Several political parties are emphasizing the importance of passing the oil and gas law to establish regulations between the central government and the regions regarding oil. This is to ensure that each province receives their fair share of entitlements and that natural resources are distributed equitably. However, these parties have also suggested the need to find a consensual political formula before moving forward with the legislation of the law. This is to prevent one party from gaining an advantage over the other. It’s worth noting that the region has expressed their opinion on the law and has previously attempted to export oil through it to generate revenue. This may be a hurdle in negotiations between Baghdad and Erbil regarding the law.
According to Ali Al-Zubaidi, a member of the Al-Fateh Alliance, the government is working towards ensuring that the oil and gas law benefits all of Iraq and not just one province, including those in the Kurdistan region. However, there are concerns that Kurdistan may attempt to control some of the lands in Kirkuk. The region’s authorities took control of some oil wells during the ISIS period and have continued to benefit from them, despite belonging to the federal government. As a result, the oil and gas law may require more time to mature politically before being presented to Parliament for a vote.
According to Jassim Al-Alawi, the representative of the State of Law Coalition, there is a pressing need to move forward with the oil and gas law. Many members of Parliament have voiced their desire to pass the law and present it for discussion and legislation. Al-Alawi believes that approving this law is crucial for ensuring equal distribution of wealth among all Iraqis without any favoritism towards specific provinces. He also notes that passing the law will help eliminate the differences and damages that threaten the political process. There is a serious effort underway in Parliament to vote on the oil and gas law during one of the council sessions.
During an interview with the information agency, Ahmed Al-Harki, the leader of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, confirmed that a meeting was held in the presence of Prime Minister Muhammad Shia Al-Sudani, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Oil, as well as a delegation from the Ministry of Natural Resources from the Kurdistan Regional Government. This meeting was one of many important political and technical discussions, and it is hoped that they will pave the way towards drafting a comprehensive and satisfactory law that will meet the needs of all parties involved.
