Iraq Oil Deals Must Be Signed With Central Gov

Iraq's oil ministry said on Thursday foreign firms should only sign oil contracts with the central government.

Iraq's oil ministry said on Thursday foreign firms should only sign oil contracts with the central government, adding that deals outside its jurisdiction would be considered illegal.

An oil industry source told Reuters the warning, made in an oil ministry statement, referred to contracts signed "recently" without the approval of the central government.

Iraq's Kurdistan regional government has signed several long-term production sharing agreements with foreign companies, including one last week with United Arab Emirate's Dana Gas .

Iraq's central government and Kurdish officials are currently trying to resolve disputes over a landmark draft oil law.