Al-Ghad

Bush-linked Texas oil company signs major deal with Kurdish Region in disputed areas

The deal between the Bush-linked “Hunt Oil Company” and the Kurdish Regional Government has uncovered a major crisis between the Maliki Government and the US, according to well-informed sources. The sources disclosed to Al-Ghad that the terms of the deal are still secret, but they include huge areas and intrude into disputed regions in the province of Nineva. The deal covers the important Jabel Qand Structure. The entry of the American oil companies into contracts in Iraq, in the absence of a Federal Oil Law, means the American Administration recognises the regional Oil Laws with far-reaching consequences. This has already alienated the docile Maliki Government opposed the deal strongly, according to the informed sources, and is one of the main reasons for its reluctance to refer the Draft Oil Law to Parliament for approval.

It, also, means that the US has decided to by-pass the Iraqi Central Government, ignoring the constitution and even encroaching on disputed major oilfields outside the Kurdish Region. Because of this, the Iraqi Government finds itself forced to take symbolic and unusual measures to express its anger. This seems already reflected in its vocal reaction to the Blackwater massacre in Baghdad, in contrast to the usual official silence with regards the daily attacks and bombing of civilian targets.

Al-Ghad

See also:

Bush-linked Texas company signs oil deal with Iraqi Kurds

Wall Street Journal: Hunt Oil Skirts Baghdad, Signs Deal With Kurds
Kucinich wants inquiry into Hunt, Iraq oil