Venezuela wary Iraq at summit

[Nottingham]

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/business/2113966

Venezuela wary Iraq at summit
Associated Press
VIENNA, Austria -- The leader of Venezuela's delegation to OPEC said Monday it was unacceptable for Iraq to attend this week's OPEC output policy talks in anything but an informal way.

OPEC's president, however, said there was historical precedent for allowing Iraq.

Iraq is attending a session of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries for the first time since the fall of Saddam Hussein, with Oil Minister Ibrahim Mohamed Bahr al-Uloum representing the U.S.-appointed Governing Council. Iraq hasn't participated in OPEC quota agreements since the United Nations imposed sanctions in 1990 to punish Baghdad for invading Kuwait.

The invitation to attend was a diplomatic victory for the council, which is trying to gain international recognition.

Speaking as he arrived in Vienna, Venezuela's energy minister, Rafael Ramirez, said Iraq should not be in a position to influence decisions at the meeting because Iraq's government is not recognized by the United Nations.

more....

:bounce:

[Barrett808]

1. Venezuela has a lot to be wary about

What with Chimpy's incompetent covert war against Chavez, and all.

[lanlady]

2. why are the Venezuelans bringing this up--

--and not the Arab governments?

[aneerkoinos]

3. I would think

because Chavez is thinking about sanctions (oil embargo) against USA, and needs OPEC to back him up in some way or other if he is forced to act. US controlled goons don't help Chavez in OPEC negotiations.

[Nottingham]

4. Ya know you might be right here! Russia is our Ace up the sleeve

Oil Output has increased from Russian immensly! Great point! :bounce: