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Region: Joint Committee will soon begin to resolve the differences between Erbil and Baghdad


yota691
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krg_cabinet.thumb.jpg.68d315ee52f1ee5aefa92a73ba7a62c5.jpghttps://gov.krd/government/agenda/

This agenda has been developed in accordance with the political agreements between all parties which compose the new cabinet of the KRG. And it includes the principles and policies of all parties in the government. The implementation of this program is the responsibility of all parties in the government.

Reforms:

  • First: we will improve the condition and regulation of the public sector, including the training and regulation of civil servants, retirement provisions, and official working hours. We will take legal action against any breaches in the public sector. We will do this through implementation of the law, establishing a service committee and re-organising the reform legislation, which will then be resubmitted to parliament for approval.
  • Second: we will combine our efforts against all forms of financial and administrative corruption, preventing the mismanagement of public wealth, and corruption within the Kurdistan region. We will achieve this by strictly enforcing the law of the Kurdistan region while supporting its official institutions, primarily through the Supreme Audit Divan and the Commission of Integrity and Public Prosecution.
  • Third: we will work to eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy and improve the services provided to citizens by public institutions. We will work to make institutions serve the public’s best interests; in particular we will develop digital services as soon as possible.
  • Fourth: in order to strengthen our defence capability, counter risks and enhance the security of the Kurdistan Region, we will review the current mechanisms for re-organising and unifying the Peshmerga forces and internal security forces, in coordination with the Kurdistan region presidency. We will do this with the help of local and international experts. We will also elevate the professional and military capability of our forces.
  • Fifth: we will work to establish transparency in all economic fields of the Kurdistan region, especially around management and accounting of oil and internal revenues.
  • Sixth: we will reform the health, medical and food sectors to meet international standards; we will prosecute any violations from any quarter. To accomplish this goal, we will establish a Food and Drug Administration under the Council of Ministers.
  • Seventh: we are determined to ensure that no one is above the law, and to respect the judiciary of the Kurdistan region. No one will be allowed to evade justice because of their social standing or political affiliation; furthermore, we will work to eliminate the spread of weapons and firearms among communities.
  • Eighth: we will reform the tax system ensuring impartial implementation; we will take legal action to prevent tax embezzlement and create a new enforcement mechanism.
  • Ninth: we will prevent government officials from exploiting their official influence or positions for their own gain. In accordance with the laws of the Kurdistan region, officials are not permitted to trade or invest, and violations of this law will be prosecuted.
  • Tenth: we will prevent the formation of monopolies, and work to provide and promote a framework for fair trade competition.
  • Eleventh: we will organise and rationalise official delegations to foreign countries and international conferences according to need, preventing any waste or misuse of public money.
  • Twelfth: we will support the parliament’s monitoring function; we will abide by every monitoring procedure in accordance with our internal laws and governmental regulations. Furthermore we will respect the parliamentary opposition in accordance with these same laws.
  • Thirteenth: we will establish a Pension Fund to provide for retired civil servants as is their right.

Services:

  • First: we will work to enhance the public health sector, and to deliver a better-quality health service to the people. In addition, we will work to enact a health insurance system across the Kurdistan region.
  • Second: we will work to find a fundamental solution to the issue of electricity supply: increasing production rates, decreasing electrical misuse or waste, and systematically distributing power in a technologically advanced manner.
  • Third: we will work to increase educational teaching standards in the public sector. We will aim to attract local and international investors into the sector, helping to fund the building of new schools where they are needed.
  • Fourth: we will work improve and rationalise the use of groundwater in order to raise the quality of public drinking water, while reducing the depletion rates of underground water sources.
  • Fifth: we will work to improve road transportation links in the Kurdistan region, and enhance the traffic system. We will aim to attract foreign investors to this sector, reduce traffic accident casualties and introduce international traffic management best practices.
  • Sixth: we will work to provide job opportunities in the private sector, and broaden investment in sectors including industry, agriculture, and tourism. We will reform labor laws to prioritise the provision of job opportunities for local workers instead of foreigners.
  • Seventh: we will prioritise serving the families of Anfal, Peshmerga martyrs and those who were wounded in genocidal campaigns.
  • Eighth: we will take measures to provide a comfortable and decent life for people with special needs.
  • Ninth: Kurdistan’s natural environment is a great treasure. We will work to preserve the environment and raise cultural awareness about its importance. Furthermore, we will work to establish an advanced recycling system to reduce the risks of waste contamination.
  • Tenth: we will take measures to renovate villages, sub-districts, and districts, including measures to provide essential services, encouraging villagers to stay and work their land.
  • Eleventh: we will encourage and foster the expansion of the work of civil communal organisations, helping to support events, sports, arts, and cultural activities in the Kurdistan region.
  • Twelfth: we will enhance higher education and scientific research by developing this sector. We will enhance the capacity of the universities and institutes of the Kurdistan region in terms of quality, and help expand scientific research and study opportunities.
  • Thirteenth: we will introduce digitisation of government systems (E-Government); transforming citizens' interaction with government procedures and services. This will cut bureaucracy, reduce wastage of public wealth and time, and increase the overall quality of services.

The relationship between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Iraqi Federal Government:

  • First: the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) is the only official body authorised to negotiate with Baghdad. We will establish a Negotiation Team of relevant stakeholders from the KRG to resolve issues with Baghdad.
  • Second: the constitution will be the fundamental basis for talks between Erbil and Baghdad, especially issues covered by article 140 of the Iraqi constitution. This includes Peshmerga, natural resources, compensation for Anfal, martyrs, people affected by the previous Ba’ath regime and all the constitutional rights of the people of the Kurdistan region. These issues will all be prioritised in our talks with the federal government of Baghdad.
  • Third: we will address the dire condition of the Kurdish territories outside the administration of the Kurdistan region, especially Kirkuk, in order to reduce tensions, and ensure the end to any form of military imposition in the disputed territories. We will also seek to implement article 140 of the Iraqi constitution as soon as possible.
  • Fourth: the threat of terrorism still exists across Iraq. The KRG, in coordination with the Iraqi government and the international coalition, is committed in our opposition to terrorism. To eliminate the danger of terrorism once and for all, the Kurdistan region with its Peshmerga forces has offered to assist the Iraqi federal army in its efforts to remove any threats in the disputed territories.
  • Fifth: we will work to implement the constitutional rights of Peshmerga forces and include them in Iraq’s defence policy. In particular, we will work to ensure they are provided with a monthly salary and military equipment.
  • Sixth: we will attempt to solve issues around oil and gas in accordance with articles 111 and 112 in the Iraqi federal constitution. We will develop an oil and gas law through the Iraqi parliament.
  • Seventh: we will work to consolidate the federal system, by creating a Federal Council, emphasising the principles of partnership, consensus and balance with the federal government.

Freedom, Democracy, and Coexistence:

  • First: we aim to emphasise the peaceful coexistence between various ethnicities in the Kurdistan region, build upon it and strengthen it.
  • Second: we underline our commitment to the fundamentals of democracy, liberty, and equality for the peoples of the Kurdistan region. We will defend their rights against any type of ethnic, sectarian or religious extremism, and gender-based violence.
  • Third: we will stand against any forms of discrimination and attempts to minimise the role of women in society. It is vital that women are permitted to make a full contribution to the community, the economy, and within the political arena.

Kurdistan’s relations at the regional and international level:

  • First: the official institutions of the KRG should manage regional and international relations. For this purpose, the Department of Foreign Relations will be re-organised and governed by a new law.
  • Second: we will prioritise a stable relationship with our neighbouring countries, based on mutual respect and mutual interest, improving relations at all levels.
  • Third: we support peaceful solutions for all issues in the region. We will work to improve and strengthen the KRG’s capacity to resolve disputes and conflicts.
  • Fourth: the KRG will strengthen current representation offices, and open new representations as needed in different countries. We will also encourage other countries to open their consulates in Erbil.

Economy and Finance:

  • First: we will work to diversify Kurdistan’s economy, reducing our reliance on oil and gas. We will develop the agricultural, industrial, and tourism sectors to attract foreign investment.
  • Second: the agricultural sector will be one of our main priorities, as we will introduce new methods, advanced machinery, and expand knowledge of scientific methods in order to improve quality across the sector. Furthermore, we will work to exploit our water resources, building dams and sources of sustainable energy. This will help preserve our water for agriculture, prevent desertification and increase green spaces.
  • Third: we will work to restructure the banking system in the Kurdistan region, and ensure that the system serves both individuals and the public. We will encourage the use of bank accounts and electronic cards both to exchange currencies and reduce cash transactions.
  • Fourth: we will encourage investment in all fields, by providing fair opportunities for both national and international investors; to achieve this, we will edit and modify the KRG's investment laws.

Regulation of the administration:

  • First: we will work on distributing roles and responsibilities in accordance with the law and under the supervision of the premiership. Furthermore, we will emphasise establishing a decentralised system of power compatible with the legal and administrative system in the KRG.
  • Second: we will put relentless efforts into re-organising and trimming the structure of the government’s institutions from the bottom up, so they are appropriate for the Kurdistan region. This will be achieved through a solid plan and the preparation of a clear roadmap for the next four years.
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PM Barzani, Iraqi FM Speak Over the Phone

 
 14/07/2019 - 00:27 Published in Kurdistan
 
 

ERBIL — Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohammed Ali al-Hakim held a phone conversation on Saturday.

Hakim congratulated Barzani on the formation of his new cabinet of Kurdistan Regional Government, and wished him success in the new role.

He hoped the cabinet would mark the beginning of further progress and a prosperous future for Kurdistan and Iraq.

Prime Minister Barzani was sworn in earlier on 10th July and his cabinet was approved by the parliament.

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Sunday، 14 July 2019 10:35 PM

Barzani promises suitable ground for domestic, foreign investment

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https://www.thebaghdadpost.com/en/Story/42726/Barzani-promises-suitable-ground-for-domestic-foreign-investment

 

Masrour Barzani, Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister promised providing a more suitable ground for local and foreign investment.

 

According to a statement from Barzani's office, he met in Erbil a high-level delegation from the Turkish embassy headed by Ambassador Fatih Yıldız, who congratulated him on his position as KRG's prime minister.

 

At his side, Yıldız expressed his hopes that this meeting would be the beginning of a prosperity stage for the people of the Kurdistan region and promoting Turkish-Kurdish interests in Iraq.

 

Barzani expressed his hopes for the continuation of Turkish-Kurdish bilateral relations, especially in the economic field, adding: "We will provide a more suitable ground for local and foreign investment.”

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New KRG cabinet to hold first meeting, discuss government agenda and upcoming work

3 hours ago
 

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/news/c32fc5b6-ac77-4011-8c7d-56550fef9338

 

New KRG cabinet to hold first meeting, discuss government agenda and upcoming work
The new Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Masrour Barzani taking a group photo inside the halls of the Kurdistan Parliament. (Photo: Kurdistan 24)
 

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) new ministerial council is set to hold its first session on Monday, after recently being inaugurated, and discuss the government’s agenda.

Prime Minister Masrour Barzani will chair the meeting with his deputy, Qubad Talabani, with his cabinet, which is still missing a member, in attendance.

Barzani took his oath of office on Wednesday, confirming him as the new prime minister following a majority vote by parliament approving both his appointment and that of his cabinet.

The KRG has 21 ministers, with the post of the Minister of Natural Resources still vacant for now as a candidate has yet to be chosen by the leading Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP).

In the inaugural session, officials are expected to discuss the outlines of the government’s agenda, Kurdistan 24 has learned. The ministers are also expected to present their respective strategy to achieve the government’s goals during their four-year tenure.

They will also discuss the latest developments in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, unresolved disputes, and Erbil – Baghdad relations.

The KRG has outlined its agenda on its official website, summarized in dozens of points falling under seven categories: reform, improving services, ties between the KRG and the Iraqi government, political pluralism, international relations, economy and finance, effective governance.

“This agenda has been developed in accordance with the political agreements between all parties which compose the new cabinet of the KRG. And it includes the principles and policies of all parties in the government,” the KRG website says.

During his inauguration speech last Wednesday, Barzani said, “After working since September 2018 to put together a truly inclusive government, my commitment now is to work together with every party and every part of our nation to build a strong [KRG] that serves the people, not the other way around.”

 

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After giving him confidence .. The Council of Ministers of Kurdistan holds its first meeting and this is the most prominent files

Political | 10:19 - 15/07/2019

 
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Baghdad - Mawazin News 
The Cabinet of Ministers of the Kurdistan region, Monday, the first session after the granting of confidence by the Parliament of the Territory. 
A government source, for / Mawazin News /, "The Council of Ministers of the Kurdistan region is holding, today, the first meeting after the granting of confidence by the Parliament of the region." 
The source added that "the meeting will discuss several topics, including the relationship between Baghdad and Erbil and the issue of oil delivery." 
The Kurdistan Regional Parliament voted on Wednesday (10 July 2019) to grant confidence to a new government headed by Barzani. The provincial parliament approved the appointment of Qubad Talabani as deputy chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Kurdistan region, and gave confidence to 21 ministers, while the post of Minister of Natural Resources vacant to be administered by proxy.

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Start of the first meetings of the Council of Ministers of the Kurdistan Region

Political | 12:43 - 15/07/2019

 
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BAGHDAD - Mawazin News 
The Cabinet of Ministers of the Kurdistan region, Monday, the first session after the granting of confidence by the Parliament of the region. 
A government source told Mawazine News that "the Kurdistan Regional Council held its first session, headed by its president, Barzani and the presence of his deputy, Qubad Talabani, after he was given confidence by the parliament of the region." 
The agenda of the meeting includes the presentation of the government work program, as well as the discussion of the relationship between Baghdad and Arbil and the delivery of oil

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Editorial date:: 2019/7/15 13:28 • 72 times scheduled
Government of Kurdistan holds its first meeting headed by pleased Barzani
(Arbil: Euphrates News) The new Kurdistan Regional Government, Monday, held its first official meeting under the chairmanship of Marzur Barzani.
Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani and all the ministers participated in the new government formation. 
On July 10, 2019, the Kurdistan Parliament gave confidence to the ninth government cabins of the Kurdistan region headed by Massur Barzani with the votes of 88 parliamentarians. 
In his speech during the parliament session after his swearing-in, the new prime minister of the Kurdistan region pleased Barzani to introduce broad reforms in the region, which contributes to the strengthening of all sectors of government, pointing at the same time that Erbil and Baghdad want prosperous relations serving both sides. 
Masrur Barzani said he had worked hard to form a comprehensive government since the Democratic Party nominated him in September 2018, saying he worked with all parties and forces to form a "strong government" serving the people.
"We can not succeed in forming a strong government if we divide divisions and differences," he said, noting that the Kurdistan region looks forward to further progress in promoting a "stable and constructive partnership" with the federal government in Iraq. 
On July 11, Kurdistan Regional Government President Mishor Barzani and his deputy, Qubad Talabani, held a meeting with members of the new government cab, a day after they were given confidence by parliament. 
During the meeting, the Prime Minister spoke about the priorities of the new government's work and called on the ministers to stay away from partisan and focus on serving the citizens
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Editorial date: 2019/7/15 15:04  72 times scheduled
The appointment of Fawzi Hariri as head of the Office of the Presidency of the Kurdistan region
(Baghdad: Al-Furat News) Re-appointment of Fawzi Hariri, head of the Office of the Presidency of the Kurdistan region, under a regional order issued by the President of the Territory, Nechirvan Barzani, also participated on Monday, the meeting of the Kurdistan government.
Fawzi Hariri is the son of Franso Hariri, a leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, who was assassinated in 2001. He was born in 1958 and fluent in five languages. 
He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering from Britain, was Director of the Iraqi Foreign Ministry from 2003 to 2005, and served as Minister of Industry and Minerals in Iraq from 2006 to 2010. Fawzi lived for 20 years in London and worked in many institutions including airlines British as responsible
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To express goodwill .. The region announces the dispatch of a high-level delegation to Baghdad on Tuesday

Political | 03:03 - 15/07/2019

 
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BAGHDAD 
(Reuters) - A senior delegation from his government will visit Baghdad on Tuesday, Prime Minister Mesroor Azrani said Monday. 
Barzani said during the first meeting with his government team today that "a high-level delegation from the provincial government will visit Baghdad tomorrow to express good intentions and to conduct dialogues on finding a suitable solution to the outstanding differences between Erbil and Baghdad within the framework of the Constitution." 
Barzani announced after the formation of his new government that he will visit nearby to Baghdad to meet with Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi, and political forces to discuss the resolution of disputes.

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 2019/07/15 07:59:01
 

(Reuters) - A senior delegation of his government will visit the federal capital Baghdad on Tuesday, Prime Minister Meshur Azrani said on Monday. 
Barzani said during the first meeting with his government team today that a high-level delegation from the provincial government will visit Baghdad tomorrow to express good intentions and to conduct dialogues on finding a suitable solution to the outstanding differences between Erbil and Baghdad within the framework of the Constitution. 
Barzani was pleased after the formation of his new government to visit Baghdad, the Iraqi capital, and put in his program the government a number of points to regulate the relationship with Baghdad to resolve the dispute. "A constructive and stable partnership with Baghdad," 
which said:
This is a new era for the Kurdistan Region, which means renewing our relationship with our partners in the Federal Republic of Iraq. The priority of the administration is to develop a constructive and stable partnership with Baghdad based on mutual respect and cooperation. This includes a clear understanding of the rights and duties of the parties. 
We share a range of mutual interests with Baghdad that cover trade, the security of our borders and the economic prosperity of our citizens. These interests can be achieved only through partnership rather than constant competition. There are long-term issues that need to be addressed and this Government is committed to finding new ways of dialogue. The goal should be to leave past conflicts in favor of developing new approaches to common challenges. 
The constitution will be the core of the negotiations with Baghdad, which will be led by a high-level negotiating team from the Kurdistan Regional Government. The participation will focus on the following issues: 
Annual budget allocations for Kurdistan
We resolve the sharing of the import equation that sets the annual budget and secure a just and lasting agreement for Kurdistan. 
Distribution of oil and gas resources 
We will seek the full implementation of Articles 111 and 112 of the Constitution, which enhances the rights of Kurdistan in relation to the equitable distribution of oil and gas and development. If supported, the government program will increase transparency and investment in the oil and gas sector, which works to increase oil exports in Iraq and Kurdistan. 
Military and Security Cooperation 
We will strengthen our ability to combat common threats, address security changes in disputed areas and ensure that the Peshmerga is included in Iraq's defense system. 
Disputed areas
Our priority is to resolve the issue of disputed areas in line with the road map provided for in Article 140 of the Constitution, otherwise this map is implemented, priority must be for joint security and administrative coordination with the federal government in the disputed areas. 
Political Cooperation 
We will work to strengthen our political cooperation with the government in Baghdad, with emphasis on the principles of partnership, harmony and balance on which the constitution is based. 
Compensation of martyrs 
In line with Article 132 of the Constitution, we will strengthen our constitutional right to compensate the martyrs and victims of Anfal and affected by the former Baath regime. 
Barzani also said he would pay a close visit to Baghdad to meet Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi and political forces to discuss resolving the differences.

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PM Barzani Makes Reform Top Priority in First Cabinet Meeting

 
 Basnews English 15/07/2019 - 16:41 Published in Kurdistan
PM Barzani Makes Reform Top Priority in First Cabinet Meeting
 

ERBIL — During the first cabinet meeting with new ministers, Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani made it clear that fundamental reforms and eradication of corruption are top priorities in his cabinet.

Barzani held the first cabinet meeting on Monday, only few days after he was elected prime minister and the cabinet was approved by the parliament.

During the meeting, he urged the ministers to remain committed to the agenda of the cabinet which aims at a major administration and financial reform.

“Bribery exists in government institutions. Eradicating the issue should be one of the top priorities of the ministers and senior officials at the government. The issue will not be overlooked, and offenders will be accordingly punished,” reads a fragment from the readout of the meeting.

PM Barzani also urged the ministers to restructure the subordinate offices in order to provide better services to the people.

Edited by 6ly410
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  • yota691 changed the title to Government of Kurdistan holds its first meeting headed by pleased Barzani

Abdul Mahdi relates to Barzani pleasure and confirms his desire to resolve outstanding issues in practice

Political | 10:27 - 15/07/2019

 
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Baghdad Mawazine News 

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi expressed his congratulations to the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) President Barzani on the occasion of assuming his duties while calling for resolving outstanding problems between the governments of Arbil and Baghdad. 
A statement from Barzani's office, said that "Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi, congratulated a telephone call pleased Barzani on the occasion of assuming his duties as head of the provincial government." 
"I hope that we will be able to resolve all outstanding problems as quickly as possible," said Abdul Mahdi. 
He called on Abdul-Mahdi Barzani to "join efforts of the parties for the benefit of the Kurdistan region and the whole of Iraq and the service of citizens."

is over

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  • yota691 changed the title to Hawrami was appointed as Assistant to the Prime Minister of Kurdistan for Energy Affairs

Hawrami was appointed as Assistant to the Prime Minister of Kurdistan for Energy Affairs

Political | 12:02 - 21/07/2019

 
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BAGHDAD - The 
head of the Kurdistan cabinet of ministers, Massur Barzani, on Sunday ordered the appointment of Ashti Hawrami as an assistant to the Prime Minister for Energy. 
According to the order issued by Barzani's office, "it was decided to appoint Abdullah Abdulrahman Abdullah, and his name Ashti Hawrami, to take the post of Assistant to the Prime Minister for Energy Affairs." 
The mandate of the Assistant to the Prime Minister for Energy Affairs is as follows: 
- Follow-up of the implementation of decisions, recommendations and policies of the Kurdistan Regional Government - Iraq in the oil and gas sector, under Article VI of the Oil and Gas Act of Kurdistan Region - Iraq, No. 22 of 2007 , And in consultation with the Prime Minister. 
- Making recommendations to the Prime Minister in the field of energy. 
- Coordination with the relevant authorities in the field of energy in the Kurdistan Regional Government - Iraq.
- Completion of special tasks assigned by the Prime Minister, in the energy sector. 
- Attend the meetings of the Regional Council for oil and gas under Article (IV) of the oil and gas law of the Kurdistan Region - Iraq, No. (22) for the year 2007, and the drafting of the agendas of meetings. 
These responsibilities were assigned to the Assistant Prime Minister for Energy Affairs under Articles (IV) and (VI) of the Kurdistan Region Oil and Gas Law. (VI): 
First: Organization and supervision of oil operations, formulation, organization and control of oil operations policies, in addition to the organization, planning, implementation, supervision, inspection and audit of the implementation of all oil operations, as well as the marketing of oil. 
Second: the conduct of negotiations and the conclusion of agreements and the implementation of licenses, including oil contracts completed by the Kurdistan Regional Government.

According to Article 18 of Article 1 of the Kurdistan Region Oil and Gas Law, oil operations include the following: prospecting and exploration with a view to development, production, marketing, storage, transfer, liquidation, sale and production of oil or construction, establishment and establishment of any structure of machines and machines for the purposes referred to, Licenses or lifting any of these structures, devices, machinery and buildings. 
The order of assignment Ashti Hawrami was issued in this position on July 15, and is signed by the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region and is effective from the date of its issuance.

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Ashti Hawrami to serve as top energy official in the new KRG cabinet

By Rudaw 7 hours ago 
393Views
Ashti Hawrami to serve as top energy official in the new KRG cabinet
Ashti Hawrami. File photo: KRG 
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Following weeks of speculation concerning the fate of the long-serving Minister of Natural Resources (MNR) Ashti Hawrami, the main architect of the Kurdistan Region’s oil sector, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) announced Sunday he is to be appointed assistant to the prime minister for energy affairs.

In a decree dated July 17 that was signed by Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, Abdullah Abdul Rahman Abdullah, known as Ashti Hawrami, will serve as the top official for energy affairs, endowing him with a number of critical tasks. 

IMG_0851.JPG

Decree from KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani naming Abdullah Abdul Rahman Abdullah, known as Ashti Hawrami, as assistant to the prime minister for energy affairs. Photo: submitted 


It is not currently clear whether the powers handed to Hawrami as an assistant to PM Barzani, making him the government’s top energy official, will result in the scrapping of the ministry of natural resources. 

One of Hawrami’s main tasks as assistant will be to “oversee the implementation of the decisions, recommendations and policies of the Kurdistan Regional Government in the oil and gas sector” as defined by Article 6 of the 2007 Oil and Gas Law of the Kurdistan Region in consultation with the prime minister.

Hawrami will also have to present recommendations to PM Barzani in the energy sector and “coordinate between the relevant” energy authorities in the Kurdistan Region and carry out tasks delegated by the PM.

When Hawrami was first appointed minister for natural resources in 2006 the Kurdistan oil sector was still struggling to attract investment from abroad. It was ridiculed by Iraq’s central government, which told Kurdish delegations visiting Baghdad they would not even be able to extract their oil from the ground. The Kurdish delegations were repeatedly told they would not be able to explore, extract, or market their oil.

But as the rest of Iraq was mired in sectarian violence after the 2003 war, KRG officials started working on their oil and gas sector and finally introduced a business friendly oil and gas law in 2007 that opened the gates to many foreign companies including oil giants to enter Kurdistan and search for oil.

By 2007, Hawrami had held several top oil executive positions in the private sector in the United Kingdom and was well positioned to head the nascent energy sector. He was also familiar with the Iraqi oil sector as he had worked in the Iraqi National Oil Company (INOC) after his graduation from Baghdad University from 1971 to 1974. 

After the initial success of attracting small to medium seized oil companies to the Kurdistan Region, the Kurds started thinking about marketing their oil. However, due to a decades long dispute with the central government, they knew they could not rely on the goodwill of Baghdad.

In order to market their oil to international traders, they first needed to transport their oil out of the landlocked Kurdistan Region. The only viable option appeared to be through Turkey. The KRG and in particular then-prime minister Nechirvan Barzani worked to improve relation with Ankara despite years of animosity between the two parties.

The construction of the pipeline was almost completed by the summer of 2013. The first shipment of oil through the pipeline was marketed in May 2014
 

IMG_5551.JPGIn this September 2013 file photo, construction work on a section of oil pipeline nears completion in Peshkhabur on the border between the Iraqi Kurdistan Region and Turkey. Photo: Fazel Hawramy / Rudaw  

Hawrami is credited by industry executives and KRG officials as the driving force behind the independent Kurdish oil sector. However, he has also been criticized by opposition parties in the Kurdistan Region for the lack of transparency and accountability in the oil and gas sector. Several important public companies that the KRG had to establish as part of 2007 Oil and Gas Law were postponed. Moreover, there were several international disputes between various companies and the KRG, with the minister of natural resources absorbing the bulk of the criticism.


In his defense, Hawrami has said his job has been to make the oil and gas sector work in Kurdistan and bring in revenue for the KRG, but he should not be held responsible for what the KRG did with the oil revenues.

While disputes between Erbil and Baghdad are ongoing over the sale of oil and the share of the KRG budget from the federal government’s overall budget, the 2007 Oil and Gas Law of the Kurdistan Region outlines that the KRG and the federal government shall  “agree … in the joint management of oil and gas extracted from current Fields in the Region” so long as conditions set out in Article 19 of KRG Oil and Gas Law are met, including setting up a general petroleum revenue fund for the whole of Iraq, restructuring the petroleum industry in Iraq to encourage private investment, and finally for the KRG to have a proportional role in the Federal Oil and Gas Council. 

The Assistant to the Prime Minister for Energy Affairs will be required to attend meetings of the Regional Council for Oil and Gas Affairs and prepare the agenda. The Council, as such, will have an additional member in the future. Previously, it had five members: the prime minister presided over the council, the deputy PM was deputy president, while the ministers of Natural Resources, Finance and Economy, and Planning were members.

RELEVANT: The current state and future of KRG’s natural gas 

Hawrami’s fate was a point of discussion earlier this month when the new KRG cabinet was approved by the parliament and prime minister omitted a candidate for the minister for natural resources.

Hawrami, who holds a PhD in Reserve Oil Engineering, has been the minister for natural resources since the post was created in May 2006. He was re-appointed in 2009 followed by a third tenure in 2012. He served under past prime ministers Nechirvan Barzani, now the Kurdistan Region president, and Barham Salih, now the Iraqi president.

KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani had indicated his administration aims to “develop a constructive and stable partnership” with Baghdad, a welcoming sign at a time that the wider Middle East region is going through a tumultuous time as tensions between the US and Iran rise.

With Adil Abdul-Mahdi approaching his first anniversary as Iraq’s prime minister, the appointment of Hawrami indicates some progress in settling disputes between Baghdad and Erbil.
 
 
Edited by 6ly410
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New head of KRG Foreign Relations Department takes office

Sangar Ali Sangar Ali |
4 hours ago
 

https://mobile.twitter.com/K24English?ref_src=twsrc^appleios|twcamp^safari|twgr^profile

 

New head of KRG Foreign Relations Department takes office
Safeen Dizayee succeeds Falah Mustafa as the new head of the KRG Department of Foreign Relations, July 21, 2019. (Photo: Falah Mustafa's Twitter account)
 
Kurdistan DFR KRG Iraq 
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ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Kurdish official Safeen Dizayee officially took office as the new head of the Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG) Department of Foreign Relations (DFR) on Sunday, replacing outgoing head Falah Mustafa as part of the formation of the new government cabinet announced earlier in July.

Mustafa has been at the helm of the DFR for the past 13 years, since the department's establishment.

 

Serving the people of @Kurdistan Region as Head of @KRG_DFR for the past 13 years has been the greatest honor of my life. I want to thank my family & colleagues @DFR_KRG for their tremendous support. I congratulate my successor & dear friend @SafeenDizayee & wish him all the best

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Currently, there are roughly 40 consulates or other foreign representative's offices in the autonomous Kurdish region. The KRG has diplomatic missions in 14 countries across the world, including all five permanent members of the UN Security Council: the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Russia, and France.

Dizayee previously served as the KRG's spokesperson.

The DFR plays a key role in strengthening the Kurdistan Region’s ties with countries around the world as well as coordinating official communications with them. The department's head has full ministerial standing in the KRG cabinet.

The current regional government, headed by Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, was formed on July 10, when it was approved by a majority vote of lawmakers in the Kurdistan Parliament.

The leadership has stated that it aims to carry out reforms in the public sector, improve regional governance, and develop ties with the federal government of Iraq by resolving outstanding disputes with Baghdad that have plagued previous administrations

Editing by John J. Catherine

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  • yota691 changed the title to Region: Joint Committee will soon begin to resolve the differences between Erbil and Baghdad
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