Kurdistan Region’s oil export announcement welcomed by US Embassy

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) The United States welcomes the decision by the Kurdistan Regional Government for Kurdistan Region to begin oil exports of 100,000 barrels-per-day starting on April 1 through SOMO (State Oil Marketing Organization) of Iraq via the Iraqi-Turkey pipeline pursuant to existing export arrangements with the Government of Iraq. IraqiNews.com was the first news source to break the story 2 days before it was publicly revealed: Oil export and budget agreement reached by Kurdistan and Central Government

A statement by the US Embassy received by IraqiNews.com cited “We further welcome the commitment from the Kurdistan Region to ensure that these exports continue in parallel to ongoing talks towards a framework agreement on the management of the hydrocarbon sector.”

“The United States urges the joint GOI committee of the Kurdistan Regional Government, comprising experts from the GOI’s Ministry of Oil and the Kurdistan Region’s Ministry of Natural Resources, to meet and assess future month-to-month export targets based on technical capacities and in a manner consistent with the Iraqi Constitution,” the statement added.

“Regarding the ongoing discussions towards a general framework agreement, the United States notes the progress that has been made in recent months including general principles that would allow for all Iraqis to benefit fairly and equitably from anticipated increases in oil production and export. We will continue to serve as a neutral broker and facilitator to the extent desired by the leadership of both the GOI and the Kurdistan Region, consistent with our long-term partnership with Iraq as outlined by the Strategic Framework Agreement,” the statement concluded.