Iraqi Kurds leader meets Exxon Mobil head January 23, 2013 - 14:33 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iraq's Kurdish regional government says its president has held talks with the head of Exxon Mobil amid signs that the energy giant may be exploring new options with the Kurds' rival, the central government in Baghdad. According to The Associated Press, the Kurds said late Tuesday, Jan 22, that regional President Massoud Barzani met with Exxon Chairman and CEO Rex Tillerson in Switzerland and discussed company activities. It gave no further details. Exxon infuriated Baghdad in 2011 by signing a deal with the Kurds to hunt for oil in their region and in nearby disputed territories. Tillerson's talks followed a rare meeting Monday with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Exxon had planned to sell a key stake in Iraq's south and focus instead on the Kurdish contract, though Monday's talks prompted speculation it is reconsidering those plans.   Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Latest news Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty  Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty.Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza.Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations.Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |
