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The Amman and Baghdad governments have initiated contact to restart Iraqi oil exports to Jordan, energy officials said on Monday, after another halt in a deal long affected by political differences between the two.
The latest pause comes after Jordan drew the ire of Iran’s allies in the Middle East by helping to intercept missile and armed drone barrages on Israel last month, in rare, direct hostilities between Israel and Iran.
It also followed a joint declaration between Amman and Kuwait that supported Kuwaiti claims to a maritime area disputed by Iraq.
Jordan had been among regional players that responded positively to overtures by Shiite-dominated Iraq in the last four years to improve ties with its Arab Sunni neighbours, although plans for joint economic projects remain mostly unrealised.
A renewable, short-term agreement under which the oil flowed expired a few days ago.
A Jordanian Oil Ministry official said that “bilateral measures” are being taken by both sides to extend the deal.
“There are positive signs from the Iraqi side as far as extending the agreement,” the official said.
Ties between the two countries have soured since the Iran-backed Shiite political ascendancy that came after the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003. Three years later, however, Iraq agreed to export 10,000 barrels per day of crude oil, at a discount, from its Kirkuk fields to Jordan, as part of a joint attempt to improve relations.
The flows, which account for 7 per cent of Jordanian oil imports, have been frequently interrupted, especially during periods of heightened political tensions. Jordan, which produces negligible volumes of oil, relies on Saudi Arabian imports for most of its crude oil needs.
A western diplomat said the latest halt was expected, given a deterioration of ties between Jordan and Tehran.
“The halt is part of an implicit Iranian threat that Jordan cannot expect to enjoy normal business exchange with Iraq,” the diplomat said.
Although Jordan depends on the US for aid and security, Amman does not publicly criticise Iran. Jordanian officials, however, privately say that Iraqi representatives cannot act on any improvement of ties with Amman without approval from Tehran.
An official with the Iraqi Oil Ministry confirmed the stoppage of oil exports to Jordan due to the agreement expiring.
He denied any political pressure or government plans to scrap the deal to sell oil at preferential prices to Jordan.
“Efforts are under way to renew the deal and it could be very soon,” an official told The National.
After a visit of Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Meshal to Jordan late last month, both countries called on Iraq to adhere to a maritime deal that was annulled by the Iraqi Federal Supreme Court in September and to complete the delineation of the maritime border.
That has sparked anger in Iraq, mainly among Shiite lawmakers.
“I wonder, would His Highness the King [of Jordan] accept that interference in Jordan’s internal affairs?” Alia Nusaif, an Iraqi MP, said.
Ms Nusaif demanded the Iraqi government stop selling oil to Jordan and cancel a long-planned project to extend a pipeline to export oil through Jordan.
Several Iraqi politicians started collecting signatures for a petition to force the government to stop exporting oil to Jordan.
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The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
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January 24 – First T20, Lahore
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January 27 – Third T20, Lahore
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April 5-9 – Second Test, Karachi
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Cultural Excellence: Hoor Al Qasimi (UAE)
Environmental Development and Sustainability: Bkerzay (Lebanon)
Environmental Development and Sustainability: Raya Ani (Iraq)
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Humanitarian and Civic Services: Osamah Al Thini (Libya)
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ODIs 53, Wickets 75, Average 33.44, Best 6-55
T20Is 10, Wickets 7, Average 41.14, Best 2-12
WHEN TO GO:
September to November or March to May; this is when visitors are most likely to see what they’ve come for.
WHERE TO STAY:
Meghauli Serai, A Taj Safari - Chitwan National Park resort (tajhotels.com) is a one-hour drive from Bharatpur Airport with stays costing from Dh1,396 per night, including taxes and breakfast. Return airport transfers cost from Dh661.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Etihad Airways regularly flies from Abu Dhabi to Kathmandu from around Dh1,500 per person return, including taxes. Buddha Air (buddhaair.com) and Yeti Airlines (yetiairlines.com) fly from Kathmandu to Bharatpur several times a day from about Dh660 return and the flight takes just 20 minutes. Driving is possible but the roads are hilly which means it will take you five or six hours to travel 148 kilometres.
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- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
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How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
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The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
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Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
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Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
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