Iraq Needs Three Years to Promote Economic Reality ...

28/02/2011

Iraq needs three years to promote economic

BAGHDAD: The economic expert Ghazi al-Kanani, "Iraq needs to be three years for the advancement of economic reality."

Kanani said in a press statement yesterday, "that six months is not enough for radical solutions, but we need for a period of not less than three years in addition to A workshop run (24) hours to get to a quantum leap and good service. "

He called Kanani government to "remedy the situation through the presence of a bona fide attempt to campaign reform and the launch of economic laws, noting that most of the projects being prepared by the Government seven years ago have not been implemented did not knock brick one has enormous benefit to the Iraqi people."

The Liberation Square, and nearby areas last Friday noisy demonstrations to demand better services, and providing the ration card and the fight against rampant corruption in the joints of the state and the elimination of unemployment, despite a curfew declared by the government on vehicles as well as.

Calls not to go out and warn the presence of infiltrators and Baathist supporters of the former regime are trying to target the demonstrators.

http://translate.google.com/translate?js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=1&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.alesbuyia.com%2Findex.asp&sl=ar&tl=en

Message from SaLuSa for 28 February 2011

Message from SaLuSa for 28 February 2011

SaLuSa 28-February-2011

At present the picture in the Middle East is not pretty, and many souls are so eager to bring peace to their region that they risk their lives. Be assured that they are subconsciously aware that they agreed to do so, and their sacrifice will elevate them into the higher Light. Fortunately it will not be in vain and the dark Ones will be dispelled in one way or another. It has been apparent for some time that unrest would escalate and bring about their downfall. Once people power is recognized as able to achieve changes of great magnitude, no government will feel safe. The Light gathers momentum all of the time, and it is going to achieve the goals that people desire. There is therefore every reason to keep relentlessly aiming for total victory, because it will be yours to celebrate.

We are tempted to tell you to expect one thing at the time, but a number of events are reaching completion together. So it is quite possible that there will be a whole string of happenings in a relatively short time. Things are turning in your way and it will certainly be a year of surprises, and they will more than compensate for the unwelcome ones. Of course there are upheavals to come, and that is the price of your freedom. Concentrate on the benefits of the changes, and accept that they cannot come without a major affect upon your lives. We watch over you and are active where we can help to ease situations for you.

Remember that your thoughts and prayers are received, and your consciousness levels collectively recorded. It enables us to check your progress and respond to your petitions for help. We cannot always give you exactly what you want, as there is a greater plan that we work to and obey. However, together we are a force to be reckoned with, and yet our only weapon is that of Love and Light. It is the one thing the dark Ones have no answer to although they will try to take you off your focus, through fear and intimidation. By now you should have learnt enough about their methods to ignore them, and not in any way lose your energy to them. They are not yet a spent force, but time is running out for them very quickly. As always we are aware of their intentions, so they cannot pull any surprises on us. They might as well surrender now and allow the future to be molded by the plans for your Ascension, as nothing can prevent it from taking place.

The Forces of Light have never gathered together on Earth in such numbers for millennia of time. This is of course in accordance with the Divine Plan, and as you know by now many young people are here with quite advanced understanding and abilities. They are spiritually prepared and wise in many ways, and they will lead you out of the lower vibrations. They do not find it easy to fit in with the old ways, and in fact they are with you to help change them. Listen carefully to them as they have much to say and teach you.

Nature is a victim of the upheaval on Earth, and over a long period many species have become extinct. However, there is no total loss as we can transfer them to other planets to continue their evolution. Genetic modification can be carried out if necessary to suit the new planetary conditions they are introduced into. In some cases animals have completed their cycle on Earth, and are released such as happened with the Dinosaurs. Although it is not often noticed, species come and go quite regularly according to needs of the Earth and Humankind. It is also the same for you who were only introduced to Earth as Homo Sapiens quite recently, and that was to accommodate a different type of Man. These matters will be explained in more detail as time passes, and you will learn of your true connection to us. It is far more involved than you might imagine, going back thousands of years.

As you move into and through the higher dimensions, you will appreciate the beauty of creation that has been your potential all along. In some respects you have had visions of what has been possible, and attempted to introduce into your present dimension. You have experimented and achieved some success and the soul within has “felt” the idea, but been unable to fully express it. Yet when you rise up it will all become so much easier, and your creations will be of the Light. Nothing will be beyond your capabilities, and all will depict the absolute harmony that exists within the higher dimensions. Furthermore, everything is alive with levels of consciousness that will give you the experience of talking with not just animals, but also any living creation such as for example plants. On Earth they have consciousness, and do respond to the energies around them. It is not unknown for people to talk to their plants, and find that as a result they become more beautiful and healthy.

Life will become entirely different to what it is now, and one continuously happy and joyful event. The demands made upon you now will cease and there will be no place for drudgery or boredom. Everything is exciting and continually filling you with Light and Love. Most importantly you are always totally energized, and do not experience the tiredness and fatigue that is a normal part of your day-to-day life at present. Because you replenish your energy as you go along, there is no need for long sleep periods as necessary on Earth. You may rest and relax but your body is of a higher vibration, and does not need long regular re-energizing. So Dear Ones, you have so much to look forward to, which makes any efforts you need to make in readiness for Ascension so worthwhile.

Allow for great changes to come with Ascension, clearly not all at once but as a process of evolution that is always taking place. Duality is simply the result of being in the lower vibrations, where matter is so solid and dense that it can attract what you might call the impurities. These are in the form of disease that cannot exist in the higher vibrations. The lower they become the greater the possibility exists of more deadly diseases. Conditions are not helped of course by Man’s insistence on introducing chemicals into agriculture, and into the food chain. Your body is very resilient and adaptable, but will eventually become poisoned as a result.

I am SaLuSa from Sirius, and hope you understand what a wonderful opportunity to rise up is coming with Ascension.

Thank you SaLuSa.

Mike Quinsey.

http://www.treeofthegoldenlight.com/First_Contact/mike_quinsey/channeled%20messages/February%202011/salusa__28february2011.htm

Hamoudi Receives Minister of Finance, Rafie al-Issawi

February 28, 2011

Hamoudi Receives Minister of Finance, Rafie al-Issawi

President of the Foreign Relations Committee in the Cil of Representatives this afternoon in his office on Monday, 2/28/2011 in Baghdad HE Minister of Finance. Rafie al-Issawi to discuss the latest developments in the Iraqi arena and the issue of adoption of the budget and the role of the Iraqi people to be amended before approval.

The eighth of the Iraqi people the role of parties in the follow-up and direction exercised by the duration of post-Saddam Hussein buried in particular his role in the recent amend the budget prior to approval and conversion of the official budget to balance the people.

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ar&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.irqnta.com%2F

Baghdad and Beijing Agree to Develop Economic Cooperation (same subject - different source)

Related article ~ Chapter 7 ~ Iraq and China ~ Chinese: We are ready to complete the requirements to lift international sanctions ('bout time) ...

February 26, 2011

Baghdad and Beijing agree to develop economic cooperation

Agreed Baghdad and Beijing to develop economic and trade cooperation during the next term. This came during a meeting with President Jalal Talabani at the Peace Palace in Baghdad yesterday, a Chinese government delegation headed by Deputy Foreign Minister, Jay Jones, who conveyed the greetings of Chinese President Hu Jintao and congratulations to the President on his re-election as President of the Republic .

At the outset of the meeting through the President welcomed the delegation, praising the level of development and the ongoing cooperation between the two countries in all fields. As President Talabani expressed his thanks for China's support for Iraq in international forums, especially with regard to lifting of international sanctions that were imposed on Iraq after Saddam's invasion of the State of Kuwait, also noted the positive state-friendly towards Arab issues, particularly the Palestinian issue, adding that relations between Iraq in particular and the whole of the Arab countries and China by the second relationship is in constant evolution.

President of the Republic said, according to a presidential statement received »Sabah» copy of it, this is what encourages the enhanced cooperation and evolve to serve the common goals of cooperation between the peoples on the basis of independence and non-interference in internal affairs, so as to promote durable peace in the world.

For his part, said Deputy Chinese Foreign Minister: «We have no doubt that we have in the Peace Palace, a dear friend is keen to develop relations between the two countries», referring to the importance of the visit of the President to China in 2007.

He also commended Jay John on the political development of the country has experienced and which culminated in the formation of a government of national partnership and strengthen the efforts of reconciliation and reconstruction process, saying «that these developments are important in the path of the ongoing political process in Iraq, which is what makes us happy and wishful thinking that Iraq is investigating other achievements are the largest and greatest.

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of China seeks to promote the work of Chinese companies in projects in the oil and electricity, construction and reconstruction under way in Iraq, with further training of personnel of Iraq in the various disciplines and increase scholarships for Iraqis.

In the meantime, met Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki in his official office Wednesday, Deputy Foreign Minister of China. During the meeting, they discussed development of bilateral relations and expand cooperation between the two countries in all areas, where Al-Maliki said Iraq is a democratic country and its political system stable, and looking forward to developing its economy and move the process of construction and reconstruction assistance of his friends, and to cooperate in the areas of energy development electricity, industry and trade, education and training.

The Prime Minister thanked the Chinese government for its supportive stance to Iraq in the debt issue and its participation in the process of reconstruction and training Iraqi cadres, reiterated the call for Chinese companies to invest and work in Iraq.

For his part, Deputy Foreign Minister of China, said his country is determined to increase cooperation with Iraq in the areas of economic, industrial, commercial, and meet the needs of Iraq in the fields of energy, training, and support the attendance of Chinese enterprises and their participation in the process of construction and reconstruction, pointing to the high index of trade exchange between the two countries achieve significant progress in this area.

Chinese official announced his country's readiness to open consulates in a number of Iraqi provinces to increase and facilitate cooperation between the two countries and peoples.

As a research and Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari and Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of China responsible for the affairs of West Asia and Africa to strengthen bilateral relations.

And to examine the two sides Iraqi relations - China's growing in many fields, and cooperation and support of the People's Republic of the positions of Iraq in international forums, where official praised China's successful diplomatic prowess of the Iraqi government in question out of the provisions of Chapter VII and to return Iraq to play its full role in the world.

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=auto&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iraqdirectory.com%2FDisplayNewsAr.aspx%3Fid%3D14991

*** Japan's Ruling Party Passes Budget Bill ...

April 1st? ~snip ~ The constitution provides that a state budget becomes law even if the upper House of Councillors rejects it or fails to vote on it within 30 days after it is approved by the House of Representatives.

Previous articles ~ What's up with 2011 Budgets? Japan Replaces Cabinet in Push to Revive Economy and to help get the 2011 Budget Passed ... and ... Japan ~ Debt unsustainable, act now says IMF's, Naoyuki Shinohara ...

March 1, 2011

Japan's ruling party passes budget bill

TOKYO: Japan's ruling party pushed a budget bill for the new fiscal year through the key lower house on Tuesday, but the prospects of other bills necessary for it to be implemented look bleak.

As a matter of formality, the opposition-controlled upper house will debate the 92.4 trillion yen (1.1 trillion yen) spending plan for the year starting on April 1.

The constitution provides that a state budget becomes law even if the upper House of Councillors rejects it or fails to vote on it within 30 days after it is approved by the House of Representatives.

But Prime Minister Naoto Kan's Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), which holds a majority in the lower house, is expected to meet further resistance over the budget which aims to boost the flagging economy but adds to a mountain of public debt.

The opposition parties are ready to shoot down a number of other bills necessary to put the budget into effect, including one designed to enable the government to issue deficit-covering bonds worth 38.2 trillion yen to fund the planned spending.

If these budget-related bills are rejected in the upper house, they are sent back to the lower house for a second vote.

Only a two-thirds majority vote would make them become law but the centre-left ruling party lacks the numbers to be able to ensure this happens.

"We have had sufficient discussions in parliament on the budget," DPJ whip Tsuyoshi Saito told a news conference Monday to prepare for the vote on the budget in the lower house.

But Tadamori Oshima, vice-president of the conservative opposition Liberal Democratic Party, said the ruling party was denigrating the role of the upper house. "We must work out countermeasures," he said.

The budget bill was passed by the lower house budget committee in the early hours of Tuesday after an opposition-proposed no-confidence motion against the committee's chairman, a DPJ lawmaker, was voted down in the house.

The DPJ's problems have been exacerbated by cracks are emerging within the party as Kan attempts to alienate his internal rival Ichiro Ozawa, who is facing a trial over a funding scandal.

In mid-February, 16 DPJ lawmakers close to Ozawa vowed not to automatically vote in support of bills presented by Kan's government.

Kan, whose approval ratings have plunged below 20 percent for the first time since he took office in June last year, suspended the party membership of Ozawa last week until the trial ends, further widening the split within the DPJ.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific_business/view/1113567/1/.html

PM Maliki ~ "Iraq may be safest Arab country" and The Arab League summit March 29 will take place as scheduled

February 28, 2011

Iraq may be safest Arab country: Maliki

Baghdad, Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki said on Monday that Iraq may be the safest country in the Arab world, as protests and violence rage across much of the region.

Maliki’s remarks came as he reiterated his optimism that an Arab League summit set to be held in Baghdad on March 29 would go ahead as scheduled, despite the upheaval.

“Iraq could be the safest country (in the Arab world) at this stage,” Maliki told a news conference in the capital’s heavily fortified Green Zone.

Though violence is much lower than its peak in 2006 and 2007 across Iraq, attacks still occur regularly, and the number of people killed in January, 259, was the highest in four months.

On the Arab League summit, Maliki said: “We are still optimistic about holding the summit in Baghdad, and the Arab League still wants it.”

He added Iraq was willing to postpone the summit by one or two months, if necessary.

Several countries in the region have been roiled by massive demonstrations and unrest in recent weeks, starting with the fall of Tunisian strongman Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, followed by the ouster of Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak, and now with violence in Libya against the rule of Muammar Gaddafi.

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle08.asp?xfile=data/middleeast/2011/February/middleeast_February802.xml&section=middleeast#

Sadr says Iraq PM Maliki must address mass demands ...

February 28, 2011

Sadr says Iraq PM Maliki must address mass demands

Anti-U.S. Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr on Monday urged Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki to address peoples' demands after weeks of nationwide protests over better basic services inspired by regional uprisings.

Maliki set a 100-day deadline for his ministers on Sunday to step up reforms or face losing their jobs as Iraqis continue to demonstrate against corruption and shortages of electricity, food and jobs.

"Everything happening in Iraq is his (Maliki's) responsibility and this cannot be escaped from ...," Sadr said in a statement.

"He has to offer solutions to solve the current problems of the people as soon as possible," Sadr's statement said.

Sadr last week asked his supporters to give the government six months to try to address their demands, although he also said he would support peaceful demonstrations.

His political movement overcame longstanding differences with Maliki last year to support his bid for a second term and join his coalition government.

Progress in Iraq has been sluggish eight years after the U.S.-led invasion and dissatisfaction has been growing.

Maliki said at a news conference on Monday that Iraq's cabinet supported a call to hold early provincial elections after parliament speaker Osama al-Nujaifi said on Sunday the assembly was to discuss holding an early vote by next week.

"We support the call from the council of representatives to hold early elections in the provincial councils," Maliki said.

An election law would need to be amended for this to happen.

On Monday, Tareq al-Hashemi, a vice presidential nominee, urged the government to show real intention for reform and said he did not expect that the 100-day timeframe given to cabinet by Maliki would be enough to meet the demands of protesters.

"The 100 days is not enough. Even a year is not enough. But I hope these demands will be given priority so they can be achieved," Hashemi said at a news conference.

"People need to experience that there is a change and then the wheel of reform will start to turn," he said.

Maliki, who reiterated his affirmation for Iraqis' right to protest peacefully, said the 100-day plan was to test the competency of ministers and did not mean that all the citizens' demands would be met within that timeframe.

"The issue of the 100-day (plan) is a rule adopted in countries around the world and is a test. It shows the competence of the minister and whether he can put the ministry on the right course or not. It is not a process of implementing the demands within 100 days," Maliki said.

Sadr said his movement would hold a week-long referendum throughout the country to find out about Iraqis' gripes.

"This referendum does not mean the cancellation of protests. We want to document what the people want in order to demonstrate and present the real opinion of Iraqis," Hazem al-Araji, one of Sadr's senior aides, told reporters at a news conference.

http://www.einnews.com/news.php?vid=qP86lht/LvghlUk6

U.S. freezes Libyan assets, takes steps to aid refugees ...

February 28, 2011

U.S. freezes Libyan assets, takes steps to aid refugees

GENEVA - U.S. and Europeans leaders took new steps Monday to tighten the noose on Libya's besieged government, with the U.S. Treasury announcing the freeze of $30 billion in Libyan assets.

"As of today, at least $30 billion in government of Libya assets under U.S. jurisdiction have been blocked," David Cohen, Treasury's acting undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, said in Washington. "This is the largest blocking under any sanctions program ever."

The action was taken under an executive order issued Friday by President Obama. The order covers assets belonging to longtime Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi, family members, government figures and entities under their control. Cohen said he has no details on the types of assets that were frozen or the banks involved.

In Geneva, U.S. and European leaders focused on sending aid to rebels and refugees, toughening sanctions and calling for the ouster of Gaddafi, who has ruled Libya for more than 41 years.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, addressing a meeting of the U.N. Human Rights Council, announced new efforts to stem the Libyan humanitarian crisis. Some $10 million in relief funds have been set aside by the U.S. Agency for International Development, and two teams of experts are being dispatched immediately to Libya's borders to assess the refugee crisis and organize the delivery of aid.

U.S. officials are particularly concerned about shortages of medical supplies and a breakdown in distribution networks that is preventing food from getting into the country.

Clinton predicted that additional punitive measures would be announced within the coming days by European allies, which have maintained closer economic and diplomatic ties with Libya than the United States has.

The European Union, meeting in Brussels, voted to approve wide-ranging sanctions similar to those adopted over the weekend by the United States and the United Nations. The European Union also slapped Libya with an arms embargo and imposed a visa ban for members of Gaddafi's inner circle, as world powers moved quickly and in virtual lockstep to punish the Libyan government for its violent crackdown on demonstrators.

The new actions are being carefully calibrated to ensure that ordinary Libyans are not harmed, Clinton said at a news conference at Geneva's Palais des Nations.

"We are very aware of the need to block access to resources and assets that Gaddafi and his family could get a hold of," she said. "At the same time, we are well aware of the need to keep resources coming in so the people themselves can use them to meet specific needs."

In her address, Clinton catalogued the atrocities that Gaddafi's regime is alleged to have committed and said the international community is "speaking with one voice" in demanding his immediate removal.

"They have used heavy weapons on unarmed civilians. Mercenaries and thugs have been turned loose to attack demonstrators," Clinton said. "There are reports of soldiers executed for refusing to turn their guns on fellow citizens, of indiscriminate killings, arbitrary arrests and torture.

read full article @ http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/28/AR2011022802797.html?hpid=topnews

Will the U.S. Benefit from the Middle East's Instability?

Snip ~ "Against this landscape, the US economy and dollar-denominated financial assets will look increasingly attractive on a relative value basis .. and by the second half of the year I expect to see a rebound in the dollar"

February 28, 2011

Will US will win from Middle East domino effect

Mark Twain famously said that “history doesn’t repeat itself, but it does rhyme”. As investors consider the ramifications of turmoil in the Middle East and north Africa, I can’t help but reflect on the political revolutions that swept through eastern Europe and the Soviet Union in the early 1990s.

During that period, the winds of change that brought the collapse of communist regimes also precipitated turmoil in the financial markets and severe recessions. Along these lines, I believe the events in the Middle East and north Africa region today will perpetuate an economic domino effect that may result in dramatic shifts across the investment landscape over the course of the next year.

As we have already begun to see, the mere threat of a disruption to the world’s oil supply has caused the price of crude oil to spike. Short of a threat to Iran or Saudi Arabia, oil at $200 per barrel is unlikely. Nonetheless, as the democracy movement spreads across the Middle East, there is a very real prospect that perceived pressures may push prices to $125 or higher.

If energy prices linger at such elevated levels, the next domino will be heightened inflationary pressures round the world, particularly in emerging markets. Before the events in the Middle East, the Bric countries – Brazil, Russia, India, and China – needed to take dramatic policy actions to cool overheating markets and fight inflation. If energy prices surge, there will be even greater pressure for meaningful monetary policy tightening across all emerging market economies in 2011.

We’ve already seen this in Russia, where a surprise rate increase was announced on February 25. I believe this is a sign of things to come for emerging market economies, especially China and India, which are struggling with inflation rates well above short-term interest rates.

Restrictive monetary policy will lead to an economic slowdown in emerging markets. And, since it’s seldom a good bet to fight against central banks, emerging market equities are not the place to be for the next few quarters. For investors looking at these markets, the next entry point should become apparent once there has been a material increase in interest rates and commodity prices begin to trend downwards.

Returning to the domino theory, an economic slowdown in emerging markets will be especially painful for Germany, whose economic rebound in 2010 was fuelled by emerging-market demand for German autos, industrial products, and machinery.

As German economic horsepower decreases, the slowdown will cascade into other European economies. If German gross domestic product falls below 2 per cent, which I think is highly likely, then growth for the entire euro area will probably dip below 1 per cent, or possibly even contract. This means the euro area could find itself on the brink of another recession and the European Central Bank would be forced into accommodative monetary policy.

After all these dominoes fall, global investors will probably find themselves in a world that looks like this: the Middle East is highly unstable, emerging market economies are slowing and the crisis in Europe has been exacerbated by shrinking exports, leading to a decline in the value of the euro.

Against this landscape, the US economy and dollar-denominated financial assets will look increasingly attractive on a relative value basis.

By the second half of the year I expect to see a rebound in the dollar, lower bond yields and the outperformance of US equities relative to Europe and most of the emerging market countries, with the possible exception of Russia. The flight to safety play will also be good for gold prices, which continue to be in a generational bull market despite the recent consolidation (which I view as healthy).

Finally, what may be most ironic about the fact that the US ends up benefiting from this series of events is that the domino that set this scenario in motion across the globe – from the Middle East to Asia and then Europe – was actually the Federal Reserve’s policy of quantitative easing.

By printing almost $2,000bn dollars and using that money to buy assets, the United States created a rising tide of liquidity that has lifted all asset prices, including commodities, and more specifically agricultural products. Just as chronic food shortages were a big catalyst in the 1991 revolution in the Soviet Union, rising food prices have been a catalyst for the social unrest in the Middle East and north Africa.

Regardless of who’s to be blamed (or credited, depending on your perspective) for prompting the social unrest that has swelled into waves of democratic revolutions washing over the Middle East, the moral of the story for investors is that the US financial markets should prove to be one of the most attractive places to invest in 2011.

http://www.einnews.com/world_economy_news/

Iraq Economic Commission Completed Law to Review Pay Scale Every 2 years ...

28/02/2011

Economic Commission ends of the preparation of parliamentary law to review the pay scale every two years

Baghdad, The Parliamentary Economic Committee that it had completed on Monday, from the preparation of a draft law to review the salary scales for staff every two years.

A member of the Economic Commission Salman Mohsin al-Moussawi, told the Kurdish news agency (Rn) "The Economic Commission ended on writing the draft law provides for review every two years in the scale of salaries of state employees in order to address the economic problems faced by the low scores of employees."

And raised the events in Iraq during the past two weeks slogans calling for the government improve the living conditions of citizens and provide employment opportunities and adjust the salaries of employees with low scores in the career ladder.

Moussawi said that "the current salary scales for staff not Egeralih changes commensurate with the economic situation in Iraq did not address the level of inflation in the Iraqi market."

He continued that "the majority of economically advanced countries are large changes every two years on the scale of salaries of state employees in order to reduce the financial problems facing the economic structure."

Moussawi said that "the draft law submitted to the Presidency of the Council of Representatives to take place at future meetings for discussion and voting on them to end some of the economic problems faced by the state."

The Presidency Council approved last week, Act to amend the salaries of senior officials of the State which regulates the law of salaries and allowances of the President of the Republic and his deputies, the Prime Minister and his deputies, ministers, deputy ministers and their grade and receive their salaries, consultants and owners of special grades and general managers and their grade and receive their salaries and monthly stipend to the President House of Representatives and his deputies and members of the House of Representatives.

http://www.aknews.com/ar/aknews/2/221633

Iraq's President ~ Statement of president Talabani to Iraqi people ...

2011-02-28

Statement of president Talabani to Iraqi people

Dear great Iraqi people

Peace and blessings of God

Democracy is an extremely aspiration of Iraqi peoples and an imperative to achieve the social justice to ensure the freedom , rights and justice for all citizens, and demonstrate the current transformations in our region seeks and have become establish democratic societies to become a common denominator for the peoples of the region.

Our country has preceded the current historical march following materialization from the yoke of tyranny, when our people adopted in a referendum a permanent constitution, and parliamentary elections were held under local and wide international supervision, which enjoyed the adoption by fairness and collective objectivity and in the light of the results the executive branch was formed

But our march was not without obstacles, the most dangerous one is the danger of the terrorists which financed and backed by the enemies of our political process, particularly the remnants of the dictatorial regime that plagued the country's by the legacy left behind.

We must admit certain shortcomings and incompetence in the new system's performance such as accumulation of inherited problems and the new ones, especially public services, fighting corruption and providing job opportunities, all together led to the resentment of people and Iraqi citizens who have chosen to practice their constitutional right through holding peaceful demonstrations to express their opinion and their legitimate demands.

Friday demonstrations have witnessed violence which some people seized the opportunity and made these popular protests to destabilize the political system. But, their plans foiled by the combined efforts of the security forces and a number of demonstrators who showed a high degree of awareness and discipline.

Any transgression of the law and any violation of security is highly condemnable and constitutes unlawful act, since the new Iraqi laws ensure the right to peacefully demonstrate, but entail commitment to laws.

While protest is actually legitimate and constitutionally guaranteed, any attempts to destabilize the democratic system cannot be tolerated, since the power in our country circulates through the will of the people represented by the general election through ballots.

While security forces have been obliged to perform their duties in preserving security, at the same time, they must avoid everything that could lead to endangering the lives of citizens. Unfortunately, the recent demonstrations in a number of provinces of the country witnessed the shootings and other acts that led to casualties and injuries, we call for investigations to find and hold negligent. And we must also emphasize the importance of ensuring the safety of journalists and media freedom, which is an important means for communication between the authority and the community.

It is imperative that power in our democratic society is to listen and to meet people’s legitimate demands. It is clear that the problem of services, particularly electricity supply and providing food materials for the ration card and the other problems requires a serious and radical solution, like the corruption that is no longer just suspend the economy but has become the cause of shaking the confidence of citizens to the democratic system.

We support the call by Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's, to determine the period of one hundred days to begin to tackle the existing problems and to hold accountable any official prove negligence or any reduced performance.

It may be impossible to achieve rapid progress in all these files, but do not need to initiate urgent measures within a comprehensive plan placed a schedule for implementation and announce to the world in order to be the subject of follow-up of the executive authority and control of the legislature and the monitoring of the media and civil society organizations and citizens in general.

Such measures respond to the demands of citizens, and calls by the religious leaders in August, which warned of the consequences of procrastination in ignoring people's views.

In addition to addressing the problems at the level of the central federal authority, we must also review the seriousness of the work of the provincial councils and local councils that did not perform many of them in the level of responsibility.

All levels of power and severally liable should not invest any party participating in the government should not use the current situation for their political gain. The actual partnership cannot be meant to benefit from the benefits and proud positively, disclaimed the bugs and cons.

Our political system is the result of a bitter struggle waged by our people, and the result of our free choice. But the duty of the elected authority, need to be corrected and evaluate permanent by the people and respond to the legitimate demands of the people ,which devoted to the legitimacy of power and consolidation of the democratic system in our country.

http://www.pukmedia.com/english/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6901:statement-of-president-talabani-to-iraqi-people&catid=25:iraq&Itemid=386

Police chief: Curfew to be imposed in Kirkuk from Tuesday

2011-02-28

Police chief: Curfew to be imposed in Kirkuk from Tuesday

Kirkuk police chief, Maj. Gen. Jamal Tahir said Saturday police would impose an indefinite curfew from Tuesday at 6:00 AM (local time) after reporting entering 4 car bombs into the city.

He also said holding protest would be also banned as of the date of starting the curfew.

Speaking about the deployment of Kurdish Peshmerga forces at the outskirts of Kirkuk city, Maj. Gen. Jamal Tahir said they were deployed temporarily to protect people’s lives.

http://www.pukmedia.com/english/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6902:police-chief-curfew-to-be-imposed-in-kirkuk-from-tuesday-&catid=29:kurdistan-region&Itemid=385

Kurdistan Budget Ratification ~ Draft Budget Law to the Parliament of Kurdistan for ratification ...

Previous article ~ **Kurdistan region of Iraq approves its budget for 2011 of around 14 trillion dinars

28/02/2011

Source is likely to transmit the draft budget law to the Parliament of Kurdistan

Arbil, The official source in the Prime Minister's province of Kurdistan, said Monday that he expects to forward the draft budget law for 2011 estimated to Kurdistan parliament, to ratify it.

The Coordinator said the provincial government and the Parliament of Kurdistan, Khaled Said, a Kurdish news agency (Rn), that "the Kurdistan Regional Government approved yesterday, the draft budget law for the province in 2011, and is expected to allocate it to the presidency of the Parliament of Kurdistan."

And Khalid, "The Presidency of the Council of Ministers has prepared the required reports."

The Cabinet has ratified the Kurdistan province on Monday, the draft budget law for the province in 2011.

The estimated budget for the year 2011.13 Trliuna and 940 billion Iraqi dinars, nine Trliuna and 687 billion and $ 670 million Dnyar entire budget allocated to the operational, including staff salaries and expenses of governmental institutions.

With allocated four trillion and 150 billion dinars, the budget for investment projects, in order to complete vital projects and services in various regions of the province, as well as to secure the budget for the long-term projects that are implemented.

And select the $ 54 billion dinars budget for the Kurdistan Parliament, while the allocated $ 48 billion and 330 million as a budget for the judiciary,

The total incomes of the Kurdistan Regional Government Trliuna about 12 and 386 billion dinars, while the estimated deficit in the current year Petrleon one and 544 billion dinars, and an expenditure of the Ministry of Peshmerga, the provincial government, the bulk of it.

The Iraqi Council of Representatives has approved in its 36 regular budget by 2011, in the presence of 240 deputies out of 325 is the number of members of the Iraqi Council of Representatives at its second session.

It is expected that a deficit of $ 13.4 billion, at a time when Iraq depends on oil exports by 95 percent to support its budget.

The value of the Iraqi budget 82.6 billion dollars, of which $ 25.7 billion of investments, to estimate the price of a barrel of oil at $ 76.50, and exports will reach 2.2 million barrels a day, a budget the largest in the history of Iraq, while the share of the province, of which 17%, according to a previous agreement.

The adoption of the budget in conjunction with the wave of protests taking place in all Iraqi provinces, since the fifth of this month, condemning the poor services and financial and administrative corruption in government institutions demand better living conditions for Iraqis and the provision of services and employment opportunities in accordance with the promises, which was launched before the parliamentary elections last year.

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=auto&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aknews.com%2Far%2Faknews%2F2%2F221618%2F

March 4, 2011 ~ The Francophone Bank Summit 2011 Hosted by President Sarkozy and the Union of Arab Banks ...

Related article ~ March 4th ~ Union of Arab Banks ~ The Paris Banking Summit

March 4, 2011

The Francophone Summit Bank 2011.

Under the High Patronage of Mr. Nicolas Sarkozy President of the French Republic and the Union of Arab Banks Cooperation With The International Organization of la Francophonie, French Banking Federation and World Union of Arab Bankers organize: The Francophone Summit Bank 2011.

The Francophone Summit Bank will allow members of La Francophonie to discuss their banking systems and cultures, ideas and experiences and so bring out recommendations for a better development of the banking and financial sector. It is also an opportunity for cross-border trade and market integration.

The International Organization of la Francophonie is one of the largest language areas of the world. It organizes political relations and cooperation between states and governments of the OIF, have shared use of the French language and respect for universal values.

The International Organization of la Francophonie was founded in 1970, following a meeting between President Habib Bourguiba of Tunisia, Senegal Leopol Sedar Senghor and Niger Diouri Hamani, representing Arab, Muslim and Christian French.

It has four permanent representations: in Addis Ababa at the African Union and the Economic Commission for Africa of the UN in Brussels with the European Union, in New York and Geneva, with UN; of 3 regional offices in Lome (Togo) for West Africa, in Libreville (Gabon) for Central Africa and Indian Ocean, Hanoi (Vietnam) for the Asia-Pacific , from 2 regional offices: Bucharest (Romania) for Central and Eastern Europe and in Port-au-Prince (Haiti) for the Caribbean.

With a population of over 890 million and 220 million French speakers worldwide, the International Organization of Francophonie (OIF) mission is to give substance to active solidarity among the 75 States and governments that make up (56 members and 19observers) - more than a third of UN Member States. The institutional Francophonie consists of the political decision which is the highest summit of Heads of State and Government which meets biennially, and the Secretary General of La Francophonie, the keystone of this system.

In its quest to promote active channels and banking and financial networks to help build cultural bridges between its members and the international community, the Union of Arab Banks has found it necessary to present the first summit of French banks.

This summit will allow members of La Francophonie to discuss their banking systems and cultures, ideas and experiences and so bring out recommendations for a better development of the banking and financial sector. It is also an opportunity for cross-border trade and market integration.

Discussions for this day summit will be geared towards the presentation of ideas and solutions for the emergence of Basel III, funding the development of small and medium enterprises, Islamic finance and safety nets against future economic crises (Brussels meeting), these topics added to the main theme of cooperation for the development of the banking, financial and economic cooperation among Francophone countries.

Topics: -Development of the banking and economic cooperation between Arab and French

- Basel III and new prudential rules - G20 Process
- Financing of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in developing economies in Francophone countries (experiments)
- Islamic Banks: an alternative concept for growth

Target Participants - The presidents of international economic and financial

- Governors of Central Banks
- Ministers of Economy, Trade and Finance
- Representatives of international financial and banking institutions
- Financial and Investor
-Economists and experts in the fields of banking and financial


http://www.uabonline.org/event/event-details.php?eventid=210#

Iraq's Economy ~ CBI: the tensions in the Arab arena does not affect trading in the country's economic ...

Previous articles ~ *Iraqi central bank says assured of independence *CBI reveals the shape of its new premises designed by Zaha Hadid's architectural

28/02/2011

CBI: the tensions in the Arab arena does not affect trading in the country's economic

Baghdad, The adviser to the CBI on Monday, the economic transactions that Iraq is not affected by the disorders occur in some Arab countries such as Libya, Bahrain and Yemen.

He said the appearance of Mohammed Saleh told the Kurdish news agency (Rn) that "the political upheavals that occur in Libya, Bahrain and Yemen do not carry any negative economic impact on Iraq, the fact that those countries Atsnf among the countries that have trade exchanges with a task of Iraq."

Saleh added that "Iraq is affected by this aspect when he spoke of such disturbances in the neighboring regional countries such as Turkey, Iran, Syria, Jordan and United Arab Emirates as well."

The benefit of the "Central Bank of Iraq has taken measures to prevent monetary and fiscal impact of the wave of disturbances that take place in the Middle East on the economic realities of the outside of Iraq."

And founded the Iraqi Central Bank in its approach to the law based on the current Central Bank of Iraq in 2004 with authorized capital of 100 billion dinars.

And the Central Bank is responsible for monetary policy and the prevention of vulnerability to external variables that fundamental overthrow regimes, and dealing with inflation, and maintain prices, and implementation of policy in oil prices, as well as for the management of the financial reserve of the State, and the issuance of the Iraqi dinar.

Experiencing some countries, including Libya, Bahrain, Yemen and the Sultanate of Oman widespread protests demanding change the political systems and work on the formation of democratic governments are able to provide the requirements of the people.

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=auto&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aknews.com%2Far%2Faknews%2F2%2F221618%2F

The budget and the required growth

28/02/2011

The budget and the required growth

Hassan al-Rubaie

Is the federal budget for 2011 approved by the House of Representatives in the twentieth of February, the country's largest budget in its history is included by an estimated more than 80 thousand billion dinars, and an expense more than 96 thousand billion dinars, up to a deficit of about 15 thousand billion dinars.

Budget is divided between the two main doors door operating appropriations estimated 66 thousand billion dinars, the investment section devoted to him about 30 thousand billion dinars, the door in place in advance the country's economic growth and improve the services and the establishment of projects and enhancing employment opportunities and production.

Regardless of the major revenue sources to balance being a known or new when you mentioned the debate, the inevitable for two-way important first is the possibility of the budget and its role in achieving growth rates required and what is forecasted levels by the investment amount allocated to construct the investment referred to above, the second what is the size of the driver that will be achieved During the year 2011 compared to unemployment rates and numbers in the community, it would limit the budget of the creep and the presence of unemployed in the streets as well as the levels of services to be provided it will improve compared to the size appropriate amounts allocated to the sectors of service on this matter.

It may be useful to recall that the countries of economies of living is constantly striving to develop standards to the financial authorities to deal with social phenomena such as poverty, unemployment, class differences and social welfare systems and the rates of inflation and other.

To guide annual budgets etc and find the rules needed reform is also alert planners fiscal and monetary policies for the growth rates required annual in order to find a transfer is required according to these indicators and preference Alaloloyat according to this account and probably took the budget in 2011 this matter into consideration and increased allocations of funds to social welfare, compensation and displacement and migration as came allocations support social strata came in second place after the defense and security and if the addition of the ration card allocations, aid, and the doors of support to other sectors, it will occupy the first place and acquires the bulk of public revenue and that means it was given to the people and services, is a procedure that obtains for the first time in this capacity over the past years Perhaps the heat of the events and revolutions of the hungry cast a shadow on the subject was not to be of interest in anticipation of this and a hedge against escalation and aggravation of poverty, it seems that the legislator and the chart were not in front of spaces of great options or is this technique has been groping for his excuse when dealing with the situation as a circumstance emergency must be respond to the requirements.

But everyone knows that the annual budgets in both its operational and investment programs are annual investment of reliable during the year measured in the end, to what extent the targets both in terms of improving living standards, services or job creation, growth rates, it should not finalize the budget 2011 of these contents because it is important

In addition to trends The important thing is what will achieve in terms of growth and the expected rate that you need it will meet or address the failures faced by the productive sectors which have or the requirements of development and not restrict the oil sector savior of the economic problems usually must be re-examine the reality of operating and to ensure improved and the reality of living and is not intended to feed the hungry dam ready money, and without actual production.

That the budget of this size capable of transfer of Iraq to the ranks of developed nations is superior to all the budgets of the surrounding countries, except Saudi Arabia that is required to see the great achievements and large investment projects and the trend towards actual production, the fact that financial resources of this size and abundant human resources and energies of oil and gas not only need to run an effective staging bases and scientific design and precise calculations of the priorities for it at the end of the matter is that the wheel would move the economy and contribute to the diversification of income and not to focus on a single channel, as is the case. As well as to be re-considered accounts of emergency funding seems to be the amount allocated in the budget, not the Chief and the same administration has done the central bank to raise cash reserves in order to control the price of the currency must do the financial authority likewise increased numbers and sizes of funds to the emergency in order to control at the helm of the ship and to harness the money for projects, strategic actors future implementation may lead to lay off huge numbers at the level of social benefits and aid the unemployed and others.

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=auto&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.alsabaah.com%2FArticleShow.aspx%3FID%3D3285

Prime Minister approves all requests for demonstrators Samarra ...

Monday 28/02/2011

News Agency Baghdad International / Saladin / Osman Alclc

Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki shortly before the approval of all requests and respond to Samarra demonstrators immediately

A correspondent of news agency Baghdad International Salahuddin requests demonstrators who people who turned on Friday, was to raise Abbat concrete surrounding Balamamin Ali al-Hadi and Hasan al-Askari peace be upon them and to compensate the people of the area surrounding Balamamin and the opening of the main streets and re-school scientific as well as discuss the file merging Awakening in the army and police during two days.

He Mrslana it was decided to allocate the amount of two billion dinars for the Samarra municipality for its reconstruction and stressed the joy that swept all the streets of Samarra.

http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=auto&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baghdadiabian.com%2Fnews.php%3Faction%3Dview%26id%3D3746

U.S. Government Shutdown Delayed

February 28, 2011

U.S. Government Shutdown Delayed

At least for a few weeks. Late on Friday, House GOP leadership unveiled a two-week extension of government funding that cuts $4 billion -- but only goes after programs President Obama targeted for elimination in his budget. For Democrats, that's good enough.

Reid spokesman Jon Summers, in a statement that should be taught in political flack school as an example of how to attack your opponent while agreeing with the reasonable compromise measure they've offered, said, "We are encouraged to hear that Republicans are abandoning their demands for extreme measures like cuts to border security, cancer research and food safety inspectors and instead moving closer to Democrats' position that we should cut government spending in a smart, responsible way that targets waste and excess while keeping our economy growing."

As for what happens when this spending bill expires in a few weeks? That's tougher.

The Republican proposal goes after some of the low-hanging fruit by using the cuts Obama identified in his budget. And it doesn't bridge the two essential arguments between the Republicans and the Democrats, which are how much spending to cut, and where it should come from. So we can't yet say that disaster is averted. But it is, at the least, delayed.

A short-term budget deal is near, report Lori Montgomery and Paul Kane: "The threat of a government shutdown receded Friday, as Senate Democrats tentatively embraced a Republican plan to immediately cut $4 billion in federal spending by targeting programs that President Obama has already marked for elimination.

The GOP proposal, unveiled late Friday by House leaders, would keep the government running only until March 18 - two weeks past the current March 4 deadline - a shorter extension than Democrats are seeking. But by offering a stopgap measure that cuts only programs Obama has identified as unnecessary, Republicans appear to have broken an impasse over spending that has been brewing since they took control of the House this year."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/25/AR2011022507032.html?wpisrc=nl_wonk

Tuesday March 1st ~ Maliki vows to implement the demands of demonstrators in Iraq ...

February 27, 2011

Maliki vows to implement the demands of demonstrators in Iraq

Huda Jassim, Ahmed Abdul Aziz, and agencies (Baghdad) - The Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki on Tuesday to implement all the demands of the protest demonstrations in Iraq on Friday, stressing his intention to investigate the security breaches that have occurred, and likely sources that are resolved provincial councils and municipalities in the emergency meeting expected .

He warned religious authority, Ali Sistani, the government of continuing to approach the Department of State, amid continuing protests in most of Iraq. One person was killed and seven others wounded in Al-Anbar security forces opened fire on demonstrators who were mourning a dead protests, while in Kirkuk on 3 bodies, one belonging to one of the demonstrators Fri anger.

Maliki said in a statement: "We will investigate violations and abuses that have occurred, to take the underachievers and transgressors punished," asserting that "anything demonstrators objected to or protested for non-satisfaction of it will go in vain."

He said al-Maliki: "Personally, I will continue the implementation of all the things that fall under my responsibility, and I follow the work of ministers and local governments and requiring them to carry out the promises they made to the people." He stressed that he would "do its utmost to cooperate and coordinate with the legislative and judicial powers, in order to resolve the issues that people complain about them."

His official spokesman of the government of Ali al-Dabbagh said the Cabinet held an emergency meeting today to activate the work of the ministries and governors and the development of operational plans of urgency. Sources close to Maliki's "Union" that there is a tendency to solve the provincial and municipal response to the demands of the demonstrators.

For his part, Sistani warned the government not to continue the current approach in the management of state and can result from lack of speed in the development of radical solutions to the problems of people who have patience for long.


http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&sl=ar&tl=en&u=http://www.alittihad.ae/details.php%3Fid%3D19573%26y%3D2011&rurl=translate.google.com&twu=1&usg=ALkJrhiOXe1dpM1mu4Siz4ygYvxBeDSBhA#ixzz1FBlUdrfh

Shahristani ~ Iraq's second largest oil reserves in the World ...

Thanks to bama

February 28, 2011

Shahristani: Iraq's second largest oil reserves in the World

BAGHDAD (Union) - The Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister for Energy, Hussein Shahristani said that Iraq is ranked second in the world after Saudi Arabia in oil reserves to 1.173 billion barrels, confirming the start of maintenance of power plants in southern Iraq.

Quoted Rep. Susan Saad, a member of the Energy Committee in the Iraqi parliament from al-Shahristani as saying that the Oil Ministry has rehabilitated lines export oil through Turkey and Syria, in addition to continuing to work to complete the 4 ports floating oil, it will be two of them ready the end of this year, card export of 900 thousand barrels per day.

The other hand, al-Shahristani said that maintenance and rehabilitation underway in the electric generating stations in 1000 Mijaot will add to the national grid by next summer.

http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=en&sl=ar&tl=en&u=http://www.alittihad.ae/details.php%3Fid%3D19907%26y%3D2011&rurl=translate.google.com&twu=1&usg=ALkJrhhh3OWPoCPZYokriIPF4Wk8tMLJ_Q#ixzz1FFvsHcMK

After protests, Iraq PM urges early local vote ...

February 28, 2011

After protests, Iraq PM urges early local vote

BAGHDAD, Iraq's prime minister called for new provincial elections Monday following anti-government protests that killed 14 people last week in a demonstration of the simmering anger many Iraqis feel at a government they say fails to provide basic services.

Nouri al-Maliki told a news conference he would ask the parliament to pass a law allowing for the early elections for the councils that rule Iraq's 18 provinces and said the move was a response to the people's demands for change.

Elections for control of Iraq's provinces are held every four years. The last ones were held in 2009 and moving them forward would require parliamentary approval. The decision already has the support of the parliament speaker, Osama al-Nujaifi, who said Sunday that he was also proposing such a move.

But its unclear whether there would be enough support within the parliament to hold the vote early and if so, how quickly a legislative body that took months to pass the last election law would act.

Having just secured a second term as prime minister, Al-Maliki is under intense pressure to show he's addressing the demands of a population angry with a lack of government services, a scarcity of jobs and rampant corruption.

Thousands of Iraqis protested in at least twelve cities on Friday, many in demonstrations that turned violent, as protesters clashed with authorities, set fire to government buildings and toppled concrete barriers.

Al-Maliki said the decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting Sunday "to discuss people's demands calling for reforms." He did not specify how quickly the provincial elections should be held.

Al-Maliki also called on parliament to dissolve many local city councils in towns and districts where members are appointed and not elected.

The prime minister also raised the specter that the upcoming Arab League summit slated to take place at the end of March in Baghdad for the first time in years could be delayed. But he said he was optimistic the summit would still be held and that the Arab League is insisting on holding it in Iraq.

He cautioned, however, that Arab League foreign ministers would meet later this week, and could decide to change the date.

"A decision might be taken" to delay the summit, al-Maliki said, adding that Iraq wouldn't object to a postponement of one or two months.

Before turmoil began rippling through the Middle East starting with the overthrow of the Tunisian government, the biggest concern over the Arab Summit was whether Baghdad would be safe enough for such a stream of high-profile visitors.

Alluding to the violence taking place in Libya and the problems sweeping almost every other Middle Eastern country, al-Maliki said Baghdad is safe to receive guests.

"We could say that Iraq is the one of the most secure countries at this current time," al-Maliki said.

http://www.kusi.com/story/14153131/after-riots-iraq-pm-urges-early-local-elections

Oil-rich Arab states open their coffers

February 28, 2011

Oil-rich Arab states open their coffers

DUBAI, Oil-rich monarchies in the Gulf may have chosen to pre-empt protests by opening their coffers to their citizens, but other Arab states in turmoil -- or in the wake of it -- lack the "cash for calm" option.

The fact that Arab rulers in the Gulf have responded with money and benefits to the wave of popular unrest sweeping across the region betrays their deep concern, analysts say.

While a swift injection of cash may take the edge off potential crises in the rich states, only huge amounts of international aid can ensure development of those poorer Arab nations where the current unrest began, they believe.

"It is usual for the king to give people something, a token, but this time it's bigger -- it shows a bit of a panic," said Dubai-based Platts analyst Kate Dorian, in reference to Saudi Arabia.

Just hours before returning from medical treatment and lengthy convalescence abroad on Wednesday, King Abdullah ordered social benefits for civil servants, a 15-percent pay rise for state employees and an increase in funds for housing loans.

"The kingdom is trying to avoid the same upheavals as those in Tunisia and Egypt," Dorian said.

Other regional states followed hot on the heels of the world's largest oil exporter in announcing the distribution of greater largesse to their populations.

In Bahrain, where the monarchy has been battling a vocal protest and reform movement for the past two weeks, the government announced a 30% reduction in the mortgage costs of 30,000 households.

And in Oman, where police shot dead two demonstrators on Sunday, Sultan Qaboos ordered a monthly allowance of 150 riyals (390 dollars) for each registered job seeker and also gave orders to provide 50,000 new jobs.

"There is also a level of discontent in Kuwait, with not enough jobs being created," Dorian said.

The emir has granted each of Kuwait's more than 1.1 million citizens 1,000 dinars ($3,570) and free distribution of basic food items for 14 months, at a total cost of more than $5 billion.

His government has also raised the basic salaries of servicemen by up to 115 percent at a total annual cost of close to $1 billion.

"In all the Gulf countries people are asking for social reforms, but not only. There are other issues that people want to focus on like corruption," Dorian said. "Those are rich countries where the wealth has not been shared."

The yawning breach between rich and poor in a region strategic to US interests has been identified by one senior American military officer as a catalyst for change in which the poor will have a greater voice because of globalisation.

"This globalisation... allows people to talk to each other all around the world and share their ideas at a moment's notice. It's going to usher in a new era," US Lieutenant General William Webster told AFP in Kuwait.

"And I think people who are in countries where there is a great disparity between the poor and the rich, I think the poor will have a bigger voice," he said.

Poverty can, of course, feed instability. This can reach critical mass in countries lacking in natural resources, where years of political negligence have aggravated infrastructural problems, as in Yemen, Egypt and Tunisia.

"Egypt and Tunisia will require a well-coordinated international effort" in the transition following the ouster of veteran strongmen Hosni Mubarak and Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, said analyst Salman Shaikh of the Brookings Doha Centre.

Even in oil- and gas-rich Libya, currently in the throes of deadly unrest, the dying regime of Moamer Kadhafi, currently under siege in Tripoli, financed a system based on cronyism, running counter to dynamic economic development.

"In Libya, where are the billions? Libya needs a lot of infrastructure and Kadhafi killed off private industry," said Dorian.

"Poor people knew how to deal with the system, that providing them with subsidies. It will be more difficult for them to deal with a new situation."

Shaikh said mismanagement of the Libyan economy led to a fall in the standard of living there.

"But the country has potentially great revenues, and a vibrant Libya can be very much a catalyst for progress in northern Africa," he said.

http://en.news.maktoob.com/

Iraq: private banks request the assistance of Central bank on the integration

28/02/2011

Iraq: private banks request the assistance of Central on the integration

Called on the private banking sector in Iraq, the Baghdad government, helping to take practical steps to help integrate the banks that have difficulties in raising capital, each up to 250 billion dinars ($ 213 million) before the end of 2012 and in accordance with the instructions of the Central Bank.

Quoted among the bank's «life» of what happened during an expanded meeting convened by the Association of Iraqi private banks in Baghdad with officials in 35 private banks have expressed the desire of their institutions in the government announced incentives for banks that are planning to integrate it, namely to allow the ministries and governmental institutions expand the circle to deal with banks merged, governmental organizations like banks.

The sources added that the integration of a number of banks has become a necessity required by the phase experienced by the sector currently, in expectation of the Executive Director of the Association Abdul Aziz Hassoun said in a statement made by the «life», to see the stage, near the steps towards the integration of many banks to become a strong banking entities, with a capital large assets and strengthen its position.

The Director General of the Department of Banking and credit of the Central Bank and Walid Idi Abdulnabi the concern of the bank to secure all the requirements of the growth of the private banks, especially those relating to the merger, calling the departments of private banks to develop a comprehensive vision for the sector, taking into account the need to establish entities compete for the Arab banks and foreign.

The search Thamer Ghadhban, President of the advisers in the Office of the Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, with Deputy U.S. Treasury Secretary, Neil will not, in the presence of a number of American experts and the Iraqis, in the ways of the joint technical cooperation in the field of economics, money and energy.

He angered the government seeks to enhance the contribution of private banks in the implementation of construction projects and construction, noting that the priorities of the government directed towards provision of basic services to citizens, and the development of the Iraqi economy, diversification of sources, especially non-oil sectors, through the promotion of foreign investment and the Arab and immediate community.

He angered that the government is moving forward in the process of transition towards a market economy, and the development of the agricultural sector and private sector support, and accelerate the implementation of the reform programs of public companies. He will not, and authorities are willing to U.S. banking and financial specialist to provide expertise to support banking and financial sectors of the Iraqis through training programs and capacity development and to give advice.

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=auto&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iraqdirectory.com%2FDisplayNewsAr.aspx%3Fid%3D14991

February 27th through March 5th ~ Interesting ...

The stars are looking positive for all of us seekers who are just hoping and waiting for the moment to hear the final announcement ... could it be right around the corner? ...

February 27th through March 5th

This week, February 27th through March 5th, begins with the review of many contracts pacts, treaties and agreements, especially in light of the TRUE SELF that has now become visible.

Transitions of people who have held previous positions will occur in many industries across the board. Trading places begins to be the norm as situations continue to be subject to the new perspective as the TRUE SELF of more people is revealed.

Many discussions and meetings will be called to deal with the situations that are happening at a quickened rate. March is universally a SEVEN month, granting a deeper perspective into situations that call for immediate discussions and actions.

The New Moon in Pisces on Friday grants a new view of situations in which many issues will have to be dealt with and situations become subject to revisions on a moments notice.

This is all happening in preparation for the event of Uranus moving into Aries, which is just one short week away from beginning a whole new seven-year generation of events.

Celestial Trends

U.S. 2011 Budget ~ Scenarios: Messy U.S. budget, spending prospects

Previous article ~ White House Reviews Impact of Potential Government Shutdown

Scenerio ~ Gov't Shutdown ~ snip ~ Government agencies would have to activate shutdown plans either starting on March 5, or, since that is a Saturday, on March 7.

February 28, 2011

Scenarios: Messy U.S. budget, spending prospects

Washington, The deeply divided U.S. Congress faces a Friday deadline for sending President Barack Obama legislation to keep the federal government funded and running.

The House of Representatives last weekend passed a bill to fund the government through September 30, the end of fiscal year 2011. But it includes spending cuts of about 14 percent, or $61.5 billion below current levels, and Obama and his fellow Democrats in Congress said they were against it.

Although the two parties still have room to negotiate, the fight over spending could lead to a shutdown of government operations and prompt Congress to refuse to allow the United States to borrow more money.

Here are scenarios for what could happen:

AGREEMENT ON SHORT-TERM FUNDING

The most likely outcome is a short-term funding agreement. Congress is likely to approve a temporary bill known as a "continuing resolution" to fund the government through March 30, giving Republicans and Democrats more time to compromise on spending until the end of the fiscal year in September.

But there's still a major hitch to work out in the continuing resolution, which would be the sixth stopgap funding bill this fiscal year, which began October 1. Democrats want this one to keep government spending at current levels, while House Speaker John Boehner wants some reductions.

It will become apparent this week whether the two parties can agree on a stopgap bill.

IMMEDIATE COMPLETION OF A FISCAL YEAR 2011 BILL:

Although the 2011 fiscal year is nearly half over, its budget has never been approved. Passing one would end fears of an imminent government shutdown and bode well for negotiations on raising the federal debt limit -- but there is little time to accomplish it. While the parties could agree on short-term funding, there are huge differences between Republicans and Democrats on the level of spending cuts for the rest of the fiscal year.

GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN:

Leaders of both parties say they don't want this to happen and that they are working to avoid it, but there's still plenty of partisan sniping going on.

Boehner said on Sunday the House would pass a short-term bill that would keep the government running with some cuts.

The shutdown scenario holds the most danger, politically. An electorate already annoyed with Washington would become even more angry and no politician is sure whether he or she would escape the public's wrath come election day.

The last time there was a government shutdown was December 16, 1995, to January 6, 1996 and Republicans who controlled the House, just like now, got most of the blame.

Even a partial government shutdown could have a negative impact on global financial markets -- on top of uncertainties over the slow-healing U.S. economy and political upheavals in the Mideast and North Africa.

But the fact remains that if Obama's Democrats and Republicans cannot reach a deal on another stopgap bill or on the bill to fund the government for the rest of the fiscal year, there's only one alternative: the layoff of thousands of federal workers and the disruption of many government services.

Government agencies would have to activate shutdown plans either starting on March 5, or, since that is a Saturday, on March 7.

DEBT LIMIT

Besides fighting over this year's spending, Congress and the White House have another problem to worry about in coming months: U.S. government borrowing authority.

The Treasury Department says it will bump up against its statutory $14.3 trillion borrowing ceiling sometime in April or May.

Without an increase, the U.S. government faces a possible default on loans, many of which are held by China, Britain and other foreign investors. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke warned this month that a default would cause "catastrophic" consequences for the U.S. economy and financial system. A default is seen as unlikely but political posturing over the debt limit in the coming weeks could unsettle financial markets.

No more borrowing authority also would mean that the government could not continue operating and may not be able to pay out Social Security and other government benefits.

Some Tea Party conservatives say they are willing to push this alternative unless spending cuts are in place.

A THIRD WAVE OF TURMOIL:

Once the fiscal year 2011 spending and debt limit problems are resolved, attention turns to the fight for the 2012 fiscal year budget and a series of spending bills to fund the government for next year.

A failure to reach agreement would again raise the specter of forced government closings later this year

http://www.newsmeat.com/news/meat.php?articleId=93502533&channelId=2951&buyerId=newsmeatcom&buid=3281