Kazakhstan, Eni-led group agree to continue talks

ASTANA, Oct 22 (Reuters) - The Kazakh government and a consortium of Western oil companies led by Italy's Eni (ENI.MI) agreed on Monday to continue talks on the future of the huge Kashagan oilfield beyond the official Oct. 22 deadline.

"The parties agreed to continue negotiations beyond the 22nd of October in a spirit of positive and constructive cooperation," the energy ministry said in a joint statement with Kazakh state oil company KazMunaiGas [KMG.UL].

"The parties have also agreed (on) the framework within which negotiations will be held," the brief statement said, adding that the parties had signed a memorandum of understanding to that effect earlier on Monday.