Kazakhstan called Exxon an opponent of increase of Astana share in Kashagan

/REUTERS, Astana, Raushan Nurshayeva, December 4, 07/ - American Exxon Mobil is single among participants of consortium, developing the giant field Kashagan in Kazakhstan, who acts against increase of share of state Kazakh oil company Kazmunaygas in the project, the minister of energy Sauat Mynbayev informed. On Sunday Kazmunaygas announced that almost all participants of consortium leaded by Italian Eni are agreeing with it, and only one opponent is left. On the question of Reuters, who it is, Mynbayev had noted on Tuesday: "It is Exxon". "We'll speak to it and other companies. It is not the final decision", - the minister added. Powers of Kazakhstan had blamed western investors in abortions while developing of field and claimed the compensation, and also endowing of state company with status of second leader of Kashagan project. Negotiations have to be finished till December 20. If the agreement won't be reached, Kazakhstan threats with steps in one side order - such right is provided by law about entrails, taken effect recently and give the powers the right to cancel any contract in case of "treat to national safety". To the staff of consortium headed by Eni are included: Royal Dutch Shell, Exxon Mobil and Total, to which belong 18.5% shares each, ConocoPhillips with 9.3% and Japan Inpex and Kazmunaygas owing with 8.3% each. To the question, what stake they are considering to Kazmunaygas, Mynbayev had answered: "We consider it is reducing to level of big shareholders, and if not - then we'll see". [2007-12-04]