Turkey says it is involving Baghdad in Kurdistan energy deals

Turkey says it is involving Baghdad in Kurdistan energy deals

Special to WorldTribune.com ANKARA — Turkey has played down the prospect of expanded energy cooperation with Iraq’s Kurdistan. Officials said Turkey has not yet completed energy agreements with the Kurdistan Regional Government. They said Ankara sought to involve the Baghdad government, which opposes KRG deals with third countries. The officials also said Baghdad tried to […]

Kurdistan slaps down Iraq ‘threat’ to its oil export policy

Kurdistan slaps down Iraq ‘threat’ to its oil export policy

Special to WorldTribune.com BAGHDAD — The autonomous region of Kurdistan has reaffirmed its intention to maintain an energy policy independent from the Iraqi government. The Kurdish Regional Government has rejected efforts by Baghdad to explore for energy in areas claimed by the Kurds. The Iraqi Oil Ministry has signed an agreement for British Petroleum to […]

Kurdistan tensions with Baghdad increase following report of secret arms deal

Kurdistan tensions with Baghdad increase following report of secret arms deal

Special to WorldTribune.com BAGHDAD — Iraq’s autonomous region of Kurdistan was said to have signed its first arms deal with an unidentified country. The Baghdad government has determined that the Kurdish Regional Government signed a contract for a range of weapons to protect the northern Iraqi zone from foreign invasion. Officials said the arms agreement […]

Baghdad warned Obama that ExxonMobil deal could spark war

Baghdad warned Obama that ExxonMobil deal could spark war

Special to WorldTribune.com BAGHDAD — Iraq has warned that a Western energy deal with the autonomous north could lead to war. A senior official said the government of Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki has determined that an ExxonMobil contract to explore for energy in Kurdistan could lead to a regional war. Al Maliki’s spokesman, Ali […]

Kurdistan turns off oil spigot: ‘There have been no payments’ from Baghdad

Special to WorldTribune.com BAGHDAD — Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan has suspended crude oil exports. The Kurdistan Regional Government said the Iraqi Oil Ministry forced the suspension by halting revenues to energy contractors in the autonomous north. KRG said Baghdad withheld payment since May 2011. For its part, Baghdad has accused KRG of smuggling oil through Iran. […]

Kurds charge Baghdad is withholding oil revenues, threaten to stop production

Special to WorldTribune.com BAGHDAD — Iraq has halted oil revenues to the autonomous Kurdish north. The Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) said Baghdad has been withholding pledged oil revenues since at least October 2011. KRG said it was owed $1 billion for 2011 alone. “Furthermore, not a single dollar has been received for exports in 2012,” […]

ExxonMobil bows to Baghdad, suspends Kurdistan oil deal

Special to WorldTribune.com BAGHDAD — A Western energy major has suspended an agreement with Iraq’s autonomous Kurdish region. ExxonMobil has suspended an accord with the Kurdistan Regional Government for oil exploration in northern Iraq. The company, under threat of a ban by Iraq, informed the Oil Ministry in Baghdad on March 5 that ExxonMobil would […]

Exxon signs Kurdistan deal, risking Iraq oil contracts

Special to WorldTribune.com BAGHDAD — The autonomous region of Kurdistan has signed an energy exploration deal with a major Western contractor. ExxonMobil has signed several energy exploration contracts with the Kurdish Regional Government in northern Iraq. ExxonMobil has been a major contractor for the Iraqi Oil Ministry. The ministry said it warned the company three […]