Peregraf
Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) spokesperson Peshawa Hawramani announced on Tuesday that a high-level regional delegation is in a "decisive meeting" in Baghdad to discuss oil exports, non-oil revenues, and related financial issues.
Speaking at a press conference in Halabja, where he was addressing the aftermath of recent wildfires, Hawramani said: "Before I came here, I spoke via text message with the delegation. They are now in serious discussions and negotiations on these topics."
On the issue of federal revenue transfers, the spokesperson confirmed that 120 billion dinars are ready to be delivered to Baghdad "whenever it is necessary and requested."
The statement follows Tuesday’s decision by the Iraqi Council of Ministers to release the June salaries of KRG employees, but only under strict conditions.
According to Peregraf sources, Baghdad has demanded that Erbil hand over non-oil revenues and ensure the resumption of oil exports in accordance with previous agreements. A key condition requires the KRG to persuade international oil companies operating in the region to restart exports within 72 hours and to sell oil at $16 per barrel, as set in the amended federal budget law.
Baghdad also insisted that 120 billion dinars in non-oil revenues for June be transferred before salary payments are issued. In addition, joint committees on salaries, revenues, and oil were urged to expedite their work.
The Council of Ministers stressed that payment of June salaries will only be made once both obligations are met: the delivery of revenues and the enforcement of oil exports.
KRG employees have yet to receive salaries for June and July, a delay that has severely affected households and slowed economic activity across the Kurdistan Region’s markets.