The Black Vault - Iraq to sign oil deals with Russian companies

BAGHDAD, Jan 17 (Reuters) - Iraq on Friday is expected to sign oil exploration and development deals with two Russian companies, an oil ministry official said.

Stroitransgaz, an oil and gas construction company, would be awarded a contract to develop block four in Iraq's western desert, the official told Reuters. Soyuzneftegaz would sign to develop the Rafidain field in southern Iraq.

United Nations sanctions forbid any investment in Iraq until the lifting of Gulf War sanctions.

The new deals, for small fields by Iraqi standards, come after the cancellation by Iraq of the prized contract for its biggest prospect, West Qurna.

The contract was held by Russia's biggest producer LUKOIL which Baghdad said failed to meet the terms of the deal.