1.   China has awarded exploration rights to the region to a small U.S. oil company, Crestone Energy Corp., based in Denver, Colorado.

2.   First, concession contracts have established a period of three years for exploration rights, which is deemedinsufficient by international investors.

3.   French oil company executives recently visited Baghdad to negotiate oil exploration rights when sanctions are lifted.

4.   Next week, companies from both countries can start bidding on exploration rights to six areas of sea surrounding the islands.

5.   Teck paid an undisclosed amount to Anglo Swiss for exploration rights.

6.   The exploration right held by Oryx is for four years, and can be extended another five years.

7.   Another agreement for exploration rights in a separate bloc of ocean was signed in July.

8.   Beijing awarded exploration rights for the same region to another U.S. company, Denver-based Crestone Energy Corp.

9.   Brewer Natural Resources is the third foreign company to be granted exploration rights.

10.   But Menem and Blair will discuss fishing and oil exploration rights in the waters surrounding the islands, Foreign Minister Guido Di Tella said.