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Iraq to Remain Part of OPEC, PM Reassures

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Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi has assured that the nation will continue to be a part of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, but will seek fair production quotas, according to a social media post by Al-Zaidi's office.

"Iraq is a founding member of OPEC and will remain so. However, we seek a fair and equitable production quota," Al-Zaidi said in an interview with Al Arabiya, according to his office.

Iraq had warned last month that it was considering all options, including a potential exit from the OPEC, if the group does not significantly raise its production quota, according to several media reports.

The warning by the group's second-largest producer, followed UAE's recent exit from OPEC.

An Iraqi exit soon after the recent departure of another major member would deal a major blow to OPEC+, undermining its unity, market influence and credibility, although the threat is more likely a negotiating tactic to secure higher production quotas, industry analysts told.

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