Abbas Fatah, a member of PUK’s fraction in the Kurdistan region parliament, said in KurdSat News’s “Ta Yak” show, “exporting Kurdistan region gas is not an easy affair, and it should be settled with the Iraqi government before its exportation. The mistakes made in selling oil should not repeat in selling natural gas, that could precipitate in worse economic conditions, and burden salaried people of Kurdistan region.”

“Before selling natural gas, Kurdistan region needs to get organized, because this affair [exporting gas to Europe] cannot be executed with a personal visit to a foreign country, referring to Kurdistan region PM’s visit to the UK. Natural gas may not be exported, unless political parties of Kurdistan region, and Iraqi government agree to it, because it cannot be done by a unilateral decision of a single part,” explained Abbas Fatah.

He also noted, “there are various issues of transparent governance. Many oil deals were made in the shadows. Natural gas contracts shall be transparent and its revenue for the people.”

Regarding the Kurdistan region’s returns, he said, “I believe that if the region’s revenue is collected transparently, it will end salary cuts and lack of services in the Kurdistan region.