CONTACTS LAUNCHED TO BUILD IRAQ-SYRIAN PIPELINE

NICOSIA [MENL] -- Iraq has launched negotiations with undisclosed companiesfor the construction of an oil pipeline to Syria. A contract could be awarded to at least one of the companies over thenext three months. The pipeline would be able to transport 1.4 millionbarrels of oil daily and provide Iraq with a huge source of revenue outsideof the framework of the United Nations oil-for-food program.