Tishwash: Secret meeting in Istanbul: Washington threatens new financial sanctions on Iraq
An informed source revealed to Al-Mustaqilla that an unannounced meeting was held in Istanbul in recent days, bringing together the Assistant Chairman of the US Federal Reserve and a high-ranking delegation from the Central Bank of Iraq. The source stated that the meeting came at the urgent invitation of the US to discuss critical developments in the file of financial transfers and Iraqi banking transactions.
According to the source, the US side informed the Iraqi delegation that new financial sanctions are under preparation, to be imposed on a number of Iraqi banks and financial institutions, due to what the US side described as “continued violations” in international transfer systems and the failure of some Iraqi entities to comply with international guidelines to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.
Direct warnings
The source indicated that the Iraqi delegation received direct warnings of the possibility of freezing additional assets and imposing restrictions on dollar accounts if urgent measures are not taken to regulate the Iraqi financial system and prevent suspicious flows through some Iraqi banks and companies.
A new crisis is looming
These developments come amid escalating tensions between Baghdad and Washington over economic and security issues, most notably restrictions on dollar transfers and US accusations against some Iraqi entities of dealing with entities on sanctions lists.
Observers believe that the new sanctions, if implemented, will deal a severe blow to the Iraqi banking system and could lead to a further deterioration in the value of the dinar and increased pressure on the local market at a time when the Central Bank of Iraq is trying to revive investor confidence and stabilize the exchange rate.
No official comment yet
As of the time of writing this report, no official comment has been issued by the Central Bank of Iraq or the US Embassy in Baghdad regarding the content of the meeting or the content of the warnings contained therein link
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Tishwash: Iraq’s Ambassador to the UAE: The government’s engagement in international partnerships strengthens its presence in the energy future.
Iraqi Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Muzaffar Al-Jubouri, affirmed today, Thursday, that Iraq’s engagement in international partnerships strengthens its presence in the energy future, noting that the Energy Readiness Report highlights the promising opportunities that Iraq possesses and its position in the regional and international arena, and represents a turning point towards a sustainable energy future .
Al-Jubouri said during the conference to deliver the comprehensive report on the “Energy Transition Assessment in Iraq,” which was attended by the correspondent of the Iraqi News Agency (INA): “The launch of the Iraq Energy Readiness Report represents the fruit of national efforts and close cooperation with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), to which we express our deep appreciation, both government and experts, for the technical, technical and cognitive support they provided throughout the preparation of this important report, as the energy sector is a fundamental pillar of economic and social development, a key axis for industrial and agricultural growth, and the provision of basic services to citizens .”
He added, “The Energy Readiness Report highlights strengths and challenges and provides realistic recommendations for improving performance and developing the energy sector in Iraq. In this context, integrating renewable energy into the national system is a strategic option to address significant waste, enhance production efficiency, and reduce emissions. Renewable energy technologies emerge as a practical and economic alternative that provides reliable solutions to secure supplies and enhance energy security. It embodies close cooperation with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA),” stressing “Iraq’s commitment to moving forward on this path in accordance with a development vision that takes into account national interests and enhances its positive engagement in regional and international partnerships .”
He continued: “Iraq’s efforts to launch this report began in 2018, and since joining the Iraqi ambassador to the United Arab Emirates in 2021, one of our primary goals has been to closely follow up with relevant authorities to complete it in a way that reflects Iraq’s energy landscape and paves the way for a clear strategic vision for energy transformation.”
He pointed out that “the Energy Readiness Report represents a milestone in Iraq’s path toward a sustainable energy future, as it highlights the extent of the structural challenges facing the national energy system, such as the large gap between production and demand, high technical losses exceeding 50 percent, and the declining contribution of renewable energy, which still represents 2 percent of the primary energy mix .”
Al-Jubouri explained that “the report highlighted the promising opportunities that Iraq possesses, including the abundance of natural resources and the interest of international partners. Iraq has already begun taking strategic steps, represented by the signing of important investment contracts with international and national companies, including Total Energy, Power China, and Acwa Power, in addition to construction and development projects with the Emirati company Masdar, which represent an important addition to the national energy mix.”
He explained that “the most prominent feature of this report is its ability to chart a practical path towards a balanced energy future based on sustainability, economic sovereignty, and diversity, linking Iraq’s development goals with global transformation paths, thus consolidating its pivotal position in the regional energy landscape and strengthening its presence in maintaining a sustainable energy future at the regional level.” He pointed out that “Iraq’s engagement in international partnerships strengthens its presence in the energy future .”
He pointed out that “we view this report as a real starting point for a new phase of institutional work in the energy sector, enhancing Iraq’s ability to invest its resources and achieve its national aspirations for sustainable development as a first step toward building a future that meets the aspirations of our people and enhances Iraq’s position on the national, regional, and international scene .”
Yesterday, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani received the Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency, Mr. Francesco La Camera .
During the meeting, according to the statement, the assessment report on the energy transition in Iraq, prepared by the agency in cooperation with Iraqi sectoral bodies, was reviewed. The report serves as a source for identifying national priorities in the field of renewable energy and energy efficiency, and will be launched soon . link
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Tishwash: Defense: Iraq will look different after 100 days
Political advisor Ahmed Talib Al-Difai said on Thursday that Iraq will emerge differently after the parliamentary elections, which are only 100 days away.
Al-Difai said in a statement received by Al-Maalouma Agency, “These elections will produce a new political mentality in Iraq, completely different from the previous ones, in terms of political engagement, which will move from the box of competition for power to the space of construction, development, and the exploitation and maximization of the country’s financial resources.”
He explained that “developments in the regional arena will have clear repercussions on the next parliament, which will be the culmination of the efforts made by previous sessions and the governments that emerged from them, by dealing with them with more realism and rationality, sparing Iraq from all the conflicts taking place in the region.”
He pointed out that “after 100 days, the Iraqi citizen will have the upper hand in determining Iraq’s fate, and he will be worthy of this task after proving his awareness and concern for his country, which will be at the top of the pyramid of development in the region if its capabilities and resources are exploited.”
He stressed that “the next political generation that will be born after 100 days will be the foundation for a new phase from which all youthful energies will launch, carrying new ideas and projects that will place Iraq among the countries of the region.”
He stressed the necessity that “the Iraqi citizen, on whose keenness we rely, chooses his correct future by going out after 100 days to choose his representatives and preserves the gains of the political system, the most important pillar of which is the peaceful transfer of power in an atmosphere of expressing opinions.” link
