Thread: Archive - Latest News Think Tank - 15/01/09 - 04/05/09

High real estate prices in Baghdad by 40 percent

A source at the land registry property prices increased by 40 percent, particularly with the high demand for residential units and the worsening housing crisis.

He explained that his constituency had been completed during the year 2008 more than 930 A special treatment to buying and selling real estate revenues amounted to 151 billion dinars.

He noted that the housing crisis led to the emergence of the phenomena of the exploitation of agricultural land for the purposes of establishing the role and the division of houses and indiscriminate waiver on public lands.

According to official statistics, however, that about half of Iraqi families living in the rental, as well as a large proportion of the abuse of public lands through the construction of the haphazard way.

http://209.85.227.132/translate_c?hl...MDxuC6A7HmoTkQ

Ministry of Planning, however, is looking forward to Iraq's accession to the World Trade Organization

Different views of a number of specialists on the government to accept the invitation of the Ministry of Commerce Iraq's accession to the WTO, see the Ministry of Planning and the negative consequences of the Iraqi economy.

Planning Minister Ali Baban said that although there are some clear advantages in Iraq's accession to the WTO, but he was not excited for this accession:

For his part, said an official dossier on Iraq's accession to the WTO, Salem's best that the more Iraq's delay in joining the World Trade Organization as it is difficult to pay the entry of this organization:

http://209.85.227.132/translate_c?hl...lrP1YIFfHmv3_Q

China calls on Iraq to participate in Shanghai Expo 2010

met with Deputy Minister of Trade Soibp Mahmoud Zangana, on Monday, a delegation from the Department of the Shanghai New International Expo to talk about China's call for Iraq to participate in the exhibition, which will be held in Shanghai in 2010.

A statement by the Ministry of Commerce and received the agency (Voices of Iraq) a copy of which is that "Under Soibp Minister Mahmoud comparative flavor met with a delegation from the Department of the Shanghai International Exhibition to be held in Shanghai in 2010," he said.

The statement added that the panel stressed "the depth of the bilateral relations between Iraq and China," and reviewed "ways in the development of the historical relations between the two countries, Iraq's desire to participate in exhibitions and forums set up by China," particularly that Iraq "has begun steps toward a market economy and encourage the private sector to lead the rest of other sectors."

She indicated that Iraq "is seeking to overcome the difficulties as well as to ensure its participation in the Shanghai New International Expo 2010."

With the transfer of the guests of the Under "is keen to discuss and consult with Iraqi officials to overcome all the difficulties on Iraq's participation in the exhibition stated."

http://209.85.229.132/translate_c?hl...p1WKKbRR7_bFbQ

Auction sales of the Central Bank to lower quarter

the U.S. dollar decreased sales of the Central Bank in an auction for the sale and purchase of foreign currencies, on Monday, largely to 37 million versus $ 152 million and 81 thousand dollars at the previous meeting.

The bulletin issued by the Central Bank and the Agency has received (Voices of Iraq) a copy of which was that "the total volume of demand for the dollar stood at 37 million and 740 thousand dollars at the exchange rate was stable compared to 1170 dinars per dollar."

The figure is significantly lower than the previous meeting, which recorded total volume of demand for the dollar stood at 152 million and 81 thousand dollars at the exchange rate at 1170 dinars per dollar.

The Bulletin that "the distribution of demand for the dollar by 19 million and 310 thousand dollars in cash, covered by the bank at the exchange rate at 1176 dinars per dollar, including the central bank and a commission of six dinars per dollar."

With the value of remittances outside the country 18 million and 430 thousand dollars, covered by the central exchange rate was 1173 dinars, including the central bank and a commission of three dinars per dollar, "did not make any of the 4 banks to participate in the auction, offers to sell the dollar.

http://209.85.229.132/translate_c?hl...imKcOn25QLY3rA

Of Finance was considering the 14 and the draft law during the past two months

the Finance Ministry said Monday that it had studied 14 project between the law and the Convention and the regulations and instructions were presented during the months of January and February, the last two years.

A statement of the Ministry and the Agency received (Voices of Iraq) a copy of which was an official in the Legal Department, Ministry of Finance that "the Ministry of Finance has examined a number of draft laws and conventions, regulations and instructions before it."

"The most important of those laws that have been studied earlier during January and February, is a project the last two census instructions and the law of restitution of real estate to municipal institutions and the law of the Iraqi Housing Fund and the integration of Bank of Iraq - the former Socialist - Bank of Iraq."

The study was "the abolition of the draft Law Decree No. / 340 for the year 1983 the law on compensation for victims who have lost part of their bodies by the practices of the former regime, as well as the draft law on compensation for property affected by the law of the former regime and the Iraqi Trade Bank and the law of the Department of Immigration, according to the statement.

The source continued that the Chamber has also "examining a number of draft conventions including the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions draft agreement the Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Convention on avoidance of double taxation between Iraq and Syria and the Czech and double taxation with Bulgaria."

The study was "Alkmarki cooperation agreement between Iraq and Jordan," according to the source.

http://209.85.229.132/translate_c?hl...6RMBmIygJ9Mf2w

British trade minister to visit Iraq next April

the British charge d'affaires, said Monday that Britain and a large trade delegation, headed by the British Trade Minister Lord Mandlsn (Mandleson) visit Iraq in the month of April next, to hold meetings with the members concerned, a number of ministers and businessmen in all parts of Iraq.

A statement of the Ministry of Commerce and received the agency (Voices of Iraq) a copy of John Tknut Charge of the British embassy in Baghdad as saying during his meeting with the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Trade and Walid al-Habib al-Moussawi said, "The large trade delegation, headed by Britain and the British Trade Minister Lord Mandlsn visit Iraq in the month of April," indicating that "the delegation will include a number of companies, managers and experts in economics and trade."

"The British delegation was visiting to meet with a number of Iraqi ministries will also be involved in many events and liaison with the business of Iraqis in all regions of Iraq" and to "discuss ways to strengthen relations and cooperation in the fields of investment, trade, construction, and especially the British delegation includes figures on the high levels of experience in all fields."

According to the statement, the British charge d'affaires, "During the meeting, made a detailed presentation which was the desire of his Government in the development of relations and bilateral cooperation with Iraq in all fields after a gap of 20 years."

The statement quoted the undersecretary of the ministry, Walid Habib al-Musawi, his call to "the importance of the expected visit of British Minister of Trade to benefit from British expertise and training of Iraqi personnel, participation in exhibitions and exchange of visits and investment," especially after "the transition to a market economy in Iraq, which will play a prominent role in the development of Relations between Iraq and Britain. "

http://209.85.229.132/translate_c?hl...3tHVDxUMxChIjg

Maliki calls for the summit would be the beginning of the worn

Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki to make the Arab summit in Doha, the beginning of an Arab reconciliation and called for an Arab strategy on the basis of partnership among the Arabs.

Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki have ongoing summit in a speech Monday, "We look forward to the summit would be the beginning of the Arab reconciliation, which has become an inevitable choice that requires the States to work to achieve them.

Maliki called for the adoption of an Arab strategy on the basis of genuine partnership."

http://209.85.229.132/translate_c?hl...y706MclE1BgtHg

Britain to start Iraq pullout on Tuesday

British forces will officially start to pull out of Iraq on Tuesday, signalling the end of six years of military operations that began with the US-led invasion that ousted Saddam Hussein.

The British-led coalition base in Basra will lower its flag and transfer to US control as American soldiers arrive to take up a new role that includes the training of Iraq's fledgling police force.

"It will be a significant day because it signals the completion of Britain's military tasks here," Major General Andy Salmon, the outgoing British commander of the base, told AFP ahead of the pull out. "We have had some difficult times but we look ahead to the future with a huge amount of optimism for Iraq."

Britain, under then prime minister Tony Blair, was America's key ally when president George W. Bush ordered his forces to invade Iraq in March 2003. British troop numbers in the campaign were the second largest, peaking at 46,000 in March and April six years ago during the US-led invasion, and 179 of its servicemen and women have died in the country. A deal signed by Baghdad and London last year agreed the remaining 4,100 British soldiers would complete their mission -- primarily training the Iraqi army -- by June, before a complete withdrawal from the country in late July. The British contribution to the war and subsequent reconstruction effort was recognised by both American and Iraqi officers ahead of Tuesday's handover.

"British forces have been our strongest ally throughout this campaign," US Army Major General Michael Oates, who will become the senior coalition officer in Basra when the British-led unit ceases to exist on Tuesday, told AFP. "They have done an outstanding job and our task is to continue that work," Oates said.

The Iraqi army's senior officer in the province used a farewell feast at Basra's Shaat al Arab Hotel at the weekend to thank Britain for its support in the wake of Saddam's ouster.

"I would like to thank the British nation for the assistance they have provided to help rid us of dictatorship and live in freedom and democracy," said Major General Hawedi Mohammed. "The Iraqi Army and the Iraqi public will remember the sacrifice by British forces for some time to come. Our thoughts and prayers are also with the families of the British soldiers who lost their lives in this country."

Basra, Iraq's third-largest city and a strategic oil hub, had been under British control since the invasion, but the province and its airport returned to Iraqi sovereignty three months ago. As well as training the Iraqi army, Britain has also been key in the rebirth of the war-torn country's new navy. A Royal Navy training team is based at the southern port of Umm Qasr and its role is expected to continue although a new agreement has yet to be reached between the two governments.

Relations between London and Baghdad should in theory revert to the same footing as those between other countries when British troops complete their withdrawal in the summer. The British pull out comes as the US military also steps up preparations to leave Iraq. Under a US-Iraqi security agreement signed in November last year, US troops are to withdraw from major towns and cities by June 30 and from the whole country by the end of 2011. President Barack Obama has ordered an end to US combat operations in Iraq by August 31 next year, but says 50,000 troops will remain under a new mission to expire at the year-end deadline.

http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidAN...20on%20Tuesday

Iraq story takes back seat in international media

By Fatih Abdulsalam
Azzaman, March 29, 2009

It seems there is some hidden power which decides when to highlight Iraq’s news stories and when to dump them.

The outbreak of cholera could be an example. The disease sometimes grabs international news highlights with world countries and institutions seemingly mobilizing their resources to combat it. Some other times, not only the cholera, but even other deadly diseases, pass unnoticed.

Many Iraqis now notice that their country is no longer newsworthy and the same events which used to boomerang all over the world may now not be considered worthwhile to be added to t.elevision news subtitles.

Thus, if a car bombing in Baghdad or any other place in Iraq now kills 20 people and maims many others, is not seen as worthy of reporting because the casualties are no longer in hundreds as was the case a year ago. In fact, for some organizations, the bombing is a signal of what they describe as “relative quiet” and an indication that the country is on path to normalcy. The negligence, first by the government and second by international media of mass killing like this, is a big blunder.

In our opinion, the rate of violence now, though not on the scale it used to be, is as serious as when almost all of Baghdad was out of U.S. or Iraqi control.

The ongoing violence, not least the recent clashes in the Fadhl District in the heart of Baghdad, tell that U.S. and Iraqi government’s bragging about relative security are hollow and false. If U.S. claims and Iraqi government’s allegations of containing and defeating al-Qaeda in Iraq are true, how come these bombings and killings take place in Baghdad and other major towns.

One conclusion might be that parties other than al-Qaeda are involved and in the absence of independent investigations the fingers can be easily pointed at anyone. It is incomprehensible to claim that al-Qaeda has been defeated and most of its leaders either killed or jailed, and then blame the ongoing violence on the group. Do not they realize that their public statements are so contradictory that it has become almost impossible for sensible Iraqis to have faith in anything they say.

For stability to be reinstated there must be trust, confidence and truth. If al-Qaeda network is destroyed, Iraqis have the right to know who is behind the current violence. If it is al-Qaeda why then make lofty claims about its destruction. If it is not, Iraqis have the right to know. In the absence of truth, speculation reigns. International media’s overlooking of Iraq story reinforces government and U.S. claims of stability which in reality are not there. Therefore, it is extremely necessary for the media to turn its attention to Iraq so that neither the Iraqis nor the world public opinion will have wrong impressions about current conditions.

http://www.azzaman.com/english/index...03-29\kurd.htm

Maliki addresses Iraq speech at Doha Summit

Everybody looks forward for Doha Summit that is held in the Qatari capital and to the role that it could play on the level of Arabs reconciliation in the light of the absence of positive signs as the Egyptian President Hossni Mubarak abstained.

Diplomatic sources told AFP that the Summit is expected to issue a statement regarding boosting Arab reconciliation based on a paper submitted by KSA. The statement would stipulate that it is important to use the dialogue approach in solving the Arab disputes and to keep away from discord and harsh language. The statement would also call to denounce disputes and to work on establishing a strategic unified perspective in order to deal with the politic, security and economic challenges. The statement also stresses on the importance of the Palestinian cause and the necessity to engage in the Arab strategy in order to reach just and comprehensive peace and to establish a free, strong Palestinian state with Al Quds as its capital.

Arab delegations fled to Cairo in order to participate in the Summit. Diplomatic and media sources said that only Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Sultanate of Oman and Djibouti will be absent.

To that, Omar Al Bachir challenged the International Community one more time as he arrived to the Qatari capital Doha in spite of the arrest warrant against him. It is to be noted that Qatar did not sign Rome agreement that laid the foundation of the International Criminal Court and therefore it is not bind to arrest Bashir who arrived in a Sudanese airplane and was received in Doha airport by Qatar Emir, Sheikh Hamad Ben Khalifa Al Thani. The summit is expected to support Al Bashir and to decry the international judicial measures that were taken against him.

On sidelines of Qatar Summit, Iraq PM Nuri Al Maliki met with Qatar Emir, the Syrian President Bashar Al Assad, the Lebanese President Michel Suleiman, Kuwait Emir Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah and the Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa. During these meetings Maliki tackled relations with Iraq and urged the Arab leaders to support the country thru opening Embassies in Baghdad.

Al Maliki will address Iraq speech during the Summit. In his statement he is expected to point out to the progress in the security situation and in the political process. He will also talk about the future directives of the government on the economic and investment level and he will also present four Iraqi requests.

One should point out that the Iraqi item in the summit points out to the importance of respecting the unity, integrity and independence of Iraq as well as it stresses on the importance of respecting the will of Iraqi people and his right to choose its future. The Arab leaders hail in this point the efforts that were exerted by the Iraqi government in order to restore, security and stability and to push the political process forth. In addition they also call to enhance the national reconciliation.

http://www.alsumaria.tv/en/Iraq-News...ha-Summit.html