Iraq aims to reduce IOC red tape

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has ordered the government to remove many of the bureaucratic roadblocks that have slowed foreign oil companies over the past two years.

Iraq Oil Report has obtained a copy of Maliki's directive, ordering six key government institutions to implement the recommendations made to Maliki by Iraqi Oil Minister Abdul Karim al-Luaibi in a letter dated Oct. 11, 2011. If implemented, the new guidelines will help companies avoid logistical problems such as visa delays and airport blood tests.