US hails oil agreement between Iraqis, Kurds

The US on Thursday said it is "encouraged" by a deal struck between Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to work toward sharing revenue from oil exports.
"We welcome the announcement to take initial steps at finding a fair and comprehensive solution on the management of Iraq's hydrocarbon resources," said State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki.
"We urge that these steps be taken as soon as possible to build trust as Iraqi leaders continue to discuss remaining issues in the coming days toward a just and constitutional solution that will allow all Iraqis to benefit fairly and equitably from Iraq's hydrocarbon sector." She added the Obama Administration is "encouraged by this development and the willingness of officials in Baghdad and Irbil to address these complex issues directly and earnestly." "We understand that this is the first of many steps that will required to reach a comprehensive agreement. And the United States will continue to serve as a neutral broker and facilitator to the extent desired by the leadership of both Iraq and the KRG," she concluded.