For the Last Time, Get Our Oil Out from Under Your Sand
Submitted by davidswanson on Tue, 2007-12-18 13:47. Media
US Official: Iraq Needs Oil Law
By BRADLEY BROOKS, Associated Press
BAGHDAD — A top U.S. Treasury official said Tuesday that
international oil companies are ready to invest in Iraq despite the
dangerous security situation but are largely holding off because the
nation has not passed a new oil law.
Deputy Treasury Secretary Robert Kimmitt, speaking to reporters during
a trip to Iraq, said that until an oil law is enacted, both U.S. and
international firms are unlikely to invest heavily in Iraq's industry.
"A lot of times people think they're not investing because the
security situation is difficult," Kimmitt said. "Well, the security
situation is improving, and as the oil companies will tell you, they
invest in many places in the world where security is a tough factor."
In addition to a new oil law _ which remains stalled in parliament _
Kimmitt said companies want to see solid investment rules and
regulations before pumping money into Iraq.
"What I hear from the companies who talk to me, both U.S. and
international oil companies, is they come in and they want to know
what the rules of the road are. With whom should I be contracting? Is
that party a qualified contracting party? If there is a dispute, what
is the dispute resolution mechanism?"
more...
http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/?q=node/29403