Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Sunday, March 27, 2011
U.S. official: Iraq may join WTO by end-2011
U.S. official: Iraq may join WTO by end-2011
Source: Reuters - 22/11/2009
A U.S. official said Iraq had to join the WTO by the end of 2011 if diligently sought for membership that may help reconstruction efforts through the promotion of trade and investment.
Iraq has begun the process of accession in 2004, however, has taken only initial steps required by the membership. Iraq may also receive limited benefits, given that Iran is one of its major trading partners are not a member of the Organization.
But Larry Morgan, director of international trade, trade the draft of the U.S. Agency for International Development said that some Iraqi ministries such as Ministry of Finance is keen to win membership of the organization as it would boost trade and increase the revenues of customs duties.
The draft and trade advice to the Iraqi Trade Ministry in matters relating to the WTO.
And Morgan said, "As is clear the process is very slow but they are not too far from the track .. I think that if they have made a reasonable effort expected of them will be able to join the end of 2011. This is the earliest possible date."
He pointed out that joining the WTO would increase the chances of Iraq to obtain imported goods and the introduction of standardization and quality control and pave the way for the practice of customs chaotic and less bureaucratic.
And Morgan said, "will allow the Iraqi Customs to join the developed world .. for men and women, Iraqi businessmen the country has one of the worst records in terms of time required for the import and export of goods."
He added that foreign businessmen will feel more protection before venturing into the Iraqi market and to support Iraq's efforts to develop tourism and financial services sectors.
But analysts warn that Iraq will not likely to diversify its economy to include activities other than oil - which already generates 95 percent of government revenues - and that red tape and political debate are delaying many projects on time.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Kuwait and Iraq Stand at Dawn of New Era of Peaceful Coexistence,’
Department of Public Information • News and Media Division • New York
‘ Kuwait and Iraq Stand at Dawn of New Era of Peaceful Coexistence,’
Secretary-General Says in Commemoration of Kuwait’s Independence
Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message on the twentieth anniversary of the liberation of Kuwait and fiftieth anniversary of its independence, today, 26 February, in New York:
It gives me great pleasure to greet the Government and people of Kuwait on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of its independence and the twentieth anniversary of the country’s liberation from the forces of Saddam Hussein.
This was an historic moment for Kuwait. It was also a notable development for the international community, as it was achieved under the mandate of Chapter VII resolutions of the United Nations Security Council — and thus serves as a symbol of how the international community, acting together in the framework of international law and collective security, can uphold the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter.
The attack on the sovereignty of Kuwait brought untold suffering not only to its people — many of whom remain missing today — but also to the region and to the people of many other countries. Many lives were lost, both in the initial invasion and in the military action that reversed it. The repercussions were global.
Today, Kuwait and Iraq stand at the dawn of a new era of peaceful coexistence and friendly relations. I welcome the recent steps taken by the leadership of the two countries to normalize relations and resolve outstanding issues within the framework of the resolutions of the United Nations. This is a formidable challenge, but I have faith in their resolve to move in that direction and achieve full closure. The United Nations will continue to provide all necessary support.
Kuwait is an active member of the United Nations. I look forward to the contributions Kuwaitis will continue to make to our work to build a better world for all. Please accept my best wishes as you commemorate these two milestones in your country’s history.
UN.org
‘ Kuwait and Iraq Stand at Dawn of New Era of Peaceful Coexistence,’
Secretary-General Says in Commemoration of Kuwait’s Independence
Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message on the twentieth anniversary of the liberation of Kuwait and fiftieth anniversary of its independence, today, 26 February, in New York:
It gives me great pleasure to greet the Government and people of Kuwait on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of its independence and the twentieth anniversary of the country’s liberation from the forces of Saddam Hussein.
This was an historic moment for Kuwait. It was also a notable development for the international community, as it was achieved under the mandate of Chapter VII resolutions of the United Nations Security Council — and thus serves as a symbol of how the international community, acting together in the framework of international law and collective security, can uphold the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter.
The attack on the sovereignty of Kuwait brought untold suffering not only to its people — many of whom remain missing today — but also to the region and to the people of many other countries. Many lives were lost, both in the initial invasion and in the military action that reversed it. The repercussions were global.
Today, Kuwait and Iraq stand at the dawn of a new era of peaceful coexistence and friendly relations. I welcome the recent steps taken by the leadership of the two countries to normalize relations and resolve outstanding issues within the framework of the resolutions of the United Nations. This is a formidable challenge, but I have faith in their resolve to move in that direction and achieve full closure. The United Nations will continue to provide all necessary support.
Kuwait is an active member of the United Nations. I look forward to the contributions Kuwaitis will continue to make to our work to build a better world for all. Please accept my best wishes as you commemorate these two milestones in your country’s history.
UN.org
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