Bassem Mohammed, Iraqi Deputy Oil Minister, disclosed that the imminent meeting aims to address key aspects of the oil export resumption. He emphasized the expectation of reaching a consensus during the discussions, leading to a formal agreement for the recommencement of oil exports. Additionally, Mohammed underscored the companies' expressed interest in maintaining their operations within the Kurdistan Region.

He articulated, "The contracts under consideration must align with the framework established in the agreements signed with the UAE Crescent Company during the fifth phase of licensing." This statement emphasizes the importance of consistency and adherence to established precedents in fostering successful collaboration between the involved parties.

The anticipated meeting signals a pivotal moment in the ongoing negotiations between the KRG and oil companies, marking a proactive step toward revitalizing oil export activities in the Kurdistan Region. As the discussions unfold, stakeholders remain optimistic about the potential for a mutually beneficial agreement that will not only resume oil exports but also pave the way for sustained collaboration in the region.

President Rashid emphasized the urgent need for consolidating values of brotherhood and humanity in the region. The Iraqi Presidency issued a statement, highlighting Rashid's stress on the importance of dialogue, cooperation, and collective action among people, recognizing the positive impact of the Holy See's messages in promoting understanding and calm.

President Rashid took the opportunity to showcase Iraq's strides in political and security stability, outlining the country's commitment to comprehensive development. Focus areas included improving citizens' living standards, repairing infrastructure, and driving economic development.

He reiterated Iraq's dedication to democracy, pluralism, and the protection of human rights. Addressing the relationship between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the federal government, President Rashid assured a commitment to resolving outstanding issues based on the Iraqi Constitution and the Law.

In a significant move, President Rashid affirmed the government's commitment to the vital role of Christian communities in Iraqi society. He pledged to facilitate the resettlement of Christians, Yezidis, and other indigenous communities in their homes, stating that the Presidency is open to addressing their demands, ensuring livelihoods, and preserving diversity. Furthermore, President Rashid condemned human rights violations in Palestine and the Gaza Strip, urging the international community to intensify efforts to prevent such violations, protect civilians, and facilitate humanitarian assistance.

Pope Francis, in turn, welcomed President Rashid, expressing the Holy See's support for Iraqi efforts in strengthening intercommunity relations and interfaith harmony. The Pope acknowledged the sacrifices made by the Christian community for a prosperous Iraq and underscored the importance of enhancing global peace opportunities.

In recent years, Iraq has stood out in the Middle East as a place where the Christian population has been growing, with the Kurdistan region earning a reputation as a welcoming and friendly place for Christians. The Kurdistan region, in particular, has been recognized as a Christian-friendly area, contributing to the increase in the number of Christians in Iraq. This trend is noteworthy in a region where such growth has been relatively uncommon.

Earlier on Sunday, footage from both Ashkelon and Sderot cities also showed army tanks in the streets as they reportedly moved towards the border with Gaza.

On Saturday, Hamas launched its biggest attack on Israel in decades, firing thousands of rockets and sending fighters who infiltrated Israeli towns near the Gaza Strip. The group said its attack was in response to Israeli violations in the flashpoint Al-Aqsa Mosque complex in occupied East Jerusalem and increased settler violence.

At least 700 Israelis, including 73 Israeli soldiers, have been killed and over 2,300 others wounded in the attack, according to the Israeli Health Ministry.

Israel retaliated, with the Israeli army initiating Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas with a series of airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, killing more than 430 Palestinians and wounding at least 2,300 others.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to use all of Israel’s strength to destroy Hamas’ capabilities and “take revenge for this black day.”

Thirteen Peshmerga received immediate treatment and were discharged from hospital.

According to a statement by the Peshmerga Media and Awareness Cell, only six Peshmergas remain in hospital and are currently in good health and will be discharged as soon as possible.

At first, rumors circulated on social media that the number of the poisoned Peshmerga was 82, but the ministry denied it.

"The necessary measures have been taken to remove these groups from the border areas, and they have been settled in distant camps in the centre of Kurdistan," Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein told a press conference.

A year ago, Tehran launched several deadly missile and drone strikes on Kurdistan region. 

The strikes came just after protests began in Iran over the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, 22, an Iranian Kurd arrested for allegedly breaching the Islamic republic's strict dress code.

Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region hosts camps and rear bases operated by several Iranian Kurdish factions, which Iran has accused of serving Western or Israeli interests in the past.

In March, the two countries signed a "security" agreement covering their common border.

Tehran last month said that, under the deal, Iraq should disarm the groups before September 19, remove them from their bases and transfer them to camps.

"The September 19 deadline will under no circumstances be extended," and Iran will "assume its responsibility" if Iraq does not comply, Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani said at the time.

Without raising the question of disarmament, Hussein said his country had "begun implementing the agreement" and that he would bring this message to Tehran during a visit on Wednesday.

"We expect from the Iranian side that they do not turn to violence against Kurdistan or against the sovereignty of Iraq", he emphasised.

Hussein said negotiations with Iran would focus on how "to stop these opposition groups from crossing the border and using weapons against the Iranian government".

They would also address the importance of "avoiding threats of violence, and threats of bombing certain areas of Iraqi Kurdistan".

Until now, the regional government of Iraqi Kurdistan has not spoken publicly about implementation of these measures, even though several meetings between officials of the Kurdistan region and Iran have taken place.

A Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) delegation is scheduled to return to Baghdad on Friday to discuss the Kurdistan Region's share in the Iraqi budget, KurdSat reporter in Baghdad said.

The delegation is to meet with the Ministries of Oil and Finance and advisors to the Presidency of the Iraqi Council of Ministers, our reporter added.

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) delegation was scheduled to visit Baghdad on Sunday, but the meeting was postponed at the request of the Iraqi Oil Minister, KurdSat has learnt.

The recent talks between the KRG and Baghdad is centered on providing salaries for the KRG employees from Baghdad, which the latter has refused to spend.

The French Defense Ministry said in a statement that a French soldier, Nicolas Latourt, was injured while on duty to train Iraqi security forces. He was taken to hospital in Erbil by helicopter and died.

The French Defense Ministry did not say where the incident occurred on Sunday.

The soldier, who belonged to the Sixth Battalion of Engineers, had participated in training with Iraqi security forces since May this year, on improvised explosive devices and defusing, the statement said.

On November 18, another French soldier was killed and another injured in a traffic accident in Erbil.

France is the second largest military partner with Iraq and has the largest number of troops in the international coalition against ISIS.

 

 

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani and US President Joe Biden are scheduled to meet on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York in September, the Iraqi newspaper Mada quoted a source close to Washington as saying.

The source added that the meeting will be held on the sidelines of the international meeting due to the complicated situation in Iraq and the Iranian issue.

However, the scheduled meeting between Biden and Sudan has not yet been determined.

A source close to the coordination said Sudani had rejected three invitations to visit Washington, because he was not sure of the US intentions, although he was interested in partnership and coordination with the US.

Director General of Envoys and Cultural Relations of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the Kurdistan region, Yasin Salih said they welcome the Iraqi prime minister's initiative to send 5,000 people to study abroad at the expense of the Iraqi government.

He said that last week, a delegation of higher education, with the relevant parties and advisors to the Iraqi prime minister and the head of the program to study abroad, met and learnt that 5,000 seats will be distributed among the Iraqi provinces and the Kurdistan Region according to the population.

The official also said that anyone can apply to the scholarships and the deadline is September 15th.

Biryar Rashid, a member of the PUK faction in the House of Representatives said in a statement that regarding the problems of Sulaimani province for the second time this week he met with the Governor of the Central Bank Ali Alaq. He said they have convinced the governor that Sulaimani has more trade ties than any other province in Iraq. 

He said the governor promised to open a central bank office in Sulaimani as soon as possible and provide a significant amount of dollars to Sulaimani according to the guidelines.

We support the opening of branches of both Rashid and Rafideen Banks in Sulaimani, but the Kurdistan Regional Government has not yet agreed.

The governor of the central bank supported the request to license the currency exchange offices and stressed the position of Qubad Talabani who supported the central bank to bring its activities to Sulaimani and provide services to citizens.

has called on the court to review the punishment of Sherwan Sherwani and give a positive decision.

The Organization for Independent Journalists and Writers (FJWW) said in a statement addressed to the Kurdistan Regional Court of Appeal, representatives of foreign states and the public that after four years in prison, in July, the Erbil court sentenced journalist Sherwan Sherwani to another four years in prison.

The group added that in the near future, the Erbil Court of Appeal will make its final decision, therefore, before this process is carried out, through joint efforts and collective pressure, the court must review the case and make a positive decision.

Sherwan Sherwani was sentenced to four years in July for forging his signature while in prison, after serving four years and he was to be released before his new sentence.

The Iraqi Security Media Cell said in a statement that based on intelligence provided to the Airforce, F-16 fighter jets bombed an ISIL position in Kirkuk province, killing several terrorists.

The hideout was destroyed and the militants were killed, the cell added.

ISIS terrorists have been active around the province of Kirkuk since their military defeat in Iraq in 2016.

People's Defense Units (PYD) co-chairperson Muslim Salih told reports with Rojava media that Turkey has opened dozens of military bases and built residential communities in North Eastern Syria.

Turkey is currently working on a map for the Turkmen and wants to create a state for them in northern and eastern Syria, so it has opened several training bases to arm people in these areas, Salih noted.

The Syrian government cannot and will not work to remove Turkish troops from its territory because it is influenced by the policies of countries such as Russia and Iran, which have interests with Turkey and do not want for Ankara to withdraw its forces from Syria, PYD co-chairperson explained.

Therefore, the issue is complex and can only be achieved through internal unity and continuous struggle, Muslim warned.

Muslim also noted that the Syrian president's statement that Turkey's withdrawal is a condition for any meeting with Erdogan is unrealistic and he believes that Damascus does not have the strength to oblige the Turkish army to withdraw alone.

Since 2015 Turkey has begun expelling Kurds in north eastern Syria who are natives to the area and has replaced them with Turkmens and Arabs.

A member of the Iraqi Council of Representatives Bryar Rashid said that efforts to stabilize the exchange rate of the dinar against the dollar continue and the efforts of the central bank will have their effect.

He added that in a meeting with the governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, they are working to stabilize the value of the dinar in two ways, first is to facilitate businesses having access to liquid assets and tighten border points and eliminate dollar smuggling.

The Iraqi parliament today met to discuss the volatility of the dinar against the dollar, and they welcomed the Governor of the Central Bank and explained the reasons for the volatility of the dinar and their efforts to stabilize it.

The governor of the central bank revealed that the work of the central bank to stabilize the value of the dinar continues.

He said that the government has established coordination with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to facilitate the access to the currency exchange offices, tighten the border checkpoints and prevent the smuggling of dollars.

They also discussed a new measure to provide dollars for tourism, health and education to Sulaimani province at a fixed rate.

The potatoes were shipped through two local companies and an UAE company and another 500 tons are expected to be shipped next week.

On Monday August 7, in an event attended by investors and traders of potatoes in the Kurdistan Region and the UAE, the contract for the export of 5,000 tons of industrial potatoes was signed in Erbil.

The 120 tons of potatoes exported today will first arrive in the UAE and then be shipped to other Gulf countries.

30 varieties of potatoes are produced in the Kurdistan Region. The potatoes exported to the UAE are industrial potatoes.

According to the data released by the Ministry of Agriculture, this year's potato production in the Kurdistan Region is 650,000 tons, which saw an increase of more than 200,000 tons compared to the previous four years, while the annual need for potatoes is less than 130 tons.

In an interview with Responsible Statecraft’s Tanya Goudsouzian President Dr. Latif Rashid touched upon many domestic and regional issues facing Iraq, among them were the Saudi-Iran rapprochement, water scarcity in Iraq, relations with the US and Turkey, terrorism, and religious authority.

Read the full interview here.