Parliamentary power: Kurds did not provide a convincing justification for non-commitment to pay oil money

[yota691]

Jafar: the return of the "executive" negotiations between Baghdad and Erbil

Last updated: 4 November 2017 - 11:35 p

 BAGHDAD / Jassim Mohammad Jaafar, the deputy prime minister, on Saturday revealed the return of the executive rather than political negotiations between Baghdad and Erbil, pointing out the presence of a large American role contributed to the return. Al-Bayati said in an interview today: "The Iraqi technical delegation confirmed in these negotiations that it is still on its position, on the control of federal forces at the border crossings and subject to federal authority." He added that "there is a series of US contacts with Baghdad, for the return of technical negotiations between the two delegations formed by Baghdad and Erbil, to resolve the file of those crossings," stressing that "Abadi is not a party to these negotiations." "The government has rejected a request for the administration of these crossings and the disputed areas jointly with the Peshmerga," he said.The sources revealed earlier today, the return of negotiations between Baghdad and Erbil, paid by the US Senate, which addressed the Prime Minister Haider Abadi, in this regard, noting that the negotiations come to prevent any new military action. "A few hours after a letter from US senators to Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi demanded that he adopt a dialogue with Erbil and leave the waving of force, followed by a closed meeting between US Ambassador to Iraq Douglas Silliman and Kurdistan President Najirvan Barzani and his deputy Qubad Talabani , Resumed negotiations between Baghdad and Erbil again, in the hope of reaching a mutually satisfactory solution, "according to the confirmation of a senior Kurdish official."This is accompanied by the escalation of the factions and parties close to Iran pressure on (Prime Minister Haider) Abadi not to retreat from the deployment of Iraqi forces on the border with Turkey and control of the crossing Ibrahim Khalil without the deployment of international observers or involve Peshmerga task." "Along the lines between the Iraqi army and the Peshmerga, from the town of Makhmour to Rebiya at an estimated distance of 80 kilometers, the two sides will continue to build up the military, even as the new meeting between the leaders of the Iraqi army and the Peshmerga on Friday to reach a solution, Full confidence that a real solution can be found to end the crisis. " A military source said today that "a new meeting was held on Friday, between the Iraqi military leaders and other Peshmerga on the basis of US mediation aims to prevent any military action by Baghdad, as negotiations are underway, in an attempt to buy time and delay any other armed clash."He pointed out that "Erbil is trying to present a new initiative is the formation of new joint forces of the Peshmerga and the Iraqi army known as the Northern Border Force and crossings." In the meantime, US Ambassador Douglas Silliman held a series of intensive meetings with Najafan Barzani and his deputy Qubad Talabani in Erbil to discuss the crisis, as well as other Kurdish leaders. The Kurdistan government said in a statement that Silyman, during a meeting with both Najran Barzani and his deputy, expressed his dismay and regret at the recent fighting between Baghdad and Erbil. Douglas stressed, according to the statement, "his country's support for the attempts of the territorial government and Kurdish political parties to unite and calm the political situation in Kurdistan." Commenting on this, the leader of the coalition of Iraqi forces, Ahmad al-Jubouri, considered the presence of the American ambassador in Erbil "a matter of concern, because we always know that there are things that are not clear in American positions."Jubouri said in a statement that "the US ambassador to Erbil and the departure of the Peshmerga with tense statements, makes us concerned," stressing "the need to impose law and control of the entire Iraqi regions at the same time." "We do not want to enter into a military clash between the Iraqi army and the Peshmerga, despite the seriousness of the crisis and we are sure that the Iraqi forces can take control of all areas within a few hours, but do not want to enter a direct conflict with the Peshmerga forces," he said, The Peshmerga forces are fortifying and sharpening and redistribution of the mouths of firearms to the factions, which is a warning of the desire to address the federal forces and non-delivery in a peaceful manner. "

[yota691]

 

Member of the political leadership in Kurdistan: the decision to cancel the results of the referendum in the hands of the territorial government

Iraq News Now

17:41

Last updated

The time now is 05:53 PM

4228

Watch

 

 

Tomorrow Press / Salah two doors: 
A member of the political leadership of Kurdistan Mohammad Khani on Friday that the decision to cancel the results of the referendum , however , the Government of the region , a decision maker on this subject, noting that the region is now heading to dialogue with Baghdad and the normalization of relations.

"The political leadership in Kurdistan, which is composed of the heads of 33 parties in the region, authorized the provincial government to cancel the results of the referendum or not," he said. "During the dialogue, all ideas and opinions are put forward by both sides and from these proposals Cancel the results of the referendum, but it can not be discussed before the dialogue. " 
He pointed out that "the region is heading to dialogue with Baghdad and normalization of bilateral relations between the parties and the solution of all outstanding problems and the return of relations as they were before the referendum." 
He added that "the political leadership in Kurdistan gave all powers to the government of the region on the abolition of the results of the referendum or not as well as other topics," noting that "the political leadership supports any position taken by the Government of Kurdistan."

[yota691]

Arbil reveals its sent a proposal of 7 points to Baghdad to start the dialogue

 

 

Number of readings: 8879 04-11-2017 12:12 PM

 

 

04-11-2017 12:12 PM 

 

 

The Secretary-General of the Ministry of Peshmerga, Jabbar Yawar, sent a proposal of 7 points to Baghdad in preparation for the dialogue.

The member of the Kurdish delegation negotiating with the federal government said that the points centered on the presence of a joint force in the disputed areas and the size and means of supervision, noting that the region demanded the presence of civilian forces alongside the international coalition at the border crossings, adding that Kurdistan is waiting for Baghdad's response to the proposal.

[yota691]

The resumption of dialogue between Baghdad and Erbil

 

 Since 2017-11-04 at 12:40 (Baghdad time)

Baghdad Mawazine News

The New Arab newspaper reported Saturday the resumption of dialogue between Baghdad and Erbil on the basis of US mediation after a letter sent by eight members of the US Congress to Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Abadi.

The newspaper said in a report that "a few hours after a letter sent by members of the US Senate to the Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Abadi, demanding the adoption of dialogue with Erbil and left the waving of force, followed by a closed meeting between the US ambassador to Iraq, Douglas Silliman, and the Kurdistan Regional Government, Barzani and his deputy, Qubad Talabani, resumed negotiations between Baghdad and Erbil again, in the hope of reaching a solution that satisfies the parties.

"A new meeting was held Friday between Iraqi military leaders and other Peshmerga forces on the basis of US mediation to prevent any military action by the Iraqi government, considering that the negotiations are underway, in an attempt to gain time and delay any other armed confrontations "He said.

 The minister, who did not mention the newspaper, said that "the meeting did not raise anything new, as the Iraqi paper in the negotiations is to impose the Iraqi authority on the border with Turkey and Syria and control of the crossing of Ibrahim Khalil completely without observers or participation from the Kurdistan region, That "Erbil is trying to present a new initiative is the formation of new joint forces of the Peshmerga and the Iraqi army known as the Northern Border Force and crossings."

[yota691]

Kurdish source confirms reaching an agreement on the receipt of the federal government crossings of the Kurdistan region

 

 Since 2017-11-04 at 11:59 (Baghdad time)

Baghdad Mawazine News

A Kurdish source early on Saturday reached an agreement on the receipt of the federal government border crossings in the Kurdistan region.

The source told Mawazine News that "an agreement has been reached under the auspices of the United States to ensure the receipt of the federal government border crossings in exchange for the presence of representatives of the Peshmerga forces with those forces, but the representation of simple and formal and will be received crossings today if the things on this agreement without hindrance."

The source added that "the condition of the federal government is to represent the Peshmerga simple and limited and light weapons during the confrontation at the crossings."

[yota691]

Deputy reveals what has been agreed between the delegation of Baghdad and the Peshmerga

 

Saturday, November 4,

 

 

 

Alsumaria News / Baghdad MP Jassim Mohammed Jaafar , Saturday, for what has been agreed upon between the delegation of Baghdad and the Peshmerga, while noting that the presence of the Peshmerga in the plain areas of Nineveh and border ports will be a "formality".  Jaafar said in an interview for Alsumaria News that "the delegations of Baghdad and the Peshmerga agreed during the session of talks on the presence of Peshmerga forces symbolically in the areas of Nineveh Plain and a simple proportion to be agreed upon without heavy weapons."     He added, "It was also agreed that the border crossings will be fully controlled by the federal government and its departments with a formality of the Peshmerga forces."  The Secretary-General of the Ministry of Peshmerga Jabbar Yawar announced that the situation in the areas of contact with the federal forces "worried", warning of the explosion at any moment, while considered that the "game" exercised by the federal government has become "thick."

[yota691]

Source reveals the details of the "agreement" on the receipt of the federal government border crossings in the Kurdistan region

04-11-2017 12:30 PM

Readers

 

Baghdad News -

 

 

A Kurdish source early on Saturday reached an agreement on the receipt of the federal government border crossings in the Kurdistan region.

 
The source said in a press statement that 'an agreement has been reached under the auspices of the United States to ensure the receipt of the federal government border crossings in exchange for the presence of representatives of the Peshmerga forces with those forces, but the representation of simple and formal and will be received crossings today if the matter matters on this agreement without hindrance.'

 
The source added that 'the requirement of the federal government is to represent the Peshmerga simple and limited and light weapons during the confrontation at the crossings'.

[yota691]

Source: 34 oil wells are still under the control of the Kurdish forces have not been handed over to the Federal Government

04-11-2017 01:42 PM

Readers

 

Baghdad News -

 

 

An Iraqi source told the daily Asharq al-Awsat that the number of oil wells that are still outside the control of the Iraqi government has been identified and that they are currently being managed by the KRG. 

The newspaper said, according to the source, that «although the federal government was able to control completely the oil fields and wells in Kirkuk and Makhmor and some areas of Mosul, but there are several other oil wells still under the control of Kurdish forces has not yet been handed over to the federal government». 

The source pointed out that «these 34 oil wells located in the area of Suhaila close to the Iraqi-Syrian border (24 wells in the village of Aliouka, and 4 wells in the village of Issaka, and 6 wells in the village of Walid and Kalha), and according to Iraqi standards, To produce 3 thousand barrels of oil per day, but in fact, the production of those wells exceed 15 thousand barrels per day and issued by tankers ».

[gregp]

GM, Yota,

 

Joint border Guard’s is a nice advance towards the HCL. 

 

Thanks. 

 

Edited November 4, 2017 by gregp

[yota691]

Kurdish personality: Kurdistan is about to collapse

BAGHDAD, Nov. 4 (Petra) - Iraqi Kurdish political parties on Saturday warned of the continued deterioration of economic and political conditions in the Kurdistan region.  "The ruling political parties in the region are not yet aware of the seriousness of the political, security and economic situation in Kurdistan, in conjunction with the strained relationship with Baghdad," MP Ahmad Hama said in a press statement Saturday.  He added that the continuation of the economic situation on what it is and not receiving the citizens of the Kurds their financial dues, warns of a political and economic disaster on the region and security and may get a state of collapse in the region.  He called on Hama to open up to Baghdad and discuss the positive solutions without addressing what happened through the referendum and avoid creating crises with the countries of the region.  - Petra (Petra)  - 4/11/2017 - 01:09 PM

[yota691]

Kurdistan's transport ruled out an agreement with Baghdad to resume flights

 

 Twilight News    

 

 44 minutes ago

 

 

The Minister of Transport and Communications in the Kurdistan Regional Government Mouloud Bawa Mourad said on Saturday that attempts to resume international flights to Erbil and Sulaymaniyah airports continue.

"The ministry is continuing its talks with the Iraqi Ministry of Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority to resume flights," Mawled said in a press statement. "So far there are no results."

He added that "Baghdad is always responding to us saying that the Council of Ministers is the one who issued the resolution, meaning that the resumption of international flights linked to the political agreement between Arbil and Baghdad."

He continued that "the cessation of flights caused heavy material losses for airlines that have signed agreements with the airports of the Kurdistan Region," pointing out that "the volume of material losses increases day by day," ruling out "the resumption of flights at the present time."

The Iraqi Council of Representatives issued 12 resolutions against the Kurdistan Region after the referendum on independence on 25 September last, including the suspension of flights to and from airports Erbil and Sulaymaniyah.

 

Keywords: 

[yota691]

Deputy: Baghdad sent a list of Arbel to hand over wanted persons and threatened to arrest them by force

 

Saturday, November 4,

 

 

Alsumaria News / Baghdad MP from the coalition of state law Jassim Mohammed Jaafar al - Bayati, on Saturday, the issuance of an official list of the federal government sent to the Kurdistan regionincludes the latter's request to extradite the figures issued against them judicial rulings, while noting that any delay or procrastination in the extradition will give the right The federal government to arrest them by force within the territory.  He said al-Bayati said in an interview with Alsumaria News that "the federal government intends to return the perpetrators and the judicial provisions of those who are located in the Kurdistan region," pointing to "the issuance of a list containing all those who have been sentenced to justice and lives in the Kurdistan region."     Al-Bayati said that "the province returned them to those courts or handed over to the Federal Ministry of Interior to implement the decision according to the Constitution and federal laws," noting that "any delay or procrastination in the extradition will give the right to the federal government to arrest them by force, if they are in the region."  "There are hundreds of those who have been issued judicial verdicts that fled to the Kurdistan region, taking from him a safe haven and a platform against the federal government," he said, adding that "the region supervised the establishment of dozens of conferences for those instigators against the federal government of the owners of platforms and outlaws."  Al-Bayati stressed that "it is time for the judiciary to simplify its authority also into the region and that the courts are linked to the federal judicial authority and the implementation of the region the provisions issued by this authority." It is noteworthy that a number of politicians and deputies accused the Kurdistan region on more than one occasion to harbor people wanted for the Iraqi judiciary and accused of "terrorist" issues.

[yota691]

In return for the resumption of dialogue with the Kurdistan region .. There are five conditions of the federal government and reference must be implemented

04-11-2017 02:39 PM

Readers

 

Baghdad News -

 

 

The Secretary-General of the Badr Organization, Hadi al-Amiri, said that the federal government and the religious reference set five conditions for the resumption of dialogue with the Kurdistan region. 

Al-Amiri said in a televised statement that "the condition of the government stipulates that the referendum should be canceled and its results unconstitutional before returning to dialogue. The terms of reference set out four conditions which stipulate that 'faith in the unity of Iraq and the people should be rejected. Lead to the opinion of the Federal Court is the decisive position '. 

Al-Amiri expressed his belief that "the adoption of the Kurdistan region on the road map, which was drawn by reference through the declaration of faith in the unity of Iraq and the arbitration of the Constitution will lead to the end of many of the problems, noting that the talk of some extremists affiliated with the Kurds does not represent an official position, especially with regard to threats against the Shabak and the people of easy Nineveh, who are in the region. '

[yota691]

 

 

Decision of the Finance Committee: budget of Kurdistan for the year 2018 poses a major threat to the region Iraq News Now 14:42 Last updated The time now is 02:55 PM 646 Watch     Tomorrow Press / Salah Papin:  confirmed the decision of the Finance Committee in Parliament MP Ahmed al - Haj Rashid, said Saturday that the draft of the draft budget for the year 2018 constitute a major threat to the region, pointing out that we can not prove the Ministry of Finance of the Federal government data accuracy. "The attempt to lose the region's share of the budget is not new and there have been attempts to this for three years and even collected signatures for that, but the efforts of the Kurdish blocs have been able to cut the road to a share cut," Haj Rashid said at a news conference held in Sulaymaniyah. Territory of the public budget ".  Rashid pointed out that "Baghdad wants to deal directly with the provinces to find a legal formula for the region," stressing that "the budget of Kurdistan for the year 2018 poses a major threat to the region," noting that "in all budgets and since 2005 was addressed the coordination between the Office of Financial Supervision For the region and Iraq, but this year was addressed to the Office of Financial Supervision of Iraq only under the territory because he wants to directly supervise the financial control of the region. He stressed that "to resolve the current problem must be a general strike or a dialogue or intervention of a third party between Baghdad and the region," noting that "the referendum has become the reason that brought all the Iraqi forces to the Kurds."  He added that "the region during the previous period sent only the number of employees and not names with a wide difference between the data of the Government of the Territory and federal government data, which prompted the government to deal with the salaries of employees of the region according to data only."  He explained that "the officials in the region must bear responsibility because there is a large corruption in the proportion of martyrs and retirees and beneficiaries of social protection and peshmerga, therefore must get a thorough radical reform."

[yota691]

HOW THE US PAVED THE WAY FOR IRAQ’S CRACKDOWN ON KURDISTAN

 

BY SETH J. FRANTZMAN

 

 NOVEMBER 2, 2017 06:33

 

A lot of it had to do with how much and at what point the world power decided to step in.

 

 

 

A VEHICLE of the Iraqi Federal Police is seen on a street in Kirkuk last month.. (photo credit:AKO RASHEED / REUTERS)

 

On October 5 Operation Inherent Resolve spokesman Army Col. Ryan Dillon tweeted that Iraqi forces had liberated Hawija, the last Islamic State pocket in northern Iraq. After the offensive, the Iraqi Army was expected to shift far to the west, to fight ISIS in Anbar.

Instead, it paused for 10 days and then rolled into Kirkuk, stripping the Kurdistan Regional Government of one of its largest cities, conquering oil fields the Kurds had been using, and beginning a massive and unprecedented crackdown on the Kurdistan region.

The extraordinary steps Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has taken to reverse decades of Kurdish gains in autonomy seem to have the United States’ stamp of approval and have been encouraged by Iran, both of which are key allies of Baghdad.
How did this happen, and why did it happen so quickly? Up until October 5, when the Hawija offensive ended, the Kurdish Peshmerga and Iraqi forces had all been fighting the same enemy, and both of them had US special forces and advisers close to their units. Both groups were being trained by parts of the 70-nation anti-ISIS coalition.

Days later they were fighting each other at hot spots along hundreds of kilometers of front lines, as the Iraqis sought to roll the Kurds back to pre-2003 borders. Most egregious in the eyes of the Kurds and their supporters is that the Iraqi Army used US equipment, ostensibly sent to help fight ISIS, to attack Kurds.

 

The unraveling of US relations with the Kurdistan region is symbolized by the visit of Brett McGurk, US special presidential envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIS, to Erbil on September 14. Speaking to journalists in the Kurdistan capital, he said how “honored we have been to work with all of you and with the heroic Kurdish Peshmerga in this fight against Daesh.”

He spoke of “historic cooperation” between Peshmerga and Iraqi forces. “That’s something that we want to see continue.”

McGurk said he had just returned from a meeting with KRG President Masoud Barzani, in which he was joined by UN Special Representative Jan Kubis, UK Ambassador to Iraq Frank Baker and US Ambassador to Iraq Douglas Silliman.

He stressed that the upcoming referendum was “ill-timed and ill-advised” and that not only the US could not support it but “that is the position of our entire international coalition.” 

Kurdistan Regional Government President Masoud Barzani

 

 

 

 

Kurdistan Regional Government President Masoud Barzani’s response translated at press conference as he justifies referendum on independence 

The Kurdish leadership did not understand the underlying threat of that message. The next day the White House released a statement calling on the Kurds to call off the September 25 referendum. It was too late in Erbil to call it off, after expectations had been built by massive rallies.

On September 28 McGurk claimed that Iraqi forces were still coordinating with Kurdish Peshmerga during the second phase of the Hawija operation. But the reality on the ground was different.

Baghdad had ordered the Kurdistan international airports in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah closed after the referendum, and the Iraqi parliament had asked the government to take back Kirkuk. Erbil was isolated, as Iran and Turkey joined Iraq to condemn Erbil.

On October 5 units of the Iraqi Army, including the 9th Armored Division, paused after taking Hawija.

They were only 15 km. from Kirkuk, and this would be the most opportune time for Iraq to grab back the city.

From October 6-9 funeral events for Kurdistan politician and former Iraqi president Jalal Talabani were held. Praised as a “unifying” politician by Abadi, and for “remarkable leadership” by McGurk, there was a quiet message to the rest of the Kurdish leadership that, with his death, things were going to change.

On October 11 former US ambassador to Iraq Zalmay Khalilzad wrote that “Quds Force commander [Maj.-Gen. Qassem] Soleimani is in Iraq and pushing Hashtis [Hashd al-Shaabi, Shi’a militias] to attack Kirkuk. Active US engagement needed to prevent conflict.” The US Embassy in Iraq and US State Department did not respond.

On October 12 McGurk posted a photo of “Iraqi forces shifting in mass [sic] from Hawija front to west Anbar to liberate Rawa, Qaim and secure Iraq’s borders with Syria.”

This clearly implied the Iraqi Army was leaving the gates of Kirkuk, when in fact that same day demands were communicated to the Kurdish leadership to leave the city.

KRG Deputy-Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, son of Jalal Talabani, tweeted on October 12: “Iraqi military moves on Kirkuk will lead to a devastating conflict. Wisdom must prevail, advances must cease and dialogue must begin.”

Maj.-Gen. Pat White, commanding general of the coalition’s land component command in Iraq, tweeted that he had “zero proof that any senior in the Iraqi government has sent threatening messages to Kurds.”

The Iraqi Army, including US-trained units, was preparing its Kirkuk offensive, and on October 14 an ultimatum was delivered to the Kurdistan government to remove its Peshmerga.

Soleimani, and Hashd al-Shaabi leader Hadi al-Amiri went to Kirkuk to work out an agreement.

At the height of this crisis, US government officials were silent across the board. From the coalition to the State Department, the decision by Iraq to use its US-trained forces against Kurdish Peshmerga was not addressed or acknowledged until after dozens had been killed in clashes and the Iraqi Army was in Kirkuk on October 16.

That day the coalition did release a statement on “military movement near Kirkuk,” claiming that the movements were “coordinated” and noting that “coalition forces and advisers are not supporting government of Iraq or KRG activities near Kirkuk.”

The embassy in Baghdad was “very concerned by reports of violence” and called on “all parties to immediately cease military action and restore calm.”

White tweeted that “we continue to advocate dialogue,” while Dillon sought to remind people that “Iraqis and Kurds have worked together” in the fight against ISIS. “Now in Iraq, all parties working to avoid clashes,” tweeted McGurk on October 17.

But the damage had been done and Abadi’s larger plan to take back other disputed areas, including trying to get to the Syria-KRG border crossing at Faysh-Khabur, was in motion.

The overall picture of events between October 5 and 15 as the crisis unfolded is one in which all the relevant parties – including the coalition, the special envoy, the State Department and the US Embassy in Baghdad – waited to deal with the crisis until after the Iraqi government had seized Kirkuk.

Since then the US has sought to show that it supports the Iraqi federal government. After Barzani stepped down on October 29, a State Department official said the US “commends the decision of Masoud Barzani not to seek an additional term as president of the KRG.” The US says it now wants to work with Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani and Talabani. “A strong KRG within a unified and federal Iraq is essential for long-term stability.”

At the same time the US “supports the strong leadership of Prime Minister Abadi.”

This is a contradiction, since Abadi indicated in an interview with The Independent that he seeks to weaken the KRG and remove the rights it has enjoyed since 2003.

That includes imposing Baghdad’s control on airports and borders and over the Peshmerga, as well as oil exports.

The US talks about the 2005 constitution, which would require deciding the final status of Kirkuk, but Abadi doesn’t mention Kirkuk.

The US has played a key role in Abadi’s actions, because US-trained forces, such as the Counter-Terrorism Service, have spearheaded some operations.

Understandably, many Kurds in Iraq feel betrayed, but they also came to the realization too late about what was happening on October 15.

The US seems to have viewed Masoud Barzani as an obstacle to their plans for post-ISIS Iraq. When he didn’t heed their warnings on September 14, Baghdad saw an opening and went ahead with a radical plan to use the referendum as an excuse to permanently weaken the KRG. US inaction, whether intentional or being caught by surprise, paved the way to Kirkuk.

[yota691]

Author

Shaistah Akhtar and John Sendama

Date

03 November 2017

---

 

Iraq and Kurdistan - a sanctions update

In a referendum held on 25 September 2017, the people of the self-governing Kurdistan Region in northern Iraq voted overwhelmingly in favour of independence. This has resulted in a forceful response by the Iraqi government which has deployed troops to the Kurdistan Region, taken back control of oilfields and trade routes, and cut off large sources of revenue for the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).  

The ongoing controversy surrounding the referendum draws into sharp focus the need for EU individuals and businesses dealing with the region to be aware of the current sanctions landscape. We set out below a summary of the relevant EU sanctions affecting UK individuals/businesses, as well as how the Turkish Government's planned sanctions may have an impact, and some practical considerations to bear in mind during this period of uncertainty.

On 25 September 2017, the self-governing Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) held a referendum in which 93% of the people of the Kurdistan Region in northern Iraq voted overwhelmingly in favour of independence. Although there is no administrative mechanism by which the result can trigger the secession of the Kurdistan Region, the referendum has caused conflict and uncertainty in respect of the future of the oil-rich region. The Iraqi central government has called for the referendum result to be annulled, whereas the semi-autonomous KRG claims that the result provides it with a clear mandate to commence secession negotiations. Clashes erupted following the referendum and the Iraqi federal government deployed troops to the Kurdistan Region, taking back control of strategically key territory. Last week, the KRG offered to "freeze" the referendum result in exchange for an immediate ceasefire and halt to all military operations in the region. The KRG hopes that this will facilitate negotiations with the Iraqi government on the future of the Kurdish people of northern Iraq.

The referendum included the oil-rich city of Kirkuk, whose status as part of the Kurdistan Region is disputed by the Iraqi federal government. The city has been held since 2014 by the KRG's Peshmerga fighters. However, following the referendum, Iraqi troops marched on the area and its oil fields.  Most of the oil produced by Kirkuk is exported by pipeline to the city of Ceyhan in Turkey. Iraq's oil proceeds are subject to a revenue sharing deal with the KRG, pursuant to which a state-controlled entity is responsible for oil exports and the KRG is entitled to a percentage of Iraq's net state revenues. However, this arrangement has been contentious, with the actual share paid to the KRG fluctuating over the years. Tensions have been heightened by the KRG's independent operation of the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline and direct agreements with foreign oil companies.

As a result of these disputes and the Peshmerga forces' central role in fighting ISIS in the territory, the Kurdistan Region is part of a complex political, economic and military landscape in which neighbouring Turkey, Iran and Syria (which each have large Kurdish populations nearby) have all spoken out against the referendum. 

The ongoing controversy surrounding the referendum draws into sharp focus the need for EU individuals and businesses with dealings in the region to be aware of the current sanctions landscape. We set out below a summary of the relevant EU sanctions affecting UK individuals/businesses, how the Turkish Government's planned sanctions may have an impact, and some practical considerations to bear in mind during this period of uncertainty. 

EU SANCTIONS IN RELATION TO IRAQ INCLUDING KURDISTAN REGION (DIRECTLY EFFECTIVE IN THE UK PURSUANT TO REGULATION NO. 1210/2003 (AS AMENDED))

Trade Restrictions

It is prohibited to import or export Iraqi cultural property and other items of archaeological, historical, cultural, rare scientific and religious importance if they have been illegally removed from locations in Iraq.

Freezing of Funds  

All funds and economic resources belonging to, owned by, held by or controlled by (directly or indirectly) certain designated persons are frozen. Funds and economic resources must not be made available, directly or indirectly, to or for the benefit of designated persons.

The designated persons include immediate members of the late former President Saddam Hussein's family, senior officials of his regime and their immediate families, and any legal entities or bodies owned or controlled directly or indirectly by the aforementioned individuals. 

The Regulation provides that the relevant EU competent authority can authorise the release of frozen funds or provision of economic resources provided that certain conditions are met. The relevant competent authority in the case of the UK is HM Treasury. Companies or individuals who wish to seek such authorisation or whose business activities are affected by these restrictions should seek legal advice. 

Export restrictions

The Regulation provides that all proceeds from the export sales of petroleum, petroleum products (as listed in an Annex to the Regulation) and natural gas from Iraq shall be deposited into the Development Fund for Iraq in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1483 (2003). Any business operating in Iraq in the oil industry should take legal advice on these provisions.

Duty to Disclose Information

The Regulation imposes an obligation on natural and legal persons to immediately provide to HM Treasury (or such other competent authority as may be applicable) any information which would facilitate compliance with the Regulation. For example, details of any accounts frozen by the sanctions.

Turkish Sanctions

Given the instability in the region, the Turkish Government has been highly concerned about the Referendum and indicated the possibility of sanctions against the KRG even before the Referendum. 

Northern Iraq’s economy is dependent on Turkey in a number of respects, including the following: 

• Most of the oil exports are made through Turkish territory via the Kirkuk-Ceyhan Pipeline and Khabur border gate, which is regarded as the KRG's gateway to the rest of the world. The KRG exports hundreds of thousands of barrels of oil per day through Turkey to international markets. 
• Trade between Turkey and Northern Iraq is valued at USD 2.5 billion and Turkish investors have undertaken major projects in Northern Iraq.   
• The majority of flights from Northern Iraq use Turkish airspace. 

After the Referendum, the Turkish Government's first actions were to cancel flights to Erbil and Sulaymaniyah and implement strict security measures at the border gates. 

Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has warned that Turkey will further close its border with Iraqi Kurdistan as part of the planned sanctions. Although he has not given a timetable on the introduction of further sanctions, he has indicated that it would be soon. The sanctions that are planned to be imposed are classified as economic, diplomatic and military sanctions by the Turkish Government. Accordingly, options include the following: 

• Closing the Khabur border crossing or redirecting all dues and benefits earned at border control to the Central Iraqi Government which could substantially lower the income of the KRG.
• Slowing down or freezing exports and oil and gas purchases from the KRG. 
• Intensifying diplomatic efforts to convince other regional countries to implement similar measures.
• Freezing some bank accounts.
• Closing the air space.
• Cancelling projects in the region and recalling Turkish investors.

Therefore, individuals and companies planning to undertake business in the region should be attentive to the new measures that are likely to be implemented by the Turkish Government. 

Practical Tips

UK individuals and companies operating in sectors affected by these sanctions, particularly the oil industry, should consider the following practical tips:

1. Ensure that robust due-diligence procedures are in place to determine ownership structures and identify associated parties before entering into any transactions with Iraqi/Kurdish entities or individuals, to ensure compliance with relevant sanctions regimes. 
2. Obtain information and assurances on the money trail when making payments to parties in the region.
3. Negotiate suitable warranties and indemnities into contracts with parties close to high risk jurisdictions.
4. Consider obtaining a licence from the relevant competent authority for certain activities which are not ostensibly covered by the relevant regulations.
5. Ensure you have a robust internal compliance programme including an audited risk assessment, sanctions policies and procedures, training for staff and Board, and a well-rehearsed plan for dealing with sanctions violations.

[yota691]

November 01-2017     03:44 PM

 

 

Zardasht Mohammed

Iraq's measures against Kurdistan unconstitutional

The recent referendum in the Kurdistan Region, which took place on September 25, 2017, triggered an exaggerated escalation of military and diplomatic acts by the Iraqi Federal Government toward the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). 

Although it seems the Iraqi government is "simply" implementing provisions of the constitution, as it has convinced the international community, it is explicitly undermining it. 

The KRG, whose existence and powers are enshrined and protected in the Iraqi Constitution, was given the prerogative to enforce and implement federal policies in its own territories, through KRG officials and employees.



At the outset, to understand the constitutional and legal status of KRG in the Iraqi constitution, one should observe article 117, section 1 which states that “This Constitution, upon coming into force, shall recognize the region of Kurdistan, along with its existing authorities, as a federal region.” 

The “Existing Authorities” clause was understood as all three branches of the KRG: legislative, executive, and judicial, and their jurisdiction.

This understanding was widespread among Kurdish leaders: that the newly adopted Iraqi Constitution would not erode the established administration of the KRG over its territories, including checkpoints, borders, and airports which were obtained through the UN Security Council resolution 688, and subsequent resolutions, to protect Kurds against the Iraqi government’s oppression.

In 2005, when Kurds voted in favor of this new Iraqi constitution, it was understood that this new legal framework constitutionally recognized and protected their status quo.



To put this in perspective, the legal status of Kurds in Iraq, to some extent, is similar to the status of Indian tribes recognized by the US constitution: Indians tribes are viewed as separate from the federal government thanks to international treaties, some which they even signed with the US federal government. 

Tribal sovereignty in the US existed before the American Constitution was ratified and enforced. In the same vein, the Kurds' legal status as a separate entity was acknowledged by the UN Security Council Resolution. 

Kurds exercised their constitutional rights and sovereign powers for more than 14 years before Iraqi constitution was adopted. 

As it is clear for legal experts in Iraq, the UN Security Council resolution, which was a binding decision, precedes the Iraqi Constitution. It should go without saying that those decisions, which included that the human and political rights of all Iraqi citizens be respected, should be respected and honored by the Iraqi Federal Government.



Additionally, the Iraqi Constitution distinguishes between the creation of federal policies and the implementation of said policies within the exclusive powers of central government. It determined which matters were to be solely under the jurisdiction of the Iraqi Government, which were stated and enumerated under article 110 of the constitution, but did not provide them with authority to implement its policies unilaterally. 

The only exception is the central bank, for which the Federal Government was responsible for establishing and administering. 

The enforcement and implementation of federal policies based on the Iraqi Constitution were always meant to be managed by regional and local employees, much like German federalism. 


The Iraqi government is merely finding a pretext to bring employees in line with the ruling Shia party to rule and administer federal policies on the Kurdistan region’s territories, notably in relation to international checkpoints, borders, and airports, even if it requires military action. 

The KRG’s opposition comes from its insistence that customs offices, checkpoints, and airports have been managed and administrated by the regional employees who have been implementing federal policies in line with the constitution. The KRG argues it has not violated any constitutional provisions on these matters.

The Iraqi army, which has used both Iran and Turkey to conduct military drills on the border to intimidate the KRG, demands the complete surrender of border crossings to the Iraqi military. This is despite the Iraqi Constitution, in Article 114, section 1, explicitly stating that customs should be managed by both regional and federal governments. 

The KRG, of course, suspects the Iraqi government may use its control over border crossings and customs offices to impose a blockade on the KRG and threaten its sovereignty. It would be yet another move to bring the Kurdish leadership to cancel the results of the September 25 referendum on independence and to give up its claim on disputed areas, including Kirkuk.



The Kurdish leadership's reluctance to approach the Federal Supreme Court of Iraq and present all of the abovementioned constitutional violations stems from the fact that the majority which controls the Iraqi parliament is the same majority controlling the Federal Supreme Court of Iraq. 

As such, the Kurds face a Madisonian form of government, where in this case, a hostile majority controls all branches of government, and where checks and balances do not work to protect the rights of minorities.

In any case, even if Kurds put forward their complaints and their constitutional claims were sustained, the Iranian hegemony and its Shia armed proxies would not allow the Federal Supreme Court's decisions to be upheld and enforced. 

It is not an unlikely scenario, as Kurds have seen article 140, one of the most crucial provisions of the Iraqi Constitution, consistently ignored by the Iraqi Federal Government, which has yet to honor and implement more than a decade later.



Unfortunately, the US and other western superpowers, whom Kurds considered to be true friends and allies of democracy, by refusing to support the Kurdish referendum have allowed the Iraqi Federal Government to proceed with these unconstitutional measures. 

With their lack of condemnation and their refusal to stand with the Kurds, they incentivized the Iraqi parliament to enact ordinances that unmake all these preserved, residual, and de facto powers, especially regarding the KRG’s jurisdiction over checkpoints, airports, and customs that the Iraqi Constitution itself protected.




*Zardasht Mohammed holds a Master's Degree in Constitutional Law and Constitutional Design /USA. He also holds a 
Bachelor’s Degree in Law and Politics from the Indiana University Bloomington and teaches at the University of Suleimani, Law College.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of Kurdistan 24.

[yota691]

Parliamentary Finance proposes 3 solutions to find a way out of the economic crisis between Baghdad and Erbil

 

 Since 2017-11-04 at 16:04 (Baghdad time)

 

 

Parliamentary Finance proposes 3 solutions to find a way out of the economic crisis between Baghdad and Erbil

Baghdad - Mawazine News

The parliamentary finance committee proposed on Saturday three solutions to find a way out of the outstanding economic crisis between the central government and the Kurdistan region of Iraq.

"The Baghdad committee wants to deal directly with the provinces to find a legal formula for the region," said the committee's decision Ahmed al-Haj Rashid in a news conference attended by / Mawazin News, "stressing that" the Kurdistan budget for the year 2018 pose a major threat to the region. "

He added that "to resolve the current problem must be a general strike or a dialogue or intervention of a third party between Baghdad and the region," adding that "the referendum became the reason that brought all the Iraqi forces to the Kurds."

"The officials in the region must bear responsibility because there is a great corruption in the proportion of martyrs and retirees and beneficiaries of social protection and peshmerga, therefore must get a radical overhaul."

The president of the Kurdistan region, Massoud Barzani, left office on Wednesday (November 1, 2017), leaving his nephew, Nigervan Barzani, "to reconcile with the central government in Baghdad and with neighboring countries and with rival Kurdish parties after the failure of a referendum on independence."

 

 

[yota691]

 

Barzani's party reveals a "strong" rapprochement between Erbil and Baghdad on the disputed areas

Iraq News Now

15:45

Last updated

The time now is 03:54 PM

1485

Watch

BAGHDAD / 
The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) announced on Saturday a strong rapprochement between the federal and Kurdish delegations over the disputed areas. 
"There is strong efforts by the two technical delegations to agree on some outstanding issues concerning the disputed areas," Shakhwan told Al-Ghad Press. "There is a strong rapprochement between the two delegations and it is hoped that all details of the agreement will be reached within the next two days."
He added that "the two delegations agreed that some areas need the presence of Peshmerga in coordination with the federal forces as well as the spread of security forces in the disputed areas." 
"The areas from Khanaqin to Sinjar need to return the Peshmerga to it on the grounds that 80% of those areas are densely populated Kurdish," he said, adding that "this is done in agreement with the federal forces."

[nannab]

WOOOOO WHOOOOO keep it moving boyz !  You can have this wrapped up by Monday.                Please and Thank you. 

Have a great day everyone  and don't forget to turn your clocks back  tonight. 

[Flamtap]

It's looking more and more like when my parents used to tell me and my sisters........no one leaves the table until all have finished their meals. They are under the Gun ( I know......that's not the PC thing to say) and they will all eat together before they can get up from the table. It's about time

 

Go RV

[Wiljor]

Iraq, November 4, 2017 

The tourism sector has been hard hit after Baghdad imposed punitive measures on the Kurdistan Region following the independence referendum and the eruption of military clashes between the Iraqi army and Peshmerga on October 16. The Region’s tourist spots have seen a significant drop in the number of visitors.

“Because our borders are closed and there is no way for tourists to come in, in the wake of recent situation that engulfed the Region, the number of our guests has been considerably reduced from 200 or 250 guests to 10 on a weekly basis,” the owner of a hotel in Erbil explained to Rudaw.

Many restaurants and guesthouses in Erbil have had to lay off employees after Kurdistan Region’s international flights were banned and borders temporarily closed.

“Tourists cannot come to the cities as the border roads and the airports have been shut and that largely affects the tourism sector such as the hotels, cafeterias,” said Shukur Aziz, deputy head of the Erbil Restaurants and Guest Houses Group.

Sales of fish at an Erbil restaurant owned by Shikar Hazim have plummeted.

“Our sales have decreased by 60 percent particularly this month,” sighed Hazim. “There is no market.”

“We used to sell half a ton of fish every day. Nowadays, it does not even reach 200 kilos a day.”

The tourism sector, trying to rebound after years of war with ISIS, was looking promising in the first months of the year, according to the Ministry of Tourism. But relations between Erbil and Baghdad took a turn for the worst when the Region proceeded with its independence referendum, despite Iraqi opposition.

After the vote, the central government enacted a set of measures against the Region including a ban on international flights to and from the Kurdistan Region and deployment of federal troops into the disputed areas which eventually resulted in the fall of Kirkuk to Baghdad on October 16. Iran temporarily closed its land borders with the Kurdistan Region at Baghdad’s request. It has since opened some crossings and said it will open the remaining in the coming days.

According to the tourism ministry, the Kurdistan Region saw a 60 percent increase in the number of visitors in the first four months of the year over the same period in 2016. This led to a six-fold increase in revenue for an industry that had largely almost stagnated during the war with ISIS.

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) had planned to invest in modern infrastructure and build hundreds of new tourist attractions across the Region, spending an estimated $100 million over the coming years to revive and develop an industry which many believed would be profitable in the long-run. The Kurdistan Region, able to offer security and beautiful nature, is a popular destination for Iraqis and regional tourists.

rudaw

 

 

http://iraqdailyjournal.com/story-z16153400

[magawatt]

Bagdad showed the Kurds the stick, now show them the 24 karat carrot.

[nannab]

4 hours ago, Wiljor said:

Iraq, November 4, 2017 

The tourism sector has been hard hit after Baghdad imposed punitive measures on the Kurdistan Region following the independence referendum and the eruption of military clashes between the Iraqi army and Peshmerga on October 16. The Region’s tourist spots have seen a significant drop in the number of visitors.

“Because our borders are closed and there is no way for tourists to come in, in the wake of recent situation that engulfed the Region, the number of our guests has been considerably reduced from 200 or 250 guests to 10 on a weekly basis,” the owner of a hotel in Erbil explained to Rudaw.

Many restaurants and guesthouses in Erbil have had to lay off employees after Kurdistan Region’s international flights were banned and borders temporarily closed.

“Tourists cannot come to the cities as the border roads and the airports have been shut and that largely affects the tourism sector such as the hotels, cafeterias,” said Shukur Aziz, deputy head of the Erbil Restaurants and Guest Houses Group.

Sales of fish at an Erbil restaurant owned by Shikar Hazim have plummeted.

“Our sales have decreased by 60 percent particularly this month,” sighed Hazim. “There is no market.”

“We used to sell half a ton of fish every day. Nowadays, it does not even reach 200 kilos a day.”

The tourism sector, trying to rebound after years of war with ISIS, was looking promising in the first months of the year, according to the Ministry of Tourism. But relations between Erbil and Baghdad took a turn for the worst when the Region proceeded with its independence referendum, despite Iraqi opposition.

After the vote, the central government enacted a set of measures against the Region including a ban on international flights to and from the Kurdistan Region and deployment of federal troops into the disputed areas which eventually resulted in the fall of Kirkuk to Baghdad on October 16. Iran temporarily closed its land borders with the Kurdistan Region at Baghdad’s request. It has since opened some crossings and said it will open the remaining in the coming days.

According to the tourism ministry, the Kurdistan Region saw a 60 percent increase in the number of visitors in the first four months of the year over the same period in 2016. This led to a six-fold increase in revenue for an industry that had largely almost stagnated during the war with ISIS.

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) had planned to invest in modern infrastructure and build hundreds of new tourist attractions across the Region, spending an estimated $100 million over the coming years to revive and develop an industry which many believed would be profitable in the long-run. The Kurdistan Region, able to offer security and beautiful nature, is a popular destination for Iraqis and regional tourists.

rudaw

 

 

http://iraqdailyjournal.com/story-z16153400

 

Well the way I see it the Kurdish people themselves had better start pushing the so called leaders. Stop the whining and demand the billions back that 

the main Kurdish families and their friends stole from you.

Thank you Wiljor  

[DinarThug]

I Wonder If They've Worked Anything Else Out In Advance ...

 

     

 

 

 

The maturity of an agreement between Baghdad and Erbil to manage border crossings and "disputed"

 

 Baghdad / Mohammed Sabah 

The federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) are close to announcing an agreement that has been worked out over the past few days, which is likely to be announced within a few days.

According to sources close to the prime minister, the maturity agreement for the management of crossings and border areas in a joint manner, but the dispute is about Baghdad supervision of the financial management of the province, airport management and customs collection. 

Federal forces stopped advancing towards the Feshkhabur crossing after violent clashes with the Peshmerga forces earlier this month.The Prime Minister announced the suspension of progress and giving 24 hours to the technical teams to facilitate the deployment of federal forces and the extension of the deadline for more than once. 

Two weeks ago, the federal delegation with his Kurdish counterpart several rounds to reach an agreed formula for the deployment of federal forces in the areas of eastern Nineveh and its north. 

"There are negotiations at the level of the military leaders of the Federal Defense Ministry and the Peshmerga on handing over the Blue Line to the security forces," said Jassim Mohammed Jaafar, a member of the State of Law bloc. 

Jaafar added that "the US side is pressing the two sides to implement the provisions of the Constitution in resolving controversial issues and reach an agreement on the disputed points," denying the existence of negotiations conducted by the federal government with the Kurdistan Regional Government at the present time. 

"What has been agreed upon is a joint administration between the federal army and the Peshmerga of the Nineveh Plain areas, Kretla, Bahezika and others, and the executors of Vishkhabur," said the deputy close to the prime minister. And Ibrahim Khalil. " 

"The presence of the Peshmerga in the areas under joint administration will be without heavy weapons and limited to light weapons," he said, noting that "the size of the forces in these cities is still under discussion and negotiation." 

The deputy Jassem Jaffar that "the management of customs in the executors will be shared between the Peshmerga and the federal forces," stressing that "the central government is interested in the port Vishkhabor more than interest in Ibrahim al-Khalil for his strategic location with Syria and Turkey." 

But the leader in the rule of law draws to "the existence of points of disagreement is not agreed upon the collection of customs of goods depending on the law in force in the Kurdistan region or the federal law in force," adding that "this controversial point will cause us problems with other provinces such as Basra and others." 

The deputy close to the Prime Minister that "one of the most controversial points is the management of airports and customs as well as supervision of financial supervision by the federal government in the Kurdistan region," ruling out any clash between the federal forces and the Peshmerga. 

MP Jassim Mohammed Jaafar talked about the maturity of an agreement to be announced by the two parties within the next 48 hours, organizing the withdrawal of heavy weapons of the Peshmerga forces from their areas of presence. 

The joint operations announced last Wednesday that the Kurdish side has withdrawn from the redeployment agreement, pointing out that the Peshmerga forces have set up positions to block the progress of our units, and vowed to respond to the source of fire in the event of an attack. 

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) responded by denying that the federal delegation submitted a different draft agreement one day after it submitted another draft. 

In turn, the parliamentary bloc of the Kurdistan Democratic Party in the words of MP Renas Jano that "the problem is greater than the executors Ibrahim Khalil and Fishkhabour." 

"The issue of these two implementers to cover the differences between the federal government and the Kurdistan region of not applying many of the paragraphs of the Constitution." The spokesman for the Kurdish bloc, "There are a lot of constitutional articles have not been implemented by the federal government Add To the problem of external interventions with the existence of regional agendas that try to change the political structure through the demographic change of the presence of federal forces and the geographical change that happened to the disputed areas. 

He said a member of the Kurdistan Democratic bloc, "We as Iraqis to stand on the important aspects and do not concern ourselves with issues of no strategic value to them," and wondered, "Where will begin negotiations in light of differences between the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government to manage the perpetrators of Vishkhabour and Ibrahim Khalil? 

"Do you demand the federal government to manage the border crossings in the city of Sulaymaniyah and demands the executors of Ibrahim al-Khalil and Fishekhabour or it is a conflict with the Democratic Party," he continued, warning of "turning the party struggle into a government conflict involving all political forces and military forces in Baghdad against a particular party" . 

The Kurdish MP believes that "the problem is purely political related to the regional changes and conflicts in the region in Baghdad, Damascus, Tehran and Turkey," echoing the saying, "Why the federal government demands the management of the perpetrators Ibrahim Khalil and Fishkhabour?". 

A spokesman for the Barzani party bloc said that "the port of Vishkhabur inside the 36th and therefore not within the borders of 9/4/2003," and confirmed his reliance on the US role to bring the views between Baghdad and Erbil. 

"The border areas between Iraq and Syria are important for the Americans, with the presence of Syrian Democratic forces on the other side of the border," he said.

link