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Rudaw Net
28-02-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
KIU says governance in Kurdistan Region is backsliding
Also in Kurdistan Kurdistan Region leaders, officials welcome Ocalan's call on PKK to disarm Ocalan will ask the PKK to disarm: President Barzani President Barzani, Ameri discuss political developments, enhancing dialogue in Iraq Erbil Forum kicks off A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The leader of the Kurdistan Islamic Union (KIU) on Friday said he is concerned about the state of governance in the Kurdistan Region and confirmed his party will not take part in the next cabinet, arguing that they can be more effective in opposition. Salahaddin Bahaaddin, the KIU's secretary-general, stated during a panel at Erbil Forum 2025 that while his party maintains good relations with the ruling Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), they have long harbored concerns about governance in the Kurdistan Region. 'Rather than improving, it has backslid,' he said, adding that the current political reality prevents any party outside the ruling blocs from having a role in decision-making. 'We have observations on the performance of the government,' Bahaaddin said. 'We believe these observations are legitimate and we are not willing to bear the responsibility.' The KIU experienced a significant decline in parliamentary representation between the 2013 and 2018 elections, dropping from 10 seats to 5 seats after they participated in the government. 'We were not very careful,' the KIU leader said in reference to their joining the cabinet. In the 2024 elections, KIU's seats witnessed a humble jump to 7 and the party has decided to remain in opposition. It and the other opposition parties are skeptical about participating in the government, fearing that joining the KDP-PUK coalition might alienate their supporters. The KDP and PUK, while rivals, have shared power in government since the establishment of the Kurdistan Region in the early nineties. On the first day of the Erbil Forum, Nechirvan Barzani, president of the Kurdistan Region and deputy-chair of the KDP, announced that the KDP and PUK are the 'main blocs' forming the government, and that they 'need to sit together and form the government, and the other parties need to participate too.' PUK leader Bafel Talabani on Sunday said that forming the cabinet will be complicated, though talks are progressing 'very well' with the KDP. Bahaaddin also addressed the groundbreaking letter from the jailed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Ocalan who called for the group to disarm and disband. The KIU leader said he expects a positive response from the PKK. "Ocalan is an intellectual and political figure. He knows the best direction to route the process to the best destination," he said, adding that they are ready to help advance the peace process. Bahaaddin also said that Kurdish forces in Syria 'have to accept [Ocalan's] message.' The People's Defense Units (YPG) are a Kurdish armed group in northeast Syria that is the core of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The Turkish government considers them a PKK offshoot. Bahaaddin said 'They have to understand what happened" and should not pose a threat to efforts to chart Syria's future or the peace process in Turkey. SDF commander Mazloum Abdi welcomed Ocalan's call to lay down arms as a positive step toward peace. However, he clarified that it does not apply to the SDF. "Ocalan's call was directed at the PKK and its guerrillas, not directly at our region,' he stated during a press conference on Thursday. Salih Muslim, co-chair of the Democratic Union Party (PYD), the political wing of the YPG, echoed Abdi's sentiments, emphasizing that the decision to disarm rests with the PKK and that the situation in Syria is distinct. "The ball is now in the Turkish state's court," Muslim told the PKK-affiliated ANF News, noting that this process will happen gradually and that 'the decision to dissolve itself also belongs to the PKK.' He rejected links to the PKK.
Rudaw Net
28-02-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
PUK and KDP seek greater foothold in Baghdad, says Kurdish MP
Also in Iraq 95% fish, 30% buffalos in Iraq's marshes are lost: NGO Kurdistan's oil exports to resume 'in coming hours': oil ministry Oil producers welcome Rubio's efforts to restart Kurdish exports Iraq welcomes Ocalan's call for PKK's dissolution A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Kurdish political parties are looking to strengthen their footholds in Baghdad through upcoming Iraqi elections to resolve 'tangled issues' such as disputed areas and federal budget shares, a Kurdish member of the Iraqi parliament said at the Erbil Forum on Thursday. 'We notice a growing interest to enhance the Kurdish presence in Baghdad through parliament,' said Aso Faraidoon, an MP from the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), adding that he anticipates both the PUK and the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) will strive for a more effective participation in Baghdad, especially to address the lingering issues of disputed territories such as Kirkuk and federal budget allocations amid regional uncertainties. 'The impact of regional and international influence on Iraq in the upcoming period may be higher in the coming months', Faraidoon said. 'We don't know what the nature of the relationship between the United States and regional states will be like, in part Syria.' Iraqi parliamentary elections are tentatively scheduled for October 2025. Faraidoon anticipated a high voter turnout if Muqtada al-Sadr's Sadrist Movement decides to re-enter the political arena, potentially mobilizing voters in the predominantly Shiite central and southern provinces. Rafi' Abduljabbar Azzawi, a former Iraqi MP from the Sadrist Movement was also on the panel at the forum. He noted that Sadr's February 19 call for his supporters to update their voter registration records 'does not necessarily indicate a shift in his stance on participating in Iraq's upcoming elections, but rather to urge Iraqis to take a stand in the critical period ahead.' In 2021, Sadr announced he was withdrawing from politics despite achieving a decisive victory, winning 73 seats in the election. He condemned political corruption in his announcement. His participation in the upcoming elections could significantly impact voter turnout and, subsequently, the trajectory of the political process in Iraq. Raed Fahmi, secretary-general of the Iraqi Communist Party, speaking on the panel highlighted the need for a 'strong state of institutions' and censured the 'sectarian and ethnic foundations' that have led to a 'fragile state incapable of delivering services.' He pointed to low voter turnout numbers and said Iraq needs to move toward a state of citizenship rather than a state divided along sectarian lines. Mustafa Ayash al-Kubaisi, secretary-general of the National Monument Party, reflected on the historical lack of Sunni political preparation in post-2003 Iraq, which he said has resulted in divisions and weak political representation. 'The Sunnis did not prepare an agenda for the post-2003 phase, which left the decision and representation of Sunni-majority provinces in limbo,' Kubaisi said. He attributed the historically low voter turnout in Sunni regions to internal disputes and a lack of faith in true political partnership. As Iraq prepares for its next elections, the challenges of voter apathy, political fragmentation, and regional instability remain significant hurdles. While Kurdish parties are positioning themselves to strengthen their role in Baghdad, concerns over governance, legitimacy, and electoral fairness continue to loom large over Iraq's political future.
Rudaw Net
28-02-2025
- Business
- Rudaw Net
Iranian gas more competitive, says former Iraqi electricity minister
Also in Middle East SDF says Ocalan's call for PKK disarmament, dissolution does not apply to them President Barzani, PUK leader welcome Ocalan's call on PKK to disarm Media misinformation greater in Middle East since Gaza war: Researchers Funeral of slain Hezbollah chief Nasrallah held in Beirut A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iranian gas is more competitive than other options, a former electricity minister said at the Erbil Forum on Friday. Baghdad is under pressure from Washington to end its energy dependence on its neighbour. "Iranian gas is much more competitive when compared to other sources," said former Iraqi electricity minister Luay al-Khateeb, speaking on a panel titled 'Regulation of Oil and Gas Demand and the Future of Energy Transmission in Iraq.' For years, Iraq's electrical grid has depended on gas imports from Iran and Baghdad received sanctions waivers from Washington. The new American administration, however, is reviewing its waiver policies. Imports from Iran are also frequently interrupted. This winter, Iran has experienced a natural gas shortage. Iraq is looking to capture and use its own natural gas, ending the deadly and toxic practice of flaring associated gas at its oil fields. When Iraq's current government took office, '47 percent of gas was being flared. Each 1 percent is worth $1 billion,' Izzat Sabir, Iraq's deputy oil minister for gas, said on the panel. Iraq is second only to Russia in terms of the amount of gas burned off, though the Iraqi population lives on average much closer to the flaring sites than Russians do. In the 2015 Paris Agreement, Iraq made a commitment to eliminate flaring by the end of the decade. "Iraq's plan is to flare no gas by 2030,' Sabir said, adding that "Iraq has enough gas for the next 111 years." In January, Sabir told Rudaw that Iraq needs $10 billion to eliminate gas flaring by the deadline, expressing confidence that the goal could be achieved even sooner. Speaking on the panel, Sabir highlighted cooperation between Iraq and the Kurdistan Region in the gas sector. "It is very important for Iraq and the Kurdistan Region's relations in the gas sector to be complementary. Iraq should benefit from the Kurdistan Region when needed and vice versa, based on contracts and mutual benefit," he said. He added that Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani approved an increase in the amount of gas delivered to the Kurdistan Region for domestic consumption. Kurdistan Region's oil exports are expected to resume after a nearly two-year stoppage. Matthew Zais, a vice president at HKN Energy and former US Assistant Secretary of Energy, said on the same panel that 'next month will mark the two-year anniversary of the pipeline closure. This event is emblematic of a substantial lose-lose situation for Iraq, where the Iraqi people are losing significant revenue from the Kurdistan Region." The exports were stopped in March 2023 after the International Court of Arbitration ruled in Iraq's favor that Turkey had violated a 1973 pipeline agreement when it allowed the Kurdistan Region to independently export oil. The final hurdle in negotiations to resume exports was resolved earlier this year when the Iraqi parliament passed an amendment to the federal budget to increase transportation and production fees paid to oil producers. Iraq's oil minister on Friday said the resumption of exports will be announced 'in the coming hours.' Exports will begin at a rate of 185,000 barrels per day and gradually increase to the level set in the federal budget, according to a ministry statement. Zais said that the Kurdistan Region's oil production has dropped to 300,000 barrels per day. Prior to the suspension, Erbil was exporting approximately 400,000 barrels of oil per day through the Iraq-Turkey pipeline, along with an additional 75,000 barrels per day from Kirkuk. Oil producers operating in the Kurdistan Region have said they are ready to resume exports but first require a formal agreement on payments.
Shafaq News
28-02-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
2025 Erbil Forum: Iraq seeks gas alternatives after US sanctions on Iran
Shafaq News/ Iraq is exploring natural gas imports from Qatar and Algeria after the United States revoked its exemption allowing purchases from Iran, Deputy Oil Minister for Gas Affairs Izzat Saber revealed on Friday. Speaking at the Erbil Forum, hosted by the Rudaw Research Center, Saber emphasized the government's search for alternative energy sources. 'Due to US sanctions, Iraq can no longer import gas from Iran as it did in previous years,' he stated, adding that an agreement with Turkmenistan is also unfeasible since the gas would have to transit through Iran. The Deputy Minister also announced that Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani has approved an increase in gas supply to the Kurdistan Region (KRI), noting, 'Gas exchange between the KRI and Baghdad is crucial and mutually beneficial.' Iraq has been investing heavily in its gas sector to enhance self-sufficiency. 'Since 2020, Iraq has launched a $10 billion gas investment initiative, expected to generate up to $30 billion in revenues by 2030,' Saber remarked. He highlighted foreign involvement in the sector, particularly French energy major Total Energies, which is investing $25 billion in Iraq's oil, gas, and energy industries. Saber underscored the complexity of these projects, noting that 'they require advanced technology and extended development timelines.' As for ending associated gas flaring, the official affirmed that the matter remains a top priority for the government. 'By 2030, Iraq will no longer be among the top three countries in gas flaring,' Saber asserted, reaffirming the country's commitment to the 2015 Paris Agreement on emissions reduction.
Asharq Al-Awsat
28-02-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Iraq's Ruling Coalition to Discuss US Warnings
Iraq's ruling coalition is set to hold an emergency meeting to discuss the implications of a recent phone call between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. Following the conversation, the US State Department released a statement urging Iraq to 'limit Iran's malign influence' and ensure its energy independence. Political sources in Baghdad suggest that leaders within the Coordination Framework, a coalition of pro-Iran factions, perceive Rubio's remarks as a direct threat to Iraq's political stability. Concerns are also rising over potential US sanctions targeting individuals, institutions, or banks. Uday al-Khadran, a senior figure in the Coordination Framework, stated that Iraq has consistently worked to maintain neutrality in regional conflicts. He expected the coalition to convene an emergency meeting in the coming days to evaluate Washington's warnings and strategize on avoiding potential sanctions. US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed that Rubio and Sudani agreed to maintain dialogue on regional developments. In turn, David Schenker, former Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, remarked that Iraq's role in US foreign policy is closely linked to former President Donald Trump's maximum pressure campaign against Iran. Speaking at the Erbil Forum, Schenker emphasized that Iraq is currently not a top priority for Washington. On February 1, Trump signed a presidential memorandum reinstating the maximum pressure policy, aiming to block Iran's nuclear ambitions and curb its regional influence. He also stressed the importance of preventing Iran from exploiting Iraq's financial system. For his part, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein reiterated Baghdad's commitment to maintaining balanced relations with both Washington and Tehran. He highlighted Iraq's adherence to its security agreement with Iran while continuing strategic talks with the US. Hussein revealed that Washington has pressured Baghdad to halt gas imports from Iran and consider additional measures to weaken Tehran's influence. He also noted that attacks by armed factions on coalition forces have ceased due to shifting regional dynamics, while acknowledging that disarming these groups remains a complex challenge that requires internal political dialogue. The US maintains around 2,500 troops in Iraq as part of the international coalition against ISIS, alongside 1,000 additional troops from allied nations stationed at key bases such as Ain al-Asad and Harir in the Kurdistan region. While Iraq had previously announced the conclusion of the coalition's mission, Sudani has indicated that negotiations for a new security agreement with Washington are underway.
