Fear of Powerful Politicians Causes ‘Corruption That Slows the Economy,’ Iraq’s Oil Minister Says
Fear of Powerful Politicians Causes ‘Corruption That Slows the Economy,’ Iraq’s Oil Minister Says
Iraqi Oil Minister Ihsan Abdul-Jabbar Ismail blames indecision and delays in the ministry on fear of powerful lawmakers whose interests are not served, the Associated Press reported.
"This is the culture: To stay away from any case, to stay away from inspectors, to say, 'Let us not do it.' I think this is the corruption that slows the economy," he told the AP.
While oil minister, Ismail tried to fast-track projects. He said he is hopeful the coming months will bring signed contracts to develop key projects that could boost Iraq's gas capacity by 3 billion cubic feet by 2025.