Has Al-Kazemi Started Advancing Against The Big Whales In His War On Corruption ?

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Iraq signs 3 agreements with the European Union
 

 

20th September, 2020

Iraq and the European Union signed, today, Sunday, a new agreement and the extension of two other agreements, within the framework of joint cooperation between the two parties.

The three agreements were signed on the Iraqi side by the Minister of Planning, Khaled Battal Al-Najm, while on the European Union's behalf, Martin Hoth, the EU’s ambassador to Iraq, signed them. "The new agreement includes providing financial support to Iraq to confront the Covid-19 pandemic, support socio-economic recovery, and build the state through job creation, income improvement, and human rights," the Minister of Planning said in a statement, And returning the displaced to their areas.

The minister added, “We also agreed with the European Union to extend the work of the energy agreement that includes work to modernize the energy sector, in cooperation with the World Bank, with the aim of carrying out reforms in the electricity and gas sectors, indicating that the second agreement was agreed to extend the work. In the field of supporting the economy and creating job opportunities, through the European Union’s contribution through UNESCO, to implement the project to revive the old city of Mosul. The agreement also includes improving the livelihoods of youth in Basra Governorate, through the implementation of a range of important projects.

For his part, the Ambassador of the European Union, Martin Hawth, expressed his happiness at the signing of the agreements, indicating that "Iraq is one of the priority countries within the global response plan implemented by the Union in cooperation with the World Health Organization, for the period from 2019-2023," noting that "the Union contributes also in the development of the agricultural sector in the Nineveh Plains region, and facilitating the return of displaced persons, pointing out that the number of projects that the European Union is implementing to support development in Iraq amounted to (69) projects during the period from 2016 to 2024. 

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Iraq and Europe sign an agreement of 90 million euros to deal with "multiple shocks"
 

 

20th September, 2020

 

Today, Sunday, the European Union signed a financing agreement with the Iraqi government in the amount of 90 million euros to support socio-economic recovery, stability and socio-economic development in Iraq.  

The  development assistance package amounting to 90 million euros was signed between the European Union, represented by the European Union Ambassador to Iraq and Planning Minister   Khaled Najm.

This package is part of the wider European Union response, worth 159 million euros, which was announced in August 2020 to support Iraq in responding to the multiple shocks affecting the country, especially the response to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

He told Martin Haute, the European Union ambassador in Iraq , "We are proud to announce the signing of the agreement with the Iraqi government. The European Union is a long - term partner of Iraq, and this new funding from the European Union underlines our commitment to support the government 's efforts to intensify its work in the economic recovery and economic reforms. It will The activities stipulated in this package contribute to creating job opportunities, providing basic services and advancing structural reforms such as social protection and reducing corruption.

He added, "The agreement includes the provision of more than 2,500 new job opportunities, the provision of services in marginalized rural areas, and the planned reform of the social protection network, which will ensure better targeting of the needs of the most vulnerable population groups. We hope that this effort will also contribute to mitigating the significant impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the economic crisis." That afflicted Iraq. "

And he added, "Depending on the existing European Union programs in Iraq, the first component of this package, worth 60 million euros, will address the socio-economic impact of this crisis and promote job creation, provide basic services to the population, and start the long-awaited social protection reform. 30 million euros, governance, transparency and credibility in the judiciary system, "indicating that" this comprehensive package does not only address the growing needs associated with the Covid-19 crisis, but also aims to help the Iraqi government to restore confidence between the Iraqi citizen and state institutions. "

It is noteworthy that the European Union has a long history of cooperation with Iraq. They have worked together in a wide range of fields ranging from political reform and security to education, energy and migration. During the past years, the European Union stood by Iraq as a reliable partner committed to working to achieve security in the country and the region, at the same time that it supports human rights and universally respected values such as democracy and the rule of law.

The European Union has led international development and humanitarian efforts in addressing the crisis that Iraq is going through, in response to humanitarian needs and in support of stability and development in the country.

To combat Covid-19 at the global level, the efforts of the European Union, its member states, the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development joined forces and announced the allocation of more than 20 billion euros to support the efforts of partner countries in addressing the pandemic. 

Through the “European Team” approach in Iraq, an amount of € 159 million will be raised in the short term to support the COVID-19 response in a larger scale. This includes reorienting existing activities, as well as providing new funds to respond to the acute crisis. 35 million euros will be allocated for urgent humanitarian needs, including health care, water, sanitation and protection, with priority given to the most vulnerable population groups such as the displaced. While the remaining 124 million euros will be directed to address the socio-economic impact of the crisis in Iraq by creating job opportunities - especially for Iraqi youth - and developing small and medium businesses and the private sector, especially in the agribusiness sector.

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Foreign Ministry: Iraq and the European Union have trade and energy agreements

 

 

20th September, 2020
 

Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein affirmed that Iraq and the European Union have cooperation and partnership agreements to implement them in the fields of trade and energy

Hussein said, in his speech to Al-Sharq Al-Awsat, which was seen by Al-Eqtisad News, that there is a French desire to strengthen relations with Iraq that is matched by an Iraqi desire to strengthen relations with France. There are economic projects that have been put forward and have received initial approval, so that French companies implement these projects in order to help Iraq, and they are projects that deal with infrastructure, services and others that deal with the energy and oil sector, in addition to security and military issues

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It arrives to Parliament today ... The Finance Committee comments again on the items of the 2020 budget

 

20th September, 2020

The Finance Committee in the House of Representatives expected that the 2020 budget bill, which was approved by the Council of Ministers, will arrive in Parliament today, Sunday.

The committee's reporter, Ahmed Al-Saffar, said that "due to the inconsistency in the information related to the budget terms and accusing the committee of delaying it, we issued a statement confirming that its bill did not reach the parliament."

Al-Saffar confirmed that "the figures circulated by the media regarding the terms of the budget bill are untrue," indicating that he cannot currently declare "the project's terms officially, despite his knowledge of them."

The media had circulated different numbers regarding the draft budget law for 2020, such as the percentage of deficit in it, the amount of its need for internal and external borrowing to secure the salaries of employees and retirees, and the expected revenue ratio.

[DinarThug]

20-09-2020 08:21 PM

The government returns the budget law to the Ministry of Finance to reconsider and add new paragraphs

 

Baghdad / Al-Akhbariya:

A member of the Parliamentary Finance Committee, Ahmed Haji Rashid, revealed on Sunday that the government had returned the draft budget law for the year 2020 to the Ministry of Finance to reconsider some of the items.

Rashid said in a televised statement followed by Al-Akhbariya that "the Parliamentary Finance Committee was awaiting the arrival of the draft fiscal budget law for the year 2020 to the House of Representatives, explaining that the Council of Ministers returned the project to the Federal Ministry of Finance."

He added, "The reason for returning the project to the ministry, unannounced, is likely, that the return may come to install a set of appointments, and the issue of debt in the draft fiscal budget law for 2020."

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Parliamentary Finance reveals the share of the Kurdistan region in the 2020 budget

 

19:03 - 20/09/2020

 

The Parliamentary Finance Committee revealed, on Sunday, the size of the Kurdistan region’s share in the draft federal budget law for 2020.

Committee member Ahmed Hama said in a statement to / information /, that "the share of the Kurdistan region within the draft federal budget law for the year 2020 amounted to 12 trillion Iraqi dinars and 606 million dinars," noting that "the budget will be decided in the coming days."

He added that "the draft federal budget law for 2021 has not yet reached the House of Representatives, and the region’s share in it has not been definitively determined," noting that "the 2021 budget is still in the process of discussion and preparation within the Council of Ministers."

The Parliamentary Strategic Planning Committee indicated, last Sunday, that the draft federal budget law for 2021 will include new funding sections to get rid of the oil appropriation. 

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Plasschaert sets a condition for avoiding a "dangerous slope" of Iraq, and comments on the Baghdad-Erbil talks

 

20th September, 2020

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in Iraq, Jeanine Hennes-Plasschaert, said that the upcoming early elections in Iraq "are of great importance," and she also pointed out that their proper conduct may herald a period of renewed progress in the country.

This came in an interview with Shafaq News Agency, with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert.

Plasschaert was asked about the nature of her warning about Iraq's sliding into a "dangerous slope" after her meeting with the Sistani authority in Najaf, where she replied, “The Iraqi government has pledged to hold credible early elections. This is in response to a major popular demand and ambition. We have said on many occasions and we still confirm. The elections are led by Iraqis and owned by Iraqis, and it is important to set the record straight because free and credible elections are necessary to build public confidence. The public’s confidence in the political process is also necessary for the country to move forward in many other files, in other words: credible elections are a step Important to address people's concerns. Popular representation and a renewal of political life are necessary in every democracy. Elections are the lifeblood of democracies, as they maintain their health and revitalize them. Therefore, the upcoming elections are of great importance.

Regarding the UN mission’s role in ensuring the integrity of early elections, Blastchaert said, “The United Nations in Iraq implements its mandate by providing advice, assistance, and technical support to the government and relevant national institutions to conduct the elections. For the elections to be credible and acceptable to all Iraqis, the independence of the Independent High Commission must be protected. For elections from political interference."

And about the impression of the United Nations about the reference Sistani, and what does it mean to meet with its representatives without the rest of the Iraqi political parties? "The United Nations places high esteem in the work of his eminence. His moral compass is of great value to this country and its people. His voice of reason and wisdom is a beacon to guide him and a source of hope for many," said Blasthardt.

On the other hand, Plasschaert was asked about the role of the United Nations in reducing the gap in the relationship between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region, and is there a perspective to basically solve these problems? "We encourage the continuation of discussions on all outstanding issues between Baghdad and Erbil, on the basis of the Iraqi constitution. These discussions are continuing, and we are satisfied with the growing spirit of cooperation in recent times."

"But sustainable solutions are needed in the end. We all know that the general principles stipulated in the Iraqi constitution require specific implementation mechanisms, but at the time of drafting these mechanisms were left to be defined in future legislation. Unfortunately, since the constitution was adopted in 2005, no "Little or no progress is being made in agreements that clearly define the rights and obligations of Baghdad and Erbil, and thus the gradual strengthening of the federal system. The UNAMI mission is always ready to provide assistance in any form at the request of the parties."

And about the United Nations reading of the escalation of missile attacks and the targeting of international coalition supplies, including the targeting of a UNAMI vehicle in Mosul? “Iraqis need a stable and safe environment to raise their children and continue their lives without fear for their safety. Iraqis cannot afford another cycle of escalating violence. The government of Iraq has pledged to put all weapons under state control. We support the government's efforts to ensure that the state has the final say in all of them.” Security issues. "

Regarding the position of the UN mission in Iraq on the process of withdrawing American soldiers in Iraq? "The international relations of Iraq are a matter of national sovereignty. The United Nations in Iraq, in line with its mandate, supports the sovereignty of Iraq and the government's efforts to affirm this principle.We value any dialogue that contributes to the long-term stability, prosperity and sovereignty of Iraq." 

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US gives Iraqi Kurdistan Peshmerga $250 million worth of Humvees, ammo
 

 

16th September, 2020

 

The United States provided $250 million worth of military equipment to the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Peshmerga forces Tuesday.

The shipment included more than 100 radios and vehicles — including Humvees — as well as uniforms and ammunition, according to statements by the Peshmerga Ministry and Washington’s ambassador to Iraq, Matthew Tueller.

Tueller and Peshmerga Minister Shorsh Ismail announced the aid provision at a press conference in Erbil. “This is a tangible symbol of our commitment to the people of Iraq and to the Iraqi Kurdistan Region,”Tueller said, according to Rudaw news.

“Just as important as the equipment is the training that comes with it and it was wonderful to observe the soldiers in action before the official handover,” he said.

Forces of the US-led multinational coalition to defeat the Islamic State (IS) have continued to train both Kurdistan Democratic Party and Patriotic Union of Kurdistan peshmerga forces in northern Iraq’s Kurdistan region since the coalition intervened in Iraq in 2014.

The United State is paying more than $15 million per month toward peshmerga salaries, despite recent progress in Baghdad’s relations with the KRG.

Peshmerga units are considered essential in keeping the lid on extremist groups such as IS, but continue to suffer from political factionalism and nepotism, coalition military officers told Al-Monitor at a training facility in Sulaimaniyah last year.

The coalition has urged the peshmerga and Baghdad’s security forces to coordinate more closely and patrol the disputed territories between federally controlled Iraq and the Kurdistan region. The US-led coalition says IS remnants often take refuge in the territories. During last month's strategic dialogue with Iraqi leaders, Washington officials said progress has been made on joint security cooperation. IS lost its last pocket of territory in a battle at Baghouz in Syria, near the Iraqi border, in March 2019.

The Trump administration is reducing its presence in Iraq by roughly a third this month, to 3,000 personnel, the head of US Central Command Gen. Kenneth “Frank” McKenzie, said last week. Earlier this year, the coalition departed several smaller Iraqi military bases around the country to consolidate at larger facilities such as Union III in Baghdad’s Green Zone and Erbil air base.

US Army Maj. Gen. Paul Calvert assumed command of the coalition last week as it continues to shift to focus on advising and mentoring Iraqi military commanders. Meanwhile, Iraq’s security forces continue operationswith coalition support to hunt down suspected IS operatives.

[DinarThug]

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Al-Nasiri puts in front of the government a comprehensive economic reform paper in his new book "Our Economy and the Reform Movement"


 

20th September, 2020

 

A newly released book by Samir Al-Nasiri, the economic and banking advisor to the Association of Iraqi Private Banks, was recently released in Baghdad, tagged (Our Economy and the Reform Movement 2015-2020)

It is a book that discusses economic and banking reform for years after the economic and security shocks and the global oil price drop after mid-2014 and during the Coronavirus crisis, for which a special chapter is devoted

Once again, the economic and banking advisor, Samir Al-Nasiri, puts us in front of a new juice based on his experience, experience and relentless keeping up with the economic, financial and banking reality, in this book entitled (Our Economy and the Reform Movement 2015-2020)

The chapters of the book are characterized by the multiplicity of dimensions in which the author becomes jealous based on a holistic vision that aims to shape the economic reality on rules and constants that form the basis for the economic construction, and at the same time a starting point for amendment, correction and reform to remove obstacles and obstacles, and to draw consistent and integrated policies in order to achieve the desired goals

Whereas fiscal and monetary policy are two basic pillars of the economy, the author deals with the two sides within the framework of the symbiosis of roles and policies, as well as the mutual influences between the two policies, which requires permanent coordination between them

In keeping with the plans of the Central Bank and its strategy for the years (2016-2020), the author details the size of the initiatives and achievements made by the Central Bank of Iraq during the past years in achieving monetary and financial stability and in the institutional reconstruction of the bank to accommodate modern international developments, concepts and standards in all aspects of the bank

The book deals with what enhances the role of the banking sector in advancing growth and progress by expanding the circle of financial inclusion, applying institutional governance and benefiting from technological progress in developing electronic payment methods

The book that we have in our hands is a paper of ideas and visions, and it is a careful and careful reading of many phenomena and challenges, and provides solutions and treatments for them in a spirit of optimism, positivity, and a distinct patriotic feeling

It should be noted that the book includes four chapters and 88 topics, with a number of 340 pages, and two documentary attachments

The current book is the eighth of the author, and seven books have already been published, all of which discuss economic, financial and banking reform during the past six years, respectively

(Economic implications in the Arab movement countries and the Iraqi experience in monetary policy applications) and (Banking sector reform in Iraq challenges and strategy reforms (F) Reforming the banking sector, the first step for economic reforms in Iraq. (F) The methodology of economic and banking reform in Iraq.  At the end of the tunnel - Economic and Banking Insights and Studies) and it was printed in two editions in Baghdad and Beirut by the Union of Arab Banks, and it is deposited and preserved in the House of Books and Documents in Baghdad

[DinarThug]

Al-Kazemi and the wilaya militia

- 4 Days Ago

 

 

In an attack that is the seventh of its kind since the beginning of this month, gunmen carried out, at dawn today, Tuesday, a new missile attack targeting the Green Zone in the center of the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, hours after two explosive devices targeted two convoys of the International Coalition Forces in the governorates of Qadisiyah and Babil, in the south of the country.

Officials in the Iraqi Police Service in Baghdad said that three missiles targeted the Green Zone at dawn today, Tuesday, one of which fell in the Tigris River, while an anti-missile system in the US embassy responded to two of them, which led to the destruction of the two missiles before they landed on the ground.

According to security information, the missile attack was the first of its kind to be carried out with missiles other than the "Katyusha" of limited effect, and thanks to the "Ceram" system, located on the campus of the US Embassy, two of them were destroyed. The information adds that the missile attack constituted a disturbing development in terms of quality. The attacks now use rockets of the same size as the "Katyusha" and the method of launching them, but with greater destructive power.

The attack came a few hours after two attacks targeting two convoys of the international coalition forces in the governorates of Qadisiyah and Babil, in the south of the country. "The Green Zone was hit at exactly one o'clock in the morning, when two Katyusha rockets fell," the Security Media Cell said in a statement.

The statement added that the two missiles were countered by the air through the "Ceram" defense system of the US Embassy located in the Green Zone in Baghdad.

The statement emphasized that "there are no losses or damages" as a result of the two rockets, noting that the two missiles were launched from the Ali Al-Saleh area in the Iraqi capital.

And behind these attacks are Iranian-backed militias, which were recently warned by Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi of this escalation and a lack of compliance with the authority of the state.

The repeated attacks by Katyusha rockets have posed a great challenge to the Iraqi security services for years, which often target the fortified Green Zone, camps for the international coalition, and the interests of the United States in Iraq.

Although the missile attack did not directly target the US embassy in the Green Zone, it was sufficient evidence that the pro-Iranian Iraqi militias do not intend to change their behavior rejecting the American presence.

 Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump warned of any Iranian attack on the United States in retaliation for the killing of the military commander, Qassem Soleimani. Trump sent a warning message to the Iranian leadership on his official Twitter account, a short while ago, saying: “Any attack by Iran In any way on the United States, he will face an attack on Iran that will be a thousand times greater.

Trump stated in his message that there are press reports indicating that Iran may be planning an assassination or another attack against the United States in retaliation for the killing of the terrorist leader Soleimani, which was carried out for his planning for a future attack, and the killing of American forces, stressing that Soleimani caused death and suffering over many years. .

With the acceleration of security events in Baghdad, an explosive device exploded on the road leading to Baghdad International Airport Street targeting a convoy of British diplomats.

It is very clear that the state militias tamper with the security, stability and prosperity of Iraq, and they are also insistent on hijacking Iraq and making it one of Iran's tools in its struggle with the United States of America. Therefore, Iraqis are not allowed to criticize their destructive behavior. It also happened to Al-Hashemi, Riham Yaqoub, Tahseen Osama, and many others who have been physically liquidated during the last year, or who are morally assassinated through the many pens and websites affiliated with and funded by these militias. Whoever dares to criticize the authority of the militias will be accused of working for Israel or the United States of America, or that he is a Baathist confrontationalist, or perhaps an extremist terrorist, or one of the "jawaker" financed by the US embassy.

Today in Iraq there are dozens of TV and radio channels and websites funded by these militias that work according to unified and coordinated directives to attack any writer who publishes anything contrary to their influence or even opposes Iranian trends in Iraq and the region. Iran, which established, trained and supported these militias, has become the red line of the Republic of Terror that controls Iraq. Any talk about Iranian or state influence in the militia republic of terror became like criticism of Saddam and his family in the former Republic of Fear.

Al-Kazemi's strategy, which is based on strengthening the state's security institutions on the one hand, and containing the activities of these militias by urging the Shiite leaders that have influence over these militias on the other hand, will not have more time to pursue them. Al-Kazemi's approach against the pro-militia seeks to restore respect to the state, and to secure its resources that have become plundering them, because they can only reject Iranian hegemony over the Iraqi reality.

In order for Mustafa Al-Kazemi to be able to lay the foundations of the Iraqi state, which does not exist except on the basis of real citizenship and not on sectarian quotas, the Iraqi forces must stand by him to rid Iraq of the republic of terrifying militias.

Iraqi Studies Unit

LINK 

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Maliki fails to persuade Iran to support him in the upcoming elections

- 6 Hours Elapsed

 

 

Political sources in Baghdad said that the efforts of the leader of the State of Law Coalition, Nuri al-Maliki, to mobilize Iranian support to approve the single-district formula in each governorate within the election law, failed, in light of the Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sadr and the Sunni political forces' adherence to the multi-district formula within the same governorate, which was previously Parliament has approved its general framework, without detailed schedules.

Parliament had approved a fundamental amendment to the universal suffrage law, whereby the governorate would transform from one electoral district to several, according to the number of seats allocated to it in Parliament, to become a district for each seat, instead of a district for each governorate.

Parliament approved this amendment under pressure from massive demonstrations that lasted for several months, during which hundreds of people were killed and thousands injured by the fire of pro-Iranian militias that intervened to protect the Iraqi regime, which represents religious parties.

Al-Maliki traveled to Iran last week in a way that raised controversy and put many question marks on the political behavior of the leader of the State of Law coalition and his intentions in the next stage.

Political sources in Baghdad said that the election clause and its law were among the priorities of Maliki's visit to Iran, pointing out that the efforts of the leader of the State of Law coalition in this area were not successful.

The sources indicate that the Iranians refused to give al-Maliki a promise that they would intervene in Iraq to restore work in a formula that considers the province as one circle.

Observers say that Iran does not want more of the Iraqi street feeling - particularly the Shiite part of it - of anger towards it, after the October 2019 demonstrations revealed the extent of the significant decline in its popularity in this neighboring country.

Al-Maliki, who is the prime minister of Iraq for two terms between 2006 and 2014, is the biggest beneficiary of the electoral laws during the previous polls, as they were always built according to the measurements of his political project, so he achieved unrealistic results in the 2010 and 2014 elections, before he received a big shock in the 2018 elections, During which he lost nearly two-thirds of his seats due to the adoption of new polling rules.

For months, al-Maliki has moved to avoid a repeat of his loss during the next general elections. But the mass demonstrations, which demanded a fair election law guaranteeing multiple districts within a single governorate, thwarted his efforts.

Al-Maliki realizes that the multiplicity of constituencies within one governorate will eliminate his hopes of returning to the forefront of the political scene from the gate of the next parliament, because his audience is distributed among the various southern governorates, and it needs to gather during the poll in order to be useful at the mathematical level, unlike Al-Sadr who has in all Province enough of the public to win the number of seats planned.

The Sunnis adhere to the multi-district formula that matches the demands of the protesters, because it is capable of increasing the number of seats that will be won by the forces of the Sunni component in the upcoming elections, especially in the provinces where Shiites constitute the majority of the population.

The team close to Maliki says that the Iraqi parliament approved the new amendments to the election law under street pressure after a political agreement to absorb the first wave of demonstrations, without real intentions to adopt them during the polls.

However, Parliament Speaker Muhammad al-Halbousi has been reiterating, for weeks, not to retreat from the multi-district formula in each governorate, calling on the objectors to challenge the law through the judiciary.

Despite the pragmatism of Al-Maliki's position and his endeavor to preserve his political interests that he places above all considerations, including those of the country, his objections are based on technical and legal facts that cannot be overlooked.

The multi-district formula requires that the boundaries between the districts and sub-districts of each governorate be clear and fixed, which is not the case in Iraq. Rather, the differences reach the borders of the governorates themselves and their relations between each other. For example, there are conflicts between Arabs and Kurds over many areas in the north of the country, while Shiites and Sunnis are fighting over the borders of other provinces in southwestern Iraq.

The Ministry of Planning is unable to provide final lists of the names of districts and sub-districts for all regions of Iraq, due to the perceptions of the political forces crossing the borders and others.

Observers say that applying the constituency formula for each seat is almost impossible in light of the existing complications, and may hinder the holding of elections in the first place. Therefore, there is talk about a “compromise” that guarantees multiple districts in each governorate, without requiring that one district be defined for each seat.

Law experts and political advisers representing various forces and independent organizations with the support of the United Nations are studying the best options for the upcoming electoral process.

Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi supports the district formula for each seat, but he is open to discussing a proposal that states that each governorate should be considered four electoral districts, or that the whole of Iraq be considered 80 electoral districts, each producing 4 representatives, so that the number of representatives in the new parliament is 320 before adding minority representatives.

The Electoral Commission says that it may not be able to hold the polling at the date set by the government - which is June 1, 2021 - unless the controversy over the election law is settled quickly.

Al Arab Newspaper

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Ambush in a restaurant in Baghdad .. Details of the arrest of four senior banking officials

 

20th September, 2020

On Sunday, high-ranking sources disclosed the details of the arrest of 4 agricultural bank managers in Iraq after they were dragged into an official meeting in the center of the capital, Baghdad.

Employees in the agricultural banking departments told Shafaq News, "The General Administration of the Agricultural Bank called for a general meeting of directors of agricultural bank branches throughout Iraq in the "Ayoun Baghdad" restaurant in the Karrada district in central Baghdad. More than 100 people attended the meeting, pointing out that "a civilian force The meeting raided and arrested the managers of the agricultural banks of the "Ramadi, Fallujah, Abu Ghraib and Salah al-Din branches".

The sources confirmed that "the motives of detention belonging to a demonstration organized by the agricultural branches of banks in early September this to protest the appointment of a new director of the General Administration for Agricultural Bank named Rashad Al - Dani behind the Acting Director of "Adel Attia".

And the sources added, "A force from the Prime Minister arrested on September 7 the director of the General Agricultural Bank, Adel Attia, along with his son and 10 other employees under the pretext of inquiring about the demonstration and what accompanied it." 

And was amazed at the sources "of the government announced the arrest of the Director of the Agricultural Bank and his son and 10 other officials on charges of corruption before the start of anti - corruption campaign with 11 days knowing that motivated arrests in response to the organization of the demonstration and unrelated corruption charges," according to the consensus of agricultural bank employees in Iraq".

On Saturday, an informed source said that four officials of the Agricultural Bank had been arrested on charges related to corruption cases. The source told Shafaq News Agency, that "the investigation committee in major corruption and exceptional crimes cases has arrested four managers in the Agricultural Bank after investigations with the bank's director, " adding that the detainees "are the managers of Ramadi, Fallujah, Abu Ghraib and Salah al-Din banks."

Federal Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi began a campaign of arrests of former and current state officials on charges related to financial and administrative corruption cases, after the supreme religious authority for Shiites in Iraq, Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, called for "opening the large corruption files in the country to hold the corrupt accountable."

[DinarThug]

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Vatican Prime Minister reveals the official tally of Christians in Iraq

 

09/19/2020 20:35:13

 

The Prime Minister, HG Cardinal Pietro Parolin, revealed that the number of Christians has decreased due to immigration in recent years, from one and a half million to 300 thousand Christians in Iraq.

 

This came during a meeting with the Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq accredited to the Holy See, Rahman Farhan Al-Amiri, on Saturday, with the Secretary-General of the State (Prime Minister) His Excellency Cardinal Pietro Parolin in his office in the Vatican State Secretariat.  "During the meeting, the ambassador affirmed his keenness to exert his utmost efforts to develop relations between Iraq and the Vatican City to achieve the goals he carried in the service of mankind and his rights and to spread the culture and values of peace," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Al-Amiri indicated that "Iraq is a meeting place for religions that all agree on respecting human beings, their dignity, and spreading the culture and values of peace, and he stressed the government's determination to return the displaced and rehabilitate the women and children victims of ISIS."

For his part, HG Cardinal congratulated Ambassador Al-Amiri on presenting his credentials, expressing his "readiness to work with the ambassador to achieve security and peace in Iraq." Parolin stated, "Terrorism has left tangible negative effects in Iraq, including the destruction of the areas that were under its control, and the decrease in the number of Christians due to immigration in recent years from one and a half million to 300 thousand Christians."

On the upcoming visit of Pope Francis, Al-Amiri said, “The government and people of Iraq are looking forward to our religious references after the visit of your delegation to Iraq to visit the historic Pope's visit to Iraq and the city of Ur birth of the father of the prophets Ibrahim - peace be upon him -, stressing that this visit constitutes an important priority because it will represent great support for Iraq, And special support for Christians in Iraq."

 

[Mary B]

Global banks transfer more than $2 trillion worth of "suspicious" funds

Money laundering
 2020-09-21 02:17
  
Twilight News / Leaked documents from the U.S. Treasury Department's Financial Crime Agency published by the International Federation of Investigative Journalism on its website reveal suspicious banking transactions worth more than $2 trillion.

The U.S. Financial Crimes Agency's files consist of more than 2,500 documents, most of which were sent by banks to U.S. authorities between 2000 and 2017, raising concerns about what their clients might do.

The banks transferred funds to persons or entities who could not identify them, and in many cases failed to report suspicious activities required for years thereafter.

Jim Richards, former head of anti-money laundering at Wells Fargo & Co. and Bank of America Corp. said it's "the nature of banking, they're moving money," and despite all efforts to eliminate this, there will always be some criminal money that goes through the banking system. It's a very small part of the trillions of dollars they deal with every day."

 

https://shafaaq.com/ar/اقتصـاد/بنوك-عالمية-تنقل-اموالا-مشبوهة-تقدر-ب-كثر-من-2-تريليون-دولار

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Parliamentary Finance: The government will resort to borrowing again in the 2021 budget

 

09:00 - 09/21/2020

 

A member of the Parliamentary Finance Committee, Jamal Ahmed, said that the government submitted the 2020 budget at this time in order to request borrowing again in the 2021 budget, pointing out that the next year's budget must be submitted to Parliament before October 15 in order to vote on it in Parliament.

Ahmed said to / the information /, that "the delay in the delivery of the 2020 budget to Parliament is not justified by the government, as it was supposed to be submitted before the current month in order to complete it within Parliament and vote on it."

He added that "the 2021 budget is still in the process of preparation with the government and is supposed to be delivered to Parliament before November 15, in order to discuss, read, and then vote."

And he indicated that "the government has submitted the 2020 budget at this time so that it can request another borrowing for the 2021 budget, as it was planned to request 15 trillion and 5 billion for the budget, in addition to that the borrowing request was scheduled to end upon the presentation of the budget." 

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Parliamentary Finance reveals the value of the loan that Iraq needs to finance the budget

 

 

21st September, 2020

The Parliamentary Finance Committee confirmed, on Monday, that the 2020 budget, expected to arrive in Parliament, includes a request from the government for a loan of 27 trillion dinars, according to the previous draft

Committee member, Jamal Cougar, said in an interview with Al-Sabah newspaper, which was seen by Al-Iktissad News, that “this new borrowing came as a result of the lack of sufficient resources to finance the budget,” noting that “the government will borrow in the coming months and the next year if it does not work to find solutions. Adequate and works to maximize its resources

The representative of the government in the House of Representatives had confirmed in a press statement that the draft 2020 budget law had been sent to the House of Representatives at the end of this week

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An economist warns of a financial method that the government may resort to to overcome its crisis

 

 

 

08:31 - 09/21/2020

 

The economic expert, Wissam Al-Tamimi, warned of a financial option related to raising the value of the dollar against the dinar to reduce the financial crisis, pointing out that this method will increase the value of goods, goods and all consumer materials.

Al-Tamimi said to "the information", that "the government does not find alternatives to overcome the financial crisis, it may resort to a plan to reduce the value of the dinar against the dollar, which is an option that increases the suffering of the citizen and raises the price of all foodstuffs and goods."

He added that "the salaries of employees will also be affected in the event of raising the dollar exchange rate against the dinar, although the employee will not make any change to his monthly salary, but its value will decrease greatly."

And that "the government's resort to such an option will be considered a robbery for the people, but legally, and the best is to follow the method of alternatives, support the national product, open the door to investment in infrastructure, release lands and empty spaces for investment and sell them to citizens in order to provide the necessary money to overcome the crisis."

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Parliament returns the 2020 budget to the Ministry of Finance

 

 

14:44 - 09/21/2020

The Parliamentary Finance Committee revealed, on Monday, the return of the draft Federal Budget Law for the year 2020 to the Ministry of Finance by the House of Representatives.

A member of the committee, Ahmed Hama, said in a statement to / the information /, that "the House of Representatives returned the draft federal budget law for the year 2020 to the Ministry of Finance to correct some items," pointing out that "the return of the budget to Parliament took place to amend the errors received."

He added that "the strategic budget committee will hold its last meeting today to complete the study," indicating that "the budget was not included in the agenda of the current week's sessions, because it was returned to the Ministry of Finance."

Yesterday, Sunday, the Parliamentary Finance Committee revealed the size of the Kurdistan region’s share in the draft federal budget law for the year 2020, reaching 12 trillion Iraqi dinars and 606 million dinars.

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Parliament reminds the government of a date to which it has committed itself before the end of the week

 

21st September, 2020

 

On Monday, the Parliamentary Finance Committee reminded the Iraqi government of the date for the 2020 budget to reach parliament.

A member of the Parliamentary Finance Committee, Faisal Al-Issawi, told Shafaq News, "The General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers is conducting an audit of numbers, schedule, details, data and some amendments to the items of the general budget for the year 2020."

Al-Issawi explained that "the government has committed itself to sending the general budget to parliament this week," suggesting that it will reach Parliament "before the end of the week." He pointed out that "the Parliamentary Finance Committee did not know these details because it is one of the government's duties, and the details of the budget will be known as soon as it reaches Parliament."

For his part, a source in the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers told Shafaq News that "the secretariat will send this Monday, the draft law of the Iraqi state budget for the year 2020 to the House of Representatives."

Committee member Jamal Cougar told Shafaq News earlier that the general budget for the year 2020 has not yet reached the House of Representatives, and he explained that the Parliamentary Finance Committee is not able to view its details until after it reaches the parliament.

On September 14, the Iraqi Council of Ministers approved the draft federal budget bill for the year 2020, indicating that it was sent to the House of Representatives.

The Parliamentary Economic and Investment Committee revealed, earlier, that the size of the federal budget deficit for 2020 amounted to 45%, indicating that it focuses on securing salaries and financing the ration card, as well as facing the Corona pandemic.

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Parliament holds a new session chaired by Al-Kaabi and the presence of 170 deputies
 

13:43 - 09/21/2020

 

The House of Representatives held its sixth session of its legislative session, on Monday, headed by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Hassan al-Kaabi and the presence of 170 deputies.

A representative source said to "the information", "The House of Representatives held its sixth session today, at noon, headed by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Hassan Al-Kaabi and the presence of 170 deputies."

He added, "The Parliament's agenda is devoid of the budget law for the year 2020 and the election law at this session." 

[horsesoldier]

Sand Baggers 

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Barzani: The region is ready to facilitate the work of the private sector and investors

 

21st September, 2020

The President of Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Barzani expressed on Monday the region's readiness to support and facilitate the work of the private sector and investment companies, including Spanish, in the region.

This came during his meeting with the Spanish ambassador to Iraq, Juan Jose Escobar and a Spanish trade delegation, according to a statement issued by the Presidency of the region. The statement stated that Barzani discussed with the Spanish delegation "the development of relations between the two parties, especially on the economic and commercial side."

Barzani renewed, "the region's readiness to provide all support and facilities to the private sector and Spanish investors, to create job and investment opportunities in the region and to participate in the development of the various economic sectors in Kurdistan."

The statement indicated that the two sides also discussed "the general situation in the region, the political process in Iraq, the region's relations with Baghdad and the ongoing discussions to address the pending differences, the spread of the Corona virus, terrorism concerns and other issues of common concern".

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House of Representatives raises its meeting to tomorrow Tuesday

 

21st September, 2020

The House of Representatives lifted, on Monday, its sixth session of the fourth parliamentary session for the third legislative year, while it decided to hold its seventh session tomorrow, Tuesday. 

The Media Department of the House of Representatives stated, in a brief statement that Mawazine News received a copy of, that "the House of Representatives has adjourned its session until tomorrow, Tuesday, 9-22 at 12 noon." Today’s session witnessed the parliament's finalization of a report and discussion of a draft amendment to the Federal Supreme Court Law No. 30 of 2005.

During the session, the Council also ended the first reading of the draft law on the accession of the Republic of Iraq to the Convention on Limits of Liability for Maritime Claims of 1976 in its amended version of the 1996 Protocol, including In that amended liability limits therein. Also, during today's session, Parliament ended the first reading of the third amendment bill to the Industrial Investment Law for the private and mixed sectors No. 20 of 1998.

Parliament read the first reading of the law on the accession of the Republic of Iraq to the Convention on Limits of Liability for Maritime Claims of 1976 in its amended form in the 1996 protocol, including This is the amended liability limits in, and also the first reading of the Third Amendment Law of the Industrial Investment Law for the Private and Mixed Sectors No. (20) for the year 1998.

Today’s session witnessed the first reading of the law replacing freedom deprivation with sums of money. Today, Monday noon, the House of Representatives held its sixth session of the fourth parliamentary session of the third legislative year, in the first legislative term, headed by the First Deputy Speaker, Hassan Karim al-Kaabi, and in the presence of 170 deputies. 

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Parliament receives the 2020 budget bill

 

 

 

09/21/2020 16:27:51

 

 

The House of Representatives received, today, Monday, the draft federal budget law for the year 2020 sent by the government.
 

It is noteworthy that the Council of Ministers approved, in its extraordinary session, which was held on the 14th of this month, the 2020 budget bill and sent it to the House of Representatives.

 

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Parliament receives the draft federal budget bill for the
year 2020
 

 

16:45 - 09/21/2020

On Monday, the Presidency of the House of Representatives received the 2020 budget bill sent by the government.

On Monday, the House of Representatives completed the report and discussion of a draft amendment to the Federal Supreme Court Law No. 30 of 2005.

Earlier in the day, the Council postponed the vote on a proposed health insurance law.

The House of Representatives held its sixth session of its legislative session, today, Monday noon, headed by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Hassan Al-Kaabi and the presence of 170 deputies. 

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Germany confirms to Barzani its support for the region and Iraq

 

20th September, 2020

The new German Consul in Kurdistan Region praised during his meeting with the President of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, Massoud Barzani, today, Sunday, the handling and coordination of the region's institutions with his country's diplomatic team, stressing Germany's support for the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.

According to a statement by Barzani's office received by Shafaq News, Barzani received at his headquarters in the resort of Salah al-Din in Arbil, on Sunday, the new German consul in Erbil, Clemens Smtenir, pointing out that the German ambassador expressed his thanks to the institutions of the Kurdistan region that deal and coordinate at the highest levels with the consulate And the diplomatic team of his country in the region, stressing Germany's support for the Kurdistan Region and Iraq and the development of relations between the two sides.

The statement indicated that Barzani, for his part, expressed his hope for success for the new German consul in the performance of his duties and his work.