BP says in 'advanced discussions' to settle Gulf spill case

LONDON (AFP) - British energy giant BP said on Thursday that it was in advanced discussions to settle open criminal and regulatory cases with US authorities over the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill disaster.

"BP confirms that it is in advanced discussions with the United States Department of Justice and the Securities & Exchange Commission regarding proposed resolutions of all US federal government criminal and SEC claims against BP in connection with the Deepwater Horizon incident," said a statement.

"No final agreements have yet been reached and any resolutions, if agreed, would be subject to federal court approvals in the United States."

The British firm added that the proposed resolutions are not expected to cover federal civil claims, including damages under the Clean Water Act, federal and state natural resources damages claims or outstanding private civil claims.