A Pentagon official said that they are aware of reports that have appeared in the media regarding possible plans to withdraw US forces from Iraq, but they are not yet ready to announce any specific dates.
“We are aware of these reports, but we are not yet ready to announce any steps at this time,” the US official said. Western media outlets had previously reported that the United States and Iraq had reached an agreement on the gradual withdrawal of US-led international coalition forces from Iraq in 2025 and 2026. The Iraqi Foreign Ministry confirmed in the middle of last month that Baghdad had announced the postponement of the date for announcing the end of the US-led international coalition’s mission due to “recent developments” in the region and the aggression on the Gaza Strip.
SHE discusses recent developments regarding the Iraqi dinar, including market updates, military cooperation with Turkey, and the Central Bank’s progress in currency reforms.
Highlights
🔥 Forex closed at 5 PM, leading to a 24-48 hour pause in trading. ⏳
🌍 Turkey may open new border crossings with Iraq, enhancing security cooperation. 🚧
💡 Iraq’s North Gas Company is diversifying income streams, boosting liquid gas and sulfur production. 💧
📊 The dollar remains at a low due to uncertainties surrounding the Federal Reserve’s decisions. 📉
🤝 Significant progress in security talks between Iraq and the US Federal Reserve has been achieved. 🇺🇸
🎉 The Central Bank of Iraq is nearing completion of its electronic transfer processes. 🔌
🙏 A reminder to stay positive and focused on the big picture amidst ongoing developments. ✨
Key Insights
📈 Forex Market Dynamics: The Forex closure indicates a strategic pause, allowing traders to reassess market conditions and expectations. This can create volatility but also opportunities once trading resumes. ⚖️
🤝 Turkey-Iraq Relations: Strengthened border cooperation reflects significant diplomatic progress and could lead to increased economic ties, enhancing regional stability. 🌍
🌱 Economic Diversification: Iraq’s North Gas Company’s initiatives signal a move towards sustainable economic practices, crucial for long-term resilience against market fluctuations. 🌿
📉 US Dollar Uncertainty: The dollar’s low value amidst Federal Reserve speculation shows the interconnectedness of global currencies and the importance of monitoring US economic data closely. 🔍
🔒 Security Cooperation: Enhanced military collaboration between Iraq and the US signals a commitment to combatting terrorism and improving regional security, which is vital for economic stability. 🛡️
⏳ Progress in Currency Reform: The nearing completion of the electronic transfer process indicates that Iraq is on track with its financial reforms, which may positively impact the dinar’s value. 🚀
🌟 Positive Outlook: Encouragement to remain hopeful and focus on the broader economic landscape, reminding viewers that patience is key in investment strategies. 💖
Pentagon: No Timeline for Troop Withdrawal from Iraq Yet
As of September 7, 2024, the Pentagon has not provided a definitive timeline for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq. Despite ongoing negotiations and discussions regarding the future of the U.S. military presence in the country, no specific dates have been announced.
Current Military Presence
Approximately 2,500 U.S. troops are currently deployed in Iraq as part of the international coalition formed in 2014 to support the Iraqi government in defeating the Islamic State (ISIL). The coalition's main objective was to assist Iraqi security and military forces in their fight against ISIL.
Bilateral Talks
In recent months, the U.S. and Iraq have engaged in bilateral talks to address the future of the U.S. military presence in the country.
These discussions have included the formation of a joint commission to oversee the winding down of the coalition's military mission in Iraq.
Regional Instability and Public Calls
The urgency of the talks has been heightened by regional instability and public calls from the Iraqi government for the withdrawal of U.S. troops. These calls have been in response to U.S. airstrikes targeting Iran-backed militants who have been attacking U.S. personnel in Iraq.
Advisory Role
Discussions are also underway to establish a new advisory role that could involve a smaller number of U.S. troops remaining in Iraq after the main drawdown. This advisory capacity would focus on supporting Iraq's security forces and ensuring that ISIL cannot resurge.
Shafaq News/ A Pentagon official confirmed, on Friday, that the United States is aware of media reports regarding possible plans to withdraw US troops from Iraq but has not set any specific timelines.
The US government is “not ready yet to announce any dates,” the official stated in a press briefing.
Earlier, Reuters reported that the United States and Iraq have reached a preliminary agreement on the withdrawal of US-led Global Coalition forces from Iraq, quoting sources familiar with ongoing negotiations.
Sources said that the plan, which has been broadly agreed but awaits final approval and a formal announcement, would see several hundred troops depart by September 2025, with the remaining forces set to leave by the end of 2026.
“We have an agreement. It is now just a question of when to announce it,” a senior US official said.
Discussions are also underway to establish a new advisory role that could see a smaller number of US troops remain in Iraq following the drawdown, sources added.
An official announcement was initially expected weeks ago but was delayed due to regional tensions stemming from Israel’s war in Gaza and remaining logistical details, according to sources, including five US officials, two Coalition representatives, and three Iraqi officials, all speaking on condition of anonymity.
Technical negotiations between Baghdad and Washington, initiated by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani in January, have concluded. Farhad Alaaldin, the prime minister’s foreign affairs adviser, said the talks marked a shift in the US-Iraq relationship, emphasizing future bilateral cooperation in military, security, economic, and cultural sectors. Alaaldin did not comment on the specifics of the plan.
The agreement follows months of rising tensions, including attacks by Iran-backed Iraqi factions on US forces, which have killed three American troops and injured dozens more. US forces have retaliated with airstrikes, complicating efforts to stabilize Iraq after years of conflict.
The US currently has 2,500 troops in Iraq and 900 in neighboring Syria, part of a Coalition formed in 2014 to combat ISIS. While ISIS has been territorially defeated in Iraq since 2017, Us forces remain to support operations against the group in Syria.
Under the terms of the deal, Coalition forces will leave the Ain al-Asad airbase in al-Anbar governorate and scale back operations in Baghdad by September 2025.
Some US and Coalition forces are expected to remain in Erbil until the end of 2026 to support ongoing operations in Syria.
Prime Minister Al-Sudani has emphasized that US troops, while helpful, have become a target for instability, with attacks on their bases prompting uncoordinated retaliatory strikes. For the US, the two-year timeline allows flexibility for adjustments should the regional security situation evolve, a US official said.
The rates are still live. All kinds of meetings yesterday . Everyone says it’s going to happen by Monday. Some believe this evening.
-
Fri. 30 Aug. 2024 TNT Tony
“As of today, Iraqi banks can do international transfers with the dinar. The lower denomination dinars are supposed to be available in all regions of the country by tonight.
All the 3-letter agencies and the banks say that there is nothing left to do except wait. Tony was told he should be getting the 800 number in the next few hours. We should have appointments to exchangethis weekend.
The banks have a set time to start the exchanges.
It’s supposed to be between now and Sunday, according to the 3-letter agencies. The banks were told that we shouldstart by Sunday. So after 5 pm Eastern today to Sunday is the window.
Tony thinks it’ll start on Sunday. The basic rate for the dinar at the exchange centers is supposed to be $7-8, and the basic rate for the dong is $2-3. …
Tony says all of his sources are still saying the same thing…it’s all DONE. He said Alaq came to the U.S. on Monday. SO this just came out and now 13 Iraq banks are now approved to interact in International banking…. to use any currency they want to include theirs….what does that mean… RV. He said he was told right before the call that our 800 numbers are coming out later today (after 5PM).
He heard the window is going to beWIDE OPEN after 5PM to Sunday. The banks told him they were told they would startBY SUNDAY. He is getting texts as the call continues and his bankers are saying they plan on working all weekend through the holiday.”
Iraq's Six-Year Strategy to Combat Corruption: An Update for 2024
In an effort to tackle the pervasive issue of corruption, the Federal Commission of Integrity in Iraq has announced its determination to draw up a six-year strategy aimed at addressing this critical problem[^1^]. This ambitious plan comes at a time when Iraq is grappling with the aftermath of decades of armed conflict, seeking to stabilize and reform its governance systems[^2^].
Background on Corruption in Iraq
Corruption has long been a major concern in Iraq, affecting various sectors and undermining public trust in the government. The most recent scandal, dubbed "the theft of the century," involved the embezzlement of $2.5 billion from an idle government account[^2^]. This incident, among others, has highlighted the extent to which corruption is embedded within the state apparatus, implicating high-ranking officials and compromising accountability mechanisms[^2^].
The Role of the Federal Commission of Integrity
The Federal Commission of Integrity, established as Iraq's foremost anti-corruption body, shoulders the strategic responsibility for monitoring and ensuring national compliance with the provisions of the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC)[^3^].
The New Strategy: Key Objectives and Approach
The proposed six-year strategy aims to mobilize ministries, institutions, and other key stakeholders through a comprehensive policy and regulatory framework designed to assist Iraqi institutions in reducing systemic corruption[^4^]. This includes the use of digitization as a foundational tool to enhance transparency and efficiency in governance[^3^]
International Support and Collaboration
The European Union Advisory Mission (EUAM) Iraq has been actively engaged in supporting the national anti-corruption agenda through its partnership with the Federal Commission of Integrity, key stakeholders, and international organizations such as the UNDP[^4^]. Such collaboration is crucial in addressing the complex phenomenon of corruption, which poses a significant risk to Iraq's stability, national security, and economic development[^4^].
Conclusion
As of September 7, 2024, the Federal Commission of Integrity's commitment to combat corruption through a strategic, multi-year approach is a significant step in the right direction. By leveraging international support and prioritizing digitization, Iraq is positioning itself to tackle corruption more effectively and promote good governance.
Chairman Of The Integrity Commission: We Are Determined To Draw Up A Six-Year Strategy To Combat Corruption
Thursday,05-09-2024 The Chairman of the Federal Integrity Commission, Judge Haider Hanoun, confirmed today, Thursday, the determination to draw up a six-year strategy to combat corruption, while stressing the importance of adopting national strategies to combat this scourge within the preventive approach and the principle of participation in confronting corruption.
Hanoun said, during his speech at the ceremony announcing the first report on implementing the strategy to combat corruption in the public sector, held by the Kurdistan Integrity Commission in Erbil and reported by the Integrity Commission in a statement received by Noon News Agency, that "the national strategy for integrity and combating corruption includes economic, industrial, agricultural, scientific, humanitarian, military and health plans,"
stressing "the necessity of its efforts to preserve the country's wealth and needs and cover those needs, in addition to creating human energies from its citizens capable of leading the helm of affairs in the future."
Hanoun urged, "adopting mechanisms to raise the level of integrity in the performance of institutions and create a competitive environment among them on the one hand, and among their employees on the other hand; to determine the most honest institution and the institution that best provides services to citizens,"
noting that "the Federal Integrity Commission adopted such visions in launching the National Strategy for Integrity and Combating Corruption for the years (2021 - 2024), as well as the Integrity Commission in the Kurdistan Region - Iraq in launching the Anti-Corruption Strategy in the Kurdistan Region - Iraq for the years (2021 - 2025)."
He pointed out that "the Commission is in the process of preparing a new national strategy for integrity and combating corruption for the next six years (2023-2025), which relies in its preparation and implementation on cooperation with the three legislative, executive and judicial authorities, and with the Federal Board of Supreme Audit and the Integrity Commission in the Kurdistan Region - Iraq on the one hand, in addition to partnership with the private sector, civil society and investigative journalism."
He added, "The strategy, which is currently being prepared, will take a scientific approach using advanced technology in its implementation, and will seek to integrate influential categories of stakeholders such as women, youth, scientific and professional competencies, and give them distinguished roles in it;
with the aim of raising levels of integrity in the public and private sectors, helping institutions correct errors on their own, motivating them to make continuous improvements in their performance, accelerating the pace towards the digital transformation of good governance, and enhancing all of this with regional and international cooperation."
He pointed out that "the Federal Integrity Commission and the Integrity Commission in the Kurdistan Region - Iraq are determined to put the final touches on signing a joint coordination memorandum between them in implementation of the provisions of Articles (11 / Fourth) and (16 / Fourth) of the Integrity and Illicit Gains Commission Law No. (30) of 2011 (amended), and to coordinate efforts in the field of combating corruption within the Republic of Iraq,"
noting that "training workshops for the teams implementing the National Strategy for Integrity and Combating Corruption in the Commission, ministries and entities not affiliated with the Federal Ministry will soon be held at the headquarters of the Integrity Commission in the Kurdistan Region - Iraq in Erbil, and that these workshops will include the strategy implementation teams in the Kurdistan Region." https://non14.net/public/169914
Fri. 6 Sept. 2024 Wolverine: We are there – at the finish line.
This should be our weekend. Anytime after 5 pm and before Sunday. Things are happening now as you don’t see it. Huge platforms have been completed and in a few days they are going to get paid.
A lot of bond holders and foundations have received their notification and are flying to Reno or to their respective platform.
The Precatorias still have not been released yet. The report of the Precatorias having been released to its Brazilian people was disinformation.
The EBS is imminent as I spoke to a contact in New York and he has assured me that there are military presence in New York and there is huge hotel where most military are staying. This is not only in New York but in various cities in USA.
--
"THE PAYMENT OF OPERATIONS STARTS ON SEPTEMBER 4, 2024" FROM THE CHOSEN ONE & WOLVERINE, 6 SEPT
From The Chosen Ones, Wolverine's official Telegram group:
PAYMENT OF OPERATIONS STARTS ON SEPTEMBER 4, 2024
We close the week with the following report:
World Bank and Peter Wong Platform auditors who arrived in Brazil on August 27, 2024 are packing their bags to return to the US tomorrow, August 31, 2024.
As Monday, September 2, 2024 is a holiday in the USA (Labor Day), there is no possibility of banking hours on the Reno Platform (Nevada/USA),
so what was decided in the meeting within the Central Bank on August 29, 2024 is that the global START will take place on September 3, 2024 (next Tuesday), when Brazil BR, the USA and the other countries that make up this project that covers 47 countries ( and their respective Central Banks), after several detailed tests and adjustments, will finally be able to proceed in a synchronized and simultaneous manner with the release and settlement of the financial operations of which they are part (I highlight that in Brazil BR The operations released and approved for payment They are LTN and TDA, which were unified within the same platform).
I also found out that the period to distribute the securities to the payrolls of the Managers who will receive them will begin on September 4, 2024 and will extend until September 13, 2024.
- Dr. Eduardo Tavares (August 30, 2024). EDUARDO TAVARES, Professor at CEA and Founding Partner of Mundo Financiero - Specialist in Corporate Finance and Investment Banking at FIA Business School.
Peter Wong Former CEO of Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Mr. Peter TS Wong is Vice Chairman and CEO of Asia-Pacific of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited ("HSBC"). He is CEO of the Group and member of the Board of Directors of the HSBC Group. -----
Thanks RS for sharing 👍
It is good information and we know that even though tomorrow is a holiday in the United States, the staff involved have been working even on Sundays (said by Zorra).
Then we will see if this has to do with the T4B group since there are many platforms and groups with different payment schemes...
It's going slowly but surely...
TRANSLATION IN SPANISH
Desde The Chosen Ones, grupo oficial de Wolverine por Telegram:
PAGO DE OPERACIONES INICIA EL 4 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 2024
Cerramos la semana con el siguiente informe: los auditores del Banco Mundial y de la Plataforma Peter Wong que llegaron a Brasil el 27 de agosto de 2024 están haciendo las maletas para regresar a los EE. UU. mañana, 31 de agosto de 2024.
Como el lunes 2 de septiembre de 2024 es feriado en los EE. UU. (Labor Day), no hay posibilidad de horario bancario en la Plataforma de Reno (Nevada/EE. UU.), por lo que lo que se decidió en la reunión dentro del Banco Central el 29 de agosto de 2024 es que el START global se realizará el 3 de septiembre de 2024 (próximo martes), cuando Brasil BR, EE. UU. y los demás países que componen este proyecto que abarca 47 países (y sus respectivos Bancos Centrales), después de varias pruebas y ajustes detallados,
finalmente podrán proceder de manera sincronizada y simultánea con la liberación y liquidación de las operaciones financieras de las que forman parte (destaco que en Brasil BR Las operaciones liberadas y aprobadas para pago son LTN y TDA, las cuales fueron unificadas dentro de una misma plataforma).
También me enteré que el plazo para distribuir los valores a las nóminas de los Gestores que los recibirán comenzará el 4 de septiembre de 2024 y se extenderá hasta el 13 de septiembre de 2024.
- Dr. Eduardo Tavares (30 de agosto de 2024). EDUARDO TAVARES, Profesor del CEA y Socio Fundador de Mundo Financiero - Especialista en Finanzas Corporativas y Banca de Inversión de FIA Business School.
Peter Wong Ex CEO de Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation El Sr. Peter TS Wong es Vicepresidente y CEO de Asia-Pacífico de The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited ("HSBC"). Es CEO del Grupo y miembro del Consejo de Administración del Grupo HSBC. -----
Gracias RS por compartir 👍
Es buena información y sabemos que a pesar de que mañana es día festivo en Estados Unidos, el personal involucrado ha estado trabajando incluso los domingos (dicho por Zorra).
Entonces veremos si esto tiene que ver con el grupo T4B ya que hay muchas plataformas y grupos con diferentes esquemas de pago...
The Unfolding Saga of Iraq's "Theft of the Century"
In the tense political landscape of Iraq, a financial scandal of unprecedented scale has gripped the nation, earning the dramatic moniker "Theft of the Century". This scandal, involving the embezzlement of a staggering $2.5 billion in public funds, has sparked widespread outrage and highlighted the deep-rooted corruption plaguing the country.
The details of the heist, which occurred between September 2021 and August 2022, continue to emerge, painting a grim picture of corruption and complicity at the highest levels of government. The funds were systematically siphoned through 247 cheques cashed by five companies, and subsequently withdrawn in cash from the firms' accounts.
Arrest Warrants and Fugitives
In a significant development, an Iraqi criminal court issued arrest warrants for a businessman, Nour Zuhair, and a former government official, Haitham Al-Juburi, for their alleged roles in the scandal.
Both suspects are on the run, with their current whereabouts unknown. Zuhair was briefly detained at Baghdad airport in October 2022, only to be released on bail after returning over $125 million and pledging further payments. Juburi also returned some of the embezzled funds before disappearing.
The "Theft of the Century" and Its Aftermath
The theft has ignited public anger and prompted calls for accountability and reform. The Federal Integrity Commission, led by Judge Haidar Hanoon, has vowed to wage a "decisive anti-corruption campaign" in the face of this scandal.
Hanoon has expressed frustration over the undermining of the Commission's efforts and the mysterious disappearance of crucial files related to the case against Zuhair.
Corruption in Iraq: A Systemic Challenge
The "Theft of the Century" is not an isolated incident but part of a larger pattern of corruption that has plagued Iraq since the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime in 2003. Despite the staggering scale of this particular embezzlement, it is estimated to represent only a fraction—perhaps 1 percent—of the total lost to corruption over the past two decades.
The Battle Against Corruption
As of September 7, 2024, the battle against corruption in Iraq remains ongoing, with the "Theft of the Century" serving as a stark reminder of the challenges the country faces. The real question now is whether the Iraqi government can muster the political will and resources to address this systemic issue and restore public trust.
Local The theft of the century has mixed up its cards and its rope has been lost in its arrows
Information/Report.. In a dramatic scene starring the head of the Parliamentary Integrity Commission, Haider Hanoun, and amidst intense anger and excitement, he announced, yesterday, Wednesday, the start of the real battle against corruption, during the press conference he held in Erbil, dedicated to revealing the secrets of the theft of the century that shook political circles in Iraq, and the repercussions of the main accused, Nour Zuhair, leaving the country despite the decision to prevent him from traveling before his appearance from Lebanon on satellite channels and his threat to reveal prominent names involved in the case.
Hanoun revealed that Nour Zuhair was involved in stealing customs deposits worth more than a trillion dinars, demanding “holding a session in the presence of Judge Diaa Jaafar to reveal the full facts to the public.”
These repercussions have mixed things up and complicated the scene that expresses the extent of corruption in Iraq. Will those in charge of this file be able to end corruption or will they continue to revolve in its vortex by exchanging accusations?
On March 15, the head of the Integrity Commission revealed the fate of the defendants in the theft of the century case, while confirming that the main defendant, Nour Zuhair, and 30 others will be tried soon, indicating that Nour Zuhair’s case is currently with the judiciary to complete the lawsuit procedures and that the investigation court is working to complete some of the funds, and then go to the subject court to try them according to the law.
Al-Fatah Alliance leader Ali Al-Fatlawi criticized the way the head of the Integrity Commission appeared in his press conference yesterday, Wednesday, which is incorrect, even if the accusations are true, indicating that attacking two basic pyramids in the state, integrity and the judiciary, must be done in ways that are far from media defamation.
Al-Fatlawi told Al-Maalouma Agency, "The way the head of the Integrity Commission appeared yesterday, Wednesday, at the press conference was not appropriate for a person who stands at the top of the most important oversight institution."
He added that "hitting two fundamental pyramids in the state, integrity and the judiciary, must be done with a real stance and official evidence without resorting to the media," calling on "the government and parliament to take a serious stance and take real measures against any person."
For his part, MP Haider Al-Salami called for holding a public session to host the head of the Integrity Commission, Haider Hanoun.
Al-Salami told Al-Maalouma Agency that the Integrity Commission is an important institution concerned with many files related to combating corruption and uncovering the threads of money theft operations. What its chairman, Haider Hanoun, raised yesterday in a press conference included important points related to pressures, the secrets of some files, interventions, and the pace of their completion.
He called on the Presidency of the House of Representatives to "hold a public session to host the Chairman of the Integrity Commission and the Corruption Court Judge to clarify the facts, noting that it is impossible to turn a blind eye to the encroachment on public funds and the plundering of the country's wealth."
He pointed out that "holding the session will provide more facts, stressing his rejection of mortgaging the country's wealth for narrow personal and partisan interests."
Meanwhile, the spokesman for the State of Law Coalition, MP Aqil Al-Fatlawi, confirmed today, Thursday, that a number of members of the House of Representatives will go to host the head of the Integrity Commission, Haider Hanoun, while he called for the formation of a committee to investigate what Hanoun had proposed.
Al-Fatlawi said in a statement followed by / Al-Maalouma /, "The meeting of the Coordination Framework discussed yesterday what was raised by the head of the Integrity Commission during the press conference he held in Erbil," indicating that "the Coordination Framework always stresses the necessity of respecting the decisions of the judiciary."
He added, "A number of members of the House of Representatives will go to host the head of the Integrity Commission, Haider Hanoun, calling for the formation of a committee to investigate what Hanoun proposed."
Yesterday, the head of the Integrity Commission, Haider Hanoun, appeared in a press conference in which he confirmed that he was subjected to pressure not to reveal corruption files, while he revealed corruption files. LINK
The video discusses Iraq’s monetary policy, focusing on currency localization and upcoming meetings to address salary distribution and economic stability.
Highlights
💼 Employee Salaries: Discussion on the ongoing crisis regarding employee salaries in the Kurdistan region and the need for localization.
📅 Key Meetings: Upcoming meetings between Iraqi finance officials and regional leaders to resolve salary issues.
📈 Monetary Policy: Insights into how open market operations will impact currency liquidity and Iraq’s economy.
🔗 Global Integration: Highlighting Iraq’s efforts for international currency integration and collaboration with global financial institutions.
🚀
XRP Mention: Reference to XRP’s role in aiding Iraq’s financial transactions and the upcoming Discord channel for discussions.
Key Insights
🌍 Localization of Salaries: Localizing salaries through federal banks can streamline payments and improve transparency in employee compensation. This is crucial for economic stability.
🤝 High-Level Meetings: The involvement of top officials from Baghdad and the Kurdistan region indicates a serious commitment to resolving outstanding economic issues that affect citizens.
📊 Open Market Operations: Iraq’s open market operations can significantly influence monetary policy, affecting inflation control and economic growth by managing liquidity effectively.
💡 Technological Integration: The use of advanced technologies, including AI, in monetary policy management shows Iraq’s commitment to modernizing their financial systems for efficiency and transparency.
💱
International Currency Strategy: Iraq’s collaboration with global financial entities like JP Morgan and the integration of XRP signal a strategic shift towards international currency operations, enhancing global trade.
🔄 Banking System Overhaul: Proposed reforms in the banking sector aim to improve the efficiency of monetary supply and maintain price stability, which is vital for attracting foreign investment.
FRANK26: "AFTER 33 YEARS THE SWISS ALSO DO NOT PLAY WITH A PROGRAM RATE".........F26
To strengthen economic relations.. Reopening of the Swiss embassy in Baghdad
9/3/2024
Switzerland today reopened its embassy in Iraq, after a 33-year hiatus.
This step, which comes within the framework of the Federal Council's strategy for the Middle East and North Africa region 2021-2024, aims to strengthen bilateral relations with Iraq, and deepen cooperation in the fields of economy, security and migration.
The Swiss Federal Council confirmed in a statement followed by "Al-Eqtisad News" that "this step aims to strengthen bilateral relations with Iraq, and deepen cooperation in the fields of economy, security and immigration."
He added that "the security situation in Iraq has witnessed a significant improvement in recent years, and it has entered a new phase of economic development and is strengthening its role as a regional mediator.
He said: "Iraq is making continuous efforts to enhance peace and security in the region, and today it has more than 50 embassies from different countries in Baghdad, including Austria, France, Italy and Germany.
He added, "The new embassy will focus on strengthening relations between Switzerland and Iraq, enhancing cooperation in the fields of economy, security and peace, and promoting Swiss interests. . LINK
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Iraq renews partnership with Swiss global company Roche to enhance therapeutic capabilities
9/3/2024
Baghdad
The Ministry of Health announced today, Tuesday, the renewal of its strategic partnership with the Swiss company "Roche", explaining that this comes within the framework of the ongoing efforts to develop the services provided to the Iraqi citizen and to complete the plans to enhance health care and advance the sector in general and move towards digital transformation.
The ministry said in a statement received by "Al-Eqtisad News" that "Roche, the Swiss company, is one of the world's leading companies in the pharmaceutical industry. This renewal comes after a year of fruitful cooperation between the two parties, which witnessed the launch of several ambitious projects aimed at improving the quality of health care in Iraq and enabling citizens to access innovative and high-quality health services."
She added, "This renewal includes several pivotal points, including focusing on enhancing digital transformation in the Iraqi health sector, which comes through developing national digital tools and solutions, which aim to improve the health decision-making process and provide distinguished health care based on data and value.
It was also agreed to continue educational initiatives targeting local communities to raise awareness of the importance of early detection of diseases, which contributes to improving treatment opportunities and reducing the exacerbation of disease conditions, according to the ministry’s statement.
For his part, Minister of Health Saleh Al-Hasnawi expressed his happiness with the continuation of the partnership with Roche, noting that "this cooperation reflects the ministry's commitment to developing the health sector in Iraq, and benefiting from international expertise to provide health services that are in line with the highest international standards."
In turn, Ayman Haj Ibrahim, Director of Roche in Iraq, stressed that the company is committed to providing its best expertise and resources to support the efforts of the Iraqi Ministry of Health in advancing the health sector.
The Ministry of Health statement quoted Haj Ibrahim as saying, "The strategic partnership with the Ministry of Health is an important step in achieving our shared vision to improve health services in Iraq, and close cooperation between the two sides enables maximum benefit to provide integrated care solutions for the Iraqi patient."
This was confirmed by Dr. Ahmed Sami, representative of the Ministry of Health and General Manager of the General Company for Marketing Drugs (Kimadia), who commented by saying, “The healthcare sector in Iraq is witnessing great developments, and with the support of our global partners such as Roche, we are confident that we can achieve more achievements. Digital transformation and enhancing diagnostic capabilities are an integral part of our future plans, and we are committed to continuing to work with our partners to achieve the best results for Iraqi citizens.”
Roche operates in more than 100 countries around the world, leveraging its strengths in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics to provide integrated solutions that meet patients’ needs and enhance the effectiveness of health systems.
The company has successfully developed a distinguished group of medicines in various fields, including oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, eye diseases, central nervous system diseases, and others.
Legal expert: Restoring relations contributes to recovering funds smuggled from Iraq and held by Swiss authorities
9/3/2024
Legal expert, Counselor Salem Hawas, confirmed that the reopening of Switzerland's embassy in Baghdad is a door of international public law, which emphasizes the necessity of restoring diplomacy after its interruption, on the one hand, and contributing to reviewing the agreements on the extradition of funds and the extradition of fugitive criminals.
Hawas said in a statement: "The reopening of Switzerland's embassy in Baghdad, after an interruption and closure that lasted more than 33 years due to the Gulf War in 1991, is a positive indicator. These relations were supposed to be restored since the beginning of the fall of the regime, not after 21 years have passed, because it is a period of time that has missed the opportunity for Iraq, Iraqis, and the Iraqi judiciary to prevent the prosecution of criminals and public funds detained in Switzerland."
Hawass explained: "The Swiss Federal Council certainly aims, through this and through the reopening of the embassy, to strengthen bilateral relations with Iraq and consolidate cooperation in the fields of justice, economic law, security and immigration. Therefore, these important relations must be invested in the judicial, legal, constitutional and economic levels and resolve the file of smuggled funds from Iraqis and held by the Swiss authorities for more than 33 years."
Hawass explained,"What confirms the good intentions of the Swiss side is the delivery of three smuggled artifacts dating back to the Assyrian civilization, which are the statue of the Assyrian sun god, and two murals dating back to the Assyrian era before Christ," which in our estimation confirms good intentions, in addition to the delivery of ancient artifacts dating back to the legal Hammurabi Stele, which the Iraqi government received from Switzerland two years ago. This ensures the credibility of legal, judicial and constitutional dealings and the principle of reciprocity.
