Zarubezhneft still keen on Iran, pauses talks
ST. PETERSBURG. June 24 (Interfax) - While Russian state company Zarubezhneft continues to retain its interest in Iranian operations, there is no talk of concrete projects yet, company's Deputy General Director Artyom Garibyan told reporters.
"Iran is of enormous interest to us as a country with the world's biggest oil and gas resources," he said.
At the same time, talks over cooperation with Iran have been paused, he said. "We have to get permission from the government on this matter, we continue talks and consultations with Iran, but we are not making any concrete steps yet for signing agreements," Garibyan said.
It was reported that a year ago Zarubezhneft signed a memorandum with Iran, whereby the company planned to continue talks and look for sites for geological surveying and production in the future.
Presently, Iran is under the U.S. and EU sanctions imposing restrictions on oil sale.
