That frees the KRG, which sits on oil reserves of 45 billion barrels, from having to use Baghdad's export network and bolsters the aspirations of an independent homeland long cherished by Iraq's 5.5 million

"We have begun this oil project in north of Iraq because we believe it is true, and we continue for the same reason. We don't have any hesitation and we haven't come here with a blurred mind. We have discussed

Exxon, Chevron push Turkey-Kurdistan ties. U.S. President Barack Obama (R) hosts a meeting with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the White House on Dec. 7, 2009. (KEVIN LAMARQUE/Reuters).