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East Timor hopeful Timor Sea gas deal can be finalised "very soon"

East Timor's Chief Minister Mari Alkatiri (MAH-ree al-kuh-TEER-ree) says he hopes a deal for a multi-billion dollar Timor Sea gas project can be finalised in the next fortnight.

Mr Alkatiri met officials from the Northern Territory government in Darwin yesterday, to discuss Phillips Petroleum's proposed gas pipeline from the Timor Sea to Darwin.

Phillips indefinitely delayed the project several months ago, citing concerns about East Timor's tax and fiscal arrangements.

But Mr Alkatiri says the goodwill is there, and the sooner a deal can be finalised, the better it will be:

"If we can really get a deal very soon ... next week or the following week it would be good. We are doing everything possible to discuss and negotiate with Phillips Petroleum a deal very soon. This is important for the Northern Territory, it's important for Australia but it's important for East Timor."

17/10/01 11:38:02 | ABC Radio Australia News

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