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News / Kurdistan

Protests increased by 13% in 2025

"Compared to the protest activities of the previous month (January), which numbered 48, there has been a 13 percent increase,” Alliance 19 said in a statement. According to Alliance 19, the most common protests were for salaries (41 percent of all demands), employment (17 percent), and services (9 percent), adding that, "61% of the activities were in Sulaimani, 31% in Erbil, 6% in Duhok, and 2% in Halabja." Last February, the largest strike of teachers and employees was organized in Sulaimani, which lasted from January 28 to February 11. Alliance 19 is a human rights monitor consisting of advocates and civil society organizations. It is supervised by the Metro Center for Journalists’ Rights and Advocacy.

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PKK declares ceasefire with Turkey after more than 40 years of conflict

The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) on Saturday declared a ceasefire with Turkey, bringing an end to more than 40 years of bloodshed. The imprisoned leader of the Kurdish militant group, Abdullah Ocalan, this week called for the PKK to disband. The Executive Committee of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) released a statement in response to the historic call made by Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan on 27 February. Öcalan highlighted the urgent need for democratization in Turkey and called for the PKK to lay down arms and dissolve itself. The PKK Executive Committee's written statement titled 'To Our Patriotic People and Democratic Public Opinion' reads as follows:  “Leader Abdullah Öcalan's February 27 statement titled “Call for Peace and Democratic Society” is a Manifesto of the Age that illuminates the path of all forces of freedom and democracy. We respectfully salute Leader Apo [Abdullah Öcalan] for presenting such a manifesto for democratic society to our people and humanity." It was the first reaction from the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) after Ocalan this week called for the dissolution of the group and asked it to lay down arms. "In order to pave the way for the implementation of leader Apo's call for peace and democratic society, we are declaring a ceasefire effective from today," the PKK executive committee said referring to Ocalan and quoted by the pro-PKK ANF news agency. "We agree with the content of the call as it is and we say that we will follow and implement it," the committee based in northern Iraq said. "None of our forces will take armed action unless attacked," it added. The PKK designated a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States and the European Union, has waged an insurgency since 1984 with the aim of carving out a homeland for Kurds, who account for around 20 percent of Turkey's 85 million people. But more recently, the group calls for more autonomy, cultural and linguistic rights rather than independence. Since Ocalan was jailed in 1999 there have been various attempts to end the bloodshed, which has cost more than 40,000 lives. After several meetings with Ocalan at his island prison, the pro-Kurdish DEM party on Thursday relayed his appeal for PKK to lay down its weapons and convene a congress to announce the organisation's dissolution.

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Draw Media's Discussion with the Chinese Consul General

"China and its influence in the Middle East, Iraq and the Kurdistan Region" China's policy in the Middle East, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region was discussed at the office of the Darw Media organization. The Chinese Consul General in the Kurdistan Region, Mr. Liu Jun, discussed the situation in the Middle East and China's foreign policy towards the Middle East, especially the issue of changes in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, and relations between China, the Kurdistan Region, and Iraq. Several topics were discussed by the participants: - The discussion focused on China's views on the Kurdish issue and where the Kurdistan Region is on China's agenda. - Chinese goods have covered the Kurdistan Region's markets today, on what basis and quality are the Chinese items produced and imported? - China as a large and influential country in the world, has a great economic and political position, what role does it play in the changes in the Middle East? - China's role is more in the economic, cultural, and technological fields, but it is now moving towards a political role.

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Boost in payments to KRG oil firms may help restart Iraq-Türkiye pipeline

by Daily  Sabah with AA The approval of a plan by the Iraqi Parliament to increase payments to international oil companies operating in the semiautonomous northern region is seen as a pivotal move to restart oil exports to Türkiye, according to the experts, also suggesting both parties have a strong incentive to "make this work." On Feb. 2, the Iraqi Parliament approved amendments to the budget law aimed at subsidizing the production costs of international oil companies operating in the northern region of Iraq, controlled by the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG). As part of this, the cost of extracting and transporting each barrel of oil from the region was set at $16. The KRG had previously rejected an offer of $7.90 per barrel, deeming it too low. Following the agreement, attention shifted to the Iraq-Türkiye oil pipeline, the launch of which had been delayed due to disputes over cost. Expectations of resuming oil flow through the pipeline grew stronger after Iraqi Oil Minister Hayan Abdel-Ghani's announcement on Feb. 4 that KRG oil would be delivered to Iraq's State Organization for Marketing of Oil (SOMO) and that necessary procedures were underway with Türkiye to export oil from the Ceyhan Port. Oil flow from Iraq to Ceyhan Port ceased on March 25, 2023, following the arbitration ruling by the Paris-based International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) concerning oil exports between Türkiye and Iraq. Additionally, the earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş on Feb. 6, 2023, further disrupted the use of the pipeline. In April 2024, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar stated that Türkiye was not at fault for the issues surrounding the Iraq-Türkiye pipeline.     He noted that the pipeline had been ready for operation since Oct. 4, 2023, but ongoing disagreements between the northern Iraqi administration and the central government had hindered its activation. It has been reported that the halt in oil exports from Iraq to Türkiye resulted in a loss of $23 billion for the region. 'Strong incentive to make this work' Baghdad's revision to payments is a crucial step toward the resumption of Iraqi oil shipments through Türkiye, Alberic Mongrenier, executive director of the European Initiative for Energy Security, told Anadolu Agency (AA) recently. "The central government and the KRG still need to agree on the hiring of an independent consultant to assess the production and transport costs of KRG's oil, which will cause some friction," Mongrenier said. Given the economic importance of the issue and the fact that exports have stalled for two years, Mongrenier acknowledged that "both parties have a strong incentive to make this work." Noting that the KRG generates the majority of its revenues from oil, Mongrenier emphasized that resuming exports will greatly benefit Iraq by easing the economic pressure in the region. While acknowledging the potential for future friction over the cost rate, Mongrenier stated that the agreement would be viable, as the determined transportation and production cost of $16 is nearly double the previous rate. However, Mongrenier also added that the compromise could have negative repercussions for the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), noting that it could complicate Iraq's ability to adhere to production cuts. Ankara-Baghdad dialogue Francesco Sassi, a Bologna-based research fellow in energy geopolitics and markets at Ricerche Industriali ed Energetiche (RIE), stated that the dialogue between Ankara and Baghdad will progress positively if oil flows to Türkiye are resumed. Sassi stated that the agreement has a critical role in optimizing Iraq's oil exports as the country prepares for elections this year. Stabilizing Iraq's economy through more efficient and transparent management of its oil reserves is a crucial step, especially during the period of high volatility in oil prices, driven by growing protectionist policies and tariff wars between the U.S. and global powers, Sassi noted. Also, resuming oil flows to Türkiye "could contribute to facilitate the dialogue between Ankara and Baghdad, strained as a consequence of the regime change in Syria," Sassi concluded.

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Protests in Erbil: 31 journalists and media outlets were subjected to violations

Hozan Qadir, Head of the Reporters' Organisation for Rights and Development (RORD), expressed his concern "Numerous violations were committed against media outlets and journalists during the protests, particularly at the Degala checkpoint. These actions are deeply concerning to us." According to RORD, violations occurred against 9 media organizations and 22 journalists, with 9 of them suffering injuries from tear gas. Additionally, a security force in plain clothes, operating under the Asayish name, raided the KNN satellite office in Erbil, confiscating journalistic equipment, mobile phones, and personal belongings. In a further escalation, security forces stopped 4 media teams from returning to Erbil after covering the events in Degala. The Politic Press team was also detained by Asayish forces while conducting a press interview in Erbil. As of the latest reports, they remain in custody.

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KRG Council of Ministers Directs Resumption of Oil Exports in Coordination with Federal Authorities

Prime Minister Masrour Barzani chaired a session of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Council of Ministers, with Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani in attendance. Prime Minister Barzani expressed gratitude to all parties involved in reaching an agreement with the Iraqi Government regarding public sector salaries, the Kurdistan Region’s budget share, and amendment to the Special Budget Law governing the Region's oil export. The agenda item addressed a report on the framework of the agreement between the KRG Ministry of Finance and the Federal Ministry of Finance concerning public sector salaries and the Region’s financial entitlements. The Council approved adherence to the employment numbers allocated for the KRG’s public sector in 2025, based on the figures and expenditures presented during the meeting. Additionally, it sanctioned the transfer of pensions management for Peshmerga, military, security forces, as well as the benefits for dependents of martyrs and Anfal victims, to the General Directorate of Pensions at the Ministry of Finance, the sole designated authority overseeing pensions across the region. Subsequently, the Head of the Department of Information Technology presented a report on the Digital Identity-Based Payroll Management System (PMS) project for the region's employees. The Council then instructed the Ministry of Natural Resources to maintain coordination with the federal Ministry of Oil, State Organization for Marketing of Oil (SOMO), and oil-producing companies in the region to ensure the swift resumption of Kurdistan Region’s oil exports through SOMO, with the revenue directed to the federal budget. Finally, the Ministry of Finance and Economy was directed to deposit the Kurdistan Region’s federal budget contribution for January 2025 to the Federal Ministry of Finance.

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Striking teachers are demanding their salary arrears

On Monday, protests erupted in the city of Al-Sulaymaniyah as demonstrators called for the resolution of salary-related issues and expressed solidarity with hunger strikers protesting deteriorating living conditions in the Kurdistan Region. The striking teachers presented their demands in four points: 1. Respect for human dignity in the Kurdistan Region and the rule of law 2. Localization of employee salaries at the federal banks 3. Respecting Kurdistan citizens through the distribution of their salaries every thirty days and returning their salary arrears 4. Starting the process of the Kurdistan Region employees' promotions and allowances. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has not paid 16 salaries in 2014-2024, while 44 salaries have been paid in arrears. The total amount of salaries that the KRG owes is 22 trillion and 580 billion dinars. The striking teachers are demanding the resumption of promotions that have been suspended since 1/1/2016, which means that each salaried employee has not been promoted twice. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has announced that the total monthly salaries of employees and pensioners are about one trillion dinars. The Kurdistan Region has several monthly revenues but does not disclose all: - 320 billion dinars domestic revenue - 20 billion dinars of International coalition aid for Peshmerga forces - 200 billion dinars of oil revenue (not returned to the treasury of the Ministry of Finance) - 760 billion dinars from Baghdad  Total revenues of the Kurdistan Region in 2024: - KRG Share from Baghdad: 10 trillion and 26 billion dinars - Domestic revenue: 4 trillion 347 billion dinars - Coalition aid: 240 billion dinars - Oil revenue for the government: 2 trillion 353 billion dinars The total revenue of the Kurdistan Region in 2024 will be 16 trillion 966 billion dinars

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The Kurds Place in the New Syria

Winthrop Rodgers- Draw Media The Kurdish-led administration in northeastern Syria faces a new political landscape following the fall of the Assad regime in early December. Amid so much uncertainty, there are many urgent questions about its future. These include local, national, regional, and geopolitical considerations. Finding answers is an urgent matter. First, what can be done about the internal divisions of Syria’s Kurds? Second, what is their place in the new Syria? Third, what will Turkey and other regional powers do? Finally, will the new US administration continue or change its current policies in northeastern Syria? Intra-Kurdish Affairs As in many other parts of Kurdistan, Syrian Kurdish politics is factional and divisive. The desirability of forming a unified front is widely acknowledged. It would help ensure cohesive and democratic governance, present a strong position in negotiations with the new powers in Damascus, and address the demands of regional and geopolitical actors. Nevertheless, unity has proved elusive amid disagreements between the Democratic Union Party (PYD), which adheres to the political program developed by Abdullah Öcalan, and the Kurdish National Council in Syria (ENKS), which is backed by the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP). In recent years, the US, France, and others have repeatedly tried to reconcile the two sides, but without success. However, the logjam seems to be breaking. On January 16, Syrian Defense Forces (SDF) commander Mazloum Abdi and KDP leader Masoud Barzani met near Erbil for talks aimed at building Kurdish unity. The landmark meeting was brokered by the US, who reportedly transported Abdi to the Kurdistan Region. Both sides acknowledged that the talks were positive. The news sparked celebrations in Qamislo and other parts of northeastern Syria and was heartily welcomed by Kurds around the world. While this unexpected development is a positive step, it is just one part of the process. Previous agreements to manage the divisions between the Syrian Kurdish factions were not implemented. Whether this new initiative can bear fruit—and establish a unified Kurdish front in dealings with Damascus and foreign governments—will depend both on internal factors and the actions of many other groups. The New Syria Another urgent question is how the relatively well-established political and security structures that developed in northeastern Syria will interact with those emerging in Damascus. Strong democratic federal system is at the heart of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria’s (AANES) ideological and policy program, which stood in stark contrast to the centralism and ethnic authoritarianism espoused by the Assad regime. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and the other Syrian rebel groups that are now in charge of the government in Damascus were also opposed to the Ba’athist model, but they do not share the outlook of the AANES. At this point, it seems unlikely that they will accept a federal structure that gives the Kurds the sort of autonomy found next door in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region. Perhaps a united Kurdish front will be strong enough to negotiate such an arrangement, but it is hardly guaranteed. Regardless, it is essential that Syrian Kurds and other religious and ethnic minorities have legal protections that are reliably enforced. This would both address the historical violations committed against them and help to establish the harmonious foundation that Syria needs in order to flourish. Whether Syrian Kurds find a cooperative partner in the new government in Damascus is an open question. The background and intentions of its leading factions—especially the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA)—are extremely suspect. Caution is warranted, as is pragmatism. Turkey Looms Large Regional powers will also wield significant influence over the future of Kurds in Syria. The most important is Turkey, which has consistently opposed the establishment of a Kurdish entity on its southern border. It launched major military interventions against the SDF in 2016, 2018, and 2019 and frequently conducts airstrikes on military and civilian targets. Moreover, Ankara’s militia proxy, the SNA, has committed numerous atrocities against Kurdish civilians in places like Afrin. In recent weeks, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his political allies have adopted a new strategy to dealing with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), allowing meetings between Öcalan, who remains imprisoned in a Turkish detention facility, and Kurdish politicians. There is cautious optimism about this effort, which could change the trajectory of Kurds across the Middle East. Indeed, it likely enabled the Barzani-Abdi meeting to take place. However, it is equally clear that Ankara’s main policy objectives regarding Kurds in general and northeastern Syria in particular have not substantively changed. Turkish airstrikes continue and the rhetoric remains hostile. How Turkey manages the situation is perhaps the most consequential question posed here. To a lesser extent, Iran and Russia also play a role in the future of northeastern Syria. Both were major players in the Assad era and are diminished as a consequence of his fall. Nevertheless, they continue to have regional interests and will act opportunistically. It certainly merits watching. Trump’s Return Finally, how will President Donald Trump handle Syria on his return to the White House? Unlike most incoming presidents, Trump has an established track record, although it is not one that is encouraging for Kurds. In 2019, he unexpectedly announced that he planned to withdraw US troops from northeastern Syria, which gave a green light to Erdogan to launch Operation Peace Spring. While he was convinced to backtrack and maintain a US military presence, it is well-known that he holds a dim view about its value. That said, his national security team is made up of figures who are far more supportive of a robust US role in the Middle East, including presumptive Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Michael Waltz. Many see this as a positive sign that the new administration will maintain a US presence in northeastern Syria. There are two important caveats to this silver lining. First, it is hardly guaranteed that Trump’s aides will be able to guide his behavior. They are there to implement his policies rather than the other way around. Moreover, they are not the only ones that Trump listens to and the president has a habit of breaking subordinates if they displease him. Rubio is a former political rival that Trump routinely disparaged as “Little Marco.” The new secretary of state has a tricky path ahead of him. Second, observers often make the mistake of conflating support for the Kurds in the context of Washington’s geostrategic priorities with support for their political ambitions in the states where they live. Both Rubio and Waltz have good things to say about Kurds, but their focus is clearly on Iran and Islamic State (ISIS). It is worth remembering that it was the first Trump administration that opposed the 2017 independence referendum in the Kurdistan Region. Clues to how the US might respond to the new situation in Syria might be found in that episode. Understandably, there is a great deal of optimism about Syria’s future following the collapse of the Assad regime, but there is also great uncertainty. Local, national, regional, and geopolitical considerations are at play. Syrian Kurds must navigate these rough and often contradictory waters. These next few months are critical.  

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KRG revenue in 2024 was the highest in the past 11 years

In 2024, the Kurdistan Region received 10 trillion and 26 billion dinars from Baghdad, the highest in the past 11 years (2014-2024). The Kurdistan Region's revenue in 2024, was 16 trillion 966 billion dinars. That includes Baghdad's money, oil revenues, and 14 trillion and 613 billion dinars of domestic revenue. According to the official statement of the Ministry of Finance of the KRG in 2024, the amount of 10 trillion 26 billion 883 million dinars has reached the KRG Ministry of Finance from Baghdad  which was allocated for salaries. According to the investigations of Draw Media during the past 11 years from 2014 to 2024, the KRG has had the highest revenues in 2024. Money sent from Baghdad over 11 years 2014: 2 trillion and 280 billion dinars 2015: 2 trillion 476 billion dinars 2016: No money sent from Baghdad 2017: No money sent from Baghdad 2018: 3 trillion and 175 billion dinars 2019: 5 trillion 439 billion dinars 2020: 1 trillion 359 billion dinars 2021: 1 trillion and 200 billion dinars 2022: No money sent from Baghdad 2023: 4 trillion 298 billion dinars 2024: 10 trillion and 26 billion dinars  In total, 29 trillion and 53 billion dinars have come from Baghdad The Kurdistan Region has several other revenues, which in 2024 were as follows: - 10 trillion and 26 billion dinars came from Baghdad to the Kurdistan Region - Domestic revenue: (4 trillion, 347 billion dinars). - International Coalition Aid: (240 billion dinars). - Oil net revenue: (2 trillion and 74 billion dinars).  The total revenue of the Kurdistan Region in 2024 was 16 trillion and 966 billion dinars. Oil revenue alone was 14 trillion and 613 billion dinars.

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Kurdistan Oil Company: A path to resolving oil disputes

The ongoing disputes over oil resources and revenue sharing between the Iraqi federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) have long been a source of tension, hindering Iraqi national unity and its economic stability. Historical Background Oil has been a cornerstone of Iraq’s economy since its discovery in the early 20th century. The development of the oil sector has been closely tied to Iraq’s political trajectory, with periods of nationalization, international partnerships, and conflicts over resource control. Following the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq, the country adopted a federal system that granted regions, including Kurdistan, significant autonomy. Under the 2005 Iraqi Constitution, the Kurdistan Region gained considerable authority over its natural resources. Article 112 and Article 115 of the constitution allow the KRG to manage all the oil fields discovered after the constitution’s ratification. However, disputes arose over the interpretation of these provisions, particularly regarding revenue-sharing mechanisms and the rights to sign contracts with international oil companies (IOCs). Ongoing Strains And Conflicts Baghdad insists on central oversight of all oil exports and revenues, arguing that oil is a national resource that should benefit all Iraqis. In contrast, the KRG maintains that its constitutional rights grant it autonomy over the extraction and export of oil within its territory. These disagreements have often led to budgetary disputes. For years, Baghdad has withheld budget allocations to the KRG, accusing it of failing to meet production-sharing commitments. Meanwhile, Erbil has accused Baghdad of undermining its economic stability by using budget allocations as a political tool. The situation reached a breaking point in 2022 when a ruling by Iraq’s Federal Supreme Court deemed the KRG’s oil and gas law unconstitutional. While the Iraqi federal government claims sovereign authority over all oil production and exports, the KRG has independently managed its oil sector, exporting crude via Turkiye’s Ceyhan port and bypassing Baghdad. The 2023 arbitration ruling by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in favor of Iraq, which temporarily halted oil exports through Ceyhan, underscored the urgency of finding a sustainable resolution. These continuous tensions were addressed by Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani during his meetings with Iraqi officials in Baghdad this month. Barzani's visit to Baghdad aimed to resolve ongoing disputes over salaries, entitlements, and oil exportation—a process currently stalled due to high extraction costs for companies operating in Kurdistan. Speaking to Shafaq News Agency, parliamentary finance committee member Moeen Al-Kadhimi confirmed that the committee met with representatives from Iraq’s Ministry of Finance to discuss budget implementation for 2024. “The approved budget for 2024 is 211 trillion Iraqi dinars, but actual spending has been 156 trillion dinars so far, with revenues totaling only 137 trillion dinars. The deficit has been covered through loans,” Al-Kadhimi explained. He stressed the importance of a realistic 2025 budget, suggesting it should not exceed 150 trillion dinars. Once the revised budget law is approved by parliament, adjustments will account for Kurdistan's oil extraction and transportation costs, which range from $6 to $16 per barrel. In parallel, the parliamentary oil and gas committee has been working on amendments to the budget law that pertain to Kurdistan's oil sector. Committee member Basem Al-Gharibawi emphasized that any changes must comply with Iraqi law and the constitution. Proposals under discussion include amendments to Article 12 of the budget law, which would facilitate the formation of a "General Company for Kurdistan Region Oil." This entity, modeled after existing state oil companies, would operate under Iraq’s Ministry of Oil and oversee the extraction and exportation of oil in Kurdistan. “This proposal aims to resolve longstanding tensions between Baghdad and Erbil,” Al-Gharibawi said. What Could Be Done Next? In light of these challenges, the idea of establishing the Kurdistan Regional Oil Company (KROC) has gained traction as a potential solution. Modeled after Iraq’s state-owned oil companies, such as the North Oil Company and South Oil Company, KROC would operate under the supervision of the federal Ministry of Oil. This structure aims to reconcile the constitutional autonomy of the KRG with Baghdad’s demand for central oversight. The proposed company would handle the extraction, transportation, and exportation of oil from the Kurdistan Region, ensuring transparency and compliance with federal regulations. By creating a direct link between the KRG and the federal government, the KROC could help rebuild trust and establish a framework for equitable revenue sharing. Additionally, it could address concerns from IOCs about legal and financial stability, encouraging renewed investment in Kurdistan’s oil sector. Potential Challenges And Implications While the establishment of KROC presents a pathway to resolving disputes, significant challenges remain. Politically, it requires consensus between the KRG and Baghdad, as well as legislative amendments to Iraq’s budget and oil laws. These negotiations are likely to be contentious, given the deep-seated mistrust between the two sides. Economically, the success of KROC hinges on its ability to balance the interests of multiple stakeholders, including the federal government, the KRG, and IOCs. Ensuring transparency in revenue distribution and operational efficiency will be critical to its credibility. Additionally, KROC must address technical challenges, such as the cost of oil extraction in Kurdistan, which is higher than in other parts of Iraq due to the region’s geology. Source: Shafaq News

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Violations against journalists decreased by %27

Violations against journalists 2023: (249) 2024: (182) Decreased: (67) (27%) Arrest of journalists 2022: (37) arrests 2023: (24) arrests Decreased: (14) cases Decreased by 35% Source:Metro Center

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DNO's production in Kurdistan in Q4

Norwegian oil company DNO increased its gross production in Kurdistan on an annualized basis in the fourth quarter of 2024. But net production fell in the same period. On an annualized basis, gross production rose to 74,163 barrels of oil per day (65,773). Compared to the third quarter, this was a decline (84,212). The corresponding production in the North Sea was 6,602 barrels per day, compared with 11,236 barrels per day in the third quarter. Net entitlement production in Kurdistan fell to 17,424 b/d in Q4 (26,057). Sequentially, there was a slight decline from 17,607 b/d in the third quarter. In the North Sea, there was an increase in net production to 19,031 barrels of oil per day (16,879) and an increase on a quarterly basis (11,236). In Kurdistan, sales fell in Q4 to 17 424 barrels per day (26 057), with a small quarterly decline (17 607). In the North Sea, sales rose year-on-year to 17 088 barrels per day (15 628). On a quarterly basis, an increase was also recorded (15,307).

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The KRG Ministry of Finance responds to the Iraqi Ministry of Finance

In a statement, the KRG Ministry of Finance responded to the Iraqi Ministry of Finance's claim that it has said 11 trillion and 561 billion dinars have been sent for the salaries of the Kurdistan Region's employees in 2024. "Baghdad has sent only 10 trillion and 26 billion dinars for 2024, while the Kurdistan Region has sent 399 billion dinars to Baghdad, and the total domestic revenue was 4 trillion and 347 billion dinars," the KRG Ministry of Finance said. Kurdistan Regional Government responds to Iraqi Ministry of Finance: - (11 trillion and 576 billion) dinars was the share of the Kurdistan region - (726) billion dinars have been cut for pensions and taxes - Only 10 trillion and 26 billion dinars have been sent -  Domestic revenue was (4 trillion and 347 billion) dinars  - And (399) billion dinars have been sent to Baghdad The funds sent to Baghdad in 2024: (399 billion and 168 million) dinars were sent in five batches - For February: 85 billion 199 million dinars - For March: 70 billion 131 million dinars - For April: 74 billion, 844 million dinars For May: 91 billion 151 million dinars - For June: 77 billion, 841 million dinars Total domestic revenue of the KRG was 4 trillion, 347 billion, 484 million dinars - 960 billion dinars for salaries - 1 trillion 762 billion dinars for operating expenditures - 426 billion dinars for investment - 399 billion dinars sent to Baghdad - 652 billion dinars in cheques and (Maqsa) clearance revenue. Statement of the Iraqi Ministry of Finance: • The financial allocation of the Kurdistan Region for the compensation of the salaries of civil servants and security forces has reached (9,556,348) billion. • Salaries of the social welfare (130,931) billion. • Military pensions (650,040) billion. • Civilian pensions (776,657) billion. • Salaries of Anfal victims (98,346) billion. • Salaries of Anfal victims (soldiers) (338,479) billion. • Prisoners' allowance (10,721) billion.

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KRG Criticizes Baghdad Over Oil and Gas Management in Disputed Areas

 On Monday, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) expressed concern regarding Baghdad's plans to take unilateral steps to control oil and gas in Kirkuk and disputed areas, calling it a clear violation of the 2005 Iraqi Constitution. In a statement, the KRG cited Article 140 of the Iraqi Constitution, which mandates a referendum in Kirkuk and disputed areas, to be conducted by Baghdad’s government before December 31, 2007. “Despite this, no Iraqi government has conducted the referendum in the past 20 years. Now, Baghdad is preparing to unilaterally seize control of oil and gas in these areas, while the Kurdish people demand these areas under Article 140.” “Under Articles 110 and 115 of the 2005 Iraqi Constitution, KRG has the absolute right to independently manage newly discovered oil and gas fields. Article 112 also stipulates joint management of previously discovered fields by Baghdad and Erbil, such as those in Kirkuk and surrounding areas. Baghdad is obligated to agree with the Region on the distribution of revenues from these older fields.”

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What was said at today's meeting?

At today's meeting of the Council of Ministers, with Kurdish representatives in Baghdad, Omid Sabah, Head of the Office of the Council of Ministers of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, presented the figures as follows: * The Kurdistan Region's share for 2024 was 16 trillion and 500 billion dinars, of which: The salary share in 2024 was 11 trillion 758 billion dinars. (9 trillion, 556 billion, 348 million and 2 thousand) dinars for the salaries of employees (2 trillion, 20 billion, 173 million and 330 thousand) dinars for social welfare salaries, pensions and social affairs The operating budget (2 trillion and 500 billion) dinars has not been spent. The investment budget (2 trillion and 500 billion) dinars has not been spent. Of the 11 trillion and 758 billion dinars, only 10 trillion and 758 billion dinars were allocated for salaries from Baghdad, but 726 billion dinars were deducted for pensions (10%) and salary tax. The remaining amount was 10 trillion and 26 billion dinars, which was enough for only 10 salaries. With 960 billion of domestic revenue allocated for salaries, KRG has been able to pay only 11 salaries.

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