Iraq’s Abadi pledges to protect oil companies

The Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar Al-Abadi reassured oil companies operating in the country that his government will protect their businesses and employees after tensions erupted near the southern oil fields.

Al-Abadi’s assurances came during his visit to the West Qurna 2 oilfield in Basra yesterday where he met with managers in the Russian Lukoil company which operates the oilfield, according to a statement issued by the premier’s office.

“The Iraqi government spares no effort in protecting the wealth of the Iraqi people represented in its oil and will fulfil its responsibility towards protecting oil installations and workers including Iraqi and foreign companies,” Al-Abadi said in a statement.

“There is importance in increasing oil production to match the population growth and the need for services,” it added.

Iraqis held protests in several areas near Basra city demanding jobs which led to clashes with security forces. A protester is reported to have been killed in the clashes.

The Iraqi cabinet yesterday rejected what it described as the “violation of properties and oil production sites,” adding that such “violations of the law affect the life and interests of the Iraqi people and their country, and threaten the financing of the war against Daesh’s terrorism.”