Thread: Archive Latest News - Think Tank - 03/11/07 - 31/12/07

Fact Sheet: U.S.-Iraq Declaration of Principles for Friendship and Cooperation

White House
The U.S. and Iraqi "Declaration of Principles" is a shared statement of intent that establishes common principles to frame our future relationship. This moves us closer to normalized, bilateral relations between our two countries. With this declaration, leaders of Iraq and the United States commit to begin negotiating the formal arrangements that will govern such a relationship.
Iraq's leaders have asked for an enduring relationship with America and we seek an enduring relationship with a democratic Iraq. We are ready to build that relationship in a sustainable way that protects our mutual interests, promotes regional stability, and requires fewer Coalition forces.

In response, this Declaration is the first step in a three-step process that will normalize U.S.-Iraqi relations in a way which is consistent with Iraq's sovereignty and will help Iraq regain its rightful status in the international community – something both we and the Iraqis seek. The second step is the renewal of the Multinational Force-Iraq's Chapter VII United Nations mandate for a final year, followed by the third step, the negotiation of the detailed arrangements that will codify our bilateral relationship after the Chapter VII mandate expires.

• The UN Chapter VII resolution that is binding under international law gives the MNFI legal authorization to “take all necessary measures to preserve peace and security”. Both the U.S. and Iraq are committed to Iraq moving beyond an international presence based on a UN Security Council Chapter VII mandate.

• Iraqis have expressed a desire to move past a Chapter VII MNFI mandate and we are committed to helping them achieve this objective.

• After the Chapter VII mandate is renewed for one year, we will begin negotiation of a framework that will govern the future of our bilateral relationship.

The Declaration Is A Continuation Of A Commitment That Began This August

The governments of Iraq and the United States are committed to developing a long-term relationship as two fully sovereign and independent states with common interests.

The August 26 Communiqué signed by the five political leaders – Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki, the three members of the Presidency Council, and Kurdish leader Ma'sud Barzani – on August 26, 2007, and endorsed by President Bush states: "The leaders considered it important to link the renewal of UN Resolution 1723 for another year with a reference to the ending of Iraq's Chapter VII status under the UN Charter and the concomitant resumption of Iraq's normal status as a state with full sovereignty and authorities and the restoration of Iraq's legal international status, namely the status that it had before UN Resolution 661 of 1990. In this context, the leaders affirmed the necessity of reaching a long term relationship with the American side … that is built on common interests and covers the various areas between the Republic of Iraq and the United States of America. This goal should be realized in the near future."
President Bush endorsed the August 26th communiqué:

• President Bush: "I welcome and accept the expressed desire of the Iraqi leadership to develop a long-term relationship with the United States based on common interests. The United States is committed to developing this relationship and to strengthening diplomatic, economic, and security ties with the Iraqi government and its people." (President George W. Bush, Remarks, Kirtland AFB, NM, 8/27/07)

• President Bush: Iraq's leaders "understand that their success will require U.S. political, economic, and security engagement that extends beyond my presidency. These Iraqi leaders have asked for an enduring relationship with America. And we are ready to begin building that relationship – in a way that protects our interests in the region and requires many fewer American troops." (President George W. Bush, Address to the Nation, The White House, 9/13/07)

The Declaration Sets The U.S. And Iraq On A Path Toward Negotiating Agreements That Are Common Throughout The World

The U.S. has security relationships with over 100 countries around the world, including recent agreements with nations such as Afghanistan and former Soviet bloc countries.
The relationship envisioned will include U.S.-Iraqi cooperation in the political, diplomatic, economic and security arenas. The United States and Iraq intend to negotiate arrangements based upon a range of principles:

Political and Diplomatic: The U.S. and Iraq have committed to strengthening Iraq's democratic institutions, upholding the Iraqi Constitution, supporting Iraqi national reconciliation, and enhancing Iraq's position in regional and international organizations, so that it may play a constructive role in the region.

Economic: Both countries have agreed to support the development of Iraqi economic institutions and further integration into international financial institutions, to encourage all parties to abide by their commitments made in the International Compact with Iraq, to assist Iraq in its efforts to recover illegally exported funds and properties and to secure debt relief, and to encourage the flow of foreign investments to Iraq.

Security: To support the Iraqi government in training, equipping, and arming the Iraqi Security Forces so they can provide security and stability to all Iraqis; support the Iraqi government in contributing to the international fight against terrorism by confronting terrorists such as Al-Qaeda, its affiliates, other terrorist groups, as well as all other outlaw groups, such as criminal remnants of the former regime; and to provide security assurances to the Iraqi Government to deter any external aggression and to ensure the integrity of Iraq's territory.

PUKmedia :: English - Fact Sheet: U.S.-Iraq Declaration of Principles for Friendship and Cooperation

Adel Abdul Mahdi Receives Kimmitt

Vice-President Adel Abdul Mahdi received deputy U.S. Secretary of Treasury Mr. Robert Kimmitt yesterday in his office in Baghdad. They discussed the economic relations between the two countries, a number of laws and basic legislations which help in the country’s reconstruction, security and services and the Iraqi debts dossier.

They also emphasized the necessity of the projects and investments in the fields of industry, agriculture, construction and providing services for Iraqi citizens.

On his part, Mr. Kimmitt emphasized U.S. support to the Iraqi government in refreshing the Iraqi economy.

PUKmedia :: English - Adel Abdul Mahdi Receives Kimmitt

Signing an Agreement with US Army to Build an Airport in al-Najaf

An agreement was signed between the local authority in al-Najaf and the US army with the Iraqi civilian flight authority to provide the financial, technical and administrative support to build al-Najaf International Airport.

In an exclusive statement to PUK media, Ahmed Abdul Husain Doable, the director of the media center in al-Najaf province said “On Monday, a high delegation visited al-Najaf, consisted of the transportation adviser in the US embassy General Garden, the assistant of the general commander of US forces in Iraq and the director of the Iraqi civilian flight authority Sabeeh al-Shaibani. The delegation met the local authority in al-Najaf and became acquainted with the work grades in the international airport, other issues discussed during the meeting were: the ways of completing the airport according to the international standards, reviewing Boeing’s flight company report and offering the technical, geometrical and financial support to the airport.”

Abdul Hussein Abtan, al-Najaf’s acting governor said “many companies are working in widening the hall and the entrance of the airport: others are working in the planes apron. We hope that a big part of the airport will be finished within two months.”

In his answer if there was an arrangement between al-Najaf province and the KRG the acting governor said “we have a historical relation with Kurds, we were partners in fighting the former regime.”

About the most important projects in al-Najaf in 2008, the acting province governor said “the most important thing in 2008 is to supply the poor districts especially, the northern which lacks to services, in 2008 we will concentrate on demonstrating the features of al-Najaf, 2008 is considered the connecting link for three years projects (2007-2008-2009).”

PUKmedia :: English - Signing an Agreement with US Army to Build an Airport in al-Najaf

President Talabani discusses Political Security with al-Hashimi

His Excellency Mr. Jalal Talabani, the Iraqi president received the Iraqi vice president, Tariq al-Hashimi today at his office in Baghdad.

The latest political and security developments in light of the progress which Iraq witnesses concerning the political process , convergence of the viewpoints about the re-formation of the Iraqi national unity government and the true participation of all the political groups in Iraq were discussed during the meeting.

Both president Talabani and vise president al-Hashimi emphasized on the need for respecting the sovereignty of law, preserving the constitution and the achievements which have been made at all aspects ,including the progress in security aspect in Baghdad and the rest of the Iraqi governorates.

PUKmedia :: English - President Talabani discusses Political Security with al-Hashimi

Iraqi Shi'ite Leader Upbeat on Future

A senior Iraqi Shi'ite leader says his country is taking important steps toward a brighter future in matters of security, national reconciliation, governance, and the economy. VOA's Michael Bowman reports from Washington.

The head of the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq, Abdel Aziz al-Hakim, says his country has seen a dramatic reduction in sectarian violence and terrorist attacks in recent months. Speaking through a translator in Washington Monday, Hakim also pointed to political achievements by the country's often-fractured leadership.

"Among them are the achievement of national reconciliation, which we have accomplished a good part of, continuous work towards [re]building all of Iraq, and fighting administrative corruption. We have made good progress on important laws, like the law of oil and gas, the law of the provinces, the law of elections. And [we are] getting ready for new elections in all the provinces," he said.

Hakim, who heads the United Iraqi Alliance, the largest political coalition in Iraq's national government, was speaking at the Washington-based U.S. Institute of Peace. He noted that work remains to be done in building Iraq's security forces so that the country can defend itself from its enemies. But he said he is hopeful and confident about the future of democracy in his country.

"We are aware of the difficulties that we are facing in Iraq. We have great hopes that the good countries of the world will stand without Iraqi people in our struggle to build a country based on the rule of law," he said.

Hakim's private visit to Washington comes at a time when America's involvement in Iraq remains a controversial and divisive subject. President Bush has hailed recent reductions in violence in Iraq as a clear sign that the U.S. military surge in the country is working. He continues to urge the opposition-led U.S. Congress to approve new funds for the war in Iraq, and insists such funds come with no target dates for an eventual withdrawal of U.S. forces.

But Democratic Party leaders complain that Iraq's leaders are moving too slowly on national reconciliation, and will never make difficult choices so long as the United States maintains an open-ended military commitment in the country.

PUKmedia :: English - Iraqi Shi'ite Leader Upbeat on Future

VP, U.S. official meet on Economic Issues

Iraq's Vice President Adel Abdul Mahdi discussed with U.S. Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Robert Kimmitt economic relations between the countries and crucial laws and legislative items on reconstruction.

"On Monday, Abdul Mahdi received Kimmitt in his Baghdad-based office and discussed with him economic ties between the two countries, in addition to means of providing security and essential services to the public," according to a statement released by the Iraqi presidency that the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI) received a copy of.

The meeting also tackled Iraq's debts and highlighted investment in the fields of industry, agriculture and reconstruction as the key to ensuring a better life for all Iraqis, the statement indicated.

Kimmitt, the statement added, reiterated his country's support for the Iraqi government.

VP, U.S. official meet on economic issues | Iraq Updates

Baghdad newspaper calls for bright Iraq in the media

An Iraqi newspaper on Tuesday called on the local media to portray the positive aspects of life in the country and ongoing efforts to build a new Iraq free of violence.

The government-funded al-Sabah newspaper published an article by its editor-in-chief Fallah al-Mashaal in which he said, "Security improvements, al-Qaeda defeat, reconciliation triumph and the return of the sovereignty of law have all become observable facts in Iraq. What is really astonishing is the absence of media coverage of all these positive transformations on the Iraqi scene."

Al-Mashaal blamed many Arab news channels, including al-Jazeera, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Future TV, LBC, MBC, al-Manar, al-Kuwaitiya, al-Bahrain, in addition to other Egyptian and Saudi TV stations, for overlooking all bright aspects in Iraqi society, and rather focusing on the gloomy and negative features in the country.

The independent daily al-Mashriq newspaper published an article by Hamid Abdullah in which he gave hope of a brighter future based on reconciliation, democracy, good governance and economic prosperity.
"No one should be unhappy about the return of security and stability except those whose hearts are engorged with envy and hatred," the author said.

Al-Adala newspaper, issued by the Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council (SIIC) led by Abdul Aziz al-Hakeem, devoted most of its front page to the outcome of a recent meeting of the Iraqi National Security Political Council and discussions on the possibility of granting a general amnesty to all prisoners and detainees who were cleared of any wrongdoing.

The newspaper also highlighted statements by the media advisor to the Iraqi prime minister, Yassin Majeed, in which he called on Iraqi politicians and bloc leaders to back the government in its efforts to disentangle Iraq from Chapter VII of the UN Charter.

"Bringing Iraq out of Chapter VII of the UN Charter is a prelude to its regaining of sovereignty and its return to the international community," Majeed said.

UN Security Council Resolution 678 was the legal authorization for the Gulf War, which was passed on 29 November 1990. It gave Iraq an opportunity to withdraw from Kuwait by 15 January 1991 and authorized UN member states in cooperation with the government of Kuwait to use "all necessary means to uphold and implement" Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which authorizes the use of force restore peace.

Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter sets forth the powers of the UN Security Council's to maintain peace. It allows the council to "determine the existence of any threat to the peace, breach of the peace, or act of aggression" and to take military and non-military action to "restore international peace and security."

Baghdad newspaper calls for bright Iraq in the media | Iraq Updates

Significant drop in the demand for dollar

Demand for the dollar dropped sharply in the Iraqi Central Bank’s auction on Tuesday, reaching $22.650, the lowest in several million, compared to $64.205 million on Monday.

In its daily statement, the bank said it had covered all bids, including $1.590 million in cash and $21.60 in foreign transfers, at an exchange rate of 1,218 dinars per dollar, one tick lower than yesterday.

The 12 banks that participated in Tuesday's session offered to sell $3.6 million, which the bank bought at an exchange rate of 1,216 dinars per dollar.

In statements to the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI), Ali al-Yasseri, a trader, attributed the decrease in the overall demand for the dollar to the decline in foreign remittances, with banks drawing up their final statements of account.

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

Aswat Aliraq

Iraqi Trade complaining of international foodstuffs prices

Iraqi Trade Minister, Dr. Abdul-Falah Hassan Al-Sudani said the high prices of the international bourse caused us significant problems in supplying the requirements of the ration card and fill in some regions of the country.

He added in a press statement that the ministry contracted to buy more than one million tons of rice and another one of wheat, in addition to more than half a million tons of flour from Turkish, Thai, American and Canadian companies; these quantities were expected to cover all regions of the country.
We also hoped to have a strategic stock for three months or more to deal with emergencies in the region and the world, but the rise in the international bourse prices, which exceed three times, and sometimes four times, for all food items such as wheat, rice and cooking-oil made these companies back out on the contracts and request new prices which the ministry can not afford because it is out of its legal authority, and only the Economic Committee in the Cabinet can take such decisions.

These funds burden the budget allocated for the ration card and in ****e of the additional amounts supplied by the government and parliament, they were not enough to match the world prices that rose dramatically due to the drought in agricultural areas in the world which used to produce large quantities, in addition to the large global demand for these materials.

He pointed out that the ministry contracted on quantities of rice that will arrive in the country during these days and fill the actual need for all regions of Iraq, but these materials delayed because of the high prices of world shipment, and the major States such as China renting most of the giant ships for its economic and commercial activities; however, the ministry took charge of providing ration items to citizens de****e such difficult circumstances.

He confirmed that what happened is not due to a defect in the ministry's cadres, but it is a natural result of compelling circumstances caused the global scarcity of such materials in most regions of the world and not only Iraq.

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Post Authority raises interest to 10% on Saving Accounts

The Ministry of Communications has decided to raise interest on deposited funds in the saving account in the Public Company for Mail and Communications from 6 to 10% within its central plan for developing the company's work and citizens.

A source said that raising the percentage will increase the financial deposits needed by the Company to implement the development programs and projects. He added that new resolutions that serve the ministry's departments and citizens will be announced soon.

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