IRAQ: Shell halts talks with Kurdistan as ExxonMobil risks sanctions

摘要

With its large growing stake in southern Iraq, Shell has suspended negotiations with officials in Kurdistan to avoid incurring the wrath of the Baghdad government which has threatened sanctions against ExxonMobil for dealing with the troubled semi-autonomous region.A partner with ExxonMobil to develop the8.7-billion barrel West Qurna Phase One oilfield in southern Iraq, Shell is also eyeing at least US$17 billion worth of natural gas deals.The Iraqi government has warned international oil companies from dealing with Kurdistan which has long sought to break from Baghdad's rule.