BAGHDAD, June 23 (Reuters) - Iraqi Oil Minister Hussain al-Shahristani said on Tuesday that plans to award eight major energy contracts to foreign firms would go ahead on schedule next week, despite demands in parliament they be halted.
Shahristani, who was summoned to parliament to answer criticism from some lawmakers about the 20-year oil and gas contracts, said there was no risk that the June 29-30 conclusion to the bidding round would be delayed or cancelled.
"The opening of the offers will take place on schedule. Parliament has no position" on this matter, he told reporters after addressing parliament. Shahristani has rebuffed demands from some lawmakers that the deals be approved by parliament. (Reporting by Ahmed Rasheed and Waleed Ibrahim; Editing by Keiron Henderson)