Erbil-Baghdad Relations
Barzani highlights a fundamental issue in the relationship between Baghdad and Erbil. According to the constitution, the country is meant to operate under a federal system. However, the current system leans more towards centralization, preventing a genuine federal arrangement. Until this core issue is addressed, other problems will persist.
“If we want Iraq to achieve political and economic stability, our brothers in Baghdad need to reflect on this,” he remarked. While it's true that Erbil manages certain affairs not typically under a federal system, Barzani points out that Baghdad's treatment of Erbil is not consistent with a federal approach.
Barzani emphasized the importance of both parties working together to reinforce the principles of the federal system, rather than operating based on power dynamics. He noted the KRG's transparency with Baghdad and expressed concern over the ongoing salary situation, emphasizing that it cannot continue in its current state.
Lastly, Barzani stated that the solution lies in Baghdad, not in Tehran.
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On PUK-KDP relations
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On the KRI oil resumption
However, two issues remain:
- The financial dues of the IOCs, and the method by which payments are provided to these companies.
- The compensation, which is set at 6 dollars per barrel produced, may not suffice for the IOCs who have signed production sharing contracts with the KRG
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Sulaymaniyah airport
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On the PKK question
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Meri 2023: President Barzani is on stage
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Supreme Court dismisses suit against KRG for taxes
The Iraqi Federal Supreme Court has dismissed a complaint against the KRG prime minister and finance minister regarding two tax directives: one on private hospital taxes and the other on financial incentives at the tax and housing directorate.
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Speaker Mohammed Al-Halbousi is currently in Belgrade, where he met with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić. According to the speaker's media office, the meeting focused on enhancing bilateral relations between Iraq and Serbia in multiple sectors, including education, agriculture, and health. Discussions also centered on increasing cooperation at the parliamentary level, activating friendship committees, and exchanging experiences.
The speaker's office further stated that the Iraqi parliament supports the government in pursuing economic partnerships in various sectors and strategic projects. Halbousi called for expanded bilateral cooperation regarding Iraqi antiquities and requested the return of smuggled Iraqi artifacts currently held by Serbian agencies. He also expressed appreciation for Serbia's efforts in this domain.
Serbia has been in the news recently for a troop buildup on its border with Kosovo, which led the U.S. to issue stern warnings and led to fears of a repeat to the violence of the the 1990s.
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Full readout by the Iraqi PM's office
Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani on Tuesday as part of his official visit to Moscow, following an official invitation.
A comprehensive meeting took place between the Iraqi delegation and their Russian counterparts. They discussed the establishment of stronger bilateral relations and means to enhance mutual cooperation across various sectors. Foremost among these were the energy sector and developments in the oil derivatives industry. The active presence of Russian oil companies in Iraq, coupled with significant investment activity, aligns with the government's future vision and strategies to develop the Iraqi economy and diversify its revenue streams.
During the meeting, various regional and international issues of mutual concern were discussed, including the concerning developments in the occupied Palestinian territories. The Iraqi Prime Minister reiterated Iraq’s unwavering stance on the Palestinian issue, affirming the rights of the Palestinian people to live with dignity and justice. He urged Russia to collaborate urgently with the permanent members of the Security Council to halt continuous assaults on the Palestinian territories.
President Putin emphasized the deep historical ties between the two friendly nations, noting the energy sector as a pivotal area for further, fruitful cooperation. He also expressed pleasure at Mr. Sudani's participation in the upcoming sixth round of the Russian Energy Week forum, which is set to take place tomorrow. This forum is seen as a significant opportunity to broaden the partnership between the two countries in the realms of energy, oil, and gas.
Addressing the recent events in the Palestinian territories, President Putin highlighted ongoing efforts to mitigate the dangerous security implications that are evidently escalating.
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PM Sudani, President Putin discuss strengthening energy ties
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Pics from Sudani's meeting with Putin
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PUK 'reconciliation' process to commence tomorrow
The PUK announces that a process to 'reconcile' disgruntled members will begin tomorrow. Saadi Ahmed Pira, PUK's new spokesperson (who is also the old PUK spokesperson), stated that a committee will start reaching out to unhappy PUK members following the election of Political Bureau members.
Some senior PUK figures, such as former Iraqi President Barham Salih, former politburo member Mala Bakhtiar, and former spokesperson Soran Jamal Tahir, chose to skip the recent party conference over concerns about the extent of Bafel Talabani's power and the (perceived) less democratic direction of the party.
It appears Talabani treats the ramming through of last month's conference as a fait accompli and that disgruntled PUK members will now have no choice but to toe the line.
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Dozens detained with fake IDs in past 10 month at Sulaymaniyah Airport
At Sulaymaniyah International Airport, 37 people have been detained over the past 10 months for attempting to use fake IDs. Both Iraqi citizens and foreigners were among those arrested with falsified documents, according to PUK's Gali Kurdistan website. After verification, the individuals were taken to court where legal proceedings began, an airport statement said.
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Iraqi Shia cleric Moqtada Al-Sadr has stated, "Iraq must send food and water to Gaza." This statement comes after Israel declared a complete blockade on the Gaza Strip in response to a surprise assault by Hamas militants that resulted in at least 800 deaths within Israel – most of whom were civilians – and the capture of dozens of hostages
Sadr suggested that the supplies could be provided to the Gaza Strip via Syria or Egypt. He also directed sharp criticism towards Arab rulers who have not shown support for the Palestinian cause.
Furthermore, he described the U.S. President as a "senile old man" for backing Israel in its conflict with the Gaza Strip.
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He looks happy
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Iraq and Turkmenistan ink gas deal
Iraq and Turkmenistan have signed a memorandum of understanding to annually supply nearly 10 billion cubic meters of Turkmen gas to Iraq. The deal was reached during a Turkmen delegation's working visit to Baghdad, led by Maksat Babayev, chairman of the state gas company Turkmengaz.
The Turkmen Foreign Ministry said Iraqi officials expressed interest in importing gas from Turkmenistan via a swap scheme through neighboring Iran. They are looking at long-term contracts, potentially lasting at least five years, where Iraq would annually receive 10 billion cubic meters of Turkmen natural gas.
During the discussions, the prime minister emphasized his nation's eagerness to enhance relations with Turkmenistan, pinpointing energy as a central pillar in their partnership. He commended the agreements reached by the energy sectors of both nations and voiced confidence in a swift commencement of their actual implementation.
In addition to Babayev, the Turkmen delegation met with Iraq's Minister of Electricity, Ziad Ali Fadel. Their constructive talks centered on organizing Turkmen gas supplies to Iraq and delving into the legal, commercial, financial, and organizational aspects for prospective joint ventures in the gas sector.
Both parties have scheduled further discussions in Ashgabat from October 25-27 at the International Exhibition and Conference “Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan - 2023”.
Citing Prime Minister Sudani, Turkmenistan's state news agency TDH reported: "While Iraq boasts abundant hydrocarbon resources, the surging demand from its national economy and populace for gas and electricity necessitates ramping up gas imports."
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Excerpt from the PUK Leadership Council statement [emphasis ours]
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More on the Sudani visit
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Here's the PUK politburo membership
- Bafel Talabani (Party President)
- Qubad Talabani (Deputy PM of the Kurdistan Region; brother of Bafel)
- Aso Mamand
- Ahmad Hama Karim (Sheikh Ahmadi Nokan)
- Burhan Saeed Sofi
- Darbaz Kosrat Rasul (son of senior PUK leader Kosrat Rasul)
- Shalaw Kosrat Rasul (ditto)
- Talar Latif
- Jawan Ihsan
- Rafat Abdullah
- Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmad (first lady of Iraq; maternal aunt of Qubad and Bafel Talabani)
- Shalaw Ali Askari
- Imad Ahmad
- Nizar Amedi (Iraqi environment minister)
- Daro Sheikh Nuri
Reserve list
- Yousif Goran
- Rewaz Faiq (Former speaker of the Kurdistan Region's parliament)
- Sarkawt Zaki
- Rizgar Haji Hama
- Shwan Qadir
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Morning briefing
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