Exxon Mobil is not qualified "right now" for Iraq''s fourth oil bidding round because of its agreements with semi-autonomous Kurdistan, Iraq''s Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Hussain al-Shahristani said on Sunday. Exxon last year signed agreements with Iraq''s semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, prompting Baghdad to warn the US company it faces action over the deals that the central government considers illegal.
"Exxon was informed about the Iraqi government position clearly and openly. They asked for some time, and we are waiting for their final answer to inform them of our final decision," Shahristani said.