say and there were mistakes and failures and challenges».

».

He also pointed to the negative impact on the Iraqi arena for political debate, which witnessed the American arena on Iraq in a U.S. presidential elections, saying «these differences that we observe between the American administration and the Congress adversely affect the security and political situation in Iraq and send letters wrong». In regard to the Iranian American dialogue, Zebari sign that the parties of the recent meetings in the near future, but he added, saying «that both sides look to achieve some tangible results on the ground». The following is the text of the interview :



Where is the project of national reconciliation and there are some parties say that the project did not achieve any of its objectives?

In order to be clear that there is a lot of political objectives presented as dictates or if claims U.S. foreign or Arab. But, in essence, are the goals and objectives within the Iraqi government; National reconciliation is the first to announce it is the Prime Minister (Nuri al-Maliki). There is also the issue of reviewing the Constitution, and this issue is the Iraqi commitment to ourselves when we adopted the Constitution and no one came to the orders to carry out this work. When we voted on this constitution and we paragraph regarding constitutional review. We also (Iraqis) who decided to review the law abolishing the Baath within certain rules and we also took the initiative in drafting the oil and gas to be this law nationally, fair and secure distribution of the national wealth to all areas and to all people with justice and equality. The problem that we face is how quickly implement these things. We basically non-binding deadlines or timetables associated Istanbul certain other countries and that these laws related to the future of coming generations, and when legislation must embark on sound foundations and the foundations of consensus so we give room for continuity.

But there is a clear cash and issued several quarters, including the American government to perform Maliki.

Certainly, the current government is not ideal, and this is what we say always, and there are mistakes and failures and challenges, but at the same time there are achievements and progress in a lot of issues. Since the government is elected and responsible nature in each case would Monetary us, and I am a member of this government.

.

But the challenges facing the government of national unity usually especially in terms of security with them in difficult circumstances to achieve compatibility and to achieve agreement, and this affects the speed of action and progress. The government was seeking to make progress in the program and at many levels. But unfortunately, that news tyrant in the world media is Almvkhkhat news of the explosions, murder and destroy holy sites. There is no explore and investigate, for example, the government budget for the projects and achievements made by being achieved on the ground, and these things are usually absent from the media.



The issues raised is the question of the Party insist on the implementation of Article 140 of the Constitution relating to the city of Kirkuk. There are calls for the postponement of the implementation of this article, a result of gravity currently Are you with the postponement?

I do not think that the issue any statements or any statement on the postponement of approval, and Article 140 which will be implemented in stages; Including a normalization phase Statistics, a referendum. According to my reading of the political situation, the leaders Alkordih will not accept any postponement, has declared this position frankly and openly before the world.

It is important for us to take things for now and gradually, a series of technical procedures and the process that must be applied on the ground even reach the final stage of implementation in practical side is sentenced in the course of this process and not political or claim by issuing a statement to postpone the referendum.


Do you find any link between the threat and the issue of Turkish insistence on the implementation of article on the city of Kirkuk?

I do not think the fact that such a link, and this theme Iraqi constitutional rather than Turkey, any income, and the city of Kirkuk are Turkish and Iraqi Turkey has no right to interfere. If Turkey's ambitions in Iraq and wants to control on the basis of these ambitions is another matter.

The one meeting between Americans and Iranians, would be followed by another meeting of this meeting and what are your reading of this meeting?
Certainly .. As I know this meeting will be followed by meetings that took place in Baghdad, in Sharm el-Sheikh to follow up, but I think, both sides look to achieve some tangible results. For us Iraqi government, we are not neutral in this matter and we say in this matter.

..

The issue being discussed between the United States and Iran on the future of Iraq may not be for us to stand on the fence on this issue .. We have enough of the concerns and things and the challenges we face every day and we can accept that turning Iraq into an arena for settling accounts.

It is clear that there is broad Iranian interference in Iraq, what are the demands of the Iraqi government of Iran, specifically in this period?

It is known that Iran is a neighbor and is very strong in our interest to have good relations with whatever political system controlled in Iran, Iran does not accept nor any other State can control our destiny or interfere in our internal affairs, We do not want interference in their internal affairs or make ourselves guardians to choose the political system.

What happened to the diplomatic exchange between Syria and Iraq? Be exchanged ambassadors?

We re-establish diplomatic relations with Syria and we are in the stage of exchanging ambassadors in the near future, we also decided to send ambassadors to us to Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait and all countries in the region soon, God willing. We understand the nature of the security situation and leave them with the option to send ambassadors when the situation is appropriate for them and to create favorable conditions for them.

As you know, the United States on the verge of a presidential election, the American arena has been fierce debate about the war in Iraq and the American intervention How in your view would affect this hot debate on the situation in Iraq?

In fact, this debate will inevitably affect the internal situation in Iraq, would encourage anti-government groups. We believe that these differences that we observe between the American administration and the Congress adversely affect the security and political situation in Iraq, draws political messages very wrong signal to terrorists and extremists on the grounds that the non-uniform administration over Iraq and divided, and this contributes to raise the morale of opponents of the political process in Iraq.

What is the impact of the action taken by block Iyad Allawi and other political blocs to establish a new political front opposed to the government of Maliki?

Within the democratic climate prevailing in Iraq, it is the right of all the political blocs to move for the national interest. I believe that such moves must be within Iraq and on the ground because the political forces and national leaders and the existing blocs is the only one who decides the fate of the government and the country. We can determine the fate of the foreign forces.

>

But these blocs talking now in the search for another alternative to the government-Malki. No parliament could use this mechanism and there is no institutions for jurisdiction, but the search for a replacement from abroad seems to be very difficult, there is no constitution or institutions allow this process coup.

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

Originally Posted by shotgunsusie

thanks tracey!! well this says to me they are ready for article 8 and the only requirement they havent met for that is an internationally exchangeable currency. lets get those laws passed this week and its party time!!!!

This probably isn't encouraging news but one of today's articles states that the HCL could be ratified by the year end.

Talks over the hydrocarbons law continue. The main sticking point is what share of the oil revenues central and regional governments receive. The law could be ratified later this year by parliament. Iraqi oil workers call off 'hydrocarbon law' strike after promise of action - Independent Online Edition > Business News

Furthermore, there are reported comments by the Ambassador to Iraq that it's very unlikely that benchmarks would be met before September. Given that the Iraq Petroleum Conference is scheduled for Sep in Dubai, let's hope it acts as an incentive to get their fingers out and do something.

June 17, 2007, 1:39PM Traffic clogs Baghdad's streets as curfew lifted

BAGHDAD — The Iraqi capital sprang to life today after a four-day curfew to thwart violence following a provocative attack on a Shiite shrine.
Traffic clogged the capital's main thoroughfares for the first time in several days, after a vehicle ban imposed by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki in the wake of Wednesday's suspected al-Qaida bombing of the minarets at the Askariya shrine in Samarra, north of the capital.
Lines of vehicles snaked around the block where gas stations had been shut for days, and vendors spread fresh vegetables across wooden stands in bustling wholesale markets. Packed buses motored slowly over bridges spanning the Tigris River.
The curfew was lifted just hours after a top American general acknowledged that security forces have full control in only 40 percent of the city.
Lt. Gen. Raymond Odierno's assessment came as a U.S.-Iraqi effort to pacify Baghdad entered its fifth month, with 30,000 additional U.S. troops now in place. But the city has so far seen little improvement in overall violence, and a tense political standoff was under way between the U.S.-backed government and Shiite lawmakers who suspended their participation in parliament.
Odierno said American troops launched a new offensive Friday night in Baghdad's Arab Jabour neighborhood and in Salman Pak, a town just southeast of the capital. It was the first time in three years that U.S. soldiers entered those areas, where al-Qaida militants build car bombs and launch Katyusha rockets at American bases and Shiite Muslim neighborhoods.
The overall U.S. commander in Iraq, Gen. David Petraeus, said during a news conference Saturday with visiting Defense Secretary Robert Gates that the operation would put troops into key al-Qaida-held areas surrounding Baghdad.
Odierno said there was a long way to go in retaking the city from Shiite Muslim militias, Sunni Arab insurgents and al-Qaida terrorists. He said only about "40 percent is really very safe on a routine basis" — with about 30 percent lacking control and a further 30 percent suffering "a high level of violence."
The U.S. ground forces commander discussed the new offensive and the security situation in an interview with two reporters as he visited an American outpost near the main market in the capital's southern Dora district, a major Sunni Arab stronghold.
"There's about 30 percent of the city that needs work, like here in Dora and the surrounding areas," Odierno said. "Those are the areas that we consider to be the hot spots, which usually have a Sunni-Shiite fault line, and also areas where al-Qaida has decided to make a stand."
The U.S. military released a statement today saying its forces killed 10 suspects and captured 20 in weekend raids across Iraq, though it was unclear whether the operations were part of the new U.S. offensive.
Another statement said U.S. attack helicopters had killed four suspects and wounded three in operations south of Baghdad. The aircraft were operating in support of Iraqi army soldiers on the ground, who were engaged by insurgents, it said. The incident took place Friday.
Suspected militants fired on the helicopters as they swooped in, then ran into a nearby structure, the statement said. One of the helicopters fired on the building, destroying it.
Afterward, Iraqi soldiers found three sniper rifles, multiple hand grenades and black masks scattered amid the ruins of the building, the military said.
In troubled Diyala province, police said dozens of gunmen opened fire on civilians, killing six and wounding four others. Iraqi security forces responded to the attack in the Jizan al-Imam area of Khalis, 50 miles north of Baghdad, and clashes continued there through Sunday morning, police said.
Elsewhere, a car bomb killed two Kurdish security agents this morning in Iraq's oil-rich northern city of Kirkuk, police said.
The men were traveling in a civilian car through downtown Kirkuk when a parked car bomb exploded next to their vehicle, said police Brig. Sarhat Qadir. Three pedestrians were injured, he said.
Kirkuk, an ethnically mixed city, lies 180 miles north of Baghdad.
South of the capital, a roadside bomb went off next to an Iraqi police patrol in Nasiriyah, wounding two policemen, authorities said. Nasiriyah is predominantly Shiite city about 200 miles southeast of Baghdad.

Traffic clogs Baghdad's streets as curfew lifted | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

skiier did you just now start reading these articles for yourself? you act surprised at activity that has been taking place all the time since we started this investment. this is how these articles have been coming out. you gotta learn to read these articles instead of 'borrowin' them.

Originally Posted by oldskiier

So much conflicting news coming out.....???


What is your assessment of the past 48 hours?


Some negative incidents took place but I think [overall] it has been good. Any political and media observer who watched the first attack would realize that the worst security actions happened after the Samarra attack last time. Therefore, what happened this time is much less than what could have happened and this is a success for the government, that it managed to have a quick and wise reaction.

You know that Americans watch your government very closely to see if it can reach the benchmarks set by Washington to ease tensions with Sunnis, including an oil revenue-sharing law, a law to allow more ex-Baathists back to their jobs, Constitutional amendments and laws for provincial elections. Why are they are taking so long?

First of all, the things the Americans are talking about are things we talk about. These things are national goals that come in harmony with the nature of the new federal political regime. Success for us and for the American administration is very important. Now, the drafts of the laws of oil, [the DeBaathification revision] and provincial elections are all ready and will be submitted to the parliament next week.(Interview was on Friday, so this coming week) Some people in the U.S. administration make statements that are understood by observers as if the administration is dictating to the Iraqi government. This is not true, of course. It is an issue of partnership, there is no dictating.

President of Kurdstan region to meet with management and board members.

(Voice of Iraq) - 17-06-2007

Send this topic to a friend

President of Kurdstan region meet with the administration and members of the Dohuk governorate officials and government administrative units

In the framework of a visit by Mr. Massoud Barzani, President of Kurdstan region to Dohuk governorate on the first day of this visit met sovereignty and the presence of Messrs. Mullah Mohammad Qadir and Azad Barwari organically political bureau of the Democratic Party, Arslan Puk Baez and Emad Ahmed elected political office of the Patriotic Union of Puk and Dohuk governor and members of the Provincial The heads of administrative units and organizations.

At the beginning of the meeting with Mr. Ramadan governor of Dohuk thanks on behalf of President Barzani to attend to this opportunity of sovereignty and wished that this visit will be an opportunity to learn more on the conditions of the city of Dohuk in all respects administrative and party and military. After President Barzani delivered a speech in which he highlighted the conditions of Kurdstan territory, the region and relations between the two parties and the National Democratic Puk Puk. As for the situation in Kurdstan talked sovereignty and substantial gains in the uprising and delegating to now, it also highlighted the events of September 11th and factors from which to be in the interest of the peoples of Iraq, where the major cause of ousting the dictator in Baghdad, which was the primary role of Cord it.
In another part of his speech, President Barzani to organize House Party saying : the enormous sacrifices made by the people of Kurdstan greater demands and current gains and in order to reach the magnitude of the great sacrifices we must organize House Party and unification.

At this meeting, the Chairman pointed out to the reforms that have taken place in the territory of Kurdstan administrative aspects, partisan and military sovereignty and said we must learn how to secure the requirements of life and to the government of the territory Kurdstan to operate a constitutional and legal framework and to the heads of administrative units can also exercise their work properly and may officials partisan interference in government affairs.

As for the obligations of the citizens they must not feel afraid of officials, but within the law, and there is also the expense and responsibility to freedom of opinion and expression, customs and habits and should not be an obstacle to citizens, it must also be free of religion and doctrine.

The President said Barzani immunity is not away from the people because there is no greater immunity from immunity people. On corruption sovereignty pointed out that we must look for logical solutions to them.

With regard to troop Peshmargas, President Barzani said : Under the reforms we are trying formation of a new army and sophisticated territory of Kurdstan. With regard to constitutional amendments to the Constitution proposed by the President Barzani stressed that any amendment to the Iraqi constitution and the article 140 is not in favor of the people Puk will not accept it and would be rejected by us.

At the end of the meeting, the President spoke out about the conditions of Iraq and the region, adding that Kurds always played a positive role in bringing other parties from each other and always supported the legitimate and the current government, said : "The Front, which is holding a meeting around in Cairo and attended by a number of traitors. We are against this move will be a site for the likes of these traitors in any Iraqi front, we are with the friendship with all the neighboring countries are in the interests of everybody. "

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

US Ambassador Says Iraq Not Hopeless
Released : Sunday, June 17, 2007 9:09 AM
WASHINGTON-The U.S. ambassador in Baghdad said Sunday the situation in Iraq is "a mixed picture, but certainly not a hopeless one."
He said there are frustrations, but also signs of progress, and cautioned about the ramifications of a precipitous withdrawal of forces.
"In terms of the political agenda, clearly we are frustrated with the slow progress that is being made on the legislative benchmarks," said Ambassador Ryan Crocker. "The Iraqis are frustrated, too. They are working hard on these things. The fact is they are difficult to do, difficult in and of themselves ... and difficult in the current security climate."
He said the Iraqis are "very close" to agreement on a plan for manage the country's oil production and share resources.
"It's a mixed picture. There is some progress, but there's a lot of frustration and it's a frustration the Iraqis share."
He said the recent U.S. buildup of forces is just now complete and is showing signs of progress in establishing security, particularly in parts of Baghdad in Anbar Province, a former al-Qaida stronghold to the north of the city.
To charges that the plan has produced a "whack a mole" result in which insurgents are routed in one location, only to pop up in another, Crocker said, "What we are now positioned to do ... is whack a whole lot of moles simultaneously."
Crocker said he and Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, will report to Washington in September, but declined to speculate what they will say.
"It will be a snapshot, obviously, but that film can't be developed until we're there in September," he said.
He reiterated that "a concern I have had is that there are two clocks and the Washington clock is running a lot faster than the Baghdad clock is."
He said the troop buildup was intended as "a way to speed up the Baghdad clock and put a little extra time on the Washington clock."
In their September report, Crocker said he and Petraeus owe it to civilian leadership "at both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue" what consequences might be if the U.S. mounts a quick withdrawal.
He said Iran and Syria are playing "distinctly unhelpful roles" in Iraq and "we've got to consider what may happen" if the U.S. pulls out before Iraq is able to stand on its own.
Crocker spoke from Baghdad on NBC's "Meet the Press."


http://calibre.mworld.com/m/m.w?lp=GetStory&id=258033571

Originally Posted by shotgunsusie

skiier did you just now start reading these articles for yourself? you act surprised at activity that has been taking place all the time since we started this investment. this is how these articles have been coming out. you gotta learn to read these articles instead of 'borrowin' them.

Oh so you wrote these articles yourself????
You don't think you are "borrowing" them from the writers???
Very mature.