Iraq: No Special Treatment for Russia

Iraq's oil minister said yesterday that Russian companies would get no special treatment as earlier oil and gas contracts are reviewed and renegotiated.

He referred to leading oil producer Lukoil, which had an agreement with Saddam Hussain's government to drill at the giant West Qurna field.

"Bearing in mind that Russia has developed the field before, it may have a certain advantage and make a more competitive bid than others," Al Shahristani was quoted as saying by the Interfax news agency.

"However, it depends on Lukoil - whether it offers the best terms to Iraq or not."