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EXHIBIT 23.6





                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS






   
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use in the
Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Optima Petroleum Corporation of our report
dated March 17, 1998 relating to the balance sheets of American Explorer, L.L.C.
as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and related statements of operations, members'
equity and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, and for
the period from inception (March 2, 1995) to December 31, 1995, and to the
reference to our firm under the heading "Experts" in the above referenced
Registration Statement.
    




                                                        ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP







New Orleans, Louisiana
   
July 22, 1998
    

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