Iraqi Oil Min Warns Companies Against Deals Bypassing Central Govt

Iraq’s Oil Minister Hussein al-Shahristani Thursday warned international oil companies from signing oil contracts that bypass the federal government in Baghdad and the Oil Ministry, in a clear reference to deals signed by the Kurdistan Regional Government with a number of foreign firms.

“Foreign companies shouldn’t sign any contract that isn’t through the federal government (in Baghdad) and the oil ministry,” al-Shahristani said in a statement handed to reporters.

“Any contract that is signed without the knowledge of the federal government is illegal,” the minister said.

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