New Iraq leaders ready to resume contract with LUKoil

The resumption of the contract with Russia's LUKoil company on the development of an oil deposit near Iraq's Western Qurna will be discussed with the company's top managers. Chairman of the Iraqi Governing Council Abdel Aziz al-Hakim said this Monday in an interview with RIA Novosti.

"As far as I know, this contract was suspended by the Saddam Hussein regime, and we intend to negotiate its resumption," he noted.

Al-Hakim reaffirmed that Russia could participate in a tender for the restoration of Iraq's economy on a par with other countries.

We welcome all foreign companies, including Russian ones, on an equal basis, he said.

In his words, Iraq expects assurances from the Russian leadership that "Russia will help Iraq restore its economy and support the Iraqi people in their aspiration for sovereignty and termination of the occupation."