could cooper be our partner?, page-26

RS,

AuDAX ASX release 19 January states that "it has signed a contract with Atwood Oceanics Inc to provide Drilling Rig Services for the deep water Sambuca prospect in the Kerkouane permit offshore Tunisia." There is no mention that an "option" exists to "to provide Drilling Rig Services" as suggested in your post.

Atwood Oceanics Inc have the rig booked on their site for a June 6 start on the AuDAX project...it would be a very expensive alternative if the rig was canceled or delayed. An option would normally carry a heavy penalty to offset potential losses.

The contract appears to be subject to receiving final approvals from the Tunisian Authorities which, because they have approved suppliers and drilling contractors for tendering, would surely be a mere formality. [I note that approval has been received since I started this post which verifies my statement; spud date expected to be 15 June - sp recovering - Whew! I might get a decent night sleep!]

It would clearly be informative to all posters & readers if Wolfgang or Gary joined the dots in their releases and explained some of the concerns expressed by interested parties in this forum - especially the funding situation and why 670 sq km of 3D.