Qubad Talabani: We must work together to pass the oil and gas law and budget bill

PUKMEDIA

Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani

Qubad Talabani, the Deputy Prime Minister, has sent out a statement stating, "After nearly a decade of crisis and hardship, now a golden opportunity has come, and we must all use this chance responsibly to learn from the mistakes of the past and restore hope to the Kurdish people."

On Tuesday, Qubad Talabani wrote on his Facebook page: "There was no other alternative for the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) than to accept to sell oil through SOMO under the current scenario, both legally and in terms of the authorities of the federal government."

Although we should have done this earlier and with our consent rather than following the ruling of the international courts, Talabani said, "We still believe it is the proper approach to begin oil exports and tackle this problem in the future."

"As we have previously stated, it makes no difference who sells oil; what matters is that salaries are paid, that the necessary services are provided, and that steps are taken to reach an agreement on the oil and gas law." "Also, to approve the budget law, restoring the Kurdistan Region's economic stability," he added.

The Deputy Prime Minister continued: "It is not the time to display ourselves as heroes; rather, it is the moment to own up to our shortcomings so that we may see the issues clearly and find solutions for the welfare of the Kurdish people."

"In order to pass the budget law and the oil and gas law as soon as possible, the time is now for us all to work together and seize the opportunity of goodwill."

"The Kurdistan Region has suffered enormous losses over the last ten years; economic expansion and many projects have come to an end; salary payments have been problematic; and the region has operated without a budget law due to instability and a lack of income transparency," he said. Furthermore, "There will be no excuse in front of the Kurdistan parliament's acceptance of a transparent budget because all of this has contributed to a decline in public trust in institutions."

"From this point forward and following the signing of this agreement, we are hopeful that we will all draw lessons from the past and step up our efforts to promote good governance and boost public confidence in the institutions." "To achieve fairness in the allocation of resources and services across all provinces without discrimination, we must increase transparency within the framework of the budget law and reinvigorate service projects," Qubad Talabani said.

"There is now a golden opportunity after almost ten years of turmoil and struggle," he continued. We must all handle this chance carefully so that it does not pass us by, but also to take advantage of it to correct previous mistakes and restore hope to the Kurdish people," he said.



PUKMEDIA