In 1999, OCCIDENTAL EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION COMPANY (“OEPC” or “The Company”), a company registered under the laws of California, United States of America, entered into a participation contract (“the Contract” or “Modified Participation Contract”) with Petroecuador, a State–owned corporation of Ecuador, to undertake exploration for and production of oil in Ecuador. This Contract followed earlier agreements for the provision of services to Petroecuador.