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I can see there has been a couple of posts highlighting that the international community may restrict help to Iraq if the budget does not get resolved, below is a article stating the IMF will withdraw funds if the Baghdad, Kurdistan budget percentage is not addressed. Granted it is a Kurdish MP Haider Masoud who has made this claim, but i have read a couple of other articles expressing the same outcome. If true, and i suspect it is, then Abadi is under pressure in more ways than he would like. It may well need this type of threat from the international community to get issues sorted, as it cant go one for ever!!!! A negative article that could well bring such positive results. http://www.basnews.com/index.php/en/economy/world/411550. IMF Urges Baghdad on Full Budget for Erbil Basnews English 31/01/2018 - 20:25 World ERBIL — The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has obliged the Iraqi government to send sufficient budget to the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), said a lawmaker. "The international Monetary Fund has urged Iraqi Federal government on sending not less than 10 billion IQD to Erbil since the region cannot function if the amount of the budget is smaller than this,” said MP Haider Masoud. “Meanwhile the IMF warned of stopping their funds if Iraq refuses to deal with the KRG in accordance with their conditions,” Masoud added.

Iraq to send more Kirkuk oil to Kurdistan’s refineries By Rudaw 23 minutes ago A worker checks pipelines at Kirkuk's Bai Hassan oil field after control of the site was taken by Iraqi forces in October. File photo: AFP ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – The Iraqi oil ministry plans to increase crude oil flow from Kirkuk to Kurdish refineries despite Iraqi lawmakers opposing the move with a ban earlier this month. The Kirkuk-based North Oil Company plans to nearly double the allocation of oil to refineries owned by the Erbil-based KAR Group, a sign of increasing cooperation between the Iraqi oil ministry and the Kurdistan Region, as reported by Iraqi Oil Report on Tuesday. The Iraqi parliament banned Erbil-based oil and gas KAR Group from operating oil fields in Kirkuk in early January. With a majority vote on January 8, parliament passed the motion banning KAR Group and assigned state-owned North Oil Company to take over oil production in the province and export it through the Iraqi marketing company (SOMO). KAR Group had failed to reach an agreement with Iraqi authorities over the operation of the oil fields that were under Kurdish control following the rise of ISIS in 2014 until mid-October when the disputed areas came under Baghdad’s control. The Kurdish company withdrew its staff and locked their facilities in the oilfields when Iraqi forces, supported by Iranian-backed Hashd al-Shaabi paramilitaries, drove the Peshmerga out of the area in response to Kurdistan’s independence vote. The Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) revenues have been slashed by about half since the loss of Kirkuk, further worsening the Region’s financial crisis caused by Iraqi budget cuts since early 2014, low oil prices, and the war against ISIS. The parliament also mandated an investigation into exports from the formerly KRG-controlled oil fields and bank accounts that received revenues from oil sales. The legislature tasked various parliamentary committees, including energy and finances, with the inquiry. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi criticized the Kurdish oil sales on several occasions, often releasing numbers different from those released by the KRG's Ministry of Natural Resources. KRG Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani urged Baghdad to check all the numbers concerning the oil and gas audit. “If Baghdad is interested to learn about the numbers and what have we done, we are ready for the Iraqi government and parliament to come and any side to put all the data before them as we have wanted to have an extreme level of transparency,” Barzani said in early January. The KRG signed an agreement with Deloitte, the largest professional and financial services company in the world, to conduct an audit of the Kurdistan Region’s oil production, exportation, and revenues at the end of 2016. Bringing Deloitte in is part of the KRG’s economic reform plan and to increase transparency in the oil sector. Deloitte stated in its financial report released on January 16 that they found no "misstatements" of the KRG's oil exports, consumption, or sales for the first half of 2017. The data for the second half of 2017 will be published in the near future, the KRG said, adding it "considers the auditing process as an important step for strengthening transparency in the oil and gas sector of the Kurdistan Region." "The KRG has approved Deloitte's recommendations to further enhance the processes and address any shortcomings," the statement added. The firm will also be auditing oil production and sales for 2014, 2015, and 2016. The KRG’s Ministry of Natural Resources stated on Tuesday that an audit by Ernst and Young of bonuses paid to the KRG by international oil companies will also be released soon. Erbil and Baghdad have yet to decide on issues like oil exports and the KRG’s budget share that could help the Region to recover from its financial crisis.

Iraqi parliament votes to lift sanctions on Kurdistan banks By Rudaw 1 hour ago The Central Bank of Iraq imposed the sanctions against the Kurdish banks in November introduced after the Kurdish vote on independence. Photo: Rudaw BAGHDAD, Iraq — The Iraqi parliament on Monday voted to lift sanctions imposed on Kurdish banks in November by the Iraqi Central Bank following the Kurdistan Region’s referendum. Masud Haidar, a Kurdish MP from Gorran, told Rudaw that the motion came at the request of his faction. Ziz Kazim, an Iraqi MP from the Hikma faction, said that the parliament voted to end the measures taken against the financial institutions in the Kurdistan Region. He said the motion “commits” the Central Bank of Iraq to end the sanctions, adding that the bank has to provide monthly reports regarding the practice of its powers in the Kurdistan Region. In November, the Central Bank of Iraq called on all Iraqi banks in the country to halt their operations in the Kurdistan Region indefinitely. It stated then that any bank that found in violations of the instructions would no longer receive foreign currency transfers from the central bank. The move was seen as part of punitive measures taken by the government of Iraq against the Kurdistan Region in response to the vote for independence held on September 25 despite the opposition of Iraq, neighboring countries, and others including the United States. The first reading of the Iraqi budget for 2018 also took place on Monday despite a boycott by the Kurdish and some Sunni MPs. The Kurdistan Region has demanded 17 percent of the budget — as has been the case since the foundation of the new Iraq after the US invasion in 2003 — while the Iraqi government insists on a lower share, as low as 12.6 percent, arguing that amount represents a “fair” share compared to the Kurdish population. Haidar said that all Kurdish MPs boycotted the session when the first reading was tabled even though it was not in the agenda. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi is supposed to meet with the finance committee of the Iraqi parliament, and the heads of faction following the first reading, Haider said, adding that the premier is prepared to listen to the demands of the Kurdish MPs. Iraq to send $210 million to Kurdistan for salaries Last updated at 3:45 p.m.

Iraq sends $210 million to Kurdistan for salaries By Rudaw 28 minutes ago Photo shows Kurdish employees prepare the list of their employees in the health department to be sent to the Iraqi government. Photo: Halabja health department BAGHDAD, Iraq – The Iraqi government has decided to send the Kurdistan Region 250 billion Iraqi dinars (about $210 million) for the salaries of Kurdish state employees, particularly the health and education ministries, two ministries whose payroll lists are being audited by the Iraqi Central Government, a Kurdish MP told Rudaw. A source from the Kurdish finance ministry also told Rudaw on Monday that they have received the money from Baghdad but he said they have yet to receiver orders from the Iraqi government on whether to spend it. Masud Haidar, a Gorran MP who is sitting on the finance committee of the Iraqi parliament, said the Iraqi government's order to the central bank was issued. He added that he is in constant contact with people relevant to the audit of the Kurdish salaries. “They reaffirmed today that orders have been issued in order to spend 250 billion dinars from the amount that is already in the bank account of the Kurdistan Regional Government [in Baghdad],” Haidar said. Rudaw earlier reported that the Central Bank of Iraq has opened a bank account for the Kurdistan Region and deposited 450 billion dinars(approximately $380 million) into it. The Iraqi government has sent a number of audit committees to the Kurdistan Region to audit the payroll list of the two ministries. They finished their work at the headquarters of the two ministries based in the Kurdish capital of Erbil, and are supposed to visit health and educations departments of the Kurdish provinces including Erbil, Sulaimani and Duhok. Haidar said that the audit so far is going well, and that Iraqi-appointed committees have found “no problems” as of yet. The two ministries have the largest number of employees after the Ministry of Peshmerga. The Kurdistan Region have faced difficulties to pay the salaries of its 1.249 million people on its payroll in full or in time, something that caused protests on different occasions including in December. The Iraqi government cut the KRG’s share of the budget since early 2014 following the Kurdish plans to export oil independent of Iraq to the international market. Iraqi parliament votes to lift sanctions on Kurdistan banks

KRG PM refutes Iraqi government’s remarks over oil export Baxtiyar Goran | An hour ago Share share Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani speaks to reporters in Davos, Switzerland, Jan. 25, 2018. (Photo: Kurdistan 24) Kurdistan Erbil Baghdad Relations Nechirvan Barzani ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – The Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) on Thursday refuted remarks made by his Iraqi counterpart’s office about the handover of Kurdistan’s oil exports exclusively through the state-run SOMO company. Speaking to the press in Davos, Switzerland at the World Economic Forum (WEF), KRG Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani said he had a “productive meeting” with Iraqi PM Haider al-Abadi, and that both sides would hold another meeting next week. The Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office, however, issued a statement following the meeting claiming the KRG had agreed to hand over oil exports to Iraqi authorities. During his speech on Thursday, Abadi reiterated that same point. Responding to the Iraqi government’s claims, Prime Minister Barzani said that “the statement they [Iraqi PM's office] issued is far from the truth, we did not even discuss the matter [oil dossier] at all, and they should not have issued such a statement.” “The Kurdistan Region’s position is clear; we want to resolve all issues within the framework of the Iraqi Constitution,” the KRG Prime Minister affirmed. “We had several meetings with world leaders, including a short meeting with Abadi, on the sidelines of the WEF in Davos,” Prime Minister Barzani told reporters. The Prime Minister added that reopening Kurdistan’s airports, the salary payment of KRG employees, dams, and updates on the committees formed to resolve the pending issues was discussed during the meeting with Abadi. “We have agreed to hold another meeting next week to discuss the oil dossier to resolve the issues,” Barzani stated, noting that “we cannot expect all problems to be resolved at once.” He mentioned that the disputes between Erbil and Baghdad were “big,” but it was possible to resolve all matters related to salaries and airports before Iraqi elections are held in May. Editing by Karzan Sulaivany

Sorry all, but reports are coming out that this is not true, ( if we really thought it would be that easy ) http://www.rudaw.net/english/world/250120181. Though progress is being made, there appears to still be a significant gap between the two sides, made evident by their separate interpretations of their discussions. "What they have said in the statement is in fact untrue. We never talked about such things," Barzani asserted about Abadi's comments on oil.

Barzani, Abadi meet in Switzerland By Rudaw 2 hours ago Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, KRG Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani and Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani talking in Davos, Switzerland on Wednesday. Photo: KRG DAVOS, Switzerland – KRG Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani and Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi met on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday. “In a short meeting… the latest trends of discussions between KRG and Iraqi federal government committees were discussed, and [both sides] stressed the continuation of the work of the committees to resolve issues. Both sides expressed their commitment to dialogue and the resolution of issues on the basis of the Iraqi constitution,” read a statement from the KRG. They also touched on the issue of oil. Managing oil, and its revenues, is a recurring problem between Erbil and Baghdad. The central government stopped sending funds to the KRG when Kurdish leaders proposed exporting oil independently. The two sides “decided that the Iraqi Ministry of Oil and KRG Ministry of Natural Resources will hold a special meeting on how to export oil that has been suspended for a while and reach an agreement [on the issue],” the KRG’s statement read. As the two governments have resumed relations and begun the difficult process of resolving their issues, Baghdad wants to exert federal control over oil and Erbil wants financial guarantees if it agrees to send oil revenue to central coffers. How to handle the rich oil reserves in the disputed province of Kirkuk, that were suspended after Iraq took control of the province, is also a sticking point. As Iraq is looking to rebuild its economy and infrastructure after the war with ISIS, OPEC has seen a "renewed vigor" reconstructing the oil and gas sector under Abadi’s government, OPEC Secretary General Mohammed Sanusi Barkindo told Rudaw’s Hemin Lihony in Davos. "We in OPEC are very proud of [that]," he added. Responding to a question about the KRG's contribution to Iraq's success, Barkindo said "Iraq is the dutiful, rightful representative in OPEC." Iraq, as a founder and the birthplace of OPEC and currently its second-largest producer, was described by Barkindo as a "very important" member. OPEC has seen a “gradual but steady rebalancing of the market” after concerted efforts from member states to address oversupply. "We are not yet declaring victory,” he said, explaining that they do not have a price goal. "Our prime objective remains assisting the market to bring it back to balance, which has eluded us for the past several years and we are confident, satisfied that we are on cause." The Davos forum brings together world, business, and industry leaders, making it a good opportunity to look at the issue of equality, Anne Mitaru, policy and campaigns manager of Oxfam in Erbil, told Rudaw English this week. “A lot of those decisions between political heavyweights, economic heavyweights, and other heavyweights, changes how people live, how much they have access to food, how much they have access to water, how much they pay for clothes and other things,” she said, noting that “a lot of power resides with the people who go to Davos.” These power players must consider not just one country, she asserted, but ensure benefits from the meeting are shared with people around the world. Earlier in the day, Barzani met with Jordanian King Abdullah and Armenian Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan. Updated at 11:45 pm

On the back of the article i have just posted a tweet confirming a payment made by Baghdad. Rudaw English‏Verified account @RudawEnglish 2h2 hours ago More #Breaking: Baghdad has sent a payment of 450 billion dinars (approx $380mn) for KRG public salaries: finance ministry source The thawing between the two sides is clearly gaining momentum and is looking very promising for the future.

Iraqi PM reiterates promise to pay salaries of Kurdistan employees following ‘positive’ meetings Karzan Sulaivany | 38 minutes ago Share share Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi delivers his weekly press conference in Baghdad, Jan. 16, 2018. (Photo: Iraqi PM's office) Iraq Kurdistan Referendum Haider al-Abadi ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on Tuesday expressed his desire to resolve all differences with Kurdistan, adding he was serious about paying the salaries of employees in the Region. “The atmosphere is positive with the Kurdistan Region, and we have a desire to resolve all outstanding differences between the two sides,” Abadi said during his weekly press conference in Baghdad. “Committees have been formed, and dialogue regarding border crossings, airports, salaries, and other matters are continuing,” he added. “The brothers in the Region demonstrated their willingness to cooperate with us.” On Monday, a delegation from the Iraqi government, consisting of 19 officials, arrived in Erbil to discuss the international flight ban on the Kurdistan Region’s airports, disputes over the control of border crossings, oil exports, and revenue sharing. In a joint statement, the Iraqi and Kurdistan Region delegations revealed that five separate bilateral meetings were held on the matters mentioned above. Karim Shingali, the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) Minister of Interior, noted that the meetings were “good and successful,” adding the two delegations “reached very good agreements on the outstanding issues.” Relations between the Iraqi government and the KRG considerably deteriorated following Kurdistan’s Sep. 25 independence referendum. Although an overwhelming majority voted for statehood, Baghdad responded by imposing collective punitive measures against the Region including an international flight ban and the use of military force in disputed areas. Senior Kurdistan Region officials continue to urge the Iraqi government to avoid violence and begin negotiations to address their differences peacefully.

KRG releases first report on oil exports, revenues in 2017 Baxtiyar Goran | An hour ago Share share A flame rises from a chimney at the Taq Taq oil field in Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Aug. 16, 2014. (Photo: Reuters/Azad Lashkari) Kurdistan MNR MNR Report ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) on Tuesday released its first report on oil and gas production, export, and revenues for the first half of 2017. The semiannual report was conducted by the international auditing company, Deloitte, “to prove [the KRG’s] commitment to transparency in the entire oil and gas sector of the Kurdistan Region,” a statementon the government’s website read. “That includes verified numbers of export and sales of oil in the Kurdistan Region for the first six months of 2017,” the statement continued, adding the total revenue generated from oil sales—from January to June—is USD 3,328,211,119, after deducting expenses. According to the report, average crude sale prices for the Kurdistan Region’s oil during the mentioned period was USD 41.29 per barrel for exported oil through pipelines, at a time when the average Dated Brent price was approximately USD 51.71 per barrel. “The KRG considers the auditing process an important step [toward] strengthening transparency in the oil and gas sector of the Kurdistan Region,” the statement read. “This is the first time that reputable and major international companies audit the oil and gas sector in Kurdistan.” The KRG statement concluded that the validated numbers for the second half of 2017, and for the past years would be released to the public in the near future. Editing by Karzan Sulaivany The KRG's monthly oil exports and consumption during the first six months of 2017. (Photo: KRG) Cash flows by US dollar. KRG oil exports and consumption. Pipeline exported and consumed oil. Trucking oil export sales analysis. Financial flows of the KRG's oil revenue.

Business Deloitte found no ‘misstatements’ in KRG oil sales in first audit report By Rudaw 19 minutes ago -- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – The Kurdistan Regional Government brought in over $3 billion in oil sales in the first half of 2017, according to an audit reportfrom Deloitte, released by the government on Tuesday. The government described the decision to publish the "verified numbers" from one of the world’s largest auditing firms as a step in the right direction towards transparency. "According to the validated numbers, the total revenue generated from oil sales is 3,328,211,119 US dollars, after deducting expenses," for the period from January 1, 2017 to June 30, 2017, the KRG stated. The KRG sold oil at an average of $41.29 per barrel, while the average Brent oil price was $51.71. The KRG signed a contract with Deloitte at the request of the World Bank to audit oil sales and revenues. The data for the second half of 2017 will be published in the near future, the KRG said, adding it "considers the auditing process as an important step for strengthening transparency in the oil and gas sector of the Kurdistan Region." "The KRG has approved Deloitte's recommendations to further enhance the processes and address any shortcomings," the statement added. Deloitte stated in its financial report that they found no "misstatements" of the KRG's oil exports, consumption, or sales over the stated period. The firm will also be auditing oil production and sales for 2014, 2015, and 2016. The KRG started to export oil in early 2014 through Turkey's Ceyhan port, independent of the government of Iraq. Baghdad cut the KRG's share of the Iraqi budget in response to Erbil's plans to export oil. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi criticized the Kurdish oil sales on several occasions, often releasing numbers different from those released by the KRG's Ministry of Natural Resources. Please click the graphic to see it with high quality

UK will use its influence to resolve Erbil, Baghdad disputes: Ambassador Baxtiyar Goran | 32 minutes ago Share share Jon Wilks, the United Kingdom Ambassador to Iraq, during a press conference in Erbil, capital of the Kurdistan Region, Jan. 16, 2018. (Photo: Kurdistan 24) Kurdistan Erbil Baghdad Relations UK ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – The United Kingdom will continue supporting Kurdistan within Iraq and will use its influence to push Baghdad to resolve ongoing disputes with the Region, the British Ambassador to Iraq said on Tuesday. During a press conference in Erbil, UK Ambassador to Iraq Jon Wilks said his country supports the Kurdistan Region’s rights within Iraq and encouraged British businesses to invest in the Region. “The Kurdistan Region, as the most stable and most developed region in Iraq, has a very special role to play not only in terms of [the Middle East] and Iraq but also in terms of Britain’s relationship in the region,” Wilks stated. Wilks noted that the UK encouraged the Iraqi government to complete initial agreements with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) which would benefit all of Iraq in terms of stabilization and economy, adding that his country is pushing for a deal between Erbil and Baghdad before elections in May. “The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has put forward a proposal for a fair budget for the Kurdish region in the Iraqi national budget,” Wilks said, revealing that the UK supports the IMF’s position and tries to use its influence in that regard. The UK Ambassador said he believes the Kurds have had a very solid team in Baghdad in the past, stressing the importance of having a strong team once again after elections. “The UK and many other countries will be supporting the rights, stability, security, and prosperity of the Kurdish region within Iraq in the years to come,” Wilks affirmed. According to the ambassador, the UK’s relationship with the Kurdistan Region and Iraq includes education, culture, security, trade, and investment. “The UK will continue to work with the Kurdistan Region’s authorities in terms of security cooperation, including the continuation of training and support for the Peshmerga forces who are a valuable ally in the fight against” the Islamic State (IS), he added. Wilks explained that the UK is interested in infrastructure projects that will benefit the citizens of the Kurdistan Region, revealing that 140 British companies are investing in Iraq and Kurdistan while encouraging more businesses to work there in the service sectors. “In recent years, the UK granted nearly 100 scholarships to young Kurds in the Region, and the program will continue,” he concluded. Editing by Karzan Sulaivany

Afternoon all, A major company such as Chevron, would not be going back in if it did not think agreements are not forthcoming. Happy day's ahead.

US oil firm Chevron will resume operations in Kurdistan: Spokesperson Karzan Sulaivany | 33 minutes ago Share share An employee hangs the Kurdistan flag over a machine operated by Chevron Corp. at an oilfield in Kirkuk, Kurdistan Region. (Photo: Archive) Kurdistan Referendum Oil Chevron Corp ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – An oil company from the United States on Tuesday said it would send workers and resume drilling operations in the Kurdistan Region. Chevron Corp. revealed it was “taking steps” to begin work at oilfields in Kurdistan after production was temporarily halted following a fallout between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the Iraqi government over the Sep. 25 independence referendum. A spokesperson for the US oil company said Chevron “expects to restart our drilling operations at our Sarta 3 block in the near future.” “We are taking all necessary steps to remobilize people and equipment to ensure we are well-prepared to resume operations” in the Kurdistan Region, the spokesperson stated. The US oil firm has a stake in the Sarta and Qara Dagh blocks, the latter located in the province of Sulaimani. Chevron temporarily stopped drilling in Kirkuk, a disputed territory between Kurdistan and Iraq, after the military takeover of the province by Iraqi forces and Iranian-backed Hashd al-Shaabi militias last October. The disputed province was under the protection of Kurdish Peshmerga forces since 2014 following the emergence of the Islamic State (IS) and the collapse of the Iraqi army. However, in response to the Kurdistan Region’s historic independence vote, where an overwhelming majority voted for statehood, the Iraqi government used military force to regain control of Kirkuk and its vast oilfields. Kirkuk accounted for nearly half of the KRG’s crude output as the Kurdistan Region secured deals with Chevron, Exxon Mobil Corp, and Russia’s state oil firm Rosneft. The takeover of Kirkuk by Iraqi forces and Iranian-backed militias affected Kurdish crude exports as the Iraqi government announced an agreement with Iran to export oil from Kirkuk fields via tank trucks until a pipeline is constructed.

Official: Erbil, Baghdad reached ‘very good’ agreements on pending issues Baxtiyar Goran | An hour ago Share share The Kurdistan Region and Iraq flag at the Ibrahim Khalil border crossing in Zakho, Dohuk Province, Kurdistan Region. (Photo: JCC-KRG) Kurdistan Iraq Erbil Baghdad Relations ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – Delegations from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the Federal Government of Iraq have reached an agreement on several points, and both sides will continue meetings at the technical level, an Iraqi government official said on Monday. A delegation from the Iraqi government, consisting of 19 officials, arrived in Erbil on Monday to discuss the international flight ban on the Kurdistan Region’s airports, disputes over the control of border crossings, oil exports, and revenue sharing. Speaking to the media following the meeting, Ali Allaq, the Secretary-General of the Iraqi Council of Ministers, said the Iraqi government and KRG delegations “discussed the stranded issues between them.” Karim Shingali, the KRG’s Minister of Interior, added that the meeting “was good and successful, and we have reached very good agreements on the outstanding issues.” Minister of Communications and Transportation Mawlud Bawamurad, who also attended the meeting, told the media that the talks were on the basis of the Iraqi Constitution and both sides “demonstrated the will to resolve the disputes.” In a joint statement, the Erbil and Baghdad delegations revealed that five separate bilateral meetings were held on the matters of border security, airports, customs and border crossings, dams, and oil. According to the statement, both sides discussed recommendations for the matters which will be submitted to the Iraqi Council of Ministers for further discussion and final approval. On Saturday, a Kurdish delegation, led by Shingali, visited Baghdad to initiate talks with the Iraqi government over sanctions imposed on the Kurdistan Region. Following the historic independence referendum, Baghdad banned international flights to and from both the Erbil and Sulaimani airports and called on the KRG to hand over control of its border crossings. Editing by Karzan Sulaivany

Kurdistan Oil-for-budget proposal agreed on in Erbil-Baghdad talks By Rudaw 1 hour ago Iraqi has cut the KRG's share of the budget since early 2014 because of the Kurdistan Region's plans to export oil to the international market independent of Baghdad. File photo: AFP ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Discussions between Iraq’s oil ministry and the KRG may set the ground for an oil-for-budget agreement, a Kurdish official stated. A delegation from the oil ministry, including Alaa Khidir al-Yasri, director general of the national oil marketing company SOMO, met with Kurdish officials in Erbil on Monday as part of a wider Iraqi government visit to the Kurdish capital to discuss a range of disputed issues. "The agenda of the meeting was about setting a mechanism for exporting oil from the oil fields of the [Kurdistan] Region in return for the financial and fuel entitlements of the Region," Amanj Rahim, secretary of the KRG Council of Ministers, said in a statement on his Facebook page Monday night. "The two sides had a joint understanding over the issues discussed during the meeting and it was decided that the delegation of the Federal Government would present the demands of the Region to the Council of Ministers of the Federal Government," he explained, without providing specifics of the KRG’s demands. He said the meeting was a "good start" to resolving issues related to oil. Reaching an agreement over oil would pave the way for solving the financial problems of the Kurdistan Region, in particular paying salaries of state employees. Erbil has said they are ready to reach an agreement with Baghdad regarding oil exports in return for 17 percent of the federal budget. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has insisted that he will not allow Erbil to receive 17 percent of the budget, arguing that the Kurdistan Region’s share should be based on its population size. Kurdish officials reported that the Iraqi government has suggested allocating 12.6 percent to the Kurdistan Region, an amount the International Monetary Fund says is not enough to cover the KRG's expenses. The Kurdistan Region has been suffering from an ongoing financial crisis, mainly caused by Baghdad’s decision to cut the budget in early 2014 when the KRG planned to export oil independently. The Kurdistan Region says it lost half of its oil revenue when losing Kirkuk’s oil fields to Iraqi forces in mid-October making it difficult for the government to pay the salaries of its 1.249 million employees. The Monday meeting between the Iraqi delegation and the KRG in Erbil included five focused discussions on the issues of "security, borders, airports, customs, border entries, dams, and oil," according to a statement from the Iraqi government. The meeting took place in an atmosphere of "trust and understanding," the Iraqi government statement said, adding that the Baghdad delegation will present recommendations agreed on by the two sides to the office of Abadi for approval. One item they agreed on was reopening Kurdistan Region’s airports to international flights, according to Rudaw sources, more than three months after Baghdad introduced the flight ban in response to Kurdistan’s vote for independence.

#WORLD NEWS JANUARY 15, 2018 / 4:48 PM / UPDATED 34 MINUTES AGO Baghdad reports 'atmosphere of trust' in talks with Kurdistan region Reuters Staff 2 MIN READ BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraq’s central government said “an atmosphere of trust” marked talks held on Monday with the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region to resolve a conflict that triggered armed clashes in October. Envoys of the two sides met in the Kurdish regional capital Erbil in northern Iraq and discussed major issues including security, control over the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) land borders, airports, the oil industry, customs revenue and river dams, a statement from the Iraqi cabinet said. “The meetings were held in an atmosphere of trust and understanding and concluded...by formulating a number recommendations” to help resolve the issues, the statement added, giving no further details. Conflict broke out after the KRG held a referendum on independence at the end of September, angering neighboring states including Turkey and Iran, with their own restive Kurdish minorities, and drawing rebukes from the Iraqi Kurds’ key Western supporters, the United States and European Union. Under Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi’s orders, government forces responded to the referendum by dislodging Kurdish militia from disputed regions including the oil city of Kirkuk. Abadi also retaliated with a series of measures curtailing the KRG’s autonomy, including a ban on direct international travel to the two main Kurdish airports. Reporting by Maher Chmaytelli; editing by Mark Heinrich

Erbil, Baghdad to hammer out agreement that will end flight ban, statement By Rudaw 2 hours ago - ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – The Iraqi and Kurdish governments have agreed to prepare a blueprint agreement this Monday on their outstanding issues including international border points and airports that are located in the Kurdistan Region, according to a statement from a senior Kurdish delegation who visited Baghdad on Saturday. Iraq introduced a ban on international flights to and from the Kurdistan Region in late September after the Kurdish vote on independence. The agreement will work to “resume activities” to international entry points and then be presented to the Iraqi federal government for approval. The announcement comes following a meeting between the two sides headed by the Kurdish and Iraqi interior ministers. The Iraqi interior minister reiterated the need to discuss solving problems of the international entry points, customs, airports, and dams “on the basis of the constitution and federal laws,” the statement published by the Kurdish delegation on Saturday evening read. Qasim al-Araji, the Iraqi minister, told the Kurdish delegation that the Iraqi prime minister has emphasized the need to solve problems between Erbil and Baghdad in a way that allows institutions such as the airports to “resume their activities,” the statement said. The two sides have agreed to hold a bilateral meeting in Erbil on Monday to prepare a joint statement that will include “solutions to be reached.” Some of the solutions will need the approval of the Council of Ministers of the Iraqi government that concerns “resuming those activities that take place at the border points, airports, and dams,” the statement explained, and therefore the two sides will jointly present such solutions to the government of Iraq. Kurdish interior minister praised the “initiative” of Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to solve the problems between the two governments that will serve the interests of the entire country including the Kurdistan Region, according to the Kurdish announcement. PM Abadi last Tuesday stated that he ordered some Iraqi ministries and the military to hold talks with their counterparts in the Kurdistan Region to solve issues including that of the Kurdish airports, and disputes over international borders. --- 5:59 pm KRG interior minister holds 'productive' meeting with Iraqi counterpart, official ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – A senior delegation of the Kurdish government who visited the Iraqi capital on Saturday held a "productive" meeting with their Iraqi counterpart on outstanding issues including the Baghdad-imposed ban on international flights, the spokesperson for the Iraqi interior ministry told Rudaw. The delegation headed by KRG's interior minister Karim Sinjari met with his Iraqi counterpart Qasim al-Araji in Baghdad today. Acting minister of transport Mawlud Bawamurad, heads of the two Kurdish airports of Erbil and Sulaimani, as well other senior Kurdish officials from the interior ministry attended the meeting. Saad Maan, the Iraqi spokesperson, said that the two sides will hold a second meeting on Monday to discuss "details" of the outstanding issues. "The meeting was productive," he said, adding that the Kurdish delegation showed a "clear understanding" in solving the problems "based on the constitution." He explained that one reason why there are "accumulated problems" between Erbil and Baghdad is because of lack of real communication between them. The Kurdish delegation left Baghdad to Erbil following the meeting today. The Iraqi government imposed a ban on international flights to and from the Kurdistan Region since late September, only days after the Kurdish people voted to leave Iraq. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on Tuesday ordered the Iraqi military to resume security talks with their Kurdish counterparts and announced another delegation will discuss international borders with KRG authorities. “I instructed for meetings of the military committee to take place on a more regular basis,” Abadi said then, adding that the chief of staff of the Iraqi military will head Baghdad’s delegation and the Peshmerga minister will head the Kurdish side. Abadi said there would be a “big delegation” to resolve the issue of Kurdistan’s international borders. The Iraqi prime minister had said earlier that the constitution allows for joint administration of entry points, including airports, but maintained that the border strip must be under the exclusive federal authorities. Erbil has stated on many occasions that they are ready to negotiate with Baghdad within the framework of the Iraqi constitution. The KRG has demanded joint administration of the borders. --- 12:51 pm KRG’s Interior Ministry delegation arrives in Baghdad for talks ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – A KRG delegation headed by Interior Minister Karim Sinjari arrived in Baghdad on Saturday to meet with his Iraqi counterpart. They are expected to discuss re-opening Erbil and Sulaimani airports and the question of border-crossings. A source from Iraq’s Interior Ministry confirmed to Rudaw on Friday that the Kurdish delegation will also meet with other ministers in Baghdad. The past few weeks have seen the first real movement towards rebuilding ties between Erbil and Baghdad and finding solutions to the many problems that plague their relations in the wake of Kurdistan’s independence vote and punitive measures adopted by the central government. Technical delegations from Erbil and Baghdad have met in both capitals, largely discussing the matter of the central government paying the KRG’s civil servant salaries. Delegations from three opposition parties, Gorran, the Islamic Group (Komal), and the newly founded Coalition for Democracy and Justice (CDJ) on the one hand, and Bafel Talabani, the eldest son of late Iraqi President Jalal Talabani and an influential member of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), separately visited Baghdad earlier this month. Both held talks with senior Baghdad officials, including Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi. KRG Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani, backed by international allies in Germany and France, has said on several occasions that his government is ready to engage in talks and resolve problems in accordance with the Iraqi constitution.

KRG, Iraqi government hold 'productive' meeting on border crossings, airports dispute: Spokesperson Baxtiyar Goran | 50 minutes ago Tensions between Erbil and Baghdad since the referendum have put the two parties at odds with each other for three months and counting. (Photo: Archive) ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the Federal Government of Iraq held a “productive meeting” in Baghdad to discuss some pressing issues between the two sides, the Iraqi Interior Ministry’s spokesperson said on Saturday. Speaking to local Iraqi media, Saad Maan, the spokesperson of the Iraqi Interior Ministry, said the meeting was “productive,” adding the KRG reiterated its commitment to adhere by the Iraqi Constitution to resolve issues with Baghdad. “Qasim al-Araji, Iraq’s Interior Minister, emphasized the importance of holding such meetings to discuss ongoing issues related to border crossings, airports, and management of dams and resolving disputes on the basis of the Iraqi Constitution and federal laws,” a KRG statement read. “Araji reiterated the Head of the Iraqi Council of Ministers’ insistence on resolving the outstanding issues between Erbil and Baghdad and restoring the activities of institutions at airports and border crossings,” the statement continued. According to the statement, representatives of the Kurdistan Region’s Civic Aviation Authority, Department of Customs, and the Directorate of Dams and Intelligence Agency presented their main notes “about restoring the relations between the KRG and the Iraqi government.” Both sides will hold another meeting in Erbil on Monday to prepare a comprehensive draft about the resolutions that were agreed upon in Saturday’s gathering. “The draft will then be sent to the Iraqi Council of Ministers regarding the restoration of activities at border crossings, airports, and dams,” the KRG statement concluded. Editing by Karzan Sulaivany

High-level KRG delegation to visit Baghdad Baxtiyar Goran | 12 minutes ago Share share Kurdistan Iraq Erbil Baghdad Relations A+AA- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – A high-level delegation from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to visit Baghdad for the first time since the Iraqi government imposed punitive measures against the Region follow the referendum vote. A source told Kurdistan 24 on Friday that the delegation headed by the KRG’s Minister of Interior, Karim Shingali, will visit Baghdad on Saturday to discuss resolving the issues between Erbil and Baghdad. “The KRG delegation will hold meetings with Iraq’s Minister of Interior and minister of transportation to discuss the border crossings and lifting the flights ban on the Kurdistan Region’s airports,” the source said. Updates to follow...

Baghdad Hopes for Russian Investment in Iraqi Post-War Economy © AP Photo/ Felipe Dana MIDDLE EAST 17:45 11.01.2018(updated 17:46 11.01.2018) MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia has an important role in the restoration of Iraq and Russian companies could help with the investment process on the Iraqi market, Iraqi government spokesman Saad Hadithi told Sputnik. "Russia is an important state in the international community and it has an active role in the preparation of the restoration of the stability [in Iraq] and the support of the Iraqi government's rebuilding efforts. Russian companies could also help with the investment process on the Iraqi market," Hadithi said. The government's spokesman noted that the Russian companies could also participate in the conference of Iraq's sponsors, which is scheduled to take place in Kuwait on February 12-14. According to Hadithi, Iraq has discussed the list of participants with Kuwait, but the organizing country was the one sending out invitations. "All Russian companies involved in the power industry, transport, electricity, manufacturing, housing, water resources, could play an active, important and leading role in this conference," Hadithi said. The spokesman has told about an upcoming conference on the restoration, announced by Kuwaiti Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Jarallah on January 9. The diplomat invited donor countries and international organizations to participate in the conference for assisting Iraq. "This conference will be held on February 12-14… the invitation will be sent out to approximately 70 countries among the active members of the international community, the region, to countries which are interested in the Iraqi issue, restoring Iraq, and investing," Hadithi said. High-level Iraqi officials will participate in the conference, Hadithi added. The government spokesman noted that Iraq's Ministry of Planning is in charge of carrying out preparations for the conference. "It has sent to [the Kuwaiti authorities] everything related to Iraq's vision on restoration and stability in the future, Iraq's needs in construction and investment," Hadithi pointed out. Iraq Restoration Iraq aims to come back to normal life, restoring the country's infrastructure after the years-long devastating war against terrorists from the Daesh group. The final defeat of militants has been announced by Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Abadi fairly recently, on December 9. As a part of international support to the country, the World Bank has lately increased its financial aid to the country, approving additional $400-million assistance in addition to those $350 million of the Emergency Operation for Development Project approved in July 2015.

#ENERGY JANUARY 10, 2018 / 1:31 PM / UPDATED 25 MINUTES AGO Iraq to ask foreign oil firms to build housing, provide services for employees Reuters Staff 1 MIN READ BAGHDAD, Jan 10 (Reuters) - Iraq will ask foreign oil companies operating in the country to build housing for Iraqis employed on their projects, the oil ministry in Baghdad said in a statement on Wednesday. Oil Minister Jabar al-Luaibi “issued a general notice which commits contracted companies to build modern housing compounds and provide essential services to employees,” the statement said. (Reporting by Maher Chmaytelli; Editing by Mark Potter) https://www.reuters.com/article/iraq-oil-gas/iraq-to-ask-foreign-oil-firms-to-build-housing-provide-services-for-employees-idUSL8N1P53V4?rpc=401&

Kurdistan Abadi asked oil minister to prepare for talks with Kurdistan By Rudaw 11 minutes ago The oil and gas issue has been one of the major factors behind strained and deteriorating relations between Erbil and Baghdad over the course of the past ten years, despite numerous talks. Photo: Rudaw/Farzin Hassan ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Iraqi’s prime minister requested the oil minister to prepare for talks with the Kurdistan Region about oil, the minister revealed, adding he expected a visit to take place within the next few days. “No time frame has been set yet,” said Oil Minister Jabar al-Luaibi in an interview with Iraq’s al-Mirbad radio. “It is predicted that the talks will be held in the next few days.” When talks do take place, Luaibi said he anticipates they will be fruitful and positive. The oil and gas issue has been one of the major factors behind strained and deteriorating relations between Erbil and Baghdad over the course of the past ten years, despite numerous talks. Baghdad is opposed to the Kurdistan Region independently exporting its oil and gas and the two governments have had disagreements over disputed Kirkuk’s oil. Oilfields in Kirkuk, which had been operated by the Kurdistan Region since 2014 after Kurdish forces secured the province in the face of ISIS advances, fell to the Iraqi government on October 16 after Peshmerga pulled out their troops and Iraqi forces and Shiite militias moved in. The two governments have disputed Kurdistan’s oil exports, with Baghdad claiming the KRG is exporting enough oil to meet its expenses. The KRG hired Deloitte to conduct an audit of its oil and gas sector. On Friday evening, KRG’s Ministry of Natural Resources tweeted figures, subject to audit, of its oil exports for the last four months of 2017, showing a dramatic drop in exports after losing Kirkuk. The KRG has on many occasions expressed willingness to begin talks with Baghdad to resolve their outstanding issues and international allies, including Germany and France, threw their support behind Kurdish calls for talks within the framework of the Iraqi constitution. The past few days have seen the first real progress as technical delegations from Erbil and Baghdad have met in both capitals, largely discussing the matter of the central government paying the KRG’s civil servant salaries. Baghdad requested the employee lists of the health and education ministries to audit them in order to start sending their salaries. Delegations from three opposition parties, Gorran, the Islamic Group (Komal), and the newly founded Coalition for Democracy and Justice (CDJ), visited Baghdad on Thursday. Bafel Talabani, the eldest son of the late Iraqi President Jalal Talabani and an influential member of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), separately visited the Iraqi capital on the same day. Both held talks with senior Baghdad officials, including Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi. Updated at 9:03 pm

Iraqi authorities arrest two suspects involved in Speicher massacre Karzan Sulaivany | 13 minutes ago Share share Iraqi soldiers are rounded up and led to a riverbank where they were executed by Islamic State (IS) militants. (Photo: Archive) Islamic State Camp Speicher Iraq ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – Baghdad Operations Command on Monday announced the arrest of two people accused of being involved in the notorious Speicher massacre in 2014. The first man was arrested last Tuesday as he tried to enter Baghdad from a northern suburb while the second man was detained today in an area west of the Iraqi capital, the Baghdad Operations Command revealed. “The first suspect was one of the dangerous perpetrators of the Speicher massacre and was detained in a pre-emptive operation north of the capital according to Article 4 of the anti-terrorism law,” a statement read. According to a separate statement, the second man was arrested in the Abu Ghraib area west of Baghdad. Iraqi authorities did not provide the names of the two men or any further information about the arrests. Iraqi soldiers salute the graves where the soldiers were found. (Photo: Reuters) During their rise in 2014, the Islamic State (IS) stormed the US base of Camp Speicher, near the central city of Tikrit, and tricked Iraqi soldiers, who were held prisoners, into thinking they would be reunited with their families. The Iraqi troops, 1,700 of them, were rounded up and taken to a riverbank where they were lined up and shot dead from close range before being buried in mass graves. For nearly 10 months, the fate of the soldiers was unknown until the graves were discovered in the area. In August 2017, an Iraqi court handed death sentences to 27 IS members for their role in the murder of the prisoners. Fuad Masum, the President of Iraq, had approved the executions after footage of the massacre emerged on social media networks. Human rights activists at the time criticized the decision to enforce the death penalty, claiming the defendants were not given proper legal representation.