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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this registration statement on Form S-3 of our report dated
February 28, 1996, except with regard to Note 15 as to which such date is April
18, 1996, included in Harken Energy Corporation's Form 10-K/A for the year
ended December 31, 1995, and of our report dated July 11, 1996, on the
statements of revenue and direct operating expenses of the EnerVest Properties
for the fiscal years ended May 31, 1996 and 1995 included in Harken Energy
Corporation's Form 8-K dated July 10, 1996, and to all references to our Firm
included in this registration statement.




                                                             ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP


Dallas, Texas
September 18, 1996