United Nations
As the international community waits with bated breath for a resolution to the long-standing issue of Iraq's weapons inspection, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Kofi Annan expressed optimism that upcoming talks with Iraqi officials will lead to a breakthrough. Annan emphasized that the impasse has been a persistent challenge
United Nations
The crude market has suffered a steep decline over the past two weeks, with prices plummeting 20% since the Wednesday preceding the Thanksgiving weekend in the US. Light, sweet January crude on the New York Mercantile Exchange (Nymex) ended at $28.44/bbl last week, down $3.58 from the
United Nations
Iraq and the UN were close to a pricing compromise last week, but obstacles remain, including a threat by Iraq to ban buyers from selling to the US. The surcharge issue, which triggered the stoppage, remains unresolved, and term customers are set to visit Baghdad in December to discuss volumes
United Nations
The United Nations Security Council voted to extend the 'oil for food' program for six months, allowing Iraq to spend $525 million of its accumulated oil revenues on local projects. The deal includes a provision that will release 600 million euros to Iraq, allowing the country to repair
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The United Nations and Iraq are set to resume critical negotiations on resolving the impasse that led Baghdad to halt its oil exports. Iraq's oil minister, Amer Rasheed, hinted that a resolution could be achieved soon. The crisis began over Iraq's attempt to establish a new,
United Nations
Iraq has made its strongest challenge yet to United Nations sanctions by suspending oil exports after demanding that buyers pay a surcharge into a bank account unsupervised by the UN. The move is part of a campaign to erode the sanctions and show the ineffectiveness of the UN Security Council.
United Nations
Iraq has taken a significant step in supporting the Palestinian cause by deciding to include Palestinians in the UN oil-for-food program, aimed at alleviating the crippling impacts of sanctions on Iraq. The cabinet meeting, concluded late Saturday night, saw Iraqi President Saddam Hussein order a formal request to be submitted
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Iraq has taken a significant step in its efforts to challenge the UN sanctions regime by pumping crude oil into a pipeline running to the Syrian terminal at Banias, according to industry sources. The pipeline, reportedly flowing at about 150,000 barrels per day, is expected to fill up by
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Iraqi engineers have repaired the country's oil pipeline to Syria, which was closed in 1982, and it is now ready for use. The 890km pipeline runs from the Iraqi pumping station of Haditha into Syria and west to the Mediterranean port of Banias. Negotiations between Iraq and Syria
United Kingdom
A six-month evacuation exercise for foreign nationals has turned into Britain's most delicate and dangerous military commitment in Sierra Leone, with a Royal Naval force and 500 marines being deployed off the coast to support the beleaguered civilian government of President Ahmed Kabbah. This move risks being a
United Kingdom
As the international community intensifies efforts to quell the conflict in Sierra Leone, Britain has announced a significant deployment of military forces to the West African nation. A six-ship amphibious task force with 600 Royal Marines, including 42 Commando on board HMS Ocean, will be diverted from Gibraltar to Sierra
United Nations
Jordan's intention to withdraw its 1,800-strong contingent from the U.N. peacekeeping force in Sierra Leone has left the mission scrambling to fill a significant gap, as it already faces the loss of its 3,200-member Indian unit. The move raises concerns about a potential security vacuum
