Iraq PM attacks lawmakers over oil minister summons
* Lawmakers to question oil minister on Nov. 11
* Maliki concerned about effect on investor confidence
By Khalid al-Ansary
BAGHDAD, Nov 3 (Reuters) - Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki attacked lawmakers on Tuesday for summoning the oil minister to discuss his distribution of the nation's oil wealth, saying this sent the wrong message to those wanting to invest in Iraq.
Iraq's government and lawmakers are divided over who has the right to authorise foreign oil deals, and parliamentarians are set to question Oil Minister Hussain al-Shahristani on Nov. 11.
The prime minister said that insurgents aimed to deter investors and weaken the government with twin suicide attacks last week, and the parliamentarians' summoning of the oil minister might also undermine investor confidence.
"(The oil ministry) signed many important contracts, which will boost Iraq's production and exporting ability," the prime minister said in a statement. "For that, evil supporters of the past regime ... and al Qaeda ... want to send a message to investors through the last bombings."
"Unfortunately, the (bombs) coincide with the calls to question the oil minister ... This questioning gives a discouraging message to the companies willing to enter Iraq's oil market. It is in harmony with the saboteurs' message." Continued...
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