SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM S-3

REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL PETROLEUM CORPORATION
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

2950 North Loop West, Suite 1000
Houston, Texas 77092
(713) 802-0087
(Address and telephone number of
registrant's principal executive offices)

JOE MICHAEL MCKINNEY
Chief Executive Officer
AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL PETROLEUM CORPORATION
2950 North Loop West, Suite 1000
Houston, Texas 77092
Telephone: (713)802-0087
Telecopier: (713)681-5987
(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)

Copies to:

CHARLES SNOW, ESQ.
SNOW BECKER KRAUSS P.C.
605 Third Avenue
New York, New York 10158-0125
Telephone: (212) 687-3860
Fax: (212) 949-7052

APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO PUBLIC: As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective.

If the only securities being registered on this form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. [ ]

If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. [X]

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ]

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ]

If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434, please check the following box. [ ]

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

     Also includes an indeterminate number of shares that the selling securityholders may acquire as a result of a stock split, stock dividend or similar transaction involving the common stock pursuant to the antidilution provisions of the warrants

INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE.

Preliminary Prospectus Dated June 6, 2000, Subject To Completion

AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL PETROLEUM CORPORATION

Common Stock

The selling securityholders named in this prospectus are offering and selling

Our common stock is quoted on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol “AIPN”.

The common stock is a speculative investment and involves a high degree of risk. You should read the description of certain risks under the caption “Risk Factors” commencing on page 3 before purchasing the common stock.

These securities have not been approved or disapproved by the SEC or any state securities commission nor has the SEC or any state securities commission passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The date of this Prospectus is _______, 2000

Table of Contents

This prospectus is part of a registration statement we filed with the SEC. You should rely only on the information or representations provided in this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. The common stock will not be offered in any state where an offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on the cover of this prospectus.

Risk Factors

     WE HAVE A HISTORY OF OPERATING LOSSES AND THESE LOSSES MAY CONTINUE.

We have experienced significant losses since we began operations. We incurred net losses of approximately $3.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2000, compared to $3 million for the three months ended March 31, 1999, approximately $14.9 million for the year ended December 31, 1999, approximately $9.1 million for the year ended December 31, 1998 and approximately $18 million for the year ended December 31, 1997. As a result of these losses, as of March 31, 2000, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $107 million. We will continue to incur losses until our asphalt and/or refining operations or Kazakstan projects generate substantial revenues. We expect our expenses to increase as we expand our business. We cannot assure you that our revenues will increase as a result of our increased spending. If revenues grow more slowly than we anticipate, or if operating expenses exceed our expectations, we may not become profitable. Even if we become profitable, we may be unable to sustain our profitability.

     OUR AUDITORS HAVE ISSUED A GOING CONCERN COMMENT ON OUR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

In connection with the audit of our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 1999, Hein + Associates, LLP, our independent auditors, included an explanatory paragraph in its report on our financial statements as to our ability to continue as a “going concern” as a result of

     WE HAVE $10.35 MILLION OF DEBT DUE NOVEMBER 28, 2000 AND OUR AVAILABLE CASH RESOURCES, TOGETHER WITH ANTICIPATED CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATIONS, MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT TO CONTINUE OUR OPERATIONS AT CURRENT LEVELS AND SATISFY THESE AND OTHER FUNDING OBLIGATIONS, WITHOUT ADDITIONAL FINANCING OR THE SALE OF CERTAIN ASSETS.

We may require additional financing in the next 12 months to supplement anticipated cash flows from our asphalt and refining operations in Lake Charles, Louisiana in order to meet our debt payments, operating and other funding obligations. We have $10.35 million of debt due November 28, 2000, which we may not be able to repay without selling certain assets or obtaining additional financing. Payment of this debt is secured by our St. Marks refinery. If we are not able to pay or refinance this debt, the lender has the right to foreclose on this collateral. In the event we are unable to obtain the necessary financing to meet these obligations, our ability to continue operations at current levels will be materially and adversely effected. We may need to raise additional funds through public or private financings, including equity financings, that may be dilutive to stockholders.

We cannot give you any assurance that we will be able to raise additional funds if our capital resources are exhausted, or that funds will be available on terms acceptable to us or at all.

     WE DO NOT HAVE ANY PROVEN RESERVES OF GAS OR OIL.

Although we have identified structures within our Kazakhstan license area, we have only just begun to drill these prospects, and accordingly, we do not have any proven reserves of oil and gas.

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     WE MAY SUFFER CAPITAL LOSSES BECAUSE OF THE SPECULATIVE NATURE OF THE OIL AND GAS BUSINESS.

We have experienced capital losses as a result of the speculative nature of the oil and gas industry, and we may experience such capital losses in the future. Even if reserves are found as a result of drilling, profitable production from reserves cannot be assured. We may not recover any oil or gas from drilling and if we do recover oil or gas, market conditions may be unfavorable and we may not be able to recover the costs of the drilling or receive any profits. In addition, our current financial condition and available cash resources may prevent our ability to drill offset wells.

     WE ARE SUBJECT TO LOSSES FROM DRILLING AND OTHER HAZARDS.

Unusual or unexpected formation pressures, down-hole fires or other hazardous conditions may be encountered in drilling oil and gas wells and in the refining of oil. If we encounter such hazards, completion of wells or production of asphalt products may be substantially delayed and the costs significantly increased, and in the case of asphalt products, may result in the cancellation of customer contracts and adversely affect our ability to attract future business. Even though a well is completed and is found to be productive, water or other deleterious substances may be encountered, which may impair or prevent production of oil or gas, and which may adversely affect our operations. Since our refineries are located on inland waterways, floods and adverse weather conditions can hinder or delay feedstock and transportation of products at our refineries in Lake Charles, Louisiana and St. Marks, Florida. Labor disputes, work stoppages, shortages of equipment and materials or the unavailability of oil or asphalt barges and drilling rigs can also disrupt drilling and production operations.

     OUR BUSINESS IS SUBJECT TO ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS.

Extensive national and/or local environmental laws and regulations in both the United States and Kazakstan affect nearly all of our operations. These laws and regulations set various standards regulating certain aspects of health and environmental quality, provide for penalties and other liabilities for the violation of such standards and establish in certain circumstances obligations to remediate current and former facilities and off-site locations. We may incur substantial financial obligations in connection with environmental compliance.

We are occasionally subject to non-recurring environmental costs. The annual cost incurred in connection with these assessments varies from year to year, depending upon our activities in that year. The costs of such environmental impact assessments were not material in 1999, but may be in the future. We are not aware of any other anticipated nonrecurring environmental costs.

Kazakstan has comprehensive environmental laws and regulations and has adopted the environmental standards set out by the World Bank organizations. Enforcement is administered through the Kazakstan Ministry of Environment and related local state agencies. Our operations require a comprehensive environmental permit for all drilling and exploration activities.

We have no currently outstanding or anticipated reclamation issues in the United States or abroad.

Our operations are subject to all of the environmental risks normally incident to oil and gas exploration, drilling, and refining activities, which include, but are not limited to, blowouts, pollution and fires. Any of these occurrences could result in environmental damage or destruction, including the discharge of hazardous materials into the environment. Although we maintain comprehensive and general liability coverage as is customary in the oil and gas industry, and coverage against certain risks, we are not fully covered for damages incurred as a consequence of environmental mishaps. To the extent we are covered, the coverage may not be adequate protection in the event of an environmental problem.

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     WE MAY EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTIES IN MARKETING SOME OF OUR PRODUCTS.

Our ability to market some of our products depends upon

     GOVERNMENT LEGISLATION IN KAZAKSTAN AND OTHER FOREIGN COUNTRIES THROUGH WHICH OUR PRODUCTS MAY BE TRANSPORTED MAY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS.

Our exploration in western Kazakhstan is subject to regulations imposed by the Kazakhstan government. The Kazakhstan government may limit oil and gas production and impose taxes on oil and gas when sold. We cannot predict whether such governmental actions may occur, nor anticipate the ultimate effect of governmental policies and contracts upon us. We also will be subject to the laws of jurisdictions through which oil and gas pipelines traverse. We cannot predict what policies these jurisdictions may follow, nor the impact of local regulations on our business.

     OUR BUSINESS IS SUBJECT TO POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC CONDITIONS IN KAZAKSTAN.

A favorable political climate in Kazakhstan and the openness of its markets to United States trade is essential to our success in Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan is a former constituent republic of the Soviet Union which declared its independence from the Soviet Union in December 1991. At the time of its independence, it became a member of the Commonwealth of Independent States, or CIS, the association of former Soviet states which have entered into agreements of cooperation and support for trade, border protection, immigration controls, environmental matters and overall cooperation for the economic and political stability and development of the member states. The Confederation of Independent States have embraced political and economic reforms, but, there remains political and economic instability the result of which could be detrimental to our operations there.

Because the CIS countries are in the early stages of development of a market economy, the commercial framework in still developing along with commercial laws, their applications and the enforcement of these laws. Although Kazakhstan’s laws regarding foreign investment provide for protection against nationalization and confiscation, there is little or no judicial precedent in this area. Foreign firms operating in this region may be subject to numerous other risks that are not present in domestic operations, including political strife, the possibility of expropriation, inadequate distribution facilities, inflation, fluctuations of foreign currencies, high and unpredictable levels of taxation, requirements for governmental approvals for new ventures, local participation in operations, and restrictions on royalties, dividends and currency remittances. Currently, there are no restrictions on royalties, dividends or currency remittances.

     OUR BUSINESS IS SUBJECT TO FOREIGN CURRENCY RISKS.

Since we have oil and gas operations outside the United States, our business is subject to foreign currency risks. These risks include

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     WE MAY ENCOUNTER DELAYS IN TRANSFER OF FUNDS IN AND OUT OF KAZAKSTAN SINCE ITS BANKING SYSTEM IS NOT WELL DEVELOPED.

Since the banking system in Kazakhstan is not yet as developed as its Western counterparts, we may encounter considerable delays in the transfer of funds within, and the remittance of funds out of Kazakhstan. Any delay in converting Kazakhstan currency into a foreign currency in order to make a payment, or delay in the transfer of such currency could have a material adverse effect on our business.

     WE MAY EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTIES IN REPATRIATING PROFITS AND CAPITAL

While applicable legislation in the CIS currently permits the repatriation of profits and capital and the making of other payments in hard currency, our ability to repatriate such profits and capital and to make such other payments is dependent upon the continuation of the existing legal regimes for currency control and foreign investment, administrative policies and practices in the enforcement of such legal regimes and the availability of foreign exchange in sufficient quantities in those countries.

     OUR ASPHALT OPERATIONS HAVE BEEN LIMITED.

Since the first quarter of 1998, we have been engaged in the production and sale of asphalt products at our refinery in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Our refinery operation is subject to all of the risks and hazards associated with the establishment of a new business. To date, we have encountered mechanical problems with equipment, delays caused by unavailability of asphalt barges, shortages of economically-priced feedstocks, and unanticipated expenses for refinery repairs and transportation fees. Since we were blending asphalt and not processing crude oil, our crude unit was idle for most of 1999. Consequently, we have had minimal revenues from light-end products. In addition, because of the resultant lower throughput volumes, increased costs for feedstock, and the fact that expected increases in product prices resulting from high crude oil prices did not occur, cash flows derived from our asphalt sales were lower during 1999 compared to 1998. Because of the dramatic reduction in crude oil feedstock supplies, unless we agree to operate our refining unit for other companies, which we are currently considering, we do not expect to operate the unit during 2000.

     OUR SUCCESS IS DEPENDENT ON OUR KEY PERSONNEL WHO WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RETAIN AND WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO HIRE ADDITIONAL QUALIFIED PERSONNEL TO SATISFY OUR PERSONNEL NEEDS.

     Our success is dependent upon the efforts, abilities and expertise of our Chairman of the Board, Dr. George N. Faris, our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Joe Michael McKinney, as well as other key management personnel. Our future success also is dependent, in part, on our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel. We cannot give you any assurance that we will be able to attract and retain qualified individuals. As compared to other publicly traded oil and gas companies, we have fewer resources to attract and/or retain key personnel, and we do not have the depth of managerial employees to rely upon in the event of the loss of any single employee. Accordingly, the loss of any key employee could have a material adverse affect on the operations of our business.

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     OUR COMMON STOCK MAY BE DELISTED FROM THE NASDAQ NATIONAL MARKET FOR FAILURE TO SATISFY NASDAQ REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTINUED LISTING

Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ National Market System. To continue our listing, we are required to maintain net tangible assets of at least $4,000,000 and the bid price of our common stock must be at least $1.00 per share. By letter dated June 5, 2000, NASDAQ notified us that our common stock failed to satisfy its minimum bid price standard for continued listing and we would be delisted if the price of our common stock was not at least $1.00 per share for ten (10) consecutive days by August 14, 2000. As of June 5, 2000, we still did not meet the requirement. If we are delisted and we do not then qualify for a listing on a stock exchange, our common stock would be traded in the over-the-counter market and quoted on the NASDAQ Electronic Bulletin board or the “pink sheets”. Consequently, it may be more difficult for an investor to obtain price quotations for our common stock or to sell it.

     IF OUR COMMON STOCK IS DELISTED, IT MAY BECOME SUBJECT TO THE SEC’S “PENNY STOCK” RULES AND MORE DIFFICULT TO SELL.

SEC rules require brokers to provide information to purchasers of securities traded at less than $5.00 and not traded on a national securities exchange or quoted on the NASDAQ Stock Market. If our common stock becomes a “penny stock” that is not exempt from the SEC rules, these disclosure requirements may have the effect of reducing trading activity in our common stock and make it more difficult for investors to sell. The rules require a broker-dealer to deliver a standardized risk disclosure document prepared by the SEC that provides information about penny stocks and the nature and level of risks in the penny stock market. The broker must also give bid and offer quotations and broker and salesperson compensation information to the customer orally or in writing before or with his confirmation. The SEC rules also require a broker to make a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser and receive the purchaser’s written agreement to the transaction before a transaction in a penny stock.

     POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECT OF FUTURE SALES OF COMMON STOCK ON THE MARKET PRICE OF THE COMMON STOCK.

As of May 30, 2000, there were 107,366,261 shares of common stock outstanding, of which 104,239,607 shares are transferable without restriction under the Securities Act. The remaining 3,126,654 shares are restricted securities which may be publicly sold only if registered under the Securities Act or sold in accordance with an applicable exemption from registration, such as Rule 144. An additional

Substantially all of such shares, when issued, may be immediately resold in the public market pursuant to effective registration statements under the securities act. We cannot give you any assurance as to the effect, if any, that future sales of common stock, or the availability of shares of common stock for future sales, will have on the market price of the common stock from time to time. Sales of substantial amounts of common stock, or the possibility of such sales, could adversely affect the market price of the common stock and also impair our ability to raise capital through an offering of equity securities in the future.

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Forward Looking Statements

Some of the information in this prospectus and the documents we incorporate by reference may contain forward-looking statements. Such statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as may, “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “continue” or similar words. These statements discuss future expectations, estimate the happening of future events or our financial condition or state other “forward-looking” information. When considering such forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements in this prospectus and the documents that we incorporate by reference. The risk factors noted in this section and other factors noted throughout this prospectus, including certain risks and uncertainties, could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement.

Selling Securityholders

The following table sets forth the names of the selling securityholders, the number of shares of common stock beneficially owned by each selling securityholder as of May 30, 2000, the number of shares that each selling securityholder may offer, and the number of shares of common stock beneficially owned by each selling securityholder upon completion of the offering, assuming all of the shares are sold. None of the selling securityholders has, or within the past three years has had, any position, office or other material relationship with American International Petroleum Corporation or any of its predecessors or affiliates.

The selling securityholders are offering up to 1,417,361 shares of common stock by this prospectus, including

As of May 9, 2000, we had 107,366,261 shares of common stock outstanding. For purposes of computing the number and percentage of shares beneficially owned by each selling securityholder as of May 9, 2000, any shares which such person has the right to acquire within 60 days after such date are deemed to be outstanding, but are not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other selling securityholder.

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__________

The shares of common stock offered by this prospectus have been registered in accordance with registration rights that we have granted to them. We have agreed to pay all registration and filing fees, printing expenses, blue sky fees, if any, and fees and disbursements of our counsel. These selling securityholders have agreed to pay any underwriting discounts and selling commissions. In addition, we have agreed to indemnify these selling securityholders and underwriters who may be selected by them and certain affiliated parties, against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, in connection with the offering. Although those selling securityholders also have agreed to indemnify our officers and directors and persons controlling us against such liabilities, we have been informed that in the opinion of the SEC indemnification of those persons of liabilities under Securities Act is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore not enforceable.

Plan of Distribution

The selling securityholders may sell shares from time to time in public transactions, on or off the NASDAQ National Market, or private transactions, at prevailing market prices or at privately negotiated prices. They may sell their shares in the following types of transactions:

The selling securityholders also may sell shares that qualify under Section 4(1) of the Securities Act or Rule 144. As used in this prospectus, selling securityholder includes donees, pledges, distributees, transferees and other successors in interest of the selling securityholders named in this prospectus.

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In effecting sales, brokers or dealers engaged by the selling securityholders may arrange for other brokers or dealers to participate in the resales. The selling securityholders may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers, and in connection with those transactions, broker-dealers may engage in short sales of the shares. The selling securityholders also may sell shares short and deliver the shares to close out such short positions. The selling securityholders also may enter into option or other transactions with broker-dealers which require the delivery to the broker-dealer of the shares, which the broker-dealer may resell under this prospectus. The selling securityholders also may pledge the shares to a broker or dealer and upon a default, the broker or dealer may effect sales of the pledged shares under this prospectus.

Brokers, dealers or agents may receive compensation in the form of commissions, discounts or concessions from selling securityholders in amounts to be negotiated in connection with the sale. Any broker-dealer that acts as an agent for the purchaser may receive compensation from the purchaser.

Broker-dealers may agree with a selling securityholder to sell a specified number of shares of common stock at a stipulated price per share, and, to the extent such broker-dealer is unable to do so acting as agent for such selling securityholder, to purchase as principal any unsold shares at the price required to fulfill the broker-dealer commitment to the selling securityholder.

Broker-dealers who acquire shares of common stock as principal may then resell such shares from time to time in transactions in the over-the-counter market or otherwise at prices and on terms then prevailing at the time of sale, at prices then related to the then current market price or in negotiated transactions and, in connection with such resales, may pay or receive from the purchasers of such shares commissions as described above.

The selling securityholders and any participating brokers or dealers may be deemed to be “underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act in connection with such sales and any such commission, discount or concession may be deemed to be underwriting compensation.

Information as to whether underwriters who may be selected by the selling securityholders, or any other broker-dealer, is acting as principal or agent for the selling securityholders, the compensation to be received by them, and the compensation to be received by other broker-dealers, in the event such compensation is in excess of usual and customary commissions, will, to the extent required, be set forth in a supplement to this prospectus. Any dealer or broker participating in any distribution of the shares may be required to deliver a copy of this prospectus, including a prospectus supplement, if any, to any person who purchases any of the shares from or through such dealer or broker.

We have advised the selling securityholders that during such time as they may be engaged in a distribution of the shares they are required to comply with Regulation M under the Securities Exchange Act. With certain exceptions, Regulation M precludes any selling securityholders, any affiliated purchasers and any broker-dealer or other person who participates in such distribution from bidding for or purchasing, or attempting to induce any person to bid for or purchase any security which is the subject of the distribution until the entire distribution is complete. Regulation M also prohibits any bids or Purchases made in order to stabilize the price of a security in connection with the distribution of that security.

Information about American International Petroleum Corporation

Through our wholly owned subsidiaries, we:

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We also are seeking other oil and gas projects in the United States, Russia and Central Asia.

Where You Can Find More Information

We file reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any document we file at the Public Reference Room of the SEC at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 and at the Regional Offices of the SEC at Seven World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048 and at 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511. Please call 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information concerning the Public Reference Room. Our filings also are available to the public from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. We distribute to our stockholders annual reports containing audited financial statements.

Information Incorporated By Reference

The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” the information we file with it, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus, and information we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any future filings we make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act until the offering is completed:

You may request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by writing or calling us at:

AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL PETROLEUM CORPORATION
2950 North Loop West, Suite 1000
Houston, Texas 77092
Attention: Corporate Secretary
Telephone: (713) 802-0087

Legal Matters

Experts

The financial statements incorporated in this prospectus by reference to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999 have been so incorporated in reliance upon the report (which contains an explanatory paragraph relating to our ability to continue as a going concern as described in Note 2 to the financial statements) of Hein + Associates LLP, independent certified public accountants, given upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1998 and 1999.

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PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution

     The following table sets forth the estimated expenses which will be paid by the Registrant in connection with the issuance and distribution of the shares of Common Stock being registered hereby:

Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers

Under Section 78.751 of the Nevada Corporation Law (“NCL”), directors and officers may be indemnified against judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement and reasonable expenses (including attorneys’ fees), actually and reasonably incurred as a result of specified actions or proceedings (including appeals), whether civil or criminal (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation — a “derivative action”) if they acted in good faith and for a purpose which they reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe their conduct was unlawful. A similar standard of care is applicable in the case of derivative actions, except that indemnification only extends to amounts paid in settlement and reasonable expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by them in connection with the defense or settlement of such an action (including appeals), except in respect of a claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been finally adjudged to be liable to the corporation, unless and only to the extent a court of competent jurisdiction deems proper.

In accordance with Section 78.037(1) of the NCL, Article VIII of the Registrant’s Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, eliminates the personal liability of the Registrant’s directors to the Registrant or its shareholders for monetary damages for breach of their fiduciary duties as directors, with certain limited exceptions set forth in said Article VIII and Section 78.037(1).

Article VII of the Registrant’s Bylaws provides for indemnification of directors, officers and others as follows:

“On the terms, to the extent, and subject to the condition prescribed by statute and by such rules and regulations, not inconsistent with statute, as the Board of Directors may in its discretion impose in general or particular cases or classes of cases, (a) the Corporation shall indemnify any person made, or threatened to be made, a party to an action or proceeding, civil or criminal, including an action by or in the right of any other corporation of any type or kind, domestic or foreign, or any partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise which any director or officer of the Corporation served in any capacity at the request of the Corporation, by reason of the fact that he, his testator or intestate, was a director or officer of the joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise in any capacity, against judgments, fines, amounts paid in settlement and reasonable expenses, including attorneys’ fees of any such action or proceeding, or any appeal therein, and (b) the Corporation may pay, in advance of final disposition of any such action or proceeding, expenses incurred by such person in defending such action or proceeding. On the terms, to the extent, and subject to the conditions prescribed by statute and by such rules and regulations, not inconsistent with statute, as the Board of Directors may in its discretion impose in general or particular cases or classes of cases, (a) the Corporation shall indemnify any person made a party to an action by or in the right of the Corporation to procure a judgment in its favor, by reason of the fact that he, his testator or intestate, is or was a director or officer of the Corporation, against the reasonable expenses, including attorneys’ fees, actually and necessarily incurred by him in connection with the defense of such action, or in connection with an appeal therein, and (b) the Corporation may pay, in advance of final disposition of any such action, expenses incurred by such person in defending such action or proceeding.”

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The Registrant maintains insurance, at its expense, to reimburse itself and directors and officers of the Registrant and of its direct and indirect subsidiaries against any expense, liability or loss arising out of indemnification claims against directors and officers and to the extent otherwise permitted under the NCL.

Section 2.7(a) of the Registration Rights Agreement among the Registrant and the Selling Securityholders provides for indemnification by the Registrant of the Selling Securityholders, any underwriters who participate in the distribution of the Shares of Common Stock offered hereby on behalf of the Selling Securityholders, the directors, officers and any persons who control the Selling Securityholders against certain liabilities under the Securities Act. In addition, Section 2.7(b) of the Registration Rights Agreement provides that, at the request of the Registrant, the Selling Securityholders will indemnify the Registrant and its directors, officers and any persons who control the Registrant against certain liabilities under the Securities Act (the “Securities Act”).

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, the Registrant has been informed that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.

Item 16. Exhibits

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*Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2000.

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Item 17. Undertakings.

     The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that it will:

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Houston, State of Texas, on June 6, 2000.

AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL PETROLEUM CORPORATION

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Joe Michael McKinney and/or Denis J. Fitzpatrick, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying all that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his substitute or substitutes, or any of them, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on June 6, 2000.

Signature

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EXHIBIT INDEX

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*  Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2000.

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