The KRG Council of Ministers yesterday held its regular meeting chaired by Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani.

The Prime Minister spoke of a meeting requested by Parliament for an update from the Kurdistan Oil and Gas Council on the oil issue and other disputes with Baghdad. He said informative reports were presented by the committees of finance and economics, industry and energy, and natural resources.

The Minister of Natural resources provided information on oil export, revenue, and banking. Within the oil sector and financial crisis he presented plans and solutions that will cover government expenses. He also responded to questions from MPs.

Regarding complaints from MPs about excessively delayed responses to their queries from ministers, the Prime Minister informed a 15-day limit should be applied. He said sharing information with Parliament is a normal process and urged respect, cooperation, and timely communication.

The Minister of Natural Resources presented a draft bill for the establishment of the ‘Kurdistan Oil Exploration and Production Company’. He said this is an important step toward enhancing establishment of the oil sector. He explained the company will plan administrative, financial, and technical policies in accordance with the Region’s oil policy.

In coordination with the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Kurdistan Region Oil and Gas Council the company will oversee all tasks related to exploration and production contracting, development, and export and marketing. In accordance with and as regulated by law, citizens will have opportunity to become shareholders. The bill was discussed and approved for submission to Parliament.

The Minister of Natural Resources also presented a draft bill to establish the “Kurdistan Region of Iraq Oil and Gas Fund” into which all oil and gas sale revenue will be deposited. This bill was also discussed and approved for submission to Parliament.

Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani referred to the performance of government in meeting the needs of all citizens. He urged ministries to be more systematic and active in streamlining procedures so that the public is better served.

The Prime Minister fully endorsed the Deputy Prime Minister’s point and reaffirmed, “The government’s philosophy is to serve the people.” He urged ministries to improve performance and lauded those ministers who exercised their authority in serving the public interest. He offered his office’s support to reforms needed to improve public service.

Regarding disputes between Erbil and Baghdad, Prime Minister Barzani informed the KRG’s overall policy is to reach agreement with the federal government. He said a mechanism is needed to prevent anyone, regardless of their position, from adversely affecting the allocation and transfer of the agreed share of national revenue to the Kurdistan Region.

The Prime Minister affirmed the KRG will not submit oil marketing to SOMO control, but expressed readiness to cooperate and coordinate with SOMO on the sharing of information pertinent to export and sale in an accountable and transparent manner. He said the KRG is in touch with the federal government, United Nations, and United States, and the door to negotiation with Baghdad is open.

He expressed hope the anticipated visit of the Iraqi Oil Minister to Erbil will establish a basis for resolving issues.

Regarding trading with ISIS, Prime Minister Barzani informed it is by every measure a national betrayal. He said a committee is being established to deal with this issue and the government will spare no legal procedures in stopping such trading.

Finally, the Council of Ministers decided to add a Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs for which a bill will be prepared for approval and submission to Parliament.