BASRA: Hundreds of local protesters blocked a main entrance of Iraq\u2019s giant southern West Qurna-2 oilfield, operated by Russia\u2019s LUKOIL, demanding jobs in a sign of the growing challenges facing foreign firms operating in the south.
\nLocal communities and tribes in Iraq, where foreign oil companies are developing the OPEC nation\u2019s vast energy reserves, periodically protest to squeeze companies for jobs and other work benefits.
\nAround 500 angry protesters gathered at the main entrance, demanding Lukoil supply jobs and compensation for land where it operates. Police said the situation was under control and demonstrators did not try to break into the field.
\n\u201cWe are protesting to get our rights. We have decided to block the entrance until field officials address our demands,\u201d said Mizhir Al-Rwemi, a spokesman for protesters.
\nAn official at the state-run South Oil Company said it was not the first such protest. \u201cWe are trying to deal discretely with them,\u201d the official said.
\nIraqi oil police officials said security measures were tightened around the oilfield to prevent protesters from getting inside where employees, including from Russia\u2019s Lukoil were working on developments operations.
\nHundreds of protesters broke into West Qurna-2 oilfield early last month, smashing offices of an Iraqi company hired by Samsung Engineering before trying to break into the South Korean builder\u2019s headquarters.
\nMore than 1,000 employees from the South Oil Co. also demonstrated to demand higher salaries and permanent contracts with the company, officials and protesters said.
\nTen years after the invasion that ousted Saddam Hussein, Iraq\u2019s energy installations are still struggle with various challenges, including attacks on oil pipelines and facilities.<\/p>\n