Iraq‘s Ministry of Oil stated that it is insisting on resuming exports via the Iraqi-Turkish pipeline as soon as possible while adhering to the provisions of the constitution and the law, affirming that the federal government is the biggest loser from the export halt.
The statement, published by the ministry via the Telegram application, clarified that the Turkish decision came “following the issuance of an international arbitration decision by the Paris Chamber of Commerce in favour of Iraq.”
It added that the refusal of foreign companies operating in the Kurdistan region to hand over their production to the regional government for export according to the general budget law is one of the main reasons for the export halt, according to the Arab World News Agency.
Resuming oil exports via the Iraqi-Turkish pipeline in a short period is possible if foreign companies deliver oil by the law.
The contracts between the oil companies operating in the region and the Ministry of Natural Resources in the region “have not been approved by the federal government or the federal oil ministry at all, lacking a sound constitutional and legal basis.”
The ministry emphasized that non-compliance with the adopted oil policy by the federal government jeopardizes Iraq’s reputation and international commitments.
The ministry stated, “It has previously officially confirmed the immediate resumption of exports in accordance with the law via the Iraqi-Turkish pipeline, while simultaneously negotiating towards a comprehensive and mutually satisfactory solution that serves the public interest.”
