between the government and Kurdistan Region, and pointed out that the contract will last for 20 years.

“The agreement stipulates for (BP) to conduct a survey on Kirkuk field , which will lead to increased production in this field and these studies must be done within a period of 18 months ,” a senior official in Iraqi North Oil Company told Press sources briefed by "Shafaq News”.

“After submitting the report and make sure of the potential to increase production in the field, 20 years contract will be signed," Adding that” BP will get 2 two dollars for every produced barrel “.

For his part, a spokesman for BP in London told AFP “I assure that we have a letter on this contract”.

The development of this oil field is considered as a goal of the Iraqi government wishing to increase its oil production to finance the reconstruction of the country.

Observers point out that this agreement angered the Kurdish authorities, hinting that there are several problems between the government in Baghdad and Kurdistan region, especially in relation to sharing oil revenues and the sovereignty of the region around Kirkuk, an oil-rich area that Kurds wants to join it to Kurdistan, according to observers.

Kirkuk's oil field produces 270 thousand barrels per day and is expected to increase production under this contract to 500 thousand during three years.

The spokesman of the Ministry of Natural Resources in Kurdistan condemned this agreement and said that “Kurdistan Regional Government rejects any agreement contrary to the Constitution that is not in the interest of Iraq," adding that “it will not allow any company to operate in the disputed territories “without " formal agreement and the participation Kurdistan government “.