PM Masrour Barzani advocates for modern oil law, criticizes outdated legislation in Iraq
"Iraq doesn't have an oil law. We have a law that belongs to the Saddam's era, which is designed for a central government. It doesn't help a federal system," PM Barzani explained.
Nov. 23, 2024
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani called for comprehensive reform of Iraq's oil legislation during his appearance at MEPS24, criticizing the current law as a relic of the Saddam era unsuitable for Iraq's federal system.
The Prime Minister highlighted the urgent need for updated legislation to resolve ongoing disputes between Baghdad and Erbil.
"Iraq doesn't have an oil law. We have a law that belongs to the Saddam's era, which is designed for a central government. It doesn't help a federal system," PM Barzani explained.
He expressed surprise that while Baghdad had abolished many previous laws, this outdated legislation remains in effect.
The Prime Minister referenced a 2007 draft law that never passed through parliament, suggesting that a modern law accommodating Iraq's federal structure could resolve many existing conflicts between the federal government and the Kurdistan Region.
"We need to have a modern law that is good for a federal system," he emphasized.
This legislative gap has contributed to ongoing disputes over oil revenue sharing and export rights between Baghdad and Erbil, impacting the region's economic stability and development prospects.