Iraq views Syria as oil transit route

BAGHDAD, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- Iraq views Syria as an important transit route for its gas exports, Iraq’s oil minister has said.

The comments came Monday as Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki visited Syria following trips to Iran and Turkey.

"Syria is important for Iraq. There are mutual common interests that will give Iraq the opportunity to export oil through Syria as well as to join the Arab gas network that feeds Europe with gas," Iraqi Oil Minister Hussain al-Shahristani said.

The comments were reported by Al-Iraqiyah TV.

Last week Shahristani told the Voices of Iraq news agency that talks will also address ways to fix the oil pipeline between Iraq and Syria, which needs maintenance and protection.

In January the top economic officials of the two nations met in Baghdad. They talked about reopening a pipeline that was open for two years before being bombed by U.S. fighters in the 2003 invasion.

Oil from Iraq's northern and southern fields would meet in Haditha before being directed to Syria's Mediterranean port, the Kuwait News Agency reports.

The pipeline could face attack as it stretches through restive areas.

While Syria has talked of being a major carrier for Iraqi crude, it has demanded Iraq pay its old debt. Iraq, for its part, has asked Syria to crack down on border crossings by alleged insurgents.