Shell seeks to exit Syria's al-Omar oilfield, official says

Jan 19 (Reuters) - The head of the Syrian Petroleum Company, Youssef Qeblawi, said on Monday that oil major Shell SHEL.L had requested to withdraw from the al-Omar oilfield and transfer its share to Syria's state-owned operators.

The oilfield came under Syrian government control at the weekend, following a lightning offensive against Kurdish forces.

Qeblawi, speaking from al-Omar, said that Syria was still negotiating the terms of a financial settlement with Shell to gain full ownership of the field.

He also said ConocoPhillips COP.N would return to invest in Syrian gas fields and that other American companies, including Chevron CVX.N, are planning to enter the market for the first time.