US urges Iraq to open up oilfields

US capitol: US ambassador to Iraq urges more oil development.

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By Wire reports

 10 September 2009 17:52 GMT

The US ambassador to Iraq urged the government to open more oil fields to investors, saying the move, along with a hydrocarbons law, would be a “game changer” for the country and undercut terrorism.



“A market economy generating sustained economic growth and increased employment opportunities will weaken insurgent and extremist networks,” Christopher Hill told the House Foreign Affairs Committee today.

Hill, who was posted to Iraq in April, said it is time for the Iraqis to begin taking charge of their economic destiny.

He called the economy “a work in progress, beset by drought, inadequate reforms and falling oil prices earlier this year, which hurt the budget.”

As US forces pull out, the capabilities of the Iraqi government to secure the country and expand the economy…

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