"This project comes as part of the ministry's plan to consolidate the cooperation with the Arab countries in the oil sector, and especially the neighboring countries in a way that serves the Arab countries and enhances the Iraqi exporting abilities," an official of the ministry was quoted as saying.

   "The multiplicity of the Iraqi oil exporting outlets comes within the future plan of the ministry to increase the volume of its exports to reach 5.3 million barrels per day by the end of this year," the official added.

   Iraq exports oil mainly by a northern pipeline through Turkeyand a southern pipeline through Basra, 550 km south of Baghdad. Enditem