The ministry, in a statement on Saturday, said it was “keen” to create an environment of success for the new national company, but “the decision has been left to the next government and its Council of Ministers.”
Earlier this month, Abadi and his cabinet formed the INOC and appointed current Oil Minister Jabbar al-Luaibi to head up the venture that would have enormous control over the country’s oil sector.
On Thursday, Abadi issued an edict ordering the transfer of ownership and authority over drilling and oil companies of the Ministry of Oil to INOC.
The same day, Iraq’s Prime Minister-designate Adil Abdul-Mahdi called on outgoing government members to stop making last minute appointments and signing contracts, saying his incoming government will nullify unconstitutional agreements.
Political-watchers have accused Abadi of trying to keep a grip on the country’s oil sector and thereby exert influence over the next Iraqi government. They note that Luaibi is a loyal ally of Abadi.
Iraq’s next government may finally come into form within the next week or two, months after the May election.
Abdul-Mahdi is expected to present at least a partial list of his proposed cabinet to the parliament for approval on Wednesday. He has until November 1 to do so or the task will be handed to someone else.
