Saturday, February 10, 2024

"RV UPDATE" BY BRUCE, 11 FEB

 Bruce 

 [via WiserNow]  I know that there are rates on the bank screen I know that they should be locked in.  ...We should also have rates on redemption center screens, which is the better way to go...you should be absolutely thrilled with the rates that are available for all of our currencies.

 ...we're being told by our redemption center people that we are in for a very exciting weekend...

 we did get information...that is pointing to this going very soon...So there’s  a 4 letter word that we don’t use that often.   ...from...main sources...we will be going in for exchanges before or by Friday morning...It looks very good...I think this could be a very interesting week, weekend into next week...

Basra Provincial Council plans to invest in natural gas to combat environmental pollution, 11 FEB

 Basra Provincial Council plans to invest in natural gas to combat environmental pollution

Shafaq News/ On Saturday, Basra Provincial Council revealed a plan to invest in natural gas associated with crude oil extraction operations rather than burning it. 


The Council's member represents Tasmeem Alliance, Sarah Dhafer Al-Husseini, emphasized that thousands of cancer cases in the governorate are recorded due to environmental pollution from oil projects.


https://shafaq.com/en/Economy/Basra-Provincial-Council-plans-to-invest-in-natural-gas-to-combat-environmental-pollution

"ZIMBABWE" BY ZESTER & MR C, 11 FEB

 MarkZ Update-Guest host is Zester: Some highlights by PDK-Not verbatim


MarkZ Disclaimer: Please consider everything on this call as my opinion. People who take notes do not catch everything and its best to watch the video so that you get everything in context.  Be sure to consult a professional for any financial decisions

Special guest host is Zester-Mark’s Son : Mark is on vacation until Wed. AM Feb. 14th

Member: Hi Zester and mods. happy to be here.

Member: It’s a holy day in Iraq so little chance they will RV today. But of course no one would expect it.

Zester: I thought this one was interesting….: “Zimbabwe working on measures to stabilize currency , Central Bank Governor says” The president says they are looking to create a structured currency….and stability of exchange rate….. Without explaining how it would work ….We should pay attention .

Member: Any news on us having to sign an NDA?

Member: Could the NDA’s be more for our own protection from bragging lips?

Member:  The NDA is for our protection.  No problem signing one.

Member: Take the NDA seriously. 3 bondholders have had their funds clawed back already. Per Skye’s video today.

Member: Any Truth to banks & credit unions being trained on QFS & US?  NOTE. my credit union closed at 12:30 pm on wed for training. i asked the teller what kind of training. she wasnt sure & smiled

Member:  Do you believe we are paying out the higher tiers ? Do you think this is our weekend??

Member: We all are hoping and praying this is our weekend. But so many rumors right now…..hard to know what to believe.

Member:  Thanks Zester- Again, doing awesome job for your dad!

Member: Everyone have a wonderful weekend.

Mr. Cottrell and CBD Guru’s join the stream today. Please listen to the replay for their information and opinions.

For IMPORTANT updates on podcasts, INTEL, and EVENTS, Koukla posts updates for Mark, with this info on Mark’s Intel room in Telegram. Join and stay updated daily at: https://t.me/+K_GNVfTI0gFkZWYx

Odysee at: https://odysee.com/@theoriginalmarkz:e OR THE RUMBLE CHANNEL: https://rumble.com/user/theoriginalmarkz

Sudani resolves debate over ending US presence in Kurdistan, 11 FEB

 Sudani resolves debate over ending US presence in Kurdistan

Mawazine News – Baghdad
On Saturday, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani stressed the non-reversal of the decision to end the presence of the international coalition from Iraq, noting that everyone is participating in the negotiations of the American presence, which will be applied in Kurdistan as well.


“The decision to withdraw foreign forces from Iraq is taken in advance and before the events in Gaza, but the current situation in the region necessitated the acceleration of negotiations,” Al-Sudani said in a televised interview followed by Mawazine News.


He added that “the negotiations between Baghdad and Washington are in which most of the political forces within the state administration coalition participate and will be applied throughout Iraq, including Kurdistan.”
He pointed out that “Iraq has been able to liberate its territory and is able to protect itself through its security services during the coming period without the need for an international alliance.”

https://mawazin.net/Details.aspx?jimare=241876

"RV UPDATE" BY MILITIAMAN, 11 FEB

 Militia Man  

 Article quote:  "The World Bank praises electronic payment systems in Iraq the best in the region." 

 So they're praising Iraq as being the best in the region...  

Article quote:   " The infrastructure of the electronic payday system and software systems in Iraq is among the best systems in the region according to the Iraqi central bank

  Iraq is getting praise from the international world, the globe, everybody around the world.   Seven of the largest entities on the planet are reaching out... 

Article quote: "The seven countries, the European Union, the World Bank praised Iraq's government which with continued commitment to economic reform and stimulation the private sector and growth."   These guys are stoked that Iraq is committed to economic reforms and they're giving credit where due. 

Pay electricity bills online.. The Ministry activated the application in Baghdad, 9 FEB

 Pay electricity bills online.. The Ministry activated the application in Baghdad

The Ministry of Electricity announced today, Saturday, the opening of the Baghdad electronic bill payment application, with a deduction amount limited to one thousand dinars.

The government will use the branch electronic account to collect the funds and settle on the same day.

“In compliance with the government program and under the guidance of Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani, the Ministry of Electricity announced today officially the launch of the electronic payment application to pay electricity bills through electronic payment cards,” Minister Ziyad Ali Fadel stated in a statement to the official agency, which was then picked up by the 964 network. He also noted that “The application will include the entire governorate of Baghdad, and the experience will be generalized to all Iraqi governorates.”

Noting that “the deduction will be a very small amount and not exceed one thousand dinars, and the price is The list is fixed,” he continued, “The citizen can now pay the electricity bill anywhere using any electronic card without going to the Electricity Department, and at the same time verify its payment by receiving a notification over the phone.”

"THE ADMIRAL IS GOING TO RELEASE EVERYTHING ON MONDAY" BY CHANCE VIA BEARDED PATRIOTUSA TELEGRAM ROOM, 10 FEB

 Chance, 8:47 PM EST

 Was told the paperwork was just completed and the Admiral is going to release everything on Monday.

8:48 AM EST   The Iraq Government will reveal the new ‘lower denomination’ notes this week  and then release the new Dinar Rate (4+) to be published in the Government  Gazette on Sunday and then go on Forex this coming Monday the 12th.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq calls for the removal of coalition forces by force, 10 FEB

 The Islamic Resistance in Iraq calls for the removal of coalition forces by force

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq demanded on Friday that the coalition forces be driven out of Iraq and invited the other groups to join them in doing so.

In a statement, the Islamic Resistance said, “Despite their mediations and pleadings before they were vanquished by their fate in 2011, the Islamic Resistance could not gain yesterday what it granted today in terms of an option for the occupying troops to depart the sacred country as a lifeline. At that moment, the occupying forces were being driven to the point of flames by the rebel mujahideen. And they reduce its pillars to debris and ruin.

The occupying enemy does not give up its cruelty and betrayal, and it only speaks the language of weapons, as evidenced by its recent targeting of the Popular Mobilization Forces’ Mujahideen in Al-Qaim, Akashat, and other areas, as well as the fact that its crimes have escalated, the Iraqi people, friends, and responsible authorities have been assured by the recent developments. He broke all the rules of engagement when he killed the great commander Abu Baqir al-Saadi in Baghdad, which makes the Islamic resistance—along with its recognized factions—more determined than ever to uphold its obligations to its people, nation, and country under all circumstances.

“We know better than others about the malice of our enemy, the areas of confronting him, and the mechanism for subjugating him, with painful strikes and widespread attacks, so that he is forced to submit and be defeated in the service of the interests of our people and the issues of our nation,” stated the Islamic Resistance. “At a time when we look to those we trust to excuse us,” the group wrote. In the name of jihad, to enlist in the resistance and be committed to helping to drive out the occupation at this moment in the history of Iraq and the surrounding area.


" RV UPDATE" BY TEXAS SNAKE, 10 FEB

 Texas Snake

"Was included in a call that contained some very valuable information regarding our anticipated benefits but was placed on a do not reveal  type NDA, so please appreciate the position I find myself in sharing other than it is very very positive for us as well s the globe.  


Will open for a short time so some guessing can take place to see if anyone has a clue as to what is about to unfold"


Folks please remain positive as the world economy cannot continue without a new influx of funds.

Hajj and Umrah in Iraqi dinars.. Kurdistan companies stop working in dollars, 10 FEB

 Hajj and Umrah in Iraqi dinars.. Kurdistan companies stop working in dollars

The Kurdistan Region’s Hajj and Umrah Authority decided on Saturday to only accept Iraqi dinars for pilgrims’ travel expenses, rather than dollars as in other Iraqi cities. The cost will be calculated using the Central Bank’s exchange rate, which is 1,320 dinars for every dollar. Registrants will have one week to submit their updates and pay the associated costs. passport information.

Following the chairing of a meeting with the proprietors of Hajj and Umrah offices in the provinces and autonomous administrations of the area, Niyaz Naqshbandi, Director General of Hajj and Umrah in the Kurdistan area, made this decision.

Karzan Stoney, Kurdistan’s Umrah and Jujj Authority’s media representative

We have instructed the Hajj and Umrah offices to accept payments from pilgrims for a week, from February 11 to February 18, this year. Those who do not pay the fees within this time will not be permitted to do the Hajj this year.

All registrants who do not have a passport or whose passport has expired have been notified by Hajj and Umrah businesses to contact the Passport Department and amend their information within a week.

The expense of the Hajj for residents of the Kurdistan Region is the same as that of residents of the other Iraqi cities.

"DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A WEALTH MANAGER & A FIDUCIARY ADVISOR" BY MR. GREEN VIA BEARDED PATRIOTUSA, 10 FEB

 Bearded_PatriotUSA Telegram post 2/9/24

Forwarded from Mr Green B:

FYI -Here’s an easier explanation of the differences between a Wealth manager and a Fiduciary Advisor.

Differences between a wealth manager and a fiduciary advisor? 

A wealth manager and a fiduciary advisor are both professionals who provide financial advice and management services, but there are some differences between them: 

1. Scope of Services:

– Wealth Manager: A wealth manager typically offers comprehensive financial planning and investment management services. They may assist clients with a wide range of financial needs, including investment planning, retirement planning, tax planning, estate planning, and risk management.

– Fiduciary Advisor: A fiduciary advisor is specifically obligated to act in the best interests of their clients at all times. While they may also offer comprehensive financial planning services, their primary focus is on providing advice and recommendations that are solely in the client’s best interest. 

2. Fiduciary Duty:

– Wealth Manager: While many wealth managers strive to act in their clients’ best interests, they may not be legally bound to do so in all situations. Some wealth managers may operate under a suitability standard, which requires them to recommend products that are suitable for the client’s financial situation, but not necessarily the best option available.

– Fiduciary Advisor: A fiduciary advisor is held to a higher standard of care known as the fiduciary duty. This means they are legally obligated to always act in the best interests of their clients, putting their clients’ interests ahead of their own and avoiding conflicts of interest. 

3. Compensation Structure:

– Wealth Manager: Wealth managers may be compensated through a variety of fee structures, including asset-based fees, hourly fees, or commissions on product sales. Some wealth managers may receive commissions for selling certain financial products, which can create potential conflicts of interest.

– Fiduciary Advisor: Fiduciary advisors often operate on a fee-only basis, meaning they are compensated solely through fees paid by their clients. This fee structure minimizes conflicts of interest, as fiduciary advisors do not receive commissions or incentives for recommending specific products. 

4. Regulatory Oversight:

– Wealth Manager: Wealth managers may be subject to regulatory oversight depending on their jurisdiction and the services they offer. However, regulatory requirements may vary, and not all wealth managers may be held to the same standards of conduct.

– Fiduciary Advisor: Fiduciary advisors are typically held to stricter regulatory standards, particularly if they are registered investment advisors (RIAs) in the United States. RIAs are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or state securities regulators and are required to adhere to fiduciary standards. 

In summary, while both wealth managers and fiduciary advisors provide financial advice and management services, fiduciary advisors are held to a higher standard of care and are legally obligated to act in their clients’ best interests at all times. Choosing between the two depends on individual preferences, investment needs, and the level of trust and confidence desired in the advisor-client relationship.

https://t.me/Bearded_PatriotsUSA/15720


Al-Mandalawi refers the request to remove foreign forces from Iraq to the legal, security and defense committees, 10 FEB

 Al-Mandalawi refers the request to remove foreign forces from Iraq to the legal, security and defense committees

The Media Department of the House of Representatives confirmed that the Acting Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mohsen Al-Mandalawi, referred the request to remove foreign forces from Iraq to the legal and security and defense committees. A statement from the Information Department of the Council indicated that “the request is signed by more than 100 deputies to the two committees (legal, security and defense) and related to a proposal for a law to remove foreign forces from Iraq.”

 He added that “Al-Mandalawi called on the government to implement the decision of the House of Representatives No. (18) of 2020, related to the removal of foreign forces and the termination of their missions in Iraq, based on the development of Iraqi security capabilities, and the absence of any new agreement with foreign forces that must remain.”

https://www.dijlah.tv/index.php?page=article&id=342323

"RV UPDATE" BY FRANK26, 10 FEB

 Frank26  

 We're in the Venturi effect (a narrow opening and you're trying to squeeze a lot through it).  You know how you put your finger on a hose and you can squirt it much further?  That's the Venturi effect.  We're having a Venturi effect with intel.

 Question:  "Are they going to put a cap on the dinar if it goes too high?"

  IMO this is an RI which means they should reinstate the value back to at least $3.22.   That's the rate it was when it was brought down...$3.22 was back in 2003.  What is it 21 years later it's still $3.22?  

...It seems to me there should be at least anywhere from 20% to 30% added to $3.22 - Anywhere from $3.86 to about $4.25 would be a good capping range IMO. 

Article: "Observer: Ending the mission of the United Nations office in Iraq takes Iraq out of Chapter Seven

 TAKES YOU OUT OF CHAPTER VII... AND PUTS YOU IN AN INTERNATIONAL BASKET!


The Kuwaiti dinar is in the lead.. Learn about the 10 strongest currencies in the world during 2024, 10 FEB

The Kuwaiti dinar is in the lead.. Learn about the 10 strongest currencies in the world during 2024

The Kuwaiti dinar ranked on the throne of currencies in the world for the year 2024, while the US dollar came in last place on the list of the 10 strongest global currencies.

The dinar of the Gulf state is divided into 1,000 smaller units known as (fils). 

Contrary to popular belief, the highest currency is not necessarily the most widely traded or used in international transactions, according to specialized economic websites.

While the US dollar, British pound and euro are often associated with global power and trade, they do not hold the top spot in terms of value when exchanged for the Indian rupee.

n 2024, the Kuwaiti dinar will excel in terms of exchange rate, making it the most expensive currency in the world, as it is the currency with the highest exchange rate against the dollar, and every 1 Kuwaiti dinar is worth 3.25 dollars, followed by the Bahraini dinar, which is worth 2.65 dollars.  link



"NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT (NDA)" BY WOLVERINE

WOLVERINE

The Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) is a fundamental process in ALL large commercial contracts. Remember that you are about to become an “ultra-high net worth individual” and your confidentiality agreement prohibits you from:

1. Talk about your date.
2. What you are exchanging.
3. What rates you achieved in any format.

❇The first short NDA would be signed and generated electronically by the Safe Link website from which we will obtain our T4B 800# to make our exchange and exchange appointments.

❇The second NDA would be signed in hard copy at the exchange and exchange appointment.

All calls and voicemails will be logged. All phone call logs will be logged. All text messages will be logged. Twitter will be monitored (if active). Facebook will be monitored (if active). All networks will be monitored social networks and forums. All devices will connect to the federal government systems and seek to cancel exchanges for anyone who violates the Non-Disclosure Agreement by discussing virtual reality exchanges, dating or exchanging her, etc.

These confidentiality agreements will last approximately 90 days (possibly longer). Certain words will not be allowed to be mentioned.

❇If you need to talk to friends, family, or anyone related to your specific projects, be sure to add them to your NDA Addendum/Waiver document.

Be careful not to send unnecessary messages or information that goes against the law.

These are legal agreements we are signing!

Avoid sharing confidential information with your friends and family. Even telling your children puts you at risk. Be very careful! Be careful of your surroundings. Anything you text, write, or say can be used against you because of your confidentiality agreement. Don’t risk it.

IF YOU VIOLATE THIS NDA, YOUR FUNDS WILL BE FROZEN AND CONFISCED.

This will come into effect as you complete the information on the Safelink website.

❇There are some mechanisms within the Safelink website that require you to agree to an NDA before receiving the 800 number to call.

If you are bringing a guest to your appointment, please inform the telephone operator.

They will also be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement and bring their KYC documents.

You will not receive responses from any moderators/administrators.

❇There are exemptions for your NDA that need to know this information and are determined to know the proof and the origin of the funds, for example: lawyers, asset managers, accountants, etc.

❇They are already protected by confidentiality within their professional files. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get them to sign another one with you directly.

Ask your banking team to let you have an NDA template that you can use alongside yours. Print multiple copies.

❇When you arrive at the appointment, you will sign the NDA again with wet ink.

Ask if you can add a short list of exemptions, i.e. spouse, children, etc.

Take that list with you and make sure it is attached to the NDA before you sign it.

https://t.me/Bearded_PatriotsUSA/15669

Red Sea tensions revive trade route between Iraq, Egypt and Jordan, 10 FEB

  Red Sea tensions revive trade route between Iraq, Egypt and Jordan

The Egyptian Ministry of Transport announced on Saturday the operation of the first phase of the Arab trade line between Iraq, Egypt and Jordan at the beginning of this year, following the Red Sea tensions.

She said in a report, followed by Shafaq News Agency, that the attacks of the Houthi group on international shipping ships in the Red Sea and the subsequent threat to navigation in the Suez Canal, highlighted the importance of the commercial link project between Iraq, Egypt and Jordan, and even talk about adding other routes linking the Gulf countries with Egypt.

According to the ministry, work is currently underway to implement the second phase of the integrated Arab trade line, through the construction of the Taba-Arish-Bir al-Abd-Fardan railway line, with a length of 500 km, to increase the volume of goods targeted for transport from the Gulf, Iraq and Jordan to Europe and America.

She stressed the Egyptian side's keenness to provide all forms of support for this new line, by facilitating procedures, and encouraging companies and various parties to use the line in both directions, especially with its importance in transporting goods from the Gulf, Iraq and Jordan to European and American countries.

Mohammed Ali Ibrahim, former dean of the Faculty of International Transport and Logistics at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT), believes that the line may be a window for the exports of Jordan and Iraq, and may open a door for the exports of Gulf countries, as they will pass through this road, which is an investment in the idea of multimodal transport.

"Of course, this is a solution to the Red Sea crisis for some neighboring countries, but it cannot be an alternative to the Suez Canal," he said.

In December of last year 2023, the Iraqi Ministry of Transport said that "Iraqi ports" have become an alternative to international transport lines to deliver goods from east to west, coinciding with the change of many major international transport companies due to security tension in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

"ANALYSIS OF IRAQ NEWS: "WALKINGSTICK REMINDS US..." BY FRANK26, 10 FEB

 Frank26:  "WALKINGSTICK REMINDS US..." ................F26

 The Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq receives a delegation from the World Bank

February 07, 2024

His Excellency the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Mr. Ali Mohsen Al-Alaq, received a delegation from the World Bank headed by the Director of the World Bank’s office in Iraq, Mr. Richard Abdel Nour.

During the meeting, they discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation between the Central Bank of Iraq and the World Bank and discussing electronic payment projects and financial inclusion, as well as reform programs to enhance the stability and development of the financial sector.

The two parties also discussed the support of the World Bank to provide advice in establishing the Riyada Bank dedicated to financing small projects in Iraq, with the support of the International Finance Corporation.

In turn, the World Bank delegation praised the procedures of the Central Bank of Iraq in facilitating financial transfers to different segments in Iraq, noting that the infrastructure of electronic payment systems and software systems in Iraq are among the best systems in the region.

 Central Bank of Iraq
Information Office

7 - February - 2024

https://cbi.iq/news/view/2511

Dollar steps up over dong, 10 FEB

  Dollar steps up over dong

By Dat Nguyen Tue 2/6/2024, 08:42 pm (PT)

 The U.S. dollar rose against the Vietnamese dong Wednesday morning.

Vietcombank sold the dollar at VND24,570, up 0.16% from Tuesday.

The State Bank of Vietnam lowered its reference rate by 0.03% to VND23,956.

It fell 0.40% to VND24,850 on the black market.

 The greenback has increased by 0.61% against the dong since the beginning of the year.

 Globally the dollar remained under pressure on Wednesday after retreating from a nearly three-month high against the euro in the previous session with a decline in U.S. bond yields adding to the drag, Reuters reported.

 Analysts pointed to technical factors for the dollar's pullback, following a two-day rally of as much as 1.4% against the euro after unexpectedly strong U.S. jobs data and more hawkish rhetoric from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell scuppered bets for an early interest rate cut.

The U.S. dollar index - which measures the currency against six major peers, including the euro - was flat at 104.14, following Tuesday's 0.29% slide. It had reached the highest since Nov. 14 at 104.60 on Monday.   LINK

"RV UPDATE" BY SANDY INGRAM, 10 FEB

  Sandy Ingram 

 We are not living a pipe-dream.  The IQD and the VND investments are real...Iraq is a small wealthy country...with gold reserves, oil and $100 billion in cash reserve.  They are making serious effort...It is safe to say that an appreciation of $0.10 or even $1.00 to 1 Iraqi dinar is not out of the question.  

The CBI must carefully manage the timing of revaluation...[Iraq] has over $100 billion in foreign currency reserves.  The IMF has continually said Iraq needs more income streams to offset the oil industry.  The Development Road Project and several other manufacturing projects are all a part of increasing Iraq's income streams. 

These are some of the major factors holding up the Iraqi dinar revalue...There's a lot at stake...First...Iraq relies on its oil export for revenue...If oil prices were to decrease suddenly, it could cause a  drain on Iraq's foreign exchange reserves as they try to stabilize their currency's value...Second...Iraq's political stability and security issues... Uncertainties make it challenging for investors to trust...making them hesitant to buy the dinar ...

Thirdly...A sudden and significant increase in their currency's value could adversely affect their exports and trade balances.  It could also lead to inflation...  Balancing the exports and trade revenue is one of the key factors in deciding and implementing a currency revaluation.

Furthermore...Neighboring countries may retaliate by imposing tariffs or restrictions in response to Iraq's higher value in currency...A sudden revaluation potentially could destabilize other currencies...

Iraq could have a domino effect on the economies and currency values of countries like the U.S., China and Russia because these countries hold significant amounts of dinar in their reserves...The central bank of Iraq is under tremendous pressure to fit in when it comes to the revaluation of its currency. 

https://dinarevaluation.blogspot.com/2024/02/rv-update-by-sandy-ingram-6-feb.html

UN to investigate claims of corruption in Iraq aid project, 10 FEB

  UN to investigate claims of corruption in Iraq aid project, 10 FEB

Guardian report found staff allegedly sought bribes in return for helping people win deals as part of $1.5bn construction programme

Simona Foltyn    Mon 5 Feb 2024 07.09 EST

The UN Development Programme (UNDP) is dispatching a team to Iraq to assess allegations of corruption in its $1.5bn (£1.2bn) construction programme following a Guardian investigation.

According to an internal document obtained by the Guardian, the UNDP’s administrator, Achim Steiner, has “commissioned a management review and assessment of the allegations” after revelations its staff were allegedly taking kickbacks in return for helping business people obtain lucrative construction contracts.

The six-page document, sent to donors on 25 January, aimed to reassure western capitals that the UNDP could hold itself to account through internal oversight mechanisms. At a subsequent meeting, several donors pressed the agency to carry out an external review to help restore credibility.

An Iraqi government official with detailed knowledge of the matter said the country’s prime minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, had ordered the country’s integrity commission to launch a separate investigation.

The UNDP document said the agency had previously referred 136 cases to its Office of Audit and Investigations (OAI) in relation to the reconstruction programme – the majority of which were against suppliers rather than employees. It said 56 were substantiated, of which 52 were related to vendors who subsequently faced sanction. The document provided no further detail on the remaining four cases, or whether any disciplinary action had been taken.

The brief said the UNDP was “committed to fostering a work culture and environment where all UNDP personnel can report wrongdoing without fear of retaliation”.

Magnifying glass over the United Nations Development Programme UNDP company logo
UN staff on £1.5bn Iraq aid project ‘demanding bribes’
Read more
However, since the Guardian’s report, more UNDP employees have come forward with allegations. They described a “culture of fear” and impunity that they said extended across the agency’s Middle East offices. They accused UNDP managers who had developed close relationships with government counterparts of weaponising those ties to shield themselves from accountability while retaliating against staff who spoke out.

One person who worked at an office in the Middle East said they tried to raise the alarm over hundreds of thousands of dollars being channelled to an organisation run by a government official, but that superiors “signalled very quickly that we ought not to get involved”. When they reported the case to the OAI, the person was told they had not provided sufficient documentation for the investigation to go ahead. “The OAI doesn’t work at all. It’s completely dysfunctional,” the person said.

At UNDP Iraq, one employee filed complaints to the ombudsman and OAI alleging mismanagement and bullying by a supervisor, only to watch senior management turn against them. “They told me, either I drop my grievance or my upcoming performance review would not look good and I would be let go,” they said. The Guardian has seen copies of the complaints, but is not making further details public on this and other cases to protect the whistleblowers.

Another employee who worked for the UNDP said they were threatened by a former manager after voicing concerns over wasteful spending. “Straight away, they said: ‘You know where the door is and you won’t have a job if you continue to raise things,’” they recalled. The manager’s close ties to government officials made them untouchable. “They are in each other’s pockets, and it’s enabled from the top,” the employee said.

Last week, the UNDP’s resident representative in Iraq, Auke Lootsma, wrote in a staff email that the Guardian investigation was “very unfortunate”, adding that his office was “working with UN headquarters to refute these unfair and unjust allegations”. Lootsma asked staff to “refrain from any comment”.

In a statement to the Guardian, a UNDP spokesperson said allegations that employees were threatened with retaliation for reporting wrongdoing were “completely at odds with UNDP’s commitment to accountability, integrity and openness to scrutiny”.

The statement said the allegations were not specific enough to be addressed individually and that the agency would “welcome more details to allow the appropriate independent channels to assess further”.

It added that the UNDP’s ethics office had invested heavily in training staff on issues related to conflict of interest and protection against retaliation, and that the OAI conducted audits and investigations “independently from UNDP management or any outside party and in line with UNDP’s whistleblowing and retaliation policies”.   LINK

"ANALYSIS OF IRAQ NEWS: "TAKES YOU OUT OF CHAPTER VII... AND PUTS YOU IN AN INTERNATIONAL BASKET!!!"" BY FRANK26, 10 FEB

KTFA:

Frank26:  "TAKES YOU OUT OF CHAPTER VII... AND PUTS YOU IN AN INTERNATIONAL BASKET!!!"......F26

 Observer: Ending the mission of the United Nations office in Iraq takes Iraq out of Chapter Seven 

 2/7/2024

The United Nations office in Iraq takes Iraq out of Chapter Seven 

Information / Baghdad..

On Wednesday, political observer Sabah Al-Ugaili called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shia Al-Sudani to end the work of the United Nations representation in Iraq, indicating that “if this matter were achieved, it would remove Iraq from Chapter Seven.”

Al-Ugaili told Al-Maalouma, “The time is right for Sudanese to ask the Secretary-General of the United Nations to end the work of its representation in Iraq, especially after Plasschaert announced the end of its mission in Iraq.”

He added, “Plasschaert’s request to end its mission and the Chinese representative’s recognition of the existence of a state of political and economic stability in Iraq gives Al-Sudani the opportunity to ask the Secretary-General of the United Nations to end the work of the United Nations office in Iraq, or at least reduce it, and then Iraq will exit Chapter Seven.”

The representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Jeanine Plasschaert, had asked the Secretary-General of the United Nations that it was her mission in Iraq during her periodic briefing at the UN Security Council yesterday, Tuesday.

It is noteworthy that Iraq has been subject since 1990 to Chapter Seven of the United Nations Charter, which was imposed on it after Saddam’s regime invaded the State of Kuwait in August of the same year. This clause allows the use of force against Iraq as it constitutes a threat to international security, in addition to freezing large amounts of its financial assets in Iraq. International banks to pay compensation to those affected by the invasion.  LINK

The Oil Parliament calls for granting dues to the oil-producing governorates, 10 FEB

 The Oil Parliament calls for granting dues to the oil-producing governorates

The governorates that produce oil should receive their rightful share of the current year’s budget, according to a call made on Friday by the Parliamentary Oil, Gas, and Natural Resources Committee.

“The budget includes a law that provides financial dues to oil-producing governorates in the event that the price of oil rises above the amount specified in the budget, but this matter has not been implemented,” committee member Bassem Al-Gharibawi stated.

He said, “There is an urgent need for action by Parliament, especially the Finance and Strategic Planning Committees, to follow up on the dues of the oil-producing governorates in order to ensure that they obtain their dues within the budget.”

He clarified, saying, “The Parliamentary Oil Committee did not approach the federal government regarding this matter, but it moved toward the Ministry of Oil to find out the extent of its implementation of the government program and curriculum.” He confirmed, “There are actual parliamentary movements to ensure that the dues reach the producing governorates.”

" WHAT THE GURUS SAY" BY HERNAN ROBERT BRAVO, (ENGLISH & SPANISH), 10 FEB

Friday February 9, 2024

GURUS: THEY SAY

Opinions of the Iraqi dinar guru

 Bruce: He says.

— We got information... that indicates that this will happen very soon... So there is a 4-letter word that we don't use that often. …from…main sources…we will trade on or before Friday morning…Looking very good…I think this could be a very interesting week, from the weekend into next week…

 Mark Zee: Says

Question:…does the HCL…have to go through the RV?

— MarkZ: From day 1 they told me that within a few hours of seeing the HCL pass... (HCL = HYDROCARBONS LAW), we would see a new rate... (REVALUATED IRAQI DINAR Rate), so I keep looking for it. .. but we don't necessarily have to have it.

Greetings

Hernán Robert Hbravo

TRANSLATION IN SPANISH 

Viernes 09 Febrero 2024

GURÚS : DICEN
Opiniones del gurú del dinar iraquí
Bruce : Dice
— Obtuvimos información... eso indica que esto sucederá muy pronto... Así que hay una palabra de 4 letras que no usamos con tanta frecuencia. …de…fuentes principales…realizaremos intercambios antes o antes del viernes por la mañana…Se ve muy bien…Creo que esta podría ser una semana muy interesante, desde el fin de semana hasta la próxima semana…
Mark Zee : Dice
Pregunta: ¿…el HCL…tiene que pasar por el RV?
— MarkZ: Desde el día 1 me dijeron que a las pocas horas de ver pasar la HCL... ( HCL = LEY DE HIDROCARBUROS ), veríamos una nueva tasa... ( Tasa del DINAR IRAQUÍ REVALUADA ), así que sigo buscándola... pero no necesariamente tenemos que tenerla.
Saludos
Hernán Robert Hbravo