REFILE-Exxon interested in developing Iraqi oil

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NEW YORK, Feb 6 (Reuters) - Exxon Mobil Corp (XOM.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) said on Wednesday it is interested in helping to develop Iraq's huge oil reserves.

Still, the largest U.S. oil company declined to comment on whether it has registered yet to compete for contracts there.

"If the Iraqi government decides it wants international oil companies to partner with them in developing their resources, Exxon Mobil would be interested in participating," spokesman Len D'Eramo said in an e-mailed statement.

Iraq has given companies until Feb. 18 to submit documents that will qualify them to compete in tenders for service contracts to help develop its oil infrastructure.

D'Eramo said Exxon would pursue profitable business opportunities as they arise in Iraq, just as it would in other countries in which it is permitted to operate.

Still, he said it was premature to discuss specific opportunities in Iraq, which holds the world's fourth largest petroleum reserves, according to the U.S. government.

Big oil firms have been positioning themselves for years to gain access to the country's oil, which would be among the cheapest oil to produce in the world. (Reporting by Michael Erman; Editing by Andre Grenon)