From the new World Media Watch up now at
http://www.zianet.com/insightanalyticalTomorrow at Buzzflash.com
3//Zaman Online, Turkey 01.23.2006 Monday - ISTANBUL 02:43
http://www.zaman.com/?bl=economy&alt=&trh=20060123&hn=28933 OIL TRANSPORT STOPPED AS IRAQ DID NOT PAY ITS DEBT
By Economy News Desk
Published: Sunday, January 22, 2006
Thirty-four Turkish companies, which export oil products to Iraq, stopped filling up the tankers in Mersin and Iskenderun harbors taking a common decision after their debts from Iraq increased $1 billion.
The authorities said the tankers, which had been filled previously, will be sent to Iraq; however, no new tankers will be filled until a new decision is taken. Turkish Minister of State Kursat Tuzmen said they have held studies for about two months in order not to reach the events up to this point, indicating he talked with Iraq Oil Minister and made all necessary efforts for this reason. Tuzmen said the companies declared they are determined to stop exportation to Iraq and said: “The companies continued their export until the end of the Sacrifice Festival (Eid al-Adha) in order not to leave them without oil after my personal request. However, the companies have finished filling processes in the filling stations beginning from today as there are no developments about the payments and their debts have exceeded $1 billion.”
(SNIP)
“We do not want Iraq to experience oil shortage,” said Kursat Tuzmen, and the $1 billion amount of risk has reached a quite high level. Under these circumstances nothing can be said to the companies about their decision. “It seems impossible for our companies to continue their export under these circumstances.” Tuzmen said the negotiations with the Iraqi sides continues and they expect Iraq to obey the international agreements between the two countries. “We hope the information that reached us about the payments will be implemented as soon as possible; if this happens, no problem will remain,” emphasizing he only solution at this level is paying the debt.