MPs in Iraq threaten to export Basra oil independently

12/11/2015

Around 72 Member of Parliament of Iraq have demanded the oil rich province of Iraq, Basra, should be given financial freedom. They have also called for end of discrimination between north and south Iraq. If demands are not met, the parliamentarians also threatened exporting oil independently.
Khalaf Abdul-Samad, a member of the State of Law Coalition, said that 72 members of parliament signed a petition to "restore Basra's rights" and end the discrimination exercised between the province and northern Iraq.
According to the petition, Basra's quota should be guaranteed by government in upcoming budget.
The MPs representing Basra in parliament "are the province's legitimate representatives in negotiations with the government," he said, reminding the government of its obligation to pay Basra's financial dues, which have been outstanding since 2010. He called for a timetable to be drawn up for the government to repay its debts.
He mentioned, "If our demands are not met, we will export oil domestically and take all its revenues till the government repays all the money it owes Basra."
It is noteworthy that Basra has the largest oil wells of Iraq, and the province contributes 80% of total Iraq’s oil.

Last Update:: 12/11/2015

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