Signing ceremony signals strong political backing for agreement, but pipeline flows remain shut as technical details are still being negotiated.
Under a provisional compromise deal, SOMO would take over selling crude and KRG would keep control of its oil revenue.
Oil companies are beginning to shut down oil production after a landmark arbitration ruling that led Turkey to halt Iraq's northern exports.
CEO frames negotiations as a test of Iraq's ability to prioritize respect for contracts over political expedience.
Baghdad's legal victory appears to be altering the balance of power that has enabled Kurdistan's oil sector independence.
Attempting to triangulate between opposing political forces, Sudani also pushes through a long-delayed financial transfer to Kurdistan.
The Sudani administration appears to be turning a blind eye to the blacklist policy enacted by the previous government against KRG oil sector companies.
Rising investment of military resources signals enduring power of politically connected armed groups.
In early talks between Baghdad and Erbil, negotiators have outlined the same points of conflict that have stalled oil legislation since 2007.
After negotiations nearly fell apart two weeks ago, the French firm gave until Feb. 15 to finalize a deal — a deadline now extended by one month.
