Latest news with #KRG
Rudaw Net
9 hours ago
- Business
- Rudaw Net
KRG receives May salaries from Baghdad
A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Kurdistan Region's finance ministry on Thursday said that it received nearly 975 billion dinars (about $737 million) from the federal government to cover public sector salaries of May, after Erbil and Baghdad reached a breakthrough in talks. 'The amount of (974,813,000,000) dinars has been transferred to the bank account of the Kurdistan Region's Ministry of Finance and Economy as the entitlement for the salaries of employees and pensioners of the Kurdistan Region for the month of May,' the finance ministry said in a statement. The payment comes after the Iraqi government on Tuesday decided to resume the payment of the salaries of public sector employees in the Kurdistan Region, following nearly three months of suspension due to financial disputes with Erbil. Salary distributions are set to begin tomorrow, according to the ministry. Tensions between Baghdad and Erbil escalated in late May when the federal finance ministry suspended transfers, accusing the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) of exceeding its 12.67 percent federal budget share and failing to deliver the agreed oil volumes to Iraq's State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO). The freeze affected more than 1.2 million public sector employees in the Kurdistan Region. Per the new deal, the payment will only cover the month of May, and the disbursement of salaries for the remaining months will depend on how the agreement is implemented moving forward. On Wednesday, the KRG Council of Ministers called on Baghdad to abide by the new deal and stressed that it has 'fully implemented all its obligations.' The Erbil-Baghdad agreement also includes the resumption of KRG's oil exports. The process has been halted since March 2023 when a Paris-based arbitration court ruled in favor of Baghdad against Ankara, saying the latter had violated the 1973 pipeline agreement by allowing Erbil to begin exporting oil independently in 2014. Under the agreement, the KRG must export its entire oil output through SOMO, keeping 50,000 barrels daily for local use. In return, Baghdad is expected to make budget transfers and provide refined fuel if needed. However, the KRG, the Iraqi government, and international oil companies operating in the Kurdistan Region have yet to reach a final agreement on the future of Kurdish oil exports.
Shafaq News
a day ago
- Business
- Shafaq News
KRG: Baghdad must honor salary obligations under oil deal
Shafaq News – Erbil The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) on Wednesday reaffirmed its full compliance with the recent financial and oil-sharing agreement with Baghdad, calling on the Iraqi government to immediately release salaries and financial entitlements. In a statement issued following a cabinet session chaired by Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, the KRG pointed out that the Region had deposited 120 billion dinars into the federal treasury as part of non-oil income, in addition to submitting the finalized salary lists for May and June. It noted that relevant ministries and auditing bodies from both sides continue to verify monthly revenues and expenditures. The statement added that the relevant ministries had also approved mechanisms to harmonize customs procedures and quality control standards between the KRG and federal institutions. Regarding oil exports, the KRG confirmed that its Ministry of Natural Resources had cooperated with federal counterparts by providing access to oil production data and facilities, despite recent drone attacks on oil fields that disrupted output. Technical teams from the two sides have reportedly agreed to begin transferring KRG-produced oil through the federal marketing company SOMO. 'The Council of Ministers affirmed that these measures demonstrate the Region's full commitment to the agreement, and in return, the federal government must also adhere to what was agreed upon—particularly the disbursement of salaries and entitlements for citizens in the Region, which have not yet been sent. Employees in the Region have been deprived of their salaries for three months, which is a constitutional and legal right that must not be violated under any circumstances, especially since the Region has fully met its obligations,' the KRG stated The KRG also urged its media institutions to act responsibly and refrain from spreading misinformation that could cause unrest or obscure the government's efforts.
Rudaw Net
a day ago
- Business
- Rudaw Net
KRG says implemented ‘all obligations' in budget deal with Baghdad
Also in Kurdistan Sulaimani man swallows 24 tweezers, needles in rare medical case Two 'dangerous terrorists' arrested in Sulaimani Iran's surprise release of water into Kurdistan Region shocks locals KRG opens child protection center in Halabja province: Official A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Kurdistan Region's Council of Ministers said on Wednesday that it has 'fully implemented all obligations' in the recent budget agreement with Baghdad and called on the Iraqi government to abide by the deal. 'The Council of Ministers reaffirmed that the Kurdistan Region has fully implemented all its obligations' regarding sending its non-oil revenues, salary lists, and joint cooperation on the Region's oil exports through Iraq's State Oil Marketing Organization, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) said in a statement. It called on Baghdad to 'also fulfill its obligations according to the agreement by immediately sending the salaries and financial entitlements of the people of Kurdistan,' lamenting that the Region's civil servants have been deprived of their salaries for three months, 'which is their constitutional and legal right that should not be violated under any pretext.' 'The federal government must send the salaries and financial entitlements of the people of Kurdistan as soon as possible,' the KRG asserted. The Iraqi government on Tuesday decided to resume the payment of the salaries of public sector employees in the Kurdistan Region after nearly three months of suspension due to financial disputes with Erbil. Tensions between Baghdad and Erbil escalated in late May when the federal finance ministry suspended transfers, accusing the KRG of exceeding its 12.67 percent share of the federal budget and failing to deliver the agreed oil volumes to SOMO. The freeze affected more than 1.2 million public sector employees in the Kurdistan Region. Last week, the federal and regional governments reached a new deal over financial and oil disputes following the failure of several similar deals in the past. The Iraqi government approved the agreement during a cabinet meeting and decided to resume the disbursement of the salaries of KRG's civil servants on Tuesday. The payment will only cover the month of May, and the disbursement of salaries for the remaining months will depend on how the agreement is implemented moving forward. In the statement, the KRG thanked the Kurdistan Region's civil servants for their 'resilience' in the face of unpaid salaries. 'The Council of Ministers, with great respect and appreciation, highly values the responsible stance and resilience of the Kurdistan Region's people who have the necessary understanding of this difficulty imposed on the Kurdistan Region and have defended, with a high responsibility, the constitutional entity of the Kurdistan Region,' it said. The Erbil-Baghdad agreement also includes the resumption of KRG's oil exports. The process has been halted since March 2023 when a Paris-based arbitration court ruled in favor of Baghdad against Ankara, saying the latter had violated the 1973 pipeline agreement by allowing Erbil to begin exporting oil independently in 2014. Under the agreement, the KRG must export its entire oil output through SOMO, keeping 50,000 barrels daily for local use. In return, Baghdad is expected to make budget transfers and provide refined fuel if needed. The KRG is also obligated to hand over 120 billion Iraqi dinars (nearly $92 million) in non-oil revenues monthly for May. However, the KRG, the Iraqi government, and international oil companies operating in the Kurdistan Region have yet to reach a final agreement on the future of Kurdish oil exports. Fuad Hussein, Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, told Rudaw on Tuesday that Baghdad will continue paying the KRG civil servants for the months of June and July as well.
Rudaw Net
a day ago
- Business
- Rudaw Net
US passes Syria sanctions bill, ties relief to reforms
Also in World Rubio tells Sudani important to pay KRG salaries 'consistently' Brawl breaks out between pro-Damascus, Kurdish rallies in Germany's Dusseldorf US encourages Iraq to end tensions with Kurdistan Region US orders return of Baghdad embassy, Erbil consulate staff A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The United States House of Representatives on Tuesday passed the Syria Sanctions Accountability Act, aiming to maintain pressure on Damascus while allowing flexibility to support Syria's transitional government. 'The goal is to give them the chance to succeed while ensuring accountability for any malign activities,' said US Congressman Mike Lawler, a member of the committee behind the bill. According to the US Congress website, the legislation proposes maintaining and expanding targeted sanctions on individuals and entities linked to the former regime, human rights violations, narcotics production, and activities threatening Syria's stability or hindering transitional justice. It also calls on US financial agencies to review banking restrictions and push for enhanced economic monitoring at international institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank. The bill ties the lifting of remaining sanctions to measurable progress in several areas, including ending attacks on civilians, ensuring humanitarian access, releasing political prisoners, and halting the targeting of religious minorities. 'My bill provides the administration with the flexibility to ensure that our posture is in line with the current environment and provides Congress with the information we need to act,' Lawler added. In May, US President Donald Trump, during a trip to the Middle East, announced his decision to effectively lift most broad, economy-wide sanctions on Syria. He also met with Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa during a summit in Riyadh hosted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Since taking office in January, following the toppling of longtime dictator Bashar al-Assad, Syria's new leadership has prioritized lifting international sanctions. Several countries, including members of the European Union, which officially lifted its sanctions in May, have expressed openness to removing Assad-era restrictions but have emphasized the need for inclusive governance and strong counterterrorism efforts. In a recent interview with Reuters, US envoy to Syria Thomas Barrack said he had urged Sharaa to embrace a more inclusive political approach in the wake of recent sectarian violence, warning that failing to do so could undermine international support and risk further fragmentation of the country. A fresh wave of violence between Druze fighters and Bedouin tribes has rocked the southern Druze-majority Suwayda province since July 13, leading to a regional crisis as Israel intervened in support of the Druze, striking several targets, including Syrian state forces and an airstrike on the defense ministry building in Damascus. Sharaa's forces have been accused of siding with the Sunni tribes. 'We're, of course, aware of those reports and we're aware that some who might be affiliated but not directed by the Syrian Government may be a part of that [violence],' US Department of State Spokesperson Tammy Bruce told Rudaw's Diyar Kurda during a press conference on Tuesday. At least 1,265 people have been killed in the violence in Suwayda, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. A Washington-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Syria was announced on Saturday by Barrack, with the truce seemingly holding. The Druze are in control of the province, while Syrian government forces are guarding the entrance to prevent Sunni fighters' entry in a bid to avoid further tensions. In June, the Observatory reported that 7,670 people, mostly civilians, were killed in the first half of the year due to ongoing violence and widespread 'security chaos.' A fact-finding committee probing sectarian violence in Syria's coastal Alawite-majority areas in March said on Tuesday that it identified nearly 300 suspects in connection with the events, which left more than 1,700 people dead, mostly from the Alawite community. Investigations by the committee documented 'serious violations against civilians,' including 'murder, premeditated murder, looting, destruction and burning of homes, torture, and sectarian insults,' committee spokesperson Yasser al-Farhan said during a Damascus presser. In March, violence erupted in Syria's Alawite-majority coastal areas after armed groups, many loyal to ousted president Bashar al-Assad, launched attacks on forces allied with the government, prompting Damascus to respond with force.
Rudaw Net
a day ago
- Business
- Rudaw Net
UK smuggling sanctions target 10 individuals from Iraq, Kurdistan
Also in Iraq Iraq eyeing 'sustainable' diversification away from oil: PM advisor Diyala council seeks to block Qaratapa district upgrade Iraq's ruling coalition condemns drone attacks on Kurdistan Region Iraqi parliament fails to discuss drone attacks on Kurdistan Region A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Ten Iraqi nationals, including individuals from the Kurdistan Region, were sanctioned under a new United Kingdom sanctions regime targeting smuggling networks, the British consulate in Erbil said on Wednesday. The UK announced on Tuesday the launch of what it described as the world's first sanctions regime specifically aimed at smuggling gangs and their facilitators. 'The first designations under the regime, announced today, include 10 Iraqi nationals who have been exploiting and endangering vulnerable people, including from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, and threatening the security of the UK and the KRI [Kurdistan Region of Iraq],' the UK consulate general in Erbil said in a statement seen by Rudaw. 'These sanctions are part of a wider effort, in coordination with international partners, including the KRG [Kurdistan Regional Government], to stop this cruel trade and promote regional and international stability,' it added. The new Global Irregular Migration and Trafficking in Persons (GIM) sanctions target individuals and organizations involved in smuggling and trafficking worldwide, including those who fund or enable such activities. Measures include travel bans, asset freezes, and restrictions on access to the UK's financial system. With these sanctions, the UK government does not have to rely on criminal or counter-terrorism laws. They require less evidence and do not involve the apprehension of the suspect. Criminal law also takes effect after a crime has been committed, while sanctions serve as a proactive tool to disrupt criminal activity and publicize the individuals involved. 'For too long, criminal gangs have been lining their corrupt pockets and preying on the hopes of vulnerable people with impunity as they drive irregular migration to the UK. We will not accept this status quo,' UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said in a statement on Tuesday. 'That's why the UK has created the world's first sanctions regime targeted at gangs involved in people smuggling and driving irregular migration, as well as their enablers,' he added. The BBC reported the announcement following a protest outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in southeast England's Essex county. The protest was triggered by the arrest of an asylum seeker for alleged sexual assault. It also reported that around two dozen names of the first batch of targeted individuals will be announced. Per the UK consulate general's statement, it is clear that ten of the individuals are Iraqi nationals, including from the Kurdistan Region. AFP released the identities of some of them, including several with Kurdish names. 'The first targets will cover a range of wrongdoing, from the supply of small boats being used on cross-Channel journeys, to the trade in fake passports, as well as middlemen facilitating payments through Hawala networks, to the gang leaders themselves,' the British government's statement said. Hawala networks are an informal and trust-based system for transferring money across borders without physical transfer of money. Separately, the UK has signed a 'one in, one out' agreement with France, allowing the return of illegal migrants arriving from France in exchange for accepting a set number of legal asylum seekers from France subject to security checks, according to the BBC. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also recently reached agreements with France and Germany aimed at curbing the arrival of small boats. Thousands of people from Iraq and the Kurdistan Region take on perilous routes towards Europe on a yearly basis in hopes of escaping unemployment, political instability, and corruption. The UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) has previously worked with the KRG against organized crime. 'We maintain a positive relationship with law enforcement partners in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and work with them against a range of shared threats, including organised immigration crime," a spokesperson for the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) press office told Rudaw in November 2024. Kurdish criminal groups control the increasingly lucrative cross-Channel migration routes, according to the NCA, which said in its 2023 assessment that the groups are mainly based in northern Europe. Also in November last year, a French court sentenced 18 people, mostly Kurds from the Kurdistan Region, to prison terms of up to 15 years for operating a smuggling network that transported people across the English Channel. In May 2024, Kurdish police in Sulaimani arrested a Kurdish man accused of heading an organized crime group that smuggled people into the UK. The regime was previously outlined by foreign minister David Lammy in January.
