Al-Moussawi: The Baghdad-Erbil meeting is a step toward breaking the oil deadlock and an opportunity for an understanding conditional on political will.

Zainab al-Moussawi, a member of the parliamentary Oil and Gas Committee for the Sadiqoon, confirmed that the Ministry of Oil’s call for an urgent meeting with representatives from the Kurdistan Region is a positive step toward breaking the deadlock on the region’s oil exports.
Al-Moussawi said in a press statement on Friday that “the success of the meeting in reaching an understanding depends on several factors, foremost among which is the availability of political will,” noting that “the presence of a genuine will on the part of both parties, Baghdad and Erbil, may enhance the chances of reaching a comprehensive agreement”.
Al-Moussawi addressed the most prominent points of contention impeding agreement, such as export mechanisms, the region’s financial share in the federal budget, and oversight of export operations and revenues. She added, “If an agreement is reached on these essential points, the path will be paved toward resuming exports”.
Al-Moussawi explained that the halt in exports has created significant domestic economic pressure, in addition to international pressure, which could push the parties toward mutual concessions.
She also stressed the importance of international mediation or support, noting that “sometimes foreign oil companies or some countries with influence in the oil market play a role in bringing the views of the concerned parties closer together”.
Al-Moussawi concluded her remarks by saying, “The upcoming meeting may help bring positions closer and reach an understanding, but it does not in and of itself represent a guarantee,” emphasizing that the final outcome depends on both parties’ willingness to resolve differences in a spirit of mutual understanding and concessions.