By: eamad j mazouri

eamad j mazouri — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 09:48:57 +0000

When it comes to oil contracts, the post Saddam Iraq is a federal democratic Iraq according to its constitution of 2005 that was voted on by more than 80% of Iraqi voters and ratified by the democratically elected Iraqi parliament. This constitution is clear on the three areas of exclusive powers of the federal government in Baghdad; the defense, monetary and foreign policies. There are also the shared powers between the federal government and the regions, however if a conflict arise in any of these areas the constitution gives the regional laws an upper hand over the federal ones. We must admit that Oil related articles are vague, while clearly stating oil revenues would be shared by the entire Iraqi population it gives the region implicitly the right over non-current fields. However, it is understood that there should be cooperation and coordination between the federal and regional governments not only on signing oil contracts, but also on other issues such as exploration rights, administration and marketing. The federal ministry of oil has signed as many or more contracts than KRG with international companies without even consulting KRG, even when these contracts are related to oil fields under the jurisdiction of KRG. At any rate, it is understood that in the absence of a federal hydro-carbon law they both have the right to go ahead with these contracts as long as they serve people and do not violate international standards especially if the country is in dire need for oil generated revenues to support basic services such as clean water, power, communications and decent roads as it is the case now in Iraq. Also as a consequence to that the country is in need of foreign investments specifically in oil industry when it comes to capital, technology and expertise. Nevertheless, if the differences between the two parties reach a certain level then the federal Supreme Court should be the referee not the media as Mr. Shahristani has done.

By: eamad j mazouri

eamad j mazouri — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 08:15:43 +0000

The new Iraq is a federal democratic country.All the disputes among all the parties can be solved through constitution and the supreme court.Kurds through KRG and their parliament have chosen to be part of this union where they have all their rights secured and guaranteed while enjoying the protection of a sovereign Iraq.Everything they do is based on that constitution and within the framework of Iraq.However, Mr. Al-Maliki unfortunately has been acting as ifhe is not the PM of a democratic country with limited term of premiership.Many of his actions are in violation of the principles of the voluntary union new Iraq is based on and are targeted at strengthening the powers of the central government at the expense of the regions and governorates leading to the belief that he is paving the way for another one person one party dictatorship.Iraqis have suffered for over 8 decades from this type of regime and they refuse to go back to those days.Today most aspect of the system are based on concensus of all Iraqi elements ethnic and religious and any violation of the constitution by the government will have dire consequences on the country as a whole as well as the entire region.

Comments on: Maliki takes first swing at KRG oil deals

By: eamad j mazouri

By: eamad j mazouri