Oil companies in Iraqi Kurdistan halt exports until payments issue resolved
DNO, the Norwegian company, stated on Thursday that international oil companies operating in the Kurdistan region of Iraq will not export oil through a pipeline until the issue of late payments, which amounts to around one billion dollars, is resolved.
The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), Iraq, and oil producers lost $7 billion after Turkey closed the oil pipeline in March, according to the Association of the Petroleum Industry of Kurdistan (APIKUR) in mid-October.
DNO and the five other members of APIKUR will resume pipeline exports once they receive their contractual entitlements for the already sold and exported oil.
The company owed over $300 million in accumulated debt to the KRG from previous oil sales in 2022 and 2023.
Turkey halted Iraq’s 450,000 barrels of daily oil exports via pipeline from Kurdistan to Ceyhan port on March 25.
Turkey suspended its oil exports due to an arbitration decision by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Paris.
Due to the KRG’s oil exports without permission from the federal government in Baghdad between 2014 and 2018, Turkey was obliged to pay Baghdad $1.5 billion in compensation for the damages caused.
In 2013, the KRG started exporting crude oil on their own, which was considered illegal by Baghdad.
Turkmenistan and Iraq signed a deal in Ashgabat on Wednesday to supply 9 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually for five years.
The gas will be transported through Iran in a swap arrangement, according to state-run Turkmengaz.
Iraq’s Ministry of Electricity confirms the meeting but provides no information about the duration or volume.
The complete statement from Turkmengaz:
Representatives of the State Concern Türkmengaz met with a delegation from the Republic of Iraq, led by Minister of Electricity Ziad Ali Fadel, in Ashgabat on Wednesday.
During the meeting, the parties discussed issues related to the organization of Turkmen natural gas supplies to Iraq via Iran under the SWAP scheme.
During the meeting, the parties discussed the legal, commercial, financial, and organizational aspects of their future joint activities in the gas industry. They were able to reach an agreement and signed a Protocol that outlined the main commercial terms of the deal. As per the agreement, Turkmen natural gas will be sold to the Republic of Iraq for a period of 5 years. A total of 9 billion cubic meters of gas will be transported annually through Iran to Iraq under the SWAP scheme.
In October of this year, the State Concern “Turkmengas” and the Ministry of Electricity of the Republic of Iraq signed a Memorandum of Understanding. This move is part of Turkmenistan’s efforts to diversify the supply of natural gas to world markets. With its abundant reserves of natural gas, Turkmenistan is actively pursuing international proposals in the energy sector. This includes participation in significant energy projects like the Turkmenistan-China, Turkmenistan-Iran, Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipelines, as well as the development of high-voltage power transmission lines from Turkmenistan to Iran and Afghanistan.
Ashgabat is currently considering several states from the Far, Middle, and Middle East, South, and Southeast Asia as promising partners who are showing keen interest in collaborating with Turkmenistan in the energy sector. One of these potential partners is the Republic of Iraq. It is worth noting that Turkmenistan has established itself as a responsible and trustworthy partner over the years of working with foreign states and companies, by carrying out joint activities based on the principles of mutual trust, respect, good neighborliness, and transparency.
Welcome everybody to the big call tonight - It is Thursday, November 9th, and you're listening to the big call. Thanks for tuning in everybody all around this globe as we refer to the audience as big call universe. Thank you for listening and tuning in. And we're looking forward to having a great call tonight - Got a lot of cool things to share - So let's, cut the intel and we'll see where we stand.
First of all today was interesting, because I'm trying to reconstruct where we were Tuesday night, two nights ago knowing that we would likely be notified yesterday,
Wednesday, and we had timing. We had a timeline, we had certain things that we knew it happened, and a few of them happened, but not our numbers. Let's go back and reconstruct that a little bit.
What we were looking for Tuesday night, was the go ahead from the military. We got to have yesterday. We were looking for the green light from the Treasury. We got that yesterday.
And we were looking for activation codes from the Treasury to the redemption centers. We got that yesterday. That was to occur between 6pm Yesterday would have been Wednesday evening 6pm anytime from then all the way to 10am in the morning, this morning.
The Redemption centers got those that already had rates on the back screens. This enabled them to have the rates on the front screens as well.
So they entered those codes.
We know that that occurred yesterday, because we got worried about those rates on both front and back screens at the redemption centers. Notice I haven't said anything about banks yet.
So we had that good information. The next piece was - once the redemption centers received those activation codes - They would be able to release the toll free numbers to us any time after 10:30 In the morning, yesterday. And we waited and waited and looked past lunch in the afternoon. It was obviously wasn’t going to happen yesterday. We just didn't get it –
Now we had a couple of different email updates yesterday to the best of our knowledge – we had this happening in Iraq. We knew that in Kurdistan, the northern most province, Iraq,
that there were certain people trying to bring in USD across the borders and to go into Iraq with our old USD money which is not allowed.
There's no USD being used in Iraq except in the airport in Baghdad. When Americans are there to use it, very limited, very limited.
So to where we are with today's information, first of all regarding Iraq, very early in the morning today, Friday, very early this morning the ATM machines which have been loaded with lower denomination dinar – new - but lower denominations – meaning being 5 / 10 / 20 /50 / 100’s - sort of like we would have 20s in our ATMs. I don't know how many different denominations they have. We know many they have, but how many the ATMs are loaded with those are activated early this morning for the first time – that’s new - .we haven't hit up before.
So the lower denomination dinar are in the ATMs and were utilized. starting this morning. So the reaction to the let's call it ban on Fiat USD currency to be used in Iraq - and not to be used anymore.
That's one aspect of why we didn't go this morning.
Then we also heard that there were orders finely defined for Israel and for Palestine - I believe that was either yesterday or the day before those were defined. They needed to be done and regarded as such, under GESARA.
That's something that they have taken care of let's call, hopefully the fighting going on in southern Israel as been abaited - They shelling the bombs, all of that - hope because we've all been praying for the peace of Jerusalem and the peace in Israel and in the Middle East at large.
All right, so let's come back to where we are. We talked about Iraq, and where they are Now. this information is very fresh. I mean, just a half an hour before the big call tonight.
So we heard that redemption centers had two conference calls. one this afternoon and one white at 5:30 - 1 Was at 3:00 what was it 530 Eastern Time and these were to go over the final details, last minute touches.
Before we go, and this was from - Well I'm not sure it was from Wells Fargo, or whether it was from treasury –chances are any conference calls to the redemption centers are being at least participated in by both Wells Fargo corporate and also by the Treasury.
Alright, so they had those two calls. But they did say that this came off the calls that we should have our notifications delivered to us by email tomorrow late morning.
Let's give them until noon but late morning is 1030 or 11 o'clock. Sometime in that timeframe. We should finally get the 800 numbers in those notifications. We set our appointments and theoretically we would start tomorrow.
Now Veterans Day is Saturday. I know my bank is closed on Saturday, but open tomorrow. So the banks as far as we can tell are open. Now whether the banks are open or not, does not affect redemption centers being open.
You realize we talked about the redemption centers getting the activation codes that allow them to see on front end back screen the rates on all the currencies that we've talked about, and the banks have yet to receive that notification. All they have is rates on their back screen at the banks - They don't have front screen rates yet.
I don't know when they're gonna get those so remember when we use the toll free number we are directed to the redemption centers. Okay, that's a really good thing and that's what we'll do. We'll set appointments,
People that don't believe in the 800 numbers. They don't believe in redemption centers. People that don't. They're telling people on calls something other than that - go pound sand you really don't know what you're talking about. You really don't. So we put that to rest, I think Tuesday night but as they didn't get it, they can get it again now.
The other thing is we haven't talked much about the rate of interest that we will be paid on primary or secondary Wells Fargo accounts - this may also apply to other banks.
But our accounts initially at the redemption centers are all overseen by Wells Fargo. So therefore even Chase bank would have an oversight by Wells Fargo.
Okay, our redemption of zim and the exchange of currencies. And so it's what is really interesting is we just heard today they decided on a rate of interest that we would be paid annually and it's called APY annual percentage yearly - the rate that they have agreed to pay us at least Wells Fargo is 8.45 just under eight and a half - 8.45% -
You guys that is a terrific interest rate on the money that we have moved from our quantum account into our primary or secondary accounts is your quantum account, which you make no interest on with your primary or secondary accounts with Wells Fargo Bank. So that is terrific.
And I'm going to ask to see if they can apply that to us and pay us that interest quarterly for me. What I would prefer to get the amount of quarterly and then divide that to LLC accounts as I need it for the projects.
So that's a new number we haven’t heard until today. 8.45 to A P y - Annual Percentage Yearly - now that could change. Just like rates could change - But don't confuse interest rate, currency exchange rate .
Right, totally different things - .
So that the information that we're getting is looking like we should finally get the notifications tomorrow.
I'm going to say late morning.
We'll see what that looks like. And then we'll go ahead and set our appointments. And as far as I can tell, quite possibly start our exchanges tomorrow.
And redemption centers should be open all the way through Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday for at least two weeks and about two weeks. Now this is an interesting factoid both of you in Florida - Orlando and Miami will have redemption centers working around the clock redemptions in those two cities in Florida
In Tejas or Texas - You got the same thing in Dallas and Houston. Now it doesn't mean every redemption center -I know at least some of them will be 24/7 round the clock exchanges, and they're taking shifts.
They'll either be six hour shifts in that case or maybe 8 hr shifts and usually the shifts will over lap half an hour at the redemption centers. So that tells us really, how close we are now.
Here's another thing that we had verified this morning.
We got word at 9am. Eastern this morning, that the RV - the exchanges had started in the UK and in France today.
Remember they are 6 hours ahead so that the only two areas in Europe and of course the UK is not Europe I know but its close ok - now I cannot absolutely guarantee that happened. But we did have confirmations come from sources that we trust that spoke to people over there that says that that's what has occurred.
So that's a good thing. If that happened, great. If not, they're close, just like we're close.
So this thing I think what was interesting was it did get started, let's go to bondholders for a minute - We know the super whales were taken care of already last week. And my understanding is that some not all course some bond holders but half a million dollars it's a little more than walking around money I know that - that they did get that against the value of their bonds that they've already hypothecated
and they should have the rest of their money and not just 10% of it.
All of it available to them. Starting Tuesday- talking about bondholders - so some of them got half a million - probably a pretty good sized players - and some of them will get a decent amount but not that much.
And most of the bondholders are worth quite a bit more than that quite a bit more. Especially the tier three whales and super whales. So they're all trying to balance out get a sort of a shotgun start.
And let's see what happens with that for us tomorrow. I'm hoping everything comes in as everyone heard it would. I don't like getting Intel and putting it out believing that we're in this position and then find out that we weren't in that position
- because of something else. So I think information is solid. We'll know tomorrow. Before noon let's say whether it has been solid or not.
I believe hopefully it will be we’re going to pray it is in place.
All right, so I wanted to bring to you guys tonight in the way of update in the way of Intel and I think this is going to do it for us. We don't know when it just realized this you guys -
These numbers are coming out for reason. When we go to the redemption centers, we will get the best rates available for this - they are better rates than in the banks are going to guarantee that and it's going to be worth your while to set your appointment and go in to the redemption center that's nearest you.
You'll enter that information on your touchpad on your phone when you call the redemption Center and the toll free number and then you'll get prompted on what to put in and it'll be I think part of what you'll enter is your zip code.
So they will know which redemption center to connect you to on that call to the person who quite possibly will be exchanging you or working with you on your exchange when you get there. Remember the entire appointment they're trying to get done in 30 minutes, including a five to eight minute presentation on your project. Be ready to go with that. I would say let's try to get into it in five minutes or less. You don't have to go into a ton of detail. You just give them an outline of your project ideas.
Now, there's a lot to do. We've gone over it several times on what you're going to be doing that just be confident. Don't get there more than 10 minutes early for your appointment. 10 minutes early is plenty in get in there. They want you in and out and then you can celebrate quietly in your car on the way home or office - is going to be a real different way to wake up not only to the new numbers coming to the 800 numbers, but it'll be different to wake up with all this behind us all this finally behind us.
So let's go ahead and pray the call out now.
Escalating Middle East Tensions Challenge Biden Administration Amid Domestic Concerns
The escalating tensions in the Middle East, as evidenced by the attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria, pose significant challenges for the Biden administration. The situation is further complicated by the broader conflict between Israel and Hamas. The US support for Israel in the Gaza war has triggered a series of drone and rocket attacks on American troops by Iranian-backed militias, resulting in injuries but no fatalities. This has raised concerns about the potential for a wider conflict and the risks of a direct confrontation between Iran and the US.
The Delicate Balance of Power
The Biden administration’s response to the escalating tensions has been cautious, with limited military action taken in the form of targeted airstrikes on Iranian-linked facilities in Syria. There is a delicate balance between deterring further attacks and avoiding a broader escalation of the conflict. The administration has deployed additional military assets, including aircraft carriers and submarines, to the region as a show of force and to protect US troops.
Domestic Challenges and an Underdog Story
The content also highlights the challenges faced by President Biden domestically, with poor polling numbers ahead of the 2024 elections. The handling of the situation in the Middle East and the broader foreign policy challenges are likely to impact the administration’s standing. Additionally, the unexpected rise of an underdog in the Cricket World Cup serves as a contrast to the geopolitical tensions, offering a different perspective on competition and resilience.
A Complex Regional Tapestry
The situation in the Middle East is complex, with multiple stakeholders involved, including Iran, Iraqi militias, and the US. The Iranian-backed militias’ attacks on US forces reflect their opposition to American support for Israel and their broader regional ambitions. The Biden administration faces the challenge of managing these tensions while also addressing domestic concerns and maintaining a delicate balance in its foreign policy approach.
The content provides insights into the potential for further escalation, the limitations of military responses, and the need for proactive diplomacy to mitigate the risks of a wider conflict. It also underscores the broader geopolitical dynamics at play, including the involvement of regional actors and the implications for US foreign policy in the Middle East.
The analysis of the content reveals the intricate interplay between military, diplomatic, and political dimensions in the context of the Middle East tensions. It underscores the importance of nuanced and strategic decision-making by the Biden administration to navigate the complex challenges posed by the escalating conflict and its impact on both domestic and international fronts.
One of the salient findings of the investigation relates to the Director of Agriculture in Diwaniya, who was implicated in the unauthorized disbursement of 200 million dinars, contrary to legal provisions. This activity was executed without acquiring the necessary approvals from the legal department of the ministry and the governorate, resulting in a violation of the law as stipulated in Article 331 of the Penal Code.
Moreover, the commission’s investigative branch uncovered irregularities related to the employment of 196 teachers and administrators in different schools across the governorate. These individuals were appointed without their names being included in the administrative orders issued by the Directorate of Education. Instances of forged appointment orders, including one involving an individual previously sentenced to 15 years in prison, were also identified.
Irregularities in Property Transactions and Misallocation of Funds
The investigations also revealed misconduct in the registration of property transactions at the Land Registry Office, with an individual found to be processing transactions without the requisite legal authority. Former officials from the municipal directorate in Diwaniya were found to have issued 22 certificates amounting to over 100 million dinars, despite the lack of financial resources. The improper allocation of commercial land for lease at non-market rates was also highlighted, causing loss to public funds.
Systemic Issues and the Need for Robust Measures
The findings of the Integrity Commission’s investigation highlight systemic issues related to financial mismanagement, abuse of authority, and non-compliance with legal and administrative procedures within the public sector in the Diwaniya governorate. These revelations raise concerns about the misuse of public funds, lack of oversight, and the need for robust measures to ensure accountability and transparency in governance.
The disclosure of these irregularities by the Integrity Commission serves as an important step towards addressing corruption and malpractice within government institutions. It underscores the significance of upholding ethical standards, adherence to legal frameworks, and the need to combat financial misconduct to safeguard public resources and ensure effective service delivery to citizens.
The revelations made by the Integrity Commission call for swift and decisive actions to rectify the identified malpractices, hold those responsible to account, and implement measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future, fostering a culture of integrity, accountability, and good governance in the public sector.