Latest news with #MasrourBarzani
Shafaq News
2 days ago
- Business
- Shafaq News
Exclusive: US links Iraq-KRG salaries to pipeline reopening
Shafaq News/ On Thursday, the US State Department called on both Baghdad government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to fulfill constitutionally mandated financial obligations and settle their disputes through constructive dialogue. Responding to a Shafaq News inquiry about Baghdad's suspension of salary payments to the Kurdistan Region, a State Department official emphasized that resolving the dispute over salary payments would 'sends a signal that Iraq puts the interests of its people first' and help create an investment-friendly environment. 'It would also send a positive signal on possibilities for reopening the Iraq–Turkiye pipeline.' The US official reiterated that American support for the Kurdistan Region remains a 'crucial element' of Washington's relationship with Iraq, pointing out that Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently hosted KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani in Washington and also spoke with President Nechirvan Barzani, stressing the importance of continued cooperation to promote Iraq's stability and prosperity. Earlier, Iraq's Ministry of Finance suspended funding for May salaries, citing the KRG's alleged failure to adhere to budget allocations and deliver oil and non-oil revenues as agreed. Erbil rejected the accusations, arguing that Baghdad had failed to uphold its own financial commitments. The salary dispute coincides with Erbil's announcement of two major energy investment deals with US companies valued at over $110 billion. The agreements sparked criticism from Baghdad, which viewed them as a breach of federal authority.
Shafaq News
3 days ago
- Business
- Shafaq News
KRG after US backing: Resuming oil exports benefits all of Iraq
Shafaq News/ On Wednesday, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) called for the resumption of oil exports following a senior delegation's visit to Washington, where US officials expressed support for the Region's federal role in Iraq, according to a statement. During a cabinet session led by Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, ministers reviewed discussions held with members of Congress and Trump administration officials. The United States, the government noted, reaffirmed its recognition of the KRG as a key partner in the Iraqi federation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly conveyed Washington's commitment to backing the Region's institutional and financial entitlements, acknowledging the KRG's role in sheltering displaced populations and protecting community diversity. Cabinet members provided reports on their respective meetings, with the council welcoming the US position and highlighting the importance of sustained engagement. The KRG emphasized its readiness to continue negotiations with Baghdad to resolve pending disputes within the constitutional framework—particularly the resumption of oil exports via Iraq's national marketing company, SOMO. The suspension, in place since March 2023 due to legal and fiscal disagreements, has led to significant revenue losses. Officials maintained that resuming shipments would reinforce federal income, support energy sector development, and uphold equitable revenue sharing as outlined in Iraq's constitution.
The Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
US says supports gas deals with Kurdistan region after Iraq lawsuit
WASHINGTON: The United States said Tuesday it supported American energy companies' contracts with Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region after the Iraqi government filed a lawsuit against them. Regional prime minister Masrour Barzani announced the signing of the two deals valued at tens of billions of dollars during a visit to Washington, in which he met Friday with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rubio in his meeting 'commended' the deals with US companies, State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce told reporters. 'We encourage Baghdad and Arbil to work together to expand domestic gas production as soon as possible. These types of economic partnerships will benefit both the American and Iraqi peoples and help Iraq move toward energy independence,' she said. 'We also believe that US and Iraqi interests are best served by having a strong, resilient Iraqi Kurdistan region within a sovereign and prosperous federal Iraq 'As far as the nature of the lawsuits, obviously we are looking forward to continuing these kinds of deals. We expect these kinds of deals to flourish, and expect and would hope that they would be facilitated,' she said.
The Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
US Backs Kurdistan Gas Deals Despite Iraq Lawsuit
WASHINGTON: The United States said Tuesday it supported American energy companies' contracts with Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region after the Iraqi government filed a lawsuit against them. Regional prime minister Masrour Barzani announced the signing of the two deals valued at tens of billions of dollars during a visit to Washington, in which he met Friday with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rubio in his meeting 'commended' the deals with US companies, State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce told reporters. 'We encourage Baghdad and Arbil to work together to expand domestic gas production as soon as possible. These types of economic partnerships will benefit both the American and Iraqi peoples and help Iraq move toward energy independence,' she said. 'We also believe that US and Iraqi interests are best served by having a strong, resilient Iraqi Kurdistan region within a sovereign and prosperous federal Iraq 'As far as the nature of the lawsuits, obviously we are looking forward to continuing these kinds of deals. We expect these kinds of deals to flourish, and expect and would hope that they would be facilitated,' she said.
Al Arabiya
4 days ago
- Business
- Al Arabiya
US says supports gas deals with Kurdistan region after Iraq lawsuit
The United States said Tuesday it supported American energy companies' contracts with Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region after the Iraqi government filed a lawsuit against them. Regional prime minister Masrour Barzani announced the signing of the two deals valued at tens of billions of dollars during a visit to Washington, in which he met Friday with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rubio in his meeting 'commended' the deals with US companies, State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce told reporters. 'We encourage Baghdad and Arbil to work together to expand domestic gas production as soon as possible. These types of economic partnerships will benefit both the American and Iraqi peoples and help Iraq move toward energy independence,' she said. 'We also believe that US and Iraqi interests are best served by having a strong, resilient Iraqi Kurdistan region within a sovereign and prosperous federal Iraq 'As far as the nature of the lawsuits, obviously we are looking forward to continuing these kinds of deals. We expect these kinds of deals to flourish, and expect and would hope that they would be facilitated,' she said.
