Iraq: Shahristani, Nippon Oil and Nassiriya oil contractnote

Iraqi Oil Minister Hussein Al-Shahristani is said to have rejected attempts to meet with Nippon Oil executives separately while in Tokyo earlier this month. The following 375-word report sheds light on the subject and tells what Nippon Oil delegates are now doing in Iraq to win the Nassiriya oil contract against ENI of Italy. It also tells what the position is in Nassiriya and what position the (Shiite) Supreme Islamic Council in Iraq is taking.