Chinese Companiesˈ Presence In Iran Oil Projects Conditional: Official

Tehran, Aug 4, IRNA – The continued presence of Chinese companies in Iranˈs oil projects will be conditional, deputy Oil Minister for International Affairs Ali Majedi said on Monday. Talking to IRNA, the official criticized the Chinese companies for their continued delays and weak performance compared to European companies active in Iran. He called on the Chinese companies to comply with Iranˈs conditions and standards. Majedi said reports on spying of Chinese companies on Iranian oil projects have not been officially confirmed yet. Some Iranian media outlets recently claimed that the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) handed over the secret data about Iranˈs Azadegan oil field to Iraq. Tehran has urged the Chinese companies to be fully committed to the schedule and promote their performance quality, he noted. CNPC abandened Iranˈs oil projects after Tehran issued a February 18 ultimatum over its continuous delays. CNPC has been in charge of developing the South Azadegan oilfield for seven years./end