Russian Foreign Ministry: Iraqi Actions Out of Step with Friendly Relations with Russia

The Russian Foreign Ministry believes that the decision by the Iraqi Oil Ministry to terminate a contract with LUKoil and its partners to exploit the 'West Kurna 2' oil field 'is not in keeping with the friendly nature of Russian-Iraqi relations.' The ministry's Press and Information Department noted that the Iraqi decision was 'inexplicable' to Russian diplomats, as it was taken at the very moment when 'Russia is managing to ease the tense situation around Iraq and is trying to achieve a resolution of the Iraqi issue by peaceful political means.'

The Russian Foreign Ministry stressed that any problems that have arisen in connection with various projects in Iraq may be due to the UN economic sanctions that are in effect in the country. However, the Foreign Ministry believes that 'unilateral steps on the part of Iraq to resolve such problems are illegal.' The ministry stressed that Russian representatives are counting on reaching a solution to the dispute between LUKoil and the Iraqi Oil Ministry via negotiations.

© &to=http://www.rosbaltnews.com/' target=_blank>RosBalt