Baghdad says that the Russian oil companies must be present in the oil market of Iraq
Release Date: 2011-08-08
The government of Iraq is not against Russian oil and gas business in the country, said the head of the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs Hoshyar Zebari. According to him participation of Russian companies in the auction in 12 oil blocks is evidence to that.
On Monday in an interview for channel "Russia today" he said that he thinks that there are no differences and that he is not against Russia's interest in the Iraq oil and gas markets as it might seem other wise for the Russian businessmen.
"Despite the fact that USA and Britain are present in this area and have their own interests I am confident that under the conditions of fair competition Iraqi and Russian oil companies will take their rightful place in the oil market" - said the Minister.
Zibari also noted the continued development of Russian-Iraqi relations in various fields. At the forefront, he said, are the relations in political, economics, commercial, construction and military fields.
The Minister also added that "there are well-laid plans of the Iraq-Russian military cooperation to enhance the combat capability of the Iraqi army, which has been equipped with Russian weaponry for many years"
On Monday the Iraqi Oil Ministry denied access to 41 companies for oil and gas auctions, five of which were Russian.
According to the ministry following companies have granted the access: OJSC "Bashneft" TNK-BP, OAO "Rosneft", OAO "Gazprom", and OAO "LUKOIL".
50 companies were involved in the selection process.
Organizing the next stage of the tender on deposit in Iraq will continue throughout 2011, signing of contracts is scheduled for January 2012. In the fourth round of auctions of 12 areas for exploration will be displayed, from which, presumably, 7 will be for gas and 5 for oil. As reported by Finmarket.
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