Kurdish deputy PM criticizes Baghdad at major London oil conference

LONDON – Kurdistan Region Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani criticized Baghdad over oil revenues at a major international conference in London, saying it had forced Erbil into other courses of action.

“Baghdad has left us no other choice but to pursue the course that we have pursued,” Hawrami said, before hundreds of industry figures gathered at the annual Kurdistan Oil and Gas Conference in London.

He opened the three-day conference with a message that Kurdistan remains open for business.

“I repeat today what we have stated on numerous occasions: we still prefer to reach an agreement with Baghdad and are always ready for that. But Baghdad has left us no other choice but to pursue the course that we have pursued.”

Angus McKee, UK Consul General to the Kurdistan Region, said: “We encourage the federal government and the KRG to return to the table.  In the current climate, mutual agreement will be to the benefit of both. This deal can not only pave the way for an increasingly conducive political environment, but will also bring enhanced economic benefits across all of Iraq’s communities.”

Despite the triple challenge of a dispute with Baghdad, the low oil price and the fight against ISIS, there are still notes of optimism.

“The good news is that oil production in Kurdistan is flowing,” said Hawrami. “Yes, it’s increasing and it is reaching 650,000 to 700,000 barrels a day now. Through the pipeline. we continue to upgrade the export infrastructure, adding pumps, increasing capacity to reach our target of one million barrels per day by the end of 2016.”

Those in attendance insist there is a huge upside for businesses prepared to be patient, including  Nadhim Zahawi, a UK MP of Kurdish origin.

“There are many challenges, but I think they are up to those challenges. The prime minister, the deputy prime minister, the minister of natural resources, are all working together, the governor of Kirkuk is here. They’re pulling together to make sure the KRG is fit for purpose for the future. They need to deliver the reforms, but I think they need more support from the international community.”