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Jun 30 08 11:22 PM



BAGHDAD (AP) — The Iraqi government opened eight oil fields to international bidding Monday as the nation attempts to boost daily production by 60%.
The potential participation of big Western companies like BP, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Shell and Total SA in Iraq's oil industry has been criticized in recent weeks following published reports that several were close to signing no-bid contracts with the Iraqi government.

There was an immediate outcry over perceptions that the U.S. did invade Iraq to gain access to its massive oil reserves and there was no announcement of contracts Monday by Oil Minister Hussain al-Shahristani.

"I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." ~~John 15:5~~