http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jXG9SdPD2bxJ8FZ2Ibw1pXOFrW_QD900AQHG1BAGHDAD (AP) — Oil giants Chevron Corp. and Total have confirmed that they are in discussions with the Iraqi Oil Ministry to increase production in an important oil field in southern Iraq.
The discussions are aimed at finalizing a two-year deal, or technical support agreement, to boost production at the West Qurna Stage 1 oil field near Iraq's second-largest city of Basra.
Chevron and Total confirmed their involvement in the discussions in e-mails received Saturday by The Associated Press.
"Chevron is interested in helping the Iraq government's objectives to develop its oil and gas industry," Chevron spokesman Kurt Glaubitz said in an e-mail. Total spokeswoman Lisa Wyler confirmed the French company's involvement.