Canadian Overseas Petroleum Acknowledges Speech by NOCAL CEO Regarding Block LB-13

Canadian Overseas Petroleum Limited ("COPL" or "the Company") (XOP.V), issues this news release as a result of unusual trading in its Common Shares on the morning of Thursday, March 7, 2013 , and in consultation with the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada .

COPL notes the statements made by the Chief Executive Officer of the National Oil Company of Liberia made March 7, 2013 in Liberia in relation to the proposed acquisition of a significant interest in offshore Liberia Block LB-13 by a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. An article about the Chief Executive Officer's speech can be found at www.micatliberia.com. The parties are in the process of executing the relevant documents and the Company is encouraged by this development. The Company hopes to be in a position to provide further news shortly.

About the Company
COPL is an oil and gas exploration company focused on oil prospects in the offshore West African continental margin and shale oil prospects onshore New Zealand.  COPL's Common Shares are listed under the symbol "XOP" on the TSX Venture Exchange.

Forward Looking Statements 
This press release may contain forward-looking statements based on COPL's current expectations and assumptions as to a number of factors including weather, regulatory approvals and general economic and industry conditions.  If those expectations and assumptions prove to be incorrect, or factors change, then actual results could differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.

Generally, statements included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that COPL expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements.  Such forward-looking statements involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond COPL's control, including: the fact that the completion of the transactions with Peppercoast and ExxonMobil are subject to conditions that may not be satisfied or waived, the impact of general economic conditions in the areas in which COPL operates, civil unrest, industry conditions, changes in laws and regulations including the adoption of new environmental laws and regulations and changes in how they are interpreted and enforced, increased competition, the lack of availability of qualified personnel or management, fluctuations in commodity prices, foreign exchange or interest rates, stock market volatility and obtaining required approvals of regulatory authorities.  In addition there are risks and uncertainties associated with the oil and gas industry, therefore COPL's actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits, including the amounts of proceeds, which COPL will derive therefrom.  Such statements are based on assumptions made by COPL based on its experience perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Canadian Overseas Petroleum Limited