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LOL...just the image slays me....lmfao
Today's CBI Auction makes 24 trillion NID.. COPIED POST..
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Today's CBI auction makes the total of 24,090,049,483,000 NID purchased by the CBI at auction since January 1, 2007.....for whatever it's worth.
Them's alot o' clams.
Voyeur.
__________________
I'd like to visit Iraq once We're mill's and hire Mr. T and the Rock for a few days and putting an NFL team together like the Iraqi Revals.....Cheerleaders could wear silk veils with copycat Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders uniforms and,oh yeah, free dental for asthetics........GOOOOOOO REVALLLLLSSSSSSSSSS
lol we just invented arab cool....lmao
Declaration of Principles: Future United States Commitment to Iraq
Testimony of Lawrence J. Korb, Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress, Before the House Foreign Affairs Joint International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight Subcommittee and Middle East and South Asia Subcommittee
By Lawrence J. Korb
March 4, 2008
Congressman Delahunt, ranking member Rohrbacher, and distinguished members, I appreciate the opportunity to appear before you to analyze President Bush’s Declaration of Principles with the government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. I cannot think of any issue more important to our future security and I commend you for holding this hearing.
At the end of 2008, the United Nation’s security mandate authorizing American combat operations will expire. To replace the mandate, President Bush and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki issued a "Declaration of Principles for a Long-Term Relationship of Cooperation and Friendship” in November of 2007. Based on this declaration, the administration and the Iraqi government plan to issue a bilateral Status of Forces (SOFA) Agreement by the end of July.
As currently worded, the Declaration of Principles is substantially broader in scope than standard Status of Forces Agreements. The fact that the administration does not intend to submit the agreement for congressional approval is a testament to their own recognition of how the broad the implications of this agreement are and what type of debate it would spark on Capitol Hill and in the country. It is likely the administration will negotiate and sign an Iraqi SOFA without congressional authorization as Ambassador Satterfield just indicated.
It is my opinion, and that of every unbiased legal scholar, that the Bush administration must seek and obtain congressional approval for the Status of Forces Agreement in its current form as outlined in the Declaration of Principles.
Status of Forces Agreements
I have been dealing with Status of Forces Agreements for over 40 years. In 1964, I gained a bottom-up perspective when I was deployed to the Marine Corps Air Station in Iwakuni, Japan as a Naval Flight Officer with Patrol Squadron One (VP-1). Twenty years later, as an Assistant Secretary of Defense in the Reagan administration, with responsibility for troops and bases at home and abroad, I gained a top-down perspective.
Status of Forces Agreements do not deal with military operations nor what is referred to as the “authority to fight” or “right to fight”—the authorization to conduct military operations within the receiving country. My understanding then and now is that a SOFA provides the framework for legal protections and rights while U.S. personnel are present in a country for agreed on purposes. Neither while on active duty nor while working in the Pentagon did I ever come across a SOFA that contained the authority, directly or indirectly, to protect a government from all enemies both foreign and domestic.
The SOFAs with Germany and Japan which govern the roles and responsibilities of our troops in those countries do not oblige the United States to defend those countries or their government. Those responsibilities are contained in separate treaties which have obtained congressional authorization.
The administration is pushing this bilateral Status of Forces Agreement for three principal reasons. First, under the current legal basis for American troops in Iraq (United Nations Security Council Resolution 1790) Iraqi consent for the U.S. troop presence can be withdrawn at any time. Second, the current UN mandate does not address the immunity of US troops or private contractors before Iraqi courts. Third, and most importantly, in its current form, the U.S./Iraqi Declaration of Principles includes language guaranteeing "security assurances and commitments" requiring the United States to defend Iraq against internal and external threats," and to "support" Iraq's attempts to "defeat and uproot" all "terrorist groups," including "al-Qaeda, Saddamists, and all other outlaw groups," and to "destroy their logistical networks and their sources of finance."
This last provision is particularly troubling. As your Senate colleague, Sen. Joe Biden (D-DE), has noted, the agreement has the potential to mire American troops in an Iraqi civil war indefinitely, especially if a sectarian Iraqi government determines who qualifies as a “Saddamist” or “other outlaw group.”
As outlined, the Iraqi/U.S. Status of Forces Agreement would give the United States the “authority to fight.” As I mentioned, this is uncharacteristic of a SOFA. As a former witnesses before this committee, R. Chuck Mason of the Congressional Research Service, noted after examining the details of more than 70 Status of Forces Agreements, “none contain the authority to fight.” Nonetheless, as Ambassador Satterfield noted, the White House will seek to sign the SOFA agreement under the auspices of an “executive agreement” which does not require congressional approval.
While there are no agreed upon legal criteria by which to determine which agreements fall into the category of “executive agreements” (which do not require congressional approval) and “treaties” or “Congressional–Executive agreements” (which do require Congressional approval) there are several precedents requiring that agreements seeking a “security commitment” obtain congressional authorization.
A 1992 report submitted to Congress by President George H.W. Bush, the executive branch defined a security commitment as “an obligation, binding under international law, of the United States to act in the common defense in the event of an armed attack on that country.”
The National Commitments Resolution of 1969 expressed a sense of the Congress that defined a security commitment quite broadly, stating that, among other things, it includes any “promise to assist a foreign country, government, or people by the use of the Armed Forces . . . either immediately or upon the happening of certain events.”
Thus, there has been a general agreement that security commitments, which this agreement most certainly is, require congressional approval.
Conclusion
Common sense tells us that the primary reason the Iraqi government wants us to remain is to defend them from internal and external threats. As the Iraqi Defense Minister mentioned during his recent visit to the U.S., the Iraqis themselves will not be able to provide internal security until 2012 and external until 2020. Who will provide it in the interim if not our brave troops?
Why is it necessary to negotiate a SOFA in the midst of a war and a presidential campaign? The answer is that the Government of Iraq has expressed its strong desire that the U.N. Chapter VII mandate expire at the end of 2008. The Iraqi government cannot have it both ways. If it wants to require the United States to defend Iraq against internal and external threats and to support Iraq’s attempts to uproot and defeat all terrorist groups, including Al Qaeda, Saddamists, and all other groups, then it must be willing to have this arrangement ratified by the Congress. This is the way our government works. If the Maliki government wants us to respect its sovereignty, it must respect our Constitution.
Why is this administration unwilling to submit this treaty to the Congress? The answer is clear. It knows it will not be ratified because the American people have turned against this mindless, needless, and senseless war and want to withdraw our forces from this quagmire as soon as possible.
I'm gonna invent a turbin money holder/soap dispenser
Twenty-year high in rice prices sparks fears
By Javier Blas in Vienna and Raphael Minder in Hong Kong
Published: March 4 2008 00:19 | Last updated: March 4 2008 02:41
Rice prices have surged to a 20-year high in the latest sign of global food inflation, creating policy headaches in Asia, where more than 2.5bn people depend on cheap and abundant supplies of the grain.
Thai rice prices, a global benchmark, surged last week above the level of $500 a tonne for the first time since at least 1989, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation, prompting importing countries to seek assurances on supplies.
EDITOR’S CHOICE
India moves to protect staple supplies - Mar-04Wheat prices in biggest one-day rise - Feb-25Indonesia warns of unrest as food prices rise - Feb-27Editorial Comment: Biofuels will not feed the hungry - Feb-25High food prices may force aid rationing - Feb-24ABF warns of rising costs - Feb-25Robert Zeigler, director at the International Rice Research Institute in Manila, said policymakers should be concerned. “If history is any indicator, we should be worried because rice shortages have in the past led to civil unrest,” he said.
US rice in Chicago, the benchmark for the world’s fourth-largest exporter of the grain, jumped on Monday to a record $18.10 per hundredweight ($400 per tonne) – up about 75 per cent in the past year.
High prices and extremely tight supplies have prompted leading rice suppliers – including Vietnam, India and Egypt – to restrict exports in recent months in an attempt to keep local markets well-supplied and domestic prices under control. The Philippines and Vietnam are in discussions about rice supply security after President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for the first time asked her Vietnamese counterpart to guarantee an undisclosed amount of rice for the 2008/09 season. The Philippines is the world’s largest buyer of the grain.
Analysts have attributed the surge in rice prices to bad weather that has hit supply; urbanisation that has cut the acreage given over to cultivating the grain; and strong demand on the back of rapid income growth in China, India and other Asian countries.
In spite of a record crop of about 420m tonnes in the current season, global rice supplies are lagging behind demand, which has risen to 423m tonnes, leading to a further decline in global rice inventories, according to the US Department of Agriculture.
Rice stocks have fallen this season to about 70m tonnes, the lowest level for 25 years and less than half the 150m tonnes held in global inventories in 2000.
Vichai Sriprasert, honorary chairman of Riceland International, a leading Thai rice trading company, said he expected the price of rice to rise “much, much more”.
Some traders said Thai exporters were defaulting on contracts as they were being offered better prices locally.
The next Vietnamese crop, to be harvested in the next few weeks, was unlikely to bring down prices, said Alex Waugh of the industry-backed UK Rice Association. “It may provide some short-term relief and restraint on prices rising even further.”
Asia has not known famines since the 1970s, and recent price rises for rice and other basic foodstuffs have sparked unrest.
Iraq’s loan guarantee firm to boost its SME sector
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Published: Tuesday, 4 March, 2008, 07:17 AM Doha TimeAMMAN: Hundreds of Iraqi investors are rushing to set up their own small and medium-sized enterprises despite an uncertain business climate in the war-torn country as they bet on an economic recovery and an improving security situation.
Until now, the main stumbling block discouraging these investors has been the lack of access to cash. However, that problem has been solved since the establishment of the first ever Iraqi-owned loan guarantee facility, the Iraq Company for Bank Guarantees, or ICBG, in 2006.
“There were hundreds of applications from private investors to set up their own businesses that are worth millions of dollars,â€* Wade al-Handal, chairman of ICBG, told Dow Jones Newswires in a recent interview.
“We have so far agreed to provide guarantee coverage to 32 loans worth $1.1mn,â€* al-Handal said on the sidelines of a regional small and medium-size, or SME, finance conference held in Amman recently.
ICBG, owned and capitalised by 11 Iraqi private banks, aims to improve lending to commercial small and medium-size enterprises by guaranteeing up to 75% of their loans.
It was set up in November 2006 with the help of the Central Bank of Iraq and Izdihar, an affiliate of the US Agency for International Development, or USAID.
“We are assessing more applications and asking others to provide documentation that prove the money would be spent on setting up private businesses,â€* he said.
For example, ICBG recently agreed to guarantee a $250,000 loan to expand a brick factory in Hilla, 100km south of Baghdad, al-Handal added.
Al-Handal, who was elected chairman of the company in March 2007, said ICBG’s board of directors is now in the process of preparing to launch an initial public offering in the company on the Iraqi stock exchange shortly.
The managing director of the company, Nabil Issa Assad, said ICBG is also intending to increase its current capital of $3.7mn, which was put in by the 11 private banks. More private banks have expressed interest to join the capitalisation of the company, he added.
Assad said that USAID affiliate Izdihar recently granted the company some $5mn to boost its capital and guarantee coverage activities.
“We have received $500,000 as a first payment of the grant and in one month time, the company will receive the second payment of $1mn,â€* he said. – Dow Jones Newswires
http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topic...8&parent_id=28
Arrested a gang of counterfeit currency in Kut
A source at the Directorate of Information and National Investigation Abu'l that, Monday, the arrest of a gang specialized in forging currency Iraqi city of Kut, possession amounts and equipment and devices used in the forgery.
The source, who requested anonymity, told the Independent News (Voices of Iraq) that "the security force of the Directorate arrested today, Monday, the band composed of five persons who rigging large amounts of Iraqi dinar in the city of Kut."
He explained that "the gang was based rigging category (10 thousand dinars) of the Iraqi currency and the purchase of buffalo and sheep breeders in Aloh selling sheep in Kut these amounts."
He added that "preliminary investigations revealed that the gang with the disposal of the counterfeit currency to buy calves and sheep breeders of animals simply exploiting those educators that they can detect counterfeit currency."
He pointed out that "the security forces at the Directorate found quantities of the amounts were in possession of counterfeit gang and the confiscation of equipment and devices used in the forgery."
It is the city of Kut, Center for Wasit governorate, at a distance of 180 km southeast of the capital Baghdad.
http://www.sotaliraq.com/iraqnews.php?id=11937
Acquired currency and price rises and inflation
. Currency tool circulation of cash in public life, not only in the market transactions of sale and purchase .. and the monetary policy influence in the strength or weakness of the currency in circulation and to reduce the inflation rate and reduce the feeling the brunt of price rises and its unity, and avoid a lot of resentment from both sides of price rises and inflation.
ولك اربه، For progressive currencies in units partial multiple small impact on the main unit in place and have impact in the reduction of price rises and reduce the inflation rate, in contrast to large groups must out large unit adopted, it lead to a weakening of the strength of the latter, especially in the absence of policy price, and left jugular dealings in the market sunset,
لة.. Where have all the bear is exploiting the opportunity to sell at price that pleases fans, and no one course presents the goods at a price below the level of ambition or aspiration rather for the highest percentage of the profits, especially the case of loss of competition, which leads to inflammation prices, in a series seminars and related impacts, and consumers are feeling more millions (consumption) quick money in exchange for goods or merchandise few .. الوحا.. As a result of price rises, emergency incident motivated exploitation of the market and loose precious opportunity and handling large parts of the units to achieve greater monetary gain urgent various ways as we see and feel in our markets, the currency is no longer President dinar equivalent of A fils, but melted worth purchasing ability, and I said, it became dinar fils or less in some cases including the decline in the shares of some companies in the stock market and other .. مته. Then the currency in circulation now is the Chairperson category thousand dinars developed emphysema in size and diminished purchasing power, and surprised some interested in this matter to be smaller category of cash for this currency is the dinar (250), and not least, a large unit compared to the force and what needs The works by the fragmentation of this unit cash accredited to the smaller groups, as was once the existence of the category percent, and General session, before exiting yards deal with Chrysalis Passy damage of oblivion, then no longer for injecting sales and purchases not yielding to deal Pal (250) dinars, as a basis for price and any increases soo smaller unit, but the unit is smaller conducted on the basis of any increased needs, the food and drink daily Bojbadtha at least three, including required by these meals from Allguetsar on one type of S., given the impossible. لة.. That meant all the monetary value in the calculation of the basic unit of the coin, a category thousand dinars, decline and erosion implicitly and really push one quarter forced to deal valued .. The smallest increase, or changes imposed by the seller and his mood and driving, beginning PAY devaluation President, a significant increase Of course, without a doubt, particularly as it did not exist for his efficient percent, the smallest category session, which reinforced the value of the many places consumption is the widening of the scope underestimated currency Chairperson, accumulating over the months, including overwhelmed by the power of large millions of citizens and energy as well as currency, which devalues their purchasing power by the monetary value .. رأ.. This not lose sight of that increases in the price causes, and not the result of pressure .. nevertheless is right and genuine increases imposed arbitrary and imposed no desire biggest loss in the shortest period of time, but also by the loss of small groups including currency holdings advantage of the power, though small advantage relay .. خذ). Fragmentation of the category (250) dinars to the smallest categories produces a multi-unit increase bargaining between buyers and sellers before being traded small category now is the currency, which will start in the increase .. increase the minimum needs, let alone the needs and increases the amounts added to what it was and users in the market and in services such as transport for example, are less than the (250) dinars to add any increase (not paid or taking).
انفعملة). The loss currencies micro adverse effects emerged in several countries and peoples, declared from the historical experience of time, swept the French people after the revolution in 1789 and between historical experiences, I have these currencies led to a rise in prices consequent hardships has killed thousands of hunger and hunger Maspbh tragedies and tragedies affected millions depths of humanity, Iraqna now happening in the lobster to be seen as witnessed in France and the other in this area, this clearly tells us not on the acquired price rises and inflation, but also to the loss of small currencies me reason but lead to arbitrary cost Added the real price rises, and to the artificial inflation of Esthan prejudicial degree conferment of monetary policy (currency). ً عس. To Anzid, it is small by Mattold substantial damage seemed either or both hidden from sight and intangible.
ااستكل. Base currency, which produces inflate operative paragraph .. and pressure size and capacity to less than that, which means the consumption of the base currency by large increases and the steady erosion of Mataatbah.
فاده!.. Four cases of the increase occurring on a single commodity or four thousand dinars vanished from the pocket of this consumer and handheld! .. هسن. This assumption for the increases seen in the fact that since the daily in 2000 and suffering of millions of citizens, but taken on the basis of lower levels of increase for each of the many needed by the kitchen each house .. which of course is not the greatest increases, which included other goods and commodities, which encouraged users to underestimate the amount of the increase Those smaller, and therefore underestimated the basic monetary unit, which doubled the amount of the increases to other needs daily and non-daily numerical sequence since losing both Alsgirien currency. ثم .. Eight of those increases spread from hand to the other fields of public services, such as transport for example has ridden the waves of the increase cat and four times more "than a benefit owners of the vehicles themselves, which is recognized by many of them. Worse, it is plunged medicine and medicine "poor impulse of a cheap", as well as pay hospitals and surgical operations, etc. .. It is enough to point to in the Ktherth significance than other readers know .. and suffer from expensive for burning of oil prices started ..
خوادية. Abstract these few examples, but important indications of the price rises, hunger and low square value of the currency and purchasing power consumption many places, is the widespread disregard major accumulation over the months, including overwhelmed by the power of large millions of citizens, and energy as well as currency, which devalues their purchasing power by monetary value.
هذتعد. This not lose sight of that increases in the price causes, and not the result of pressure .. nevertheless is right and genuine increases imposed arbitrary and imposed no desire biggest loss in the shortest period of time, but also before that: the loss of small groups of the currency, including most of the advantage of the force, though small, the advantage of the relay. فتجزئة فئة الـ (2ادة.. Fragmentation of the category (250) dinars, the smaller classes allow room for multi-unit increase and bargaining between sellers and buyers Qublb be smaller category now circulating currency, which will start by the increase .. زيا). Increase minimum needs, let alone the needs and the amounts added to the increases in Valmtaton intact in the market and in services, such as transport for example, are less than the (250) dinars to add any increase, (the board does not pay, which takes).
انعمار. The loss currencies micro adverse effects emerged in several countries and peoples, declared their historical experience once swept people after the French Revolution of 1789, among other historical experiences have led these currencies to rise in prices consequent hardships, the victims of starvation and thousands Maspbh hunger tragedies and tragedies long deep humanitarian millions, and in Iraqna happening now tested to be seen as witnessed in France and others in this regard. ي علة). This clearly tells us not on the acquired price rises and inflation, but also that the currency loss was small for any reason but lead to arbitrary cost added to the real price rises, and to the artificial inflation of Esthan prejudicial degree conferment of monetary policy (currency). وس. To Anzid .. it is small Mattold him substantial damage seemed either or both hidden from sight and intangible.
http://64.233.179.104/translate_c?hl...6sid %3D38354
I end my evening with positive news...ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Insight: Petrodollar tsunami to hit euro and dollar
By Stephen Jen
Published: March 3 2008 16:39 | Last updated: March 3 2008 16:39
With crude oil at $100 a barrel, there is going to be a massive transfer of global financial wealth from oil consuming countries to oil exporters. Some of these windfalls will be absorbed by the economies of the oil producers, but a far larger amount will be invested outside them. Indeed, a petrodollar tsunami is coming, with significant consequences for global financial markets.
How big are petrodollars? They are big and getting bigger with the rise of oil prices. We can look at this in terms of the financial worth of the stocks of proven oil reserves underground, or in terms of flows – ie the value of the annual oil exports. At $100 a barrel, the total proven reserves of the oil exporting countries is about $104,000bn – equivalent to the combined total value of publicly-traded equities and bonds in the world. About $48,000bn of this belongs to the Gulf Co-operation Council member countries – which include Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The rest of Opec owns another $44,000bn, while non-Opec countries (Canada, Norway, Mexico and Russia) own some $12,000bn worth of oil reserves.
The flows are massive too. At the current pace of production and exports, and at $100 a barrel, collectively, oil exporters are projected to earn a total of $2,100bn in oil export receipts annually.
Such large windfall receipts/profits could in theory be invested in domestic physical infrastructure. However, the size of the GDP of most of these oil exporters is relatively modest. What would be considered ‘significant’ investment, equivalent to 5-10 per cent of GDP, would amount to only about 5-10 per cent of their annual oil revenues. Thus, the bulk of the petrodollar windfalls for most oil-exporting countries will still not be spent, but will be saved and deployed in the global financial markets.
There are two key implications. First, the deployment of petrodollars is likely to favour equities over bonds. Second, they should favour emerging market currencies at the expense of both the dollar and the euro. These two themes are identical to the financial market implications of the emergence of Sovereign Wealth Funds, because about half of the petrodollar receipts may be invested through SWFs, and close to three-quarters of all assets under management by SWFs are derived from petrodollars.
Over the past 20 years, spot crude oil has significantly under-performed global equities, by a factor of one to three in cumulative returns, and by a factor of two to one in terms of volatility. In other words, crude oil has had a much lower return and much higher volatility compared with global equities. Calculations using data from the past 100 years yield a similar result.
Thus, from the perspective of maximising the risk-adjusted long-term return on the combined underground wealth (crude oil) and above-ground wealth (financial assets), an exporter should be expected to embark on a multi-generational transformation from crude oil to equities.
Since most oil exporting countries have a much higher propensity to invest in equities than do Asian reserve holders, because petrodollars are deployed in the financial markets, there will be a bias in favour of global equities.
At the same time, if we assume that SWF/petrodollar portfolios have benchmarks of 25:45:30 on bonds, equities, and alternative investments, the currency composition of these portfolios will look significantly different from that of the official reserves. In fact, some 95 per cent of the world’s official reserves are held in only three currencies: the dollar, the euro and the pound.
While many observers focus on the shift in reserves between dollars and euros, the deployment of petrodollar investments will in fact likely tilt the balance in favour of emerging market currencies, at the expense of both the dollar and the euro. Specifically, we calculate that the theoretical share of emerging market assets in total petrodollar portfolios could be as high as 25 per cent, compared with the current exposure of official reserves to emerging market currencies of zero.
Stephen Jen is Chief Currency Economist at Morgan Stanley
heavy, WTF....DID WE RUN AN AD? geez
you tube? roflmfao STEROIDAL IMBASILLLLLLLLZZZZZZ
Mojo, maybe you don't understand the fact that Freedom COSTS. Ok, maybe the dems are pretty good at reducing debt but you have to understand that Bush had just taken office when 9/11 happened...it was a dem expense. Clinton was getting head in the Oval when he should've been on watch...whatever...By the way, Chavez is looking for a few "good men" maybe you are in if the pay is good,huh comrad? jmhfo
I'm surprised that with a post like that you are american...maybe you should move to another country..dumbass
Near immediate establishment of the largest oil refinery in Iraq
http://www.ahali-iraq.net/detail.aspx?c=job&id=5331
The Minister of Oil, Dr. Hussein Shahrastani proximity establish direct largest oil refinery in Iraq and in the city of Nasiriyah south of the country.
The search Shahrastani, who visited the city of Nasiriyah, heading a delegation of specialists in the field of oil with the governor of Dhi Qar Aziz Kazem Alwan Aekili Chairman of the Board to maintain Ihsan Al-Taee asked him digging in the oil fields and establish the details of the liquidator of Nasiriyah.
Shahrastani said in a press conference that the Dhi Qar enjoy the riches of large oil and gas came time to invest.
Adding of Nasiriyah giant fields and the ministry is keen to develop this potential and make Nasiriyah governorate major oil in Iraq."
He noted that the ministry had an ambitious plan to start developing oil fields this year and upgrade production, especially since Iraq has the second largest oil reserves in the world.
He said: "We plan to build the largest refinery in Iraq in Dhi Qar card 300 thousand barrels a day pointing out that this visit came to the agreement on the final location of the refinery, which have all the characteristics required."
". He explained, "The Stem established by the liquidator will be the largest liquidator in Iraq and the large refineries in the world which will be the latest techniques and technology will be able to meet the needs of the southern region of Iraq for many years will exceed production from the liquidator for export and turn Iraq from a country importer of oil currently Mstqat exporting country. "
Moreover, the oil minister that his ministry was currently negotiating with "companies to develop basic designs are complex engineering designs.
He pointed out that the project will provide about 10 thousand jobs, as well as operating industrial shop, which will lead to a shift of Dhi Qar governorate to the industry.
He stressed that the decision of the current Iraqi government is moving forward the development of oil fields and not wait for legislation the new law (the law of oil and gas) in the Parliament, taking into account the development by the laws and regulations applicable to mention that the new law would lead to the full control of Iraq and its oil from Special materials within the new law requiring any company operating in this area to develop social services and local environmental well as the distribution of oil revenues to all Iraqis, as well as environmental compensation for agricultural land that would be affected by the oil project, which will achieve the highest return material to Iraq through negotiations and clear and transparent with the global oil companies Thus the development of the infrastructure of Iraq.
Shahrastani said during his meeting with officials in the city that "it was time for the advancement of age this city it deserves to be at the forefront of advanced provinces and this is her right, especially as they enjoy the riches and potential of large oil. He added: "The development of the city is inevitable with the possible discovery of other fields in the governorate and the ministry is very keen to develop this potential and to make the Dhi Qar governorate major oil in Iraq alongside the governorate of Basra and Amarah now."
Source: Government of the United States of America
Date: 03 Mar 2008
Print E-mail Save Joint Reconstruction Office addresses Baghdad's infrastructure
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, March 3, 2008 – A joint office that oversees the rebuilding of Baghdad's infrastructure is making progress to address the city's sewage, water and electricity needs, senior U.S. and Iraqi officials announced in Baghdad yesterday.
Citizens' complaints about Baghdad's worn infrastructure prompted the establishment of the Joint Reconstruction Operations Center, Tahseen Sheikhly, civilian spokesman for Operation Fardh al-Qanoon, told reporters at a Baghdad news conference. Fardh al-Qanoon, which means 'enforce the law' in Arabic, is the Iraqi government's campaign to defeat the insurgency and restore essential services to Iraq's citizens.
Recent surge-fortified operations against insurgents have brought about security gains that 'could open up new doors to Iraq to improve the essential services, and, also to start the reconstruction so that we can invite the foreign international companies to come and invest inside Iraq,' Sheikhly explained.
Although some progress has been achieved in rebuilding Baghdad's worn infrastructure, there had been complaints of a lack of coordination of effort, Sheikhly noted. The Joint Reconstruction Operations Center's formation, he continued, created a unity of effort among Iraqi government, coalition and other organizations in achieving infrastructure improvements in Baghdad.
Today, the center oversees a number of electricity production and distribution projects for Baghdad, as well as efforts to provide better water and sewage services, Sheikhly said.
Rebuilding Baghdad's water distribution system and sewage network are the thorniest issues confronting the center, Sheikhly acknowledged. Maintenance of Baghdad's infrastructure, he said, wasn't a priority of Saddam Hussein's regime.
'The sewage system in Baghdad has not been rehabilitated for over 30 years,' Sheikhly said. 'And, we have a huge contamination in the potable water in Baghdad.'
Baghdad's sewage and water-distribution troubles are 'due to the old networks that nobody ever (took) care of,' the Iraqi spokesman said. 'So, rehabilitating and renovating all those sewage networks demands time, effort, and also money.'
However, Baghdad has experienced many infrastructure improvements over the past year, Sheikhly pointed out, noting that 60 percent of Baghdad's sewage network has been rehabilitated. In addition, about 80 percent of Baghdad's water-distribution system has been repaired, Sheikhly reported.
Sheikhly conceded that 'electricity in Baghdad is a huge problem,' noting restoration of power across the city involves 'replacing thousands of wires and transmitters.' Yet, he is optimistic, he said, noting that 'everyone is working' to fix Baghdad's electric power network.
Infrastructure rebuilding efforts in Baghdad and elsewhere in Iraq 'are a vital component to Iraq's progress toward democracy,' Army Brig. Gen. Jeffery J. Dorko, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Gulf Region Division's commander, said at the news conference.
The Corps of Engineers, a member of the Joint Reconstruction Operations Center, is overseeing more than 150 water treatment, sewage, electrical generation, health care, schools and transportation projects in Baghdad province, Dorko reported.
'The mission of the JROC has been to provide a long-term operations center that intensively manages Baghdad's essential services and projects and challenges, and helps set priorities,' Dorko explained.
Over the next weeks and months, the Joint Reconstruction Operations Center will transition to operate more directly under Baghdad's provincial council, he noted.
Dorko said an ongoing $100 million electric-power project in Baghdad's Sadr City neighborhood is designed to provide electricity to 600,000 residents. Materials for the project are supplied by the U.S. government, while employees of the Iraqi Ministry of Electricity are doing the work. Completion of this project, he said, is expected in the July-December timeframe. And electrical substation work worth $38 billion that's slated for completion in April will supply electric power to more than 2 million residents of Baghdad province, he added.
In addition, a $2.3 million project on the Zafaraniyah sewer line and water pumping station that's scheduled for completion in June will reduce health hazards for more than 115,000 area residents, Dorko said.
'We're making significant headway,' Dorko said, noting there are many more ongoing projects to repair the electric, sewer and water systems in and around Baghdad.
'I'm confident that by continuing to work with our Iraqi partners on reconstruction and focusing on essential services projects, we can help repair Iraq's infrastructure and help build a brighter future for Iraq,' Dorko said.
General Directorate of Industrial Development (26580) granted leave establishment
المواطن/خاص Citizen / special
قال مصدر مسؤول في المديرية العامة للتنمية الصناعية:" ان المديرية منحت (26580) اجازة تأسيس للمشاريع الصناعية الجديدة خلال عام 2007 وبإستثمار اجمالي بلغ خمسمائة وواحد وثلاثون ملياراً ومائة وستة وتسعون مليون دينار . An official source at the Directorate General for Industrial Development: "The Directorate (26580) granted leave to establish new industrial projects in 2007 and the total investment amounted to five hundred and thirty-one billion, one hundred and ninety-six million dinars.
واضاف بلغ عدد اجازات التأسيس التي منحت للمشاريع من قبل المديرية خلال عام 2006 (2639) اجازة تأسيس وبقيمة استثمارية بلغت , ثلاثمائة مليار وخمسمائة وثمانية وثلاثين مليون دينار , منها (18) اجازة تأسيس منحت كبدل وثيقة تسجيل لكلا العامين وكان جميعها من نصيب القطاع الصناعي الخاص. He added the number of leave granted for greenfield projects by the Directorate during 2006 (2639) leave the establishment and investment value amounted, three hundred billion five hundred and thirty-eight million dinars, of which (18) granted leave allowance founding document registration for both public and the share of all private industry .
واشار الى:"ان الاجازات وزعت على مختلف الصناعات (الغذائية , المعدنية المصنعة , الانشائية . الكيمياوية والبلاستيكية . الخشبية , النسيجية , الصناعات التحويلية , وغيرها من الصناعات ). He pointed out: "The holidays and distributed to the various industries (food, metal manufacturing, construction. Chemical and plastic. Wood, textile, manufacturing, and other industries).
وتابع اما الصناعات الانشائية فقد حصلت على 575 اجازة تأسيس وبقيمة استثمارية بلغت مائة وستة وثمانين ملياراً ومائة وخمسة وستين مليون دينار، في حين توزعت الاجازات المتبقية بواقع (326) اجازة للصناعات الكيمياوية والبلاستيكية بقيمة استثمارية بلغت ثمانية وخمسين ملياراً وستمائة وخمسة مليون دينار , و(193) اجازة للصناعات الخشبية بقيمة استثمارية بلغت خمسة مليارات واربعمائة واربع واربعين مليون دينار , مع (169) اجازة للصناعات النسيجية بقيمة استثمارية بلغت ستة مليارات ومائتين واربعة وخمسين مليون دينار He continued the construction industry has got 575 leave the establishment and the value of investment amounted to one hundred and eighty-six billion, one hundred and sixty-five million dinars, while the remaining leaves herself at (326) leave for Chemical and Plastic Industries investment value amounted to fifty-eight billion six hundred and five million dinars, and (193 ) leave for timber industries investment value amounted to five billion and four hundred and forty-four million dinars, (169) with the leave of the textile industries in the value of an investment amounting to six billion, two hundred and fifty-four million dinars
Trade: a joint plan with National Security to monitor the distribution of items of the ration card
المواطن/خاص Citizen / special
بدأت وزارة التجارة بتنفيذ فقرات خطتها الجديدة والتي تقوم على التعاون والتنسيق مع الأجهزة الأمنية في وزارة الأمن الوطني والتشكيلات الأمنية الأخرى بغية التدقيق والمتابعة في عملية تجهيز ونقل مفردات البطاقة التموينية . The Ministry of Trade to implement its new paragraphs which are based on cooperation and coordination with the security services in the Ministry of National Security and other security structures in order to check and follow in the processing and transfer of items that the ration card. وقال مديرعام الدائرة الأدارية في وزارة التجارة قيس محمد نصيب أن عمليات التنسيق والمتابعة في الشهر الماضي أثبتت نجاح هذه الخطة حيث كانت هناك عمليات متابعة مستمرة من رجال الأمن الوطني من خلال خطة تعاون مشتركة مع أجهزة وزارة التجارة التي أستنفرت كل إمكاناتها لوضع اليد على مكامن الخلل ومتابعة المفسدين من موردين وموظفين . The General Director of the Administrative Service in the Ministry of Trade Mohammed Qais share of the coordination and follow-up operations last month proved the success of the plan where there have been sustained follow security men through the national plan of joint cooperation with the organs of the Trade Ministry, which mobilized all its means to lay hands on the points of imbalance and follow-up spoilers from suppliers and employees. وأضاف نصيب بأن نتائج الشهر الماضي كانت متميزة ومثمرة وحققنا فيها نجاحات كبيرة حيث وزعت مفردات الحصة بشكل جيد وفي جميع مناطق العاصمة بأستثناءات بسيطة جداً سنعمل على تلافيها في المستقبل القريب أنشاءالله بعد ورود كميات إضافية من المواد الغذائية من خلال عمليات التعاقد التي أجرتها الوزارة مع شركات وموردين . He added that the share of results last month were distinct and fruitful and we have achieved great success in terms of vocabulary and distributed quota well in all areas of the capital exceptions very simple we will avoid them in the near future Anchaouallah after receipt of additional quantities of foodstuffs through contracted by the ministry with companies and suppliers . مضيفاً بأن الفترة المقبلة ستشهد أعلى درجات التعاون والتنسيق مع الهيئات الرقابية والتدقيقية في البلاد مثل هيئة النزاهة والرقابة المالية لغرض المتابعة الدقيقة لكل مفاصل العمل الأداري والفني ومكافحة الخلل بطرق شفافة لا تسمح للموظف الوقوع في فخ الفساد وهدر المال العام الذي يشكل أكبر حضارة مادية للوطن والمواطن He added that the coming period will witness a higher degree of cooperation and coordination with the audit and regulatory bodies in the country, such as the integrity and financial control for the purpose of the follow-up joints per minute administrative work, artistic and combat the imbalance through transparent does not allow for a staff member to fall into the trap of corruption and waste of public money which
Trade: a joint plan with National Security to monitor the distribution of items of the ration card المواطن/خاص Citizen / special
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Trade: a joint plan with National Security to monitor the distribution of items of the ration card المواطن/خاص Citizen / special
. The Ministry of Trade to implement its new paragraphs which are based on cooperation and coordination with the security services in the Ministry of National Security and other security structures in order to check and follow in the processing and transfer of items that the ration card. من . The General Director of the Administrative Service in the Ministry of Trade Mohammed Qais share of the coordination and follow-up operations last month proved the success of the plan where there have been sustained follow security men through the national plan of joint cooperation with the organs of the Trade Ministry, which mobilized all its means to lay hands on the points of imbalance and follow-up spoilers from suppliers and employees. . He added that the share of results last month were distinct and fruitful and we have achieved great success in terms of vocabulary and distributed quota well in all areas of the capital exceptions very simple we will avoid them in the near future Anchaouallah after receipt of additional quantities of foodstuffs through contracted by the ministry with companies and suppliers . He added that the coming period will witness a higher degree of cooperation and coordination with the audit and regulatory bodies in the country, such as the integrity and financial control for the purpose of the follow-up joints per minute administrative work, artistic and combat the imbalance through transparent does not allow for a staff member to fall into the trap of corruption and waste of public money which poses the greatest material civilization of the homeland and the citizen
http://209.85.135.104/translate_c?hl...m/economy.html
__________________
Project to the Ministry of Planning for poverty alleviation in Iraq
المواطن/خاص Citizen / special
. The Ministry of Planning and Development Cooperation, the draft strategic poverty alleviation in Iraq will focus on rural areas in Baghdad and other governorates.
. A source in the ministry that this project implemented by the Central Agency of Statistics of the Ministry will focus on rural areas which suffer extreme poverty unlike other towns in order to alleviate the suffering of the poor through consideration the basic needs of man is sacred.
واضاف . The source added that addressing poverty is one of the entrances development task Ejad umbrella of social security for every citizen especially those who suffer extreme poverty stressing that the relevant economic policy for the project held its meetings in order to continuously develop the appropriate mechanism for the implementation of this important project in the general areas of Baghdad and other governorates.
وكانت The Ministry of Planning has announced earlier that the failed economic policies are the reason the President in increased poverty rates in Iraq, especially during the past few years after reaching the poverty rate according to government statistics more than one third of Iraqi people
http://209.85.135.104/translate_c?hl...m/economy.html
These punks are next...should be hanged...imhfo
Eco-terror suspected
as luxury homes burn
Earth Liberation Front leaves sign at site
near Seattle: 'Built green? Nope BLACK!'
March 03, 2008
© 2008 WorldNetDaily.com
The Earth Liberation Front is suspected of setting fire to luxury homes near Seattle (Seattle Times)
SEATTLE –
Police suspect an environmental terrorist group is behind the burning of five luxury homes in a model "Street of Dreams" development northeast of Seattle this morning.
A message signed by ELF, the Earth Liberation Front, was left at the scene, north of Woodinville, according to Snohomish County District Seven Chief Rick Eastman in a report by local KING-TV.
The sign, shown in KING-TV video, read, "Built green? Nope black! McMansions in RCD's (rural cluster developments) r not green. ELF"
Agents with the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are investigating the fires as a potential domestic terrorism act, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reported.
The furnished houses, valued at up to $2 million each, were unoccupied, and no injuries were reported. The Street of Dreams is an annual showcase of luxury homes, displaying the latest in high-end design and landscaping.
Firefighters were not allowed near the homes, officials said, for fear of booby traps. Eastman said the blazes, which began at about 4 a.m. local time, were set at six houses. Three have been completely destroyed and two others seriously damaged.
Luxury home ablaze near Seattle (KING-TV, Seattle)
The Seattle Time reported the Woodinville development drew fierce opposition from neighbors who said the land has critical wetlands needed to protect an aquifer used by about 20,000 people. The opponents argued the environment would be overloaded by septic systems, and said chinook salmon would be endangered.
ELF is an underground movement launched in the United Kingdom in 1992. The now defunct Earth Liberation Front Press Office said the group uses "economic sabotage and guerrilla warfare to stop the exploitation and destruction of the natural environment."
Members of the group have been blamed for embedding spikes in trees to cause injury to loggers using power saws.
The FBI in 2001 classified ELF as the top domestic terror threat in the U.S.
Today's blazes come as the trial of a 32-year-old woman charged in an ELF fire-bomb attack at the University of Washington in 2001 gets underway. Briana Waters, a violin teacher, is accused of serving as a lookout for arsonists who destroyed the Tacoma campus's Center for Urban Horticulture, which was rebuilt at a cost of $7 million.
ELF activists mistakenly believed researchers at the university were genetically engineering trees.
Firefighters at the 'Street of Dreams' near Seattle (Seattle Times)
The Woodinville homes, according to a homebuilder who served as a judge in last summer's Street of Dreams show, used "Built Green" standards such as water-pervious sidewalks, super-insulated walls and windows and products made with recycled materials, the Post-Intelligencer reported.
Advertising emphasized the environmentally friendly aspects of the homes, which were smaller than some featured in previous years.
"It's very disappointing to take a situation where we're tying to promote good building practices - Built Green practices - and that it's destroyed. It's extremely disappointing. I don't understand the logic in that," said Doug Barnes, Northwest division president of Centex Homes and immediate past president of the Master Builders Association of King & Snohomish Counties.
Sheikh Basri: staff salaries are not commensurate with the rise in prices frenzy
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Sheikh Basri: staff salaries are not commensurate with the rise in prices frenzy
. A member Iraqi National List Sheikh Khairallah visual that salaries received by staff members currently are not commensurate with the purchasing power of the Iraqi dinar and frantic rise of prices prevailing in the market.
. Sheikh Basri stressed in a statement the need to press the state to provide minimum living Sharif fact that the Islamic values and humanitarian put towards community to provide the needed personnel, as long as the loyalty of individuals in the system to work for pay, stressing that the need is pressing for economic reforms, legislative and other governmental executive works to create a situation of price stability in the market that burns received by the increase in addition to the need to balance between the degree of functional and the number of years of service, and called on the government to establish peace on salaries with attention to the minimum requirements of life of present and realism not introduce the employee to want and poverty as a first priority Then comes the years of service and educational attainment and post II
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I just beat the crap outa chicken little..WHO'S NEXT?
Draft Law oil and gas up to the House of Representatives and will be discussed after the end of parliamentarians from their holiday
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Draft Law oil and gas up to the House of Representatives and will be discussed after the end of parliamentarians from their holiday
2008-03-03 2008-03-03
مسودة قانون النفط والغاز تصل الى مجلس النواب وستناقش بعد أنتهاء البرلمانيين من عطلتهم Draft Law oil and gas up to the House of Representatives and will be discussed after the end of parliamentarians from their holiday
كA member of the Committee of oil, gas and natural wealth in the Iraqi Parliament, Adnan Nation on the arrival of the final and official version of the draft law of oil and gas to the House of Representatives
هبل For the reading and discussion and approval during the first meeting, which will resume after the leave, which expires in 18 months in March next
وأت The Nation told Agence (Lucky) Italian News that "the draft law had been lifted from the Cabinet, in its final version, to Parliament in February of last year, but the discussion did not take place after the government asked to re-draft the law for the settlement of some controversial points contained therein with the Kurdistan Regional Government, in July last bill was submitted to parliament again in the amended version, but the Cabinet asked the House to slow down in the second discussion and deferred the failure to reach a compromise formula on the draft law "and pointed to the Nation "Directive of the Council of Ministers in 31 months in January last official memo to the House of Representatives requesting the adoption of the amended version of the law in reading, discussion and approval, as the final version of the law which has been agreed between the Central Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government", as he put it
ورحياوله He favored the Nation that "there are differences in viewpoints and objections among parliamentarians about the Iraqis draft during the discussion because some deputies felt no need for a new law for the oil, they said Law National Oil Company (SOMO) integrated law and appropriate for all variables, and granted wider powers to the Ministry of Oil in relation to the signing of oil contracts, except contracts participate, along with prospecting and exploration of oil fields, while others saw him as parliamentarians need legislation for a new law defines responsibility and oil rights between the central government and the Kurdistan Regional Government on oil contracts, and international companies which undertake prospecting The exploration and how the distribution of income and the share of mineral wealth which the territorial ", as he put it
ظ The Kurdish government has concluded contracts with 20 2005, which irritated Baghdad's government promised its oil minister Hussein Shahrastani encroachment on the powers of the Government Center, with the Kurds confirms that the signing of contracts to decorate a constitutional violation, and came under a law enacted by Parliament Territory leave him constitution in the light of Article 115 which provides for (Everything that is not provided for in the exclusive competencies of the federal authorities is the power to the regions and governorates irregular in the territory, and other powers shared between the federal government and regions have priority for the Law of the regions and governorates irregular in the territory in the event of disagreement between them
http://64.233.179.104/translate_c?hl...%3Fsid%3D20423
Prime Minister Announces a 90% Increase in Governorate Budgets
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki revealed on Sunday a 90% increase in Iraq's 2008 federal budget, as Vice President Adil Abdul-Mahdi disclosed an amended draft for the election law of governorate councils that will soon be submitted to the parliament.
http://www.noozz.com/Iraq/
82nd leaders hope surge started ‘irreversible momentum’
By Kevin Maurer
Staff writer
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Staff photo by Andrew Craft
Master Sgt. Craig Hawkins with the 82nd walks with the granddaughter of Khaleel, the head of a Shiite enclave that borders Camp War Eagle.
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With the Troops
By Kevin Maurer
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BAGHDAD, Iraq — President Bush’s surge strategy drastically improved security in Baghdad and jump-started the reconstruction process, but the gains are fragile, 82nd Airborne Division leaders said.
And Iraqis who have seen the chaos in their neighborhoods contained worry that it could return if the Americans leave.
“At the tactical level, we’ve achieved success,” said Lt. Col. David Oclander, the executive officer for the 2nd Brigade Combat Team. “My hope is they will be able to keep the momentum we’ve created and run with it.”
Brig. Gen. Mike Milano, deputy commander of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division, said that 78 percent of the capital’s 479 districts are considered free of organized extremist activity, according to The Associated Press. When the surge began a year ago, only 20percent were as safe. Since June, attacks have fallen by 75 percent; civilian deaths by 90 percent.
The 82nd’s 2nd Brigade was a big part of that success. The brigade led the security surge into the Iraqi capital last year, part of the 30,000 troops Bush sent to Iraq to stem the violence. Now, the 82nd paratroopers are winding up their 15-month deployment and will be one of the first surge units to leave.
The paratroopers worked in an area of Baghdad bordering Sadr City, the home of Muqtada al-Sadr and his Mahdi Army militia. Before agreeing to a cease-fire last year, al-Sadr’s men were responsible for much of the Shiite-on-Sunni violence in the capital.
One of the 82nd brigade’s most successful districts was Adamiyah, along the Tigris River. Lt. Col. Al Shoffner — the commander of the 2nd Battalion of the 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment — took his paratroopers into a part of the city that had seen almost no U.S. troops.
He said that proved to be a good thing.
“We didn’t inherit anyone’s problems,” Shoffner said. “It forced us to go out and start from scratch.”
In just three months, Shoffner’s unit cleared out insurgents and started to renovate schools, clean up the garbage and fix the sewers. His paratroopers also helped revitalize a market.
But he sees larger, systemic problems his men could not address. He described a culture of “learned helplessness” — Iraqis waiting for someone to come in and solve their problems for them.
Meanwhile, the central government is plagued with corruption and inaction. Its half of the surge program was supposed to be bringing order to the government. Instead, Iraqi politicians continue to squabble and have made little progress toward being ready to take over their own country.
Capt. Josh Richardson, whose unit oversaw a Sunni enclave in Adamiyah, said the Iraqi central government has to provide better services and improve security.
“We’ve done a hell of a job at counterinsurgency and taking care of our slice of Baghdad,” Richardson said. “I do worry that things can slip back again.”
Richardson’s fears are echoed by Sunnis living in Adamiyah.
“I will be straight with you. If the Americans pull out a little bit and the government can’t keep in touch with the locals, then things will go back,” said Khalid Ahmed Salih, chairman of Adamiyah’s Tribal Support Council.
Abdul Monaaem, described by the 82nd as a general under Saddam Hussein, said that one of the biggest stumbling blocks is the lack of competent Iraqi security forces.
“You cannot build on anything without a strong foundation,” Monaaem said. “The Iraqi Army is not ready for anything. We will be ready when the government can fight militia members by themselves.”
The Coalition Provisional Authority, the former U.S.-led transitional government, disbanded the Iraqi army. Monaaem said that the new army is full of incompetent officers, including one of his former bodyguards who has become a brigadier general.
“This is the kind of Iraqi army we’re dealing with,” Monaaem said.
Despite the overall problems with the Iraqi military, Shoffner said the Iraqi troops in Adamiyah did well. The American and his Iraqi counterpart once briefed the defense minister. After the briefing, Shoffner said, the minister cried tears of pride at the competence of his officer.
Call for government
The surge has brought a lot of the sectarian violence under control, but it has not eliminated the underlying reasons for it. That’s why U.S. observers and Iraqis alike say that a strong, united central government is so necessary.
Sunnis still blame much of the country’s troubles on Shiite militias. Monaaem said he thinks the Shiite ministers in the government are bureaucrats by day and militia leaders at night.
“It is a simple solution. Bring in the good persons and kick the bad people out,” Monaaem said.
Shiite leadership acknowledges that the militias are a problem, but Khaleel, the head of a Shiite enclave next to the 82nd’s base, says that criminals and al-Qaida terrorists — who are Sunnis — cause more problems.
Khaleel’s son is a truck driver. He told his father about a Sunni man he met at the Syrian border. The Sunni said that he once worked with al-Qaida because he wanted to drive the American invaders out of Iraq, but he left the group after he watched an al-Qaida organizer rape a Shiite prisoner.
“They are all animals,” Khaleel said. “We don’t respect them. They are criminals and killers.”
Still, Khaleel is optimistic about the future. He thinks the security will continue and prosperity is coming.
“Coalition forces now understand how to deal with the Iraqi people,” he said. “And nobody wants to go back to the troubled years.”
That “nobody” includes the 82nd paratroopers, who hope that their 15 months leave a lasting mark.
“The idea is to create irreversible momentum,” Shoffner said. “We definitively set the conditions for things to improve.”
What a depressing room...Go visit a children's cancer ward and see some sick kids then see how good you have it in this country before you complain about how bad it COULD GET....Geez go away already
Iraq near to deals with big oil firms
BAGHDAD, March 1, (RTRS): More than 100 companies including foreign majors are vying for deals to tap Iraq's vast oilfields, but a vital oil law is stalled by tension involving the Kurdish region, Baghdad's oil minister said on Friday. Hussain al-Shahristani told Reuters that 115 companies had registered to compete for oil extraction and service contracts to help develop Iraq's oil reserves, the world's third largest. Of these, 10 were American, with companies also from Japan, Russia, Britain, Canada and South Korea. A ministry official had previously put the number at companies that registered by a Feb. 18 deadline at more than 70. Shahristani said Iraq was close to finishing negotiations with several oil majors for two-year technical support contracts that hopefully would be signed in March. Those majors included Royal Dutch Shell, BP, Exxon Mobil Corp, Total and Chevron Corp, he said. Iraq currently exploits only a fraction of its reserves, among the cheapest to produce in the world, and international oil companies have been positioning for years to gain access.
Qualified
Shahristani said the fields up for grabs under the extraction and service contracts included Iraq's giant fields in the south along with Kirkuk in the north. He said the qualified companies would be announced in March.
'From announcing the qualified companies to the signing of the contracts will take a minimum one and a half or two years, but we will try to make it within a year,' he said.
Shahristani said he hoped the technical support contracts would add 500,000 bpd of oil to Iraq's output in a year.
'We are negotiating with these five companies. We are at the end of the negotiations,' Shahristani said, referring to the five majors.
'They will study the fields with us, we will put together a plan to boost production, they will help us to select the equipment and deliver this equipment to us.'
Iraq produces about 2.5 million barrels of oil a day, dwarfed by its 115 billion barrels of proven crude oil reserves. Only those of Saudi Arabia and Iran are larger.
One oil official said last year Iraq's oil sector could need as much as $75 billion in investment.
The extraction and service contracts should add 1.5 million bpd to output once they were in place, Shahristani added.
Combined with the additional flows from the technical support contracts, Iraq's output would hopefully rise to 4.5 million bpd in five years, he said. Of this total, 3.5 million bpd would be exported and the rest kept for domestic use.
Shahristani said the technical support contracts did not entitle those companies to any share in production.
'The benefit is that they will show interest in cooperating with Iraq and supporting us technically. They will have knowledge of the parameters of the fields and then they can ... make us an offer which is better than others,' he said.
The service and extraction contracts are also seen as a stop-gap until a crucial oil law is passed, and will not provide the long-term involvement big oil companies crave.
But the draft law remains stalled in parliament, with no sign of any movement, Shahristani said.
Shahristani said he believed a major obstacle to the law passing would be the signing of oil deals between the government in the largely autonomous Kurdistan region in the north and some smaller foreign energy companies.
Iraq's cabinet agreed to the draft a year ago.
'There haven't been any developments on the oil law. The draft agreed on in February 2007, including the four appendixes, is the one with parliament,' Shahristani said.
He said some 20 contracts signed by the KRG after February 2007 were illegal, adding companies that had done so would be prohibited from competing in central government deals.
'The contracts should be cancelled to convince the parliament blocs that everybody is serious in committing to this law ... if it stays the way it is, the parliament will not pass it,' Shahristani added.
Address by the Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Barham Ahmed Salih at the Iraqi-American dialogue on economic cooperation
كلمة نائب رئيس الوزراء د برهم احمد صالح في مؤتمر الحوار العراقي الأمريكي حول التعاون الاقتصادي Address by the Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Barham Ahmed Salih at the Iraqi-American dialogue on economic cooperation
بغداد – فندق الرشيد Baghdad - al-Rashid Hotel
الضيوف الأعزاء: Dear guest:
يسعدني أنا وزملائي في الحكومة العراقية ان أرحب بضيفينا السيد روبن جفري والسيد ديفيد مكورمك و اشكرهم والوفد المرافق لهم لتحملهم عناء السفر إلى بغداد لغرض إطلاق الحوار العراقي - الامريكي. I am pleased my colleagues in the Iraqi government to welcome guests of Mr. Rubin and Mr. Jeffrey David Mccormk and thank them and the delegation accompanying them for being trouble to travel to Baghdad for the purpose of launching the Iraqi dialogue - American.
و احيي السفير كروكر وفريق عمله هنا في السفارة العراقية في بغداد لجهودهم المتواصلة في إدامة الحوار حول مجالات التعاون بين بلدينا الصديقين و اخص بالذكر السفير ريس المسؤول عن الملف الاقتصادي في السفارة الامريكية. And pay tribute to Ambassador Crocker and his team here at the Iraqi Embassy in Baghdad for their continuous efforts in sustaining the dialogue on areas of cooperation between our two friendly and single out Ambassador Reyes responsible for the economic file at the American Embassy.
و أتقدم بالشكر الجزيل للكوادرالعراقية لعملهم المظني في الترتيب لهذت الاجتماع و لهم منها كل الامتنان. And extend my sincere thanks to Quadraeraekaya Almazni for their innovation in arranging the meeting, which they all grateful.
سيداتي وسادتي: Ladies and gentlemen:
تربط بلدينا أواصر الصداقة و التعاون التي يستلزم لإدامتها التحاور والتنسيق المستمر، ونحن في الحكومة العراقية حريصون كل الحرص على تقوية هذا الحوار. Bonds of friendship between our two countries and cooperation, which requires the sustained dialogue and continuous coordination, and we in the Iraqi government are keen to ensure every strengthen that dialogue. لقد دأبت الحكومة العراقية على التحضير و المشاركة في هذه اللقاءات منذ عام 2004 وكانت لهذه اللقاءات ثمرة تمثلت بعدد من الخطوات المهمة التي عادت بالفائدة على الاقتصاد العراقي. The Iraqi government has to prepare and participate in these meetings, since in 2004 was the result of these meetings was a number of important steps which have benefited the Iraqi economy. انني انوه الى ان هذه اول مرة يعقد مثل هذا الاجتماع في بغداد، و ليس في خارج العراق. I acknowledge that this is the first time such a meeting held in Baghdad, and not outside Iraq. أرجو ان يكون هذا مؤشرا على الثقة بافق الاستقرار و الامن في العراق. I hope that this is an indication of the confidence horizon stability and security in Iraq.
إن العراق اليوم وبفضل دعم شركائه في التنمية و على رأسهم الولايات المتحدة أصبح أكثر قدرة على تحديد أولوياته و رسم سياساته وتنفيذها. Iraq today and thanks to the support of its development partners, especially the United States become more able to identify priorities and making its policies and their implementation. لذلك أنا متفائل ليس فقط بسبب تحسن الوضع الأمني اليوم وإنما لأنني أرى إن الأمور في تطور مستمر، ربما ليس بالسرعة التي نطمح اليها، ولكن مستمر. Therefore, I am optimistic not only because of the improved security situation today but I think that things are in constant evolution, perhaps not as quickly as we aspire, but constantly.
لقد تحقق تحسن امني مهم خلال السنة الماضية، و كان هناك تركيز كبير على الملف الامني—هذه السنة تركيزنا يجب ان يكون على الوضع السياسي و حل مسببات الازمة السياسية التي يعاني منها البلد، و كذلك يستوجب التركيز الجاد على تنشيط الاقتصاد و التحول يمستوى الخدمات و الاعمار في البلد. There has been a significant improvement in security over the past year, and there has been considerable emphasis on the security file - This year our focus must be on the political situation and resolve the causes of the political crisis facing the country, and also requires a serious focus on the revitalization of the economy and transformation services and Mistoi reconstruction of the country. و لذللك فان توقيت هذا الاجتماع مهم. And the adverse timing of this meeting is important.
لقد تم الاتفاق على جدول اعمال حافل لهذا الاجتماع متمثلة بورش عمل تعقد اليوم و غدا نترقب باهتمام نتائجها و تبحث في محاور اقتصادية مهمة و أريد أن أرى قائمة بالنشاطات و الخطوات التي ستتخذ بعد اجتماعنا هذا لتحقيق اهدافنا المشتركة علما باننا كلفنا سكرتارية لجنة الشؤون الاقتصادية بمهمة المتابعة مع الجانب الأمريكي لتنفيذ تلك النشاطات و خطط العمل وفق المدد الزمنية الموضوعة. We have agreed on an agenda for the meeting is full represented Bürsch workshop to be held today and tomorrow, we await with interest the results and examine the main economic task and I would like to see a list of activities and the steps to be taken after this meeting to achieve our common goals that we mandated the secretariat of the Economic Affairs Committee the task of follow-up with the American side to implement those activities and action plans according to the time set. وهذه المرة الأولى التي تكلف فيها جهة حكومية عراقية بمتابعة تنفيذ توصيات هكذا اجتماعات منذ اربع سنوات. This is the first time that a government body charged with the implementation of the recommendations of the follow-up to Iraqi Thus meetings four years ago.
والان اسمحوا لي ان اخبركم قليل عن بعض منجزات الفريق الاقتصادي في حكومة دولة رئيس الوزراء المالكي في العامين الماضيين: Now let me just tell you about some of the achievements of the economic team in the Government of the State of the Prime Minister Maliki in the past two years:
في المجال المالي بلغت المبالغ المصروفة فعلا من تخصيصات الموازنة الاستثمارية لعام 2007 اكثر من 6.4 مليار دولار او بما يعادل 63% من مجموع تخصيصات الموازنة الاستثمارية ويعتبر هذا الرقم انجاز كبير في مجال تنفيذ الموازنة الاستثمارية اذا ما قورن بالمبلغ المصروف فعلا في عام 2006 والبالغ 2 مليار دولار 24% من من مجموع تخصيصات الموازنة الاستثمارية. In the financial area hit disbursements already allocations investment budget in 2007 to more than 6.4 billion dollars, or the equivalent of 63% of the total investment budget allocations and this figure is a big achievement in the implementation of the investment budget when compared to the amount actually spent in 2006 and $ 2 billion $ 24% of the total investment budget allocations. كذلك ارتفعت تخصيصات مبالغ تنمية الأقاليم من 2 مليار دولار لعام 2006 الى 2.4 لعام 2007 الى 3.3 مليار دولار لسنة 2008 أي تحققت زيادة بنسبة 53%. Also increased allocations amounts Development Territories $ 2 billion in 2006 to 2.4 in 2007 to 3.3 billion dollars in 2008 achieved a rise of 53%.
السيد وزير المالية والسيد وزير التخطيط و انا نتابع عملية تنفيذ الموازنة و قد عقدت مؤتمرات لغرض تدارس أمور الموازنة وتنفيذها. Mr. Finance Minister, the Minister of Planning, and I follow the process of implementing the budget and has held conferences for the purpose of examining the budget and things implemented. حتى ان مجلس الوزراء رفع صلاحيات عدد من الوزارات الى 50 مليون دولار بعدما كانت 20 و رفعت صلاحية المحافظين من 3 ملايين لتصبح 10 ملايين دولار. Even the lifting of the powers of the Council of Ministers the number of ministries to 50 million dollars after they rose 20 and the validity of Governors of 3 million into $ 10 million. بالإضافة إلى تشكيل لجان لغرض تبسيط إجراءات التعاقد و ضمان الشفافية في المناقصات. In addition to the formation of committees for the purpose of simplifying contracting procedures and ensuring transparency in the bidding.
كذلك فقد حققت وزارة المالية والبنك المركزي العراقي خلال الفترة الماضية نجاحات ملفتة للنظر في مجال تقليل الديون الخارجية، حيث تم تخفيض رصيد هذه المديونية باعفاء العراق بما يعادل 84 حوالي مليار دولار وبذلك انخفضت نسبة هذه المديونية من 517 % في عام 2004 الى حوالي 46% في هذا العام. Also has achieved the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Iraq over the past period, to consider striking successes in reducing external debt, with the balance of the debt reduction exempting Iraq the equivalent of about 84 billion dollars, and so the percentage of the debt of 517% in 2004 to about 46% in this year. وقد بلغ صافي الاحتياطي النقدي العراقي حوالي 30 مليار دولار في البنك المركزي فقط مما أدى الى تقوية الدينار العراقي أمام العٌملات الأخرى. Net cash reserve Iraqi about 30 billion dollars in the Central Bank, which only led to the strengthening of the Iraqi dinar against other currencies. و بسبب سياسة البنك المركزي، التي لم تخلو من أثار جانبية سلبية، لكن قل معدل التضخم السنوي الاساسي من 32% في بداية 2007 ليصل ألان إلى 10.7% في بداية العام الجاري. And due to the policy of the Central Bank, which was not without negative side effects, but few basic annual inflation rate of 32% at the beginning of 2007 to reach 10.7% at the beginning of this year.
ويعمل البنك المركزي جنبا إلى جنب مع وزارة المالية لأجل إعادة هيكلة المصارف الحكومية و دعم وتطوير المصارف الخاصة في العراق. The Central Bank, together with the Ministry of Finance to restructure banks and government support and the development of private banks in Iraq. هذا يمثل تحد مهم و عاجل لنا لمعلجة الاختناق الذي منه العملية الاقتصادية بسبب الواقع المصرفي. This represents an important and urgent challenge for us to choke cattle from which the economic process because indeed banking.
كما و يتوقع أن يكون معدل نمو الناتج المحلي الاجمالي لهذا العام 7.1 % حسب توقعات صندوق النقد الدولي في ضوء ارتفاع أسعار النفط العالمية. As expected, the rate of GDP growth for this year 7.1%, according to the expectations of the International Monetary Fund in the light of rising world oil prices.
كذلك فقد خطت الحكومة العراقية خطوات في سبيل تأكيد مبدأ الشراكة مع القطاع الخاص من خلال إصدار عدد من القوانين المهمة كقانون المصافي الخاصة وقانون استيراد المشتقات النفطية وتنشيط التجارة الخارجية بالإضافة إلى المصادقة على اتفاقية ضمان الاستثمار مع مجموعة البنك الدولي التي هي ألان في طور الإجراءات النهائية وبإشراف وزير المالية بالإضافة إلى تبني الحكومة لبرامج إقراض للأشخاص والمشاريع التي حققت نجاحا كبيرا في بغداد وألان جاري التحضير لتنفيذها في بقية المحافظات. Also, the Iraqi government has taken steps to confirm the principle of partnership with the private sector through the issuance of a number of important laws, such as the special law refineries import oil derivatives and stimulate foreign trade in addition to the ratification of the Convention on investment guarantee with the World Bank Group which is now in the process of final procedures and supervision Finance Minister, in addition to government ownership of the lending programmes for people and projects that have achieved great success in Baghdad, now being carried out in preparation for the rest of the provinces. هذه البرامج تصب كذلك في خدمة برنامج شبكة الحماية الاجتماعية من خلال توظيف العاطلين وإعطاء المجال لاستيعاب إعداد جديدة من المحتاجين. These programmes are also in the service of the network of social protection through the employment of the unemployed and to give the area to accommodate the new development of the needy. بالإضافة إلى إن أمام مجلس النواب ألان مشروع جيد لقانون شبكة الحماية الاجتماعية. In addition to that now before the parliament a draft law for a good network of social protection.
أما القطاع الزراعي فبعد أن بادر دولة رئيس الوزراء بخطة لدعم هذا القطاع وتكليف عدد من الجهات بتنفيذ مبادرة شاملة لدعم الاقتصاد الزراعي. The agricultural sector after leading the Prime Minister plan to support this sector and mandated a number of the implementation of a comprehensive initiative to support the agricultural economy. نجد من الضروري ان يكون هناك الكثير من الجهد والتركيز لدعم هذه المبادرة التي من شانها حل الكثير من المشاكل الجوهرية في العراق كالبطالة و الأمن الغذائي. Find it necessary to be a great deal of effort and focus to support this initiative, which would solve many of the fundamental problems in Iraq, unemployment and food security.
إن ما تقدم لا يعني بان العمل يجري بسلاسة فلازلنا نواجه تحديات و عقبات حقيقية تعطل من جهودنا ، لازال الإرهاب والفساد الإداري يحددان قدرة الدولة في بعض المجالات و يحولان دون إتمام مشاريع الأعمار والبناء والتمنية بالسرعة و المهنية المطلوبة. The foregoing does not mean that the work is being smoothly Vlszlna face challenges and obstacles real disruption of our efforts, is still terrorism and administrative corruption determine the ability of the state in some areas and prevent the completion of reconstruction projects, construction and Development and speed required professional. ففي نهاية العام الماضي عقدنا مؤتمراً لمحاربة الفساد و خرجنا بتوصيات تبناها مجلس الوزراء بالإجماع وألان يعمل عدد من الخبراء على تطويرها ووضعها موضع التنفيذ. At the end of last year we held a conference to combat corruption and events sponsored by the recommendations of the Council of Ministers unanimously and now operates a number of experts to develop and put into practice. هذا بالاضافة الى تبني الحكومة خطوات في طريق محاربة الفساد ومن ضمنها انضمام العراق الى سكرتارية الدولية للصناعات الاستخراجية حيث تعمل وزارة النفط ومنذ بداية عام 2007 بتنفيذ ما جاء في المبادرة وبضمنها نشر تقارير شهرية حول كميات الصادرات النفطية ووجهات التصدير اضافة الى الايرادات المتحققة من خلال المنافذ المتاحة. This is in addition to the adoption by the government steps in the fight against corruption, including Iraq's accession to the secretariat of the International extractive industries where they work and the Ministry of Oil, since the beginning in 2007 implement the initiative, including the publication of monthly reports on the quantities of oil exports and the export destinations in addition to the revenue generated through the outlets available .
العراق بلد يعيش تحولات اجتماعية و سياسية و اقتصادية كبيرة. Iraq is a country living social and political transformations and economic significance. بلد لايزال يعاني من الارث الرهيب للاستبداد و لاقتصاد تحكمت بة الدولة بشكل مطلق على مر عقود من الزمن، فهناك عراقيا ادارية و ثقافية و سياسية تعرقل عملية التحول الى ما نصلو اليه متن اقتصاد حر مزدهر. Country is still suffering from the terrible legacy of tyranny and the economy are controlled by the state absolutely over the decades, there is an Iraqi administrative and cultural and political impede the transition to what Nsalo him aboard a free and prosperous economy.
أصدقائي: بفضل دعمكم وإيماننا بقدراتنا كعراقيين سوف تستمر الحكومة العراقية في خططها الهادفة إلى إصلاح القطاع الاقتصادي وعلى أكثر من محور ، نحن نعول على شراكتنا معكم في انجاز أهداف وأولويات العراق الاقتصادية. My friends: Thanks to your support and faith in our capacity as Iraqis will continue the Iraqi government in its efforts to reform the economic sector and on more than one axis, we count on our partnership with you in accomplishing the goals and priorities of economic Iraq.
The Global Economy in the Grip of the Dollar
Michel Morkos Al Hayat - 25/02/08//
The dollar's depreciation against major currencies, then against all world currencies, imposes a burden on the world economy. It preoccupies the political and economic strategies in the developed world, in emerging nations, and in oil-exporting countries. Expectations by the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, major central banks, and other economic analysts indicate that the American currency will continue to depreciate, at least until the end of the current year.
So far, it still remains unclear whether the weakness of the greenback is attributed to the US subprime mortgage crisis along with the ensuing consequences and repercussions for the international financial markets and the investment funds associated with major banks, or to the fact that the US administration has adopted a "secret" economic policy to target world economies. Regardless of the causes, it is impossible to overlook the cost of the US war in Iraq which has so far drained over three trillion dollars in financial resources spent on unproductive activities.
It also seems that the decline of the dollar has negative implications on three levels, not only on the US but also on the global economy. In the US, the weak dollar achieved a significant surplus in the trade balance deficit, a surplus that would have been impossible were it not for the mounting export of quality US goods to international markets at competitive prices. In addition, the appreciation of other currencies compelled institutions in the region and on the eastern coast of the Atlantic to invest in United States. These included Canadian institutions investing in the neighboring country, European institutions that see production in the United States a means to export and compete, and sovereign funds that struggle to enter the American economy where it hopes to find opportunities for future gains. The same applies to investment and hedge funds that wish to acquire institutions that have lost their capital and to bail banks with lost savings out, thus acquiring a stake in their assets and management.
While these changes in the US economy may lead to a recession, they are natural as part of the effort to achieve economic recovery in the foreseeable future, perhaps not more than a year. On the other hand, the Federal Reserve may face difficulties in other areas although it is worth noting that the geographic scope of recession, unemployment and other negative indicators only affect part of the United States and not the entire country.
However, the weakening dollar has caught both developed and emerging nations off guard, especially those whose currencies are tied or pegged to the US dollar with respect to transactions and upward or downward variations, or even with respect to modifications of US base interest rates. As far as these countries are concerned, the weakened dollar leads to rising inflation which expands at the expense of growth rates because every percentage point of inflation cancels one percentage point of nominal growth. Hence, as inflation increases, these nations are forced to double their economic activity to maintain high growth rates. The list of emerging economies facing this difficulty includes China, Russia, and India. Arab countries, especially the Gulf states, also face a similar situation, as their currencies are pegged to the dollar and their economies rely on exports. In these countries, inflation rapidly eats into the public budgets heavily dependent oil revenues.
The European Union and Japan remain wary of inflation and the need to maintain significant growth rates since the appreciation of the Euro and the yen puts their economies in a difficult position, especially as the financial crisis has hit major banking institutions and investment funds that until recently were immune to losses.
In the face of all this confusion, it is not known whether the world will seek to end its currencies' peg to the dollar or will continue to stay hostage to it.
In reality, the greenback constitutes the majority of reserves held by major central banks, accounting for 64.8% of these reserves against only 25.6% denominated in Euros, 4.7% in pounds sterling, 2.8% in yen, and 2.1% in other currencies. It is noted that the share of the Euro has risen from 19.7% in 2000. Moreover, between November 2001 and November 2007, the Euro appreciated from 0.88 to 1.47 dollar, i.e. a 67% increase in value. Despite all this, the dollar remains the "king" currency of reserves and transactions. For example, negotiations over primary food commodities contracts are concluded in dollars, and so is the case with mineral commodity contracts. The price of oil is also indicated by this falling currency. So are the prices of precious minerals. Even the invoices for the European Airbus planes are denominated in dollars. All this implies that the greenback remains strong although it seems that something is undermining its foundations.
The Central Bank of China has already started to cut its dollar reserves by turning to more stable currencies such as the Euro. Asian companies such as the South Korean Hyundai no longer accept contracts in dollars. The French company Arriva signed its contracts with China in Euro, and many Indian companies do not accept the American currency. Even professionals seem to be avoiding dealing in dollars.
On the other hand, the weakening dollar threatens institutions and economies as if it were a tool by the superpower to exercise pressure to force the world to become its partner in the current financial and economic crises. In the Euro zone, for example, exporting firms such as Airbus lose up to a billion dollars every time the Euro appreciates by ten cents, whereas importing companies cash massive gains of about 20% in comparison to their gains two years ago.
In France, the appreciation of the Euro has led to the loss of 30,000 jobs, forcing institutions to invest overseas. The protestations of the French President attracted the attention of the German government whose minister of finance joined in to protest as the German economy started to show noticeable slowdown. On top of this, the European Commission found itself forced to review its expected growth rates for the current year.
Oil-exporting countries have become more inclined to end their dealings in dollars. Until now, however, they continue to price in dollars with the exception of Iran and Venezuela. Some of these states continue to maintain the peg to the dollar, suffering heavy losses in the value of their income and their citizens' although part of these losses is compensated for by the rising oil price. These states are unable to shift to other stronger currencies such as the Euro because this would force them to bear the consequences of an appreciating currency as this has both positive and negative outcomes.
A weak dollar has divided the world into three camps; one that benefits from its depreciation; one that suffers; and a third that bears the burden of pegging its currency to the dollar. Many are incurring heavy losses, inflationary pressures, and an economic recession that reins in growth.
Is the world on the verge of a new financial order?
PUBLIC AFFAIRS SECTION
Press Release
04 February 2008
Remarks by Ambassador Charles Ries, Minister for Economic Affairs and Coordinator for Economic Transition U.S. Embassy Baghdad at the London School of Economics
Thank you for asking me to join you today. I am delighted to be back in London, where I spent four busy years at the American Embassy on Grosvenor Square. It is a special honor to speak at the London School of Economics, among the foremost centers of thought and learning on the economic challenges of our day. This evening, I plan to outline our work in support of Iraq's own efforts to build a growing economy, a topic that I think you'll agree is not only of economic, but also strategic, importance.
My functional title at Embassy Baghdad is "Coordinator for Economic Transition in Iraq". We are focused on transition because as the President pointed out last week in his State of the Union message last week "... after decades of dictatorship and the pain of sectarian violence, reconciliation is taking place - and the Iraqi people are taking control of their future." Moving to a sound economy is a key part of this transition, which we and the Iraqi government agree should be a process led by Iraqis, with the support of the international community.
DEFINING THE CONTOURS OF TRANSITION
Iraq is undergoing not only a transition from conflict to post-conflict environment, but also from decades of a cumbersome state-run economy to a market economy. From the early 1970's, Iraq's economy became increasingly statist as the previous regime used oil wealth to expand its control over the lives of its citizens. During the 1980s, development was constrained by the disastrous war with Iran and the debt Iraq incurred to fight it. Iraq became a true command economy as Saddam used economic might to reward his supporters and crush his enemies. One example: Saddam built a power grid across Iraq designed to serve Baghdad alone. It will take years to adapt and reinforce that grid, and build the new generating capacity needed to serve all Iraqis.
State control of the economy continued to increase in the 1990s. In response to sanctions imposed after the 1990 invasion of Kuwait, Iraq launched a huge import substitution program, building inefficient state-run industries. And the "Oil for Food" program created the Public Distribution System -- supplying a wide range of food items and fuel to most of Iraq's citizens. This program remains, to this day, the largest single expenditure in the Federal budget.
Coalition forces that ousted Saddam Hussein found an Iraqi economy staggered by mismanagement, and years of conflict with the international community. Critical infrastructure lay in ruins, or collapsed as key technicians fled. Years of neglect took their toll. Unemployment resulted from the insolvency of state-run factories and the demobilization of the Iraqi military. Isolated from the world for years and saddled with crippling foreign debts, there was practically no trade and no investment. Iraqis had fallen behind in every area of economic development.
OUR GOAL
Against this troubled backdrop, we are working with our Iraqi and Coalition partners to move forward. Our goal: a self-sustaining, successful economy managed for the Iraqi people, by the Iraqi people. That means it will be up to the Iraqis to decide how best to balance the role of the state and the private sector in the economy.
Iraq's government is planning for a more dynamic economy led by private sector development and growth, an economy playing an active part in the region and in the international system. Their vision is supported and endorsed by the international community in the International Compact with Iraq, which aims "To build a secure, unified, federal and democratic nation, founded on the principles of freedom and equality, and providing peace and prosperity for its people." Our task is to help Iraq set the stage, to develop the skills and build the institutions it needs to shape its economic development.
IRAQ'S FIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGES
Many challenges confront us as we do so. Security is, for many investors, of paramount importance. It is the focus of both Iraqi and coalition efforts; it is the reason for the U.S. surge in troop strength last year. And the surge is working. Iraqis are coming together to reclaim control of their neighborhoods and institutions. It is gradual, but the process is underway.
But Iraq faces five key challenges as it moves forward to build the successful economy that its people deserve.
Government Responsiveness
The first is to enable the Iraqi government to respond to the needs of its citizens. The Iraqi people should see that they have a functioning government that can identify and respond to their needs. How will they judge its performance? One way is by seeing their government formulate, pass, and spend its budget. Effective budget execution and delivery of services is the key to bolstering the Iraqi people's faith in their government. Resources exist - the Government of Iraq's budget has doubled from $20 billion in 2004 to $41 billion in 2007, largely as a result of dramatically higher oil export prices. As the government improves its budget execution rates more citizens are sharing the benefits of Iraq's oil wealth.
Another way to judge performance is by seeing that budgets and services reach the people beyond Baghdad. Provincial and municipal issues are best understood and resolved locally, not from afar in Baghdad. For that reason, the Iraqi Parliament right now is debating a provincial powers law to continue devolving power -- and resources -- to local governments across Iraq. Doing so requires better communication between the levels of government, to ensure Iraqis throughout the country share equally in the benefits of a growing economy. Beginning with modest provincial budgets initiated in the 2005 budget year, central government direct transfers to the provinces have grown to over $2 billion in 2007, with further growth proposed in the budget for 2008. Many were initially skeptical about this program, as provinces had never managed direct transfers from the central government's budget. But with our help, spending rates have accelerated, contracting has become more professionalized, and the provinces are beginning to meet local needs.
Finally, Iraqis know that a responsive government must be accountable for its actions. Corruption remains pervasive in Iraq, squandering valuable resources and creating mistrust. The Iraqi government took an important step when it hosted an anti-corruption conference on January 4. The United Nations is planning a similar effort in Iraq this March. We at the Embassy are increasing our support of the Iraqi government's strategy on this critical issue.
Harnessing Iraq's Energy Resources
The second major challenge is effective use of Iraq's energy resources, both for export or as fuel for industry. Iraq has a great advantage over most transitioning states. Its vast oil wealth is providing vital revenue, and can become the center of a vibrant industrial economy. But oil and gas in the ground is only prospective wealth. The Iraqis must develop ways to exploit more effectively these resources.
Among the essential, interconnected steps to do so are:
-- Final agreement on a hydrocarbon framework law, which will pave the way for development of more of Iraq's energy resources for the benefit of the Iraqi people;
-- Expansion and upgrading of refineries in Iraq, which will ensure fuel supplies to power broad economic growth;
-- Allocation of fuel for electrical generation, and in particular the capture of millions of cubic feet of natural gas, that will light Iraqi homes and power factories that can employ tens of thousands;
-- And increased exports, both of oil and of natural gas, which will generate expanded revenues and forge stronger international ties, linking Iraq into the regional and international economy.
Attracting Investors
The third major challenge for Iraq is attracting investment. That means attracting foreign investment and encouraging Iraqis to invest in their own country. The main obstacle is Iraq's dysfunctional banking system. The major state-owned banks currently serve as little more than cash transfer mechanisms; private banks are growing, but remain too small to provide any significant loan capital for economic development. Banking sector reforms need to be expanded and accelerated to provide a stable regulatory environment for new lending and additional services, such as mobile banking.
Attracting investment also means ensuring transparency. Investors - domestic and foreign -- look for transparency, predictability, and enforceability. They need to know what the rules are; they need to know how the rules work; and how they can get fair redress if the rules are broken. Iraq's Investment Law largely provides that framework. The appointment of a National Investment Commissioner and the publication of implementing regulations for the law will be another important step to convince investors of Iraq's potential for solid returns.
Investors want to see what they are getting into and they want to meet their potential business partners. In Iraq, that can be a challenge. A new business hotel at the Baghdad International Airport, complete with security, has been built and will provide business travelers with a secure and convenient location to meet Iraqis and negotiate deals face to face. Additionally, several groups are interested in building international class hotels in downtown Baghdad.
Finally, in a global economy, investors need to know that their products will be able to compete fairly. Iraq currently offers no tariff protection but only collects a five percent reconstruction levy. It has no anti-dumping legislation, a weak system of intellectual property rights protections, and a dysfunctional customs administration. Joining the World Trade Organization will help Iraq resolve many of these issues. It recently submitted a draft legislative package to the WTO as part of the application process.
Employment and Economic Reconciliation
The fourth economic challenge Iraq faces today is unemployment and underemployment. Officially unemployment is eighteen percent, but underemployment is much higher -- perhaps as high as forty to fifty percent. Jobless Iraqis feel that they have little stake in the future of the country; underemployed Iraqis are frustrated that they cannot contribute more. As Iraq makes progress on governance, energy policy and investment issues, employment will rise. In the meantime, we also need to provide some short-term relief.
We have a variety of programs designed to do just that.
One is the Concerned Local Citizens or CLCs, sometimes referred to as the "Awakening". It is not an employment program. It was originally an effort to encourage and support local Iraqis who step up to provide security for economic infrastructure in their communities. These individuals have been a key part of the success of the security surge. Having given them a stake in securing the future of their homes and communities, we are now working with the Iraqi government to provide them with opportunities for employment.
Our Community Stabilization Program provides jobs, essential services, vocational training and micro-grants, particularly in recently stabilized areas. A pilot Civilian Service Corps program launched by U.S. forces will provide jobs and vocational training to Iraqis who band together to undertake reconstruction and infrastructure development projects in their neighborhoods. A task force led by Deputy Under Secretary of Defense Paul Brinkley has worked with the Minister of Industry and Minerals to revive some of Iraq's state owned enterprises and put people back to work. Additionally, the Ministry of Industry and Minerals recently concluded three production sharing joint ventures with international companies for cement factories in Iraq. These deals provide a framework for future deals, and demonstrate that Iraq is open for business.
Agriculture
The fifth major challenge is reviving Iraq's agricultural sector. The land of the two great rivers, the Tigris and the Euphrates, can and should again have the most advanced farming sector in the region. Iraq's old Stalinist, centrally planned model that replaced market signals crushed farmers and decimated productivity. The current Public Distribution System, in which the Iraqi government inefficiently procures and distributes a basket of food items to all Iraqi citizens, regardless of need, further distorts the agricultural sector. A new system is needed to empower farmers to respond to market forces. A sound policy would encourage agribusiness at all levels, from tractor manufacturing and seed distribution to the food processing and distribution systems. It would be supported by regulatory mechanisms to ensure that consumers can buy wholesome food. Such a policy would allow Iraq to take its place as a major supplier in regional agricultural markets.
WHAT ARE WE DOING?
These five challenges - ensuring government responsiveness, harnessing Iraq's energy resources, attracting investors, promoting employment and reviving Iraq's agricultural sector -- are our highest priorities. So what are we doing to address them?
We are moving beyond the "bricks and mortar" type of reconstruction projects we began with in 2003 and 2004. It is time for us to get out of the way and let the Iraqis take responsibility for building their future. Budget mathematics make this not just a goal, but a fact. The government of Iraq's budget for 2006 and 2007 together allocated $6 billion for the Ministry of Oil and $2.3 for the Ministry of Electricity, amounts far in excess of what donors could provide. The budget for 2008 will provide for similar magnitudes in capital spending allocations. Our work in Iraq is changing from spending our own resources to helping the Iraqis spend their resources as productively as possible. That is our long-term goal.
During this transition, we are giving our Iraqi partners some short-term support, so they can maximize their own effectiveness. In areas where fighting has recently ceased, the CLCs and Community Stabilization programs ensure that Iraqis see and feel the tangible benefits of a democratic and stable Iraq. These programs are closely coordinated with the military brigades operating in those areas, many of which include embedded civilian Provincial Reconstruction Teams. They work directly with local citizens and leaders to identify the most pressing needs and find resources to address them - whether from Iraqi, Coalition, or other sources.
At the national and provincial levels, we are fully engaged in helping Iraqis strengthen the capacity of ministries and government leaders to carry out their duties. That means ensuring officials have the skills and tools needed to do their job, whether it's operating a water treatment plant or contracting for a new power plant. It also means building up the government's ability to operate efficiently -- improving its ability to recruit and train staff, to develop budgets, and to use technology efficiently. All are essential to building capacity. All are essential to ensure that our short term successes are sustainable in an economy managed by Iraqis, for Iraqis.
In many of these tasks we are joined by international partners, both within the framework of the Coalition and increasingly through other multilateral initiatives. Most important is the International Compact with Iraq. In the Compact, the Government of Iraq lays out its most important priorities for development, and the international community pledges its support for the reforms needed to achieve those goals. A Compact secretariat will provide the mechanism to match requirements with donor resources.
HOW ARE WE DOING? BETTER THAN YOU THINK
While it's easy to point to the myriad challenges and problems that lie ahead, it's important to take a clear-eyed look at what we have achieved. The economy of Iraq is growing. How fast is hard to say because of data problems and lags. The IMF however acknowledges that real GDP growth in 2007 was likely much higher than the 1.3 percent that the available midyear 2007 figures show. And on present trends, the IMF projects 7 percent growth for 2008, which seems about right to me. In fact, with the support of the IMF, Iraq has made great strides in achieving fiscal and monetary stability. The dinar is growing stronger, and inflation -- which approached 65 percent last year at this time -- has dropped to under 5 percent. This should allow the Central Bank to reduce interest rates, a move that should support lending and encourage investment.
One of the economic echoes of the security surge has been an increase of 9.1% in new businesses registered nationwide during 2007 (compared to the previous year). Over 30,000 private sector companies have registered since 2003. Over 100,000 micro-loans have been made across Iraq. These microloans are seeing a virtual 100% repayment rate, a testament to the strength of the informal private sector. Iraqi merchants are meeting the demand for goods and services and reviving markets in cities and towns throughout the country. We are also seeing growth and development by middle market companies. Our middle market loan program is fully committed and performing well. We would have more customers if we had the funds. But this task too will be increasingly Iraqi-led.
In the energy sector, electrical production continues to grow; new production records were set during the second half of last year. During the critical Iraqi summer peak period, production output in 2007 outpaced 2006 by about 20%. And the cumulative increase in MWH output for the period September through mid-November 2007 over the same period in 2006 exceeded 1 million MWH. Nonetheless, electricity demand has multiplied since the fall of Saddam and outpaces even this increased supply. The Ministry of Electricity estimates that demand has grown over 70% since 2004 - the effect of Iraqis purchasing air conditioners, refrigerators, and other consumer products. Such investments in consumer durables are a reflection of consumer confidence in their future in Iraq. Another measure of progress in electricity is the fact that the number of unplanned outages has dropped dramatically as the Ministry of Electricity grows more skilled at performing preventative maintenance.
And in the oil sector, production and exports also continue to grow, as the Ministry of Oil slowly rehabilitates its facilities and as Iraqi security forces improve their ability to protect pipelines and other vital infrastructure. During the last quarter of 2007, oil production averaged nearly 2.4 million barrels per day and oil exports averaged 1.9 million barrels a day. With high world oil prices, this has made a substantial contribution to Iraq's budget: oil export sales topped 41 billion dollars for 2007.
The government's ability to renovate and build has improved. In 2006, the Iraqis were able to spend only about 22 percent of the ministry and provincial capital budget allocations. While modernization of the government of Iraq's accounting makes direct comparisons between 2006 and 2007 difficult, initial data from the Ministry of Finance suggest that, when published, final 2007 financial data will show that 2007 capital budget execution rates were more than double 2006 rates. This shows that the Iraqi government is increasingly able to use Iraqi resources to meet Iraqi needs.
CONCLUSION
Iraq is on an upward economic, as well as security, trajectory. Sometimes it is by fits and starts, but real progress is being made. The progress which we see on the ground in Baghdad and across the country is real. It is, I would argue, much better than may be generally understood.
That said, the situation remains very fragile, and will require continued support by the international community to encourage the kind of economic and governance reforms Iraq needs to continue on this upward path.
Many challenges lie ahead. The future of Kirkuk, Iraq's relationship with Iran and with other neighbors and partners, and the sustained effort required to finish a determined insurgency are some of the questions that Iraq must address to guarantee its stability and prosperity. But the fact that Iraq has made the economic progress I've outlined here gives us reason for hope and will underpin the political and security process.
Much remains to be done, and many political bridges remain to be built. But the political will of the vast majority of Iraqis to build a better future is strong and growing. With their determination, and with international support, Iraq will succeed.
Thank you very much.
Nejad concludes his visit today the signing of memoranda of understanding and agreements economic benefits
خاض جولتي مباحثات منفصلتين مع الطالباني والمالكي والتقى رجال دين في الكاظمية .. Played two rounds of separate talks with the Taliban and al-Maliki met clergymen in Kazimiya .. ولقاء الهاشمي والدليمي ضمن جدول أعمال الاثنين To meet Hashemi and Delimy within Agenda Monday
بغداد - الصباح Baghdad - morning
يختتم الرئيس الايراني احمدي نجاد اليوم زيارته الى العراق بتوقيع عدد من مذكرات التفاهم والاتفاقيات الاقتصادية في قطاعات المالية والكهرباء والصناعة والتجارة والنقل. Concludes with Iranian President Ahmadinejad day visit to Iraq signed a number of memoranda of understanding and agreements in the economic sectors of electricity, finance, industry, commerce and transportation.
وبحسب مصدر مسؤول في السفارة الايرانية في بغداد، فان الرئيس نجاد الذي خاض امس جولتي مباحثات قمة مع رئيسي الجمهورية والوزراء، سيلتقي اليوم كلا من نائب رئيس الجمهورية طارق الهاشمي، ورئيس جبهة التوافق العراقية الدكتور عدنان الدليمي، يهدف من خلالها الى تعزيز العلاقات المشتركة مع اطياف الشعب العراقي من دون تمييز. According to official source at the Iranian embassy in Baghdad, President Nejad, who played two rounds of talks yesterday, a summit with the President and Cabinet, will meet today both the Vice President Tariq Hashemi, the President of the Iraqi Accord Front Dr. Adnan Delimy, which aims to promote mutual relations with spectra Iraqi people without discrimination. وكان الرئيس الايراني وصل الى مطار بغداد صباح امس في زيارة رسمية معلنة تستمر ليومين، ليكون اول رئيس ايراني يزور العراق منذ ما يقرب من 29 عاماً. The Iranian president arrived at Baghdad airport yesterday morning on an official visit undeclared continue for two days, to be the first Iranian president visiting Iraq for nearly 29 years. ويرى متابعون للشأن العراقي ان هذه الزيارة تمثل انعطافة في تاريخ العراق، اضافة الى الاشارة الواضحة الى نجاح السياسة الخارجية العراقية، لاسيما مع دولة خاضت حرباً ضروسا مع العراق لثماني سنوات. In the opinion of the Iraqi won that this visit represents turning point in the history of Iraq, in addition to the obvious reference to the success of the Iraqi foreign policy, particularly with a relentless war waged with Iraq for eight years. وتاتي هذه الاشارة، بالرغم من رفض بعض الجهات السياسية والشعبية للزيارة التي عبروا عنها بتظاهرات سلمية، وصفها المتابعون أنفسهم بأنها ظاهرة صحية تنم عن ثقافة ديمقراطية اكتسبها الشعب العراقي في مدة قياسية. Comes this reference, despite the refusal of some political actors and popular for the visit which crossed by peaceful demonstrations, described watching themselves as a healthy phenomenon reflect the democratic culture gained the Iraqi people in a period of record. وأفاد المصدر في السفارة الايرانية لـ(الصباح) ان رئيس الجمهورية الاسلامية سيوقع مع الجانب العراقي اليوم مذكرات تفاهم رسمية واتفاقيات ثنائية في مجالات الكهرباء والمالية والصناعة والتجارة والنقل، مشيرا الى ان ذلك سيتم خلال مؤتمر صحفي يعقده قبيل عودته الى طهران. According to the source in the Iranian embassy told (morning) that the President of the Islamic Republic will be signed with the Iraqi side today formal memoranda of understanding and bilateral agreements in the fields of electricity, finance, industry, commerce, transportation, pointing out that it would be during a press conference before his return to Tehran. وكشف عن جدول اعمال الرئيس نجاد اليوم بأنه سيلتقي مع كل من طارق الهاشمي نائب رئيس الجمهورية، ورئيس جبهة التوافق الدكتور عدنان الدليمي، اضافة الى اللقاء مع علماء الدين ونخب من المثقفين ورؤساء الجامعات. He disclosed the agenda of President Nejad today that he will meet with both Tariq Hashemi, Vice President, the Prime Accord Front Dr. Adnan Delimy, in addition to meeting with religious scholars and elite intellectuals and heads of universities. ولم يعط المصدر المزيد من تفاصيل البرنامج، الا انه اكد أهمية الاتفاقيات التي سيعقدها مع المسؤولين العراقيين في المجالات المذكورة، والتي ستعود بالفائدة على الشعب العراقي بالدرجة الاساس. The source did not give further details of the program, but stressed the importance of conventions held with Iraqi officials in the areas mentioned, and that will benefit the Iraqi people mainly basis. واتخذت الاجهزة المختصة منذ صباح امس اجراءات امنية مشددة، لاسيما في جانب الكرخ، فيما اغلقت عدداً من الشوارع ومنعت مرور المركبات بأنواعها على الجسور التي تربط جانبي بغداد لبضع ساعات. And the competent organs since yesterday morning stringent security measures, particularly in the Karkh side, with a number of streets closed and barred the passage of vehicles on the kinds of bridges linking the two sides of Baghdad for a few hours. وطالب سياسيون وبرلمانيون في احاديثهم لـ(الصباح) أمس، باستثمار زيارة الرئيس نجاد في حل النقاط العالقة بين العراق وايران، مؤكدين في الوقت نفسه ان نتائج الزيارة سوف تنعكس ايجاباً في العملية السياسية. He called on politicians and parliamentarians in the conversations told yesterday (morning), the visit of President Nejad invest in resolving outstanding points between Iraq and Iran, while stressing that the results of the visit will be reflected positively in the political process. (تفاصيل ص2) (Details p. 2)
وكان الرئيس نجاد بحث في وقت سابق امس، وفي جولتين منفصلتين مع رئيس الجمهورية جلال الطالباني ورئيس الوزراء نوري المالكي، فتح افاق جديدة في العلاقات بين البلدين، مؤكداً دعمه المطلق للحكومة العراقية والتجربة الفريدة في العملية السياسية الجارية. The President Nejad search earlier yesterday, in two separate with President Jalal Talabani and Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, opening new horizons in the relations between the two countries, stressing the absolute support of the Iraqi Government and unique experience in the ongoing political process. وقال الرئيس الطالباني في مؤتمر صحفي مشترك عقده مع نظيره الايراني ان الطرفين توصلا إلى عدة اتفاقيات مهمة في جوانب مختلفة وخاصة الاقتصادية والسياسية. President Talabani said in a joint press conference with his Iranian counterpart that the two sides reached several important agreements in various aspects, especially the economic and political. وأضاف الطالباني “توصلنا إلى عقد اتفاقيات مهمة في الجوانب المختلفة وأهمها الاقتصادية والسياسية”. Talabani added "we have reached important agreements in various aspects, the most important economic and political." دون ان يكشف عن مضمون تلك الاتفاقيات. Without revealing the content of those conventions. وفي سؤال بشأن اتفاقية الجزائر بين العراق وايران، أوضح الرئيس الطالباني انه لم يتم البتة التطرق الى مسألة اتفاقية الجزائر أو قضية منظمة مجاهدي خلق، الا انه اكد ان المباحثات كانت ايجابية. In a question on the Algiers Convention between Iraq and Iran, President Talabani said he is not at all address the issue of the Algiers Convention or issue MKO, but he affirmed that the talks were positive. وكان الرئيس الايراني اعلن الاسبوع الماضي لموفد (الصباح) في طهران، انه يهدف من خلال زيارته العراق الى توطيد العلاقات الثنائية بين البلدين، نافياً انه يحمل معه ملفات أمنية بشأن أمن الحدود والآبار النفطية المشتركة. The Iranian president declared last week envoy (morning) in Tehran, said that during his visit aims to Iraq to consolidate bilateral relations between the two countries, and denied that he carries with security files on border security and joint oil wells. وقام الرئيس الايراني قرابة الساعة التاسعة من مساء امس بجولة في مدينة الكاظمية، بحسب مصادر مطلعة افادت (الصباح) والتقى خلالها رجال دين في المدينة، دون ان تذكر المصادر مزيدا من التفاصيل الا انها اوضحت ان مسؤولا عراقيا قد رافقه اثناء الزيارة.الى ذلك، قال رئيس الوزراء في مؤتمر صحفي مشترك عقده مع نجاد عقب جولة المباحثات الثانية: ان العراق يسير في بسط الامن ومستمر في مواجهة التحديات ويتجه بقوة نحو تفعيل الاعمار والخدمات.واضاف نوري المالكي: "ان زيارة نجاد واحدة من هذه الخطوات وخاصة اننا وجدنا لديه رغبة حقيقية في تفعيل العلاقات والاتفاقيات التي تمت بين البلدين." The Iranian President, about nine o'clock yesterday evening tour of the city of Al-Kazimiyah, according to informed sources reported (morning), during which he met with clerics in the city, without mentioning sources further details but pointed out that Iraqi officials had accompanied him during the visit. ", It said Prime Minister in a joint press conference with Iran following the second round of talks: that Iraq is in enforcing security and continues to face challenges and moving strongly towards the activation of reconstruction and services. Nuri al-Maliki added: "The visit Nejad one of these steps, especially as we have found a genuine desire to activating relations and agreements between the two countries. " ووصف زيارة الرئيس الايراني بأنها تعبر عن وجود رغبة لدى البلدين لاقامة علاقات متينة بعيدا عن التوترات التي كانت تعيشها المنطقة. He described the visit by the Iranian President that they reflect the desire of the two countries to establish strong relations away from the tensions that had afflicted the region. واشار المالكي الى انه بحث مع الرئيس الايراني في موضوعات الكهرباء والتجارة والنقل والصناعة وفي مجالات التعاون الاخرى. He Maliki he discussed with the Iranian president in the topics of electricity, trade, transport, industry and other areas of cooperation. وذكر بان ايران مرت بنفس التجربة التي مر بها العراق من التخريب الاقتصادي واستطاعت ان تنهض وان تكون صاحبة تجربة رائدة. He stated that Iran has the same experience over the Iraq of economic sabotage and able to play and that the pilot's experience. واشار المالكي الى ان هذه الزيارة ستكون مشجعة ودافعة للأشقاء العرب لزيارة العراق والانفتاح على تجربة العراق الجديد، مبينا ان "افاق التعاون بين بلدينا كثيرة وسيتم توقيع اتفاقيات بين الطرفين". Maliki pointed out that this visit would be encouraging and driving the Arab brothers to visit Iraq and openness to the experience of the new Iraq, noting that "the prospects for cooperation between our two countries and many agreements will be signed between the two parties." وأكد خلال المباحثات التي حضرها اعضاء الوفدين أن "العراق الديمقراطي الآمن المستقر هو صمام أمان المنطقة وإن زيارة الرئيس الايراني تشكل بالنسبة للعراق وشعبه دعما وإسنادا وتصب في مصلحة شعبينا وعموم المنطقة، وإنها زيارة ناجحة بكل المقاييس وتبعث رسائل ايجابية الى محيطنا العربي والاقليمي". He stressed during the talks attended by members of the two delegations that "Iraq is a stable democratic security safety valve area and a visit by the Iranian President for Iraq and its people and the support and even is in the interest of our two peoples and the whole region, and they visit successful by all standards and send positive messages to the Arab and regional environment." وأضاف رئيس الوزراء "ان سعينا لتوطيد العلاقات بين البلدين يمثل جزءا من سياستنا القائمة على إيجاد أفضل العلاقات مع دول الجوار وإن التعاون المشترك بين دول المنطقة كفيل بابعادها عن المغامرات والحروب. The Prime Minister added that "our quest for the consolidation of relations between the two countries is part of our policy to create better relations with the neighboring countries and that cooperation between the countries of the region that will guarantee the dimensions on adventures and wars.
وقال: "إن العراق الجديد ليس عراق الدكتاتورية بل هو بلد دستوري ديمقراطي اتحادي لا يسمح بإستخدام اراضيه منطلقا للمنظمات الارهابية ضد اصدقائه واشقائه، وسنسعى لإنهاء وجود المنظمات الارهابية كالقاعدة ومنظمة مجاهدي خلق وحزب العمال الكردستاني وغيرها من المنظمات التي تعمل على زعزعة الأمن والاستقرار وتسيء لعلاقاتنا مع دول الجوار.ودعا رئيس الوزراء ايران الى تدعيم العلاقات مع العراق بشبكة من المصالح الاقتصادية والتجارية والى الاستثمار في مجالات البناء والاعمار، كما دعا الدول العربية والاسلامية ان تحذوا حذو ايران وتساعد العراقيين على اعادة بناء بلدهم. من جانبه قال الرئيس الايراني :"ان الشعبين الايراني والعراقي تجمعهما صداقة متينة ويقفان مع بعضهما في السراء والضراء على طول التاريخ ولهما استعدادات هائلة مادية ومعنوية وبمقدورهما ان يكملا بعضهما في اوجه التعاون". واضاف نجاد:" لقد تطرقنا في مباحثاتنا الى اوجه التعاون في مجالات الطاقة والنفط والتجارة والسياحة والاستثمار والامن والى العلاقات الاقليمية وهناك تشابه في وجهات النظر، مؤكدا "نحن مصممون على ان نستثمر كامل امكانياتنا وطاقاتنا للرقي وتطوير العلاقات مع العراق." He said: "The new Iraq is not dictatorship, but Iraq is a constitutional democratic federal country does not allow the use of its territory springboard for terrorist organizations against his friends and his brothers, and we will seek to put an end to the presence of terrorist organizations such as the one the MKO and the PKK and other organizations that work to undermine security and stability and to harm our relations with the neighboring countries. called on the Prime Minister of Iran to strengthen relations with Iraq, a network of economic and commercial interests and investment in the areas of construction and reconstruction, and called on Arab and Islamic countries to follow the example of Iran and help Iraqis rebuild their country. part, the Iranian president said: "The Iranian people Iraqi and friendship strong and united stand with each other in good times and bad along the history and preparations are enormous material and moral and can be complementary to each other synergies. "Nejad added:" We have in our discussions Turning to the aspects of cooperation in the fields of energy, oil, trade, tourism, investment, security and regional relations and there similarity of views, adding "we are determined to invest our full energies to the paper, and developing relations with Iraq." واشار الى :"ان الاتفاقيات التي تمت بين البلدين ستفتح افاقا جديدة لتوطيد العلاقات الثنائية وسوف نرتقي بالعلاقات الاقتصادية والثقافية بين البلدين والشعبين. He pointed out: "The agreements made between the two countries will open up new prospects for the consolidation of bilateral relations will progress though the economic and cultural relations between the two countries and two peoples.
وبشان التهم التي توجهها الولايات المتحدة لايران بالتدخل بالشان العراقي قال نجاد:" ان توجيه التهم سيزيد من مشاكل اميركا في المنطقة ويجب ان تقبل الولايات المتحدة حقائق المنطقة، مبينا ان الشعبين العراقي والايراني لهما تاريخ وجغرافية مشتركة. And on the charges made by the United States to Iran of interfering in the region Nejad said: "The charges will guide the problems in the region and the United States must accept the realities of the United States of the region, noting that the Iraqi and Iranian peoples have a common history and geography.
هذا ورافق الرئيس نجاد في زيارته، وفد ايراني رفيع المستوى، ضم وزير الشؤون الخارجية منوشهر متكي ومعاون رئيس الجمهورية رحيم مشايي ووزير الطاقة ووزير الاقتصاد والمالية دانش جعفري وسكرتير قسم التنمية الاقتصادية الايرانية العراقية المهندس حسن داتابي والمستشار الأقدم لرئيس الجمهورية المهنــدس هاشمي ثمرة وعددا من المسؤولين. This accompanied the president on his visit Nejad, a high-level Iranian delegation, which included Foreign Affairs Minister Manuchehr TEHRAN, Associate President of the Republic Mchaie Rahim and Minister of Energy and Minister of Economy and Finance Danesh Jafari and secretary of the Iranian-Iraqi economic development engineer Hassan Datapi and Senior Adviser to the President Hashemi Engineer fruit and a number of officials. موسوعة النهرين في 02:46 24 صفر 1429 (03 مارس 2008) · التعليقات: 0 · قراءات: 133 · Guinness Mesopotamia 02:46 24 zero in 1429 (03 March 2008) comments: 0 readings: 133
Finance Minister announces resolve the majority of the files of Iraqi debt
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Finance Minister announces resolve the majority of the files of Iraqi debt
PUKmedia 16:15:04 2008-03-01 PUKmedia Baghdad - Haidarbadrkhan 16:15:04 2008-03-01
استعبيرة في " Browse Finance Minister Baqir Jabr Zubaidi Assistant Treasury Secretary David American Macrnuk great efforts in reforming the banks of Iraq, stressing "eager to rehabilitate banks, especially the Rafidain and Rasheed, raising them to the ranks of global banks because Iraq wants to be part of the universal service bank and contribute significantly implementation of the best services for the Iraqis "
ل ق. Zubaidi has instructed the Bank for the good work that the same system during the next stage and emphasized that we work on the global bank in Iraqi banks also hope that the banks have a global presence in Iraq through opening branches or participation by Alguin Vnger with Iraqi banks to participate in supporting the reconstruction process and the promotion of economic reality of Iraq.
ولي. The minister pointed to the subject of file debt and achievements in this area, stressing "that not only keep (Greece and Poland) had not resolved the file yet and with continuous efforts to end the file on Iraq debt according to the terms of the Paris Club" in addition to the debts of Arab countries praised the Minister's support of the Government American Iraqi government in resolving the debt confirming Iraq's desire to end this file in order to launch as our basis is the reform of the banks and resolve the debt issue to build economic base Iraqi distinct benefit and welfare of the Iraqi people, who have suffered injustice hateful dictatorship.
از. T he minister pointed out that the financial debt of the private sector has not fully resolved the remains of which only 4% On his way to achievement. واكد ان الن اقي . He stressed that the Iraqi economy recover and the best proof of that improvement in the exchange rate of the Iraqi dinar and to increase the purchasing power of citizens in addition to maximizing the resources of the State in the area of oil imports and customs and tax, which will be channeled to the final outcome in support of the state budget, which is witnessing significant growth contributed to reducing the rate of inflation and unemployment and openness to the world have contributed to the creation of the economic, investment and the adoption of the Iraqi government to the Investment Law and support the private sector and promote a market economy will contribute actively developing Iraqi economy.
يكية .. He commended the Assistant Secretary of the Treasury American economic transformations in Iraq, asserting that "the American government's keenness on supporting Iraq in all fields, especially the" economic, financial and the best proof of that Iraqi-American Dialogue Conference held at 27 28 / February in Baghdad .. مح المؤتمر . Valuing effort by the Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Barham Salih, the Minister of Finance the success of the conference.
http://209.85.135.104/translate_c?hl...mid%3D9د
Iraq is urged to seize economic reforms chance
WASHINGTON: Iraq must seize on the opportunity created by improved security to push ahead with economic reforms and Washington will help by sending more technical experts, a US Treasury official said.
After a two-day visit to Baghdad, David McCormick, Treasury undersecretary for international affairs said Washington would increase the number of technical economic staff helping the Iraqi government with this from 4 to 12.
"There is a universal recognition that there is a window of opportunity on the economic reform side that has been created by the improvement in the security situation," McCormick said.
"It is particularly critical that the Iraqi leadership seize the opportunity that is provided on the economic side... whether we're talking about investment, budget execution or reform," he added.
The amount of violence in Iraq decreased last year after President George W Bush sent in thousands of extra troops.
This created hope that more attention could be paid to reviving the economy after years of mayhem.
McCormick said Iraq had met economic targets under an International Monetary Fund programme in the past year. But more progress was needed, especially on improving budget spending, tackling corruption and rebuilding the banking sector to support private sector investments.
McCormick praised the Iraqi government for expressing an interest in a global programme, the Extractive Indus-tries Transparency Initiative, that encourages transparency in oil and mining sectors in developing countries.
He said the Iraqis also had established an investment commission to move forward an ambitious public investment programme hampered by violence plaguing the country last year.
"There is a recognition of the need to bring further clarity and transparency to the investment climate in Iraq," McCormick added.
Multipliers and the Mystery of the Magic Money(great read)
Key Economic Concepts:
Banking
Central banking system
Deflation
Inflation
Supply
Tools of the Federal Reserve
Description:
Students learn about the purpose of the reserve requirement, how money is "created" in the economy through fractional reserves, and how the Federal Reserve uses the reserve requirement and loans to correct economic instability.
Lesson Objectives:
Students will:
Define inflation and explain the role that the quantity of money plays in inflation rates.
Explain the purpose of the reserve requirement.
Calculate the money multiplier.
Calculate the potential money creation from a deposit, given the multiplier.
Evaluate what the Federal Reserve should do to the reserve requirement to correct inflation or recession.
Introduction:
In Yugoslavia “between October 1, 1993 and January 24, 1995 prices increased by 5 quadrillion percent. This number is a 5 with 15 zeroes after it.” (Thayer Watkins, Professor of Economics at San Jose State University).
The uncontrolled creation of money causes a quick decrease in the value of currency and very rapid hyperinflation (in annual price increases of hundreds or thousands of percent), which can destroy an economy. The United States central bank--the Federal Reserve--can protect against such a calamity by controlling the supply of money. One technique the Federal Reserve uses for controlling how fast (or how slow) the money supply can grow is through a reserve requirement for bank deposits. By making changes in that reserve requirement, the Fed can “create” or “destroy” money in an attempt to prevent hyper inflation or correct serious instability in the economy. The Federal Reserve also has two other primary tools of monetary policy, the discount rate and open market operations, through which it can control the money supply.
Resources:
"Episodes of Hyperinflation" http://www.sjsu.edu/faculty/watkins/hyper.htm
This San Jose State University Economics Department site describes the effects of uncontrolled growth of the money supply on hyperinflation in several nations in history.
"Determination of the Money Supply/Stock" http://www.digitaleconomist.com/ms_4020.html
This Digital Economist Website offers an interactive table which allows students to determine the size of initial deposit and the reserve requirement, to calculate the growth of the money supply.
"The Federal Reserve Board: Monetary Policy" http://www.federalreserve.gov/policy.htm
"Interactive Activity" http://www.econedlink.org/lessons/em348/em348_popupActivity.html
Process:
Read the account of Yugoslavian hyperinflation at this website:
http://www.sjsu.edu/faculty/watkins/hyper.htm
Although the Yugoslav economic crisis was largely caused by the physical printing of money, the uncontrolled creation of money by any means can have a devastating effect on an economy. The U.S. Federal Reserve System was created in 1913 with a primary purpose of controlling the US money supply and the value of money.
The reserve requirement is one of the most important tools the Fed uses to control the money supply. Under the reserve requirement, banks are required to hold a percentage of their deposits on account with the Fed or in their own vaults. Banks are prohibited from lending this money out to customers. In this way, the Fed puts a limit on the growth of the money supply. The Monetary Control Act of 1980 allows the Fed to set the reserve requirement at 8-14% of deposits, based on economic conditions. The reserve requirement as of February 2002 was 10% of deposits.
“Magic money” is able to grow from our fractional reserve system because money deposited at the bank is largely loaned back out to other customers. The reserve requirement places a limit on the bank’s ability to do so. For example, if Tamika enters town with $1,000 to deposit into the local bank, the bank’s actual reserves increase by $1,000. Because of the reserve requirement, those reserves will be divided into two separate funds: required reserves, which the bank must hold, and excess reserves, which the bank can lend to other customers. If the Fed sets the reserve requirement at 10 percent, the bank is required to hold on to $100 of Tamika’s deposit, and it can then lend the remaining $900 to another customer. If that customer uses the money to buy something from Mariluz, who then deposits that money back into the bank, the money supply grows to $1,900. This “magic money” is created because the some of the same dollars are being used twice: Tamika holds papers saying that she has $1,000 in her bank account, and Mariluz holds papers saying that she has $900 in her bank account. What will the bank do with Mariluz’s $900? In accordance to the 10 percent reserve requirement, the bank must hold $90 and is free to lend the remaining $810 to another customer. This process can continue until the last penny has been loaned.
Go to the website: http://www.digitaleconomist.com/ms_4020.html
Scroll to the bottom of the page, where you will find an interactive table -- the money multiplier.
In the box “Initial Change in Reserve”, type “$1,000”. The box “Reserve Requirement” already reflects the 10 percent reserve requirement discussed above.
Click on “Money Creation” and watch the money supply increase in the column to the right, as excess reserves are loaned and re-loaned repeatedly.
How large will the money supply grow, if all excess reserves are loaned out and all loaned funds are redeposited into the bank? We can calculate the growth of the money supply by first calculating the money multiplier. The formula for calculating the money multiplier is:
Money Multiplier = 1 / Reserve Requirement
Reserve Requirement Money Multipler
10% 1/.10 or 10
25% 1/.25 or 4
To determine how much the money supply can potentially grow from an initial deposit, use this formula:
Potential Money Creation = Money Multiplier x Initial Deposit
Deposit Reserve Requirement Money Multipler Potential Money Creation
$1000 10% 10 10 x $1000
or $10000
$1000 25% 4 4 x $1000
or $4000
Using this same table, you can see why a reserve requirement is so important to controlling the money supply. Change the reserve requirement to 1 percent (.01), and see how dramatically the money supply increases from the initial deposit. If the reserve requirement were reduced to zero, the money supply would grow infinitely, and the value of the dollar would fall to virtually zero.
In addition to placing a limit on money creation, the Federal Reserve can make changes in the reserve requirement to try to correct problems of inflation or recession in the economy. If the economy were starting to experience serious inflation, the Federal Reserve could increase the reserve requirement, limiting the banks’ ability to lend funds and reducing the money supply. The reduced money supply would increase interest rates, making consumers and firms less likely to want to borrow funds, thereby reducing their demand for products and slowing down the economy. To see how this would work, remember that with a 10 percent reserve requirement, $10,000 could be created from an initial $1,000 deposit. Now use the interactive table to increase the reserve requirement to 12 percent. At that rate, only $8,333.33 can be created from that same deposit. The Fed can also reduce the reserve requirement to increase the money supply in the event of a recession, lowering interest rates and enticing consumers and firms to borrow more, to increase their spending. But because the reserve requirement is so powerful, the Federal Reserve Board of Governors only makes changes in the reserve requirement in case of serious economic problems.
As precise as use of the reserve requirement may seem, several factors limit its effectiveness in correcting economic problems. During a recession, reducing the reserve requirement only allows banks to make more loans available; the Fed cannot force banks to lend the money nor force consumers to take out loans. In addition, those who receive the loaned funds may choose not to redeposit those funds, holding them in cash instead. Also, money may leave the country through the purchase of imports or foreign investments, and money may enter the country through foreign purchases of our exports or investment in American assets.
Although its effectiveness may be limited by several factors, the reserve requirement remains the most powerful single tool in the Federal Reserve’s arsenal to combat economic instability. More importantly, the reserve requirement stands as one important protection against the hyperinflation that has seriously crippled economies around the world.
Conclusion:
Because of the potential for hyperinflation, the Federal Reserve uses reserve requirements to limit the growth of the money supply. If the Board of Governors sees inflation as a serious economic problem, the reserve requirement can be increased to further limit the ability of banks to make loans and create money. The Fed can also reduce the reserve requirement, to make more money available to stimulate the economy during a recession. While some factors limit its effectiveness, the reserve requirement remains a very powerful tool of the Federal Reserve.
Evaluation Activity:
For extra practice in calculating the federal reserve requirements, money multipliers, and evaluating what the Federal Reserve should do to the reserve requirement to correct inflation or recession complete the following activity.
If the reserve requirement is 20 percent and a $1,000 deposit is made in the bank, how many dollars of the deposit must the bank hold in required reserves? [$200]
If the reserve requirement is 20 percent and a $1,000 deposit is made in the bank, how many dollars of the deposit can the bank lend back out to a customer? [$800]
If the reserve requirement is 20 percent and a $1,000 deposit is made in the bank,what is the multiplier? [5]
If the reserve requirement is 20 percent and a $1,000 deposit is made in the bank, how much money potentially can be created from the initial deposit? [$5,000]
If the reserve requirement is 5 percent and a $1,000 deposit is made in the bank, how many dollars of the deposit must the bank hold in cash? [$50]
If the reserve requirement is 5 percent and a $1,000 deposit is made in the bank, how many dollars of the deposit can the bank lend back out to a customer? [$950]
If the reserve requirement is 5 percent and a $1,000 deposit is made in the bank, what is the multiplier? [20]
If the reserve requirement is 5 percent and a $1,000 deposit is made in the bank, how much money potentially can be created from the initial deposit? [$20,000]
If the Fed is trying to reduce the inflation rate, should the Fed increase or decrease the money supply? [Decrease]
If the Fed is trying to reduce the inflation rate, should the Fed increase or decrease the reserve requirement? [Increase]
If the Fed is trying to reduce the inflation rate, will this policy result in higher or lower interest rates? [Higher]
If the Fed is trying to reduce the inflation rate, will this policy lead consumers and firms to borrow more or less? [Less]
If the Fed is trying to reduce the inflation rate, will this borrowing change lead consumers and firms to buy more or less? [Less]
The Smithsonian Agreement was a December 1971 agreement that ended the fixed exchange rates established at the Bretton Woods Conference of 1944.
History
The Bretton Woods Conference of 1944 established an international fixed exchange rate regime in which currencies were pegged to the United States dollar, which was based on the gold standard.
By 1970, however, it was clear that the exchange rate regime was under threat, as the United States dollar was greatly overvalued because of heavy American spending on Lyndon B. Johnson's Great Society and the Vietnam War. The American economy was also coming under serious inflationary pressures.
In response, on August 15, 1971, Richard Nixon had the United States unilaterally devalue the United States dollar. The United States then entered negotiations with its industrialized allies to appreciate their currencies.
Meeting in December 1971 at the Smithsonian Institution, the Group of Ten signed the Smithsonian Agreement. In the Agreement, the countries agreed to appreciate their currencies against the United States dollar.
Although the Smithsonian Agreement was hailed by President Nixon as a fundamental reorganization of international monetary affairs, it quickly proved to be too little and of only temporary benefit. The gold value of the dollar was realigned again in 1973, from $38.02 to $42.22.
In addition, further devaluation occurred against other European currencies. The end of the system came in March 1973 when the major currencies began to float against each other. A few currencies, such as the British pound, had begun to float earlier.
Say it ain't so Joe..lmao..check this s*#t out
Iran and North Korea behind the forgery and replacement of ten billion dollars from the Central Bank of Iraq and sorrow
شبكة البصرة Network Basra
في يوم الاثنين الموافق 30/1/2008 حدث حريق في بناية البنك المركزي العراقي وهذا الحادث هو الاول من نوعه في تاريخ العراق الحديث كما هو معروف لدى الاوساط الامنية والمالية الرسمية في العهود الوطنية المتعاقبة... On Monday, 30/1/2008 happened fire in a building the Central Bank of Iraq and this is the first incident of its kind in the history of modern Iraq as it is known in security circles and official financial covenants in successive national ...
وعندما اعلنت الجهات المعنية في البلاد عن وقوع هذا الحادث الخطير. When the stakeholders in the country for such a serious incident. نعم هو خطير لانه وقع في مرفق حيوي خطير ايضاً وما يخفى ورائه اخطر ومهم في الحياة الاقتصادية والمالية العراقية وذات صلة وثيقة بالجانب السياسي في ضل الاوضاع السيئة التي يعاني منها العراق. Yes is dangerous because it occurred in a vital facility and also dangerously mask the most important financial and economic life of Iraq and closely related to the political aspect in astray bad conditions suffered by Iraq.
تم تنفيذ الحادث جاء بأسلوب الحرق المدمر. Been implemented incident came in a devastating arson. اي بمعني اخر هي محاولة متعمدة وخبيثة في انهاء اي أثر للوثائق المصرفية المهمة في حركة السياسية الاقتصادية للبلد ومخزون الاموال التي تحتفظ بها الجهات المالية للتبادلات الدولية والداخلية... In other words, is a deliberate and malicious attempt to end any trace of the documents in the banking task political movement the country's economic and stock funds maintained by the exchanges of international and domestic ...
وعلى ضوء هذه التداعيات الخطيرة اولت رابطة ضباط ومنتسبي الاجهزة الامنية الوطنية العراقية على نفسها ان تقوم بتكليف اعضائها من العارفيين بحيثيات الجرائم التي تتعرض لها المؤوسسات المالية والمصرفية ومن سبق لهم الاشتراك في تحقيقات دولية مماثلة ان تتابع الموضوع بعناية ودقة وموضوعية لكشف خفايا الجوانب السرية في عملية حرق بناية البنك المركزي العراقي، بعد فترة لاتزيد عن الشهر تمكنت من التوصل الى معلومات مهمة وخطيره تستحق الاهتمام والتعليق عليها من الجهات الوطنية الخيرة لان في الموضوع الذي نعرضه اليوم له ترابط مهم مع امور اخرى لاتقل خطورة عن القضية الرئيسية ومن المفيد زيادة الادلة والقرائن المعززة للاثبات القانوني... In the light of these serious repercussions Association paid officers and employees of the Iraqi national security agencies on the same play commissioned members of the merits Aerweijn crimes against Almaussat financial and banking are already participating in international investigations similar to pursue the subject carefully, thoroughly and objectively to detect obscurities aspects of confidentiality in the process of burning Building the Central Bank of Iraq, after a period of less than a month has been able to reach important information and deserves serious attention and comment from the national good because of the topic that we are introducing today is a significant correlation with other things to Atkl serious as the key issue, it is useful to increase the evidence to prove the enhanced legal ...
يخلص تقرير اعضاء الرابطة بصدد حادثة البنك المركزي العراقي ان احد الاسباب الحقيقية لحدوث الحريق هو ان الحكومتين الايرانية والكورية الشمالية اتفقتا على تزوير عشرة مليارات دولار امريكي ومن الجدير بالذكر ان هذه الاوراق النقدية المزورة استخدمت في تزويرها اعلى تقنية دولية وباستخدام اسلوب الحفر بما يوازي التقنية الامريكية المستخدمة في طبع الاوراق النقدية في المطابع الامريكية المخصصة لذلك. Report finds members of the Association in connection with an incident the Central Bank of Iraq that one of the real reasons for the occurrence of the fire is that the two governments of Iran, and North Korean agreed to the rigging ten billion dollars is worth noting that these counterfeit banknotes used in the forgery highest international technical and using the method of drilling equivalent of American technology used in the printing of banknotes in the printing presses of America allocated to it. وبعد انجاز التزوير نقلت تلك المبالغ الى البنك المركزي العراقي لاستبدالها بالاموال العراقية المودعة في البنك المذكور وبتورط جهات عراقية في وزاره المالية ومحافظ البنك المركزي العراقي... After the completion of forgery those amounts transferred to the Central Bank of Iraq to replace Iraqi funds deposited in the bank mentioned the involvement of actors in the Iraqi Ministry of Finance and the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq ...
وفعلاً جرت عملية استبدال المليارات المزورة بأخرى مماثلة من الاموال العراقية واعيدت الى طهران. The replacement process actually took place billions of forged another similar Iraqi funds and returned to Tehran. وان المؤشرات التي توفرت لدى مصادر رابطة ضباط ومنتسبي الاجهزة الامنية الوطنية العراقية الموثوقة ان هناك دفعات مماثلة كانت النية تتجه لاستبدالها ايضاً بذات الطريقة في اوقات آخرى بعد انجاز عملية الاستبدال الاولى ولكن وعند حصول الشكوك الدى الجهات المالية الامريكية والمؤوسسات المصرفية في الخارج وانفضاح امر هذه الصفقة المريبة والخطيرة التي هي سابقة لم يسجل لها تاريخ التزوير والتزييف والقرصنه المالية عملية مشابهة سارعت بعض المفاصل المهمة في البنك المركزي العراقي لتنفيذ المخطط المعد سلفاً للتعامل مع الحالة اذا ما تطلب الامر ذلك عند انفضاحها من قبل الجهات المتضررة من العملية... The indicators available to the sources Association officers and employees of the Iraqi national security agencies reliable payments that there were similar intention is to replace also the same way at other times after the completion of the first replacement, but when my father doubts the American financial and banking Almaussat abroad and engineered this deal is suspicious and the dangerous precedent is not on record with a history of forgery and counterfeiting and piracy financial process hastened some of the joints similar task in the Central Bank of Iraq for implementation of the plan prepared in advance to deal with the situation if required when Anfdhahaa by those affected by the process ...
وبعد نشوب الحريق قامت القوات الامريكية بالتحرز على الادلة الثبوتية وفسحت المجال للجهات المصرفية الامريكية والمحققين الفدراليين الامريكان والخبراء من مباشرة التحقيق على مستوى رفيع جداً وداخل السفارة الامريكية في المنطقة الخضراء... After the outbreak of fire on the American forces Balthrz evidence and opened the way for American actors bank Americans and federal investigators and experts from the direct investigation at a very high level and within the American embassy in the Green Zone ...
كما ان المحققين الفدراليين طلبوا من الجهات المصرفية الامريكية احضار احد الموظفيين العراقيين رفيعي المستوى للاطلاع على الادلة والقرائن التي تؤكد تورط الجهات العراقية في وزارة المالية والبنك المركزي في العملية لصالح الجانب الايراني ولذلك قامت الحكومة العراقية بتسمية السيد برهم صالح لهذا الموضوع للمعاينة تلك الادلة نيابة عن الحكومة العراقية وتقديم الاجابة عن بعض الاستفسارات التي ينبغي للمحققين الاطلاع عليها... The federal investigators asked the bank of America brought a high-ranking Iraqi Officers for the evidence that confirm the involvement of Iraqi authorities in the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank in the process for the benefit of the Iranian side and that the Iraqi government has nominated Mr. Barham Salih of the subject to preview such evidence on behalf of the government Iraqi and answer some questions that should be accessible to investigators ...
لازال المحققين الامريكان يتابعون تحقيقاتهم في هذه القضية في جوانبها التقنية والمالية وزيادة التدقيق مع الجهات المتورطة في العملية... The Americans removed the investigators followed their investigation of this issue in the technical and financial aspects and increased scrutiny with the actors involved in the process ...
كما انه هناك جوانب سيتم التطرق اليها بعد تأمين الجوانب التي يحتاجها فريق المتابعة المكلف من قبل الرابطة... It also aspects will be addressed after the insurance aspects needed by the team in charge of the follow-up by the Association ...
وان رابطة ضباط ومنتسبي الاجهزة الامنية الوطنية العراقية تعاهد كل القوى الوطنية العراقية بأنها ستبقى السيف المسلط على رقاب العملاء والخونه وان تهيىء السبيل للازم لفضحهم امام الشعب والامة العربية المجيدة وان تبصر القيادات السياسية العربية لهذا المستوى المتدني من المسؤولين العراقيين الجدد الذين يدوسون على شعوبهم واقتصاد دولهم لصالح دول اجنبية من اجل الحصول على الفتات من المال الحرام... The Association of officers and employees of security agencies Iraqi national compact all Iraqi national forces will remain as a sword off the physical agents and traitors and that the way to create necessary to expose to the people and the Arab nation and that the glorious vision of Arab political leadership for this low level of the new Iraqi officials who trample on their people and their economy for the benefit of foreign countries in order to obtain money to steal crumbs ...
رابطة Association
ضباط ومنتسبي الاجهزة الامنية الوطنية Officers and employees of national security agencies
بغداد العروبة 28/2/2008 Baghdad Arabism 28/2/2008
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shame... Aggravation of the phenomenon of children begging in the streets of Basra
أطفال العراق أكثر المتضررين من دوامة العنف وفق المنظمات الدولية Iraqi children most affected by the cycle of violence according to international organizations
01/03/2008 14:48 بتوقيت: 01/03/2008 14:48 GMT: GreenwichAlgeriaBahrainChadDJIBOUTIEgyptIraqJordanKuwaitLebanonLibyaMauritaniaMoroccoAmmanPAQatarSaudi ArabiaSomaliaSudanSyriaTunisiaEmiratesYemenNorth America (EST)North America (CST)North America (PST)United KingdomSwedenGermanyAustraliaRussiaChina
تفاقمت في مدينة البصرة ظاهرة تسول واستجداء الأطفال في الشوارع في ظل عجز الجهات المختصة على إحتواء هذه الظاهرة. Worsened in the city of Basra and the phenomenon of begging children begging on the streets under the competent authorities inability to contain this phenomenon.
وقد وصلت هذه الظاهرة حدا لا يكاد يخلو معه مفترق طرق في مركز المدينة من الأطفال المشردين الذين لم يجدوا غير الاستجداء سبيلا لكسب قوت يومهم. Having reached this phenomenon does not end with almost no crossroads in the city center of the displaced children who did not find a way to win begging profiteers Day.
وعن هذا الشأن، تحدث لـ "راديو سوا" مدير مكتب وزارة حقوق الإنسان في الجنوب مهدي التميمي قائلاً إن عدداً كبيراً من من هذه الظاهرة يعود إلى ما وصفه بالمرض الاجتماعي، وهذا المرض يمتهنه بعض الأطفال بسبب التفكك الأسري، وأيضا بحكم وجود بعض الأشخاص المجرمين الذين يستغلون الأطفال في الإستجداء. And on this matter, spoke of the "Radio Sawa" Director of the Office of the Ministry of Human Rights in the South Mahdi al-Tamimi said that a large number of this phenomenon is due to what he described as the social disease, and this disease because some children hazardous family disintegration, and also because of some of the people who Offenders exploit children in begging.
وأعرب التميمي عن أسفه على تحول "ما كنا نشاهده في الأفلام السينمائية إلى واقع حال في البصرة". He Tamimi, expressed regret at turning "what we we see in movies to the reality of the situation in Basra."
وقد عزا مدير دار البراعم إبراهيم مصطفى إبراهيم عجز داره عن إيواء الأيتام والأطفال المشردين إلى شحة التمويل الحكومي، مشيرا في حديث لـ"راديو سوا" إلى أن البصرة ثاني أكبر محافظة في العراق من ناحية عدد الأيتام في حين أن عدد المستفيدين من خدمات الدار لا يتجاوز الـ 15 طفلا فقط، وإن كانت هناك دار أهلية يمولها أحد المتبرعين وفيها أكثر من 100 مستفيد. The funeral home director buds Ibrahim Mustafa Ibrahim deficit Dara sanctuary orphans and displaced children to the scarcity of government funding, noting in an interview with "Radio Sawa" to be the second largest province of Basra in Iraq on the one hand the number of orphans, while the number of beneficiaries of the services the home does not exceed The 15 children only, and there was a House civil-funded donors and the more than 100 beneficiaries.
وفسر إبراهيم هذه المسألة بتلقي الممول للدار الأهلية تبرعات على نطاق واسع، في حين أن الدار الحكومية لا تتسلم الدعم اللازم من الدولة. Ibrahim explained this issue to receive taxpayers House of eligibility contributions on a large scale, while the House does not receive government support necessary from the State.
وأوضح مدير الدار أنه ومن توليه الإدارة فيها منذ عام يطالب الوزارة المعنية أن تعيد النظر في مصرف الجيب لكل طفل الذي لا يتجاوز شهريا ثلاثة آلاف دينار أي 100 دينار فقط في اليوم لكل طفل، علماً بأن هناك أطفالا يذهبون إلى المدرسة وهم بحاجة إلى مبلغ اكبر. The head of the home that he and his administration since calling on the ministry to reconsider the Bank of pocket for each child per month, which does not exceed three thousand dinars, only 100 dinars per day per child, note that there are children going to school and they need a larger amount.
ويؤكد مدير دار الزهراء الأهلية للإيواء الأطفال المشردين الدكتور واثب العامود أنه تلقى في العام الماضي عشرات الطلبات من عوائل تريد التخلي عن رعاية أطفالها لعجزها عن تغطية تكاليف معيشتهم. The Director of Dar-Zahraa eligibility for sheltering displaced children, Dr. Participatory column he received in the past year dozens of requests from the families want to abandon the care of their children will fail to cover the cost of living.
التفاصيل من مراسل "راديو سوا" في البصرة ماجد البريكان: Details of the correspondent of "Radio Sawa" in Basra Majid Brekan: