By John Lee.
Iraqi oil minister Abdul Kareem al-Luaibi [Elaibi] (pictured) has said that parliament set up a high-level delegation several days ago to resolve the oil export dispute between Baghdad and Erbil, and he expects a deal to be reached within days.
According to Reuters, Ankara is awaiting Iraq's blessing before allowing exports to begin through a new pipeline to the port of Ceyhan -- more than 1 million barrels of oil have already been shipped.
Iraq wants to double the oil flow to Ceyhan to more than 1 million barrels per day (bpd) with the construction of a second line.
"We are building a pipeline in Iraq," Luaibi told Reuters on the sidelines of a conference in Ankara. "I believe the daily oil flow will exceed 1 million barrels a day when that line is completed. I hope it happens this year."
(Source: Reuters)
This oil minister Luabi has never said something trustworthy. He talked about an "imminent" agreement in London for a week ago. Still we only see disagreement and that Baghdad with Shahristani doesn't show any willing to get a final agreement with Erbil and use their oil and gas to replace the Russian export to Europe and Turkey. It's a shame! Who wants to buy from Iraq when the situation is so uncertain and instable as it is now? Maliki/Sharistani and Luabi must go!