Kazem Al-Touki, a Parliamentary Oil, Gas and Natural Resources Committee member, has confirmed that the delay in resolving the oil and gas law is due to the Kurds’ increased demands. Despite ongoing negotiations between Baghdad and Erbil, the law remains undecided.
Al-Touki stated that the oil and gas law is not being neglected, and the executive and legislative authorities are actively working towards resolving this law. They aim to come to an agreement and pass it in Parliament after the end of the legislative term recess.
“He said that the Kurds are attempting to exert their influence by increasing their demands in the oil and gas law, which has created a problem that has led to the delay of the law’s approval until the contentious issues between Baghdad and Erbil are resolved. As a result, the law will require significant deliberation before it can be voted upon in Parliament.”
According to his statement, the issue of the oil and gas law between Baghdad and Erbil revolves around the disputed areas and Article 140. As of now, the law remains unresolved while the two sides are engaged in ongoing negotiations and dialogues to settle the outstanding issues. This is to ensure that the law is eventually passed with mutual consent.
