blueskies

UN official in Kuwait Monday to follow up Iraq-Kuwait issues 03/03/2013 | 10:19 AM | Kuwait News UNITED NATIONS, March 3 (KUNA) -- UN official Victor Poliakov, who has been taking care of the missing Kuwaitis and property files in the UN Secretariat since the nineties, will discuss the issues in Kuwait on Monday with government officials, KUNA learned late Saturday. Poliakov was appointed by Secretary General Ban Ki-moon recently to temporarily follow up these two humanitarian files until the Security Council decides by June on how to proceed, after the High-Level Coordinator Gennady Tarasov left his office in late December. Ban offered the Council in a report last December a number of options to choose from on how to fill until June the vacuum created by Tarasov's departure. The options include replacing Tarasov with another full-time coordinator, appointing an interim coordinator, asking someone from the UN to assume the mandate until the files are closed, or allowing the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) to take over the files. When the council met in mid-December, it did not agree on any of the options, and therefore did not allow the mandate to be financed until a final decision is made. While Russia wanted Tarasov to be replaced by another Russian, Western countries wanted the files to be handled by the UN Secretariat until the files are closed once and for all. Ban had personally wanted UNAMI to handle the files. Since the council remained deadlocked on the way forward, Ban wrote to the council late last month informing its members that he has mandated Poliakov to "temporarily follow up the dossiers" until the council decides on how to proceed when it meets again on the issues next June. A UN diplomat told KUNA that the recent improvement in the Kuwait-Iraq relations will definitely have an impact on the council's decision in June. He also said that the next few months will be a test for Iraq to prove to the international community that it means business and is serious about closing the files once and for all. Iraqi Ambassador Hamid Al-Bayati told KUNA that some of the files, such as the maintenance of border posts and maritime navigation, will be dealt with bilaterally with Kuwait in the future, expressing satisfaction that the legal issues between Kuwait Airways and its Iraqi sister company have now been resolved. "Both governments are determined to solve all outstanding issues and to open a new page in the relations between the two brotherly neighbors - Iraq and Kuwait," he said.(end) sj.wsa KUNA 031019 Mar 13NNNN http://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2295991&language=en Can anyone sleuth out the letter, referenced in the article above, that Ban Ki Moon purportedly wrote last month about the Iraq issues?.... Also, we should try and see what Poliakoff was told by the Kuwaitis today?

Just my two but if you look at this article, they are already talking about preparing for the next UNSC meeting on Iraq in June. http://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2295991&language=en So, if Iraq is expected to get out of Ch. VII by then, that would jive with Betty's info that the English/Scottish banks are expecting the RV by July. Just trying to put the pieces together and total conjecture . . .

Thanks Betty and dinarbeliever too.

Betty, I don't know you and have only been a member here for a few months. I have, however, been struck in that short time by the high regard with which most long-term members hold you here. They just love you and respect you. I've seen it in their words time and time again. I can only hope that some feel that way about me someday. I honor you.

Iraq Budget .. Vote On Tuesday ..Free Iraq: the country is exposed to significant losses due to the delay in approving the budget March 4, 2013 Free Iraq: the country is exposed to significant losses due to the delay in approving the budget Confirmed an MP for the Iraqi Free high Nassif said each day of delay on the federal financial budget caused great losses to the country. He said Nassif in a press statement on Monday that "everyone realized that the delay in approving the budget aimed at ending the country's political system, so it must be of the political consensus on them." and indicated that "the state and the government has given to the Kurdistan Alliance guarantees on their demand on entitlements oil companies operating in the Kurdistan region. " and raise the House of Representatives its that had been earmarked for the vote on the budget of the federal financial public until tomorrow, Tuesday. Between MP block citizen Furat al-Shara said the parliamentary session had been filed until tomorrow, Tuesday, after agreement on all outstanding issues which prevent voting on the budget. The National Alliance has agreed to give his Kurdistan and a half billion dollars on that subject the rest of the money claimed by the Kurds as receivables for oil companies operating in Kurdistan to financial control, which faced rejection of the Kurds. remains tomorrow unknown to the Iraqis as they are the past few days, may hold between his admission hours is long awaited and built upon hopes and held it wishes. http://www1.alforattv.net/modules/news/article.php?storyid=86307

Monday, March 4, 2013 WTO working on completing the application file Iraq Baghdad, Sent the WTO a range of inquiries and requests to the Ministry of Commerce to modify file Iraq's request to join the organization. The general director of economic relations in the ministry Hashim Hatem "The organization has sent a set of questions and requests to modify file Iraq to the organization, the detector that" the most important questions that received Taattalq tables tariff according to the Harmonized System, which operates the Organization consisting of ten figures. " He added "We are prepared tables within the Harmonized System which was released in 2002, which consists of eight figures, and asked the organization to work on a modern system consisting of ten figures add another digit tariff." He pointed out that "the ministry is now working with Customs to amend the tariff according to what was stated by the organization or to continue on the old system," explaining that "there is no response from the concerned departments requests and questions the WTO." The WTO requires commitment and pledge the state wishing to join the signing of the Accession Protocol includes approval of the application of all WTO agreements. According to head of the International Federation of businessmen Iraq Hamid punitive "There is a need for Iraq's accession to the World Trade Organization because of its great advantages for the development of the national economy and the promotion of it." http://translate.google.com/translate?depth=1&ie=UTF8&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=ar&tl=en&u=http://www.uragency.net/index.php/2012-03-11-16-31-52/2012-03-11-16-33-57/17875-2013-03-04-10-04-38

Planning Minister: Iraq will sign strategy with the World Bank fit in with the development plan Minister of Planning and Development Cooperation Ali Shukri said Iraq and the World Bank will sign during a period of close partnership agreement between the two sides, noting that the agreement will oblige Iraq determine the price of oil was in the budget. Said Shukri in a joint news conference with Maria Helen, represented by the World Bank, yesterday that there is a convergence between the two parties about what is planned to support several areas in Iraq, including the strategy to reduce poverty line and government projects and developing the potential of the provinces on the transfer of budgets ministries to it, in addition to cooperation with the World Bank to take advantage of its expertise in determining the price of oil and the size and quantity of its exports. Shukri said that: "Iraq this year and the coming years will be from donor countries after it was from countries that receive grants from some countries." Regarding Iraq's money abroad explained the Minister of Planning and Finance Minister Ali Shukri Agency: "Many of the lawsuits filed against Iraq, mostly from private sector companies, demanding sums, but Iraq ended many of them yet resolved in his favor." He added: "Iraq has a strategy for his money protected by the U.S. President, after flying for protection which exist now in the Council of Ministers for discussion and can not be advertised." For its part, the representative of the World Bank emphasized Maria Helen: "The strategy to be signed by the World Bank and the Iraqi government fit in with the development plan in Iraq. Bank has finished a number of plans to support national development, such as private sector development and construction of infrastructure and the development of Iraqi society." http://www.burathanews.com/news_article_185582.html And this article too-- Saturday, March 02, 2013 Iraq and World Bank .. Iraq would be a donor to other countries during the current year Baghdad, announced the Ministry of Planning and Development Cooperation, Saturday, that Iraq would be a donor to other countries during the current year 2013, while confirming that the World Bank would be for Iraq after this year Bank of knowledge provides technical advice and expertise. Said Planning Minister Ali Shukri in an interview for " Alsumaria News "," The Iraqi government was one of the largest donors to the world before 1990, but the circumstances experienced by Iraq after this period became receives aid and grants from others. " Said Shukri that "Iraq and in collaboration with the World Bank and other international organizations, will be during this year 2013 and the coming years one donor countries through the provision of grants and aid to other countries, "noting that" the World Bank would be for Iraq after this year Bank of knowledge provides technical advice and expertise, training courses and development. " It is noteworthy that the World Bank is a specialized agencies United Nations in dealing with development, a group of five international organizations, countries responsible for financing for the purpose of development and reduce poverty, as well as to the promotion and protection of investment world, has started its activities to assist in the reconstruction of Europe after World War II. http://www.alsumarianews.com/ar/3/56887/news-details-.html

SteveI Update Friday Afternoon From don't promote other sites Forum03/01/2013 0 Comments Greetings, It brings me great pleasure that we have received word from our contacts in Iraq that the 2013 Federal Budget will be voted on Monday. The reason you are seeing Saturday and some articles are reporting Monday is that the Kurds wanted to do this Saturday but the other blocs wanted to wait until Monday. Go figure. According to our sources, all blocs, and I repeat all blocs, Maliki, Allawi, Kurds, etc. are all on the same page now and all differences have been worked out, therefore as it stands now, the vote is on for Monday (Iraq's Monday not our). Once it is passed our guys will call us regardless of our time and share the news. With this being said, pray for the best and prepare for the worst. With all of the pressure from citizens, I just cannot see how they will not follow thru this time. Major consequences will follow if they do not. The parliament will be meeting Saturday but they will be voting and passing other laws, just not the 2013 budget. So, this was the huge news I have been waiting for. .... Now I am excited beyond belief. It is getting very hard to stay focused but we all will continue to take one step at a time. There you have it. I promised I would share when we heard. Please also thank Ray and his contacts as well that confirmed all of this wonderful news. It is hard for me to tell you not to get excited, but anything can happen as you have clearly seen in the past. Let's hope history does not repeat itself regarding the budget this time around. I know many are asking about the 2012 and 2011 budgets. The 2011 budget ran into 2012 and you did not hear much about the transition into the 2012. Now you have the 2012 budget which by the way was opened and monies disbursed through out the year but this time it was closed. All funds accounted for and even found a surplus which was added to the 2013 budget and that was voted on and approved. My text is ready so is the email. Enjoy your weekend and have a safe one. Blessings, Steve

Holy snikies, this is great news. Thanks, Yota.

From DR-- Stevel Friday AM Update I truly believe this time we will see it being passed. God help the GOI if it is not. I am still waiting on a call to see how the meeting went between Maliki and the Kurds over the defense budget. That as the true sticking point, not the oil. See article below. Please trust us as we know exactly what is going on in Iraq regarding the process. I hope to bring you some wonderful news in the coming days, hopefully starting with the budget vote passing, and I think things will move so fast that I may have just enough time for the rate notification. Blessings, Steve Maliki's coalition threatens not to vote on the budget in the event of reduction of the share of the Ministry of Defence Threatened a coalition of state law, led by Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, on Thursday, not to vote on the budget bill for 2013 in the event was reduced share of the Ministry of Defense in the budget, and described calls for reducing its stake to "It's shameful," while counting the move "something is logical "in lost tremendous support provided by regional states to armed groups in Iraq. ... Read More Link On Right The leader of the Coalition Hassan Sinead, said in a newspaper interview that "the coalition will not vote on the state budget for 2013 in the event was reduced allocations of the Ministry of Defense in the budget", he underlined that "the coalition will not be allowed to reduce the budget of the Ministry of Defence under any pretext." Description Sinead, chairman of the Commission on Security and Defense parliamentary Some went to cut the defense budget to "It's a shame," returned this step something illogical in lost tremendous support provided regional states to armed groups in Iraq. " He was a member of the Finance Committee Najiba Najib said in an interview that the Iraqi List demanded redeploy amount two billion Iraqi dinars from the budget of the Department of Defense to balance the development of regions, while calling the Kurdistan Alliance to pay dues of oil companies, "pointing out that" the debate is still going on about these two points and that the Committee proposed a solution to the financial point of contention concerning the Kurdistan Alliance to give these receivables from financial exuberance ". The lifting of the House of Representatives 21 th day of February 2013, the 12th session of Parliament scheduled to vote on the budget on Saturday, due to lack of quorum, for the third time in ten days. The postponement of the parliamentary session of the 12 allocated to the vote on the budget bill financial for the current year 2013, the third within ten days, as determined by the head of the Iraqi parliament Osama al-Nujaifi, in the 11 of February 2013, suspended until agreement on a budget bill, while decided, first Tuesday, ( February 19, 2013), postponed to Thursday, for lack of a quorum because of continuing differences on the budget. The State of Law coalition announced, first Tuesday, (February 19 2013), an agreement alliances national and Kurdistan to pass the draft budget without reducing the share of Kurdistan annual ones, which amounts to 17%, and added that the two sides also agreed to hold a census in Iraq during the year current exact percentage of the population of the region of the population of Iraq and dealing on this basis and retroactively, and the financing of the Peshmerga same previous version which includes granting advances to Peshmerga agreement between President Nuri al-Maliki and the region, Massoud Barzani, "stressing that the parties also agreed that" the payment of dues to oil companies operating in the region with the same mechanism that pays dues to companies operating in the south. The parliament failed in its the 11 of the second legislative term of the year legislative third session, on the seventh of February 2013, in the vote on the bill this year's budget, to make Parliament Speaker Osama Najafi open meeting, after the failure of heads of parliamentary blocs to reach a final agreement on a formula the law. And declared the Iraqi List, on the fourth of February 2013, they will refuse to vote on the current year budget being allocated amounts "fairy" to the prime minister, their two million and a half million dollars, while Re coalition of state law, the sixth of February 2013, describing the objection of the Iraqi List on budget Council of Ministers for the current year "Speech Baelchenhna is not ethical," among that "there are a large number of circuits associated with the Cabinet, accusing Iraq of being" want to ignite resentment among the Iraqi people. " The Council of Ministers approved, on the fifth of November 2012, the budget year 2013 worth 138 trillion Iraqi dinars, while parliament announced, in the 26 December 2012, re-draft budget to the government to make amendments to it. The estimated value of Iraq's budget for 2013 b 138 trillion Iraqi dinars calculated based on the price of oil at $ 90 per barrel, and an export rate of two million and 900 thousand barrels per day. <-- The price per barrel has been increased to $93 and maybe $96 for the new amended budget. It is noteworthy that political sources and other parliamentary, attributed the mismatch on the draft budget, to raise political blocs its demands, it stated that the state law insists Set Session certain local governments and reduce the share of the Kurdistan region, the Kurdistan Alliance insists on increasing allocations Peshmerga and maintain the ratio Territory of the budget amounting to 17 percent, as well as the allocation of funds to oil companies operating in the region, and would require the Iraqi List, the census and non-interference central government in the affairs of local governments before agreeing on the budget, as well as increasing the price of a barrel of oil to neighboring countries, which is now $ 50, Sadrists insist on the implementation of the 25 percent of the surplus oil sales and distribution to citizens with passage of the Pension Act, while demanding citizen adoption of block grant university students and increase social welfare grant and made 250 thousand dinars as a condition for voting on the budget. It is noteworthy that the crisis between Baghdad and Erbil, which broke out during the (November of 2012), and that brought things between the two capitals to the limits of "brinkmanship" after Thrikema of heavy weapons and Thacidha within Kirkuk, their impact on the attitude of the coalition of state law to balance the Kurdistan region, But talk about the topic "eased" against the backdrop of escalating protests and sit-ins in the Sunni areas, which has made the "hawks" of state law influence "silence" tactical retreat, even while, in light of their position that "I do not envy him."

From DR. This one's for Goldiegirl (who loves her some rumors)-- OkieOilMan From OOM&F Chat Thursday Night02/28/2013 [..OKIEOILMAN] GOOD EVENING AMERICA, SHIP'S AT SEA AND ALL OUR WORLD WIDE FRIENDS. IT'S HARD TO FLY AND POST AT THE SAME TIME BUT I GUESS THIS IS A FIRST. I HAVE JUST PICKED UP THE OUTER MARKER AND AM REDUCING SPEED AND LETTING LANDING GEAR DOWN. I SHOULD BE LANDING SOON AFTER THE OUTER MARKER IS REACHED AND FIELD IS IN SIGHT. I WILL KEEP YOU INFORMED WHEN TO EXPECT LANDING. THIS IS A VERY ACTIVE FIELD AND MAY ENCOUNTER TRAFFIC AND HAVE TO AWAIT MY TURN TO LAND. I AM RUNNING LOW ON FUEL AND MAY BE GRANTED A PREFERENTIAL LANDING---IT'S ALL IN THE CONTROLLERS HAND'S NOW.. [..OKIEOILMAN] I ONLY AWAITING MY TURN TO LAND--SHOULDN'T BE VERY LONG NOW ... [..OKIEOILMAN] IT'S BEEN A VERY LONG FLIGHT---I AM VERY TIRED AND NOT AS QUICK RESPONSIVELY AS I SHOULD BE BUT I STILL THINK I CAN LAND THIS BIRD EVEN THO BLURRED EYED PRAY FOR A EXPEDIENT AND SUCCESSFUL LANDING FOR ME AS SOON AS I LAND THEN I WILL POST "THE POST" WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR [..OKIEOILMAN] I AM SO ACCUSTOMED TO CARRIER LANDINGS, I MAY NEED SOMEONE TO "CALL THE BALL" FOR ME EVEN THO I WILL BE LANDING ON RUNWAY stebusan] Jesus Take The Wheel!! [..OKIEOILMAN] STEBUSAN--YOU MEAN THE STICK [kitchencat] ..OKIEOILMAN look for green light, on glideslope, red under slope, apply power, no light, too high reduce power, contact approach control [..OKIEOILMAN] KITCHENCAT--NOT CLOSE ENOUGH YET TO OBSERVE V A S I [..OKIEOILMAN] PART OF THE DELAY TODAY WAS OVER ROME WHEN I HAD TO DODGE THE POPE'S HELICOPTER==THEY DIDN'T INFORM ME WITH A NOTAM THAT THERE WAS A TEMPORARY NO-FLY ZONE--BOY DID THAT EVER EXCITE THE ITALIAN AIR FORCE--HAD TO GO TO AFTER BURNER TO GET AWAY FROM THEM. (JOKEING OF COURSE) [..OKIEOILMAN] STAY GROUNDED TILL I LAND----IT WON'T BE IN THE NEXT FEW MINUTES--BE PATIENT

From DR. Sounds like good news -- SteveI and don&#39;t promote other sites Member Thursday PM02/28/2013 0 Comments Question from Optimus Prime, on 28 Feb 2013 - 18:50, said: So many things are lining up now with Iraq and Kuwait making up, people calling for Chapter VII to end, the Iraqi people are beginning to get in a demonstrating mood, many news sources saying that a Monday vote is eminent, etc. I bet Steve could even add much more to this. He has given us many tidbits today. RV NOW!!! ***************** SteveI: I will be more than happy to share where we are. For the first time in a while I now am getting some very good news from our contacts and after reading the news today, if there is no vote on Monday, then I foresee some major problems. When I say major, these will not be little ones that will go away. From all the years I have been involved, this is the first budget that has been the focus of attention like nothing before. Therefore this tell me (other than what I already know) the new rate is in the budget and this is huge. Remember, this the first time in the history of Iraq they actually closed the 2012 and accounted for the surplus and added it to the 2013. Just closing it alone is huge, and having the article below is huge. I have actually never felt better. Writing the post last Saturday was very difficult due to the delays, but now I have seen major progress and I think that Maliki and the Defense budget is going to be ok. I may know more tomorrow and do an update, but I think know it will happen this time. I will add to this post after I talk to my contacts later today. .... Read More Link on Right I talk to one late last night they told me the citizens are starting to get out of control and now demanding results in the passing of the budget. I also know for a fact that the CBI is ready to go at a split second once given the work to start disbursing the funds. This tells me that the new rate will come very fast once this is approved. Parliamentary Finance: 2013 budget will reflect the new currency after deleting three zeros Parliamentary Finance: budget 2013 will be the new currency after deleting three zeros Parliamentary Finance Committee announced Tuesday that the budget next year 2013 will be the new currency after deleting three zeros from the current currency, arguing that the reluctance of traders and companies from trading in Iraqi currency behind the adoption of the Central Bank of the project to delete the zeros. Said committee member Najia Najib told a news briefing “that” the budget next year will handle the new currency after deleting three zeros from the current currency, “stating that” the process of switching the currency and delete zeros will take approximately two years after the preparations for the process that began more than a year. ” The answer that “the Council of Ministers approved during the meeting the Governor of the Central Bank on the project to delete the zeros and replacing Iraqi currency after it decided earlier in the patient as the project due to rising dollar on the domestic market for the past few months, “noting that” the project to delete the zeros and currency exchange aims to restructuring of the Iraqi currency and the form in which to do business in line with Iraq’s internally and externally. “ And confirmed the answer that “the Finance Committee and the Central Bank had agreed at its last meeting to be next year’s date for the start delete the zeros and the balance of 2 013 the new currency unless there was a barrier transmitting without it,” emphasizing “the need to support the government and parliament of the project to restructure the Iraqi currency.” Najib and considered that “the reluctance of traders and companies from the use of Iraqi currency and trading it may push the central bank to adopt a project to delete the zeros, “asserting that” this project would reform the system of currency management and to facilitate their use. “ The Finance Committee hosted (26 June), Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of the appearance of Mohammed Saleh to discuss the mechanism that will be followed by the bank in the process of deleting the zeros and how long this process and changes that will occur on the exchange of currency. A member of the Finance Committee in Jubouri Haytham (May two thousand and twelve fifteen) News, “The month of January of next year 2,013 will see the deletion of three zeros and the replacement of the currency, as will next September 2012, the direct printing of new currency in different categories. The central bank charged in (12 September 2011), government agencies of obstructing monetary reform and vowed the persecuting, blaming those entities responsible for exposing the financial interests of the country to danger. Regarded as an adviser to Prime Minister for Economic Affairs in the (25 August 2011), that the lifting of the zeroes from the currency is the biggest corruption in Iraq if it was during this period, and fall under the name of tampering economic, warning of "mafias currency" is preparing to rig the trillions of Iraqi dinars to replace them in the light of the upcoming changes. Noteworthy that some economists believe that Iraq is currently formatted for the deletion of zeros from the Iraqi dinar, pointing out that the deletion needs to security and political stability as well as economic stability. Update :: 07.03.2012 19:55 LINK Another thing I like is the fact that they are referencing the budget in the Billions and not Trillions. How they come up with these numbers I am not sure, but I am still holding my ground on the $3.41 number. The $3.41 is coming directly from the office of the OCC and the $3.45 came from a contact close to the parliament. Please do not ask who as I will only share those details when this is over. Now another factor is the Biden is discussing and assuring Iraq the Strategic Framework Agreement between the countries. Remember, the SFA call out for a strong currency in the region. I will post that article at the bottom. Smart cards are returning calling it "Key Card" to be used outside of Iraq. That is huge also. I also get the question about timing asked a lot. Here is my answer to that one: My guess now, day or two at the most. The CBI is ready to disburse the funds and the banks do have the lower currency ready all thru the country. Actually, it could be hours now that things have been delayed. Our sources close to the action is not sure either. Not many people know that, but we do now know the process and who all is involved. We are very lucky to have the contacts that we have. When I wrote the post last Sunday did I not tell you they were going to hold high level meetings this week and then vote the following. Yep, right on track and our guys are spot on again. I love it when a plan comes together. Remain calm and relax, as the leaders are starting to get the point and will do something positive for their citizens. Blessings, Steve

I believe.....

I think that, with all the pressure of the protests, they are more likely to vote Monday. JMO....

Fingers crossed (again) Parliament: Next Monday session devoted to vote on Budget law of 2013 Added by Ahmed Hussein on February 28, 2013. Saved under Baghdad Politics Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) -The parliament announced that the next Monday session will devoted to the vote on the Budget law of 2013. A statement by the Media Office of the Parliament received by IraqiNews.com cited “The session agenda of next Monday is to vote on the Budget law.” On last Wednesday, the Parliament Chairmanship called MPs to attend the parliament session on next Monday to vote on the Budget law. The parliament is expected to vote on the Budget law whether the blocs reached agreement on it or not if the session witnessed the required quorum. Read more: http://www.iraqinews.com/baghdad-politics/parliament-next-monday-session-devoted-to-vote-on-budget-law-of-01/#ixzz2MCcqabiM

From DG-- 2-27-2013 Newshound Guru Eagle1 We've been fortunate enough to have some interesting inside contacts within the IMF who've provided us with some intel as they have been freed up to release it. This information has not yet made the financial news, but here is a heads up for all of you on the group of currencies in the first "basket of currencies" out of the 168 scheduled for revaluation or devaluation. Two of the currencies listed are two we've talked about and are very familiar with -- the IQD and the VND. What is interesting about this list is that these two currencies are obviously revaluing either at the same time, or within days of each other. The IQD's revaluation is literally "moments away", if I can put it like that, and the Dong will follow almost immediately thereafter.

Great observation, don't lop. I also like the fact that the article references several agreements that were signed between the two yesterday. Sounds good and more complete than before.

Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said Iraq would emerge completely from Chapter VII “except paragraphs relating to the Kuwaiti side.” He said in his speech, in the celebration of the Kuwaiti Embassy to mark 52 for Holiday Kuwaiti national at the Rashid Hotel yesterday, to the signing of several important agreements where the interests of the two countries in all fields, and stressed that “we are here to celebrate with the brothers Kuwaitis بعيدهم national who has a special flavor after the process of change that took place in Iraq. “ He stressed that today will conduct the first flight between the two countries, because this is the new Iraq, which differs from Iraq dictatorship. For his part, the Kuwaiti Ambassador to the insured “The two sides have agreed Kuwait and Iraq to shut down all the outstanding issues between them in order to remove Iraq from Chapter VII, and stayed there the technical measures that take some time” .. http://www.burathanews.com/news_article_185844.html

I am hoping that the "coming days" reference in the article means more than "soon." Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) -The parliament Ahrar bloc announced that “The Federal Budget of 2013 will be endorsed within the three days of the next week.” The head of the Committee, Baha al-Araji said in a statement received by IraqiNews.com on Wednesday “Unfortunately, the vote on the Federal Budget for this year became political issue rather than being professional where there are sides within the state are working on disturbing the vote on the Budget, whereas there other sides who are bargaining the vote on the budget for sake of financial gains for their regions or provinces as if the budget is restricted for certain provinces not for the whole country.” “The vote on the federal budget will be done during the coming days,” Araji added noting “This means, regrettably that the parliament is driven by the masses rather than being working to serve the interests of the masses which were the reason for the parliament’s existence.” Earlier, a huge number of citizens demonstrated next to the parliament building protesting the delay in endorsing 2013 Budget. Read more: http://www.iraqinews.com/baghdad-politics/federal-budget-of-01-to-be-approved-within-days-says-araji/#ixzz2M6lLr3Yp

BAGHDAD (Iba) / Ahmed al-Athari / .. MP for the Liberal bloc Ali Mohsen al-Tamimi of the House of Representatives to approve the budget as soon as possible, warning that Alaatsmat and popular demonstrations that began in Baghdad demanding the adoption of the budget will not end until approval. Tamimi said that Iraq incurred losses worth millions of dollars a day due to delay budget. He stressed that the Liberal bloc does not have objection to pass the budget, pointing to the existence of political differences led to the postponement of the adoption of the budget. (End) From: ipairaq.com

Another hopeful article -- Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) -MP Najeeba Najeeb of the Kurdistani Alliance responded to the remarks of some blocs which accused the Kurds of disturbing the vote on the Federal Budget of 2013 by saying that “Those blocs are behind delaying the vote on 2013 budget.” Najeeb stated to Iraqi News on Tuesday “A governmental and parliamentary meeting will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, to discuss the pending issues of the federal budget and find quick solutions for them.” She stressed that “The blocs which accuse the Kurds of disturbing the ratification of the budget are the main reason for delaying approving the budget.” “Top delegation from Kurdistan Region will visit Baghdad tomorrow Wednesday to settle the controversial points over the budget,” Najeeb added. Read more: http://www.iraqinews.com/business-iraqi-dinar/kurdish-mp-criticizes-accusing-kurds-of-disturbing-vote-on-iraq-s-federal-budget/#ixzz2M2U0OzSz Follow us: @IraqiNews_com on Twitter | IraqNews on Facebook

I know, I know, we'll believe it when we see it, but I am hopeful that they are finally heeding the people. Fingers crossed-- Agreement on the budget is imminent Said the Kurdistan Alliance, Tuesday, that the Minister of Natural Resources in the Kurdistan Regional Government Ashti Hawrami will travel to Baghdad to resolve contentious issues, and resolve those issues is imminent. The Alliance MP Ashwaq Dry told the "agency Baghdadiya News", that "It is expected he and Natural Resources Minister in the provincial government drastically to Baghdad carrying a rational solutions and professional deputies and officials in the central government for the purpose of removing any ambiguity or spasm in question dues to companies foreign oil that caused the delay in approving the budget for several sessions. The House of Representatives decided to raise its yesterday while to get consensus to approve the financial budget stalled for several sessions because of disagreements between the central government and the Congress of Kurdistan on the allocation of foreign companies operating in the region. From http://ar.radionawa.com/Detail.aspx?id=57572&LinkID=63 See also this-- Mahma Khalil: optimistic that there will compromise on the budget may be seen in the coming days passed Via Alliance MP Kurdistan Mahma Khalil expressed optimism about the existence of the will of the compromise on the financial budget of the Federal Assembly, noting that the next few days could see the vote, and approval and passed Khalil said in a press statement Tuesday that "there are not any contentious points to the extent that there is the will of the parliamentary consensus to approve the budget so as to give positive signals to the street." He continued "Although we have notes on the budget in that it came late, but we must give a positive signal sent by the People's Congress of the street." Khalil added that "the parliamentary budget session lifted until further notice there will be a consensus on them and we are optimistic about this may be seen in the coming days to vote on and approve the budget." He stressed that "officials of the Kurdistan region does not put obstacles and barriers to benefits national", noting that "last Sunday witnessed an important meeting included oil ministers and Planning and Finance Committees and the financial and economic Alniabaten and heads of blocs and BSA, experts and deputy speaker of parliament, and there were the observations of the Minister of Planning the possibility of transfers of certain sections in the budget to other doors and give paragraphs of the Finance Committee and there may be some amounts in the Ministry of Education and customs regarding border ports can carry them to the doors of the other. "The problem is not the money but to get political consensus on the budget." And raising House Speaker Osama Nujaifi hearing yesterday until further notice until they reached a final agreement on approving the budget, and was Nujaifi heard before his decision to lift to the meeting leaders of parliamentary blocs on the mechanism of approving the budget of the federal financial public that they did not reach agreement on the approval because Auto companies oil operating in the region claimed by the Kurdistan Alliance and transfers money from the door of the allocations of the Ministry of Defense to the development of the regions and this is the demand of the coalition in Iraq . Said House Speaker Osama Najafi at the end of the session he will be informed of Representatives date of the next meeting through the media . http://www.burathanews.com/news_article_185707.html

When the people are in the streets about the budget, it's time to pass the budget.

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) -The parliament to start holding meeting from next Wednesday among the political leaders of Kurdistan Region and the Central Government to discuss the 2013 Budget. A statement by the media office of the parliament received by IraqiNews.com on Tuesday cited “According to the instructions of the parliament chairmanship, the parliament will start holding meetings among the heads of the Iraqi National Alliance, the Iraqiya Slate and the Kurdistan Alliance on one side and the representatives of the KR and the CG on the other side to discuss 2013 Budget.” “The Planning Minister, the Acting Finance Minister and the head of the Financial Observation Divan will attend the meeting,” the statement concluded. Earlier, a huge number of citizens demonstrated next to the parliament building protesting the delay in endorsing 2013 Budget. Read more: http://www.iraqinews.com/baghdad-politics/breaking-news-parliament-to-hold-meeting-among-political-leaders-of-kr-cg-to-discuss-budget/#ixzz2M14ScGeC

NINA has an article today suggesting that thousands are protesting in Front of Parliament over the budget delay. Can somebody please pull and paste the article here? Lets hope it pressures the MPs to get this done finally but that things don't get out of hand.