Iraq Selectively Seeking Business

Amar Rashid, Iraq's oil minister, says his country needs several million dollars worth of work to upgrade its petroleum production facilities. But according to Rashid only "friendly" nations will be invited to supply the business.

Countries thought most likely to get the work: Russia, China, and France. China and Russia signed contracts to develop Iraqi oil fields last year, and according to Rashid, some of the projects could now get under way without contravening United Nations resolutions affecting business dealings with Iraq.