The Englishman

The Details of Nechirvan Barzani’s 48 hours in Baghdad Report 2020/06/23 19:03:29 Shafaq News / Baghdad and its political scenes are not unusual to the president of Kurdistan, Nechirvan Barzani, but his brief and intensive visit to Baghdad, came in due course to put the record straight on the relations; based on two basic rules: the beginning of the era of Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi, and the accumulation of files between the two parties, which required his own presence. Barzani began the outcome of meeting the three presidencies in Baghdad with a brief statement, then listed what was not revealed in his short tweet in detail and declared opening a new page in the relationship between Baghdad and Kurdistan, an approach that inevitably requires close consultation between Al-Kadhimi and Barzani; the most qualified men to address and resolve the accumulated problems. These multi issues are not limited to the dangerously increasing COVİD-19 pandemic, nor the Turkish-Iranian bombing but extends to establishing a new phase in the relations between Erbil and Baghdad, strengthening the bridges of understanding with Al-Kadhimi and following up the severe financial crisis and the faltering issue of salaries, all on principles of understanding and cooperation to overcome the economic crisis that has affected everyone. Al-Kadhimi certainly needs to concerted effort with Erbil, as well as with the political forces in Baghdad; if the Iraqi desire seeks appropriate solutions to these crises. That is why Nechirvan Barzani may find this a favourable political timing to conduct this relatively large number of meetings and gatherings. Altogether, Barzani's visit to Baghdad paves the way for compromises, understandings, and outlines of the next phase regarding COVİD-19, sovereignty, the security issue, the financial crisis, and the post-strategic dialogue between Baghdad and Washington. In his meeting with President Barham Salih, Barzani stressed that the differences and outstanding issues between Erbil and Baghdad should be addressed following constitutional and legal frameworks and through cooperation and coordination to preserve the rights of all Iraqis and achieve social justice, in addition to discussing the solutions required to get out of the economic crisis in the country, as well as to consolidate solidarity among all to face COVİD-19 pandemic and limit its spread. This meeting was preceded by similar meetings with Al-Kadhimi and Speaker of the council of Representatives Mohamed Al-Halbousi. In the meeting with Al-Kadhimi, the talks dealt with the files between the two governments and solving previous problems by the constitution and in the public interest against the current challenges facing all provinces. At stake here is the issue of salaries, oil revenues, disputed areas, and Article 140 of the Constitution. These points were embodied by the president of Kurdistan during his statements from Baghdad after the end of the intensive dialogues that lasted two days, as he considered the problems and responsibilities are common to all Iraqis and said that “the fate of all of us is one and the problems of Iraq and Kurdistan are the problems of all Iraqis”. Barzani stressed "After years of experiencing bitter differences and problems between the two sides, we must not look behind, rather it is time to reach a common ground and solve the problems once and for all through a comprehensive and satisfactory agreement; and provide security, stability, justice, and progress to the present and future of Iraq". Barzani described the situation as cruel and said, "Crises can be transformed into opportunities and cooperation to address the current difficulties and crises in the country, which are a responsibility of all." Adding, "The continuation of the problems is not in the interest of any party, and together we can reach a common understanding to manage the country to provide services to all citizens” Barzani also stressed "Kurdistan is ready to solve all outstanding problems and issues with the federal government based on the constitution and under the federal system and rights, duties, and priorities of the current life and livelihood of citizens”, and they return the Iraqi leaders’ roles, the political parties in supporting dialogue, and resolution to reach an “important and necessary and the duty of all” agreement. Most likely, Barzani will meet Al-Kadhimi in his bet.." the challenges facing the country require the cooperation of all to deal with them and to put the country in the right path, to build a secure, stable and unified Iraq". As Barzani visits Baghdad, he realizes that things have been relatively settled for Al-Kadhimi in the transition of power and taking on heavy responsibilities, and in this sense the timing here is significant. He, therefore, accompanied his deputies Sheikh Jaafar Sheikh Mustafa and Mustafa Sayed Qadir with him. Barzani, as usual in politics, wants to extend a hand of cooperation and search for common points of convergence and is fully aware that Al-Kadhimi is in dire need of leaders, whether in Kurdistan or in Baghdad, who has the “art of possible” politically to lead Iraq and Kurdistan to safety in one of the most turbulent periods. Another initiative recorded by Barzani during his visit to Baghdad was his meeting with Hadi Al-Amiri, leader of Al-Fateh coalition and Muqtada Al-Sadr, the leader of the Sadrist movement; the largest parliamentary blocs in the Iraqi parliament and the compulsory and constitutional corridor for all of Baghdad and Erbil’s issues. In a statement, the Fatah coalition said, “The meeting dealt with several issues, most notably supporting the parliament's decision to remove foreign troops from the country and the need to unify the positions of political forces in protecting and defending national sovereignty, noting that the repeated Turkish violations of national sovereignty and military incursions into northern Iraq were discussed”. Regarding the internal issues, Barzani and Al-Amiri’s meeting dealt with several regulations, the most important of which was the electoral law and the push for the completion of the vote in the Council of Representatives, which is the main factor in holding early elections. As part of his bridging moves, Barzani invited the head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri Al-Maliki, to visit Erbil after holding joint talks on the political, security, and health situation in the country, as well as outstanding issues between Baghdad and Kurdistan’s governments. Al-Maliki, for his part, stressed on the need to continue dialogues between political forces to overcome the challenges, particularly the crisis of COVİD-19 pandemic and the repercussions of the collapse in oil prices, and reiterated the call for cooperation in issuing legal legislation governing the relationship between Kurdistan and the federal government, especially in the adoption of oil and gas laws and the distribution of national wealth. These are important points that lay the appropriate foundations for the future, a point expressed by Barzani when he assured Nouri Al-Maliki that, Kurdistan is keen to communicate with the political forces and the federal government and to proceed with action based on understanding and agreement in the interest of all. The presence of Barzani and Al-Kadhimi in Erbil and Baghdad, which could establish a common plan for action, internally and regionally, necessitates their rapprochement and builds on the confidence that Kurdistan has given to Al-Kadhimi as a candidate for prime ministership. According to a statement issued by Kurdistan’s presidency, Iraqi leaders and political parties described Barzani's visit at this time and under these circumstances as "a positive message and a right step for Kurdistan toward Baghdad and a sign of goodwill to solve the problems" and expressed their satisfaction with the readiness of Kurdistan for dialogue, the final resolution of the problems and an agreement with the federal government".

President Nechirvan Barzani: It is time to come to a mutual understanding and settle differences Baghdad, Iraq, June 21, 2020 During President Nechirvan Barzani’s meetings with Iraq’s President, Prime Minister, Parliament Speaker and senior political leaders in Baghdad. President Nechirvan Barzani described the current issues facing Iraq as shared difficulties and mutual responsibilities for all Iraqis. The President stated: “We share the same fate, the problems of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region are the problems of all Iraqis”. President Barzani expressed the importance of moving forward from the difficult experiences of the past years, which were marked by deadlocks and disagreements between both sides. “It is time we come to a mutual understanding through an inclusive agreement which is accepted by both sides, and ensures stability, peace, and justice.We must resolve all differences once and for all”, he added. The President described the current circumstances and challenges as: “crises that can be turned into opportunities for cooperation and confronting the hardships and issues facing the country”. He added that tackling these issues are mutual responsibilities of all parties and that the continuation of these issues is in the interest of no one. President Barzani emphasized that we can come to a mutual understanding through joint efforts and lead the country in a direction towards better services for all citizens. President Nechirvan Barzani reiterated that the Kurdistan Region is willing to resolve all pending issues with the federal government on the basis of the constitution of Iraq and in accordance with the federal system, rights and duties. As well as, priority be given to finding solutions that improve the living conditions of all citizens. The President expressed his appreciation to the leaders and political parties of Iraq for supporting dialogue aimed at achieving mutual agreements. He described the support as an important duty of all political parties in the country. In return, Iraq’s leaders and political parties viewed President Nechirvan Barzani’s visit to Baghdad as a positive indication and the right step taken by the Kurdistan Region vis-à-vis Baghdad. They also expressed appreciation to the Kurdistan region for its willingness to resolve pending issues and reach an agreement with the federal government. On the second day of his visit to Baghdad, Sunday June 21st, President Nechirvan Barzani, accompanied by Kurdistan Region Vice Presidents, held separate meetings with Mr. Ammar Al- Hakeem, leader of Iraq’s National Wisdom Movement, Mr. Hadi Al-Amiri, Head of the Fatah Alliance, Mr. Nuri Al-Maliki, head of the State of the Law Coalition and members of the leadership of Al-Sadr Movement. President Nechirvan Barzani also met with Iraq’s Prime Minister, President, Parliament Speaker and the Special representative of the UN Secretary General for Iraq. The meetings focused on the relations between the Kurdistan Region and the federal government of Iraq and efforts to resolve the pending differences between both sides. The current state of affairs in the country, the newly formed federal government, the economic crisis and the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic were also discussed. The meetings also focused on the threats posed by the resurgence of ISIS terrorists and their recent movements and attacks, the importance of cooperation and coordination between Peshmerga and Iraqi army, the continuation of Global Coalition’s support, the role of the United Nations in Iraq, protecting the borders and sovereignty of Iraq, improving ties with neighboring countries and the international community based on mutual respect and interests.

Is a grand oil bargain with the Kurds Trump’s next big move to stabilize Iraq? U.S. and Iraqi officials are beginning to discuss reviving a 2014 oil alliance between the Kurds and the country's central government that could have a profound impact on Iraq's economic future. By John Solomon Last Updated: June 10, 2020 - 1:28pm As a senator, Joe Biden once famously proposed segregating Iraq into three autonomous regions led by Kurds, Shia, and Sunni, an idea rejected by Republicans and Democrats alike as an unnecessary concession after the sacrifice of so much American blood and treasure. As president, Barack Obama never embraced the Biden plan, seeking instead to try to prop up Iraq as a whole. But his team failed to quickly counter the rise of ISIS, which plunged Baghdad into years of chaos and deadly violence that only emboldened neighboring Iran to meddle more. President Trump has spent his first term mostly stabilizing Iraq’s security, pushing Iran into a corner with stiff sanctions and a drone strike on its most feared military leader, and reducing ISIS’ capabilities substantially. But with the economic double whammy of COVID-19 and lower oil prices, Iraq and its new prime minister, Mustafa al-Kadhimi, need more than just security help. They crave a jumpstart to their long-sagging economy. Behind the scenes in recent weeks, U.S. and Iraqi officials have been exploring a nascent plan to give Baghdad the jolt it is seeking: an oil alliance with the crude-rich Kurdistan Regional Government within its borders. It’s one of many ideas that could be raised at strategic meetings in Baghdad that start Thursday. The plan actually dusts off an idea the Obama State Department set in motion back in December 2014 in which the Kurds, who control some of Iraq’s most valuable crude, struck an agreement with Iraq’s central government, which possessed the marketing and distribution capabilities, to facilitate oil sales and revenue sharing. The 2014 deal, which permitted Iraq to blend and market Kurdish oil and transport and market Kirkuk oil, was hailed by then-Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Brett McGurk as a major breakthrough and was also embraced and assisted by U.S. and international oil companies. But ISIS’ violent rampage through Iraq, particularly in the Iraq/KRG border region, impeded the incipient partnership. With ISIS sidelined right now by a successful U.S. counterinsurgency operation under Trump, elements inside both the Iraqi government and the Trump administration are exploring a new partnership between the Kurds and Iraq. The idea has the potential for wins on all sides. The Kurds have great oil but lack the capacity to get it to market in volumes that would benefit their regional economy. And they have been accepting below-market values for years because of the concerns about the legal claims by Iraq. The Iraq central government through its State Organization for Marketing of Oil (SOMO) has the distribution, transportation and marketing capabilities, and its badly drained treasury would benefit from the cash infusion of a revenue share. The potential impact to Iraq’s treasury is estimated at $15 billion annually. Stronger ties between Iraq’s central government and its Kurdish regional citizens would also create an attractive counterbalance to Iran should its Shia allies inside Iraq seek to escalate sectarian violence. The Kurds and Iraq's central government have found themselves at loggerheads often over oil revenue sharing since 2003. The 2014 deal showed they have the capacity to work together on the country's most valuable asset, but the relationship chilled in 2017 when the KRG pushed a referendum seeking more autonomy from the mother country, a moved that got quashed. This plan, if all sides can work it out, has the potential to put the Kurds and the central government back into warmer relations, something al-Khadimi himself has enjoyed with the Kurds personally. For the United States, a more vibrant Iraq economy would mean less long-term U.S. investment in the country and a potential opportunity for Trump to make good on his promise to bring U.S. troops home from a war begun in 2003. And U.S. and international energy companies that invested in the 2014 plan would finally be able to realize a return on investments and contracts that were often interrupted by the ISIS insurgency. While details are still being ironed out, at least one U.S.-backed energy company is excited enough about the prospects that it has tried to incentivize the deal by offering to provide free gas to Iraq’s central government to make elements of the plan work, according to sources familiar with outlines. Some of the key details of the emerging plan include: KRG would increase its oil production from about 450,000 barrels per day to 1 million, and SOMO would market and sell about four-fifths of that output. KRG would keep about 200,000 barrels to meet its existing oil sales commitments. SOMO would blend the Kurd’s higher-grade crude with Iraq’s more ordinary oil, creating an expected increase of $5 per barrel in the price Iraq commands for its exports. The two would benefit from a revenue share from the ensuing sales. KRG would approve as many new oil drilling areas in its vast untapped fields as possible, to ramp up production. U.S. and international oil firms will assist in increasing drilling and production as quickly as possible. U.S. and Iraqi security forces would join Kurdish forces in ensuring the safety of drilling sites, supply lines, and pipelines to keep oil flowing. The KRG would maintain the contractual relationships with international oil partners, while SOMO would market the new blend. SOMO will pay international partners their monthly dues owed under existing contracts and keep the rest of the sale proceeds, sharing 17% of the Iraq budget with the Kurds. Iraq will in turn stay its legal claims over KRG oil issues. Trump has already signaled his desire to help al-Kadhimi, the new Western-friendly prime minister, get off to a good start. The president in May renewed the Iraq war authorization, signaling Baghdad U.S troops will stick around for another year at least. And Secretary of State Mike Pompeo provided Iraq a waiver so it could purchase badly needed electricity for some of its regions from neighboring Iran without violating sanctions. An economic revival plan is the logical next step to build on the success of joint security operations. The Kurdish oil alliance, by some estimates, could infuse a quarter trillion dollars of growth into Iraq’s economy by 2040.

20 hours ago, Pitcher said: None of it makes sense when it comes to Iraq. I would respectfully say, none of it makes sense when it comes to Trump, he say's one thing but means another. We Brits across the pond watch Trump for the comedy he brings to the world, i thought our Boris was the fruitcake leader, but Trump tops it hands down, he is in the top five conversations over here, all for the wrong reasons , oh so much promise for you guy's.

Nannab. Looks like Baghdad have already softened or maybe a deal is close enough to release part funds. Baxtiyar Goran @BaxtiyarGoran · May 20 Iraqi Federal Government has transferred 400 billion IQD for #Kurdistan Region’s employees’ salaries for April. 53 billion less than previous months.

IRAQ PM PROMISES TO SOLVE ISSUES BETWEEN BAGHDAD, ERBIL: SECOND DEPUTY SPEAKER Deputy Speaker of Iraqi Parliament Bashir Hadad (File) 11 Hours ago Save Sha SULAIMANI — Deputy Speaker of the Council of Representatives Bashir Haddad said on Wednesday (May 20) that Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi has promised to solve the ongoing disputes between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the federal government over the budget and oil revenues. “Soon a delegation from the Kurdistan Region will head to Baghdad in order to discuss the decisions reached by the [joint] councils and committees,” Haddad said during a press conference. “Kadhimi promised to solve all of the problems and we have hope that he will send the salaries of the employees of the Kurdistan Region before Eid al-Fitr,” Haddad speculated. On April 16, the federal Council of Ministers froze budget transfers to the KRG after patience ran out with Erbil’s failure to live up to its obligations under the 2019 federal budget law, in particular its refusal to send oil to Baghdad for export.

OIL 13 May 2020 | 12:33 UTC Dubai Iraq in talks with oil companies on postponing payments, cutting costs: official HIGHLIGHTS Iraq needs to pay IOCs around $1 billion a month Iraq needs at least $5.5 bil a month to pay salaries, pensions Iraq is OPEC's second largest oil producer Dubai — Iraq, OPEC's second-largest oil producer, has begun negotiations with international oil companies on postponing payments to them and cutting costs as OPEC's second largest oil producer grapples with the crude price crash, Mudher Saleh, an economic adviser to new Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, told S&P Global Platts Wednesday. Register Now "At this moment, there are negotiations with IOCs to reduce costs as a priority," Saleh said. "There are negotiations with the ministry of oil and IOCs at this moment to find a way to postpone payments. We have to pay IOCs around $1 billion a month." Iraq is one of the OPEC members hardest hit by the oil-price crash, which has slashed its oil export sales to $1.4 billion in April, from a monthly average of over $6 billion last year. The effect of the price crash on the country's energy industry has been compounded by the coronavirus pandemic. Iraq took the biggest hit to production of any OPEC member in April of 110,000 b/d as low fuel demand and a lack of product storage space forced its refineries to slash crude runs, according to the latest Platts OPEC survey. Production was 4.54 million b/d in April. Restoring oil market share Kadhimi outlined his government program to help revamp the economy and the oil industry. In his program, Kadhimi said he wanted to restore Iraq's oil market share as well as start negotiations to amend contracts with IOCs, which operate the country's biggest fields in the south. "We have to find a way to optimize oil production at less cost," Saleh said. "This is the strategy." Iraq needs at least $5.5 billion a month to pay salaries, pensions as well as for items such as subsidies and debt-servicing costs. "We need to restructure expenditure or find some way to borrow. Government expenditure represents 45%-50% of Iraqi GDP," he said. "The intention of the government is to implement the budget for 2020." The country has been operating without a budget because it was run by a caretaker government since December after the resignation of the cabinet of former prime minister Adel Abdul Mahdi in November in the face of mounting protests demanding political and economic change. Financial reform At a cabinet meeting held Tuesday, the government decided to establish the Emergency Cell for Financial Reform, and expedite drafting of the budget law and the completion of the draft oil and gas law. "In my opinion, we need some restructuring of salaries," Saleh said. "Salaries and pensions take 70% of the operational budget. The operational budget represents around 70% of total expenditure." Saleh expects the budget to be based on an oil price not exceeding $25/b and post a fiscal deficit of around $25 billion. Iraq sold its oil in April at $13.80/b. In its 2019 budget, Iraq forecast an oil price of $56/b, but still expected to post a deficit of around $23 billion. The budget law is needed to allow Iraq to borrow internally or externally to fund its expenditure in 2020, he said. Iraq has more than $2 billion in loans from the World Bank still available, while officials are talking to the International Monetary Fund about financial support, Saleh said.

Where Do the Millions Go in Iraq? Posted on May 10, 2020 by Luqman Hma Salih in 1 Top News, Corruption, Editor's pick, Exclusive, Oil & Gas, Politics, Politics Luqman Hma Salih | Exclusive to Ekurd.net During October 2019 to January 2020, protesters were loud, “Where is my share of the oil profits?” When the protesters took to the streets of Baghdad and reached the microphone with a heavy-handed response talking about the corruption of oil. But most politicians who visited them have not been hoping to solve oil corruption because the real problem in Iraq now is not just corruption itself, but rather it is trying to legitimize the corruption. In “Iraq is dying: oil flows freely but corruption fuels growing anger” Ghaith Abdul-Ahad demonstrates that ordinary Iraqis have seen no benefit from this national wealth while the profits of the oil industry are multi-billion dollars, even though oil production in Iraq is picking up. He describes the zone in Bani-Mansour clan north-east of Basra that has a lot of oil but funds for them rarely materialize. He claims that one of the richest companies in the world is Exxon Mobil that is pilfering oil in the north-east of Basra. Instead, people inhale the black smoke in the area. Abdul-Ahad says, “Ordinary Iraqis have seen little or no benefit from the proceeds of the country’s multibillion-dollar oil industry, much of which has been siphoned off by corrupt politicians”. Abdul-Ahad shows that in the eyes of the people of the region, militias with links to political parties have created their own companies, which have lucrative contracts with subsidiaries of foreign oil firms. The author says that corruption will not be solved even if this political elite took control of the authority of Iraq. His opinion matches with Representative Dr. Jamal Al-Mohammadawi. Al-Mohammedawi is from Basra, a region that has a lot of wealth in oil. He is a member of the Energy Committee of the Iraqi Parliament with a Ph.D. in energy management. Al-Mohammedawi stressed the necessity of preserving evidence of the corruption of oil and wasting public money in the office of the Inspector General of the Ministry of Oil. He works to collects all the evidence then transfers them to security agencies to prevent their destruction. Al-Mohammedawi was worried that most of the richest and most strong personalities in governments and companies throughout Iraq have been corrupt for years because corruption cases have no statute of limitations. In “Pipe Dreams: The Plundering of Iraq’s Oil Wealth.” Erin Banco thinks that it is significant to realize the corruption of oil in Iraq because it originates from two separate parts of Iraq. Kurdistan is ruled by the Kurdish Regional Government that is more developed than the central government in Baghdad. But both have similar issues of corruption and the plundering of oil. Also, she believes there were certain executives of international oil companies that they took advantage of this corruption. Banco thinks that if these two Kurdish parties continue power corruption will continue. Banco argues that Iraqi Kurdistan’s oil only makes up a small part of Iraq’s total oil, but it has more corruption than Iraq’s oil. Due to this bad policy, Iraqi Kurdistan locals have suffered tremendously. The people who indeed benefited from this oil sector system are the political parties, those who lead the political parties. The Barzani family, the Talabani family, and those in between, those who work in the Ministry of Natural Resources, and Ashti Hawrami profited the most. A lot of international oil companies have had disappointing results and have pulled out of that region because they weren’t able to make a profit. Along with Banco’s opinion, Kawa Muhammad is a member of the Iraqi Council of Representatives for Gorran that was a Kurdish Party and desires to reform Iraq and Kurdistan. Muhammad focused on solving corruption in the Iraq oil industry. He has many experiences in parliamentary work because he was elected to a second term by the Kurdish people. Muhammad says the whole political system in Iraq is responsible for the corruption in oil. “Oil Ministry, Control Bureau, Council of Representatives, Federation Council, Council of Ministers, Higher Judicial Council, Supreme Court, the Court of Cassation, Public Prosecution Department, the Judiciary Oversight Commission are responsible for the corruption in the oil,” he says. Muhammad is angry about the Kurds, Sunni, and Shia leadership of Iraq because they do not authorize legislation of oil and gas laws in the Iraq Council of Representatives. He says, “It was a barrier of this law from the Iraqi political elite. Sometimes we would have sessions about it and made some progress but suddenly some party’s leadership imposes their desire to continue on corruption”. Muhammad also believes there is corruption in oil now more than there was in the Saddam Hussein era. “Not just in Baghdad but in Erbil, capital of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), rampant cronyism and nepotism plague not just the higher levels of the parties themselves but also multiple tiers of the KRG infrastructure,” he says. As a reply to Kawa Muhammad, in “Why Iraqis Cannot Agree on an Oil Law?” Lionel Beehner and Greg Bruno explore that the bill currently languished in parliament because Iraq’s Kurds and Sunni Arabs oppose the draft law for different reasons. Beehner and Bruno say that the draft hydrocarbon law does not delve into specifics of revenue sharing, though a companion bill that does also is stalled within parliament. They say, “Disagreements over oil production, exploration, and revenue sharing threaten to unravel hopes for a political breakthrough and national reconciliation in Iraq. A draft oil law has drawn criticism from Iraq’s Sunnis, who prefer a stronger role for the central government, and from Kurds, who prefer a stronger management role for the regional authorities. The majority Shiites have sought to mollify the Sunnis by keeping control of Iraq’s oil sector primarily in Baghdad, not the regional governorates…….Yet output has fallen short of Baghdad’s production targets, mostly due to corruption, poor security, and lack of investment”. Nick Butler has an unorthodox view of the corruption of the oil in Iraq. In “The dangers of Iraq’s oil law.” Butler explains that is difficult to visualize the scale of corruption of the oil in Iraq. He focuses on Iraq which is 169th out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s corruption index. Butler is an economist and author of Financial Times energy and power blog and Visiting Prof at King’s College London, and confirms petroleum law was passed by the Iraqi Council of Representatives that will change the relationship between the government and operating companies. According to this article, the Iraq National Oil Company will control all hydrocarbon revenues and will be the only authority to sign with international companies investing in oil and gas. But the author is not optimistic because he says that all the political parties will not support the petroleum law. Butler’s rationale is that each political party in Iraq has shares in the embezzlement of oil. “Inconceivable behavior for the corruption of oil, so representatives need to devise a policy for attracting law to avert corruption. Munir Chalabi is an Iraqi oil and political analyst living in the UK that investigates the history of corruption in the Saddam Hussein and post-Hussein era. In “Iraqi Oil: Transparency and Corruption” Chalabi also has the same opinion of Kawa Muhammad, a member of the Iraqi Council of Representatives, who says, “Corruption goes hand in hand with all dictatorial regimes as seen with the old Ba’athist regime in Iraq and also is after April 2003”. He describes that corruption within most of the government ministries, and specifically in the Ministry of Oil is widespread. Chalabi illustrates Transparency International that the detection of international operations of International Oil Companies and National Oil Companies that is the lower level score of transparency. He also argues multinational drilling companies obtain billions of dollars from the new petroleum activity in Iraq. As a result, Chalabi is disappointed about the solution to the corruption of oil in Iraq. Tariq Al-Zubaidi holds a Ph.D. in corruption in the Middle East and he has taught in the College of Political Science, University Baghdad-Iraq. He is also a member of the Future Center for Strategic Studies. He pays attention to the real problem in Iraq now that is not just corruption itself, but rather it is to try to legitimize the corruption. Al-Zubaidi reinforces his opinion that corruption is not new in Iraq. He says, “It is illogical to say that corruption as a phenomenon has existed since 2003 in Iraq. Rather, this phenomenon has existed for as long as a person who has no infallibility has found errors and advantages. Corruption as a phenomenon has been present in Iraq since 1921”. Based on his experiences to add to the large amounts of money that entered Iraq after 2003 due to the rise in oil prices at the global level, in addition to some taking advantage of the available freedom and the absence of state authority increases corruption. Al-Zubaidi suggests some proceedings to solving the corruption of oil. He points out a significant point that is the appointment of seven or nine judges in the Independent High Anti-Corruption Court for life or until the end of its work, following professional standards to give them immunity. But when listening to his opinion Samya Kullab, did not think the corruption will end. In “Iraq’s protests raise a question: Where does the oil money go?” Kullab says the corruption of oil in Iraq is not ending until this leadership of corruption is discontinued. Kullab shows that Iraqi people are angry over an economic boom with oil money while it has not fulfilled their wishes. He also explains the federal budget evaluates $79 billion in oil money based on exports of 3.88 million barrels per day. According to Kullab, these financials are rarely seen by the middle class because of bureaucratic inefficiency and corruption. However, he states that the resources of Iraq are shared among political leaders, so this corruption must bulge the public sector and drains Iraq’s oil-financed budget. In conclusion, all Iraqi are sad and declamatory in general. However, the expert analysis concludes production shortages of money over the past few years are mostly due to poor maintenance, corruption within the oil ministry, and a lack of security that has fueled smuggling and sabotage. Protesters have gone so far as to blame Iran for illegally pumping Iraqi crude oil. Since last October, COVID-19 ended the protest in Iraq, it did not end the corrupt politicians.

2020/05/02 13:46:36 Shafaq News / The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) revealed on Saturday, that the federal government in Baghdad delivered a message to Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) by the Deputy Prime Minister of KRG, Qubad Talabani. "Talabani carried a message from the Iraqi government and leaders to KRG,” An informed source in PUK told Shafaq News. Regarding the content of the message, he said, "The Iraqi government requested to hand over the oil file in addition to all federal imports, such as customs and taxes." "KRG delegation will go again to Baghdad tomorrow to complete its talks,” The source added. The deputy of KDP, Ribwar Karim said earlier to Shafaq News that , "A high-level delegation from KRG will visit, the capital, Baghdad on Sunday to complete the dialogues with the federal government on salaries and dues of the region." He added that "the delegation will meet during his visit, Deputy Prime Minister, Oil Minister Thamer Al-Ghadban, Finance Minister Fuad Hussein and a number of officials and leaders of political blocs." Karim pointed out that "the delegation will focus during its visits on completing dialogues and files related to the center and the region, including the salaries of employees and the region's dues in the general budget."

Kurdistan delegation reveals a proposal to deliver the region's oil to Baghdad KurdistanKurdistanOilBaghdad 2020/04/26 13:25:35 Shafaq News / Kurdistan Regional Government delegation negotiating with Baghdad revealed on Sunday a proposal to the federal government to hand over all the region's oil in exchange for paying the dues of the oil companies operating in the region. The Minister of Planning, Dara Rashid said in a press conference held after a meeting with the Presidency of the Region’s Parliament that our efforts are continuing with Baghdad to reach a complete solution regarding the region’s share of the budget. We submitted a proposal to Baghdad to hand over the full Kurdistan oil in exchange for the federal government paying all the financial dues to the oil companies operating in the region, He added. A delegation from the regional government visited on 19/4/2020 the federal capital Baghdad and held a series of negotiations on the share of Kurdistan in the budget in addition to forming the new Iraqi government headed by Mustafa Al-Kadhimi.

Bingo, Rochester you are a smart man Texas Shale changed the game forever. Remember Drill baby Drill. They did and OPEC can go pound sand. Evening ( UK time ) gents, i am slightly puzzled, whilst i acknowledge support for each of our Countries resources & the financial benefits they bring, as most of you here are i assume invested in a Country in the ME, who are part of OPEC ( illegal or not ) i would of thought higher more stable world oil prices are very much of interest to you all, especially as Iraq's whole economy is dependant on oil. Best Regards TE.

WTI. Hit $0.00 per Barrel. Moved to $0.01 pb but looks like trading id suspended.

Baghdad and Kurdistan agree on a number of economic points Iraq News Baghdad Kurdistan agree economic points 2020/04/19 12:17:38 Shafaq News / A meeting between a government delegation from Kurdistan Region has ended today with the Deputy Prime Minister - Oil Minister Thamer Al-Ghadhban and other officials. After the meeting, a press conference was held, where Al-Ghadhban stressed, " we agreed to reduce oil export quantities and other measures will follow due to OPEC agreement” He added, "We also discussed the gas investment issue, including unexploited developed fields, as the region's government will study a proposal that we have made to invest in stations to increase electricity generation, and an oil team of oil and electricity will be sent to discuss this matter." For his part, the Finance Minister of the Region , Awat Janab said at the conference, "We agreed to reduce oil production and a mechanism to invest gas for the benefit of both parties, as we agreed in principle to secure a portion of Kirkuk's electricity."

KRG Delegation to Visit Baghdad on Sunday Economic challenges and COVID-19 will be among other topics BasNews 18/04/2020 - 23:12 Published in Kurdistan ERBIL - A delegation from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) will visit Baghdad on Sunday for talks on various issues, among which will also be the economic challenges Iraq is facing. A source familiar with the situation told Kurdistan 24 that the Kurdish delegates with their counterparts in Baghdad will also exchange views on the recent decrease in the oil prices. Finance Minister Awat Shekh Janab is expected to lead the delegation, according to the source, adding that they will also discuss the remaining economic disputes between Erbil and Baghdad. The outbreak of the new coronavirus in Iraq, its implications on the country's economy, as well as other related issues will also be discussed in the meetings.

IMF Predicts Strong Recovery for Iraq in 2021 15th April 2020 in Iraq Industry & Trade News By John Lee. In its latest World Economic Outlook (WEO), the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has forecast a sharp slowdown in Iraq's economy this year, followed be a strong recovery in 2021. It says: "The COVID-19 pandemic is inflicting high and rising human costs worldwide, and the necessary protection measures are severely impacting economic activity. "As a result of the pandemic, the global economy is projected to contract sharply by -3 percent in 2020, much worse than during the 2008-09 financial crisis." Following a 3.9-percent increase in Iraq's real GDP in 2019, it predicts a fall of 4.7 percent this year, and growth of 7.2 percent next year. Consumer price inflation is expected to be 0.8 percent in 2020 and 1.0 percent in 2021.

" One security official said the rockets were launched by militia groups as a threat following a failed business proposition." Wonder what would of happened if it was a more serious issue, the mentality of these groups are Fu.ked beyond words.

Rockets strike near Chinese oil site in Iraq in open 'threat' By Associated Press 2:17am Apr 19, 2020 Play Video Rocket attacks on Iraq military base Tweet Faceb Mail Two rockets have struck near a Chinese oil facility south of Baghdad without causing any casualties, Iraqi officials said, the second such attack to target energy interests in the country this month. An Iraqi army statement said the rockets struck near a "Chinese company" in the Nahrawan area, southeast of Baghdad, without elaborating. Iraqi security officials said the rockets caused minor damage. Two rockets have struck near a Chinese oil facility south of Baghdad without causing any casualties, Iraqi officials said. (AP) China's ZhenHua, a subsidiary of the arms manufacturer Norinco, has been working in the nearby East Baghdad oil fields since May 2018 under a 25-year development contract with the Oil Ministry. The officials did not say whether this was the company that was targeted. One security official said the rockets were launched by militia groups as a threat following a failed business proposition. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to media. Iraq depends on revenues from oil exports to fund 90 percent of its budget. On April 6, at least three rockets targeted the site of an American oil field service company in the southern oil-rich province of Basra. The rockets were targeting Halliburton in the Burjesia area and caused no damage, according to Iraq's military.

Rockets strike near Chinese oil site in Iraq, no casualties By ASSOCIATED PRESS PUBLISHED: 14:13, 18 April 2020 | UPDATED: 14:33, 18 April 2020 BAGHDAD (AP) - Two rockets struck near a Chinese oil facility south of Baghdad without causing any casualties, Iraqi officials said Saturday, the second such attack to target energy interests in the country this month. An Iraqi army statement said the rockets struck near a "Chinese company" in the Nahrawan area, southeast of Baghdad, without elaborating. Iraqi security officials said the rockets caused minor damage. China's ZhenHua, a subsidiary of the arms manufacturer Norinco, has been working in the nearby East Baghdad oil fields since May 2018 under a 25-year development contract with the Oil Ministry. The officials did not say whether this was the company that was targeted. One security official said the rockets were launched by militia groups as a threat following a failed business proposition. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to media. Iraq depends on revenues from oil exports to fund 90% of its budget. On April 6, at least three rockets targeted the site of an American oil field service company in the southern oil-rich province of Basra. The rockets were targeting Halliburton in the Burjesia area and caused no damage, according to Iraq's military.

APRIL 17, 2020 / 1:51 PM / A DAY AGO Iraq's Kurdistan region to defer Nov-Feb oil payments - Genel Energy Nerijus Adomaitis 3 MIN READ OSLO, April 17 (Reuters) - Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan region will postpone payments for oil sales made between November 2019 and February 2020 while committing to paying regularly for the following months, London-based Genel Energy said on Friday. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) pays international oil firms, including Genel and Norway’s DNO, to pump oil on its territory. “Payment of invoices relating to oil sales from November 2019 to February 2020 will be deferred, interest free, for at least nine months,” Genel said in a statement, citing a message from the KRG. “Should the oil price recover to about $50 a barrel, a payment programme to recover the deferred invoices will be put in place,” it added. It did not say how much it stood to lose as a result of the deferrments. The price of crude has collapsed this year amid the COVID-19 outbreak, with Brent benchmark down some 60% year-to-date to around $28 per barrel on Friday. The KRG has however committed to settling further monthly sales invoices by the fifteenth day of the following month and Genel said it has already received the payment for March. Genel said it welcomed the KRG’s steps to provide clarity and predictability for overdue and future payments and was seeking to clarify the repayment mechanism. In a research note analysts at DNB bank said the payments would help the short-term liquidity of Genel and DNO, but payments remained challenging as the KRG needed an oil price of between $50 and $60 per barrel to balance its budget. Analysts at RBC said the deferred payments amounted to around $300 million, with DNO accounting for three-quarters and Genel the rest.

Rockets land near Halliburton oil site in Iraq's Basra No damage or casualties were reported. Rockets landed near a site managed by US oil company Halliburton and state-run companies in Iraq’s southern city of Basra early on Monday, without causing damage or casualties, oil and police sources said. Police said that three Katyusha rockets landed near the sites at the Burjesia residential and operations headquarters west of Basra at around 3am local time. Officials from the state-run Basra Oil Company (BOC), that operates oil production in the south, said the attack did not impact production and export operations. A rocket launcher and some unused rockets were found in a nearby farmland area, local police said. Almost all foreign staff have left the country due to the global coronavirus pandemic and so the accommodation was largely empty. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the rocket attack and police said they deployed additional forces to carry out search operation in the area. The attacks came as US forces withdrew from Al Taqaddum Air Base and handed over operations to Iraqi forces over the weekend. “The transfer of Taqaddum (Habbaniya) air base is another step forward in the ongoing partnership between Iraqi Security Forces and the anti-ISIS international military Coalition,” Brig Gen Vincent Barker, coalition's director of sustainment, said in a statement. Over the last month, the coalition has transferred four bases to Iraqi security forces as it consolidates forces into a smaller number of key locations. "This wouldn’t be possible without the Iraqi security forces’ proven capability to bring the fight to ISIS," Brig Gen Barker said. Coalition spokesman, Col Miles Caggins, said the withdrawal came "after months of planning. At least 500 coalition troops had departed the air base, transferring $3.5 million in property to the Iraqi government. Col Caggins said that the Iraqi Ministry of Defence "remains strong against ISIS in Anbar Province" Al Taqqadum Air Base has hosted US Marines, Italian, Canadian and Spanish forces. The withdrawal is a result of the victory over ISIS but also in response to repeated attacks by Iran-backed Iraqi militias leading the US to change footing in the country. The current coronavirus outbreak is also thought to be speeding the process as it halts most training programmes for Iraqi soldiers. Some Western troops are being pulled out of Iraq altogether and those who remain are being taken to larger facilities. Tensions between Washing and Tehran has increased during the last few months in Iraq after the killing of Iranian general Qassem Suliemani and Kataib Hezbollah founder Abu Mahdi Al Muhandis. They were killed in a US operation in Baghdad in early January which triggered a series of tick-for tack attacks between the two states in Iraq. Several US soldiers and contractors, as well as a British soldier, have been killed in attacks since the start of the year. Updated: April 6, 2020 01:41 PM

OIL 02 Apr 2020 | 07:42 UTC Dubai Iraqi parliamentary committee recommends oil companies get paid with crude rather than cash. HIGHLIGHTS The committee proposed Kurdish oil be marketed by Baghdad It also recommended salary cuts, lower spending Delaying payments of foreign debt was also suggested Dubai — Iraq's economic parliamentary committee recommended oil companies operating in OPEC's second-largest oil producer be paid with crude instead of cash and lower "unnecessary" costs due to the oil price crash, the state-run Iraqi News Agency reported Thursday. The committee also recommend the semi-autonomous Kurdish region in northern Iraq supply the Baghdad government's oil ministry with its crude to be marketed federally, rather than by the Kurdish oil ministry. Revenue from the oil sales would be distributed among Iraq's governorates, according to the size of their population. The committee also proposed delaying payments of foreign debt, including reparations to Kuwait. It also recommended salary cuts of 60% for certain public sector employees and lowering investment spending and nonessential current spending. Although Iraq is now free to pump at will with the expiry of the OPEC+ agreement in March, it is struggling to boost production amid infrastructure constraints and the coronavirus outbreak limiting the movement of personnel and oil activities. The country exported 3.39 million b/d of crude in March, nearly unchanged from February, but prices plunged 45% to an average $28.436/b last month. Political vacuum Iraq pumped 4.65 million b/d in February, above its OPEC+ quota of 4.46 million b/d, according to the latest S&P Global Platts OPEC survey. The Kurdistan Regional Government, which pumps over 400,000 b/d, is also grappling with paying oil companies because $1 billion of its cash is stuck in a Lebanese bank suffering from liquidity issues, sources told Platts last month. Iraq has been nearly rudderless since November, when the government of Adel Abdul Mahdi resigned in the face of mounting protests demanding political and economic change. Although President Barham Saleh appointed Mohammad Allawi as prime minister designate in February, he failed to muster political parties' support to give him a vote of confidence in parliament. Saleh's current choice of prime minister designate, Adnan al-Zurfi, is still negotiating with political parties over forming his government within the official 30- day period.

Iraq has $70bn in reserves to keep economy afloat for 6 months to a year: MP 3 hours ago Zhelwan Z. Wali Central Bank of Iraq headquarters in Baghdad. File photo: Government of Iraq ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Baghdad can weather the economic impact of coronavirus and the collapse of world oil prices for six months to a year by dipping into foreign reserves worth $70 billion, a member of the Iraqi parliament’s finance committee told Rudaw. Even if the ongoing political deadlock in Baghdad is resolved and MPs pass the delayed 2020 budget, Iraq’s coffers are steadily being emptied by the coronavirus lockdown and a plunge in the price of oil – the government’s primary source of income. Sherwan Mirza, a Kurdish lawmaker and a member of the Iraqi parliament’s finance committee, told Rudaw on Saturday the country will weather the storm by dipping into its substantial foreign reserves. “In cases of emergency, Iraq will resort to its reserves available at the Central Bank amounting to $70 billion,” Mirza said. World oil prices fell below $30 per barrel last week as a result of a standoff between rival producers Saudi Arabia and Russia. At least 90 percent of Iraq’s federal funds come from oil sales. Analysts warn the ongoing political deadlock in Baghdad is anchoring Iraq to the spot when it ought to be preparing for rough economic seas ahead. “Iraq is able to bear the situation for around six months to one year to pay its civil servants and fund other sectors,” Mirza said. “Iraq is experiencing a bad economic situation. And if the situation continues, it will get worse. Around 93 percent of Iraq’s revenues come from oil sales.” Borrowing might be Iraq’s best chance of navigating these challenges, Mirza said. “Borrow money internally and externally to prepare to respond to the coronavirus threat on one hand, the fight against extremist groups such as Daesh [the Islamic State], which still maintains a presence, on the other, if the oil price continue to drop,” he said. Although the Islamic State group (ISIS) lost all of its urban strongholds in Iraq in late 2017 and in Syria in early 2019, ISIS remnants and sleeper cells continue to launch attacks against military and civilian targets in the disputed territories between federal Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. The massive reconstruction and stabilization effort Iraq requires has now been set back by the need to contain the coronavirus. As of Friday, the total number of confirmed cases nationwide has reached 458. Forty people have died and 122 have recovered since the outbreak began. Businesses have been forced to close and free movement curtailed, leaving many out of work and without a steady income. No budget Already three months into the year, parliament is yet to approve a budget plan for 2020. Mirza expects the terms of the 2019 budget will be carried over. Public sector workers in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region are concerned they will not be paid owing to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 lockdown and political disarray. “According to the 2019 budget law the Kurdistan Region’s employees will not face any problems as Baghdad sent the full 12-month salary of the KRG civil servants last year,” Mirza said. Another lawmaker has also predicted a 2020 budget won’t materialize given the collapse of world oil prices. “If the current crisis of oil continues, the Iraqi parliament will be unable to approve the 2020 budget plan,” Haitham al-Jiboury, head of the Iraqi parliament’s finance committee, told Rudaw English in a recent telephone interview. The KRG needs 894 billion dinars ($755.5 million) each month to pay its employees. More than half of the money, 453 billion dinars ($382.8 million), is paid by Baghdad. There have been frequent delays to employee salaries in recent years due to the ISIS conflict, repeated financial crises, and federal budget cuts. Deadlock Iraq has not had a fully-functioning government since last December, when caretaker Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi resigned in the face of mass protests over unemployment, corruption, and the lack of basic services. His replacement, Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi, also resigned in early March after he failed to win parliamentary approval for his cabinet. The task has now fallen to former Najaf governor Adnan al-Zurfi – an unpopular choice among Iraq’s powerful Shiite blocs and anti-government protesters. The deadlock has hobbled Baghdad’s response to protester demands and post-war reconstruction. Conflict and insecurity continue to blight the country.

OIL 26 Mar 2020 | 11:58 UTC Amman | Jordan Iraq asks IOCs to cut budgets by 30%, postpone payments due to oil price crash HIGHLIGHTS Letters sent to BP, ExxonMobil, Lukoil, Eni Basrah Oil wants payments cut in Q1, Q2 Iraq's crude prices have dropped to about $25/b Amman, Jordan — Iraq's state-run Basrah Oil Co. asked four international oil companies operating in OPEC's second-biggest crude producer to cut budgets by 30% and postpone payments to subcontractors due to the oil price crash. Register Now The March 22 letter from Ihsan Ismaeel, Basrah Oil's director general, was sent to BP, lead operator of the Rumaila oil field, Italy's Eni, which works at the Zubair field, ExxonMobil, operator of West Qurna 1, and Russia's Lukoil, which works at West Qurna 2. The fields have a total production capacity of about 3 million b/d, well above more than half of the country's total output. The letter seen by S&P Global Platts requests IOCs to reconsider work programs and reduce budgets by 30%. inform BOC of their ability to postpone or reduce payments by half in Q1 and Q2 and amend contracts with subcontractors to include "deferred payment plans." A spokesman for Basra Oil couldn't be reached for comment. Other state-run companies are likely to send similar requests to IOCs working in their jurisdictions. Oil sales Oil income makes up around 90% of the Iraq's federal government budget revenue. Last year, Iraq -- excluding the Kurdish region in the north -- earned an average $6.794 billion/month from 3.527 million b/d sales on an oil price of $61.13/b. In January and February, it earned $5.608 billion/month from average exports of 3.360 million b/d on an oil price of $55.80/b. Brent crude has since tumbled, causing Iraqi crude prices to fall to around $25/b, signaling monthly revenue could be only $2.55 billion. Federal Iraq has to pay IOCs the crude oil equivalent of $1 billion/month to cover their costs and remunerations, according to the 2019 budget. On that basis, and if the low prices continue, it would leave the 2020 budget at about $1.55 billion/month, which is barely enough to cover wages and salaries. Kurdish shortfall The semi-autonomous Kurdistan Regional Government in northern Iraq is also suffering from low oil revenue and has been unable to pay IOCs operating there, the latest being the late Ross Perot's HKN Energy. "HKN has overdue receivables from the KRG of over $55 million related to oil sales for October, November and December of 2019," it said in a statement on Thursday. "Our last payment was received in January. The KRG has not provided any recent assurance on the timing of payments. There has been some discussion that the KRG is considering partial payments for oil sales receivables, but we do not know any specifics on timing or amounts." HKN joins Norway's DNO and UK's Genel Energy in warning that their ability to spend and operate in Kurdistan may be limited by delayed payments and the coronavirus outbreak. Payments for crude production in October and November 2019, which were due in January and February 2020, have not been received, Genel said earlier this month. The London-based company said drilling activity at the Tawke license have been scaled back and the Qara Dagh-2 well spud set for Q2 is likely to be delayed. DNO, Genel's partner in Tawke with a 75% stake, said it had last gotten paid in January, covering September 2019 exports. As it faces delayed payments from the KRG, DNO said its operations in the region are also being curtailed by the virus, which will lead to a drop in production from several fields. The KRG is unable to pay IOCs because $1 billion of its cash is stuck in a Lebanese bank suffering from a liquidity crunch, sources have told Platts.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-51342053 Iraq protests: Mohammed Allawi named prime minister 1 hour ago Share this with Facebook Share this with Messenger Share this with Twitter Share this with Email Share Related Topics Iraq protests Image copyrightREUTERS Image captionPresident Barham Salih (R) instructs new Prime Minister Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi Iraq has named a new prime minister after four months of protests. Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi, a former communications minister, was appointed by President Barham Salih. His predecessor Adel Abdul Mahdi resigned in November, amid mass anti-government demonstrations. Hundreds of protesters have been killed. Mr Allawi now has a month to form a new government, which he will lead until early elections. He immediately expressed support for the protests. Earlier this week, local media reported that President Saleh had given parliament an ultimatum to decide on a new prime minister before he took the decision himself, after previous candidates were rejected by protesters. The Iraq protests explained in 100 and 500 words Media captionWatch as protesters block roads in the city of Najaf In a video released on his social media accounts on Saturday, Mr Allawi announced that he had been nominated and called on Iraqis to continue protesting until their demands were met. "If not for your sacrifices and your bravery, there would have been no change in the country," he said. "I believe in you, and for this reason I will ask you to continue protesting." He promised to hold those responsible for the killing of protesters accountable and to combat corruption. Mr Allawi, who is Shia, studied and worked in Lebanon and the UK before entering Iraqi politics following the 2003 invasion. He served as minister of communications twice. Media captionThe BBC's Jeremy Bowen asks why people have been taking to the streets in Lebanon, Iran and Iraq Related T

http://www.tradearabia.com/news/CONS_363522.html Iraq to build new oil refinery, rail line in Kurdistan BAGHDAD, 4 hours, 42 minutes ago Iraq has announced plans to build an oil refinery in the northern autonomous region of Kurdistan besides a rail network that stretches all the way to the southern part of the country using a joint fund with China, said a report. These projects are part of a massive construction plan to be executed by Chinese companies in line with their oil-for-project agreement signed between Iraq and China in Sept 2019, reported Iraqi news network Aliqtisad. As per the agreement with China, many strategic projects will be undertaken in the country in the coming period and Kurdistan will have a share of these projects, it stated, citing a senior official. These include an oil refinery, a rail linking Zakho city in the autonomous region with the southern port of Basra, an oil pipeline, schools and hospitals, it added.