Thursday, October 19, 2023

Common agreement between Erbil-Baghdad is essential for a stable Iraq: Dutch Ambassador, 19 OCT

 Common agreement between Erbil-Baghdad is essential for a stable Iraq: Dutch Ambassador

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) –  Dutch Ambassador Hans Sandee told Kurdistan 24 on Wednesday on the sidelines of the MERI Forum, that there should be a solid and comprehensive agreement on all outstanding issues between Erbil and Baghdad.

“There should be a common agreement about budgetary issues, they are really essential, both for Baghdad and for the Kurdistan region. But also of course, such a solution should be found within the parameters of the constitution and also of the budgetary law,” he said.

Read More: PM Masrour Barzani discusses importance of resolving Erbil-Baghdad issues with US Deputy Secretary

Moreover, he referred to the statements of Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert to the UN Security Council on Oct. 10, where she mentioned the recent Erbil-Baghdad agreement on giving loans to the Kurdistan Region “is temporary in nature and therefore not enough.”

“Hence, more and urgent work lies ahead so as to avoid a new period of uncertainty for the Region’s public servants,” she said.

“I really can only support what she said that there should be a solid, comprehensive agreement on all the outstanding issues between Erbil and Baghdad,”  Dutch Ambassador Sandee added.

“Because it's key and crucial that this relationship is a positive one and a stable one and a stable Kurdistan is important for a stable Iraq and a stable Iraq is important for the whole of the MENA region.”

Furthermore, he said the Netherlands has cooperation with the KRG on an institutional level and also has a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kurdistan Region. Ambassador Sandee also said the Netherlands has several agricultural projects, when it comes to potatoes and seeds, and business and business cooperation.

Read More: Great potential in Kurdistan Region’s agriculture sector: Dutch Consul General

“We try to stimulate these businesses to do business here in the Kurdistan region, and are quite successful. Many of the interlocutors when I'm here in Kurdistan really appreciate the role of the Dutch companies and the Dutch potatoes, you can now call them Kurdish potatoes, which are mentioned everywhere. So that's really good to hear.”

Moreover, he said that the Netherlands supports Iraq and the Kurdistan Region when it comes to security and stability.

Read More: Dutch to deploy additional troops in Iraq

The Netherlands have deployed a total of 281 Dutch troops in Iraq. This includes a total of 11 Dutch soldiers stationed in the Kurdistan Region to advise and assist Kurdish Peshmerga forces. 

“When it comes to the security and stability of Iraq, but also of the Kurdistan Region, the Netherlands is and will remain committed,” the Dutch Ambassador Sandee said.

Read More: Iraq and Kurdistan Region need to clearly define ‘federalism’, says President Nechirvan Barzani

“So we also will remain to support the Peshmerga reform and of course, having said that, we also have to note that the progress when it comes to the (Peshmerga) reform is limited. There was progress, definitely, also the president Nechirvan Barzani referred to that yesterday in the MERI Forum, but the progress is not enough.”

“So definitely more steps, quicker steps, have to be taken there. That's important. And that's also in the interest of the Peshmerga themselves.” 

The Dutch Ambassador Sandee also said the Sinjar agreement must be implemented as fast as possible. Kurdish officials as well as UN officials have underlined that the agreement signed in Oct. 2020 has not been implemented.

“It's a complicated situation, given all the actors active and around Sinjar, especially also the non-state actors,” he said.

“But as soon as it's being implemented, the better, but of course it should also be implemented in a sustainable, durable manner. For instance, if Yezidi’s return, there should be real prospects for them to make good livelihoods to make a decent living there,” he added.

Read More: Yezidi survivors meet with Dutch policy makers, Dutch FM

He underlined that the Netherlands does a lot to help support the Yezidi’s, and other minorities, to promote their interest through programs and activities in Iraq.


PM Barzani, Iraqi CBI governor discuss banking reform, anti-money laundering efforts, 18 OCT

 PM Barzani, Iraqi CBI governor discuss banking reform, anti-money laundering efforts, 18 OCT

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Thursday discussed the ongoing reform in the banking sector as well as the anti-money laundering efforts with the Iraqi Central Bank governor in Erbil.

Barzani received CBI Governor Ali al-Allaq and his accompanying delegation in Erbil, where they discussed increasing cooperation between the Kurdistan Region and the federal government, particularly with regard to the banking sector, according to a statement from the premier’s office.

The officials highlighted the reform in the baking sector, efforts to combat money laundering, and economic stability, per the statement.

Barzani briefed the governor on the My Account Initiative, the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) flagship financial inclusion program that aims to digitalize the payment system for public employees in its initial phase.

The premier extended his gratitude for the CBI’s and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani’s support and cooperation with the KRG in this regard, per the statement.

“The Kurdistan Region’s development is a development for all of Iraq,” the premier said.

They agreed to maintain the cooperation and coordination between the two sides for economic development and stability, it added.

The KRG is currently rolling out the My Account Initiative at various government directorates and offices, registering 65,000 employees to the system.

The premier last week visited Erbil Police General Directorate to follow up on the implementation of the financial inclusion program.

Read More: 65,000 public employees registered to MyAccount initiative, says PM Barzani

At least four banks are currently part of the project. The KRG has reached out to other banks to take part in the project, according to top officials.

Around 1,000 ATMs will be installed as part of the project along with points of sale across the Region. The system is currently being carried out in Erbil. The process will begin in Sulaimani and Duhok "soon", the premier said on Oct. 11.

A delegation from Barzani’s office convened with the CBI governor on Oct. 4 in Baghdad and discussed the ongoing project.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/32899-PM-Barzani,-Iraqi-central-bank-governor-discuss-banking-reform,-anti-money-laundering-efforts

RV/RI 'Very Close'💣New IQD Currency = New Rate!?🤔Iraq Dinar RV Updates |...

Al-Sudani proposes unified mechanism to support Gaza, al-Sadr Warns Against mass displacement, 19 OCT

 Al-Sudani proposes unified mechanism to support Gaza, al-Sadr Warns Against mass displacement, 19 OCT

Shafaq News/ Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani on Wednesday unveiled a "unified mechanism" to provide support for Gaza.

Simultaneously, Muqtada al-Sadr, leader of the Sadrist movement, issued a stern warning against the idea of relocating its population to regions like Sinai, Anbar, or Negev.

In an op-ed titled "Prioritizing an End to the War on Gaza for Iraq," published by the Middle East newspaper in London, al-Sudani renewed the country's unwavering stance on the Palestinian right to establish an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital. 

The Iraqi Prime Minister shed light on Iraq's historical role in the region, highlighting their immediate engagement in serious discussions since the outbreak of the conflict in the occupied Palestinian territories. 


He also called on the Arab and Islamic world to unite in response to the plight of Palestinians, highlighting the pressing need for de-escalation, respecting human rights, and exerting pressure on the Zionist entity to halt its aggression on the occupied territories.

Al-Sudani underlined the urgency of putting an end to the ongoing indiscriminate shelling of Gaza, addressing the growing humanitarian crisis, opening corridors, and providing essential aid to the besieged population.

He mentioned their efforts during the visit to Moscow and meeting with President Vladimir Putin, aiming to mobilize the UN Security Council to halt the continuous attacks on Palestinian territories.


The leaders, according to al-Sudani, agreed on a unified mechanism for Arab and Islamic states to deliver humanitarian, medical, and financial aid to the people of Gaza. He called upon the United States and the international community to seriously consider the legitimate demands of the Palestinian people. 

Iraq, al-Sudani said, intends to use its balanced relations with regional states and the international community to pressure for an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza and the rest of the Palestinian territories.


Muqtada al-Sadr voiced a stark objection to any notion of relocating the Palestinian people to Sinai, Anbar, or Negev, warning that such an idea represents the expansion of the war and its internationalization.

He stated that neither the deviant United States nor the Zionists hold any authority over Sinai, Anbar, or Negev. He reiterated that the people of Gaza would not surrender or pave the way for the international terrorism to suppress the resistance factions.

Al-Sadr concluded that normalization neither whitewashes the actions of the Zionists against Gaza nor leads to peace. Instead, it represents expansion and expansionism, targeting Islam, as opposed to targeting those who persecuted Jews in Germany.


https://shafaq.com/en/Iraq-News/Al-Sudani-proposes-unified-mechanism-to-support-Gaza-al-Sadr-Warns-Against-mass-displacement

"IRAQ BOOTS ON THE GROUND REPORT" BY FIREFLY, 19 OCT

 Frank26 (KTFA)

Parliament is the reason why we don’t have a new exchange rate, why we don’t have the new small category notes released yet.  Parliament is demanding…they know what’s going on with the American dollar which is extremely hypocritical.  It’s not even ironic…it’s sickening because they want to know what the problem is.  Guess what, they are the problem.   

[Iraq boots-on-the-ground report]

FIREFLY: TV saying expected changes in the revenues of the 3 budgets.

FRANK: Let’s translate that into simple language… – There’s a change in the revenue …the exchange rate…your new national currency to replace the 3 zero notes coming.  These words are not used in articles today. These words of communication are about the monetary reform are for you Iraqi citizens not for anyone else. Listen to them carefully.

Article:
“Iraq raises the interest rate to 7.5%, and the Economic Council is considering increasing the rate”

IRAQ RAISES ITS INTEREST RATE… BECAUSE THEY ARE GOING TO RAISE THE VALUE OF THE IQD.

JUDY NOTES, 19 OCT

 Judy Note: If you were reading this Update on, or from Operation Disclosure Official, be aware that the information has been redacted. For a complete un-redacted version, see a PDF copy at the end of the Update on Operation Disclosure Official, or read an un-redacted version on the Rumor Mill Website.

Rumored Timeline:

  • The Quantum Financial System (QFS) relies on XRPL, or the XRP Ledger, to be adigital highway upon which financial transactions are conducted securely and at warp speed. The Quantum Trinity: XRPL, XRP, and NESARA – The Financial Game Changer – American Media Group (amg-news.com)
  • On Oct 24 – Nov 6th the Flare Finance Platform launches, changes everything for the banks and enables smart contracts for the XRPL.
  • Starting the fourth week of October Repatriation and Reclamation Allowances would be paid out. The amount of monies paid back will be based on federal taxes paid since the 1940s, interest on mortgages, bank loans, car loans and credit card interest – along with interest earned on those monies over the years. Those 60 and older will be paid in three equal monthly payments for Oct, Nov & Dec. Those 50-60 will get payments over the next 12 months and those younger will be paid out over 15 years, though they have to be employed in order to qualify.
  • Starting sometime in October and continuing for three months Social Security benefits will be significantly higher, topping out at $5,200.
  • Repatriation Allowances for 60 and older will begin the 18th or 25th of Oct. as the beginning of three equal payments over the next three months.
  • Wed. 1 Nov. was the goal to have Currency Exchanges and Zim Bond Redemptions completed, although that date could vary.
  • On Sun. 19 Nov. XRP gold/asset-backed digital currency would be official.
  • Starting 1 Jan. 2024 the fiat US Dollar will be worthless, all currencies across the Globe will be on par 1:1 with each other, Social Security benefits will be much higher and the SS R&R payments start on a monthly basis.
  • In the next three to six months the Rodriguez Trust will begin to administer “universal basic income” for citizens of all GESARA-compliant countries. The amount per individual or family will depend on the status, needs, employment level and age of the person/family and will work to encourage people to work if they can.

Global Currency Reset:

  • Wed. 18 Wolverine: All operations will be closing by the 20th of October which means you can’t buy any more bonds. They will be shutting down. We are that close, guys. The launch algorithms were ready to go on Mon. 16 Oct. Dubai 1 has been released and Dubai 2 could be finished by now.  Banks completed the remaining layers of payments overnight Sun. 15 Oct.
  • Wed. 18 Oct. TNT: The window for the rate change is still open. The word is Thursday going into Friday 19-20 Oct, but it can still be at any minute. It’s the perfect time to change the rate, while the international transactions are shut down to stop the smuggling of US dollars out of the country.
  • Wed. 18 Oct. Texas Snake: The Banker’s only comment today was to remain alert for Reno Bank’s opening on Oct. 19. He should receive advanced alert should this be the trigger. Will advise.
  • Wed. 18 Oct. MarkZ: “On the Bond side there are some with appointments this Friday(20 Oct.) and they are expecting full funding. There are also a couple appointments for over the weekend.”
  • Tues. 17 Oct. Bruce: Redemption Centers would receive emails between 10-11 am EST on Wed. 18 to tell them about notifications. There was a possibility Tier4b could get notified on Wed. 18 Oct. and start appointments on Thurs. 19 Oct.
  • Iraq passed the laws yesterday (Tues. 17 Oct.). There is 5% interest rates on all bank deposits. Iraqi citizens, move your Dinars from under the mattress and deposit them in the bank for profit. Our new automated Banking Systems are waiting to make it happen for you.
  • By Mon. 16 Oct. the Dinar had revalued in Iraq, was fluctuating in value on the back screens of the Forex, though was mainly at $1.47 to the USD in-country. The in-country rate could climb higher, with the international rate being much higher and the Contract rate much higher than that.
  • The Iraqi Dinar has revalued and for the past week has been trading on the back screens of the Forex, putting itself in a position for the new exchange rate that was soon to be made public.
  • Iraqi Banks have been telling Iraqi citizens that the Iraqi Dinar Rate has been changing up in value on the back screens of the Forex and the new rate was about to be announced by the Central Bank of Iraq Board of Directors.
  • The Central Bank of Iraq has suspended Western Union service for international money transfer: https://search4dinar.wordpress.com/2023/10/12/central-bank-of-iraq-suspends-western-union-service-for-international-money-transfer/
  • Iraq has joined BRICS and banned cash withdrawals of US Dollars in Iraq: https://watcher.guru/news/iraq-join-brics-ban-cash-withdrawals-us-dollar
  • On Sun. 15 Oct. the IMF and World Bank held their last meeting.

The rise in oil prices gives Iraq the opportunity to stimulate development away from the excuse of scarcity of financing, 18 OCT

 The rise in oil prices gives Iraq the opportunity to stimulate development away from the excuse of scarcity of financing

The increase in oil prices in the last three months has given Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani a chance to refocus on development issues, particularly those related to industry and agriculture. Due to the shortage of financial resources, the government needs to catch up in these areas.

Specialists in development affairs have advised policymakers in Iraq not to view the current financial abundance as a permanent source of revenue due to the volatility of global energy markets. They recommend investing the funds to the fullest extent through proper planning while also taking measures to protect it from the dangers of corruption that have previously plagued the country. Iraq has lost hundreds of billions of dollars from oil revenues over the last two decades due to crime.

The opportunity presented by surplus oil revenues is a rare chance to embark on a new path of development, which may be the last.

According to estimates, Iraq’s monthly earnings now exceed two billion dollars. The general budget was based on an estimate of the price of a barrel of oil at $70, but it now ranges between $85 and $90. This provides the Iraqi government with a surplus, allowing for budget stability and funding for various development projects in the industrial and agricultural sectors, as well as small projects that are crucial for local development.

Al-Sudani led a meeting of the Supreme Commission for Coordination between the Governorates, where they reviewed the monthly status of ongoing projects, discussed the major problems and obstacles hindering their completion, and proposed solutions to overcome these issues. During the session, the investment map for the governorates of Karbala and Diwaniyah was approved, taking into account the observations made by the Technical Affairs Department in the Coordinating Body between the Governorates. Al-Sudani emphasized the need to prioritize investment in industrial and agricultural projects in all governorates to provide job opportunities and support the government’s development plans and programs.

During the meeting, several issues were discussed related to various aspects of development. These included the educational sector, providing a suitable school environment for students, ensuring potable water in schools, and securing a decent living for the segment of beneficiaries of the social protection network. It was also decided that these beneficiaries would be included in the allocation of residential plots of land in accordance with the controls set by the Ministry of Construction, Housing, and Municipalities. The decision will be made public after its approval.

During the meeting, the government discussed administrative reforms and decided to form a committee led by the General Coordinator for Governorate Affairs, along with the Minister of Finance, representatives from three governorates, and the National Investment Authority. The committee will determine the powers to be transferred to the directors of sub-departments affiliated with the State Real Estate Department in the governorates.

In September of last year, Al-Sudani expressed concern about Iraq’s ability to finance the sustainable development goals due to financial losses incurred during their war against ISIS. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing climate action, as Iraq is considered to be the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

During his participation in the Sustainable Development Goals Summit held in New York, Al-Sudani affirmed Iraq’s commitment to the action plan of the International Conference on Financing for Development, which was held in Addis Ababa in 2015. He also mentioned the international plan that was issued, which calls for the development of integrated national financing frameworks to complement national development strategies. Al-Sudani highlighted the importance of sustainable development and expressed Iraq’s welcome of the summit’s adoption of the political declaration that confirms the urgent need to work seriously towards accelerating the implementation of development goals.

Observers believe that Iraq can no longer use the additional money earned from the rise in oil prices as an excuse for lack of funds, particularly related to climate change consequences.

According to Auk Lootsma, the Special Representative of the United Nations Development Program in Iraq, Iraq is suffering greatly from the impact of climate change. There has been a significant decrease in water levels, which has severely affected the country. The United Nations is currently working with the Iraqi government to help increase the flow of water into the country.

Apart from lower water levels, climate change has brought about a multitude of problems in Iraq, including rising temperatures, loss of biodiversity, sand and dust storms, and electricity shortages. These issues have affected the lives of many Iraqis, as pointed out by Lootsma.

Lootsma emphasized that Iraq has prioritized climate change as part of its national development agenda led by Al-Sudani.

Financial abundance presents an opportunity for Iraq to break development stagnation if protected from corruption that has misused large sums of money.

Iraq had committed to a national development plan prepared by the United Nations Development Program for the period of 2018 to 2022. However, the plan failed to achieve its goals due to insufficient funding. The primary aim of the plan was to achieve sustainable development goals in Iraq. It focused on several key priorities for development, including improving governance, strengthening the private sector, post-conflict reconstruction and development, improving business and investment environments, increasing exports of basic goods, boosting agricultural and industrial production, and enhancing financial and monetary integration with capital markets.

Al-Sudani had promised to gradually shift from a rentier economy by modernizing its functioning. His plan was to focus on the young generation’s potential in building small and medium-sized companies in various fields, including agriculture, industry, information technology, services, and the environment. His vision aimed to create job opportunities and attract both local and international investments.

Many experts believe that the surplus oil revenues present a unique and possibly final opportunity to pave a new path toward agricultural and industrial development. This would help combat the impact of climate change before new price fluctuations or increased government spending eat up the land and resources again.