Special to WorldTribune.com

BAGHDAD — The autonomous region of Kurdistan, in defiance of Iraq,
has decided to expand independent crude oil exports.

A Western company said it would expand oil exports from Kurdistan in
2013. Genel Energy, dismissing the prospect of a lawsuit by the Baghdad government, said it would raise exports to 20,000 barrels per day.

“We are today exporting oil to Turkey in accordance with the authority
granted to us by the Kurdistan Regional Government, and as the largest independent operator in Kurdistan, are well placed to take advantage of regional opportunities for a broader export market as the political situation continues to develop,” Genel chief executive officer Tony Hayward said.

KRG has signed energy exploration and development agreements with
several Western companies, including Chevron, ExxonMobil and Total.

So far, Genel has gained control over most of the energy reserves in Kurdistan.

  Chevron, dismisses Iraq threat of lawsuit, ExxonMobil, Genel Energy, Kurdistan expands oil exports, Total