Iraq gives Eni green light on big oil project

Iraq has given a consortium led by Eni, the Italian oil group, the right to develop its giant Zubair field, in a deal that signals the country's desire to attract more of the biggest oil companies four decades after nationalising its oil industry.

Yesterday's breakthrough, which needs cabinet approval, came after Iraq sweetened its terms following the failure of a June auction. It could lead to further foreign investment in a country with the world's third largest oil reserves.

As part of the deal, the Baghdad told the Eni consortium to drop Sinopec, China's state-owned oil company, as a partner.