The Iraqi Ministry of Oil on Monday refuted statements made by MP Amer Abdul-Jabbar regarding the Basra-Haditha crude oil pipeline, alleging that his information lacks both accuracy and objectivity.
The Ministry highlighted inaccuracies in Abdul-Jabbar's claims about project costs, ownership, and employment of labor from neighboring countries, and related projects.
In a detailed statement, the Ministry expressed surprise at the persistent efforts of some political figures to mislead public opinion through various media channels. The Ministry said that such actions harm the public interest.
"The Ministry of Oil is surprised by the insistence of some political figures and individuals on distorting facts deliberately, which harms the public interest," the statement read.
The Ministry urged Abdul-Jabbar to update his information by consulting official sources, specifically data from the Oil Projects Company and recent Ministry statements.
These sources, the Ministry noted, aim to provide accurate information and serve the interests of Iraq and its people.
The Basra-Haditha pipeline project is designed to enhance the flexibility of crude oil transport for refineries, depots, and power stations within Iraq.
It is a priority in the Ministry's plans and the government's program, alongside future projects intended to improve export routes through neighboring countries, such as Turkey, Syria, and Jordan. Among these is the Development Road project, currently under preparation and study.
The Ministry clarified that the pipeline project would be executed by national efforts within the Oil Projects Company, in collaboration with the General Company for Iron and Steel under the Iraqi Ministry of Industry and Minerals.
The Ministry firmly denied Abdul-Jabbar's statements about project costs, ownership, and concessions to neighboring countries, describing them as inaccurate.
"We reject all such statements and claims as they harm the public interest," the Ministry stated, emphasizing its legal right to respond to any defamation.
The Ministry called on all entities, individuals, and media outlets to ensure accuracy, objectivity, and professional integrity in publishing and circulating information. The Ministry also stressed the importance of relying on official statements to serve the public interest.