KRG Council of Ministers Advocates for Constitutional Alignment of the Upcoming Federal Oil and Gas Law

On Wednesday, August 9, 2023, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani presided over a session of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Council of Ministers. Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani was also present.

The key focus of the meeting was the outcome of recent discussions between the KRG and the Iraqi Federal Government in Baghdad. These discussions revolved around preliminary talks concerning the Oil and Gas Federal Law. This potential legislation seeks a collaborative approach between the federal government, the KRG, and the oil-producing governorates, ensuring alignment with the hydrocarbon-related provisions of the Iraqi constitution.

Prime Minister Barzani underscored the imperative that the Oil and Gas Federal Law remains in harmony with the constitution, drawing explicitly from its articles and provisions. He emphasised that for the law to be effective, it must gain acceptance from the Iraqi government, the KRG, and the oil-producing governorates, as outlined in the constitution. The Council echoed these sentiments, emphasising that the Oil and Gas Federal Law should be rooted firmly in the Iraqi Constitution.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Barzani highlighted the importance of upholding the bilateral agreements between the federal government and the KRG. These agreements safeguard the constitutional rights of the Kurdistan Region’s populace. The Council also reiterated the significance of shaping the Oil and Gas law within the purview of the Iraqi federal system, keeping the sector’s arrangements and the constitution at the forefront.

In the second part of the meeting, Kwestan Mohamad, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, presented a draft law titled “Guidelines for Rehabilitation of People with Disabilities, Special Needs, and Dwarfism Fund”, based on Article 22 from 2011. The law aims to activate a fund intended to aggregate revenues, which be redirected towards the provision of care, rehabilitation, and varied support. This will encompass financial, social, healthcare, and educational aid for individuals with disabilities, special needs, and dwarfism. To govern this fund, a commission, made up of representatives of the aforementioned groups, will be established. After careful consideration, the Council of Ministers unanimously approved the draft laws and tasked the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs with coordinating further actions in partnership with related ministries and organisations after the bill’s complete enactment.