MarkZ
[via PDK]
“Commission: This week will witness the ratification of the results of the Kurdistan Parliament elections” More news for the HCL? I was always told once
the official announcement that HCL has passed has occurred- we were within days of the RV. That is why we keep watching it
Question: How long will we have to make appointments after the RV?
MarkZ: I heard 30 days. But some contacts believe it will be more like 90 days.
Al-Alak: An Arab consensus on the role of central bank programs in addressing challenges
Mawazine News – Baghdad
Central Bank Governor Ali Al-Alak stressed that the bank focuses on an unconventional policy of direct engagement in the economic stimulus process through its initiatives that support the expansion of the productive base and green projects, while pointing to the existence of an Arab consensus on the role of central bank programs in addressing the challenges.
Al-Alak said in a statement to the official agency, followed by “Mawazen News”, on the sidelines of his participation in the opening of the Arab Week for Sustainable Development Forum in its fifth edition held in the Egyptian capital Cairo, “One of the main axes on which this forum focuses is the role of the banking sector in the sustainable development process, as well as the great challenges facing the Arab economies in terms of the weakness of the productive base, the weakness of financial inclusion and many obstacles that are constantly geneding, and today we also talk to climate change and its impact on the economy and the role of central banks and the banking sector in addressing challenges and risks.”
He added that “there is consensus that the role of central banks and the banking sector has become a pivotal and essential role that should be focused on and willing to develop awareness towards these risks and turn them into real treatment programs.”
“The central bank also focuses as one of the world’s central banks on the unconventional policy of central banks through direct and indirect engagement with economic stimulation through various initiatives that try to expand the productive base as well as green projects,” he said.
He explained that “as a result, the Central Bank gave a license to establish the Green Bank, which will be one of the important links, as well as other projects that support the financing of small and medium-sized enterprises, expanding the base of engagement.”
He pointed out that “the Central Bank supported a broad government program that took a national dimension and represented the process of digital transformation, which is one of the government’s priorities, and we are working together with the direct support of the Prime Minister to provide the requirements of this transformation, which is a fundamental pillar of the digital economy in general.”
He stressed that “these are these important axes, which are being focused on in this conference with a conscious and accurate diagnosis, familiarity and familiarity with all the conditions surrounding the economic challenges, which have also become linked to the challenges of the situation in the region and what requires wise management of the risks that surround the Arab countries.”
EXCERPTS FROM MARKZ
Security Council Extends Mandate of Iraq Assistance Mission for Final 19 Months to Complete Liquidation Phase, Unanimously Adopting Resolution 2732 (2024)
The Security Council extended the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) today for a final 19 month-period until 31 December 2025, after which UNAMI will cease all work and operations except with respect to any remaining liquidation of the Mission.
Unanimously adopting resolution 2732 (2024) (to be issued as document S/RES/2732(2024)), the Council requested that the Secretary-General prepare, in consultation with the Government of Iraq, a transition and liquidation plan to be completed by 31 December for UNAMI to start the transfer of its tasks, as well as the orderly and safe drawdown and withdrawal of its personnel and assets, including identification of an end date for liquidation activities in the country.
The 15-member organ also called on Iraq’s Government to cooperate fully with the UN during UNAMI’s transition, drawdown and liquidation. Further, it commended the Government’s efforts to settle internal issues in Iraq and to make progress towards achieving the milestones set out in the Government’s programme and priorities, including the holding of Iraqi Council of Representatives and Iraqi Kurdistan Region parliamentary elections in due course and other priorities set forth in the resolution.
Taking the floor following the adoption, the representative of the United States, the penholder on Iraq, said: “It is particularly important that the mandate recognizes the role that UNAMI can play in providing technical support for elections, promoting and protecting human rights and facilitating engagement between Iraq and Kuwait to resolve outstanding issues.” Noting Iraq’s dramatic change in recent years and the consequent need to realign the Mission, he said: “Iraq and UNAMI have much to be proud of.” Council members will continue to monitor further progress towards achieving important milestones in the Secretary-General’s forthcoming reports and recommendations, he added.
The Russian Federation’s delegate said most important is that the United States, as file penholder, has taken into account Iraq’s priorities. The Mission’s mandate will be limited to assisting national efforts in areas that Baghdad considers most important. In the 20 years since it was established, UNAMI has fully realized its potential to help restore Iraqi statehood, and now the people of Iraq are ready to assume full responsibility for the country’s political future, she said, voicing firm support for the country’s sovereignty and opposition to any interference in its internal affairs.
The representative of the United Kingdom also highlighted UNAMI’s significant contribution to Iraq over the past 20 years. She welcomed that the adopted resolution prioritizes support for electoral assistance, women’s political participation and human rights during the transition period. Additionally, it allows progress on Kuwaiti missing persons to be realized during the transition, she said.
The representative of China expressed hope that the Secretary-General will prepare a practical transition plan in consultation with Iraq’s Government so that the Mission can complete its withdrawal in a phased, safe, orderly and timely manner. Echoing other delegations, he encouraged UNAMI to communicate closely with Iraq’s Government to ensure a smooth transition and bring its work to a conclusion.
“A new chapter is opening now for Iraq,” said the representative of France. The liquidation must be done in close coordination between Iraq and the UN team, she emphasized, encouraging Iraq to coordinate with the team to ensure a fluid transition. The Council must continue to pay great attention to the issue of missing Kuwaiti people and property, including Kuwait’s national archives, which is an important part of UNAMI’s work, as provided for in resolution 2107 (2013), she added.
The representative of Guyana, speaking also on behalf of Algeria, Mozambique and Sierra Leone, said the resolution charts a new course for the United Nations’ presence and engagement in Iraq as it continues on its path of recovery, reconstruction and democratic consolidation. Their delegations will continue to encourage regional dialogue and cooperation to support Iraq’s long-term stability and prosperity. “The constructive engagement from all Council members has been vital in reaching this unanimous decision and paves the way for its effective implementation,” she concluded.
DINAR REVALUATION REPORT
The United Nations (UN) has recognized Iraq's significant progress in achieving the conditions necessary for a democratic transition. This recognition is reflected in the UN Security Council's decision to end the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) by December 31, 2025, marking a significant milestone in Iraq's journey toward full sovereignty and self-governance.
UNAMI was established in 2003 following the U.S.-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein. The mission's primary tasks included coordinating post-conflict humanitarian and reconstruction efforts and helping restore a representative government in Iraq. Over the years, UNAMI has played a crucial role in supporting Iraq's political transition, including the holding of elections and the promotion of human rights.
The UN Security Council's decision to end UNAMI's mandate by the end of 2025 is a clear acknowledgment of Iraq's progress. The resolution, adopted unanimously, extends UNAMI's mandate for a final 19 months until December 31, 2025. During this period, the mission will focus on completing its remaining tasks, including the transfer of responsibilities to the Iraqi government and the orderly withdrawal of personnel and assets.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has outlined a comprehensive agenda to address key issues such as combatting corruption, addressing unemployment, reducing poverty, reforming the economy, and improving government services. The approval of a three-year budget in June 2023, the largest in Iraq's history, underscores the government's commitment to these goals.
The UN Security Council's resolution also highlights the importance of UNAMI's role in providing technical support for elections, promoting and protecting human rights, and facilitating engagement between Iraq and Kuwait to resolve outstanding issues. The U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Robert Wood, emphasized that Iraq and UNAMI have much to be proud of and that the international community will continue to monitor Iraq's progress.
While the UN's decision is a positive step, it also raises concerns about the potential impact on regional stability and the protection of minority rights. Kurdish parties and other stakeholders have expressed fears about the repercussions of UNAMI's withdrawal, particularly in areas where minority groups are vulnerable.
Despite significant progress, Iraq continues to face security challenges, including the threat from sleeper cells of the Islamic State group and al-Qaida extremists. The Iraqi government has contended that the Iraqi security forces are capable of dealing with these threats, but the international community remains vigilant.
Iraq's transition to a fully democratic and stable state is also complicated by economic and environmental challenges. The country is grappling with issues such as failing public services, deteriorating infrastructure, and the need to transition its economy away from fossil fuels in the context of a worsening climate crisis.
The UN's recognition of Iraq's democratic transition and the decision to end UNAMI's mandate by the end of 2025 are significant milestones. These developments reflect Iraq's progress in achieving the conditions necessary for a democratic and sovereign state. However, the challenges ahead, including regional stability, security threats, and economic and environmental issues, require continued vigilance and support from the international community.
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