Ripper Ahmed announces a final agreement with Baghdad on the Asikudo Customs system
Ripper Ahmed announces a final agreement with Baghdad on the Asikudo Customs system
Ripper Ahmed announces a final agreement with Baghdad on the Asikudo Customs system
Erbil (Kurdistan24) - Interior Minister in the Government of the Kurdistan Region, Riper Ahmed, announced on Tuesday, 11 August 2026, that Erbil andBaghdad will reach a final agreement on the application of the global Asikuda system and the sharing of customs revenues, while Talcoa criticized the federal government in compensating victims of attacks targeting the region, stressing that the resumption of oil production is linked to providing air defense systems and security guarantees for foreign companies.
In a press release, Ripper Ahmed explained that the implementation of the Asikuda Customs system came under the direct supervision of the Regional Government President Mesur Barzani after a series of intensive meetings. He pointed out that the last point of contention regarding the distribution of border gate revenue has been decided, where it was agreed, according to the Constitution, to distribute it at 50% for ZErbil and 50% for ZBaghdad.
The Minister stressed that this system will provide great facilities for traders and will contribute to the revival of trade movement, stressing at the same time the need to remove illegal and unconstitutional controls (checkpoints) spread between the provincial cities and the rest of the Iraq governorates, which impose fees outside the framework of the law.
Responding to a question about compensation for the victims of the missile and drone strikes the region suffered, the interior minister disclosed the preparation of a detailed report on the extent of the damage and its submission to the federal government. The minister criticized Baghdad's position, saying: "So far there are no practical steps to compensate, and the order has not exceeded oral promises".
Regarding the cessation of oil production, Riper Ahmed points to the security threats emanating from within the Iraq territory towards the Kurdistan region, stressing that global companies will not resume operations without "accuracy and security guarantees".