Postponement of the lawsuit to extract the Kurdistan region oil and export it to the seventh of next month

[yota691]

 

[yota691]

GMT 7:35 2016 Friday, September 30 : Last Updated

Search with infallible battle of Mosul and file oil and gas

Barzani: the independence of the province will be done only in agreement with Baghdad

Dr. Osama Mahdi

Head of Iraq's Kurdistan region, Massoud Barzani, said that the independence of the province the right of the province, but it will not be without an agreement with Baghdad, stressing that he had found among Iraqi officials, a new atmosphere and a genuine desire to solve all the problems between Baghdad and Erbil .. As discussed with President infallible political, economic and security issues urgent and file editing Mosul.

Elaf from London : Head of Iraq 's Kurdistan region , Massoud Barzani, said during a press conference in Baghdad, following a meeting with thehead of the Shiite National Alliance Ammar al - Hakim, last night, I followed "Elaf", he said that the Kurdistan Regional demand independence, not separation, which is a natural right, but it will not be without an agreement with Baghdad. 

He pointed out that he discussed with al-Hakim, all issues of concern to Baghdad and Erbil, explaining that currently mutually priorities relating to the fight against terrorism and the liberation of the remaining Iraqi territory from the control of the organization Daesh, primarily the province of Nineveh and its capital Mosul .. referring to obtain agreement between the Iraqi Ministry of Defense and the forces Peshmerga the province around to get the job military plans, in addition to agreements on post-editing stage, where there will be full cooperation between Baghdad and Erbil to resolve any emergency problems.

Barzani said that his talks with al-Abadi resulted in an agreement to solve all the problems and strengthen confidence between the parties. He pointed out that a Kurdish delegation will visit Baghdad soon to discuss the file of oil and other economic issues, expressing hope that his talks with Iraqi officials lead to comprehensive solutions. He stressed that he found in Baghdad good intentions .. Asked about the safeguards that can get them to fulfill promises to Baghdad, he recalled that security is a historical relationship and the national interest and common understanding.

He added that he discussed in Baghdad, "the subject of the economic crisis that we are suffering from all of us, and we have agreed on cooperation between Erbil and Baghdad to overcome this crisis." 

Video access Barzani to al-Hakim's headquarters in Baghdad:

For his part, al-Hakim pointed out that it held talks with Barzani characterized by clarity, transparency and love .. He explained that he has been emphasizing the importance of the relationship which brings together Iraq with all its regions and the Kurdistan region dear part, "so we have to look for a comprehensive military and political solutions and we put a roadmap check overcome obstacles ".

He pointed out that the solution to the problems between Erbil and Baghdad must take Msarien, the first by a government official bodies and the exchange of visits, the political and the second through dialogues between the political actors in the country and up to the historic solutions to end all outstanding issues.

He added that it was also discussed the upcoming battle of Nineveh and the development of high-plans between the KRG and the federal government around, which is a relief. He stressed the importance of the Battle of Mosul, the provincial government correctly in post-Daesh .. He said: "an eye on the post-liberation political, social, security and humanitarian consequences that will result." 

Infallible and Barzani discussed Mosul and displaced persons and the oil and gas issues 

For his part, Barzani discussed with Iraqi President Fuad Masum, the pressing political, economic and security issues and file editing Mosul.

Infallible and Barzani also discussed during their meeting the Presidential Peace Palace in Baghdad last night going to liberate Mosul preparations and file of the displaced and legal elections, oil and gas, where he stressed the need to continue the dialogue .. and expressed their aspiration to see the next stage to move towards resolving all the obstacles that stand in the way the country's stability and development of the political system within a federal, democratic, and prosperous Iraq, as a presidential press statement said, had seen the text "Elaf".

During the talks in Baghdad yesterday, Abadi stressed his government's support for the rule of the decentralized and the security and stability of the Kurdistan region, while Barzani stressed that he looks at the Baghdad strategic Kaamq, pointing out that the Iraqi forces and peshmerga were placed court for the Liberation of Mosul plan assured its people that their future is secure.

 Relations between Baghdad and Arbil are under stress from time to time due to differences over the political, military and economic issues. The government issued Erbil oil from the northern fields months ago independently of the government in Baghdad after the collapse of the agreement between the parties, which was built on the basis of oil delivered to Baghdad and received their share of funds from the federal budget.

 The last of the Kurdistan regional president's visit to Baghdad in 2013 while with the talks, during which the leaders of the political blocs on the political situation in the country and complete the negotiations with the central government on the outstanding problems between the central government and the provincial government.

 

 

[yota691]

Lebanese newspaper reveals details of Baghdad and Erbil agreements: the Peshmerga under the command of al-Abadi and increase the budget of the Kurdistan

Ali Abdul Salman 104  09/30/2016

 

 

 

 

Revealed a Lebanese newspaper, on Friday, the details of the agreements that have taken place during the President of the Kurdistan region Massoud Barzani's visit to Baghdad and his meeting with Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, as pointed out that among the agreements that were made Peshmerga under the command of al-Abadi and increase the province's budget in the fiscal budget for next year.

The "News" newspaper in a report on its issue, today, said that "close to al-Abadi sources, and other Kurdish agreed to get agreement on the key issues in dispute, at the forefront of the battle to liberate Mosul and the participation of the popular crowd and the peshmerga, as was the mechanism to arrive at solutions on the development economic and financial issues between Baghdad and Erbil, in regards to the oil agreement. "

The paper said, "The agreement on the roles and missions distribution in the battle to liberate the city of Mosul anticipated, between the Iraqi army and the crowd and folk peshmerga", noting that "the last will be under the command of al-Abadi and within the Joint Special Operations Command, according to what was agreed upon in New York during a meeting Abadi US president Barack Obama".

The paper that "a source Kurd told her to cancel the recent agreement between Baghdad and Erbil, and work on a new mechanism on oil exports and revenues mode, likely to be raising the region's share increased by 3% to 20% in order to enable the region to pay employees' salaries and benefits, after a wave of anger tidal began earlier this week. "

[gregp]

Great News Yota. 20% will bring the Kurds in. Thanks!

[MyLadiesDaddy]

I'll say it again folks this is your RV

[Wiljor]

4 minutes ago, ladyGrace'sDaddy said:

I'll say it again folks this is your RV

[yota691]

Rasool: The Iraqi government pledged to cooperate to resolve the problem of the region salaries 5:46:23 a.m. 30.09.2016 | (Voice of Iraq) - Erbil ,  said First Deputy Secretary-General of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, Rasool, participating in meetings of the delegation of Kurdish in the Iraqi capital Baghdad on Thursday, " The Iraqi government pledged to cooperate to resolve the problem of salaries."  The Messenger "The meetings were held Thursday, September 29, 2016 are very good, we talked with all political parties , large frankly, was to break the impasse that has arisen between the province and Baghdad, and no longer cold exist. "  He said the first deputy Secretary-General of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, according to a statement issued by his office, about the province salaries Kurdistan and to support Baghdad , "we emphasized in all our meetings to provide the salaries of the staff and teachers of the province of Kurdistan , which you must Baghdad government supplied and help them all, pledged to the (Iraqi government officials) to help solve this problem."  on the relations between Erbil and Baghdad , said , "We decided to form a committee for study and that the Committee shall be the participation of all political parties. "

[DinarThug]

(by walkingstick)

Newspaper reveals details of Baghdad and Erbil agreements: the Peshmerga under the command of al-Abadi and increase the budget of the Kurdistan

Revealed a Lebanese newspaper, on Friday, the details of the agreements that have taken place during the President of the Kurdistan region Massoud Barzani's visit to Baghdad and his meeting with Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, as pointed out that among the agreements that were made Peshmerga under the command of al-Abadi and increase the province's budget in the fiscal budget for next year.

The "News" newspaper in a report on its issue today, and seen by / information /, said that "close to al-Abadi sources, and other Kurdish agreed to get agreement on the key issues in dispute, at the forefront of the battle to liberate Mosul and the participation of the popular crowd and the peshmerga, as was the develop a mechanism to reach solutions on economic and financial issues between Baghdad and Erbil, in regards to the oil agreement. "

The paper said, "The agreement on the roles and missions distribution in the battle to liberate the city of Mosul anticipated, between the Iraqi army and the crowd and folk peshmerga", noting that "the last will be under the command of al-Abadi and within the Joint Special Operations Command, according to what was agreed upon in New York during a meeting Abadi US president Barack Obama".

The paper that "a source Kurd told her to cancel the recent agreement between Baghdad and Erbil, and work on a new mechanism on oil exports and revenues mode, likely to be raising the region's share increased by 3% to 20% in order to enable the region to pay employees' salaries and benefits, after a wave of anger tidal began earlier this week. "

http://almaalomah.info/2016/09.....ical/90722

 

[DinarThug]

(by walkingstick)

we agreed with Abadi to solve oil, gas lawand economic crisis

 

BAGHDAD,— Following a meeting with the Iraqi prime minister in Baghdad on Thursday, KDP party leader Masoud Barzani said that Erbil still maintained relations with Iraq and that both sides sought to solve all disputes through dialogue and understanding.

Barzani said on Thursday a Kurdish delegation has agreed with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to tackle the issues of the oil and gas law as well as the economic crisis

Abadi held a press conference along with Barzani following a meeting between both sides in Baghdad.

Abadi said both sides discussed solutions to the Kurdistan Region’s budget issue and the fight against Islamic State (IS) militants.

“The issue of Kirkuk’s oil must be resolved,” Abadi said during the conference. “We want to give more power to the governorates and the Kurdistan Region will benefit.”

Barzani said the delegation’s visit to Baghdad was to express support to Abadi and added issues between Erbil and Baghdad required discussion and understanding.

“We agreed with Abadi to solve the issues of the oil and gas law and the economic crisis,” Barzani said. “The discussion will continue.”

Both sides said there is cooperation between the Iraqi army and Peshmerga forces in the fight against ISIS militants.

Iraqi PM Abadi said he welcomed Barzani “to Baghdad the capital of all Iraqis” and that his government worked “for the prosperity of all Iraqis from Zakho to Fao,” using a local term that refers to the territorial integrity of Iraq from its Kurdish north to the southernmost point of the country.

Barzani arrived in Baghdad Thursday at the head of a top level delegation consisting of senior leaders of five Kurdish political parties for talks with the Iraqi premier and other political leaders.

The Kurdish delegation includes top officials from the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), and secretaries of the Kurdistan Islamic Union KIU and the Socialist party.

The PUK delegation includes Kosrat Rasoul Ali, first deputy of the PUK, Mala Bakhtyar, head of the PUK politburo, and Sheikh Jaafar Mustafa, PUK Peshmerga commander. Also Salahadin Bahadin, the head of Islamic Union KIU, and Mohammed Haji Mahmoud, head of the socialist party, will join the delegation to Baghdad,”

The Change (Gorran) Movement and the Kurdistan Islamic Group (KIG) refused to participate in the delegation headed by Massoud Barzani. Gorran Spokesman Shorish Haji told NRT on Wednesday his party was not invited to join the delegation.

http://ekurd.net/erbil-baghdad.....2016-09-29

 

[MyLadiesDaddy]

I'll  say it for the 3rd time folks, this is your RV

[Wiljor]

Wow Thugs your knocking them out of the park brother, thanks and very much appreciated. Let's see if they can get it together  

[nannab]

October 1 tomorrow kids so everyone say extra prayers

tonight ! 

[DinarThug]

Pretty Short Notice To Be Announcing An Official Holiday In Less Than 48 Hours !

 

       

 

 

 

Kurdistan announced on Sunday an official holiday

29-09-2016

http://www.ara.shafaaq.com/96229

 

 

[four wheel drift]

4 hours ago, DinarThug said:

Pretty Short Notice To Be Announcing An Official Holiday In Less Than 48 Hours !

 

       

 

 

 

Kurdistan announced on Sunday an official holiday

29-09-2016

http://www.ara.shafaaq.com/96229

 

 

Let's hope they earned this one.

Thanks Thug, good stuff and if not we are one day closer

FWD

GO RV TOMORROW

[gregp]

Great find Thugs!

[yota691]

Deputy optical: Barzani agreed with al-Abadi on the State of Kurdistan

Saturday 01-10-2016 | 10:55:02

 

 

 

 

H d

Twilight News / revealed the independent MP for the province of Basra, Mohammed al-Tai, holding "undeclared" agreements included in the visit of the President of the Kurdistan region Massoud Barzani to Baghdad.

He wrote al-Tai, published on his site "Facebook", that there are agreements "unannounced" has during the visit of Barzani of them agree on the "state of Kurdistan" in principle, as well as to try to form a new coalition between the Democratic Kurdistan and some of the parties to the National Alliance, like the old, top, advocacy wing Prime Minister, and the Sadrists, but with conditions.

He said al - Tai, that this agreement is a message for other forces (objecting), that new alliance will be influential in the equations and conditions and new understandings, noting that they vary depending on the political bloc and the control of power on the ground, according to his words. 
He concluded Tai encyclical, "O people of Basra Dear elites independent political and intellectual Dear media people it is time to know the conditions and factors agreements. "

[yota691]

Winners and losers of the meeting Barzani and Abadi 04:02:14 10/1/2016 | (Voice of Iraq) - Baghdad at the  invitation of al - Abadi, Barzani arrived in Baghdad yesterday (29/09/2016) In the first visit to him in the reign of al - Abadi, after three years of estrangement between Baghdad and Erbil.  Following the arrival of President of Iraqi Kurdistan Massoud Barzani to Baghdad , Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al - Abadi held a joint press conference with him.  He called Abadi at the press conference "to meet the challenges and to national reconciliation and community and giving priority to the higher interests of the country." "The disaster in Iraq got many things unresolved since 2003, and we aspire to develop complete solutions and cooperation to resolve Kirkuk and the budget of the Kurdistan oil problem." He stressed that it "supports the decentralized governance and the political, security and economic for the Kurdistan region and stability."  For his part, President of the Kurdistan region , said: "We came today to express our support for Ebadi, and edits, and cooperation to overcome all the obstacles that stand in the face of the government." He added: "We support the call of Prime Minister al - Abadi to achieve genuine national reconciliation for the sake of the country." He stressed that "there is good coordination between the armed forces and the Peshmerga for the Liberation of Mosul; assured that" the future of Mosul would be safe , "and that" all the problems and issues must be understanding them with Baghdad. "  He met with Barzani , President of the Republic Fuad Masum.  Then Barzani went Bsubhh Kurdistan region delegation to the headquarters of the "National Alliance"; where he met the president of the "Alliance , " al - Hakim. The contract Hakim and Barzani joint press conference. during the conference, al - Hakim said: "We discussed the battle to liberate Mosul and the economic crisis, and the convergence of views between Baghdad and Erbil." he called Hakim "My government Baghdad and Erbil to coordinate to face the post "Daesh". "  for his part, Barzani said:" We found optimism to resolve outstanding issues with Baghdad "; noting" there is a new climate of more understanding to resolve the problems and we will go through it to resolve all matters. "he added Barzani " The Kurdistan Regional demand independence, not separation , which is a natural right"; stressing that "this issue can not be done without the agreement with Baghdad , " and that "there is a delegation from the Kurdistan region will visit Baghdad to reach a comprehensive agreement , " noting " the seriousness of the existence of the government Federal resolve all the problems. "  it was one of the first results of Barzani 's visit to Baghdad, currently the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan region Nechirvan Barzani, on Thursday (29/09/2016), the agreement with the federal government on the formation of a joint military committee between Erbil and Baghdad for talks on the battle upcoming Mosul.  In a related development, it was revealed , an Iraqi government source about the presence of US efforts to bring the views of the prime minister, Haider Abadi and Kurdish regional President Massoud Barzani, in conjunction with the latter 's visit to Baghdad. this  confirms the telephone call by US Vice President Joe Biden with Barzani eve the visit confirmed his support for the visit. It also confirms that a series of visits and meetings leading up to the visit and collected profile officials in Baghdad and Erbil in the presence of the American party, most recently Abadi 's visit to New York , accompanied by a joint delegation from the Baghdad government and the Kurdistan region.  This, come Barzani 's visit to Baghdad after a series of visits he made to Turkey, Iran and the countries of the Union European, which informed him of the need to introduce a referendum on independence on Baghdad first. Which was referred to by Barzani in the press conference with al -Abadi.  It is proof that this is among the things, which are on the agenda of the visit, he said - on the eve of the visit - media adviser to the president of the Kurdistan region struggle Mahmoud, who stressed that " the delegation Kurdistan region to discuss the future relationship between Baghdad and Erbil, and will present a draft referendum independence of Kurdistan during the meeting and the creation of a sophisticated formula to ensure good relations between the people of Kurdistan and the rest of the Iraqi people. "  the visit comes Barzani days of the dismissal , Hoshyar Zebari , Minister of Finance and leader of the" Kurdistan Democratic party "after payment of Maliki 's bloc, according to observers. If so, Barzani 's visit may have foiled an attempt al - Maliki, and may be repercussions have poured in the interest of his opponents.  In this light, the leader of the "Change Bloc" MP Hoshyar Abdullah stressed that the visit is a visit partisan, due to the expiration of the mandate Barzani. MP from the "coalition of the rule of law , " Abdel - Salam al - Maliki also called on public prosecutors to move the lawsuit and issued an arrest warrant on Barzani event of arrival to Baghdad.  As an MP for the "reform front" Hanan al, wrote on the official front page in "Facebook": " I do not give a lifeline to the head of the territory of an outgoing and has no official status or legitimacy now only because the President of the party has 25 seats in parliament, not Putin. "  in response to the anti remarks Barzani 's visit, MP for the " Kurdistan Democratic Party "Majid Chenkali, voices that oppose the visit as " a cacophony does not serve the interests of Erbil or Baghdad." Chenkali stressed that " the strategic depth of the Erbil is Baghdad , not a referendum or separation without reference to Baghdad , " and that " the joint between Erbil and Baghdad , the points will be a springboard for the future."  The Kurdish political response Mahmoud Othman to "change the block," he said that "Barzani 'svisit to Baghdad is not a partisan and very important for all political parties in Iraq. " He pointed out that the facilities of the Barzani delegation represents "Most of the Kurdish parties, while lagging behind the delegation , " the group change and the group "Islamic, and therefore will not be visiting the partisan, but rather represent the Kurdistan region."  It is clear that al - Abadi and Barzani and their allies of the biggest gainers of the water return to normal between Baghdad and Erbil after the interruption in the reign of al - Maliki and al - Maliki and his allies may have been the biggest losers in this historic conciliation between Erbil and Baghdad, especially that caused the rupture. The Magistrate after losing to their positions within the government, and the liberation of Nineveh doors, which accused Maliki then Barzani and his allies of orchestrating the crash , however , "Daesh."  Finally, open Barzani 's visit this new page in the relationship Baghdad and Erbil, and that was before I interrupted, the foundation stone in the political process which was launched after 2003. the parties have leaves arranged after the departure of "Daesh" of the most important priorities for the next phase; where will affect the stability of the two parties on the overall relationship with the Iraqi scene.  Omar Abdul Sattar

[yota691]

"he added Barzani " The Kurdistan Regional demand independence, not separation , which is a natural right"

[nannab]

Good morning Yota,DV

[bostonangler]

Iraqi News

October 1, 2016

Barzani meets Abadi in Baghdad, agrees to solve all problems

The President of Kurdistan region, Massoud Barzani, agreed on Thursday with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to solve all problems between the federal government of Iraq and Kurdistan Regional Government.

Barzani said at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, “We reached an agreement with Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to solve all problems, including the economic crisis, in addition to oil and gas issues.”

“We are ready to cooperate with the President to solve all problems,” Barzani explained. “We have many challenges and common priorities, including defeating ISIS terrorists and cleansing every inch of Iraq from these criminals,” Barzani added.

Earlier today, the Head of the Kurdistan region, Massoud Barzani, arrived to the capital, Baghdad on an official visit to meet a number of officials to discuss several files and issues.

Article Link

 

 

B/A

Edited October 1, 2016 by bostonangler

[MyLadiesDaddy]

23 minutes ago, bostonangler said:

Barzani said at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, “We reached an agreement with Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to solve all problems, including the economic crisis, in addition to oil and gas issues.”

 In the eight yrs that I've been reading about the Dinar and the affairs of Iraq I have never seen this. It has always been the Kurd's,{whether right or wrong, who knows}, that have stalled the enactment of the HCL. We can surmise from past articles that the Law was passed some time ago but that it has never seen the light of day. Now with the news of this Barzani/Abadi love-fest and that coming from multiple sources, I  suspect that we'll be seeing the HCL enactment in very short order. I don't think that this time will be like all the others because this time it seems that the Kurd's have gotten that which they wanted most, MORE MONEY. Up to 20% more. I suspect the amount is linked to the amount of production and the price of oil. 

[Synopsis]

What I like from the second to last article is, "It is clear that al - Abadi and Barzani and their allies of the biggest gainers of the water return to normal between Baghdad and Erbil after the interruption in the reign of al - Maliki and al - Maliki and his allies may have been the biggest losers in this historic conciliation between Erbil and Baghdad, especially that caused the rupture. The Magistrate after losing to their positions within the government, and the liberation of Nineveh doors, which accused Maliki then Barzani and his allies of orchestrating the crash , however , "Daesh.""

With the return to normalization of the relationship between Kurdistan and Baghdad, looks like the purposes al-Maliki had for causing destruction in Kurdistan, and Iraq as a whole, has been defeated.  Looks like the way is being paved further, potentially, for Kurdistan and Baghdad to reach agreement on a variety of mutual considerations.  Hopefully, as LGD pointed out, the HCL is there and just waiting for the correct circumstances to be revealed/implemented.

With recent articles noting al-Maliki as stating he wants to run again for the Iraqi Prime Minister to replace al-Abadi, it seems al-Maliki is turning more and more into a desperate man attempting to change the outcome of the inevitable.  With Barzani and Abadi on agreeable terms, there may be mechanisms in place, or being put in place, to expose Maliki's past wrong doing (Daesh takeover included) and permanently remove Maliki from any significant political influence and acquiring and political office or service in any civil function whatsoever.  

Here is hoping al-Maliki with be dispatched elsewhere soon!

Edited October 1, 2016 by Synopsis

[MyLadiesDaddy]

2 hours ago, Synopsis said:

What I like from the second to last article is, "It is clear that al - Abadi and Barzani and their allies of the biggest gainers of the water return to normal between Baghdad and Erbil after the interruption in the reign of al - Maliki and al - Maliki and his allies may have been the biggest losers in this historic conciliation between Erbil and Baghdad, especially that caused the rupture. The Magistrate after losing to their positions within the government, and the liberation of Nineveh doors, which accused Maliki then Barzani and his allies of orchestrating the crash , however , "Daesh.""

With the return to normalization of the relationship between Kurdistan and Baghdad, looks like the purposes al-Maliki had for causing destruction in Kurdistan, and Iraq as a whole, has been defeated.  Looks like the way is being paved further, potentially, for Kurdistan and Baghdad to reach agreement on a variety of mutual considerations.  Hopefully, as LGD pointed out, the HCL is there and just waiting for the correct circumstances to be revealed/implemented.

With recent articles noting al-Maliki as stating he wants to run again for the Iraqi Prime Minister to replace al-Abadi, it seems al-Maliki is turning more and more into a desperate man attempting to change the outcome of the inevitable.  With Barzani and Abadi on agreeable terms, there may be mechanisms in place, or being put in place, to expose Maliki's past wrong doing (Daesh takeover included) and permanently remove Maliki from any significant political influence and acquiring and political office or service in any civil function whatsoever.  

Here is hoping al-Maliki with be dispatched elsewhere soon!

 And it would seem that this goes along with the other article you quoted today, mentioning that Iran is going by-by as far as Iraq is concerned 

According to the article, "according to sources , it has been focusing on the fundamental problems , including Iran 's interference and influence and confirmed "that Washington has pledged to take over the protection of the new federal government in Iraq with the support of the Security Council with work on support Haider al - Abadi as head of the federal government representing Iraq, similar to the Swiss model. " 
as will be Iraq 's declaration as a strategy of first - class , and its security is linked to US national security, and will be reported to Iran later to return to the borders before the 2003 at all levels and work through official diplomatic representation in Baghdad , just as is the case of the Iraqi diplomatic representation in Tehran

 

[Synopsis]

Thank You, LGD -

[Wiljor]

Iraq, October 1, 2016 

Baghdad’s offer to provide funds to cover salaries of Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) employees on condition that the Kurdish government hands over it oil to Baghdad will not cover even half Erbil’s payroll, said the KRG’s minister of natural resources. 

“What Baghdad is saying is not in the interest of the Kurdistan Region because Baghdad won’t provide salaries for 1,400,000 employees for us. What Baghdad is saying is not enough to provide half the salaries, even under austerity measures, never mind the complete salary,” Ashti Hawrami said in the KRG’s Council of Ministers meeting on Thursday.

The KRG’s budget has been hard hit by a number of factors, including, according to Hawrami, Baghdad’s decision to halt exportation of Kirkuk’s oil.

“The Iraqi government’s decision to halt exportation of Kirkuk oil had a negative impact on the Kurdistan budget over the past six months,” Hawrami said. 

Iraq stopped exporting oil from Kirkuk six months ago over a row with Erbil about Kurdistan exporting its oil independently. That worsened an economic crisis on both sides, where coffers are severely strapped by the war with the Islamic State (ISIS).

On August 30, Baghdad and Erbil reached an agreement to export 150,000 barrels of Kirkuk oil daily through Kurdish pipelines to Turkey, with revenues being shared jointly between the two governments. The agreement ended stoppage of Kirkuk’s oil. 

The agreement will mean that 75,000 bpd (barrels per day) will be exported by the Kurdistan Region and an equal volume by Baghdad to the Turkish Mediterranean port of Ceyhan, sources said.

Iraq's parliament last week assigned several committees to address the lingering economic crisis in the Kurdistan Region and find ways to "ease the financial pressure" on state employees in the Region, Kurdish lawmaker Zana Rostayi told Rudaw.

Rostayi said that according to the constitution, the parliament passes annual budgets that are designed for all Iraq's provinces, including the KRG.

"The Kurdistan Region is still part of Iraq, which is why we think the Iraqi state is responsible to ensure KRG budget and the wages to its employees in the Region," Rostayi said. 

The KRG has been struggling to pay its estimated 1.3 million employees since February 2014, when relations between Erbil and Baghdad deteriorated over oil revenues. 

Iraq's government froze the Kurdish share of national budget in February 2014, due to Kurdistan Region's signing oil deals with foreign firms largely independent from Baghdad. 

"The Iraqi government is accountable for the financial crisis in the Region. State employees in Iraq and Kurdistan Region should be treated equally, something which clearly Baghdad has failed to do," Rostayi said. 

The KRG intensified its efforts to solve the financial crisis, including efforts through Baghdad. A high Kurdish delegation headed by President Masoud Barzani arrived in Baghdad on Thursday. One of the topics discussed with Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi was finding a resolution to the dispute over oil and gas.

“With the prime minister we have agreed to solve the disputes, especially economic and oil and gas and seek a better solution for all them,” Barzani said in a joint press conference with Abadi in Baghdad on Thursday.

rudaw

 

http://iraqdailyjournal.com/story-z14000741