New Iraqi lawmakers begin process to activate next parliament (This is the play-by-play from Sunday)
11:05 a.m.
Officials, diplomats, media witness convening of new Iraqi parliament
BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq’s Fourth Council of Representatives is convening on Monday at 11 a.m.
Candidates who won seats in the parliamentary election on May 12 are being sworn in.
In the first session, which is presided over by the eldest member, the new MPs shall select a speaker and deputies.
The speaker will then choose Iraq’s next president.
Two main blocs have emerged. One is led by incumbent Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, the other by his predecessor incumbent Vice President Nouri al-Maliki. The former leads Nasr, while the later leads State of Law.
Both have announced they have the largest bloc, although both are likely to still curry the favor of some of the country’s Sunni and Kurdistani parties, which remain uncommitted.
A picture taken on September 3, 2018 shows a general view of the Iraqi parliament during a meeting in the capital Baghdad. – Iraq’s parliament convened today with a populist cleric who triumphed in May elections allying with Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to try to form a government and sideline pro-Iran rivals. (Photo by SABAH ARAR / AFP)
12:18 p.m.
President Masum urges separation of powers
Incumbent Iraqi President Fuad Masum emphasized the need for the three branches of the government to be respectful for a strong democracy.
“A sense of pride and confidence consumes me as I talk to you in the opening of the fourth legislative term of the Council of Representatives…” said Masum. “In this phase filled with hope in the history of our people, whereby Iraq regains its proper position realistically with confidence regionally and internationally.”
Iraqis need sustainable and long-term growth, for job creation for the youth, and for social stability and peace, according to Masum
Masum urged different branches of the state, judiciary, legislature and the executive to respect each other and be separate based on the constitutions.
In addition to Masum, who didn’t run for parliament, several incumbent leaders are present: Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, Speaker Salim al-Jabouri, and Vice President Nouri al-Maliki.
“Serious tasks are upon the shoulders of your Council,” said Masum.
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12:28 p.m.
Abadi urges security institutions, government, parliament to be united
Haider al-Abadi emphasized that no militias are above the rule of law and he urged parliament to cooperate with the future government.
“At first, I would like to congratulate the winning MPs for gaining the confidence of the people. I call on the new Council of Representatives to cooperate with the future government, to be formed, Inshallah, later by this Council and to work on finalizing priority legislations.”
Abadi blamed divisions and sectarian entrenchment on the ISIS conflict.
“The next government will be handed a united, liberated country, with security, social stability, and basis to improve the economic conditions and meet the expectations of our people in a better life,” said Abadi.
He hinted that no militias are above the rule of law.
“There is no other alternative to the imposition of state authority and rule of law, and no other banner shall rule supreme over the banner of one Iraq, and there is no room for arms outside state control,” said Abadi.
Issues of all Iraqis, from the north to the south, can be resolved without discriminating against anyone, he explained.
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12:28 p.m.
Jabouri says despite being limited, previous parliament upheld democracy
Salim al-Jabouri argued that previous parliament had owned up to its constitutional powers through the monitoring and legislative actions.
“Our third term established unique parliamentary norms and democratic norms,” said Jabouri.
Parliamentary committees had worked and presented “unprecedented results” from their reports, according to Jabouri. The oversight work of the parliament has become its “unique theme.”
He added that the legal system of Iraq has minimized the role of the legislature.
“Despite these hurdles and others, there have been achievements no neutral [individual] can deny to belittle,” said Jabouri.
“I have confidence in your ability in overcoming this phase and helping the country find safe harbor,” said Jabouri, adding he had faith Baghdad could be the “house of peace and intellect” again and to again become a regional leader.
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2:34 p.m.
Parliament in recess
Iraq’s parliamentary session was suspended for one hour after speaker pro tem Mohammed Ali Zaini, requested for the largest bloc to present itself.
Zaini, as the oldest MP, is presiding over the first session of parliament until the next Speaker of Parliament is chosen by private, secret vote.
Hadi al-Amiri’s Fatih, Nouri al-Maliki’s State of Law Coalition walked out, as did the KDP-PUK bloc.
Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi participates in a parliament meeting in the capital Baghdad on September 3, 2018. – Iraq’s parliament convened today with a populist cleric who triumphed in May elections allying with Abadi to try to form a government and sideline pro-Iran rivals. (Photo by SABAH ARAR / AFP) / The erroneous mention[s] appearing in the metadata of this photo by SABAH ARAR has been modified in AFP systems in the following manner: [President Fuad Masum] instead of [Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi]. Please immediately remove the erroneous mention[s] from all your online services and delete it (them) from your servers. If you have been authorized by AFP to distribute it (them) to third parties, please ensure that the same actions are carried out by them. Failure to promptly comply with these instructions will entail liability on your part for any continued or post notification usage. Therefore we thank you very much for all your attention and prompt action. We are sorry for the inconvenience this notification may cause and remain at your disposal for any further information you may require.
2:48 p.m.
Abadi names himself head of Hashd al-Shaabi
According to Iraqi PM’s media office, Abadi visited the Hashd al-Shaabi commission HQ to ‘check conditions,’ while exalting the ‘heroism’ of Hashd al-Shaabi fighters.
He stressed he is willing to guarantee the rights of the Hashd.
Abadi then declared himself head of the Hashd al-Shaabi commission.
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3:35 p.m.
Parliament has reconvened after its recess
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3.48 p.m.
The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan says it has taken no side.
“We and the KDP have remained neutral and joined no groups,” PUK politburo member and spokesperson Saadi Pira told Rudaw.
The KDP and PUK went to Baghdad united, saying they are seeking greater rights for the people of the Kurdistan Region and not government positions.
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4.34 p.m.
Parliament’s session will continue Tuesday
Read More: Dinarupdates.com “Current Iraq News Thread”
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Iraqis are waiting to activate the law of the National Oil Company in September
Parliamentarians and economists and the Iraqi street are expected to sign on September 5, the date of announcing the activation of the law of the National Oil Company, which set 10 percent of the sales of oil to put in special funds for distribution to the Iraqis. To abide by the date stipulated by the law, to restore confidence between the street and the government, especially that the law will give each citizen a share of the oil of his country.
The law of the National Oil Company includes a clause that the Executive Authority must implement six months after its approval by the Chamber of Deputies. The law entered into force on 17 April last after it was published in the official newspaper. On 5 March, Which gave each Iraqi resident within the country a share of oil deducted 10 percent of total sales.
The MP for the province of Basra, Abdul Salam al-Maliki, the government to «respect the date provided by the law, most citizens are convinced that any law benefit from it financially initiated and not work, which will increase internal tension».
Maliki said in a statement that «the law is a national achievement distinctive, and almost the best for the Iraqis since 2003, as will give each Iraqi share of the oil of his country in a fair and clear».
He stressed that «the provisions of the law can reduce poverty rates and increase the welfare of the citizen and strengthen the national spirit and the sense of equality for all». “This law does not include Iraqis abroad. Therefore, it will be considered an invitation to the return of our children from the expatriates and immigrants. Our country is poor, but the conditions forced citizens to travel, along with the mismanagement and occupation, and resulting in chaos and corruption that led to unsatisfactory results for the people.”
As for the conflict of law with other laws, Maliki said: “It will not conflict with any other law such as petrodollars or oil licenses and oil investment agreements with foreign companies, because it is a deduction of 10 percent of the proceeds of selling oil in the United Nations Development Fund for Iraq, The transfer of funds to the Central Bank, which will distribute the amounts in the form of shares on behalf of every citizen ». And the quotas of oil-producing provinces,
Maliki said that «the budget and in agreement with the Prime Minister granted provinces producing under the Petrodollar 20% will be devoted to the fulfillment of debts or allocations that have not been implemented during the past years with the actual quota of 5 percent for each barrel product, will be allocated service projects to productive provinces and develop their reality Al-Omrani, Al-Khademi and others. ”
“The National Oil Company has allocated a fund for generations, and the shares in the national company is not bought or sold because it belongs to the citizen, a law that would achieve economic benefit for the Iraqi people,” said a member of the former oil and gas committee. The law required the Kurdistan region to hand over the quantities of oil produced in its fields to the national oil marketing company «Sumo», otherwise they will not be given to the residents of the region ».
Source: Al Hayat newspaper
Read More: Dinarupdates.com “Current Iraq News Thread”
BGG ~ I’m still not sure if I believe this is a real piece of news or political rhetoric…
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Mnt Goat Article: “DUE TO THE ABSENCE OF A POLITICAL AGREEMENTS THE FIRST PARLIAMENT SESSION COULD BE POSTPONED TO SEPTEMBER 15 DUE TO POLITICAL DIFFERENCES” Just got word that they may postpone the first session until Sept 15th…It appears maybe this ongoing elections saga is NOT yet over…
Read more: http://www.dinarupdates.com/observer/
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BGG ~ Where are we with this investment?
It’s something I get asked all the time. So many have been wrong – me included.
Here are some thoughts on the current situation that may help some folks. So many say the politics don’t matter to the currency. This isn’t exactly accurate. The politics impact the economy… Iraq’s currency is, by many astute accounts, “grossly undervalued”. A basic definition of currency? It is a promissory note on the underlying economy of the country.
I am assuming any governing body with say in this matter is going to refrain until the results are final and a government transition is made or is being made. Just my thinking.
How is this formation coming along? There are now two main groups competing for the chance to form the next GOI.
On one side you have the “Nucleus” of Sadr, Abadi, Hakim and Allawi… roughly 136 seats (the largest bloc will need at least 165). Abadi seems to be the clear favorite from this group to lead for another term.
On the other side there is Ameri and Maliki with 73 seats – it seems to me, most of the delay has been from this side of the aisle. They have burned ballot boxes (Maliki, that is…) cried fraud, stalled, steered, stared and stalked over and over.
Why? They need to delay things long enough to cause some drama and along the way figure out how to patch together some kind of wicked alliance that will get them to 165.
The remaining players (still in play and up for grabs) are the KDP with 25 seats, the PUK with 18 seats and the “National axis” created just recently of middle of the road Sunnis – Nujafi, etc, etc, etc… who have roughly 20 seats. These three groups (the KDP, PUK and the Axis) appear to have entered into some kind of loose negotiating alliance with one another.
Whichever side attracts this group or part of this group, probably wins.
(See this source article: http://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeast/iraq/150820181)
Barzani has been making noise that he and Maliki are the closest. This doesn’t surprise me. These two have been in some hinky, crooked alliance going way back.
However, there is also news the Sunni “axis”, with those roughly 20 seats are already about to join the “Nucleus”… if this is true… and if the recent news of Sadr and Abadi making big concessions in Kurkuk to the Kurds (not to the Barzani family directly)… is accurate… well, from there the electoral math for Ameri and Maliki gets very, VERY difficult. I’ll leave you to your calculators.
When? No clue – but all of the above is why Abadi has been pushing for a quick resolution. Sooner is better for them and worse for the bad actors. Speaking of which – it would also not be impossible for a late stage defection of Ameri to the “Nucleus”… it’s on the table. When he gets the idea it’s inevitable, he may well move.
As a footnote: one more bad move by Barzani (as in; the referendum) landing him on the wrong side of history with his hand in the cookie jar… might well get he and the KDP HAMMERED in the free and fair KRG elections supposedly coming in September – which you can bet will be overseen by the UNHRC (the UN).
In fact, the PUK (Barzani’s counterparts in Kurdistan) might well allow Barzani to make such a move and then split from him – aligning with Sadr and Abadi… If this happens, it’s a slam dunk for the “Nucleous” without Barzani. It would also probably doom Barzani and the KDP in the fall. Not an impossible scenario.
Short story: I am very encouraged with what we are seeing in the news right now. It’s no guarantee of anything right away – but it looks like some big moves being in the right direction.
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Adam Montana […if the current leader doesn’t stay in…who is waiting in the wings and how’s it looking (in your opinion) if they take the reins in Iraq?] I have a long list of potential government structures, with quite a few variations regarding the “who’s who” and “where they are” on the totem pole over there… all of my possibilities that I’ve drawn up seem fine to me. The ONLY scenario that I would cringe at is if Maliki somehow took over Abadi’s current role… that would be a serious setback of at least a couple years, IMO. I don’t see that happening… If it doesn’t, then I think we’re going to be in good hands.
Read more: http://www.dinarupdates.com/observer/
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BGG ~ If you need a quote to buy Dinar – Please leave me a message on voicemail, send a text (615-509-6256), an e-mail or FaceBook message me. These all work.
Our Current Sale Price is $995 per million.
www.TheDinarExchange.com
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Iraq’s Maliki sidelined as Kurds and Sunnis seek Sadr coalition
Sadr’s Sairoon bloc says it expects deal to establish biggest alliance in parliament
Iraq’s Kurdish and Sunni blocs have expressed their willingness to form a coalition with election winner Moqtada Al Sadr, an indication that former Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki, who is seeking power, could lose his grip over the country’s political scene.
Mr Al Sadr’s Sairoon bloc and Mr Al Maliki’s State of Law coalition have been competing to strike a deal with the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) as well as Sunni blocs to establish the biggest ruling alliance in parliament.
“There are signs of agreement between the Kurds and the Sunnis to ally with Sairoon,” Raed Fahmi, a prominent politician in Sairoon’s bloc said on Sunday.
Yet, Kurdish parties will play a central role in the formation of the next government as they collectively secured over 40 seats in the May elections. They have yet to officially announce their alliance.
The Kurdish parties have set conditions for allying with the major blocs, PUK leader Arez Abduallah said in a statement.
“Our conditions are constitutional and include the existence of a government with a true national partnership that is in balance with the constitution,” Mr Abduallah said, adding that his party will ally with the bloc that is “consistent with our political vision”.
The development is seen as a blow to Mr Al Maliki’s efforts as he seeks to gain support from the northern Iraqi parties. During his time in power, he was criticised for alienating Sunnis and Kurds by excluding them from key positions and undermining power-sharing in Iraq.
Read More: Dinarupdates.com “Current Iraq News Thread”
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Breitling …There is nothing that has pushed the ability for the Iraqi dinar to revalue more than Trump’s energy plans. Because it puts Iraq in a position that they have to add value to their currency to participate internationally…in the end it all narrows down to energy and 90% of Iraq’s economy is based on energy. This is why Iraq is going to have to react to the market…the market IS the sanctions on Russia. The market IS the tariffs on China. The market IS the sanctions and tariffs on Iran. So those are the engine of the market. And that’s how you can anticipate what’s going on.
Read more: http://www.dinarupdates.com/observer/
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Adam Montana […tell me what do you really think the value will be once this is RV…] I’ve been a long time supporter of a .10 RV.
Read more: http://www.dinarupdates.com/observer/
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Adam Montana [When the elections will be really over? And the new PM will be announce? They are dragging and dragging the process.] Actually, they are moving faster than they have in previous situations. I’m optimistic over their constant improvements in their political processes – it would have been nice to cash in already, but it would not be nice to have them not making improvements. Patience and a little bit of faith… sometimes both come in handy.
Read more: http://www.dinarupdates.com/observer/
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Some interesting headlines…
Iraqi Sunnis form ‘National Axis Alliance’ to have voice in new government
Iraqi President urges new lawmakers to quickly hold first session
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URGENT Member of wisdom: National axis may join the larger bloc next week
Member of Wisdom: National Axis may join the larger bloc next week
(Baghdad: Al-Furat News) Rajah member of the National Wisdom Movement Mohammed al-Husseini joined the National Axis of the largest bloc next week.
“The features of the formation of the largest bloc existed before the meeting of the Babylon Hotel, and other than that is the words of media,” he said, adding that “welcoming any demands within the roof of the Constitution and the law and otherwise are rejected.”
He pointed to “the adherence of some political forces to certain demands and positions,” pointing out that “there is Kurdish flexibility and we believe that the demands will be according to the Constitution.”
Husseini added that “any demands that violate the constitution will open the door of external intervention and produce a fragile government,” noting that “the coming days will produce a big event to help us quickly form the largest bloc,” explaining that “next week the nucleus of the largest bloc will be five and may join the national axis ” He said.
“We do not want to form a government on the basis of partisan and partisan interests, and there is no alliance in the political arena is greater than the alliance of the nucleus of the largest bloc.” He pointed out that “we are heading to form a national majority and can not be achieved without the Kurds and other representatives of social components, “We do not have red lines on anyone, but we put them against any alliance or sectarian and national bloc, because we will return to the previous failed experience in the participation of everyone in the government and everyone opposes it.”
Read More: Dinarupdates.com “Current Iraq News Thread”
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Baghdad, al Sadr populists and premier Abadi allies form new government
Sixteen movements and political parties reached an agreement for the birth of the most important parliamentary block. The list can count on 177 seats (out of a total of 329). Today inaugural session of the Chamber, called to elect the next Speaker of Parliament. Within 30 days the Head of State.
Baghdad (AsiaNews / Agencies) – Sixteen Iraqi political movements and parties, including the populist list of radical Shiite leader Moqtada al-Sadr – winner of last May’s election – and the faction of outgoing prime minister Haider al-Abadi, will give life to the most important parliamentary block. The agreement, reached late yesterday evening, will guarantee its signatories the possibility to start work on the formation of the new government.
A close associate of Abadi explained that the block includes 177 deputies elected to the May legislatures. More than half of the 329 seats of which Parliament is formed and which represents a solid basis in the classroom for the future executive.
This morning the inaugural session of the new Parliament is scheduled, during which the president will be elected (a Sunni, by tradition). This will be joined by two other deputies.
The deputies then have 30 days to choose the future president of the Republic, in this case a Kurd according to the recent history of the country. He will have to get two thirds of the parliamentary seats and, once elected, will have 15 days to entrust the task to the largest block – in this case Sadr and Abadi – for the formation of the government.
The Kurdish parties, divided within them, have yet to formalize the names of the candidates for president, the most important in the country although it plays a largely symbolic role. At the same time, the outgoing premier Haider al-Abadi. supported by the West and having reached third place in the last elections with its 42 seats, will almost certainly maintain his position as head of government.
Analysts and experts recall that the Iraqi political system is designed so that no one, leader or political group, can dominate parliament; the goal is to prevent the return of a dictator or strongman, after the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003.
The start of parliamentary work and the birth of a block that has the numbers to form the new government ends months of doubts and uncertainties related to allegations of fraud that emerged following the vote. The country can therefore put behind itself a long period of political stalemate and face the many unresolved challenges: the war against the jihadists of the Islamic State (IS, ex Isis), the economic crisis, unemployment, corruption, the return of migrants and displaced, even Christians.
Read More: Dinarupdates.com “Current Iraq News Thread”
BGG ~ Wow – I was suspicious this might happen. While Barzani was crowing about being closer to Maliki, Sadr and Abadi did it without them. 177 deputies and no mention of the Kurds.
Now, something to watch is these upcoming KRG (regional) elections in September, not that it means much (or anything) to the currency investment…
…but as I postulated on the recent call – a misstep like this on Barzani’s part could spell trouble for he and his party in the upcoming regional elections.
He’s had a couple of monster political fumbles. This is a biggie.
The Kurds should have signed quickly. Instead they tried to be the “king makers” (like they were last time) and it blew up in their faces.
BTW – the electoral possibility was always there for it to work out like this (as I explained). However improbable, it was not an impossible scenario. The math was there – but WHOA. Big statement by Iraq.
These smaller parties realized, if they didn’t get in quick, they would be the ones left scratching for crumbs. As it turns out, they have put themselves in a much better position for the future.
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Post RV Checklist (it’s getting to be that time!! Listen up!!)
Dos and Don’ts of Windfall Wealth:
Treat it like a PowerBall win
– Tell no one, not even family. If you must talk, do so with one who is already in the know.
– Don’t run out & buy new “stuff”. People notice.
– Get an unpublished number and give it out very sparingly.
– Get a tax accountant you can trust to make sure the IRS is satisfied (Certified Opinion is something to look into) and pursue asset protection…
Read Complete List: http://www.dinarupdates.com/showthread.php?18519-The-Post-RV-Checklist-and-Flashback-documents&p=128477#post128477
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