11-10-2009
Baghdad
Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki told reporters that the government intends to ratify an agreement with a group led by Italian oil company Eni to develop the al-Zubayr on 17 November after processing aspects raised by the Legal Committee at the Council of Ministers ...
Iraq and conclude deals with foreign companies, a major effort to revive the battered oil sector in the country and become the state's third-largest oil producer in the world.
Transactions that need was met with opposition from members of parliament to the government approval to complete.
And the Iraqi government said on Tuesday it will sign next week, oil deals signed with major Western companies to develop fields, West Qurna and Zubair oilfields.
Did not specify the nature of the issues raised or whether the agreement will be amended.
Maliki said the government referred the contract to the discussion between the Legal Committee and the Oil Ministry to address those points.
He informed the government spokesman told Reuters that the approval of an agreement to develop the giant West Qurna field, also postponed until next week.
Faced Iraqi Oil Minister Hussain al-Shahristani fierce criticism on Tuesday from lawmakers angry over his handling of the country's oil wealth.. And accused him of rushing into deals with foreign companies without careful consideration.
But there are no assurances that the new administration elected in January, will remain on the deals concluded by Iraq in the last period, but Maliki, played down that possibility as unrealistic.
He said that this is just rumors to prevent foreign companies from investing in the country.
