Thread: Archive Latest News - Think Tank - 15/04/08 - 26/08/08

It goes to show just where the Energy Minister from Hezbollah is actually focused on... rather than help rebuild Lebanon...

I think this new opening is a good start for opening up into the Mid East... and may the oil flow increase the Dinar's value sooner as well...

Political blocs failed to reach consensus on disagreements over Kirkuk
Attorney Hossam Al-Azzawi excluded from the list led by Iraq's Iyad Allawi's main political parties reach consensus on differences over the elections in Kirkuk before the end of holiday Parliament early September next and Al-Azzawi said in a statement to Agence (Lucky) Italian News,

"The talks between the parties concerned with the question of elections in Kirkuk, currently stalled, we have not heard so far only calls for a resumption during the legislative recess, which makes speculate on a political settlement of this issue on the eve of the first chapter meetings of the Legislative second in the ninth of September next, is unlikely ", As he put it.

He continued Parliamentary "will not solve the problems of Kirkuk as soon as parliament vote on the law of provincial council elections, but through intensive and constructive dialogues and frank between concerned parties and prominent political leaders, to reach satisfactory solutions put an end to the political spasms and mutual accusations on the responsibility of the failure to resolve these thorny problems." He said "we a.s.p.i.re to be this city a model for the rest of Iraqi cities in establishing the principle of brotherhood and peaceful coexistence among all its components, not to pay the whole country into a cycle of ethnic violence, nationalist"

He stressed that the Iraqi parliamentary political forces that voted on July 22 last to pass the law on the provinces "were not in its intention to enter into strategic alliances aimed at weakening the positions of political partners in the coalition quartet (the Kurds), but wanted to coordinate with one another at the level of the parliament to stabilize the positions And emphasizes national unity and sovereignty of Iraq. " The "Everyone is well aware that the local elections end in 2005 produced a sectarian balance of legislative councils in the governorates of Iraq, and we Laredo be repeated image of the balances in the next elections, so we seek to take all components of Iraqi electoral entitlements according Mans by the Constitution."

Al-Azzawi and favored a "major shift" in the Iraqi political map after the forthcoming local elections. He pointed out that "these elections if what happened in the skies free and fair elections are far from tampering, the official features of the new legislative session borne by the project and sectarian affiliations, and allow the forces of the marginalized to enter.

Translated version of http://www.baghdadtimes.net/Arabic/index.php?sid=31343

High-level official: Draft Security Agreement with Washington have been completed and awaiting approval by political leaders before being presented to Parliament

A high ranking official, today, Wednesday, that was the completion of a draft Security Agreement between Iraq and America, "stressing that" there will be forwarded to the political leaders for approval before being presented to the parliament for ratification. "

The official, in an interview with "Uzmatik" today, Wednesday, evening, that "the Iraqi delegation negotiating the U.S. terminated the draft agreement between the two countries," stressing that "it will be sent to political leaders as the Council of Ministers and the ****utive Council and the Political Council for National Security for approval."

The official, a member of the negotiating team, asked to remain anonymous, said that "if political leaders to the approval of the draft will then be submitted to the legislature is the House of Representatives for ratification"

The declaration of principles was signed between Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki and U.S. President George W. Bush last December includes security guarantees and commitments towards the Republic of Iraq was supposedly signed by the parties last July agreed to enter into force early January of next year, but differences between Iraqi and American sides delayed the conclusion of the agreement between the two sides.

The official pointed out that "the Iraqi delegation negotiating delegation, was technically and includes representatives of state and government," stressing that he "did not represent a certain political party or Ktla certain political" as saying.

The official pointed out that "there are subjects in the draft observations notably the issue of immunities and the subject of schedules and time horizon," adding that "these topics will be approved by political leaders in both countries."

Translated version of http://iraqalaan.com/bm/Politics/4786.shtml

Ex-minister lashes out at Oil Ministry's policies

The former Iraqi minister of oil on Wednesday criticized the policy adopted by the current ministry, claiming that it will deprive Iraq the opportunity to restore its position on the international scene.

"The Oil Ministry does not adopt a clear or an effective policy to develop the oil sector," Ibrahim Bahr al-Aloum, a former minister and an oil expert, told Aswat al-Iraq - Voices of Iraq - (VOI), commenting on the negotiations that are scheduled to take place between the ministry and the Chinese government in the coming few days on the development of Wassit's Ahdab oilfield.

The former minister called on the government to enhance the performance of the oil sector and to develop well thought out schemes for the future.

On Tuesday, a media advisor for the governor of Wassit told VOI that a local and ministerial delegation will head to China on Wednesday to discuss with Chinese officials means of developing Ahdab oil field, al-Ahrar district (25 km west of Kut city). The Iraqi minister of oil, Hussein al-Shahrestani, will soon follow the delegation, the source added.

Blaming the absence of a "crystallized oil policy in Iraq" for the inability to predict the progress in negotiations with the Chinese side, Aloum said that the ministry has not achieved much thus far with regard to the rehabilitation of oil fields despite several talks over the past two years.

"Iraq reached an export volume of 2 million barrels per day (bpd) in May 2008 in light of the security improvement and the activation of the northern system. However, challenges to keep up these levels seem huge," Aloum argued.

"Production went down by 150,000 barrels in the past two months," he added.

The ex-minister urged the government to improve the performance of the oil sector and to protect the reputation of Iraqi oil worldwide.

Al-Aloum was appointed as a minister of oil in the Iraqi cabinet that was set up during former U.S. Civil Administrator in Baghdad Paul Bremer's tenure of the Coalition Provisional Authority.

During his term in office, a project to extend an oil pipeline to import Iraqi oil via Iran raised much controversy in Iraqi circles.

A decision to reduce the price of oil exported to the United States by 40 cents a barrel was also met by widespread objection.

Wassit, 180 km south of the Iraqi capital Baghdad, is in the east of the country. Its name comes from the Arabic word meaning "middle," as it lies midway between Baghdad and Basra.

Its major cities include the capital, Kut, and al-Hayy. Prior to 1976 it was known as Kut Province.

Aswat Aliraq

31 companies suspended for breach of contract

The Iraqi Ministry of Planning and Development Cooperation on Thursday announced the suspension of all future dealings with 31 Iraq, Arab and foreign companies, citing their failure to fulfill their contractual obligations with the ministry and other state departments.

"The state-run public contracts department, which is affiliated with the ministry, has suspended the work of 31 companies for not honoring their contractual obligations regarding the implementation of projects that have been referred to them," read a ministerial statement received by Aswat al-Iraq - Voices of Iraq - (VOI) quoting an informed ministerial source.

The projects concern the Iraqi ministries of industry, minerals, electricity, youth and sports, health, agriculture, communications, trade, oil, and the Municipality of Baghdad, according to the same statement.

All future dealings with the concerned companies will be called off until the issue is resolved in accordance with regulations and rules, the source noted.

The concerned companies are from the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Egypt, Jordan, Germany, Turkey, Italy, Indonesia, Iran, France, Ukraine, the United States, Russia, and Britain, the source explained.

Aswat Aliraq

Rice Arrives on Surprise Visit to Iraq

Condoleezza Rice, US Secretary of State arrived in Baghdad today on a surprise visit to discuss the future of US forces in Iraq and the long term agreement between Iraq and the United States.

Secretary Rice is expected to meet with Iraqi leaders including PM Nouri al-Maliki and the senior US officials to discuss the status of the military agreement between Washington and Baghdad.

PUKmedia :: English - Rice Arrives on Surprise Visit to Iraq

Higher demand for the dollar on Thurs

Demand for the dollar was higher in the Central Bank of Iraq's (CBI) auction on Thursday, registering at $84.175 million compared to $73.31 million on Wednesday.

"The demand hit $58.575 million in cash and $25.6 million in foreign transfers outside the country, all covered by the bank at a stable exchange rate of 1,187 Iraqi dinars per dollar, unchanged for the 8th session in a row," an official source from the bank told Aswat al-Iraq - Voices of Iraq - (VOI).

The 12 banks that participated in the auction offered to sell $1.25 million, which the bank bought at an exchange rate of 1.185 Iraqi dinars per dollar.

The Iraqi Central Bank runs a daily auction from Sunday to Thursday.

Aswat Aliraq

Officials Gather at Economic Conference

The Erbil economic conference revealed how much has been achieved in the seven provinces of Iraq and what obstacles remain.

An economic conference was held on Wednesday, August 20, for the seven northern Iraqi provinces.

Attendees included Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani, U.S. ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker, deputy Iraqi Prime Minister Rafh al-Isawi, several ministers of the Baghdad and Kurdistan Region governments, the governors of seven provinces, and several members of Iraqi Parliament.

The head of Suleimaniya province's council said his province successfully spent their annual budget on necessary projects and fairly distributed the budget to the province's towns and sub-districts.

But the province is facing a number of difficulties in implementing the projects, he added. The old working system is still used, resulting in a hike in construction material prices, and the companies doing the work have little skill or experience. Above all, Suleimaniya's annual budget is insufficient according to the province's size and population.

Kirkuk province Governor Abdul Rahman Mustafa strongly criticized Baghdad ministries for not coordinating and helping the oil-rich province of Kirkuk.

Mustafa said Kirkuk is the backbone of the Iraqi economy and the province provides $US1.5 billion monthly to the Iraqi budget. He complained that since 2003, only a number of projects have been carried out in the province by Baghdad.

"We participated in many conferences, but there were no results. If this conference is only about words and not action, then we will not participate in anymore conferences," said Mustafa.

Ninewa province Governor Durid Kashmula described his province as isolated.

"We have very weak connections with the Baghdad government since officials in Ninewa province can't go to Baghdad due to the security situation," said Kashmula, who said every time they want to go to the Green Zone, they must go by plane.


He said security, unemployment, electricity, and fuel are his province's main concerns, and he demanded Baghdad work faithfully for the people in Ninewa province to gain their trust.

Among the seven northern provinces, Erbil, Ninewa, Kirkuk, Diyala, Salahaddin, Suleimaniya, and Duhok, the Iraqi government has spent the least on Diyala because the deteriorating security situation is hindering construction projects and halting provisions of basic services to the people.

Erbil city Governor Nawzad Hadi said his governorate spent the province's budget for 2007 very successfully and 2008 projects have already begun. His main concern is lack of fuel and electricity. Duhok's main issue is lack of water.

The four provinces under the Baghdad administration, Diyala, Kirkuk, Ninewa, and Salahaddin, demanded Baghdad give more power to the provinces to run themselves and conduct the projects, in other words decentralize the system.

The Ministry of Trade raised the issue that in many areas, due to poor security, people cannot get their monthly food portions, and the Trade Ministry representative demanded the government control the ports, which many claim militias control.

Ambassador Crocker said the U.S. spent well over $US20 billion on reconstruction. But he added that Iraq now has the capability to reconstruct the country on its own.

Over 15 U.S.-financed projects on the way in Basra

More than 15 projects in different fields have been initiated in Basra as part of the U.S. donation to the province, a member of Basra's provincial council said on Thursday.

"Over 15 projects have been initiated or referred to concerned companies from the departments of municipality, roads and bridges, water resources, and sewage," Hamid al-Dhalimi told Aswat al-Iraq - Voices of Iraq - (VOI).

"The projects include the establishment of a court (100 km north of Basra city), a modern butcher's in downtown Basra, two sewage networks in al-Qibla and al-Muhandiseen areas, a ****** station in al-Deir (35 km north of Basra), in addition to rehabilitation work on streets in al-Janina and al-Jabila areas…," Dhalimi noted.

A U.S. engineering team will supervise many of the projects that will be implemented by the Iraqi government, he explained.

The U.S. donation to Basra province is $35 million.

Basra is the cradle of the first civilization of Sumer. It has the seven main Iraqi ports. The first built in Islam 14 A.H. (After Hegira), the city played an important role in early Islamic history.

The area surrounding Basra has substantial petroleum resources and many oil wells. The city's oil refinery has a production capacity of about 140,000 barrels per day (bpd).

Basra is in a fertile agricultural region, with major products including rice, maize corn, barley, pearl millet, wheat and dates as well as livestock.

A network of canals flowed through the city, giving it the nickname "The Venice of the Middle East" at least at high tide.

Aswat Aliraq

UN Hopes for "Grand Deal" to Resolve Iraq's Kirkuk

The United Nations will publish an analysis of territory disputes between Iraq's Kurds and other communities by October in a bid for a "grand deal" to end tension over Kirkuk, its Iraq mission chief said on Wednesday.

In a two-hour briefing to reporters, Staffan de Mistura gave one of his fullest accounts yet of the U.N.'s efforts to resolve a looming row without fresh bloodshed.

He said the U.N. would publish its report in September or October, outlining results of six months of field investigations into the history and make-up of some 30-40 parts of Iraq where local government is in dispute -- including the city of Kirkuk.

Instead of holding a referendum on the city's fate which would pit Arab and Turkmen residents against Kurds, the aim would be to negotiate a broad political deal which could then be put to a "confirmatory referendum", backed by all sides.

"We are pushing for a grand deal, looking at the whole area," de Mistura said.

"Our aim is to draw up options by October, which if all Iraqi parties work consistently on those, could provide a peaceful political solution which eventually may be confirmed or sanctioned through a confirmatory referendum."

Fifteen U.N. experts have been pouring over Iraqi archives and holding town meetings to draw up the report, which will analyze the merits of competing claims to govern disputed areas.

The bitterest differences are over Kirkuk, an oil-rich city in northern Iraq that Kurds claim as their ancestral homeland and want to incorporate into their autonomous region, a move fiercely opposed by Arab and Turkmen residents.

Kurds say many of the others were moved into the area under Saddam Hussein, the Sunni Arab dictator who planned to "Arabize" the region. Other groups say they fear the Kurds now want to drive them out.

ELECTIONS STALLED

The dispute has already stalled efforts to hold provincial elections throughout the country after parliament failed to pass an elections law because of divisions over Kirkuk this month.

Diplomats and Iraqi politicians fear the dispute could lead to a new outbreak of fighting between Arabs and Kurds, even as the sectarian violence between Shi'ites and Sunnis that ravaged Iraq over the past three years has begun to subside.

Iraq's constitution calls for a referendum on Kirkuk's fate, initially scheduled to take place at the end of last year. The United Nations helped persuade Kurdish leaders to postpone it.

"I told them it would have been totally counterproductive, and there could be a better solution if we have a political framework," de Mistura said.

The U.N. research team includes lawyers, academics and diplomats, producing what in effect will be the first history of the local administration of the disputed areas.

The team published their findings on the first four disputed districts in June, covering areas in neighboring provinces that are seen as less fiercely contested than Kirkuk itself.

"What is incredibly surprising in this whole exercise is what a mature and functioning bureaucracy Iraq has had throughout the whole of its contemporary history," said team leader Peter Bartu.

PUKmedia :: English - UN Hopes for "Grand Deal" to Resolve Iraq's Kirkuk