An atmosphere of relief in Kurdistan after the budget and “oil and gas” agreement

[6ly410]

Al-Alaq: The rise in the exchange rate of the dollar due to the phenomenon of "market dollarization"

Al-Alaq: The rise in the dollar exchange rate due to the phenomenon of "market dollarization" – Iraq News Network (aliraqnews.com)

Last Updated: 16 March 2023 - 11:38 AM

Baghdad / Iraq News Network - The Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq Ali Al-Alaq, on Thursday, the bank's intention to take the necessary legal steps to make the dinar a major currency prevailing in the market, pointing out that this is in cooperation with the government.Al-Alaq said during a speech at the Sulaymaniyah Forum, that "monetary policy includes two main objectives: maintaining the general level of prices, i.e. the strength of the currency locally, and the exchange rate, which represents the strength of the currency externally." The state is a very dangerous phenomenon, and the dependence of some governments on the Central Bank in financing threatens monetary stability," noting that "the sale and purchase of foreign currency is strange and a widespread phenomenon in the Iraqi markets, which is (market dollarization).He continued: "Externally we have no problem in remittances and every day we open new outlets to sell dollars at the official rate," noting that "the currency is a symbol of sovereignty and the title of the country and abandoning it is tantamount to lowering the flag." Money supply and witnessed the export of currency storm, which is abnormal growth in the absence of productive growth and indicates an increase in import demand, stressing that "the law of the Central Bank stipulates that it sells foreign currency without placing restrictions, and the text of the phrase in the article is (simple unconditional sale), which is the optimal situation through which the Central Bank can maintain the exchange rate, i.e. respond to every demand for the dollar. "

He continued: "The problem is that there are more controls and standards in verifying the sale and purchase of foreign currency and with the increasing international currency war, which makes the process of setting more controls and restrictions increasing, and the Central Bank has become in a complex balance process between achieving simple unconditional selling so as not to make room for price difference and speculation and the application of these standards, which require a review of all operations." He stressed that "unfortunately, the Central Bank bears additional burdens in applying these standards due to the absence of the role of other institutions that are supposed to assist in the process of verifying operations, for example, if our border crossings are organized and record operations correctly, it will enable all parties to know the dollars abroad and match these operations. "There are big gaps at the border crossings, some of which have been diagnosed for many years and some of which have been created with experience." Al-Alaq stressed that "the central bank has the ability and desire to achieve its goal of responding to the demand of the dollar, regardless of its size, and now it can offer the dollar at the level of demand, but what reduces this supply is a category of traders and others, who are not ready to enter into these operations and controls." He explained: "Therefore, there is a lack of demand coverage process if we see that the existing rates of remittances, demand for dollars and credits, they cover only a small percentage of the real trade of Iraq, and we are trying to bridge this gap through multiple means to win these and enter the process from its right gate." 

[6ly410]

All New

CBI Governor Announces New Step to Reduce Exchange Rate Gap

2023.03.16 - 10:42

CBE Governor Announces New Step to Reduce Exchange Rate Gap (nasnews.com)

 

  

Baghdad – Nas  

The Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Ali Al-Alaq, revealed on Thursday "legal steps" expected with the aim of reducing the gap in the exchange rate.  

  

  

  

Al-Alaq said in a statement during the seventh Sulaymaniyah Forum of "NAS", (March 16, 2023), "We will take the necessary legal steps within the framework of making the dinar a major currency prevailing in the market in cooperation with the government."  

  

He added, "Buying and selling in foreign currency is strange and a widespread phenomenon in the Iraqi markets, which is (market dollarization)."  

  

"Externally, we have no problem with remittances, and every day we open new outlets to sell dollars at the official rate," he said.  

  

"The currency is a symbol of sovereignty and the title of the country, and giving it up is tantamount to lowering the flag," he said.  

  

Earlier, Al-Alaq stressed that the exchange rate and inflation have witnessed a rise during the last two years, and that the price margin of the dollar exceeded 20%, while pointing out that this phenomenon affects the economic and social reality and weakens the purchasing power of citizens.  

  

"Inflation and the exchange rate are high by factors, and we note a growth in the money supply, and the export of the currency witnessed a storm, which is abnormal growth in the absence of productive growth and indicates an increase in import demand," Al-Alaq said.   

  

He added, "The Central Bank Law stipulates that it sells foreign currency without placing restrictions, and the text of the phrase in the article is (simple unconditional sale), which is the optimal case through which the Central Bank can maintain the exchange rate, that is, respond to every demand for the dollar."   

  

"The problem is that there are more controls and standards in verifying the sale and purchase of foreign currency, and with the increasing international currency war, the process of setting more controls and restrictions is increasing," he said.   

  

He pointed out that "the Central Bank has become in a complex balance process between achieving simple unconditional selling so as not to make room for price difference and speculation and the application of these standards, which require a review of all operations, unfortunately the Central Bank bears additional burdens in applying these standards due to the absence of the role of other institutions that are supposed to assist in the process of verifying operations, for example, if our border crossings are organized and record operations. Correctly it will enable all parties to know the dollar abroad and match in these operations. "There are big gaps at the border crossings, some of which have been diagnosed for many years and some of which have been created with experience."   

  

He pointed out that "the Central Bank has the ability and desire to achieve its goal of responding to the demand of the dollar, whatever its size, and it can now offer the dollar at the level of demand; but what reduces this supply is a category of traders and others, unwilling to enter into these operations and controls; so there is a lack of demand coverage process if we see that the existing rates of remittances, demand for dollars and credits, they cover only a small percentage of the real trade of Iraq and we are trying to bridge this gap through Multiple means to win them over and enter the process from its proper gate."   

  

[6ly410]

Al-Alaq: Reliance on the Central Bank to cover the budget deficit threatens monetary stability

 

•  Today, 11:17

Baghdad - The
Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Ali Al-Alaq, said on Thursday that relying on the Central Bank to cover the general budget deficit is a very dangerous phenomenon and threatens monetary stability in Iraq.

Al-Alaq said in a speech during the Sulaymaniyah Forum, issued in a statement by the Central Bank, received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "Monetary policy includes two main objectives: maintaining the general level of prices, i.e. the strength of the currency domestically, and the exchange rate, which represents the strength of the currency externally."
He added, "The phenomenon of relying on the central bank to cover the deficit of the state's general budget is a very dangerous phenomenon, and the dependence of some governments on the central bank for financing threatens monetary stability."

 

[6ly410]

 

[yota691]

Al-Sudani from the Sulaymaniyah Forum: Sustainable projects instead of “unresolved problems”

Iraq  2023/03/16

 

 

 Sulaymaniyah: The Virgin of Juma

 Baghdad: Muhammad al-Ansari

 

Prime Minister Muhammad Shia al-Sudani said that the budget will translate the government program in a practical way, indicating that we pledged to provide services to our citizens and build a strong cohesive economy, and while he stressed that Iraq would not be a corridor for aggression against any of the neighboring countries, he stressed that Iraq is also not subject to division or fragmentation and that everyone 

 

Respect His Excellency.

 

And Al-Sudani stated, in a speech during the opening of the “Seventh Sulaymaniyah Forum”, yesterday, Wednesday, that “the convening of such conferences, in the presence of this large gathering of researchers and those interested in Iraqi affairs, is evidence of freedom of expression and the practice of democratic life in Iraq today.”

 

He added, “We pledged in our government program to provide services to our people and build a strong, cohesive economy,” stressing “the achievement of large proportions of the ministerial program.” to our stated goals 

 

In the service of the citizen.

 

And he indicated that “the budget is an important key to opening the doors to a solution to several problems, achieving priorities for addressing unemployment, combating poverty, corruption, and initiating economic reform.” Kurdistan region of Iraq in this regard,” stressing “the need to leave the term (unresolved problems), and replace it with terms of sustainable projects and joint economic opportunities, for sustainable well-being.” 

 

And just for all Iraqis.

 

He pointed out that "the painful memory of the heinous crime committed by the dictatorial regime against our Kurdish people in the city of Halabja is a sad occasion, and we voted in the Council of Ministers two days ago on the project to convert it into a governorate, which is the least we can offer in exchange for their huge sacrifices."

 

 

He stressed that "our meetings in Erbil were fruitful, and I met a group of party leaders and representatives of the components, and we talked without restrictions, because we are - in word and deed - people of one country and one destiny," praising "the efforts made to reconcile the Kurdish political leaders to unify the ranks, and we support this efforts.”

 

And he continued, saying: “The strife that distorts the unity of Iraq, which sees that the strength of one of its parts is to weaken the federal government or to weaken the other components in the country, was a gateway for ISIS terrorist gangs to pounce on the heart of the state, threatening all components without exception.”

 

He explained, "We look forward to deep and sustainable economic partnerships that bring us together with brotherly and friendly peoples, and we exchange concern for security with them. With effective and fruitful economic cooperation, only sustainable security can be established."

 

The Prime Minister affirmed, “We will never accept that the land of Iraq be a starting point for threatening the security of the neighborhood, and our constitution obliges us not to interfere in the affairs of others, just as we do not accept that the dignity of our land and our sovereignty be affected from the neighborhood or from others, and everyone must respect our sovereignty,” stressing that “Iraq It cannot be divided or divided.

 

He pointed out that "our government has attached, early on, special importance to strengthening the border guard forces, and has increased efforts to control them, prevent infiltration, and eliminate any force that seeks to destabilize, whether in the Kurdistan region or anywhere else in the land of Iraq."

He stated that “Iraq’s history, geographical location, economic capabilities and capabilities, and the human resources it possesses, qualify it to play a pivotal role in the Middle East and the world. to become a regional focus.

 

And he stated, saying: “This week was full of successes and shedding light on a humanitarian issue that links Iraq with its regional and international surroundings through our holding of the climate conference in Basra, as we sought within our government program to give priority to confronting the effects of climate change through a number of projects that contribute to reducing emissions, including the establishment of stations.” Renewable energy, rehabilitation of closed sanitary landfill sites, projects to combat desertification, irrigation techniques that regulate water, 

and heavy water treatments.

 

And he noted, "We recently signed contracts for the fifth licensing round to invest associated gas and stop burning it, to reduce carbon emissions by large proportions, and we will proceed with the development of projects that convert associated gas into a source of electric energy."

 

He added, “We launched a major initiative to plant 5 million trees and palm trees throughout the governorates of Iraq, accompanied by the launch of a national guide for urban afforestation for the first time in Iraq.” He concluded by saying: “The world can learn many lessons from the battle of the Iraqi people, with their various races and religions, in their war against terrorism.”

 

 

private dialogue

 

In a special dialogue on the platform of the senior guests at the forum, Prime Minister Muhammad Shia’a al-Sudani answered the questions of the veteran Canadian journalist Jane Arraf, and said: “We remember the tragedies, crimes, absurd wars, siege and poverty that spread clearly during the rule of the dictatorial regime,” noting that “this is reflected in Our vision for the Iraq of the future, where we work for a stable and peaceful Iraq away from wars and external interference and at the same time away from conflicts.

 

He pointed out, "We will not accept that Iraq be an arena for settling scores, but rather an arena for parties to meet and establish economic partnerships, and that we have the ingredients that we believe are capable of being a basis for achieving economic partnerships with regional countries and the world."

 

Al-Sudani noted that he was subjected to “personal form” of injustice during the period of the dictatorial regime, and that this motivated him on the human and moral levels to “prevent the recurrence of injustice with any Iraqi.” 

 

And regarding the recent Saudi-Iranian agreement, the Prime Minister renewed his welcome to the conclusion of the agreement between the two neighboring countries, indicating that the work to bridge the views between Tehran and Riyadh was worked on by Iraq years ago, from the days of the government of former Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi through the Al-Kazemi government and finally the government. The current agreement, stressing that “the agreement between the two countries will consolidate the factor of stability in the region, push towards the advancement of its economic and developmental reality, and contribute to providing a decent life.”

 

to the citizens of the region.”

 

Regarding Iraq's relationship with the United States of America and Western countries in general, Al-Sudani stated that "it is in the interest of Iraq to establish a relationship at all levels with Washington," noting that "we seek to activate the provisions of the strategic framework agreement between Iraq and the United States in its political, economic and technological fields," calling on the Western system To “understanding the Iraqi situation, its history, depth, and great human legacy,” stressing that “the stability of Iraq 

 

stability for the whole world.

 

In answer to a question about the phenomenon of corruption in Iraq, he confirmed that he used the term “pandemic” for corruption, and that he, as prime minister, is required to find the appropriate “vaccine” to confront it, and added that corruption is a serious threat to the entity of the Iraqi state, as it threatens all plans, programs and policies that we intend to implement. And that “without standing before this phenomenon and limiting it with sound professional legal procedures, these plans will not be successful, and the road will not be open to the private sector, on which we depend a lot, and without which we cannot absorb the huge amount of demands and services.”

 

He explained, “With our current treatment of corruption; We aim to recover money from the corrupt who encroached on public money by virtue of their presence in official or unofficial positions and defrauded the state, which is a challenge and commitment to the people, and we have taken important steps in the field of combating corruption to be ready to create an appropriate environment that attracts the private sector away from routine and complexity. Noting, “I pay great attention to this matter because of my absolute belief in the importance of the private sector, which will be the best support for the government.” 

 

in crises.”

 

Al-Sudani stressed that “talking about the threat of climate change in Iraq is not luxury or luxury talk. As we have a scarcity in the waters of the Tigris and Euphrates, an increase in the rate of desertification, problems in wastewater treatment and a lack of green spaces, and the most important problem is the gas associated with oil, which is burned and causes a lot of emissions that affect global warming,” noting that “in front of these challenges it is necessary to The existence of programs for treatment by the state and that the international community should advocate for Iraq and help it to face this dangerous file.

 

National Union leaders

 

Al-Sudani arrived yesterday morning, Wednesday, in the city of Sulaymaniyah, as part of his visit to the Kurdistan region of Iraq.

 

In Sulaymaniyah, the Prime Minister met with the President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, Pavel Talabani, in the city of Sulaymaniyah, and a statement from his media office stated, “The meeting witnessed mutual emphasis on the importance of strengthening political understandings between the various national currents, in a way that secures stability and economic prosperity.”

 

Al-Sudani indicated, according to the statement, that “the priority is to fulfill the aspirations of citizens in receiving decent services, and to enhance youth opportunities and roles.” 

in development and construction.

 

For his part, Talabani welcomed the "visit of the prime minister," appreciating "the government's escalating performance in implementing the ministerial platform," and affirmed "his support for the government's steps, among the priorities for implementing its reform program."

 

Prime Minister Muhammad Shia al-Sudani also met with the Vice President of the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq, Qubad Talabani, in the presence of the Governor of Sulaymaniyah and the Minister of Planning in the regional government. 

 

And the head of the Halabja administration.

 

The meeting, which took place at the headquarters of the deputy head of the regional government, reviewed the overall general situation in the region and Sulaymaniyah Governorate 

and the city of Halabja.

 

The Prime Minister indicated, according to a statement by his office, the importance of solidarity work to solve all internal problems based on the foundations laid down by the constitution, and he also clarified the need to face challenges, whether on the economic level, or on the level of development and securing services for citizens as a priority and necessity, and upon which social stability and civil peace are based. .

 

For his part, Qubad Talabani appreciated the government's decision to vote on the draft law to transform Halabja into a governorate, and considered it an added fairness to the victims of this city, which was subjected to the most heinous attack during the dictatorial regime, and renewed support for the government's path in implementing reforms, and achieving the government program in the interest of all Iraqis.

 

Prime Minister Muhammad Shia al-Sudani visited the tomb of the late President Jalal Talabani in the city of Sulaymaniyah, recited Surat Al-Fatihah and laid a wreath on the shrine.

 

In the speech he wrote in the visit log, Al-Sudani referred to the prominent role of the late President "Mam Jalal" in building the post-2003 state and writing the constitution, and his wisdom and patriotism, which calls for inspiration to strengthen the stability of the Kurdistan region, which is stability for all of Iraq.

 

Words in the forum

 

In addition, the representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in Iraq, Jenin Plaskhart, confirmed the ability of the government led by Prime Minister Muhammad Shia'a al-Sudani to return the country to the path of stability.

 

Blaskhart said during a speech at the Sulaymaniyah Forum: “The approval of the new Iraqi government, which was recently led by Prime Minister Muhammad Shia’ al-Sudani, provides a very important opportunity to return the country to the path of stability.” She added, “In my most recent briefing to the United Nations Security Council early In February, I reported that the Iraqi government had indicated its intent to address a number of pressing issues.

 

And she continued, “I can only stress once again that any government needs some time to get things done, and also for any government to make tangible progress, broad support, whether it is from within or outside the coalition, is a prerequisite.”

 

For his part, the President of the Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Barzani, called on the federal government to allocate a special budget for the Halabja governorate within the budget after it was officially considered. 

 

The 19th governorate of Iraq.

 

Barzani said during his speech at the Sulaymaniyah Forum: “The region supports all steps of the Sudanese government, and hopes to implement the government program, which the region will be the first to support, and we highly appreciate his government’s decision to approve the federal budget, and we hope that the adoption of the oil law will be 

 

And gas in the same spirit.”

 

In turn, the advisor of the Russian Council for International Affairs, Elena Suponina, said in a speech at the Sulaymaniyah Forum, that “Russia believes that Iraq is moving towards strengthening state institutions and taking on a greater regional and international role.”

 

She added, “We also see Iraq's mediating role in many crises in this region,” stressing that “Russia welcomes this.” Suponina confirmed, “Russia sees that Iraq is now on the path towards stability.”

Yesterday, Wednesday, the 7th Sulaymaniyah International Forum was launched under the title “After 20 years, Iraq and the region are in the midst of new global challenges,” in the presence of Prime Minister Muhammad Shia al-Sudani and President of the Kurdistan Region Nechirvan Barzani, and with the participation of 500 decision-makers, researchers and journalists from the Middle East, Europe and America, hosted by “ Institute of Regional and International Studies” at the university America in Sulaymaniyah. 

 

During the press conference held yesterday, Wednesday, and attended by the “Al-Sabah” correspondent, the forum’s management indicated that “the forum is of a political nature that focuses on Middle East and North Africa issues, and that political, economic, environmental, law, human rights, health, energy, and other issues will be discussed in it, in addition to presenting points of view.” Current issues and points of contention, and everyone will seek to translate ideas and discussions into concrete actions and policies that can make a significant change.

[yota691]

Al-Sudani from the Sulaymaniyah Forum: Iraq is not subject to division and will not be an arena for conflict

The first  2023/03/16

 

 

  Sulaymaniyah: The Virgin of Juma

  Baghdad: Muhammad al-Ansari

 

Prime Minister Muhammad Shia al-Sudani said that the budget will translate the government program in a practical way, indicating that we pledged to provide services to our citizens and build a strong cohesive economy, and while stressing that Iraq will not be a corridor for aggression against any of the neighboring countries, he stressed that Iraq is also indivisible or fragmented and that Everyone should respect his sovereignty.

And Al-Sudani said, in a speech during the opening of the "Seventh Sulaymaniyah Forum", yesterday, Wednesday, that "the convening of such conferences, in the presence of this large gathering of researchers and those interested in Iraqi affairs, is evidence of freedom of expression and the practice of democratic life in Iraq today."

He added, "We pledged in our government program to provide services to our people and build a strong, cohesive economy," stressing that "the achievement of large proportions of the ministerial program," and indicated that "the agreement on the draft budget law represents a bold step that avoids previous failures, and expresses clarity in the vision drawn for our declared goals." In the service of the citizen.

And he indicated that "the budget is an important key to opening the doors to a solution to several problems, achieving priorities for addressing unemployment, combating poverty, corruption, and initiating economic reform." With the Kurdistan Region of Iraq in this regard," stressing "the need to leave the term (unresolved problems), and replace it with terms of sustainable projects and joint economic opportunities, for the sake of sustainable and just well-being for all Iraqis."

He pointed out, "The painful memory of the heinous crime committed by the dictatorial regime against our Kurdish people in the city of Halabja is a sad occasion, and we voted in the Council of Ministers two days ago on the project to convert it into a governorate, which is the least we can offer in exchange for their huge sacrifices."

He stressed that "our meetings in Erbil were fruitful, and I met a group of heads of parties and representatives of the components, and we talked without restrictions, because we are - in word and deed - people of one country and one destiny," praising "the efforts made to reconcile the Kurdish political leaders to unify the ranks, and we support this." efforts.”

He continued, saying, "The strife that distorts the unity of Iraq, which sees that the strength of one of its parts is to weaken the federal government or to weaken the other components in the country, was a gateway for ISIS terrorist gangs to pounce on the heart of the state, threatening all components without exception."

He explained, "We look forward to deep and sustainable economic partnerships that bring us together with brotherly and friendly peoples, and we exchange concern for security with them. With effective and fruitful economic cooperation, only sustainable security can be established."

[yota691]

'Temporary solutions don't work'

Blaskhart: The aspirations and demands of October are still alive.. Political inaction must be abandoned

2023.03.15 - 18:57

li

Baghdad - people  

On Wednesday, the United Nations representative to Iraq, Jeanine Plasschaert, recalled the October demonstrations, during her participation in the opening of the Seventh Sulaymaniyah Forum.  

 

  

  

  

In her speech, which was followed by "NAS", (March 15, 2023), Blaskhart said, "Temporary solutions do not work. This also means that political inaction must be abandoned."  

  

Following is the text of the speech:  

  

When I participated in this forum four years ago, in March 2019, I started by saying that I would speak frankly and in a thought-provoking way, so that we could try honestly and constructively to address some of the problems that are inherent in Iraqi processes and institutions. And if you'll excuse me, I'll do it again today.  

  

At the time, I said that only by focusing on systemic concerns would it be possible to restore public confidence. She warned that intense anger explodes easily, and that inaction will inevitably lead to a new cycle of violence.  

  

what happened after that? And where are things today?  

  

Of course, we all remember the massive demonstrations that broke out in October of the same year.  

  

Where many, many Iraqis - from all walks of life - took to the streets, protesting the blockage of economic, social and political prospects and tired of corruption and partisan interests; After 16 years, they are simply impatient with unfulfilled promises.  

  

What they demanded is a country capable of achieving its full potential for the benefit of all Iraqis.  

  

The rest is history. The massive loss of life and numerous injuries, together with the lack of accountability and the hijacking of peaceful protests by all manner of balances of power, have widened an already formidable crisis of confidence.  

  

Bottom line: These events, as we all know, led to the resignation of the prime minister, the approval of the formation of a new government, and most importantly, to early parliamentary elections two years later, in October 2021.  

  

While these elections were widely recognized as transparent and credible - no small feat for a young democracy - soon after, Iraq found itself in the midst of a very volatile and politically charged post-election situation.  

  

The calls for the parties to overcome their differences have gone unheeded. With tensions escalating for several months, one did not need a magic crystal to see where this would lead: a situation that led to armed clashes in the heart of the capital and elsewhere.  

  

But finally, in October 2022, after more than a year of disagreement and a game of influence, Parliament approved the new Iraqi government led by Prime Minister Muhammad Shia al-Sudani. And it was time for that.  

  

Ladies and gentlemen, Going back to the briefings I have given to the United Nations Security Council, quarterly, over the past four years, it is beyond doubt: the political, security, economic, environmental and institutional challenges have remained largely constant.  

  

What does that mean?  

  

This means that many of the aspirations and demands - which emerged in October 2019 - are still very much alive. This means that temporary solutions do not work. It also means that political inaction must be abandoned.  

  

It means, in addition, that the patience and resilience of Iraqis will continue to be tested.  

  

Why? Because no one can expect the new government, this government, to achieve miracles overnight. It takes time to deal with the enormous legacy of Iraq's past and the many challenges of the present.  

  

Certainly, Iraq has overcome some of the major short-term obstacles it faced immediately after the overthrow of Saddam Hussein. But since that time, the country has faced a host of destabilizing events and trends, both internally and externally.  

  

To name a few: from deadly sectarian violence, the fight against ISIS, armed groups operating outside the control of the state, and rivalry between various external powers, to the COVID-19 pandemic, massive environmental challenges, and the negative impacts of climate change.  

  

Now we find that these events of the past 20 years have not only exacerbated existing weaknesses inherited from previous decades, but also revealed new ones.  

  

In other words, while Iraq has traversed very dark and difficult times throughout its history, the instability factors in the country's recent past remain, to a large extent, the same—resulting in a pattern of recurring crises.  

  

These crises include, among others, systemic corruption, weak governance, poor service delivery, unemployment, and overreliance on oil. All of this, in turn, affects the average Iraqi citizen, fuels a general sense of grievance, and exacerbates tensions within and between communities.  

  

However, we also know that new opportunities can emerge from any crisis. Let me stress this before anyone gets the impression that Iraq is a lost cause. Not so.  

  

Iraq has enormous potential. To paint a rising picture of doom is not my goal here at all.  

  

So, let me stress again: The recent endorsement of Iraq's new government, led by Prime Minister Muhammad Shi'a al-Sudani, provides a very important opportunity. An opportunity to return the country to the path of stability.  

  

In my most recent briefing to the United Nations Security Council in early February, I mentioned that the Iraqi government had indicated its determination to address a number of pressing issues.  

  

However, it is still early days of course. So I can only stress again that any government needs some time to get things done. Likewise, for any government to make tangible progress, broad support—be it from within or outside the coalition—is a prerequisite.  

  

It's very simple: the kind of profound change we need now requires the unwavering commitment of a broad spectrum of actors. Of course, it also requires putting the national interest above all else.  

  

In return, the Iraqi people need to see progress being made (slowly but surely) for all Iraqis - including women, minorities and youth.  

  

They need to see that inclusion and equality are not just words in rhetoric, but treated as imperatives.  

  

They need to see that civic space is not restricted but allowed to flourish, ensuring freedom of expression.  

  

They need to make sure that justice and accountability are ensured for all – regardless of affiliation or background.  

  

They also need to see that creating an enabling and “inclusive” environment is at the core of any policy or legislation.  

  

Ladies and Gentlemen, With a long list of outstanding issues in Iraq on everyone's mind - it is important to focus and not distract or create new and unnecessary problems for the government.  

  

In other words, what are the priorities needed to break the cycles of instability? What is the potential impact of a particular law or regulation? Also, could it be controversial or divisive? Is it possible to antagonize the local communities? And if so, what does that mean for the widespread support that is so badly needed now?  

  

Whether it is potential changes to existing laws, bans coming into force, or potential restrictions on rights and freedoms - it is risky business to ignore the broader impact.  

  

So the question all along should be: Is it really worth the time and effort or is the sum of these issues, at some point, going to be greater than all of its parts? - Thus (again) many are distracted from the main priorities, and even removed?!  

  

So, ladies and gentlemen, let me go back to the long list of pressing issues.  

  

I will mention only a few of them:  

  

First of all, as the Prime Minister previously indicated, the Federal Budget for 2023 has been approved by the Council of Ministers, and that is really good news. Of course, it has yet to be passed by parliament. Of course, without a budget approved by parliament, implementation of the government's program will be long delayed - including the provision of public services.  

  

More importantly, high oil prices cannot keep the country afloat. Likewise, sustainable job creation cannot be achieved through hyperinflation of the public sector. Economic and financial reforms are urgently needed.  

  

Efforts to combat systemic corruption in Iraq must go beyond individuals or juveniles. The regime established after 2003 simply cannot continue. If left as it is, it will backfire again.  

  

In addition, the many outstanding issues between Baghdad and Erbil require institutional relations. In the absence of this, a few will improve, not all.  

  

Here, too, I could go on.  

  

Again, to make a long story short: In my address to you, here in Sulaymaniyah - in 2019, I portrayed a scene tainted by faction politics, non-state actors, imbalance of state resources, poor services, and lack of jobs. Now, four years later, many of these issues are still very acute.  

  

Basically what I'm saying is, there is no time to waste.  

  

Certainly, the challenges ahead are multiple. It would be naïve to think that the legacy of past difficulties and newly emerging threats will stop testing the country's resilience.  

  

And yes, like any other country, Iraq will be put to the test - sooner or later. The fear, however, is that if swift action is not taken, Iraq will fail this test.  

  

  

  

Therefore, it is important to anchor the country in the stability it needs to withstand future shocks. For that to happen, we must collectively learn from history - and recent history at the same time - to avoid repeating it.  

  

Ladies and gentlemen, my speech today focuses on Iraq as a whole, but the internal political infighting and the special interests of the parties in the Kurdistan region cannot be overlooked.  

  

When I participated in an event that took place at the University of Kurdistan nearly two years ago, in May 2021, I concluded by saying that the Kurdistan Region has a choice:  

  

It can unite and confront systemic corruption, enhance its respect for fundamental rights and freedoms, achieve tangible progress on security and economic reform, and engage in dialogue despite internal differences that sometimes seem (I admit) insurmountable. Or he can fail to arrange his internal affairs, and risk what he has achieved during the past decades.  

  

And it pains me to say it, but many people are wondering: What is the wake-up call that the parties are waiting for?  

  

Ladies and Gentlemen, In conclusion let me stress: We sincerely hope that Iraq - drawing on its vast wealth, diversity, opportunities and potential - can now, and is thus empowered, move forward successfully.  

  

After 20 years, the country deserves to move beyond the endless cycles of instability and fragility. Iraqis are well aware of the life they were promised after Saddam. Two decades later, they deserve better.  

  

It is that simple, and I am convinced that we can all still see that promising future.  

  

Thank you all,  

[yota691]

Al-Alaq holds the merchants responsible for the lack of dollar supply: they refuse to engage in the system

2023.03.16 - 09:52

 

Baghdad - people  

The Governor of the Central Bank, Ali Al-Alaq, confirmed, on Thursday, that the exchange rate and inflation have witnessed an increase during the last two years, and that the price margin for the dollar exceeded 20%, while he indicated that this phenomenon affects the economic and social reality and weakens the purchasing power of citizens.  

  

 

  

  

Al-Alaq said in statements he made during the seventh Sulaymaniyah Forum, followed by “NAS” (March 16, 2023), that “inflation and the exchange rate are high with factors, and we notice growth in the money supply, and the currency export witnessed a storm, which is abnormal growth in the absence of productive growth and indicates an increase.” import request.  

  

And he added, "The central bank law stipulates that it sells foreign currency without placing restrictions, and the text of the phrase in the article is (simple unconditional sale), which is the ideal case through which the central bank can maintain the exchange rate, that is, respond to every demand for the dollar."  

  

He pointed out that "the problem is that there are more controls and standards in verifying the buying and selling of foreign currency, and with the increase in the international currency war, it makes the process of putting more controls and restrictions increasing."  

  

He pointed out that "the central bank has become in a complex balancing process between achieving simple unconditional selling so that there is no room for price difference and speculation and the application of these standards that require a review of all operations, unfortunately the central bank bears additional burdens in applying these standards due to the absence of a role Other institutions that are supposed to help in the process of verifying operations, for example, if our border crossings are at a degree of organization and recording operations correctly, it will enable all parties to know the foreign dollar and match these operations .. There are large gaps in the border crossings, some of which are diagnosed From many years, and some of them beg for experience.  

  

And he stated, “The central bank has the ability and desire to achieve its goal of responding to the dollar’s demand, whatever its size, and it is now able to offer the dollar at the level of demand; There is a shortage in the process of covering the demand, if we see that the existing rates of remittances and the demand for dollars and credits, as they cover only a small percentage of the real trade of Iraq, and we are trying to bridge this gap through various means to earn these and their entry into the process from its correct gate.  

[yota691]

The central bank governor announces a new step to reduce the exchange rate gap

2023.03.16 - 10:42

 

Baghdad - people  

On Thursday, the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Ali Al-Alaq, revealed anticipated "legal steps" with the aim of reducing the gap in the exchange rate.  

  

  

  

Al-Alaq said in a statement during the Seventh Sulaymaniyah Forum, followed by "NAS" (March 16, 2023), "We will take the necessary legal steps within the framework of the dinar being the main currency prevailing in the market, in cooperation with the government."  

  

He added, "Buying and selling in a foreign currency is strange and a widespread phenomenon in the Iraqi markets, which is (the dollarization of the market)."  

  

He continued, "Externally, we do not have a problem with remittances, and every day we open new outlets to sell dollars at the official rate."  

  

He pointed out that "the currency is a symbol of sovereignty and a title for the country, and abandoning it is tantamount to lowering the flag."  

  

Earlier, Al-Alaq confirmed that the exchange rate and inflation have witnessed an increase during the last two years, and that the price margin for the dollar exceeded 20%, while indicating that this phenomenon affects the economic and social reality and weakens the purchasing power of citizens.  

  

Al-Alaq said, "Inflation and the exchange rate are high with factors, and we notice a growth in the money supply, and the currency export witnessed a storm, which is an abnormal growth in the absence of productive growth, and indicates an increase in import demand."    

  

And he added, "The central bank law stipulates that it sells foreign currency without placing restrictions, and the text of the phrase in the article is (simple unconditional sale), which is the ideal case through which the central bank can maintain the exchange rate, that is, respond to every demand for the dollar."    

  

He pointed out that "the problem is that there are more controls and standards in verifying the buying and selling of foreign currency, and with the increase in the international currency war, it makes the process of putting more controls and restrictions increasing."    

  

He pointed out that "the central bank has become in a complex balancing process between achieving simple unconditional selling so that there is no room for price difference and speculation and the application of these standards that require a review of all operations, unfortunately the central bank bears additional burdens in applying these standards due to the absence of a role Other institutions that are supposed to help in the process of verifying operations, for example, if our border crossings are at a degree of organization and recording operations correctly, it will enable all parties to know the foreign dollar and match these operations .. There are large gaps in the border crossings, some of which are diagnosed From many years, and some of them beg for experience.    

  

And he stated, “The central bank has the ability and desire to achieve its goal of responding to the dollar’s demand, whatever its size, and it is now able to offer the dollar at the level of demand; There is a shortage in the process of covering the demand, if we see that the existing rates of remittances and the demand for dollars and credits, as they cover only a small percentage of the real trade of Iraq, and we are trying to bridge this gap through various means to earn these and their entry into the process from its correct gate.    

[yota691]

Minister of Planning: We added 21 trillion to the budget to cover salaries, based on the decision of the Al-Kazemi government

2023.03.16 - 11:29

 

  

Baghdad - people  

The Minister of Planning, Muhammad Tamim, announced, on Thursday, that the decision to add 21 trillion dinars to the 2021 budget to cover salaries was not issued by the current government, indicating that the decision came based on the decision of the previous government and parliament.  

  

  

  

Tamim said in a statement during the Seventh Sulaymaniyah Forum, followed by "NAS" (March 16, 2023), "I was assigned to prepare the budget for 2023, 2034 and 2025, and we had limited options and great challenges, and we started with the issue of preparing the budget by going towards determining what are the priorities according to the government program realistically."  

  

He added, "When we went to the expenditures, we found that the expenditures had greatly inflated with limited resources, and this prompted us to reconsider the expenditure chapters and the need to define these chapters in a manner consistent with the government's directives."  

  

He pointed out that "the amount of the deficit is about 60 trillion dinars, and part of this deficit is a paper deficit."  

  

He pointed out that "we added in this budget 21 trillion Iraqi dinars to salaries, and this is not a governmental decision, but rather the decision of the first parliament and the two previous governments, in addition to the emergency support law to install contractors."  

  

And he indicated, "This government did not take a single decision to appoint a single person, even if he was in the offices of ministers and the new government.. Adding operational amounts to the budget was a result of the decisions of previous governments and the previous parliament."  

  

[yota691]

Blaskhart's statements regarding the non-continuity of the political system from the point of view of Al-Daami

3 minutes ago

 

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special |..

Today, Thursday, media professor at Ahl al-Bayt University, Ghaleb al-Daami, said in a statement to “Jarida”:

“Plasschaert’s statements confirm that he is noting what is being planned for, as there is an American-European movement to change the regimes in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Iran, or they mean that the quota system and corruption cannot continue, either that corruption is ended and undermined, or that the system will end completely.” End

[yota691]

Alaq: Reliance on the central bank to cover the budget deficit is a dangerous phenomenon

 

- 16-03-2023 11:35 AM - Number of readings: 8667

 

The Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Ali Al-Alaq, confirmed today, Thursday, that relying on the central bank to cover the general budget deficit is a very dangerous phenomenon and threatens monetary stability in Iraq.

Al-Alaq said in a speech during the Sulaymaniyah Forum, issued in a statement by the Central Bank, which was reported to "Tigris", that "the monetary policy includes two basic goals: maintaining the general level of prices, i.e. the strength of the currency locally, and the exchange rate, which represents the strength of the currency externally."

He added, "The phenomenon of relying on the central bank to cover the deficit of the state's general budget is a very dangerous phenomenon, and the dependence of some governments on the central bank for financing threatens monetary stability."

[yota691]

Central Bank Governor: We are working with the government to make the dinar the main currency in the Iraqi market

 

money and business
   

Economy News-Baghdad
On Thursday, the Governor of the Central Bank, Ali Mohsen Al-Alaq, set the objectives of monetary policy in Iraq, pointing out that he would take the necessary legal steps within the framework of the dinar being a major currency prevailing in the market in cooperation with the government.

 

Al-Alaq said on the second day of the seventh Sulaymaniyah Forum, followed by "Al-Iqtisad News", that "the monetary policy includes two basic goals," noting that "one of these goals is to maintain the general level of prices, that is, the strength of the currency locally and the exchange rate, which represents the strength of the currency externally."

He added that he "will take the necessary legal steps in the context of the dinar being a major currency prevailing in the market, in cooperation with the government."

 

He noted that "buying and selling in a foreign currency is a strange matter and a widespread phenomenon in the Iraqi markets, which is (the dollarization of the market)," pointing out that "the currency is a symbol of sovereignty and a title for the country, and abandoning it is tantamount to lowering the flag."

 

He pointed out that "externally we do not have a problem with remittances, and every day we open new outlets to sell the dollar at the official rate."

 

Al-Alaq pointed out that "inflation and the exchange rate are high factors, and we note a growth in the money supply, and the currency export witnessed a storm, which is an abnormal growth in the absence of productive growth, and indicates an increase in import demand."

 

And he explained, "The central bank law stipulates that it sells foreign currency without placing restrictions, and the text of the phrase in the article is (simple unconditional sale), which is the ideal case through which the central bank can maintain the exchange rate, that is, respond to every demand for the dollar."

 

And that "the problem is that there are more controls and standards in verifying the buying and selling of foreign currency, and with the increase in the international currency war, it makes the process of setting more controls and restrictions increasing."

 

And the governor continues, "The central bank has become in a complex balancing act between achieving a simple unconditional sale so that there is no room for the price difference and speculation, and the application of these standards that require a review of all operations."

 

He expressed his regret, saying, "The central bank bears additional burdens in applying these standards due to the absence of the role of other institutions that are supposed to help in the process of verifying operations. For example, if our border crossings were at a degree of organization and recording operations correctly, it would enable all parties."

 

From the knowledge of the foreign dollar and its conformity in these operations .. There are large gaps in the border crossings, some of which have been diagnosed for many years, and some of which are new with experience.

 

And he warned that "the central bank has the ability and desire to achieve its goal of responding to the demand for the dollar, whatever its size, and it is now able to offer the dollar at the level of demand; but what reduces this supply is a group of merchants and others, who are not ready to enter into these processes and controls; so there is A deficiency in the process of covering the demand, if we see that the existing rates of remittances and the demand for dollars and credits do not cover only a small percentage of the real trade of Iraq, and we are trying to bridge this gap through various means to earn these and their entry into the process from its correct gate.

 

---

Views 127

Added 03/16/2023 - 12:12 PM

[yota691]

 

AFTER THE CONCLUSION OF HIS VISIT TO THE KURDISTAN REGION.. AL-SUDANI RETURNS TO BAGHDAD

 

 

Wednesday, March 15, 2023 7:17 PM

Baghdad / National News Center

Prime Minister Muhammad Shia al-Sudani returned, this evening, Wednesday, to Baghdad, after concluding his visit to the Kurdistan region.

A statement issued by the Prime Minister's Media Office, received by the National News Center, said, "Prime Minister Muhammad Shia'a al-Sudani returned to the capital, Baghdad, after concluding his visit to the Kurdistan region of Iraq, which included the governorates of Erbil and Sulaymaniyah."

[yota691]

Al-Alaq holds traders responsible for the lack of dollar supply

 

March 16, 2023

Baghdad / Obelisk: The Governor of the Central Bank, Ali Al-Alaq, confirmed, on Thursday, that the exchange rate and inflation have witnessed an increase during the last two years, and that the price margin for the dollar exceeded 20%, while indicating that this phenomenon affects the economic and social reality and weakens the purchasing power of citizens.

Al-Alaq said, in statements he made during the Seventh Sulaymaniyah Forum, that “inflation and the exchange rate are high with factors, and we notice growth in the money supply, and the currency export witnessed a storm, which is abnormal growth in the absence of productive growth and indicates an increase in import demand.”

And he added, “The central bank law stipulates that it sells foreign currency without placing restrictions, and the text of the phrase in the article is (simple unconditional sale), which is the ideal case through which the central bank can maintain the exchange rate, that is, respond to every demand for the dollar.”

And he pointed out that "the problem is that there are more controls and standards in verifying the buying and selling of foreign currency, and with the increase in the international currency war, it makes the process of putting more controls and restrictions increasing."

He pointed out that “the Central Bank has become in a complex balancing process between achieving simple, unconditional sales so that there is no room for price difference and speculation, and the application of these standards that require a review of all operations. Unfortunately, the Central Bank bears additional burdens in applying these standards due to the absence of a role.” Other institutions that are supposed to help in the process of verifying operations, for example, if our border crossings are at a degree of organization and recording operations correctly, it will enable all parties to know the foreign dollar and match these operations .. There are large gaps in the border crossings, some of which are diagnosed From many years, and some of them seek experience.”

And he indicated, “The central bank has the ability and desire to achieve its goal of responding to the dollar’s demand, whatever its size, and it is now able to offer the dollar at the level of demand; But what reduces this offer is a group of merchants and others, who are not ready to enter into these processes and controls. Therefore, there is a shortage in the process of covering the demand, if we see that the existing rates of remittances and the demand for dollars and credits, as they cover only a small percentage of the real trade of Iraq, and we are trying to bridge this gap through various means to earn these and their entry into the process from its correct gate.

[6ly410]

 

[Carrello]

20 hours ago, Retiredofficer said:

 

Yah, you would think President Biden knew something about the ME and Iraq. I'm sure it just coincidental that Iraq has buckled down and started implementing banking reforms demanded by the USA in the past 2 years, the PM and other ministers fly back and forth to DC (to have ice cream?) and things start happening. Kurdistan was told by the USA to conform or "lose out" and sure enough two months later budgets are done, HCL is looking good, etc. Is Iran being good or have they been quelled by the USA?

 

I'm sure all of Iraq's progress was in the works with the last administration but it just took longer because they were working on the new infrastructure plan and a new healthcare plan simultaneously. Bigly hard work!

 

Iraq has never looked so good but I'm sure it's just coincidental.

[6ly410]

Ali Alaq: We want only dinars to be treated in all the internal sectors of Iraq

[6ly410]

Iraq central bank governor says compliance is vital but hard balancing act

Stringent US regulations to stop the flow of dollars to Iran and Syria from Iraq has exacerbated inflation

Iraq central bank governor says compliance is vital but hard balancing act (thenationalnews.com)

 

Ali Al Alaq, Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq. Antonie Robertson / The National

 

 

 

The Central Bank of Iraq faces a complicated mission to achieve balance between maintaining a favourable exchange rate for Iraqis and compliance with international standards to stop money laundering, Governor Ali Al Alaq said on Thursday.

He said that the bank also had to limit the flow of hard currency abroad.

Since early December, the Iraqi dinar has fluctuated sharply after a tightening of procedures for international transfers.

 

It has been a phenomenon that the government depends on the Central Bank to cover the deficit and that is a very dangerous phenomenon

Ali Al Alaq

The US has long complained that dollars purchased from the Central Bank are being funnelled to Iran, Syria and Lebanon through the foreign currency auction run by the bank. Iran and Syria are under strict US sanctions.

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York has applied strict scrutiny measures on requests for international transactions from Iraq, rejecting many and delaying others, leading to increased demand for dollars in Iraqi markets.

 

While the official exchange rate is fixed at 1,300 dinars against the dollar, the currency was trading at up to 1,570 to the greenback on the black market on Thursday morning.

In an attempt to control the exchange rate at the parallel market, the CBI has been introducing a series of measures to make the hard currency available at the official rate to traders and ordinary Iraqis willing to travel abroad.

On the other hand, the government cracked down on exchange companies who do not sell dollars at the rate set by the CBI, but that has only exacerbated the situation.

“The Central Bank has been in the middle of a complicated balancing process to protect the exchange rate and [comply with] international standards,” Mr Al Alaq said.

The Iran-backed government blames the US for applying the measures, but the US charge d’affaires in Baghdad said “there is no relationship” between the timing of the implementation of new measures and the new government.

 

 

"We had seen, unfortunately, a growing number of suspicious transactions, large amounts of transfers leaving the country on a fraudulent basis,” said David Burger, deputy US chief of mission at the US embassy in Baghdad.

Together with the exchange rate, the inflation rate jumped to more than 7 per cent or 8 per cent this year from less than 1 per cent in 2020, Mr Al Alaq said.

“These [exchange rate and inflation] hugely impact the economic situation as well as the social situation as they lead to more pressure on the purchasing power of the citizen,” he said.

He was speaking at an annual forum organised by the Institute of Regional and International Studies at the American University of Iraq, Sulaymaniyah. It brings together international Iraq experts and academics to discuss Iraq's future and how the country can overcome decades of systemic problems.

This week, Iraq’s cabinet approved a draft budget law for 2023, standing at an all-time high of 197.82 trillion Iraqi dinar, about $152.17 billion. It will also be applied for 2024 and 2025, although parliament reserves the right to push for amendments.

 

The budget will run with a deficit of 63.27 trillion dinars, or about $48.67 billion, more than the 3 per cent required by the General Financial Management Law.

To finance the deficit in the budget, the Iraqi government depends on the Central Bank reserves, Mr Al Alaq said.

“It has been a phenomenon that the government depends on the Central Bank to cover the deficit and that is a very dangerous phenomenon,” he told the forum. “This gravely threatens financial stability.”

Foreign reserves were about $100 billion as of early this year, according to the CBI, thanks to the rise in oil prices and devaluation of the Iraqi currency in December 2020.

Iraq's monthly oil revenue hit a historic high last year, exceeding $10 billion in some months. The country is Opec's second-largest oil producer after Saudi Arabia.

Updated: March 16, 2023, 4:37 AM

[6ly410]

 

[yota691]

An atmosphere of relief in Kurdistan after the budget and “oil and gas” agreement

Iraq  2023/03/18

 

 

 Sulaymaniyah: Karim Al-Ansari 

 

Kurdish parliamentary and political circles are optimistic about the agreement of the federal government and the region on the budget formulas and the oil and gas law, especially after the visit of Prime Minister Muhammad Shia al-Sudani to Erbil and Sulaymaniyah, which heralds a relationship of partnership and political stability, according to optimistic observers.

 

The former deputy in the Parliament of the Kurdistan Region for the Kurdistan Democratic Party, Abd al-Salam Berwari, said: "The main reason for Al-Sudani's visit was to attend the Sulaymaniyah Forum, but his positive gesture was to visit Erbil and meet with the party's leader, Massoud Barzani, the president of the region and the prime minister."

 

Berwari added, in an interview with "Al-Sabah", that "this satisfaction is the result of the progress of long discussions over months between various technical delegations from the federal government and the region, and reaching an understanding regarding the budget and the continuation of cooperation to formulate the oil and gas law," noting that "all of this is recorded for the Sudanese, Because the only way is to reach an understanding according to the government program that looked at resolving differences from the perspective of the constitution.

 

While a member of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, Diyar Aqrawi, saw that "Al-Sudani's visit to Kurdistan came at a timely manner to put into practice the agreements of the various blocs with the State Administration Alliance," noting that "among these points is the solution to the issue of Article 140 and articles related to oil and gas and the budget." Aqrawi added, in an interview with Al-Sabah, "We know that Al-Sudani's visit came to reassure the parties in Kurdistan and that he is continuing to implement the pre-formation agreement, in addition to the need for political stability in the relationship between the region and the federal government," pointing out that "Al-Sudani sought through His visit to bring the views of the Democratic Union and the Union closer together, which will reflect positively on the governmental role in Baghdad, in addition to the budget and the legislation of the oil law.

 

While the expert in military affairs, Lieutenant General Jabbar Yawar, pointed out that "the visit came in order to establish solid public relations between the federal government and the regional government, so the region's government and parties supported the new cabinet on the background of an agreement between the parties that formed the state administration coalition at that time." ".

 

Yawar added, to "Al-Sabah", that "the statements and meetings give us a positive picture of the relations between the federal government and the region, especially what Al-Sudani stated several times in Erbil, Baghdad and Sulaymaniyah regarding the issue of agreeing on the federal budget for the year 2023," expressing his hope "to start implementing articles The law after voting on the federal budget, and the commitment of the federal government and the region to agree with each other about the share of the region and the revenues from the sale of oil, especially the oil and gas law, for the benefit of everyone and the citizens, especially since the region has been suffering for some time from its lack of share in the budget and its impact on salaries and life in general.

 

Edited by: Ali Abdel-Khalek