Iraq says Kurdish oil exports to resume Feb 1

BAGHDAD Jan 18 (Reuters) - Iraq's central government confirmed on Tuesday it reached an agreement with the Kurdish authorities to resume oil exports from the semi-autonomous region on Feb. 1, a government spokesman said.

Government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh told Reuters all issues related to the legality of the Kurdish contracts signed with international oil firms working in the region, and how the companies will be paid, will be discussed "at a later stage."

Under the deal, exports from Iraqi Kurdistan will start at 100,000 barrels per day, he said.

(Reporting by Ahmed Rasheed; writing by Rania El Gamal; editing by Keiron Henderson)