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On oil exports being 'one or two' weeks away as of today
Here's a throwback to April 19, almost exactly two weeks ago as of today:
"KRG oil exports to restart this week"
Iraqi PM Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has confirmed that KRG oil exports will restart this week.
This follows weeks of ongoing issues that began with the International Court of Arbitration verdict siding with Iraq against Turkey’s facilitation of Kurdistan’s independent oil exports.
Before the confirmation from Sudani, the country’s Deputy Parliament Speaker and Minister of Housing and Construction, both members of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, had also claimed that only technical and legal issues remained to be agreed upon.
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KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani tells a high-ranking German government delegation that the Kurdistan parliamentary elections must be held on time this year. The delegation included Jochen Flasbarth, State Secretary of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, and Werner Gatzer, State Secretary to the Federal Minister for Finance, who also met Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani.
This statement comes amid escalating disputes between the KDP and other political parties, which could potentially cause further delays to the already-postponed elections. The KDP's rivals, including the PUK, accuse Barzani's KDP party of contributing to the possible delay by disregarding or retracting their requests, such as calls for amending the election law.
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Here is the full statement:
This year, World Press Freedom Day is marked under the theme "Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as a driver for all other Human Rights".
Freedom of expression is essential for the functioning of all democratic societies, and a free and independent media serves to promote the healthy exchange of ideas and opinions. It not only increases transparency but is also a critical tool for letting authorities and leaders know when their policies are not having the intended effect, for enabling institutions to adapt and thus to flourish.
That said, across the country, the United Nations continues to document ongoing cases of harassment and intimidation, as well as retribution through both legal means and violence, against those exercising their right to freedom of expression.
Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, stressed, “Silencing, obstructing, dismissing, or undermining public discourse achieves two things only: it tarnishes the image of the State and erodes public trust. This in turn creates a ripple effect, deterring an open and public dialogue ".
It is vital to ensure that anyone can express him or herself freely and without fear of reprisals. This includes guaranteeing that the legal framework protects, rather than unduly restricts, speech. When laws are used to silence, freedom of expression comes under grave threat, thereby undermining one of the most fundamental building blocks of a democratic society.
The United Nations remains committed to supporting Iraqis in defending freedom of expression and other fundamental rights.
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The Raparin Police Directorate have issued a statement regarding the killing of Farsat Malaki, who was shot dead near Ranya city, stating, "investigations into the incident have begun."
Late last night, Farsat Malaki, a Peshmerga commander and close associate of Murad Kani Kurdayi, was fatally shot while traveling from Sulaymaniyah to Ranya city. Malaki later succumbed to his injuries while being transported to a hospital. The shooting took place near Qarani Agha village in the Chwarqurna town of Ranya District, Sulaimani Province, in southern Iraqi Kurdistan.
The Raparin Police Directorate said, "last night around 7:00 pm on the main road between Chwarqurna-Hizop, a citizen named (F, Q, H) was shot and injured while in his car.
"He was rushed to Sulaimani Emergency Hospital, but passed away in the hospital," the statement continued. It emphasized that an investigation has been launched "to determine the true cause of the incident."
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Iraqi Oil Minister: Kurdish oil export will resume within a 'week or two'
Iraqi Oil Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani says that oil exports from the Kurdistan Region will resume within a week or two.
"We have reached the final stages of the agreement with the Kurdistan Region, and we will reach a final agreement within one to two weeks regarding the resumption of crude oil exports," Abdul Ghani said during a panel discussion during Iraq Froum 2023, tilted "Iraq's Energy Sector: Key Challenges & Future Strategies."
He stressed that "all indications are positive, and we will reach an agreement," noting that "the same principles adopted by the SOMO company for selling Iraqi crude oil depend on selling the oil of the Kurdistan Region in addition to Kirkuk oil."
Since the verdict by the ICC International Court of Arbitration, which favored Iraq over Turkey and imposed a $1.5bn penalty on the latter, Turkey has been hesitant to resume oil imports, despite Iraq and the KRG coming to an agreement for its resumption. The main issue Ankara faces is the penalty it owes Baghdad, alongside the increase in the price of oil since Iraq's oil marketing firm, SOMO, is now overseeing them.
On multiple occasions, officials have indicated that the agreement between Iraq and the KRG is either complete or requires final touches, with the timeline for resuming oil exports constantly shifting.
It is evident that any resumption of oil exports will necessitate Ankara's approval. A joint delegation from Iraq's federal oil ministry and the KRG Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) is set to meet with Turkish officials to address these concerns and reach a resolution.
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Metro Center statement for Press Freedom Day
The Metro Center for Journalists' Rights and Advocacy states that, after two decades since the fall of the Ba'ath regime, the Kurdistan Regional Courts "must have settled the cases of freedom of expression and freedom of the press."
Today marks World Press Freedom Day, which the United Nations General Assembly declared to raise awareness of the importance of press freedom and remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression enshrined under Article 19 of 1948.
On this occasion, the Metro Center for Journalists' Rights and Advocacy released a statement, saying, "We commemorate World Media Freedom Day, despite the deep social, political, and economic problems in the Kurdistan Region, as well as obstacles to free expression and media freedom for reporters and photographers who want to convey citizens' criticism of political authorities."
The statement added that in order for the media to play an influential role in the process of social change and country development, and to monitor the government's actions, the Kurdistan Regional Government should provide a favorable and peaceful environment for journalists.
The Metro Center urges the Kurdistan Regional Government's judiciary to investigate the cases of convicted journalists and activists and release them.
It also calls for a new investigation into the cases of assassinated journalists Sorani Mama Hama, Sardasht Osman, Kawa Garmyani, and Widat Hussein, in a way that ensures full justice and prevents the perpetrators from escaping just punishment.
Full statement
"Freedom of the Press is the Essence of Human Rights
On World Press Freedom Day, the Metro Center emphasizes that after 32 years of the Kurdistan Uprising and 20 years since the fall of the Ba'ath regime, the Kurdistan Region's judiciary should have resolved cases of freedom of expression and freedom of the press.
This year, we celebrate World Media Freedom Day at a time when, despite the deep social, political, and economic problems in the Kurdistan Region, obstacles to free expression and media freedom are increasing, and security forces in the Kurdistan Region are not adequately protecting journalists in transit.
For the media to play an influential role in the process of social change, development of the country, and monitoring of the government's actions, the Kurdistan Regional Government should have provided a favorable and peaceful environment for journalists, allowing citizens the freedom to make their own choices.
On this occasion, the Metro Center calls on the Kurdistan Regional Government's judiciary to investigate the cases of convicted journalists and activists and release them.
We also call for fresh investigations into the cases of assassinated journalists Sorani Mama Hama, Sardasht Osman, Kawa Garmyani, and Widat Hussein, in a manner that ensures full justice and prevents the perpetrators from escaping just punishment."
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Full readout from the PM's office on the visit of US delegation
"Today, Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), welcomed U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Middle East Affairs, Barbara Leaf, and her accompanying delegation.
The meeting was attended by U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, Elena Romanowsky, and U.S. Consul General, Irvin Hicks. They discussed the latest developments in Iraq and the advancement of friendly relations between the Kurdistan Region and the United States.
The primary focus of the meeting was the importance of resolving issues between the Kurdistan Region and the federal government. Both parties agreed that the oil agreement between the Kurdistan Region and the federal government should be implemented as soon as possible, and oil exports from the Kurdistan Region should resume to alleviate the suffering of citizens in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq as a whole.
Concerning the situation in the Kurdistan Region, the Prime Minister emphasized that the Kurdistan parliamentary elections should be held on schedule this year. To that end, the KRG expressed its readiness to provide all necessary facilities.
Additionally, the meeting addressed the topic of reforms within the Peshmerga Ministry, the importance of implementing the Sinjar Agreement, normalizing the situation in the region, withdrawing militias and illegal armed groups, and facilitating the return of refugees to their original locations."
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Iraqi Government Allocates 150bn IQD for Provincial Elections
The Council of Ministers in Iraq has directed the Finance Ministry to allocate 150 billion IQD (over $100 million) for the upcoming provincial elections, scheduled for December 20th this year.
Provincial elections in the country have been repeatedly postponed due to a multitude of ongoing issues, with the last provincial elections held in Iraq on April 20th, 2013.
In the autonomous Kurdistan Region, provincial elections have not taken place since 2014.
Persistent delays in elections are a common occurrence in Iraq, as political realities necessitate a "consensus" among major political stakeholders regarding when, how, and if to hold them.
The ruling parties in Iraq have consistently failed to provide the necessary public services to the nation, resulting in frequent anti-government protests across the country. With no opportunity to express their grievances at the ballot box for local issues, citizens' frustrations continue to mount.
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Al-Sabaah, Iraq’s semi-state newspaper, reports that 'Turkish silence and upcoming presidential elections delayed the resumption of Kurdistan oil flow'
Analysis in today’s issue says that both Baghdad and Erbil are at a standstill on the subject of halted oil exports. Omer Kochar, a member of the Finance Committee in the Iraqi Parliament, states that the political situation and election atmosphere in Turkey influenced President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to delay the process, not wanting to give Iraq the $1.6 billion compensation according to Paris’s Chamber of Commerce.
Kawa Mohammed, a former independent member of the Iraqi parliament, told Al-Sabaah that the problem lies between Baghdad and Ankara, not with the Kurdistan Regional Government.
The International Chamber of Commerce in Paris ruled in favor of the Iraqi government against Turkey, ordering Ankara to pay $1.5 billion after exporting the region’s oil from 2014-2018 without Baghdad’s consent.
The resumption of oil exports from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) was expected earlier this month following the Erbil-Baghdad deal on April 4 to restart the flow through the Ceyhan port in Turkey. However, nearly a month after the agreement, few signs indicate that the pipelines will come back online soon.
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KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara A. Leaf discusses Erbil-Baghdad relations and the upcoming parliamentary elections in the Kurdistan Region.
A KRG statement highlighted their agreement on the significance of resuming oil exports from the region.
Various Iraqi and Kurdish sources point to Turkey as the main cause behind the delay in oil exports.
Additionally, the two officials addressed the all-but-certain Kurdistan Region elections, which, after being postponed from last year, are now scheduled to take place in November.
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The French Embassy in Iraq has issued a press release strongly condemning hate speech targeting the Yazidi community.
The report expressed concern about the justification of ISIS’s genocide against the Yazidi community, adding that Yazidis deserve to live in peace, security, and dignity.
It calls on Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region to continue efforts to stabilize Sinjar, the Yazidi heartland.Following a controversial decision to resettle some Sunni-Arab IDP families in Sinjar, protests erupted, with some of the protestors pelting the mosque with stones from across the street.
This was blown way out of proportion online, with fake news spreading about a non-existent “burning” and “storming” of the mosque. This lead to huge volumes of hate speech against the Yazidi community.
This comes as the US administration has placed Iraq on its 'Special Watch List', which identifies nations that have "participated in or tolerated severe violations of religious freedom in the preceding year."
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The Kurdistan Region Security Agency has announced the arrest of Aram Hassan and Sharmin Ali, two former Iraq-Iran border crossing officials, was made under the “abuse of power” articles of Iraq’s penal code, emphasizing that it “has nothing to do with journalism, organizational work, and freedom of expression.”
Aram Saya Khan, former head of communication and relations at the Parvez Khan Border Crossing, and his wife, Sharmin Ali, former head of media and information at the same crossing, were reportedly abducted from their home in the Kalar district by a team of masked, heavily armed Sulaymaniyah Asayish forces, according to the victims’ family members.
The agency’s statement denies any link to journalism, organizations, or freedom of expression, and says that legal measures have been taken against the suspects. It says these claims are made with the nefarious aim to create “confusion for the public”.
If avoiding ‘confusion for the public’ was the aim for PUK security forces, they haven’t provided a credible explanation for why they didn’t make a statement to this effect on the day they were arrested. Or any of the days since then, for that matter.
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USCIRF annual report raises concerns about religious freedom in Iraq
The US administration has placed Iraq on its 'Special Watch List', which identifies nations that have "participated in or tolerated severe violations of religious freedom in the preceding year."
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has published its annual report, featuring a critical country assessment on Iraq. The report raises concerns about religious freedom and critiques both the federal authorities and the Kurdistan Regional Government for their handling of religious minority issues.
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Federal Court delays decision on Kurdistan Parliament mandate extension – for fourth time
The Federal Court has postponed its decision on the legality of extending the Kurdistan Parliament's mandate for the fourth time, setting the new date as May 24.
The court requested the Iraqi Election Commission's presence at the next hearing to find a solution to the Kurdistan parliamentary elections.
Earlier this week, the KDP parliamentary party sent a memo to the Speaker of the House, demanding that Parliament convenes to pass an election bill before mid-May. This would provide the Electoral Commission with the six months it claims are necessary to conduct an election on time.
The Federal Court's postponement means its verdict will now came weeks after this 'deadline' at the earliest.
The legal challenges were filed by:
- Former Speaker of the Kurdistan Region Parliament Yousif Mohammed
- New Generation Movement (NGM) head Shaswar Abdulwahid
- NGM MP in the Iraqi Parliament Srwa Abdulwahid (sister of Shaswar)
- and NGM MP in the Kurdish Parliament Kawa Abdulqadir
They filed against Speaker of the Kurdistan Region's Parliament Rewaz Fayaq, seeking a declaration that the parliament's extension is "unconstitutional" and demanding its revocation.
In October, a majority of Kurdistan Region Parliament members (ergo, MPs three parties in cabinet) voted to extend the current four-year term of the legislature by one year.
This decision took place during a session boycotted by opposition factions, who considered the proposed bill "unlawful." NGM MPs resigned in protest, replaced by new members from the remaining parties.
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Iraqi Premier Muhammed Shia al-Sudani briefed representatives of International Oil Companies (IOCs) on Iraq's energy sector, emphasizing "progress and developments in the field". Sudani addressed the main obstacles hindering the work of the IOCs and instructed his government officials to "facilitate the staffing requirements of operating companies, including granting entry visas, expediting customs clearance, and tax accounting," according to a statement issued by the PM's press office. He also highlighted the importance of preserving Iraq's environment.
Furthermore, Sudani urged IOCs that recently signed energy contracts during the fifth licensing round to "expedite the implementation of their contracts." The fifth licensing round, which covered 11 oil and gas fields and an exploration block, experienced extended contract delays. Announced in 2017 and hastily concluded in April 2018, Iraqi Oil Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani granted six new oil concessions in February. These contracts are expected to provide 25% of the Ministry of Electricity's gas requirements, reducing reliance on (chiefly Iranian) imports.
Iraq, ranked second in flaring associated gas, continues to import gas for power generation.
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Who is Murad Kani Kurdayi?
Murad Kani Kurdayi, who was killed in November 2021, was a commander within the PUK. Known for his close ties to PUK's ousted co-leader Lahur Talabany, Kurdayi was killed after an arrest warrant was issued by PUK leader Bafel Talabani.
Media outlets close to the PUK reported that he was killed after confronting security forces who were executing the arrest warrant, during which he killed one member of the security forces and injured another. Security forces subsequently responded and killed Murad Kani Kurdayi.
Kurdayi and his family have been long-time members of the PUK, with many of them sacrificing their lives during the party's armed conflicts. The killing of a loyal party member took place just a few months after Bafel Talabani's takeover of the party, which ousted co-leader Lahur Talabany.
Following Kurdayi's death, many of his family members became disgruntled with Bafel Talabani's authoritarian rule and Lahur Talabany's lack of power in responding to such actions, which led to his sons defecting to the KDP. The defection to the KDP was fueled entirely by revenge against Bafel Talabani, as they are now rumored to be armed with a militia of 750 men.
This militia, alongside other KDP-affiliated or backed militia groups in PUK-controlled territory, such as those led by Abdullah Kuekha Mubarak and KDSP party leader Mohammed Haji Mahmoud, poses an existential threat to Bafel Talabani's rule as PUK leader. This is part of KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani's (and KDP deputy leader) broader plan to put Talabani in a chokehold within his sphere of influence. Mubarak, a former militia leader in the Change Movement (Gorran), had also defected to the KDP in May 2021 due to his disputes with the PUK. The recent killing of his son may only intensify these issues, especially with increased tensions between the KDP and PUK, as Mubarak is known to be unpredictable.
Masrour Barzani's rivalry with Bafel Talabani has caused significant security concerns in the Kurdistan Region, and the Murad Kani Kurdayi case, along with the recent killing of a key witness in Kurdayi's death, is now part of a wider partisan struggle between the two ruling parties. This latest development could potentially exacerbate these issues even further.
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3. May 2023 12:30
Breaking: The Federal Court has postponed the issuance of a decision on the legality of extending the mandate of the Kurdistan Parliament to May 24.
The Court asked the Iraqi Election Commission to be present at the next hearing to find a solution to the Kurdistan parliamentary elections.Coincidentally (perhaps), this date is just after a so-called deadline for the Kurdistan Parliament to convene and work out a bill for conducting the election on the November date declared by Kurdistan President Nechirvan Barzani.
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World Press Freedom Day highlights challenges in Iraq: Polarization and threats to journalists
World Press Freedom Day, established by the United Nations General Assembly, raises awareness of the importance of press freedom and reminds governments to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression enshrined in Article 19 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In its annual World Press Freedom Index, Reporters Without Borders (RSF International) ranks Iraq 167th out of 180 countries.
The report on Iraq reveals extreme media polarization due to political influence, making it difficult to access balanced, independent information. Journalists face ongoing threats, with many outlets attacked and ransacked for covering anti-corruption protests. In Kurdistan, critical journalists have been accused of espionage and imprisoned. NRT was by far the most targeted outlet in the Kurdistan Region last year.
Iraq's constitution theoretically guarantees press freedom, but current laws contradict some of its articles. Public figures often sue journalists for defamation, and a cyber-crime bill proposes severe penalties for certain online posts.
Media funding is closely tied to political affiliation, affecting editorial independence and the survival of independent outlets.
Journalists in Iraq have faced killings by armed groups, including jihadist organizations and militias, with few investigations or punishments for those responsible.
The media landscape in Iraq is closely linked to its political parties and religious communities, leading to a challenging environment for press freedom.
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Peshmerga commander and Kurdayi associate fatally shot
Late last night, Farsat Malaki, a Peshmerga commander and close associate of Murad Kani Kurdayi, was fatally shot while en route from Sulaymaniyah to Ranya city. Malaki later succumbed to his injuries during transport to a hospital. The shooting took place near Qarani Agha village in the Chwarqurna town of Ranya District, Sulaimani Province, in southern Iraqi Kurdistan.
Late last night, Farsat Malaki, a Peshmerga commander and close associate of Murad Kani Kurdayi, was fatally shot while en route from Sulaymaniyah to Ranya city. Malaki later succumbed to his injuries during transport to a hospital. The shooting took place near Qarani Agha village in the Chwarqurna town of Ranya District, Sulaimani Province, in southern Iraqi Kurdistan.
NRT reported that Malaki was shot five times in his car, with one bullet hitting his head. He was rushed to a hospital in Sulaimani for treatment but died there. A source from Ranya hospital told NRT that Malaki was initially brought to their facility but was transferred to Sulaimani hospital due to the severity of his injuries.
Malaki had survived a previous assassination attempt during which a friend was killed. Officials have not yet released any information about the incident.
Last night, NRT reporter Ihsan Sabir was present at the forensic medicine facility in Sulaimaniyah when Malaki's family prepared to retrieve his body and transport it back to Ranya. Sabir attempted to speak with family members, but they declined to comment, only stating that they "do not know who shot him."
Malaki was a close friend of PUK military commander Murad Kani Kurdayi, who was also killed during a PUK security raid in Ranya on Nov. 25, 2021. Official media outlets reported at the time that there had been an arrest warrant for Kurdayi.
PUK official media outlets stated that during the attempted arrest of the wanted individual, Murad Kani Kurdayi, he resisted security forces, resulting in the death of one officer and the injury of another. In response, security forces killed Kurdayi and his three guards. Malaki, who was with Kurdayi when they were shot, was arrested by PUK security forces and later released.
Last night, Kurdayi's family issued a statement about Malaki's shooting, saying, "In an incident shrouded in mystery, Farsat Malaki, a longtime friend of Murad Kani Kurdayi, was shot. He sustained severe injuries and died after being taken to the hospital."
The statement continued, "Malaki was a loyal ally of Kurdayi and was present when Kurdayi and three of his friends [guards] were killed. Malaki was arrested by the forces and released after some time."
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Morning Briefing
Good morning from London, and welcome to the NRT English live blog.
- Today is World Press Freedom Day. The team at NRT English would like to congratulate journalists in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq who are dedicated to bringing accurate news to the public, despite ongoing security concerns. Iraq was ranked 167th out of 180 countries in the 2023 World Press Freedom Index, released today by RSF International.
- A key witness in the Murad Kani Kurdayi assassination was fatally shot last night. Kurdayi, an ally of PUK’s ousted co-leader Lahur Talabany, was killed during an attempted disarmament by PUK security services in 2021.
- The PUK's Kurdistan Region Security Agency has claims the case of two detainees, Aram Hassan and Sharmin Ali, is unrelated to journalism, organizations, or freedom of expression. The agency claims that some individuals and self-proclaimed activists are stating otherwise in order to "create confusion".
- On Monday, the US Commission on International Religious Freedom released its annual report, listing Iraq as a country recommended for the State Department's Special Watch List (SWL). Authorities in both Baghdad and Erbil were criticized for issues related to minority political and human rights.
- Lastly, the French Embassy in Iraq issued a press release strongly condemning recent hate speech targeting the Yazidi community, which included justifications for the ISIS genocide of the minority group. The embassy called on federal authorities and the autonomous Kurdistan Region to improve security, governance, and the restructuring of Sinjar.
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