Kamis, Agustus 28, 2008

Trade: 70 foreign companies participate at Iraq Fair

Trade Ministry said that received consent of 70 foreign companies to participate at International Iraq Fair that would held in Baghdad at November, general director of Iraqi Fairs Company, Sabti Juma'a, said.

These companies are from Sweden, Turkey, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Syria and Jordan as other companies sending its consents to participate at the fair, Juma'a said.

(Al-Sabaah)

Turkey affirms readiness to invest in BasraTurkey affirms readiness to invest in BasraTurkey affirms readiness to invest in Basra

Basra governor, Mohammed Mesbah al-Waili and the Turkish ambassador to Baghdad Diyrabia Kanby have agreed on the final preparations to open Turkish consular in Basra.

Knaby confirmed the readiness of his country to enter in investment domain in Basra province and open direct navigational-air line between Basra airport and Turkey.

In statement to as-Sabah newspaper, Al-Waili said there is joint concern between the two governments to open Turkish counselor in Basra

(Al-Sabaah)

Iraq signs $3billion oil service contract with Chinese firm

Iraq struck $3bn oil services contract with China's state-owned oil firm CNPC, an oil ministry spokesman said on Thursday.

Earlier the Iraqi oil minister Hussein al-Shristani said the two parties renegotiated a 1997 deal to pump oil from the Ahdab oilfield in Wassit, 180 km south Baghdad.

Oil ministry spokesman Assim Jihad pointed out “Under the new deal, output from the oilfield will be 25,000 barrels per day, out of the expected 125,000 barrels, would supply fuel for al-Zubaidiya thermal plant, which is set to begin generating electricty in three years”.

“The deal is the first major oil contract with a foreign firm since the US-led war in Iraq,the spokesman noted.

As security improves, Iraq - which has some of the biggest oil reserves in the Middle East - is trying to bring in foreign oil companies to boost crude output.

It needs billions of dollars of investment after years of war and sanctions.

Other foreign oil companies, such as Royal Dutch Shell and Exxon Mobil, are also negotiating deals with the Iraqi government.

The Iraq government said its aim is to increase crude oil production from the current 2.5m barrels per day to 4.5m by 2013.

Iraqi oil experts put the discovered reserve for al-Ahdab field at 225 million, which is considred one of the largest in Iraq.

(Voices of Iraq)

Selasa, Agustus 26, 2008

Floating marine station back in operation after rehabilitation

The Iraqi Ministry of Transport on Tuesday said that technical teams from the State Company for Iraqi Ports have finished rehabilitation work on the 257-meter long vessel, al-Shorouq.

"The rehabilitation cost was 650 million Iraqi dinars (1 U.S. dollar= 1,119 Iraqi dinars), a trivial amount in comparison to the cost of the bids for the rehabilitation, 5 billion Iraqi dinars…," according to a ministerial statement received by Aswat al-Iraq- Voices of Iraq- (VOI).

The statement did not reveal when the ship was back in operation.

Al-Shorouq is a floating marine station that provides communication services between ships heading to Iraqi ports.

Built in Japan in 1976, the ship was subject to acts of sabotage in 1991.
(Voices of Iraq)

Minggu, Agustus 24, 2008

Al Maliki renewed his invitation to all international companies to work in Iraq

The Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki on Friday, renewed his invitation to all international companies to work in Iraq after what he described as a success achieved on the security domain.

Al Maliki received today a number of German businessmen and described his confidence about German companies, and hoped their work in Iraq is fast and achieve a clear progress in the economic, physical and service fields.

Al-Maliki announced Iraq's intention to send a delegation from the Ministry of Health to Germany for the development of hospitals and health institutions in Iraq and the introduction of modern and sophisticated medical equipment.

The delegation of German businessmen expressed their willingness to work in Iraq and participate in construction and reconstruction projects and investing in Iraq, according to the Iraqi government statement.
(Iraq Directory)

Jumat, Agustus 22, 2008

PM’s speech to Iraqi governors and ministers at economic conference

Dear honourable guests, good morning and welcome to this event. I would like to welcome everybody to Erbil, the capital, to participate in this important event. I would also like to warmly welcome the Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq, Dr. Rafi’ al-Isawi, Ambassador Ryan Crocker, General Hertling, ministers, governors, and all participants.

I am glad to be present with you and to participate in this important conference regarding cooperation and coordination among the Kurdistan Region and the Northern Governorates, and focusing on projects and development efforts in these governorates.

Today in Iraq we have a unique opportunity. There is fertile ground for a democratic and federal state to emerge so that we can serve our people and reconstruct our country. A country that has long suffered from a totalitarian regime that brought war and destruction to Iraq. We are one of the new states in the world in many respects. But at the same time we should be careful not to make the error of assuming that history started the day Iraq was liberated.

We in Iraq – Arabs, Kurds, Turkmens, Assyrians, Chaldeans, and all other constituencies – have experienced tragedies, hardship, and difficult times. This is why we are now trying to build a new Iraq, so that those sad days will not be repeated, and so that we can secure a bright future for the people of Iraq. Therefore we should watch our steps carefully so as not to allow that history to be repeated or the mistakes of the past to resurface.

After the liberation of Iraq we have decided voluntarily to work together to rebuild Iraq, because we understood that the Iraqi Constitution guarantees our rights and protects us from any oppression.

That is why we, in the Kurdistan Region, consider the Iraqi Constitution as a reminder and an instrument that pays attention to historical aspects. We have to protect ourselves from mistakes and injustices in the future. We believe that after erecting a federal, democratic and pluralistic system in Iraq, the constitution will be the strong legal foundation that will help us live together in peace and stability in our Region – a Region which can enjoy strong and close relations with the central federal government.

The principle of a central authority empowering regional governments and governorates is being practices almost all over the world, and we can benefit from the experiences of other nations. Many countries today are reviewing their governmental structure and style in order to move the decision-making process closer to the people via regional, provincial and local governments.

Modern governing systems have demonstrated that local and regional authorities are more responsible to their people, more efficient, more active in their work, and less burdened by bureaucracy and administrative complications. Many countries of the European Union adhere to the principle of devolving power to lower levels because they came to the conclusion long ago that issues and questions relevant to the people are handled most effectively and more quickly when given to regions and provinces.

Since the liberation of Iraq, in cooperation with the Coalition forces and friends of our people, efforts continue to establish a democratic, federal, transparent and active system in Iraq, a civilised system that will be aligned with modern norms. The manner in which federalism is to be enacted was agreed upon by Iraqi parties so that authority would never be accumulated by a central government and decisions would not be made unilaterally. Sharing power in Iraq is necessary so that all the people throughout Iraq can participate, will not be deprived of their rights or wishes, and will not be far from the decision-making process. And that is why any decision or law should respect the rights of the people and also the authority and wishes of the regions and governorates.

We in the KRG have insisted on maintaining the principle of distribution of power in our own internal dealings with local governments, and in our dealings with the federal government. And we have looked to advanced nations for examples – to the United States, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and elsewhere – where we have found power-sharing has a positive effect on improving government performance and allowing citizens to feel close to authorities.

The KRG seeks this kind of coordination with the Iraqi federal government, and simultaneously adheres to the same principles within the Kurdistan Region. We are working to move more power and authority within the KRG to the governorates and even to lower levels where possible. We believe that the closer authorities are to people, the more familiar they will be with the people’s needs.

We support programmes to develop the governorates, programmes for which funds have been directly allocated from the central government, that enable provinces to execute service projects according to their set plan. We in the KRG closely monitor the quality and method of the process regarding governorate development that is implemented by companies and governmental actors.

Here I address my speech directly to all the attendees, and say – let us first look for solutions at the local and regional level. Let us not assume that Baghdad has the answer to each and every problem and obstacle. Let us recognise that countries around the world are devolving power to regional authorities because they reached the conclusion that this would be more successful.

To be certain, we must understand that there are some powers that must be reserved for the federal government and this must be respected, because according to the constitution the powers of government have been defined. But when the competence of local and regional authorities is strong enough to handle an issue, then those authorities should always have the opportunity to do so.

Our people have long waited for a chance to live in a peaceful, stable society, within a democratic framework, and through this type of principled partnership we can build a new and strong federal Iraq where growth and prosperity can take root, and where freedom replaces dictatorship.

When it comes to services and infrastructure we have many shortcomings, but we have made serious efforts to solve some of these problems. I can say that to a significant degree we have made good progress. All of us know that the lack of electricity, not only in the Kurdistan Region but all over Iraq, is one such difficulty. We have turned to the private sector in our efforts to find a solution to this problem.

At the same time, in the fields of education, health, and agriculture, we have also put forth serious effort, and if we can cooperate, we will benefit from each other.

I hope this conference will be successful and achieve its intended aim. The Kurdistan Regional Government is once again glad to host this conference, which serves the interests of all the people of Iraq.

Such activity presents a platform for everybody to further dialogue, exchange views, and benefit from each other. I am confident that each honourable governor has his own ideas and experiences to share in this conference, so that he can highlight challenges and issues and explore suitable mechanisms to solve these problems. The spirit of working together and looking to the future will ensure that our efforts succeed. Once again, thank you for attending the conference and I wish you success.

Thank you.

(KRG)

Iraq participates in Damascus International Fair

Syrian Trade and Economics Minister Amer Husni Lutfi said in a meeting with the delegation of the Trade Ministry participating in Damascus International fair that he is highly satisfied about Iraq’s participation in the fair.

Lutfi praised the vital role of Baghdad through its economic openness to neighboring countries and foreign states. He hailed as well endeavors aimed at activating trade exchange between Damascus and Baghdad.
(Al SumariaTV)

Rabu, Agustus 20, 2008

Iraq to Sign $1.2 Billion Oil Service Deal with China

Iraq will soon sign its first big international oil deal since the fall of Saddam Hussein, a $1.2 billion oil service contract with China, oil minister Hussain al-Shahristani was quoted as saying on Tuesday.

The deal covers a small field producing just 90,000 barrels per day and replaces an earlier deal signed under Saddam. But the terms described by Shahristani give a clue to the tough line Baghdad is likely to take in deals with other foreign firms.

It replaces a production sharing agreement that would have given a Chinese firm a long-term stake in profits from the Adhab oilfield with a services contract in which the Chinese receive fees for work, but Baghdad keeps the future profits.

"We have held talks with (the Chinese) for a year, and the terms of the deal were changed to a service contract. The Chinese have agreed on that, with a value of $1.2 billion," Shahristani told the an-Noor newspaper.

Foreign firms are keen to have access to the OPEC country's oilfields, the world's third largest. But with oil prices high Baghdad has been negotiating from a position of strength, while war has kept firms from setting up a presence in Baghdad.

The oil minister is travelling to China at the end of this month to discuss the deal, which was orginally signed in 1997 between Iraq and the China National Petrolium Company (CNPC).

The original deal was valued at $670 million at a time when oil prices were much lower than today, but it would have become far more lucrative for the Chinese if they were allowed to keep the production sharing terms at today's prices.

Iraq had said in the past it would honour the Saddam-era deal with the Chinese, but wanted to renegotiate it.

Iraq now exports about 2 million barrels of oil per day, roughly equivalent to exports under Saddam, but says that it can quickly boost production when it begins repairing infrastructure that was neglected during decades of sanctions and war.

The high price of oil means Baghdad is flush with cash and has little need of foreign financing for projects, although it wants to import expertise and technology from foreign firms.

Iraq is negotiating six other short-term service contracts worth about $500 million each with foreign firms or consortiums, but those deals have been long delayed. A U.S. diplomat said this week he expected most or all of them would be scrapped.

Foreign oil companies are seen as much keener on production sharing deals, which would give them a stake in future oil profits, rather than service contracts.Dozens of oil firms are expected to compete for long-term deals which the government says it hopes to open for bidding next year.

Shahristani repudiated a Saddam Hussein-era deal with Russia's largest private oil company LUKOIL, saying the contract was political and its terms "totally unfair."

"Relating to the Russian contract, it was signed with the former regime for political reasons and scrapped by the former regime also for political reasons," he said. "It is a totally unfair contract."

He said the field covered by that deal, Phase II of the West Qurna oilfield, was one of the biggest in Iraq. LUKOIL has already been informed that rights to the field will be offered in a second round of bidding coming soon, he said.

He also said a deal was almost complete with a large global firm on a joint venture to produce natural gas to generate electricity at home while liquefying and exporting the surplus.

He did not name the company, but Shahristani has previously discussed negotiations with Royal Dutch Shell on a project that would collect gas Iraq now burns off at oilfields.
(Reuters)

Senin, Agustus 18, 2008

China begins work on $900 million power plant and agrees to develop oil field in southern Iraq

The Chinese firm, Shanghai, has started constructing a major thermal power plant in the southern Province of Wasit, the Ministry of electricity said.

Electricity Minister Kareem Waheed attended the laying down of the foundation stone for the plant, the largest ever project a foreign firm begins constructing in Iraq since the 2003 U.S. invasion.

Kareem said on completion the plant will generate 1320 megawatts of electricity.

He said under the $924 million contract the Chinese were to have the plant constructed in 48 months.

“It is a good initiative from a foreign firm to start implementing such a project in the country following the improvement in security.

“Hopefully this will encourage other firms to follow suit,” Waheed said.

The Chinese have a much bigger stake in the province as they have also agreed to develop the al-Ahdab oil field there.

China National Petroleum Corporation is to develop the field with proven reserves estimated at more than 1 billion barrels.

Kareem said the Chinese will be producing nearly 90,000 barrels a day from al-Ahdab by the time the thermal plant is completed.

“The plant will rely for its operation on the crude which al-Ahdab will be producing,” he said.

The Oil Ministry is building small-scale refineries in Wasit, with the capacity of producing 10,000 barrels a day each.

(Azzaman)

12 projects to build schools in Missan

Twelve projects to build schools in the districts of Missan province will be carried out at a cost of 4.55 billion Iraqi dinars (roughly $450,00) as part of the provincial reconstruction & development program for this year, a local official said on Monday.

"The projects endorsed for implementation envisaged three elementary schools in the areas of al-Risala, Abu Rimaneh and al-Hassan al-Askari in the province's capital al-Amara and four other elementary schools in the villages of al-Ruwayshed, al-Kabsoun, al-Kholoud and al-Imiya in the district of Ali al-Gharbi, (100 km) north of Amara," Mohan Mahi Shebeib, the chairman of the Missan Reconstruction & Development Committee, told Aswat al-Iraq – Voices of Iraq – (VOI).

He said there will be three more schools in the villages of al-Badaw, al-Quds and Abu Thinwan in the district of Kemeit, (25 km) north of Amara and two schools in al-Duwaijat village, Ali al-Sharqi district, (60 km) north of Amara.

Sitting on the Tigris River, Amara, the capital city of Missan, lies 390 km south of Baghdad. Missan, in the east of the country, bordering Iran, is home to many marsh Arabs.
(Voices of Iraq)

$5.3-million deal between Kurdistan, Jordanian company

The government of Kurdistan province signed a $5.3-million agreement with Jordanian Price WaterHouse Coopers to develop the Information Technology strategy in the province within a 2-year contract, the stat-run al-Raay newspaper said.

"Kurdish Prime Minister Negervan Barazani expressed his belief with the importance of the project as the IT and communication represent strategic elements for the development of the region," the Jordanian paper said.

The newspaper quoted the main partner of the Price WaterHouse Coopers, Fathi Saleh Ali, as saying that "the importance of the project is to put and implement strategic plans for three governmental bodies to develop the IT system in these bodies."
(Voices of Iraq)

Minggu, Agustus 17, 2008

Iraq earned $43b from oil revenues in past 7 months

Iraq has made around $43 billion from oil exports throughout the past seven months, the Dubai-based al-Hilal Oil Company said.

"The average daily production of Iraqi crude oil was 2.5 million barrels, including 1 million for export uses and half a million for local consumption…," according to a report released by the company on Saturday and received by Aswat al-Iraq - Voices of Iraq - (VOI).

The report tackled the future of Iraqi oil industry, expecting oil revenues to reach $70 billion by the end of the current year.

"If oil prices maintained their current levels, Iraqi revenues will exceed $100 billion," according to the report.

Operating in the Gulf for more than 25 years, al-Hilal Oil Company issues a weekly report on international oil production and markets.

(Voices of Iraq)

Sabtu, Agustus 16, 2008

Iran ready to offer technical services to Iraq – minister

Iran's energy minister said his country was ready to offer technical services to Iraq in the fields of energy and electricity, expressing content with the current level of cooperation between the two neighboring countries, according to Iran's news agency Fars.

"Iranian experts, who acquired a good know-how in setting up power stations and extension of high-pressure lines, are ready to offer their experience to their Iraqi counterparts," Pervez Fattah said after receiving visiting Iraqi Electricity Minister Kareem Waheed.

Iraqi Deputy Premier Burham Saleh had paid an official visit to the Iranian capital Tehran on Wednesday, leading a delegation that comprised Waheed, Trade Minister Abdelfalah al-Sudani and other government officials.

Saleh met with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and other Iranian officials to discuss means to activate economic agreements and supplying Iraq with electric power as well as other topics of mutual interest.

Fattah said the Iranian companies were ready to participate in the international tenders in Iraq to launch projects in the spheres of energy, water and sewage.

Waheed, for his part, praised as "distinguished" relations binding Iraq and Iran, noting the Iraqi government is welcoming cooperation with the Iranian companies, reported Fars.

Waheed had told Aswat al-Iraq – Voices of Iraq – (VOI) on Friday that the two countries signed an agreement to provide Iraq with 4500 megawatt of electricity.

"Iranian companies will carry out a project of a power station with a capacity of 320 megawatt in the eastern Baghdad district of Sadr City," he said, adding that Iranian companies have also finalized designs for another power station in al-Hadariya area, Najaf province, 180 km southwest of the Iraqi capital Baghdad as a gift for the Iraqi people.

(Voices of Iraq)

Foreign investors pour billions in Kurdish Iraq

Foreign investors have pledged projects worth more than $16 billion dollars to be implemented in the autonomous Kurdish region of Iraq, according to a Kurdish official.

Kameran al-Mufti, head of the region’s project evaluation and license department, said more than $6 billion of the pledged investments has already turned into “real’ projects. The department was established in 2006 in accordance with a new law the region’s government had issued to lure foreign investors.

The law gives investors several privileges among them a 10-year net of tax period and removal of tariffs on exports and imports related to the project. Foreigners even have the possibility of owning property including the land on which they set up their projects.

Investors, including Iraqi nationals, have the right to transfer their profits to bank accounts abroad. Even workers in these projects have the right to transfer their wages in hard cash abroad.

Mufti said these privileges and the region’s relative security have been “very tempting” for foreigners.

Since the promulgation of the law foreign capital has increased more than three folds – to more than 50 percent of foreign investments from 15 percent. He said investors were mainly interested in industrial and tourist projects as well as housing. But he said investors were still meeting many difficulties despite his department’s efforts to remove hurdles.

He cited the backward state of the region’s banking system and red tape as the main impediments.

(Azzaman)

Jumat, Agustus 15, 2008

Garbage sorting plant in northern Baghdad at 105b dinars

Baghdad mayoralty on Thursday said that it has finished the first stage in a garbage sorting plant in Baghdad's northern area of al-Taaji.

"Garbage sorting plan, which will be established on an area of 400 donums, is one of the most important projects in the garbage processing field," according to a statement released by the mayoralty and received by Aswat al-Iraq - Voices of Iraq - (VOI).

"Work is being carried out by three departments affiliated with the mayoralty: the projects department, the solid wastes department and al-Kadhimiya municipal department in Baghdad's northern area of al-Taaji," the statement noted.

"The plant has three lines: the first will sort out food garbage and turn it into fertilizers, the second will sort out plastic stuff and the third will sort out iron stuff…," the statement explained, noting that the total cost of the project is 105 billion Iraqi dinars (1 U.S. dollar= 1,119 Iraqi dinars).

(Voices of Iraq)

Kamis, Agustus 14, 2008

Oil delegation heads to China to develop Ahdab oilfield

A senior oil delegation headed by the Iraqi minister oil and Wassit governor will head to China by the end of this month to discuss means of developing the Ahdab oilfield in the province.

"The visiting delegation will also include officials from the ministry's contracts department and several local officials," an official spokesman for the Iraqi Ministry of Oil, Aasem Jihad, told Aswat al-Iraq -Voices of Iraq - (VOI).

"Talks will focus on the establishment of al-Zabidiya electricity station, which is expected to be fed with fuel from the field," the spokesman noted.

Ahdab oilfield is one of the largest fields in the country, whose capacity is expected to reach 200,000 barrels per day (bpd) once rehabilitation work is completed, Jihad added.

Wassit, 180 km south of Baghdad, is in the east of the country. Its name comes from the Arabic word meaning "middle," as it lies along the Tigris about midway between Baghdad and Basra.

Its major cities include the capital, Kut, and al-Hayy. Prior to 1976 it was known as Kut Province.
(Voices of Iraq)

Iraq is reviving an oil contract with China worth 1.2 Billion Dollars

The Iraqi Oil Ministry stressed on that it was reviving an oil contract worth 1.2 billion dollars had been concluded with China, but was cancelled after the invasion of United States of America against Iraq in spring 2003.

The ministry said in a statement that an agreement in principle with China will sign at the end of this month to develop the field "Al Ahdab" located south of the capital Baghdad, and has stored billion barrels.

And with this development it will be the first working contract followed the overthrow of the former President Saddam Hussein.

The news agency Associated Press transported that the former regime had signed the contract in 1997 with the Chinese national oil company in spite of sanctions imposed by the United Nations on Iraq.

The agency said that the statement came following a meeting between Iraqi Oil Minister Hussein Shahrastani and the Chinese ambassador in Baghdad, without revealing more details.

Iraq already owns an oil reserve of at least 115 billion barrels of oil, including making it the second or third in size over the world after Saudi Arabia and Iran.

A number of experts believe that Baghdad can pump more than six million barrels of oil to world markets every day, making it also the third largest producer at the international level after Saudi Arabia and Russia.

However, Iraq's export capacity of no more than two million barrels now, after decades of wars and lack of maintenance, noting that the country had produced late seventies of the last century, 3.5 million barrels a day.

(Iraq Directory)

Rabu, Agustus 13, 2008

Saudi Arabia invests in Babil

A Saudi company made wide study to carry out investments in Babil province at all economic spheres, like building airport and housing project for universities' professors and students, Babil Governor Salim Almuslimawi said at press conference.

Fua'ad Al Essa Company's deputy general director, Sa'ad Al Essa, said that the province witnesses clear security improvement and its prepared to to enter Arab and foreign capitals.

The governor said that most projects would execute in Jebla, Shomeli and Kifel areas because it's important agricultural areas in the province.

(Al-Sabaah)

Mosul main street opened after rehabilitation

One of Mosul city's main streets was inaugurated following rehabilitation work that cost 219 million Iraqi dinars, Ninewa's governor said on Wednesday.

"Halab St, one of the main streets in downtown Mosul which is close to the governorate's building, was inaugurated on Wednesday, following rehabilitation work that has been conducted under the provincial development projects for the year 2008 at a total cost of nearly $199,000," Darid Kashmoula told Aswat al-Iraq - Voices of Iraq - (VOI).

The work included tiling and sewage work, according to the governor.

Mosul, the capital city of Ninewa, lies 405 km north of Baghdad.

The original city of Mosul stands on the west bank of the Tigris River, opposite the ancient biblical city of Nineveh on the east bank, but the metropolitan area has now grown to encompass substantial areas on both banks, with five bridges linking the two sides.

Despite having an amount of Kurdish population, it does not form part of the area controlled by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).

The fabric Muslin, long manufactured in Mosul, is named for this city. Another historically important product of the area is Mosul marble.

The city is also a historic center for the Nestorian Christianity of the Assyrians, containing the tombs of several Old Testament prophets such as Jonah, Yunus in Arabic, and Nahum.

(Voices of Iraq)

Demand increases on Iraqi dinars in Egypt with expectations of price rising

Egyptian banking market is currently in a state of struggle to buy the Iraqi dinar by some individuals in the hope of achieving profits by increasing expectations of an official price within two years at most in the repetition of the scenario occurred with the beginning of the Iraqi political and security crisis , and the issuance of new Iraqi dinars following the execution of former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein, followed by the efforts of some people to buy Iraqi dinars to achieve substantial profits.

In this context, the parliamentarians addressed early warnings to the Egyptian government against what they branded the Iraqi dinar chaos in the market calling for the government, Dr. Mahmoud Mohieddin, the Minister of Investment and politically responsible for the banking market, the disclosure of the government's plan to cope with the expected chaos, which would cause heavy losses For individuals and exchange companies.

Especially since it was more likely, according to experts bankers, the Iraqi currency continues to deteriorate in light of indicators showing that the U.S. occupation will continue for yeas after Washington ruled out to withdraw its troops at the present time. The thousands of individuals have sought to collect the greatest possible of new Iraqi currency reached a price of 20 thousand Egyptian pounds for each one million Iraqi dinars, pending to the coming period if the price would rise in the banking market again.
(Iraq Directory)

Selasa, Agustus 12, 2008

Water treatment station in Basra

A project to set up a water treatment station in Basra's downtown Saad square has been carried out at a total cost of over $750,000, an official source from Basra's construction department said on Tuesday.

"Work on the project took four months, during which a station to pull water at a capacity of 1800 cubic meter/hour in Saad Square and a water treatment station in the old al-Mashraq area (downtown Basra) have been set up," Engineer Haidar Hisham told Aswat al-Iraq- Voices of Iraq- (VOI).

Basrah, 590 km (340 miles) south of the Iraqi capital Baghdad, has an estimated metropolitan population of 2,300,000 in 2008.

Basra is the cradle of the first civilization of Sumer. It has the seven main Iraqi ports. The first built in Islam 14 A.H. (After Hegira), the city played an important role in early Islamic history.

The area surrounding Basra has substantial petroleum resources and many oil wells. The city's oil refinery has a production capacity of about 140,000 barrels per day (bpd).

Basra is in a fertile agricultural region, with major products including rice, maize corn, barley, pearl millet, wheat and dates as well as livestock.

A network of canals flowed through the city, giving it the nickname "The Venice of the Middle East" at least at high tide.

(Voices of Iraq)

Basra's Umm Qasr receives more cargo ships

Basra's port of Umm Qasr on Tuesday received four ships transporting varied cargos, the public relations and media director at the State Company for Iraqi Ports said.

Today, Umm Qasr Port received four ships from India with varied cargos, Abdelkareem al-Basri told Aswat al-Iraq - Voices of Iraq - (VOI).

The Shiite province of Basra, 590 km south of the Iraqi capital Baghdad, has five commercial ports and two oil ports: al-Maaqal, established in 1916 by the British forces and handed over to Iraqi authorities in 1937; and Faw, a small port on the al-Faw Peninsula near the Shatt al-Arab and the Persian Gulf.

In the early 1970s, Umm al-Qasr port was built, and in 1974, Khour al-Zubeir and Abu Falous ports were established on the Shatt al-Arab.

Basra is the cradle of the first civilization of Sumer. It has the seven main Iraqi ports. The first built in Islam 14 A.H. (After Hegira), the city played an important role in early Islamic history.

The area surrounding Basra has substantial petroleum resources and many oil wells. The city's oil refinery has a production capacity of about 140,000 barrels per day (bpd).

Basra is in a fertile agricultural region, with major products including rice, maize corn, barley, pearl millet, wheat and dates as well as livestock.

A network of canals flowed through the city, giving it the nickname "The Venice of the Middle East" at least at high tide.
(Voices of Iraq)

Cement company contracts to set up huge power stations

The Northern Cement State Company has concluded a number of contracts to set up electricity stations with the aim of boosting the production levels of two factories, the Iraqi Ministry of Industry and Minerals said on Tuesday.

"The first stage has been launched in Badoush factory station at a capacity of 15 megawatts, in addition to an experimental launch of Sinjar factory station at a capacity of 30 megawatts," according to a ministerial statement received by Aswat al-Iraq­ - Voices of Iraq - (VOI), quoting an official source in the company.

"Work on the two stations stopped after the Turkish operational team had left due to security conditions in Ninewa province," the source noted.

Agreements have been made with the Turkish Aqsa and Rasa companies to complete the work in the two station in the coming few days, he added.

(Voices of Iraq)

Lower demand for the dollar in daily auction

Demand for the dollar was lower in the Central Bank of Iraq's (CBI) auction on Tuesday, registering at $140.715 million compared to $168.190 million on Monday.

"The demand hit $31.715 million in cash and $109 million in foreign transfers outside the country, all covered by the bank at an exchange rate of 1,187 Iraqi dinars per dollar, one tick lower than yesterday," an official source from the bank told Aswat al-Iraq - Voices of Iraq - (VOI).

The 15 banks that participated in the auction offered to sell $2 million, which the bank bought at an exchange rate of 1,185 Iraqi dinars per dollar.

The Iraqi Central Bank runs a daily auction from Sunday to Thursday.

(Voices of Iraq)

Senin, Agustus 11, 2008

$ 3 billion devoted for ration cards and new schools

Billion of Iraqi debt would written off after it completed its commitments with International Monetary Fund

As education committee at Parliament declared a plan to return displaced and emigrant teachers to the country, supplemental package devoted $ 750 mln to build new schools and provide necessary teaching equipments, while $ 2.5 billion devoted to provide ration cards' terms.

Financial committee at the Parliament declared that capital spendings at budget reached to 35%, and the supplemental package assigned more than 30 thousand jobs

(Al-Sabaah)

$ 3 billion devoted for ration cards and new schools

Billion of Iraqi debt would written off after it completed its commitments with International Monetary Fund

As education committee at Parliament declared a plan to return displaced and emigrant teachers to the country, supplemental package devoted $ 750 mln to build new schools and provide necessary teaching equipments, while $ 2.5 billion devoted to provide ration cards' terms.

Financial committee at the Parliament declared that capital spendings at budget reached to 35%, and the supplemental package assigned more than 30 thousand jobs

Minggu, Agustus 10, 2008

Mosul main street maintained at 5b dinars

Technical teams from the services and construction committee have initiated a project to maintain the main street linking Baghdad to Mosul at a total cost of 5 billion Iraqi dinars, the chairman of the committee said on Saturday.

"The street will be reasphalted and the sidewalks maintained," Zuheir al-Jalabi told Aswat al-Iraq- Voices of Iraq- (VOI).

The street, once named 'The Death Street' following a series of murders and bombings, is one of the city's most important streets. "It is the main route for trucks coming from northern Iraq, Syria and Turkey to Baghdad," Jalabi explained, lamenting the current poor condition of the street.

A total of 120 billion Iraqi dinars (1 U.S. dollar= 1,119 Iraqi dinars) has been earmarked for the services and construction committee with the purpose of providing services to local residents.

Since May 10, Ninewa has witnessed two security operations codenamed Zaeer al-al-Assad (Lion's Roar) and Umm al-Rabiain (Mother of Two Springs) to track down gunmen and impose order and law in the troubled city.

Mosul, the capital city of Ninewa, lies 405 km north of Baghdad. The original city of Mosul stands on the west bank of the Tigris River, opposite the ancient biblical city of Nineveh on the east bank, but the metropolitan area has now grown to encompass substantial areas on both banks, with five bridges linking the two sides. Despite having an amount of Kurdish population, it does not form part of the area controlled by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). The fabric Muslin is named for this city.

Another historically important product of the area is Mosul marble.

The city is also a historic center for the Nestorian Christianity of the Assyrians, containing the tombs of several Old Testament prophets such as Jonah, Yunus in Arabic, and Nahum.

(Voices of Iraq)

Mosul main street maintained at 5b dinars

Technical teams from the services and construction committee have initiated a project to maintain the main street linking Baghdad to Mosul at a total cost of 5 billion Iraqi dinars, the chairman of the committee said on Saturday.

"The street will be reasphalted and the sidewalks maintained," Zuheir al-Jalabi told Aswat al-Iraq- Voices of Iraq- (VOI).

The street, once named 'The Death Street' following a series of murders and bombings, is one of the city's most important streets. "It is the main route for trucks coming from northern Iraq, Syria and Turkey to Baghdad," Jalabi explained, lamenting the current poor condition of the street.

A total of 120 billion Iraqi dinars (1 U.S. dollar= 1,119 Iraqi dinars) has been earmarked for the services and construction committee with the purpose of providing services to local residents.

Since May 10, Ninewa has witnessed two security operations codenamed Zaeer al-al-Assad (Lion's Roar) and Umm al-Rabiain (Mother of Two Springs) to track down gunmen and impose order and law in the troubled city.

Mosul, the capital city of Ninewa, lies 405 km north of Baghdad. The original city of Mosul stands on the west bank of the Tigris River, opposite the ancient biblical city of Nineveh on the east bank, but the metropolitan area has now grown to encompass substantial areas on both banks, with five bridges linking the two sides. Despite having an amount of Kurdish population, it does not form part of the area controlled by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). The fabric Muslin is named for this city.

Another historically important product of the area is Mosul marble.

The city is also a historic center for the Nestorian Christianity of the Assyrians, containing the tombs of several Old Testament prophets such as Jonah, Yunus in Arabic, and Nahum.

(Voices of Iraq)

$800 thousand for 8 water projects in Karbala

Eight water projects in Karbala on Saturday were assigned to local companies with a total cost of about 961 million Iraqi Dinar (around 800 thousand U.S. dollar), said the rebuilding committee's head at Karbalaa provincial council.

"Karbala provincial council assigned eight water projects to a number of local companies, at a total cost of 961.720 million Iraqi Dinar, according to the 2008 regions' development program and rebuilding acceleration," Falah Hassan Attiya told Aswat al-Iraq – Voices of Iraq – (VOI).

"Those projects will widely contribute to improving services, and satisfying people's demand for water," he said.

The holy city of Karbala lies 110 southwest of Baghdad.

(Voices of Iraq)

137m dinar development projects in Shaqlawa

A number of important service projects at a cost of $260,000 are underway in Shaqlawa district, according to local officials.

"A 197 million dinar project to tile and maintain Shaqlawa streets will be initiated in the coming few days," the chairman of Shaqlawa municipal council, Honar Sayyed Taleb, told Aswat al-Iraq - Voices of Iraq - (VOI).

Meanwhile, the director of Hiran district, Sawara Akram, said that a project to bring electricity to the new water station in the district will be launched in three days at a cost of 120 million dinars.

The two projects aim at boosting tourism and providing potable water, the official said, noting that they are financed through Arbil's budget for provincial development projects.

Akram explained that more than 200 families will benefit from the water project in Hiran summer resort.
Speaking to VOI, Taleb said that 15,000 cubic meters of Shaqlawa streets will be tiled and maintained, which will ease the flow of traffic and revive tourism in an area known for its outstanding natural beauty.

Shaqlawa district lies 51 km northeast of Arbil city, the capital of the autonomous Iraqi Kurdistan region and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), about 360 km north of the Iraqi capital Baghdad.

Also written Erbil or Irbil, Arbil city is believed to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited in the world and is one of the largest cities in Iraq. The city lies eighty kilometers (fifty miles) east of Mosul. In 2005, its estimated population was 990,000 inhabitants.

Since the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, only isolated, sporadic violence has hit Arbil, unlike many other areas of Iraq. Parallel bomb attacks against the Eid celebrations arranged by the PUK and KDP killed 109 people on February 1, 2004. Responsibility was claimed by the Islamist group Ansar al-Sunnah, and stated to be in solidarity with the Kurdish Islamist faction Ansar al-Islam. Another bombing on May 4, 2005 killed 60 civilians. Despite these bombings the population generally feels safe.
(Voices of Iraq)

Basra port back in operation after 4 month pause

Al-Maaqal Port was re inaugurated on Sunday following a four-month pause due to renovation work that aimed at improving the port's performance.

"Technical teams and engineers from the State Company for Iraqi Ports have finished all rehabilitation work in the port, which was opened today following a four-month stoppage," the company's general director, Salah Khudeir, told Aswat al-Iraq - Voices of Iraq - (VOI).

"All equipment has been upgraded and the quays were renovated…," Khudeir noted.

The Shiite province of Basra, 590 km south of the Iraqi capital Baghdad, has five commercial ports and two oil ports: al-Maaqal, established in 1916 by the British forces and handed over to Iraqi authorities in 1937; and Faw, a small port on the al-Faw Peninsula near the Shatt al-Arab and the Persian Gulf.

In the early 1970s, Umm al-Qasr port was built, and in 1974, Khour al-Zubeir and Abu Falous ports were established on the Shatt al-Arab.

Iraqi army and police forces are currently stationed at the port. Earlier this month, the Iraqi Ministry of Planning and Development Cooperation called on the government to clear out the port of these personnel.

The ministry has also demanded that the State Company for Iraqi Ports maintains full control over the port.

(Voices of Iraq)

Demand for dollar goes down in daily auction

Demand for the dollar dropped one tick in the Central Bank of Iraq's (CBI) auction on Sunday, registering at $90.690 million compared to $190.165 million on Thursday.

"The demand hit $52.655 million in cash and $38.35 million in foreign transfers outside the country, all covered by the bank at an exchange rate of 1,188 Iraqi dinars per dollar, dropping one tick compared to Thursday's session," according to the central bank's daily bulletin received by Aswat al-Iraq - Voices of Iraq - (VOI).

The Iraqi dinar rose one tick in comparison to international markets where the dollar saw a rise along with the sterling and euro.

None of the 16 banks that participated in the auction offered to sell dollars, it noted.

The Iraqi Central Bank runs a daily auction from Sunday to Thursday.
(Voices of Iraq)

Turkish companies start implementing public works projects in Iraq-advisor

An Iraqi official on Sunday said his country and Turkey agreed to setting outlines for Turkish companies to implement projects in Iraq.

As well as oil and gas, the major areas of interest are ports and shipping, construction, infrastructure -- including the airport and railways -- and in industries that range from fertiliser production to iron and steel and banking.

"Iraq and Turkey agreed on a timetable for Turkish companies to start implementing work in Iraq," Jassim Mohamed Mulla, an advisor for the minister of public works, told Aswat al-Iraq - Voices of Iraq - (VOI).

The Iraqi official noted "Minister of Public Works Riyadh Ghareeb received Turkish Trade Attache Mustafaoglo and discussed means of boosting ties in public works field with Turkey."

"Turkish companies are ready to work in Iraq especially in Najaf and Karbala" Iraqi official cited Mustafaoglo as saying.

The Turkish offical expressed readiness of Turkish investors to "enter the Iraqi markets bridges and highways fields."

Iraqi PM Nouri al-Maliki has on several occasions expressed his country's wish to open Iraq to international companies to contribute in reconstructing the violence-ravaged country after years of bloody conflicts and sanctions.

(Voices of Iraq)

Sabtu, Agustus 09, 2008

The Ministry of Industry has concluded agreements with a British companies to develop textile plants

The spokeswoman of the Ministry of Industry and Minerals, declared on Monday, the ministry has concluded an agreement with a British company to develop its textile plants to be able to supply the needs of the ministries of Iraqi Defense and Interior, during the visit of Minister of Industry to Britain where he met many representatives of corporations, last week.

The spokeswoman Hanan Jassim, stated to (Aswat Al Iraq) that the Ministry of Industry "concluded a memorandum of understanding with the British company (Admorchild), including the development of its Iraqi textile plants, to enable them to supply the needs of the Ministries of Defence and Interior."

The agreement was concluded "during the visit of Industry Minister Fawzi Hariri to Britain, last week, at the head of a high-level delegation from the ministry of Staff."

According to the memorandum of understanding that "includes, the company (Admorchild) to develop Iraq's textile plants, the introduction of new production lines with the British advanced techniques", hinting that the new lines will produce "some of the requirements of protection and self-defense to meet the needs of the Ministries of Defence and Interior ", Without indicating the details of these materials.

The ministry delegation headed by Minister of Industry and Minerals Fawzi Hariri, included the members of the Under-Secretary for central activities, Dr. Sami Al-Araji, and a group of directors-general, visited the United Kingdom during the period from (27th, July last to 2nd, August current .

Mrs. Hannan Jasim pointed out that the delegation discussed with a number of British companies "opportunities for cooperation and industrial investment, on the background of Iraq's orientation towards the reconstruction of Iraq, and openness to the EU, following the steady improvement in the security situation throughout the country."

It added that "the delegation agreed, in principle, with (getech) the British company for mutual cooperation in a number of scientific areas," explaining that including "dealing with the geophysical data and magnetic attraction available on Iraq, and to provide ministry-related companies ( Particularly the geological survey and mineral investigation), a database of modern projects serving the oil and mineral exploration, to train their staff with these companies to the latest interpretation of geophysical data and process. "

The informational spokeswoman of the Ministry of Industry and Minerals that "the delegation also discussed with British companies many topics concerning investment in Iraq, including Iraqi laws on investment and technology transfer, human knowledge of the companies that would build or develop the Iraqi industrial utilities, in addition to examine the nature of contracts expected of those companies to conclude with the ministry. "

She pointed out that British companies which met the Iraqi delegation "expressed interest in cooperation with the ministry as a reference of technical expertise for implementing the shared projects in Iraq," noting that those companies "expressed satisfaction at the presence of engineering abilities and technical firms in the ministry, could support the industrial and service projects that can be agreed upon between the two sides in future. "

The Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki was in European tour during in last July ,that included Germany, Italy and the Vatican State, which called on EU countries to cooperate with Iraq on all levels.

(Iraq Directory)

Iraqi oil revenue reached 43 billions dollars in 7 months

The Iraqi Oil Ministry clarified on Thursday that Iraq exported 411 million barrels of oil in the first seven months of this year had a revenue of $ 43 billion.

Assem Jihad the ministry spokesman, stated: "we expect if the situation remains as it is to increase the income over 70 billion dollars this year."

Iraq has increased the oil production this year due to more stable flows from the north, where sabotage has kept technical troubles and breakdowns in the past very little.

The exports in May reached 1.99 million barrels per day and was the highest since the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003. The exports of June and July was slightly lower.

Iraq possessed the third largest oil reserves in the world and increasing the revenues from Iraq's oil export, it is anticipated that the budget surplus to grow about 50 billion dollars in 2008.

(Iraq Directory)

Jumat, Agustus 08, 2008

Iraq starts oil drilling in Nassiriya field

Iraqi Oil Minister Hussein al-Shahrestani on Friday launched the exploratory drilling works in al-Gharaf field in Nassiriya after a 20-year pause, the official spokesman for the oil ministry said.

“The minister launched today the oil drilling works at al-Gharaf field in Nassiriya in southern Iraq after a two-decade pause,” Assem Jihad told Aswat al-Iraq - Voices of Iraq - (VOI) over the phone.

Last Wednesday, Jihad had said the Iraqi Ministry of Oil will continue its oil exploration in the coming few days, ending a two-decade pause.

“A celebration will be held in the coming few days and attended by the minister of oil, Hussein al-Shahrestani, on the occasion of the launch of the quake survey in al-Gharaf field in Thi Qar's capital city of Nassiriya," Assem Jihad added.

The survey will be conducted by one of three ministerial teams that have been recently set up to undertake exploration work, Jihad said, noting that the teams are comprised of engineers, geologists, geophysicists and technicians.

The spokesperson explained that Iraq's oil reserves is more than double the officially confirmed figure, which is 115 billion barrels, adding that the lack of exploration work throughout the past 20 years has played a role in the matter..

Thi-Qar, 380 km south of Baghdad, has an area of 12,900 square kilometers (4,980.7 sq mi). In 2003 the estimated population of the governorate was 1,454,200 people. Thi-Qar's capital is the city of al-Nassiriya. It also includes the ancient Sumerian ruins of Ur, Eridu, Lagash and Ngirsu. Before 1976 the province was known as al-Muntafiq.
(Voices of Iraq)

Iraq, Syria to boost trade exchange to $1 billion

Iraq and Syria have agreed to expand value of their bilateral trade to $1 billion in 2009.

Iraqi Trade Minister Abdulfalah Hassan is currently in Damascus for talks with his Syrian counterpart Amer Lutfi on ways to expedite the flow of goods between the countries.

Bilateral trade is currently worth $600 million a year and Hassan said Iraq was keen to import more from Syria.

Syria is Iraqis’ main gateway to the outside world. Damascus is most flexible than Iraq’s other neighbors in allowing Iraqis to enter and leave its territories.

More than one million Iraqi refugees live in Syria where they enjoy access to social amenities with the right to attend schools and visit public health clinics.

The U.S. has recently toned down its criticism of Syria over allegations of using its territory as a conduit for arms and foreign fighters.

It is not clear what the Syrians have done to prompt the use moderate its anti-Damascus rhetoric.

But despite the criticism the countries’ governments have proceeded ahead with attempts to improve bilateral ties.

Iran and Syria, the countries with which the U.S. is not on good terms, now top the list of Iraq’s trade partners. The exchange of goods and flow of people between Iraq and each of the two countries is the biggest among Iraq’s six neighboring states.

The exchange with the Saudis is the lowest though most of the foreign fighters entering Iraq are Saudis.

Iraq is mulling resuming oil exports via a pipeline linking Kirkuk oil fields to Syrian terminals on the Mediterranean.

(Azzaman)

Kamis, Agustus 07, 2008

Three b to develop Baghdad City

Civilian spokesman of crackdown plan Tehseen ash-Shiakhli has exposed the allocation of $three b to construct infrastructure in Baghdad including several small branch bridges, roads, water grids and sewers.

In press conference held on Aug 5, ash-Shikhali said: Iraqi government has allocated $one b to each next three years to construct Baghdad whom he said that it is on same old designs drawn 25 years ago, despite the great increasing in population number.

Ash-Shakhli added that first steps of reconstruction had started since the beginning of the current year, referring that there is great expansion in extending water grids to include biggest neighborhoods in Baghdad.

(Al-Sabaah)

Cabinet allocates $ 100 mln to Diyala province

Cabinet decided allocating $ 100 mln to reconstruct Diyala, as security forces in Wassit province closed its borders with Diyala as safety measure.

Deputy PM Rafia' Alisawi said that this money as well as providing new jobs in the province came because special interest of it and to support underway security operation there.

Meanwhile, ground forces commander, Staff Lieutenant General, Ali Ghedan, denied reports about targeting members of Awakening Councils and public committees, at his visit to Buhruz district in Diyala.

(Al-Sabaah)

Scores of foreign companies wants invest in Iraq

Economy and investment committee at Parliament declared that hundreds of foreign companies expressed its will to invest in Iraq and taking part at Iraq's reconstruction, the committee reporter MP Ahmed Sulaiman said.

Improved security played major role at opening the investment opportunities at many fields, as the Govt. will provide sufficient protection for these companies.

Sulaiman said that Iraq has free economy and huge resources could invested, particularly at tourism and mineral sectors.

He attributed deteriorating situation of basic services to some ministers' inefficiency, corruption and bribery gangs, though big allocations that given to the ministries

(Al-Sabaah)

The Central Bank Of Iraq started to unify the reserved monetary rate among the governmental and private banks

The Iraqi Central Bank Consultant stated to Aswat Al Iraq about the new instructions will be effective from Sunday, the mandatory standardization of cash reserve ratio in government and private banks in the same ratio.

Dr. Modhir Mohamed Saleh, told the Independent News Agency (Voices of Iraq), that there was a "new instructions issued by the Central Bank of Iraq apply to all banks, starting from (Sunday), and provides for the Standardization of the compulsory reserve rate (25%) of all bank deposits , Whether governmental or civil deposits. "

He explained that the figure "will be distributed by (5%) will be kept in cash in the coffers of these banks, and the (20%) remaining deposited in their accounts with the Central Bank of Iraq, and are treated in accordance with the mechanisms and regulations currently applied in this regard."

Saleh pointed out that the compulsory reserve "for the governmental banks (75%), which was considered by those banks that affect the performance and limit the expansion in granting credit, which made the Central Bank to unify the compulsory reserve ratio for the private banks of the original (25% ) Only. "

The Consultant of the Central Bank of Iraq added "the new instructions not to be used surpluses of bank deposits resulting from the government exclusively, investment in deposit accounts for facilitation, or remittances CBE, or use for the purpose of public financing debt through participation in Treasury auction remittances, as it prevents cross-loan lending between banks. "

He added " and to allow (banking surpluses) to go to invest about all forms of bank credit."

D. Madhar Saleh said this procedure "designed to make the government deposits with banks geared towards the granting of loans and bank transaction, and not proceed for returning good profits only without having a role in the economic process."

The instruction "allowed banks to invest all surpluses in the banking tools of Central Bank of Iraq and remittances Treasury, and any other tools available, with the exception of surpluses arising from bank deposits, government, a rate not exceeding (35%) of the total surpluses resulting from public deposits only."

Saleh said that these instructions "aimed to motivate banks to market orientation, and to assign monetary policy trends in the provision of credit and bank financing required by the local state, and address the unemployment and economic stagnation, and continuing to face the inflation and price signals adopted by Central Bank to target inflation and achieving a unified framework of stability and economic growth desired. "

(Iraq Directory)

Iraq could have $79 billion budget surplus - report

The Iraqi government could end the year with as much as a $79 billion budget surplus as ever-increasing oil revenues pile on top of leftover income the Iraqis still haven't spent on their national rebuilding effort, congressional auditors say.

A report by the Government Accountability Office made public on Tuesday prompted renewed calls from senators that Baghdad pay more of the bill for its own reconstruction, which has been heavily supported with US funds.

The projected Iraq surplus, including unspent money from 2005 through 2008, has been building because of rising world oil prices, increasing Iraqi oil production, the government's inability to execute budgets for spending its money and persistent violence in the country, the GAO said.

The GAO said Iraq had an estimated cumulative budget surplus of about $29 billion from 2005 to 2007 and could have another surplus of up to $50 billion this year.

The expected surplus could be lower if Iraq passes stalled legislation for a $22 billion supplemental budget for 2008 - and if the government then executes the budget.

The report also estimated that this year Iraq could generate $67 billion to $79 billion in oil sales. Other US officials previously had said they expected the oil windfall to be about $70 billion.

(Associated Press)

Iraq allocates $10 billion reconstruction plan for Shiite slum

Baghdad Mayor on Thursday unveiled a $10 billion plan to develop and rehabilitate Baghdad Shiite slum of Sadr city which saw fierce clashes between government forces and militiamen loyal to Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr.

Speaking at a press conference, Baghdad Mayor Sabir al-Essawi "the project has been enacted by the Iraqi cabinet”.

He highlighted "the project aims at constructing 150,000 residential units, in addition to expanding and rehabilitating Sadr city's services and infrastructures”..

He did not give information when the project would be launched but noted "Baghdad mayoralty put a mechanism to execute the project."

The local official stressed "global companies will execute the project since no local company can deal with such projects".

"Foreign investors will work on the project's designs and consultancy," he explained.

The Mahdi Army, the armed wing of Sadr's movement, clashed with Iraqi security forces in Basra after PM Nouri al-Maliki announced a crackdown dubbed as Saulat al-Fursan (Knights' Assault) in late March which extended to major southern provinces and held on throughout April and May in the Shiite bastion of Sadr City in Baghdad, until a truce was signed on May 10.

(Voices of Iraq)

Supplementary budget will revive Iraqi economy

The parliamentary approval of the supplementary budget law will help revive the Iraqi economy, activate the reconstruction process, and speed up the provision of services in the country, the deputy chairman of the parliamentary economic committee said.

"The Parliament's success in passing the draft supplementary budget law will speed up governmental efforts aimed at providing services, raising the standard of living of employees and implementing major investment projects. It will also help solve the problem of displaced persons, widows and aggrieved social elements," Younadem Kanna told Aswat al-Iraq - Voices of Iraq - (VOI) by phone.

"It was impossible to end the legislative term without approving the supplementary budget," Kanna added.

Iraq's budget for the year 2008 is estimated at over $48 billion. On Wednesday, the Iraqi Parliament unanimously approved a supplementary budget of $21 billion, bringing the total for this year's budget to $70 billion, the largest in Iraq's history.

(Voices of Iraq)

Basra ports receive 6 cargo ships

Basra's ports of Umm Qasr and Khour al-Zubeir on Thursday received six cargo ships, the public relations and media director at the State Company for Iraqi Ports said.

Today, Umm Qasr Port received four ships from Iran, Panama, Britainand Liberia carrying containers and cargo, Abdul Kareem al-Basri told Aswat al-Iraq - Voices of Iraq - (VOI).

Meanwhile, Khour al-Zubeir Port received two Indian ships transporting varied cargoes, Basri added.

The Shiite province of Basra, 590 km south of the Iraqi capital Baghdad, has five commercial ports and two oil ports: al-Maaqal, established in 1916 by the British forces and handed over to Iraqi authorities in 1937; and Faw, a small port on the al-Faw Peninsula near the Shatt al-Arab and the Persian Gulf.

In the early 1970s, Umm al-Qasr port was built, and in 1974, Khour al-Zubeir and Abu Falous ports were established on the Shatt al-Arab.

(Voices of Iraq)

ISX opens with two 4.5 million share contracts

The Iraqi Stock Exchange (ISX) opened its session on Thursday, the third this week, with two contracts, totaling 4.5 million shares.

The first contract was concluded by an Iraqi company, which bought 2.5 million shares from the Soda Company at a value of 1.2 Iraqi dinars per share; while the second was concluded by a foreign investor, which bought 2 million shares from the Islamic Bank at a value of 0.85 Iraqi dinars (1 U.S. dollar = 1,119 Iraqi dinars) per share.

The Iraqi Stock Exchange, established under Law No. 74 of the year 2004, held its first session on June 24, 2004. The stock market holds three sessions a week: Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday.

(Voices of Iraq)

ISX closes with 24 million share contract

The Iraqi Stock Exchange (ISX) closed its session on Thursday, the third this week, with a 24 million share contract at a value of 1.55 Iraqi dinars (1 U.S. dollar = 1,119 Iraqi dinars) per share.

The stock market opened its session this morning with two contracts worth of 4.5 million shares.

The first contract was concluded by an Iraqi company, which bought 2.5 million shares from the Soda Company at a value of 1.2 Iraqi dinars per share; while the second was concluded by a foreign investor, which bought 2 million shares from the Islamic Bank at a value of 0.85 Iraqi dinars (1 U.S. dollar = 1,119 Iraqi dinars) per share.

The Iraqi Stock Exchange, established under Law No. 74 of the year 2004, held its first session on June 24, 2004. The stock market holds three sessions a week: Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday.

(Voices of Iraq)

411m oil barrels exported so far in 2008- ministry

Iraqi has exported 411 million barrels of oil throughout the past seven months, an official spokesman for the Iraqi Ministry of Oil said on Thursday.

"The total amount of oil that has been exported through Iraq's northern and southern ports throughout the first seven month of the year 2008 has reached 411 million barrels, an average of 58,714 million barrels per month," Asem Jihad said in a statement to Aswat al-Iraq - Voices of Iraq - (VOI).

"The revenues from crude exports in this period reached $43 billion, at an average price of $104.62 a barrel," Jihad explained.

(Voices of Iraq)

Arab League Outlines Priorities in Iraq

The new chief of the Arab League office in Baghdad, Ambassador Hani Khallaf, sits down with Asharq Al-Awsat to highlight the league priorities in Iraq; including national reconciliation, security, economic development and delivery of Arab and international aid to all Iraqis.

The Following is the full test of the interview:

[Asharq Al-Awsat] What do you think you can do in your capacity as the Arab League representative in Baghdad?

[Khallaf] My appointment as Arab League representative was announced a few hours ago [1 August], and there is a number of communications to be made before expressing any views. I am not going to speculate on what the situation would be like in Iraq. Let us build on accurate data and information. Until September 2007, I was assistant foreign minister. After that, I worked in an entirely different field. While I was with the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, the Iraqi file was always in my mind with all its details. At present, however, I need to reactivate my mind and study the situation as it stands. I have some preliminary ideas about which I would like to consult with Arab League Secretary General Amr Musa, the political team in the Arab League, and a number of permanent Arab ambassadors at the Arab League, before beginning work in Iraq. Generally speaking, the most important of my preliminary ideas, if the security and political situations in Iraq are currently being developed, then we need to concentrate on the developmental and economic dimensions. The question is how to deliver Arab and international aid to all Iraqis in a more practical manner, regardless of political, sectarian or ethnic considerations. This might be one of the ideas I would choose to begin with, but there might be other priorities. I would like to make some personal speculations, but there might be political considerations which Arab states regard as urgent. I need therefore, to first acquaint myself with the work done by the permanent representatives at the Arab League and the Arab foreign ministers, before making a comprehensive overview.

[Asharq Al-Awsat] Could you tell us, from your point of view, what your comprehensive overview for solving Iraq's problems would be?

[Khallaf] I am not in a position to give you a comprehensive overview, maps or ideas. I am only speculating.

[Asharq Al-Awsat] Very well, as an Arab citizen, how do you envisage the map of Iraq? How do you see this Arab country in the context of the regional situation and what is being said of attempts to expand Iranian and Shiaa influence against the backdrop of foreign occupation and the unhealthy internal situation? What do you hope you would do there?

[Khallaf] The aim on which we all agreed, whether before or after 2007, and whether at the Riyadh summit in Saudi Arabia or after that, is to stress the need to get rid of sectarian and ethnic considerations in dealing with Iraq and the Iraqis and to rid the Iraqis themselves of such considerations. We should have secure communication channels to reach and approach all groups and all political, religious, sectarian and ethnic strata. We should have secure and fertile channels of communication; channels prepared to espouse a realistic and new language of communication. There is no need for reiterating clichés, jingoistic phrases and so forth.

[Asharq Al-Awsat] How in your view, would it be possible to arrive at that "realistic and new language of communication" you are hoping for?

[Khallaf] For a start, we need a realistic beginning. I mean that the Iraqis should acknowledge the de facto situation and see things as they are in real life, and at the same time try to develop this situation in a way that helps find a solution. They should be part of this developmental process and not have it imposed on them.

[Asharq Al-Awsat] Would it be easy to achieve this, especially as some Iraqis still see it as a remote possibility, despite all the recent reports about tangible improvement in the security situation in Iraq?

[Khallaf] If, as the Arab League, we have the opportunity to explore the various approaches made by the Gulf group members for instance, when they met recently with the Iranian President Ahmadinejad and when Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki visited them; and when we take a new step of a 'field nature' - which the opening of an Arab League Office in Baghdad is, then I believe, there must be new material, and not only the decisions previously made by the Arab League. The Arab League has adopted ideal fully integrated decisions, but we need a way to communicate the content of these decisions or approaches or expectations which express the Arab League's hopes for the Iraqis, in order to give them the opportunity to participate in implementing these decisions.

[Asharq Al-Awsat] What are the priorities that could top the list of Arab League efforts in Iraq in the forthcoming stage?

[Khallaf] One of our priorities is to resurrect the comprehensive Iraqi national reconciliation, with major and effective participation on the part of the Arab League. There is also an attempt to achieve an agreement of understanding on areas of common interest to be agreed upon with Iran, Turkey, the United States, Britain and Syria. I mean all regional and international parties; and we have to agree with each other on a mechanism for neighboring and other countries.

[Asharq Al-Awsat] Your appointment as head of the Arab League Office in Baghdad comes almost a year after the departure of your predecessor, Morocco's Mukhtar Lamani. Do you agree that was a long absence from Iraq on the part of the Arab League, during which many changes and developments have taken place?

[Khallaf] I am replacing Mr. Lamani after a long period of interruption and absence of a head of office that lasted almost a year. In the meantime, many things have happened. There is the Iranian and American role, the security agreement between the US and Iraq, the readiness of many Arab states to deal positively with the new security situation in Iraq and consequently send Arab ambassadors to Baghdad. There is also the agreement, concluded last year between Iraq and the United Nations in Sharm al-Sheikh, for reform in Iraq that was not well followed up by the Arabs.

[Asharq Al-Awsat] What could be done to activate that document?

[Khallaf] It is a huge document and deals with political and developmental reforms in Iraq. We will have a role in this regard, activating it and providing it with the capabilities we have.

[Asharq Al-Awsat] In a previous conversation with Lamani, he complained of shortages in the Baghdad Arab League office capabilities to the extent that he could not send a fax to the head office in Cairo. Would this difficult experience in which the Arab League achieved very little worth mentioning, be repeated in your case, or is yours going to be a different experience?

[Khallaf] God willing, I think there is every intention to give particular support to the Arab presence in Baghdad. The opportunity for this came at the Arab summit in Damascus where the budget of the Baghdad office of the Arab League was increased. Secretary General Amr Musa himself, told me frankly at our last week's meeting, prior to announcing my appointment, that there is readiness to respond to any logistical demands or any demands of personnel, office equipment, or movement in neighboring countries. He said to me: "just let us know of any field work in Iraq or neighboring countries; and it will be approved in advance." The secretary general is ready to move things faster than ever before. He recently met with some unofficial Iraqi leaders, and it was encouraging to hear one Shiite leader say they welcome the role of the Arab League as long as it recognizes the different 'weights' of the various parties.

[Asharq Al-Awsat] When will you be leaving for Baghdad to start your new mission?

[Khallaf] For the time being, until the end of September, I am staying in Egypt to work with the Egyptian Minister of Labor and Immigration. We have many commitments which require my presence. Consequently, I cannot leave before the end of September. Roughly speaking, two to two and a half months, but in the meantime, I might make a few short visits to Iraq.

[Asharq Al-Awsat] Your late father, Abdal Munim Khallaf, worked for a long time in Iraq. Did that help you gain some early perspectives of Iraq and the Iraqis?

[Khallaf] My father was in fact a teacher of Arabic literature in Iraq in the 1940s and 1950s and many of his students have become leading figures in literature, poetry and politics. No doubt this background will be beneficial for me in my new mission in Iraq. In his writings, my father used to say many positive things about Iraq and Iraqis. But if I had some idea about the details of the beautiful Iraqi life through my father's experience, the difficulties of present Iraqi life are entirely different from those of the past.

Hani Khallaf - a brief biography: Born in Cairo on 24 September 1947, he graduated from the College of Economics and Political Sciences of Cairo University in 1969. His writings in politics and economics were published by Al-Ahram Center for Strategic Studies and Dar al-Hilal. He was assistant foreign minister for Arab and Middle Eastern Affairs; Egypt's representative to the Arab League (2004-2007), Egypt's ambassador to Libya (2000-2004), and Egypt's ambassador to Yugoslavia (1997-1999). He is married to Dr. Safa al-Baz, assistant to the Egyptian Minister of Health and Population, and has a son and a daughter, both working in the diplomatic field at the United Nations.
(Asharq Alawsat)

Rabu, Agustus 06, 2008

Concrete bridge to be set up in Diwaniya

Three local companies have initiated a project to establish a concrete bridge in western Diwaniya city at a cost of over $1.8 million, the governor's assistant for technical affairs said on Wednesday.

"Today, the three companies began work on al-Fatoura Bridge in al-Shanfaniya district (80 km west of Diwayaniya city at a cost of nearly 2.25 billion Iraqi dinars," Engineer Hazem Omran told Aswat al-Iraq - Voices of Iraq - (VOI).

Omran noted that the estimated completion period of the project is 11 months, highlighting the significance of the bridge that links al-Tabou area to al-Hamzah district.

Diwaniya, the capital city of Diwaniya province, lies 180 km south of the Iraqi capital Baghdad.
(Voices of Iraq)

Ministry to resume oil exploration after 20 year pause

The Iraqi Ministry of Oil will continue its oil exploration in the coming few days, ending a two-decade pause, an official ministerial spokesperson said on Wednesday.

"A celebration will be held in the coming few days and attended by the minister of oil, Hussein al-Shahrestani, on the occasion of the launch of the quake survey in al-Gharaf field in Thi Qar's capital city of Nassiriya…," Assem Jihad told Aswat al-Iraq - Voices of Iraq - (VOI).

The survey will be conducted by one of three ministerial teams that have been recently set up to undertake exploration work, Jihad said, noting that the teams are comprised of engineers, geologists, geophysicists and technicians.

The spokesperson explained that Iraq's oil reserves is more than double the officially confirmed figure, which is 115 billion barrels, adding that the lack of exploration work throughout the past 20 years has played a role in the matter.

(Voices of Iraq)

Wassit's liquefied gas factory increases production by half

New equipment and machinery have been installed in Wassit's factory for the manufacture of liquefied gas cylinders to push up production to 300,000 units a year, the factory's director said on Wednesday.

"The plan aims at modernizing production lines and improving production quality…," Engineer Qassem Shareeda told Aswat al-Iraq - Voices of Iraq - (VOI).

The machinery installed includes neck and bottom welding machines, Shareeda explained, noting that production is expected to increase from 200,000 to 300,000 liquefied gas cylinders a year.

Established in 1979, Wassit's factory for the manufacturing of liquefied gas cylinders is the only of its kind in the country.

Kut, the capital city of Wassit province, lies 180 km southeast of the Iraqi capital Baghdad.

(Voices of Iraq)

Demand for the dollar drops in daily auction

Demand for the dollar was down in the Central Bank of Iraq's (CBI) auction on Wednesday, registering at $123.550 million compared to $151.920 million on Tuesday.

"The demand hit $47.875 million in cash and $75.765 million in foreign transfers outside the country, all covered by the bank at an exchange rate of 1,189 Iraqi dinars per dollar, same as yesterday," according to the central bank's daily bulletin, which was received by Aswat al-Iraq - Voices of Iraq - (VOI).

None of the 17 banks that participated in the auction offered to sell dollars, it noted.

The Iraqi Central Bank runs a daily auction from Sunday to Thursday.

(Voices of Iraq)

2 Basra streets to be tiled within provincial projects

The construction department in Basra has initiated a project to tile two streets in the province at a cost of nearly $340,000 as part of the 2008 provincial development projects.

"On Wednesday, the department has launched a project to tile the streets of al-Amanat and al-Shuhadaa in Shatt al-Arab district, eastern Basra," Engineer Ammar Sabah told Aswat al-Iraq - Voices of Iraq - (VOI).

Work includes the removal of the outer layer and an examination of soil samples, after which the two streets will be flattened and tiled, the engineer explained, noting that the estimated completion period of the project is three months.

The project will reduce traffic congestions and ease the flow of vehicles in the streets, he added.

The Shiite province of Basra, 590 km south of the Iraqi capital Baghdad, has an estimated metropolitan population of 2,300,000 in 2008. Basra is the cradle of the first civilization of Sumer. It has the seven main Iraqi ports. The first built in Islam 14 A.H. (After Hegira), the city played an important role in early Islamic history. The area surrounding Basra has substantial petroleum resources and many oil wells. The city's oil refinery has a production capacity of about 140,000 barrels per day (bpd). Basra is in a fertile agricultural region, with major products including rice, maize corn, barley, pearl millet, wheat and dates as well as livestock. A network of canals flowed through the city, giving it the nickname "The Venice of the Middle East" at least at high tide.
(Voices of Iraq)

Selasa, Agustus 05, 2008

Najaf's agricultural dept. sets up fish farms

The agricultural department in the holy Shiite city of Najaf has initiated a project to establish 650,000 fish farms to bread and rear carp and silverfish.

The project aims at enhancing fish production in Najaf province, according to a statement released by the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture's media office and received by Aswat al-Iraq- Voices of Iraq- (VOI).

The farms have been set up in Ibn Najm Marsh, al-Hamam area, and al-Ghazali river in al-Huriya district, the statement explained.

Ibn Najm (40 km north of Najaf city) is one of the largest marshes in the country, which was drained by the former Iraqi regime. The ministry currently plans to revive the marsh and increase its fish production.

Najaf, 160 km southwest of the Iraqi capital Baghdad, has an estimated population of 900,600 in 2008, though this has increased significantly since 2003 due to immigration from abroad. The city is one of the holiest cities of Shiite Islam and the center of Shiite political power in Iraq.

Najaf is renowned as the site of the tomb of Ali ibn Abi Taleb (also known as "Imam Ali"), whom Shiites consider to be the righteous caliph and first imam.

The city is now a great center of pilgrimage from throughout the Shiite Islamic world. It is estimated that only Mecca and Medina receive more Muslim pilgrims.

(Voices of Iraq)

Thi-Qar, U.S. sign deal to build airport

The provincial council of Thi-Qar signed an initial agreement with the U.S. side to build a civilian airport in the city, according to the council chief.

"Part of the airfield in Imam Ali base, used by the Multi-National Force (MNF) troops as their headquarters, will be cut to build the airport," Ihsan al-Tai'e told Aswat al-Iraq – Voices of Iraq – (VOI).

"The U.S. side was represented by the economic and transport counselor in the U.S. embassy while the Thi-Qar provincial council was represented by its chief and the head of the investment authority," Tai'e said.
The former Imam Ali airbase, currently occupied by the MNF, was established in the early 1980s to provide logistics for warplanes during the 1980-1988 Iraq-Iran war. The base was offering fuel, repair services and supply for the military aircraft.

Thi-Qar, 380 km south of Baghad, has an area of 12,900 square kilometers (4,980.7 sq mi). In 2003 the estimated population of the governorate was 1,454,200 people. Thi-Qar's capital is the city of al-Nassiriya.

It also includes the ancient Sumerian ruins of Ur, Eridu, Lagash and Ngirsu. Before 1976 the province was known as al-Muntafiq.
(Voices of Iraq)

Iraq grants licenses for luxury hotel, glitz mall in Baghdad

Iraqi investment commission on Tuesday announced it licensed two commercial projects, marking the start of the long-awaited boom after years of sanctions and violence.

Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and other officials are on a drive to promote investment with violence in Iraq at a four-year low. Direct foreign investment in Iraq was a mere $272 million in 2006, according to UN statistics.

"The investment commission granted two investment licenses: the first was for an Iraqi investor planning to build a five-star hotel in al-Utifiya district, while the second was for an Iraqi company planning to build commercial complex (Mall) containing 82 units in Baghdad's eastern side, Rusafa," said Iraq's investment agency's statement received by Aswat al-Iraq - Voices of Iraq - (VOI).

"The first project in Utaifiya aimed at promoting religious tourism and to provide facilities for pilgrims to religious sites," the announcement noted.

Utaifiya is a western Baghdad's district and known for its Buratha mosque. Shiites believe the mosque was built on the location where their revered Imam Ali stopped while fighting enemies in Baghdad. Utaifiya is a neighbor to Kadhimiya district, where a golden–domed shrines of Imam Musa Bin Jaafar al-Kadhim and his grandson Moahmed al-Jawad, the seventh and the ninth Imam for Shiites, lies. The shrine is annually visited by a high number of Shiite pilgrims.

Earlier, Iraq laid the foundation stone for a luxury hotel in Baghdad. That was the first project to receive a license from Iraq's new investment commission.

(Voices of Iraq)

Cabinet allocates $100 million to rebuild Diala

Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Rafeaa al-Eissawi said on Tuesday that the cabinet allocated $100 million to reconstruct Diala and its villages.

"The cabinet decided during its session today to allocate $100 million to rebuild cities and villages in Diala province," said a statement released from al-Eissawi's office received by Aswat al-Iraq - Voices of Iraq - (VOI).

"The decision came within certain procedures taken to boost the security operation in Diala," he added.
Iraq's security forces had launched a wide-scale security campaign in Diala province last week. The operation, codenamed Bashaer al-Kheir (Promise of Good), is aimed at tracking down members of al-Qaeda network in Diala, Iraq's most restive city, after the armed group lost its strongholds in the western Iraq predominantly Sunni province of al-Anbar, where tribesmen fought its members and flushed them out of the city.

Diala province extends to the northeast of Baghdad as far as the Iranian border. Its capital is Baaquba, 57 km northeast of Baghdad. It covers an area of 17,685 square kilometers (6,828 sq mi).

A large portion of the province is drained by the Diala River, a major tributary of the Tigris.

Because of its proximity to two major sources of water, Diala's main industry is agriculture, primarily dates grown in large Date Palm groves. It is also recognized as the orange capital of the Middle East.

(Voices of Iraq)

Demand for dollar drops on Tuesday

Demand for the dollar was down in the Iraqi Central Bank's auction on Tuesday, reaching $151.920 million compared to $218.355 million on Monday.

"The demand hit $46.320 million in cash and $105.600 million in foreign transfers outside the country, all covered by the bank at an exchange rate of 1,189 Iraqi dinars per dollar, one tick lower than yesterday," according to the central bank's daily bulletin, which was received by Aswat al-Iraq - Voices of Iraq - (VOI).

None the 17 banks that participated in the auction offered to sell dollars.

The Iraqi Central Bank runs a daily auction from Sunday to Thursday.

(Voices of Iraq)

Italy allocates €7m. for Iraqi refugees

The Italian embassy in Iraq on Tuesday said seven million Euro were allocated to support the Iraqi refugees in neighboring countries.

"The Italian embassy in Iraq devoted the sum of 7.1 million Euro for supporting the Iraqi refugees in neighboring countries. Italy had earmarked the sum of 3.65 million Euro during 2007 and 2008," according to a release by the embassy on Tuesday as received by Aswat al-Iraq – Voices of Iraq – (VOI).

Hundreds of thousands of Iraqis, a large number of them Christians, have emigrated to Sweden and other Western and Arab countries since the 1990s. The number of emigrants jumped, according to international organizations, to more than 3 million after the Iraqi regime was toppled in 2003 and the following sectarian violence.

(Voices of Iraq)

Industry Ministry inks deal with British company

Iraq's Industry & Minerals Ministry has inked a memo of understanding with a British company to develop the country's weaving plants in order to cater for the needs of the Iraqi defense and interior ministries, a media spokeswoman said.

"The MoU, signed during Industry Minister Fawzy Hariri's visit to Britain last week with a high-level ministry delegation, provides for the British company's undertaking development of the Iraqi weaving factories and devise new production lines by use of advanced British technologies," Hanan Jassem told Aswat al-Iraq – Voices of Iraq – (VOI).

"The Iraqi delegation also discussed with a number of British companies chances of cooperation and industrial investment in light of Iraq's reconstruction efforts and openness to European Union (EU) states," she added.

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki had embarked on a multi-leg European tour that took him to Germany, Italy and the Vatican. The Iraqi premier called on the EU countries to cooperate with Iraq in all fields.

(Voices of Iraq)

Senin, Agustus 04, 2008

$300 million loan to revamp Iraqi agricultural industries

International donors have agreed to lend Iraq $300 million on condition that the money is spent on developing the country’s agricultural industries, Baghdad Chamber of Commerce said in a statement.

The chamber said the donors have entrusted United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) whose experts will oversee the rehabilitation of the sector.

The interest-free loan has a 20-year service period and is expected to modernize the country’s agricultural industry.

Iraq used to have one of the world’s most developed date processing industries but the factories involved in date processing have aged and some of them are idle.

Iraq still has the largest number of date palm trees in the world but experts say date yields have receded and the country no longer tops the list of world producers.

The statement said new machinery is to be purchased and there will be new factories in some provinces.

Other agriculture-based industries to benefit from the loan include leather, dairy and vegetable ghee.

The statement said the loan is expected to revitalize the agricultural sector and even lead to a surplus in processed food.
(Azzaman)

9 rivers dug in eastern Shatt al-Arab

The Basra reconstruction and services committee has completed digging nine rivers in al-Salehiya island in the eastern bank of Shatt al-Arab River after eliminating all landmines, the secretary general of the committee said on Monday.

"The total cost of the project is 1.674 billion Iraqi dinars," Tareq al-Moussawi told Aswat al-Iraq - Voices of Iraq - (VOI).

"The project also included opening nine channels, while works underway to set up the required dams," he added.

"A number of farmers, who left their farms, are resolved to return after the project's completion and the prices of the lands in al-Salehiya island soared," al-Moussawi noted.

The Basra reconstruction and services committee was formed under state minister for the parliament affairs, Safaa al-Din al-Safi, and coincided with the launch of Saulet al-Foursan (Knights Assault) security plan last March.

It is assigned to spend $100 million, a grant presented by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to Basra province.

A river channel, about 193 km (120 mi) long, of southeast Iraq formed by the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers and flowing southeast to the Persian Gulf. The Shatt al Arab forms part of the Iraq-Iran border, and navigation rights to the channel have long been disputed by the two countries.

Basra, 590 km (340 miles) south of the Iraqi capital Baghdad, has an estimated metropolitan population of 2,300,000 in 2008.

Basra is the cradle of the first civilization of Sumer. It has the seven main Iraqi ports. The first built in Islam 14 A.H. (After Hegira), the city played an important role in early Islamic history.

The area surrounding Basra has substantial petroleum resources and many oil wells. The city's oil refinery has a production capacity of about 140,000 barrels per day (bpd).

Basra is in a fertile agricultural region, with major products including rice, maize corn, barley, pearl millet, wheat and dates as well as livestock.

A network of canals flowed through the city, giving it the nickname "The Venice of the Middle East" at least at high tide.

(Voices of Iraq)

19 projects referred to sewer department in Wassit

The contracts committee in Wassit referred 19 projects on Monday to the sewage department to be implemented by local companies within 2008 projects to develop provinces, a media source said.

“The services projects will cost 10.837 billion Iraqi dinars within projects to develop provinces in 2008,” Thamer Abd al-Saheb told Aswat al-Iraq - Voices of Iraq - (VOI).

“The projects are divided into four groups; implementing networks and sewer stations (11 projects), preparing studies and designs for networks and stations (2 projects), establishing buildings and offices for the department (3 projects), and the fourth group includes projects to prepare sewer pipelines (3 projects),” he added.

Wassit, 180 km south of Baghdad, is in the east of the country. Its name comes from the Arabic word meaning "middle," as it lies along the Tigris about midway between Baghdad and Basra.

Its major cities include the capital, Kut, and al-Hayy. Prior to 1976 it was known as Kut Province.

(Voices of Iraq)

Minggu, Agustus 03, 2008

ISX opens with two contracts on Sun.

The Iraqi Stock Exchange (ISX) opened its session on Sunday, the first this week, with two contracts, totaling over 2 million shares.

The first contract was concluded by an Iraqi company, which bought 400,000 shares from al-Shamal (North) Bank at a value of 3 Iraqi dinars per share; while the second was concluded by a foreign company, which bought 2 million shares from the Islamic Bank at a value of 0.85 Iraqi dinars (1 U.S. dollar = 1,119 Iraqi dinars) per share.

The Iraqi Stock Exchange, established under Law No. 74 of the year 2004, held its first session on June 24, 2004. The stock market holds three sessions a week: Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday.

(Voices of Iraq)

ISX closes with 20 million share contract

The Iraqi Stock Exchange (ISX) closed its session on Sunday, the first this week, with a 20 million share contract at a value of 1.2 Iraqi dinars (1 U.S. dollar= 1,119 Iraqi dinars) per share.

The stock market opened its session this morning with two contracts worth of over 2 million shares.
The first contract was concluded by an Iraqi company, which bought 400,000 shares from al-Shamal (North) Bank at a value of 3 Iraqi dinars per share; while the second was concluded by a foreign company, which bought 2 million shares from the Islamic Bank at a value of 0.85 Iraqi dinars per share.

The Iraqi Stock Exchange, established under Law No. 74 of the year 2004, held its first session on June 24, 2004. The stock market holds three sessions a week: Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday.
(Voices of Iraq)

Sabtu, Agustus 02, 2008

Plan to rebuild Sadr city at $10b

Baghdad's municipality on Saturday revealed a plan to rebuild Sadr city according to modern and international standards at a cost of $10 billion.

"The cabinet has unanimously approved a plan set out by Baghdad's municipality to reconstruct Sadr city…, making it a model city that copes with the requirements of modern life…," according to a statement released by the municipality and received by Aswat al-Iraq- Voices of Iraq- (VOI).

"The plan aims at compensating local residents for the shortage of services and congestion, which is the result of overpopulation," the statement noted.

The statement quoted the secretary general of Baghdad's municipality, Sabir al-Isawi, as saying that a higher committee has been set up for this purpose.

The plan includes the establishment of three residential compounds in the city, particularly in the areas of al-Habibya (southern Sadr city), Ur neighborhood (in the north), and Khalf al-Sadda, comprising no less than 30,000 residential units.

Sadr city has an estimated population of nearly 3 million. It was built in 1959 by Prime Minister Abdelkarim Qassim and later unofficially renamed Sadr City after deceased Shiite leader Mohammad Mohammad Sadeq al-Sadr. Sadr City is one of nine administrative districts in Baghdad. It is a main stronghold of Shiite Cleric Moqtada al-Sadr's Mahdi Army.

(Voices of Iraq)

Diwaniya's southern entrance rehabilitated at 4b dinars

A local company has initiated a project to rehabilitate Diwaniya's southern entrance at a total cost of 4 billion Iraqi dinars (1 U.S. dollar= 1,119 Iraqi dinars), the province's governor assistant for technical affairs said on Saturday.

"The completion period of the project is 330 days," Engineer Hazem Omran told Aswat al-Iraq­- Voices of Iraq- (VOI).

"The Diwaniya-Afak entrance is a significant project because it represents one of the main faces of the city. It is also a key entrance for those coming from southern provinces," Omran explained.

Meanwhile, the engineer supervising the project, Hussein Kate', told VOI that the entrance street is 1 km long and 11 m wide. Work will also include two side streets, which are 6-7 m wide each, he added.

Diwaniya, the capital city of Diwaniya province, lies 180 km south of the Iraqi capital Baghdad.

(Voices of Iraq)

11b dinars for Karbala bridge's 3rd stage

The Iraqi Ministry of Housing and Construction has earmarked 11 billion Iraqi dinars for the third stage of Karbala's al-Hindiya II Bridge on the Euphrates River in the east of the city, an official source said on Saturday.

"The bridge is situated on the Euphrates River and is considered to be the main entrance to the city for those coming from southern provinces," the director of the roads and bridges department, Jamal Mohammed Redha, told Aswat al-Iraq - Voices of Iraq - (VOI).

The third stage includes the establishment of intersections on two levels, the director noted, estimating the cost of the first stage at 6.5 billion Iraqi dinars (1 U.S. dollar = 1,119 Iraqi dinars), and the second stage at 10 billion dinars.

"Work on the project, which began in 2006, is scheduled to be completed this year," Redha said.

"It is one of the strategic projects in Karbala province, which aims at reducing traffic congestion on al-Hindiya I Bridge during pilgrimages," Redha explained.

Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims converge on the city of Karbala every year to celebrate religious occasions.

Karbala, with an estimated population of 572,300 people in 2003, is the capital of the province and is considered to be one of Shiite Muslims' holiest cities.

The city, 110 km south of Baghdad, is one of Iraq's wealthiest, profiting both from religious visitors and agricultural produce, especially dates.

It is made up of two districts, "Old Karbala," the religious center, and "New Karbala," the residential district containing Islamic schools and government buildings.

At the center of the old city is Masjid al-Hussein, the tomb of Hussein Ibn Ali, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad by his daughter Fatima al-Zahraa and Ali Ibn Abi Taleb.

(Voices of Iraq)

Customs revenues exceed 122b. Iraqi dinars in 7 months

Iraq's Customs Administration achieved revenues of more than 122 billion Iraqi dinars (roughly $102 million) during the past seven months, an Administration's official media source said on Saturday.

"The Administration's revenues during the first half of this year totaled more than 101 billion Iraqi dinars, while proceeds from other customs outlets during July 2008 hit 21 billion Iraqi dinars," the source, who asked not to have his name revealed, told Aswat al-Iraq – Voices of Iraq – (VOI).

The Customs Administration, a government-owned institution, is affiliated to the finance ministry.

"The Administration's revenues would maximize the state resources and enhance the federal government's budget," the source said.

(Voices of Iraq)

MULAI HARI JUM'AT TANGGAL 14 NOV 2008, KAMI MEMBUKA LAYANAN PEMBELIAN DINAR IRAQ

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