The bank refused as it would have put at risk the future of the bank. Mr. Maliki furthermore signed an agreement with Hanwa in Korea for close to $7 billion, again with no bidding process. Attempting financing through TBI and illegally bypassing the approved Iraqi Budget.
I estimate that the Ministry of Trade has a deficit of over $2 billion and not withstanding over 300 written requests from the Iraq Board of Supreme Audit for information on the use of these funds, The Ministry of Trade has refused to provide any information.
I understand from members of Parliament that this matter is being investigated by a special committee set up by Parliament. This refusal to provide information, under the direct orders of the Prime Minister, demonstrates the serious corruption in the Maliki government and a total disregard for law and Parliament.
There are many other examples where the Maliki government has tried to force TBI to provide financing in totally inappropriate ways, which would have damaged the standing of TBI and the standing of Iraq in the international financial community. Mr. Maliki has furthermore tried to remove and control the governor of the Central Bank, who has also refused to do so.
The US Government, which was key in ensuring the second term of Mr. Maliki as Prime Minister, cannot deny that they are aware of many of these facts.
Mr. Talabani, Members of Parliament, unless immediate action is taken and the independence of TBI is restored, the Iraqi people will pay the penalty. I therefore urge you to deal with this matter before it is too late.
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