<rss version="0.91">
<channel>
<title>www.bi-me.com RSS feed for &#8211; Iraq</title>
<link>http://www.bi-me.com</link>
<description>Middle Eastern Business News and Data</description>
<language>en-us</language>
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<title><![CDATA[&#039;The Iraqi dinar has all reasons to grow stronger,&#039; says Prime Minister ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=44880</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said the process to re-evaluate the Iraqi dinar has to do with economic conditions which have to be strengthened.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iraq oil exports at highest level since 1990]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=44817</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Iraq&#039;s oil exports reached their highest level in February since Saddam Hussein&#039;s invasion of Kuwait in 1990, an oil ministry spokesman said.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[IMF approves US$3.6 billion stand-by loan for Iraq]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=44657</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The main objectives of the arrangement are to maintain macroeconomic stability during a period of high economic and political uncertainties (parliamentary elections are scheduled for March 7, 2010), and to provide a framework for deepening structural reforms.

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<title><![CDATA[Marsh conference to discuss Iraq energy risk issues]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=44527</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Marsh has announced that the Executive Director and Founder of the Iraq Energy Institute will speak on the risk issues facing energy companies seeking to do business in Iraq at Marsh&#039;s National Oil Companies Conference in Dubai. 
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Investment in Kurdistan region of Iraq tops US$12 billion]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=44500</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. The primary source of investment in the Kurdistan region was the local housing sector, which saw an increase of US$4.7 billion. The banking sector followed at US$2.29 billion.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[GE Technology will help meet Northern Iraq&#039;s growing energy demands]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=44431</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. GE today announced the signing of contracts totaling approximately US$200 million to supply power generation equipment and services for two independent power projects in the Kurdistan region of Northern Iraq. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Internet data revenue to show strong growth]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=44358</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. With the move to broadband internet in the Middle East, revenues from data services are expected to grow more strongly in coming years than from mobile voice services, according to leading industry observers.

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<title><![CDATA[Iraq adopts ASCI benchmark price for US crude sales]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=44308</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Iraqi state-owned oil marketing firm Somo will price sales of US-bound crude at differentials to the Argus Sour Crude Index benchmark from April onwards.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iraq plans currency redenomination]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=44269</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Iraq expects to redenominate its dinar currency by knocking three zeros off the nominal value of bank notes to facilitate currency transactions]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Dubai Customs foils an attempt to smuggle archeological remains of Iraqi origin]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=44203</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. While examining an Arab person&#039;s Customs declaration which contain some kitchen kits and a radio, the inspector found the archeological items hidden inside chairs pads..]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iraq to resume oil exports from Kurdish region &#039;soon&#039;]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=44183</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Iraq accepted a Kurdish proposal on payments to producers working in the semi-autonomous region, the oil minister said.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Siemens Healthcare announces biggest single order contract of US$69 million]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=43802</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. The Siemens Healthcare Sector announced today a contract win of US$69 million to supply state-of-the-art diagnostics imaging equipment to all Ministry of Health hospitals across Iraq.
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ExxonMobil signs agreement with Iraq Ministry of Oil]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=43759</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Exxon Mobil Corporation today announced that its affiliate ExxonMobil Iraq signed an agreement with the Iraq Ministry of Oil to redevelop and expand the West Qurna-1 field in southern Iraq. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Land Rover ventures into Northern Iraq ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=43543</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Land Rover has reiterated its commitment to the Middle East by venturing into a new an untapped market - the northern region of Iraq also know as Kurdistan. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iraq and Shell consortium sign the Majnoon Oilfield contract]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=43473</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Shell, as lead operator, will hold a 45% share, with partner Petronas holding 30%. The Iraqi state holds 25% of the participating interests in all contractor consortia.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[ATCi integrates 3 Fly Away broadcast systems for large Iraqi broadcaster]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=43426</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. ATCi provided 3 fully redundant, state-of-the-art Fly Away systems that this broadcaster will use to transmit news, sports and video throughout Iraq and surrounding countries.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[More Iraqis fear unemployment than security issues, YouGov Siraj research report reveals]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=43391</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. 36% of Iraqis say economic issues - unemployment (21%) or financial insecurity (15%) - are the biggest problems they face today. This compares to 16% who believe security problems are their greatest difficulty.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[General Dynamics awarded US$198 million contract]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=43185</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. The US Army Tank and Automotive Command has awarded General Dynamics Land Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics to build 140 M1A1 SA tanks for Iraq.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Delegation from Kurdistan region of Iraq concludes visit to Washington, DC and Detroit]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=43016</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. The delegation reaffirmed the KRG&#039;s commitment to advance the democratic process in Iraq along with its long-held position to resolve issues through political dialogue. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Cellular users in Iraq, Libya and Pakistan bought 16 million cellular handsets in 2009]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42975</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Arab Advisors Group has launched new research services covering the Mobile Handsets Retail Markets. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iran troops have left oil well, says Iraq official]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42916</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Iranian troops who for three days controversially occupied a disputed border oil well left the facility during the night but remain on Iraq&#039;s soil, Iraqi officials said on Sunday.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iran says oil well seized on Iraq border lies within its land]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42892</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAN. Iran on Saturday acknowledged its takeover of an oil well on the Iraqi border but insisted the well lies on its land, playing down the fallout from the incident.

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<title><![CDATA[Lukoil wins Iraq&#039;s West Qurna oilfield]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42718</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. A group led by Russian energy giant Lukoil won a deal to develop one of Iraq&#039;s most attractive oilfields on Saturday, in the country&#039;s second auction of contracts.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Shell-Petronas consortium wins Iraq&#039;s Manjoon oil field development contract]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42712</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Royal Dutch Shell in partnership with Malaysia&#039;s state-run Petronas Carigali, beat a consortium of France&#039;s Total and China National Petroleum Corp.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Hughes expands satellite Internet access for US troops in Middle East and Central Asia]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42611</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Hughes Network Systems has announced that it has expanded provision of high-speed satellite Internet access for US troops deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[The Defense Logistics Agency helps with the drawdown of equipment in Iraq]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42465</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. These services include procuring and distributing nearly five million separate line items such as rations, medical supplies and equipment, clothing and textiles, repair parts for land, sea and air weapons systems and platforms, fuel and energy services. 

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<title><![CDATA[Canadian Clear Water installs desalination plants in Egypt, Iraq &amp; Oman]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42456</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The desalination plant working on cutting edge technology of Reverse Osmosis converts sea water into potable water useful for industrial and drinking water purposes. 

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<title><![CDATA[Tony Blair was told Iraq war was illegal, says report ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42428</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. The UK government&#039;s chief legal advisor informed then British prime minister Tony Blair in 2002 that deposing Saddam Hussein would contravene international law.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Trade Bank of Iraq joins Thomson Reuters global foreign exchange trading system ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42367</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Thomson Reuters today announced that the TBI will become the first bank in the country to connect to the international foreign exchange and money market community using the Thomson Reuters Dealing trading service.  

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<title><![CDATA[The US supports the Iraqi government&#039;s efforts to pass an election law, says Hillary Clinton]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42308</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says Iraqi elections might slip to allow for necessary planning to take place, but once held will mark a milestone in Iraq&#039;s journey toward democracy.

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<title><![CDATA[Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq representative to the US addresses Rhodes College ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=42242</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ.  In a speech to Rhodes College, Qubad Talabani, the KRG representative to the United States, and the son of Iraq&#039;s president, Jalal Talabani, delivered a lecture entitled &#039;Iraq: As US forces stand Down, Who is standing up.&#039; ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Exxon Mobil consortium wins West Qurna Iraq oil deal]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=41799</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. The consortium, which also includes Royal Dutch Shell, agreed to boost production from West Qurna oil field from its current level of 160,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 2.325 million bpd over the course of its 20-year contract.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Middle East oil exporters&#039; foreign reserves to rise by US$100 billion ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=40969</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Oil exporters in the Middle East and North Africa region are expected to increase their international reserve positions by over US$100 billion in 2010 as oil prices rebound, the IMF said on Sunday.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iraq: the new emerging real estate market]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=40838</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Iraq is becoming the new emerging real estate investment market of the Middle East, led by a groundbreaking residential project in the northern Kurdish region, according to a development company.

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<title><![CDATA[Motorola signs contract with Zain Iraq ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=40774</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Motorola has announced the signing of a multi-million dollar contract with Zain Iraq to provide managed services to the operator. 

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<title><![CDATA[EODT Technology wins share of US$485 million multiple award contract ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=40463</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. EOD Technology will continue to provide security services at Forward Operating Bases in Iraq, including the Baghdad area, after winning a position on the second consecutive Theater Wide Internal Security Services contract with an estimated value to five contractors of US$485 million.  

]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Kurdistan Regional Government opens new Headquarters in Washington, D.C.]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=40414</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) inaugurated its new headquarters in Washington, D.C., on 17 September.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[US withdrawal from Iraq must be &#039;moral and responsible,&#039; says Iraqi lawmaker]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=40413</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Saleh Mutlaq, Secretary General of Iraq&#039;s National Dialogue Front, visiting Washington, DC, to meet with officials at the White House, the State Department, and House and Senate members.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Turkey may sign pact with Iraq on Nabuccco pipeline to carry gas into Europe]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=40401</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Turkey and Iraq have discussed signing a memorandum of understanding to ship Iraqi gas to Europe via Turkey through the planned Nabucco pipeline.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Why I threw my shoes at Bush, by Muntazar al-Zaidi]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=40397</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. What compelled me to confront is the injustice that befell my people, and how the occupation wanted to humiliate my homeland by putting it under its boot.
]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Mercury Air Group, Red Orange launch service to Afghanistan and Iraq]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=40338</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Mercury Air Group has announced a strategic alliance with Dubai-based Red Orange to provide &#039;Final-Mile Peace of Mind&#039; freight logistics services into Iraq and Afghanistan.  

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<title><![CDATA[Iraqi shoe thrower&#039;s release from jail delayed]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=40245</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Muntadhar al-Zaidi will not be released until Tuesday due to paperwork processing delays.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Water management system worth US$20 million launched in Kurdistan]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=40224</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. The project will be carried out in cooperation with the Ministry of Water Resources and the German universities of Freiburg and Gottingen.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iraq tenders construction of US$3 billion Baghdad Metro]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=40209</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Seven international companies will submit their bids for the construction of the Baghdad Metro project in January 2010, a senior official said.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iraq-Qatar flights resume after 18-year break]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=40191</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Iraqi Airways resumed flights from Baghdad to the Qatari capital on Friday for the first time in 18 years.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[US Defense Logistics Agency employees help Iraqi soldiers build an efficient logistics system]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=40134</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Iraqi army soldiers are learning from the best how to build an efficient national logistics system.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iraq may not pay for Kurdish oil for years]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=40114</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Western oil companies operating in Iraq&#039;s semi-autonomous Kurdish region may have to wait for years for the government to pay them for the oil they pump.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iraq Minister says government unable to cover projects, eyes private sector investment]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=40024</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. The economic condition in Iraq needs private initiatives and larger role by the private sector and foreign investments in order to cover all the needs.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Middle East defence spending to exceed US$100 billion by 2014, says Frost &amp; Sullivan]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=39979</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE.  Defence spending in the Middle East has been constantly growing, because all countries want to stay abreast with modern military technology to ensure that their military capabilities are wider and more effective. 

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<title><![CDATA[Etihad Crystal Cargo launches service to Baghdad]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=39873</link>
<description><![CDATA[UAE. Etihad Crystal Cargo, a division of Etihad Airways, is to launch a twice weekly service from its hub at Abu Dhabi airport to Baghdad, the capital of Iraq.
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<title><![CDATA[Iraq plans second oil bid round by mid-December]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=39827</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Iraq, which pre-qualified about 45 companies to bid on oil projects, plans to award contracts for the six partly developed and four undeveloped fields offered in its second licensing round by mid-December.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[UAE company enters Northern Iraq&#039;s lucrative exploration and production market]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=39496</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. BlackGold has become one of the first UAE companies to enter the lucrative energy exploration and production market in northern Iraq, according to its CEO.

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<title><![CDATA[Returns in Iraq compatible with rest of world oil fields, says BP]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=39303</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. BP, the only winner in Iraq&#039;s first oil-licensing round since the US led-invasion, says it can turn a profit at the Rumaila deposit that&#039;s in line with other fields, even after reducing its fee by half. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Incumbents ahead but opposition set to break Iraqi Kurd stranglehold]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=39234</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Iraqi authorities are set on Monday to release preliminary results from weekend elections in the automomous Kurdish region after a new opposition party claimed a major breakthrough.

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<title><![CDATA[Addax acquisition cleared by letter from Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=39139</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Sinopec, China&#039;s largest oil refiner, agreed last month to buy Swiss oil explorer Addax for US$7.24 billion in China&#039;s biggest overseas acquisition.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[UN chief and Iraqi leader discuss issue of reparations to Kuwait]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=39124</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon held talks today with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Kamal al-Maliki that focused on the issue of his country&#039;s reparations to Kuwait in the wake of Iraq&#039;s 1990 invasion and subsequent occupation of its neighbour. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iraq&#039;s prime minister to announce bold initiative to bring Iraq&#039;s education system into 21st century]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=39126</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. In an effort to enable Iraq to rebuild its country expeditiously, Iraq&#039;s Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki will announce a new education initiative on 25 July at the Academy for Educational Development in Washington DC. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iraqi physicians and nurses complete certificate programmes with Acibadem]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=38905</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Acibadem Healthcare Group provided certificate programme on the recent principles in treatment and training of diabetes patients to a group of Iraqi physicians and nurses from the city of Arbil in Northern Iraq.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Ancient Babylonian archaelogical site in Iraq damaged by military activity]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=38854</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. The ancient site of Babylon - home to the Hanging Gardens, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - has been significantly damaged due to its use as a military base by coalition forces in Iraq from 2003-2004.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[UN population agency and Iraq partner to boost development]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=38849</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Iraqi government have agreed to step up their collaboration in promoting national development.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iranian Kurd refugees relocated from no-man&#039;s land to camp]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=38789</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. UNHCR has shut down a makeshift camp, home to nearly 200 Iranian Kurds refugees, in the no-man&#039;s land on the Iraqi-Jordanian border, relocating them to another site on Iraq&#039;s border with Syria. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iraq expects more from second energy auction]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=38670</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. The Iraqi government is hoping that a second major auction of oil and gas fields later this year will help revive a struggling oil industry where a first auction this week fell short, a government spokesman said.

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<title><![CDATA[Iraq rejects foreign oil deals]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=38596</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Iraq on Wednesday said it has rejected further offers from foreign companies to work in the country&#039;s oil and gas sector and pledged that some sites will instead be solely exploited by state-owned firms.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iraq oil licensing off to slow start, first historic contract awarded]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=38539</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Iraq opened up some of its massive oil and gas fields to foreign firms on Tuesday. International oil companies were submitting bids for six oil and two gas fields.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iraq oil bidding process delayed by one day]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=38511</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Iraq&#039;s oil ministry said an event to announce the names of foreign and large state-owned firms awarded major contracts has been delayed by one day from Monday because of sandstorms in Baghdad.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[New report shows over 2.5 million Iraqis received UN assistance in 2008]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=38413</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. The UN and its partners provided some US$207 million worth of humanitarian assistance to Iraqis in 2008, and over US$500 million has been requested for 2009.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iraq opens oilfields as foreign companies seek US$16 billion foothold ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=38407</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Iraq is set to welcome back foreign oil companies into the war-torn nation to develop the world&#039;s third-largest crude reserves three decades after expelling them. 

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<title><![CDATA[US calls on Gulf states to help more in Iraq, Afghanistan]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=38378</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. US Defence Secretary Robert Gates called on Persian Gulf states and other Middle East powers on Tuesday to do more to help stabilise Iraq and Afghanistan, and to work together to counter Iranian influence.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Repsol said to be out of race for Iraq&#039;s Nassiriya field]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=38367</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Spain&#039;s Repsol is out of the race for a contract to work on Iraq&#039;s giant Nassiriya oilfield because bids by Italy&#039;s Eni and Japan&#039;s Nippon Oil better serve Iraq&#039;s interests, a source in Iraq said on Wednesday.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iraqi government and United Nations meet to align UN programming with the National Development Plan]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=38324</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. More than 100 participants attended two-day workshop including government officials, members of parliament, regional representatives, civil society organisations and representatives of UN agencies and the World Bank.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iraq&#039;s oil strategy on track, says minister]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=38333</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Al-Shahristani said new contracts are &#039;not in danger&#039; and will be announced at the end of the month as planned.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[US updated travel advisory cites stability in the Kurdistan region of Iraq]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=38107</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. New guidelines confirm that the governorates of Erbil, Suleimaniah and Dohuk remain more stable than the rest of Iraq, experiencing fewer terrorist attacks and lower levels of insurgent violence.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iraq forum pledges to work out sharing of natural resources]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=38105</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Central government in Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) working to resolve their differences at &#039;The Future of Iraq&#039; conference.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Virtual museum of Iraq opens]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=38088</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. A project supported by the Italian government honours Iraq as the birthplace of civilisation through a new virtual museum featuring 70 of the antiquities on display at the Iraq National Museum in Baghdad.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Minister blames Turkey for Iraq drought]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=38039</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Turkey has not followed through on its agreement to supply Iraq with the water it desperately needs, the Iraqi water minister has claimed.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iraq, the biggest show on earth?]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=38019</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Larry Cooley, President of Management Systems International (part of the Coffey Group), will present a seminar at the Dubai School of Government entitled &#039;Back to the Future: Rebuilding and Reforming Public Management in Iraq&#039;.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Alco Advanced Technologies agreement with ICS2 International for border security screening project in northern Iraq]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=37983</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Agreement to work on the proposed integrated BOT security screening project for the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[US brokerage breaks new ground as first international firm to sell Iraqi securities]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=37986</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Global brokerage Auerbach Grayson offers US investors access to trade over 90 companies listed on the Iraq Stock Exchange (ISX).]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iraq pullout on schedule, says US general]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=37959</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. General Ray Odierno says US forces have been withdrawing from cities for the last six months, and the majority are already out.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iraqi refugees band together to release album]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=37791</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. The UN has supported a trio of Iraqi refugees in releasing their first album on several leading online music-sharing sites, with the proceeds going to their financially-strapped compatriots in exile. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Talks on contested northern Iraqi boundaries begin in Baghdad]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=37799</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Talks on disputed internal Iraqi boundaries - in the oil-rich, ethnically mixed north - have been launched, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) announced today. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[US contractors released from Iraq on bond]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=37750</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Three American contractors detained during an investigation into the murder of another American have been released on bond, but two others remain in custody on drug charges, Iraqi officials said on Thursday.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[UNESCO head condemns Iraqi journalist&#039;s killing]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=37656</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Alaa Abdel-Wehab, correspondent for the independent Cairo-based television channel Al-Baghdadia, died in an explosion from a bomb attached to his car in Mosul, late last month. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iraq showing &#039;encouraging progress&#039;]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=37604</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Iraqi security forces continue to show they can assume stepped-up security responsibilities.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Kuwait and Iraq agree on reparation talks]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=37536</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. In a period of heightening tension, Kuwaiti parliamentarians on Sunday reiterated calls for Iraq to pay its debts and war reparations imposed by the UN to strengthen ties between the two nations.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Former US Army lieutenant colonel sentenced for role in fraud scheme arising out of Iraq]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=37489</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Debra Harrison, a former lieutenant colonel in the US Army Reserves, was sentenced on 4 June to 30 months in prison for her participation in a scheme to defraud the US and Iraqi governments.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Defense Solutions Holding (DFSH) awarded first pipeline contract in Iraq ]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=37459</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. US$750,000 contract to supply pipeline parts to North Gas Company, a state-owned company of Iraq.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iran and Iraq extend cooperation on small businesses]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=37352</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Iran&#039;s Cooperatives Minister Mohammad Abbasi was in Baghdad this week to discuss ways to expand relations with Iraq, particularly in the field of small scale industries. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iraq needs continued international engagement, says refugee agency]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=37349</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. While overall security conditions have improved, they are not yet sustainable enough to have encouraged massive returns of Iraqis, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNCHR).]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Conservatism, mismanagement holds back Iraq&#039;s health system]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=37168</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. A sing shortage is only part of Iraq&#039;s hollowed-out healthcare system, plagued by corruption, mismanagement and a lack of equipment and medicines.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Saudi Arabia rejects Iraq claims of &#039;negativity&#039;]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=37201</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Tensions have become highlighted as the US$20 billion high-tech security fence along the joint border on the Saudi side has faced delays.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Dramatic plane arrest of Iraqi ex-minister]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=37151</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Iraq&#039;s former trade minister has been arrested at Baghdad International Airport on corruption charges as he was trying to leave the country, headed for Dubai.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[KBR denies claims of faulty-wiring deaths in Iraq]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=37139</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. A statement was issued today by KBR&#039;s Interim President of Government and Infrastructure William Bodie in response to a New York Times editorial published this week.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Kuwait presses UN on Iraq sanctions]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=37123</link>
<description><![CDATA[INTERNATIONAL. Kuwait urged the United Nations on Thursday not to lift sanctions on Iraq before Baghdad makes war reparations for invading the Gulf state nearly two decades ago.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Belgian minister on surprise visit to Iraq]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=37086</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Trade discussed but no plans to reopen a Belgian mission in Baghdad.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[US military likely in Iraq for &#039;next decade&#039;]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=37082</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. The Pentagon is prepared for US forces to remain in Iraq for as long as a decade despite an agreement between Washington and Baghdad that would bring all US troops home by 2012, according to the army chief of staff. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iraq leader vows clampdown on corruption with 1,000 arrests likely]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=37081</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Iraq has launched a campaign to arrest almost 1,000 officials for corruption, the government said on Wednesday, after the trade minister resigned amid claims family members made millions in kickbacks from sugar purchases.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[World Food Programme expands in Iraq to cover vulnerable groups]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=36948</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. The UN World Food Programme today announced it is expanding its food assistance programme in Iraq to reach more food-insecure people and to begin providing free school lunches to children. ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iraqi minister quits amid corruption claims]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=36937</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki has accepted the resignation of his trade minister, whose ministry has been plagued by corruption allegations.]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Iraq approves corporate income tax law for foreign oil firms]]></title>'
<link>http://www.bi-me.com/main.php?c=3&amp;cg=3&amp;t=1&amp;id=36727</link>
<description><![CDATA[IRAQ. Iraq&#039;s cabinet has approved a bill that will slap foreign oil firms with a minimum 35% corporate tax in a bid to boost revenue.]]></description>
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