Special to WorldTribune.com

BAGHDAD — Iraq has warned a Western energy major against working in
the autonomous Kurdistan region.

Iraq’s Oil Ministry has threatened France’s Total against accepting
projects from the Kurdish Regional Government.

The ministry said Total would require permission from the Baghdad government for any development program
in Kurdistan or face a boycott by the central government.

“The central government’s position will be the same as with other oil companies, that no company has a right to sign a contract without its approval,” Deputy Prime Minister Hussain Al Shahristani said on Feb. 12.

Two days earlier, Total said it was examining energy investments in Kurdistan.

The French company could follow the U.S. firm ExxonMobil, which
in late 2011 signed a contract to develop tracts in KRG.

  ExxonMobil, France’s Total, Hussain Al Shahristani, Iraq Oil Ministry, Iraq warns Western oil major seeking to invest in Kurdistan region, Kurdish Regional Government