Thread: Archive Latest News - Dinar Think Tank - 27/08/08 - 15/01/09

International Monetary Fund agrees to lend to audit after Iraq 746 million and 300 thousand dollars

International Monetary Fund said that Iraq's economic prospects were improving, noting in a statement that the improved security situation contributes to rising oil production and exports while decreasing inflation rates. The Fundagreed to review his first performance of the Fund to lend Iraq $ 746 million and 300 thousand dollars, because of the commitment of the authorities to a large extent Aaeraekaya.

Economic objectives agreed upon in spite of its failure to achieve the objectives of the draft law related to wages and pensions.

The fund would achieve greater economic progress depends on further improvement of the security situation of Iraq and the safety management of oil revenues and take remedial action.

He said Takatoshi Kato, Deputy Managing Director of the IMF in a statement that, after several years of very difficult, the economic prospects of Iraq started as authorities continue to improve the implementation of its economic in 2008.

He added that increasing the wages of civil servants will be implemented gradually during 2008 and 2009 to avoid causing very rapid growth of the economy

Translated version of http://www.alcauther.com/html/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=5132

Iraqi banks and problematic performance

Iraqi banks are still experiencing a lot of problematic performance and the need to develop mechanisms to deal with the customer or updating their capabilities and human resources working in the most important sector the engine of the Iraqi economy.

State banks in today's climateand a desire to pay performance forward but still so far in the first instance and the road despite government support for the modernization of their experience and improving their performance, especially banks, including government.

While we find that banks are still living among civil boat and the tree is sometimes progressing towards the boat forward progress and technical use and circulation of electronic money is often far to prepare the 8 Massaterv and at other banks find rest, which are mostly small that you will still yet to take root and adopt a tree Old mechanisms of action and held up the banking and Ansiabath very easily and in spite of the desire to keep up with work and compared with neighboring countries, especially dealing and online trading, but they are still so far at the beginning of the road.

But strange that we attended a seminar held in the Gulf Commercial Bank, in collaboration with the Central Bank on the application of the indicative list of eligibility by banks, and this is what made us an indicator of large banks confidence Pttiq indicative list and address the bad debts, while small banks found enlist the argument conditions and inability to apply Regulations and Guidelines, which is the most important items classification private bank and financial status and size of the bad debts and capital.

Since Iraq today living in an exceptional circumstance for the better availability of improved security and stability, but the application of international standards in the banking so far is still not contained despite the desire of Iraqi banks to apply it so meaningful to the development of the banking performance.

Eight banks eligibility still have yet to live up to the role required of them is supporting the wheel of the Iraqi economy through loans to medium or even small, not to mention the lack of uses of electronic technology, but still continued faltering performance of remittances and contact in time.

Well works and Commercial Bank of the Iraqi administration TBI advanced courses for human resources employees at banks eligibility for the development in their opening credits and the development of banking performance and supervision of international experts accredited to the World Bank.

The work demands the development of banking today, and effectiveness of financial performance because we are heading for a revolution in massive investments, and foreign investors to invest in Rome, when Iraq must be to find an Iraqi banks and important players and able to manage its funds invested in private enterprise reconstruction.

So is the call to move forward towards a new boat and a new resolve, and banks should not remain in the civil tree as the depth of the banking act is intended to keep him.

Translated version of http://www.almadapaper.com/paper.php?source=akbar&page=107

Update......

Jordan imports Iraqi oil at preferential prices

An agreement requiring Iraq to provide Jordan with oil at preferential prices has come into effect, a weekly report by al-Hilal Oil Company said.

"Nile Ziyabat Company, which submitted the lowest bid, has been selected to lead a group of companies that will transport oil from the border Haditha area to refineries inside the Jordanian territories in return for $15 per barrel," according to the report that was received by Aswat al-Iraq - Voices of Iraq - (VOI).

In June, Iraq and Jordan agreed to renew an oil agreement signed in 2006 for three years with the same terms, under which Jordan can import Iraqi oil at preferential prices. The announcement was made following talks between Jordanian Prime Minister Nader Dahabi and his visiting Iraqi counterpart Nouri al-Maliki in the capital Amman.

Jordan imports Iraqi oil at preferential prices - Middle East News

Saudi and Iraq to Enhance Security Cooperation

Riyadh, Asharq Al-Awsat - Iraq's National Security Adviser, Muwaffaq al-Rubayi, has revealed to Asharq Al-Awsat that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has provided the Iraqi Government with a list of 434 Iraqi nationals currently held in Saudi jails, most of whom were convicted for drug possession and trafficking.

In a Telephone interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Al-Rubayi said that his talks with Saudi Interior Minister Prince Naif Bin-Abdulaziz, which were attended by Prince Muqrin Bin-Abdulaziz, the General Intelligence Department chief; and Prince Naif Bin-Muhammad, assistant to the interior minister for security affairs, covered issues relating to coordination between the security and intelligence agencies of both countries as part of the war on terrorism.

Al-Rubayi pointed out that Riyadh and Baghdad have agreed to take numerous measures to strengthen border security, including monitoring the transference of funds and the movement of individuals, whether those who travel directly between the two countries or through a third country. On his departure from Saudi Arabia, Al-Rubayi carried a draft security agreement between the two countries. He said that he would convey it to the Iraqi government and if approved, it would be tantamount to a legal framework for the extradition of prisoners between the two countries.

Al-Rubayi stressed that his government wants to close the file of the Iraqi refugees, "because there is no justification for their stay in Saudi Arabia." He quoted Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki as expressing his readiness to send his private plane to transport the remaining Iraqi refugees to Iraq. He noted that Al-Maliki has also pledged to pay 5 million Iraqi dinars to each refugee and to grant them plots of land to build their homes and begin a new life.

While Riyadh handed over to Al-Rubayi a list of names of 434 Iraqi nationals jailed in Saudi Arabia and details of their crimes, Al-Rubayi said that Iraq will hand over to Saudi Arabia a list of the names of Saudi detainees in Iraq after the Iraqi government ratifies the agreement on the extradition of prisoners between the two countries. Saudi courts handed down verdicts against 340 Iraqi nationals, of whom 306 were convicted on drug trafficking charges while 93 others are still under trial. According to Al-Rubayi, the crimes of those Iraqi detainees included "drug trafficking and possession, smuggling of alcohol, thefts, murder, unpaid debts, illegal crossing of border, overstaying residence visas, and illegal transference of funds." Iraqi and Saudi Arabia have agreed to combat funding of terrorist activities and to enhance monitoring of transference of funds between the two countries. Al-Rubayi said: "We are convinced that funds are the fuel of terrorism and that without funds terrorist and takfiri people [those holding other Muslims as infidel] cannot carry out their plans."

Al-Rubayi said that Iraq admires Saudi Arabia's success in fighting terrorism, describing this Saudi experiment as "unique," and relies on a host of social, economic, and intellectual measures.
Discussing efforts to reopen the Saudi Embassy in Iraq, Al-Rubayi said that the Saudi Embassy will be located in the vicinity of the US Embassy in Baghdad. He said that the Iraqi government is fully ready to provide utmost protection of the Saudi diplomats. He proposed three options for protecting the Saudi Embassy in Baghdad. He said: "Iraqi armed troops can protect the Saudi Embassy, or, if it wants, the Saudi government can contract a foreign security company to protect it, or the Saudi brothers can propose any other option they deem fit." He stressed that his country is ready to take measures which he described as "exceptional" once Saudi Arabia decides to reopen its embassy in Baghdad. He stressed the importance of the Saudi diplomatic presence in Iraq, which he said "is important and would help fill the Arab void in Iraq."

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Parliament calls for the convening of an extraordinary meeting of the Coordinating Committee on the Law of the provincial assemblies

The MP Akram Fawzi Terzi for an extraordinary meeting of the members of a special coordinating committee for the Law of provincial assemblies for the success of the political process and the holding of provincial council elections on time without delay throughout Iraq and demanded Terzi presidency of the Chamber of Deputies. Inviting members of the Coordinating Committee on the Law of provincial assemblies for a special extraordinary meeting to study the issue of Kirkuk governorate elections and submit the results of their studies to the Commission on regions and provinces to put in the agenda of the parliament of Iraq in the new legislative chapter.

Translated version of http://almalafpress.net/index.php?m=39

This week, recorded slight rise in the rate of demand to buy the dollar

Increased demand for buying the dollar this week is simple compared to previous weeks, with record volume of demand was totally 583 million and 15 thousand dollars against 571 million and 950 thousand dollars during the last week. The rate has increased the demand for buying a simple turn, recording 116 million and 600 thousand dollars at the same rate compared with the 114 million and 390 thousand dollars during the last week. During meetings this week in terms of stable significant difference between the highest circulation during the week and lower circulation, since last Monday's meeting saw the highest volume of trading during the week trading value amounted to 159 million college and 450 thousand dollars in registered opening session of the week last Sunday minimum purchase orders by 96 million and 365 thousand Dollars. The exchange rate fell by two points this week, which reported a decrease by one point Sunday, recording 1183 dinars to the dollar compared to 1184 dinars at a meeting Thursday of last week and Tuesday's meeting also witnessed a decline Secondly, recording 1182 dinars to the dollar while the exchange rate last week was recorded Dropped three points on which was accepted. The application form monetary limits 17 percent of the total volumes of applications to buy the dollar this week, was formed in the form of remittances applications limits 83 percent of the total volumes of applications during the meetings this week retreat to the request for cash last week that the proportion of cash which limits 25 percent. And declined offers to sell the dollar and the auction was limited to 500 thousand dollars in one meeting is the meeting last Monday, while last week saw four million dollars. The rate banks participating in a given meeting 14 banks in the meeting.

A source at the Central Bank of Iraq, refused to reveal his name, on Friday that "the participation rate banks governmental organizations in demand volumes during the meetings of the auction last week were the limits of 83 percent of total transactions, while private banks Ahtvdt Bal remaining 12 percent of total trading volumes." The source attributed the reason to increase the percentage of contribution from State banks "that the monetary assets in the banking system is concentrated in the Prime rate that exceeds the 85 percent in the two banks of Governmental Co-Rafidain and Rashid" g On the other hand, the expert said economic and industrial Alabegi Abdul-Razzaq said: "It is expected to increase in Transactions Considerably during the holy month of Ramadan, which is expected through increased trade exchanges, especially in the commodity food and clothing; However, the decline rates than they were last month that the circulation recorded a big rise affected by the supplementary budget approval of the ministries. "He added," which raise the ceiling on transactions, and I expect that Decreased demand during the next two months; because of preoccupation with State banks annual closing of accounts which will begin operation in October from the month of October until next December in December. "

http://translate.google.co.uk/transl...hl=en&ie=UTF-8

Next Monday ..Five discussed issues concerning Iraq & the Arab Foreign Ministers

Discusses the Arab League Council at the level of Arab Foreign Ministers during its regular session next Monday 33 items dealing with various issues of joint Arab action, including five cases involving Iraq, notably discuss debt forgiveness for Iraq and the issue of water.

The Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, the Arab League Ambassador Ahmed Ben Hali The ministerial meeting will be over one day preceded by a meeting of the Council at the level of permanent delegates on Saturday and next Sunday, to discuss items on the agenda and preparation of draft resolutions for submission to cabinet for approval.

He added in a press statement, that among these items Iraq's request to discuss the issue of Tigris and the Euphrates water in the framework of tripartite cooperation between the joint Iraq, Syria and Turkey, and the situations in Iraq, in addition to discuss dropping the debts owed by Iraq.For his part, Director of the Department of the University Council advisor Mohammed Zayed that the agenda includes a number of political issues including the issue of displaced Iraqis in a number of countries and the relocation project two thousand Palestinian refugees in Iraq at the border bug Arab Republic aimed transferred to the Sudan in cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees, as well as to discuss strengthening diplomatic relations with Iraq. He noted that the Arab ministers will discuss ways of crystallizing an Arab position to take steps to free the Middle East of nuclear weapons and the development of peaceful uses of atomic energy, and how to combat terrorism.

http://66.102.9.104/translate_c?hl=e...wJv0ZHp-Ab9lnQ

UN envoy presses Iraq on controversial election

The UN envoy to Iraq on Saturday urged politicians to get moving on a key provincial election law that remains bogged down in controversy over the administration of the oil-rich province of Kirkuk.

"It is necessary to hold the provincial election at the end of this year, or at least by early next year," Staffan de Mistura told reporters after meeting Iraq's most respected Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani in Najaf.

"There is no justification to delay this election," he said in the central holy city.

Iraq had been due to go to the polls on October 1 but the long-awaited legislation to oversee the ballot has faced repeated delays over the political handling of the disputed Northern Province.

MPs failed to agree on the electoral law before parliament went on summer recess from August 6 to September 9.

"There are risks if this election is not held because we will face the issue of the provincial councils being illegal, when the period is over," de Mistura said.

The elections, considered crucial to stabilising the country, are now expected to be postponed to early 2009 because parliament has yet to pass the law.

However, an election commission member told AFP this week that if parliament passed the legislation by September 15, the vote could still be held this year.

The issue has dragged on for months because Iraq's parliament originally proposed in the bill that power be equally shared between Arabs, Kurds and Turkmen in Kirkuk, a move bitterly opposed by the numerically superior Kurds.

Deposed dictator Saddam Hussein had placed Kirkuk outside the Kurdish region, which has administered itself as a de facto independent entity since 1991.

Iraqi Kurds, many of whom see Kirkuk's oil wealth as vital to the future viability of their region, have since Saddam's ouster called for the city to be placed within the autonomous region.

A postponement of the ballot this year would be a blow to the administration of US President George W. Bush, which views the election as critical to consolidating Iraq's fledgling political process and reconciling its deeply divided ethnic groups.

There was no immediate comment from Sistani himself following his meeting with de Mistura, but an official in his office said the cleric attached great importance to election law that will pave the way for the vote.

"By meeting with de Mistura, Sistani is showing the importance of passing the new election law and holding the election at a specific date," the official said, asking not to be named.

"We also confirm that there should be a national agreement to solve the troubles with respect to the principles of justice and equality," he added, referring to Kirkuk.

At the end of last month Sistani publicly urged Iraqis to ensure they were registered to vote.

There are 17.3 million registered voters this year compared with 14.2 million in the last election, held in 2005.

PUKmedia :: English - UN envoy presses Iraq on controversial election

Tehran ready for new talks with U.S

The Iranian ambassador to Baghdad Hassan Kazemi Qomi said in a press statement that the Islamic Republic of Iran is ready for the fifth round of discussions with U.S on Iraq according to the previous mechanism.

He said that Baghdad did not present any request to hold the new discussions and emphasized Iran’s commitment to support any step to help in Iraq’s stability.

PUKmedia :: English - Tehran ready for new talks with U.S

The Kurds and Baghdad: marriage without divorce

In the absence of a permanent United States presence in Kurdistan - something that would be welcomed by almost every Kurd - the Iraq that the Kurds and most Iraqis want when US troops withdraw is one that is at peace with itself and the world. They want a federal democracy with a good democratic government that upholds the values of the free world: an Iraq where all citizens are equal and their rights are respected...

The elements of this dream are there. The Iraqi Constitution, referred to by many politicians as the cornerstone of the new Iraq, provides for all of the above. The foundations for the new Iraq are being laid now, but the project is not likely to be completed in the near future. The political process still needs to mature. It is still hostage to the principles of quota and consensus among participating parties that are mostly identified along religious and sectarian lines.

This weakens a common national identity and strengthens the sectarian and ethnic divide in society by empowering the political parties that represent these identities, rendering it a great deal more difficult to separate religion from the state. In fact, we still depend heavily on the role of religious figures. On many important issues, the final word is still that of Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani.

While Iraqis realize that a true democratic Iraq will obviously entail the rule of the Shiite majority, they are also convinced that the days of exclusive rule by one group are over. The first 80 years of Iraq's history mostly demonstrated that no single group or leader could alone rule the country. The only guarantee for minorities is a federal structure that empowers local and regional governments and allows the various Iraqi communities to conduct their own affairs.

Baghdad does not seem ready to digest the concept of federalism. This is still a new concept for Iraqis. They have become used to a strong central state with a strong leader. The Kurds are the only people who are actively seeking to hammer out a federal structure for the country. Yet federalism should be not only a Kurdish cause, but an Iraqi cause. "They seem to have forgotten what strong centers and strong leaders did to them," remarked a Kurdish political analyst recently about Iraqis in general. Thus the current debate between the Kurdistan region and Baghdad is over a true federal status for the region and the shaping of a federal architecture for the new Iraq.

Some in Baghdad feel that over the past few years "concessions" were given to Kurdistan due to Baghdad's weakness and that with the security gains Baghdad is now making "this must stop." This is simply the wrong attitude to take. Powers should be devolved to the regions out of Baghdad's understanding of the strengths involved in having a true federal system. The country will thus be owned by all, as opposed to being owned by the center only.

The Kurds still need some time to develop confidence in Baghdad. Talks over oil contracts, the share of the budget, and the status of Peshmerga forces are all issues whose settlement will provide the Kurds with assurances that the old days are not going to be repeated. For example, the dispute over oil contracts is not about the size of the revenue the Kurds want to get. Rather, to the Kurds, a national oil policy rather than a central one will enable Kurdish areas to benefit from developing the oil industry of Iraq.

The Kurds realize that they are in a marriage with Baghdad where divorce is not an option. At the same time, they feel disappointed by their allies and counter-signatories to the constitution. They feel they have performed their obligation toward Baghdad. "When they need us to fight terrorists, we are their partners, but when it comes to our rights in deciding for ourselves, we become adversaries," said a Kurdish politician involved in the talks with Baghdad recently.

Ironing out the differences and reaching a workable relationship with Baghdad will require some time. The help and presence of the US is vital to settle these issues. A federal structure will allow more room for development and good governance and less room for corruption and for putting the blame on the other side. Iraqis are still removing the rubble of the destruction caused by the former regime, the terror campaign and the internal fighting that followed. In this process, people usually look for someone to put the blame on. But when people are busy building their own regions, they don't usually ask whether the builder is Shiite or Sunni, Kurd or Arab. Rather the test is, can they do the job or not? Of course corruption and mismanagement may take place, but it is a lot easier to fight them at the regional rather than the national level, provided there exist the right anti-corruption bodies and they are not politicized.

While the Kurds are looking at internal arrangements for their future, they are also mindful of the regional dynamics that could dictate the future of Iraq as a whole and the Kurdistan region in particular. They are quietly eyeing the showdown between Iran and the international community. If Iran survives this, it will have a preponderant say in the future shape and nature of Iraq and the Middle East.

The Kurds also realize the importance of their neighbor Turkey. It is vital for a peaceful future that Turkey be at peace with a Kurdish federal region on its border. Similarly, the Kurds will have to assure the Turks that they are not a threat to them. They will have to demonstrate that they serve as a factor of stability rather than irritation. After all and if all else fails, Turkey is the only access the Kurds have to the free world.

*Hiwa Osman is the Iraq country director for the Institute for War & Peace Reporting

PUKmedia :: English - The Kurds and Baghdad: marriage without divorce