TEHRAN, Feb 23 (Shana) -- A deputy head of National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) said the new venue for holding Iran Petroleum Contract conference will be announced in the near future.

Ali Kardor, who is NIOC deputy chief for investment, told Shana that the conference will be held in a foreign country.

It was previously supposed to be held in London for three days beginning on February 22.

"NIOC is currently finalizing decisions on where the event will be held," said the official.

He said the conference will surely be held outside of Iran, adding, however, that NIOC has not finalized its decision yet.

Kardor had previously told Shana that the London conference was cancelled as the visas for a few Iranian participants were not obtained.

By SHANA