Kurdistan Democratic Party's Insights on Oil Relations with Baghdad
In a recent interview, Mahdi Abdul Karim Al-Haidari, the spokesperson for the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), shed light on the ongoing discussions surrounding the oil and gas legislation between the KDP and the Iraqi government. He emphasized that the resolution of the oil file is imminent, with expectations of re-exporting oil through the SOMO company next month. Al-Haidari highlighted that previous agreements during Muhammad Shiaa al-Sudani's government have yielded positive outcomes, including the smooth distribution of salaries for the Kurdistan region's employees. He stated, "Most of the problems between the region and Baghdad depend on the legislation of the oil and gas law," indicating a collective effort to finalize this critical legislation.
Regional Dynamics and Political Alliances
Al-Haidari also addressed the significance of Article 140 of the Iraqi Constitution, which pertains to the status of disputed territories, affirming that discussions surrounding this article are ongoing. He mentioned that the upcoming Kurdistan Regional Parliament elections will be pivotal, with the KDP confident of its stronghold in previous elections. Additionally, he pointed out that the KDP aims to maintain territorial integrity while navigating internal and external pressures, particularly concerning the influence of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and regional powers.
Strengthening Relations Between Erbil and Baghdad
On the topic of inter-party relations, Al-Haidari praised the recent visit of Masoud Barzani to Baghdad, which he described as crucial for bridging gaps and resolving longstanding issues. He noted the excellent relationship between Barzani and Shiite leader Muqtada Al-Sadr, which has fostered cooperation and shared visions for Iraq's future. Al-Haidari concluded by expressing optimism that these collaborative efforts would lead to a unified stance beneficial for the Iraqi populace.
