22 Apr. 2008

Erbil, Kurdistan – Iraq (KRG.org) The Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG) Prime Minister, Mr Nechirvan Barzani in Erbil today said that he is very optimistic about his recent discussions with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki on the hydrocarbons law, the Peshmerga forces and Article 140 of the Iraqi constitution.

The Premier was speaking at a press conference in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region, following ten days of meetings in Baghdad. The press conference coincided with Kurdistan Press Day, and Mr Barzani congratulated the assembled journalists on the 110th anniversary of the first Kurdish news publication.

In Baghdad he had met Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and other senior federal government officials, to discuss KRG-Baghdad relations and other issues of concern to the KRG and Iraq as a whole. These meetings, to discuss complex issues, play an essential part in the creation of a new Iraq.

Mr Barzani said, “I am very optimistic about our discussions with Prime Minister al-Maliki. Such talks are necessary for all of Iraq. The problems we face will take time to solve, they are complex and every solution must consider the interests of all Iraqis.”

In reference to the national oil law, the Prime Minister confirmed that talks had resumed and was positive about finding a mutually agreeable result. He said, “All parties agree that the solution lies within a legal and constitutional framework and that we will resume our negotiations where we left off, using the draft hydrocarbon law of February 2007.”

He added, “We have also agreed that the national oil law, the revenue sharing law, and the laws concerning the Iraqi National Oil Company and the Oil Ministry in Baghdad will be submitted as one package.”

In response to a question, Prime Minister Barzani said, “"The national hydrocarbon law will contain the mechanism for a federal commission of technical experts to confirm contracts using agreed criteria. Since the KRG's contracts have been drafted in a transparent, legal and professional manner and approved on the basis of technical, not political, considerations I do not anticipate any problems.”

The Premier announced significant progress on the future and status of the Peshmerga forces, the constitutionally mandated regional guard. Two military divisions of the Iraqi Army will be formed from the Peshmerga and stationed in the Kurdistan Region. The remaining Peshmerga forces, who are regional guards, will be financed in consultation with Prime Minister al-Maliki and others in the Federal government. A commission from the federal Ministry of Defence will travel to the Kurdistan Region to address the issue in the near future.

Mr Barzani affirmed the Peshmerga's important role, “The Peshmerga has a duty to protect the Kurdistan Region, but being a vital part of Iraq we are also determined to support Prime Minister al-Maliki in maintaining law and order all over the country.”

The Iraqi and KRG prime ministers also discussed Article 140 of the constitution which concerns the disputed territories in Iraq. Mr Barzani said, “Article 140 is very important to the people of the Kurdistan Region and those of all Iraq. We look forward to seeing the forthcoming United Nations’ proposal and will continue to work with that organisation and Baghdad to find a peaceful and fair solution.”

Previous Iraqi regimes expelled Kurds, Turkmen and Christians from some of the 'disputed' areas such as Kirkuk, and gerry-mandered provincial borders to change their demography. Article 140 sets out a legal and administrative process to remedy this injustice.