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ABOUT GULFWIRE
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GulfWire
is a public service of the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations and the
U.S.-GCC Corporate Cooperation Committee
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Dr. John Duke Anthony
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Patrick W. Ryan
Deputy Editor
Connie R. Trisdale
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Margaret Philpot
Research Assistant
B. F. Hammock
GulfWire@ArabiaLink.com
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U.S.-GCC Corporate Cooperation Committee
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VISIT THESE SITES
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Catalog of Publications
from the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research
[more]
on ArabiaLink.com
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News
- Region |
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SUMMIT 'ESSENTIAL TO
BOLSTER ARAB UNITY'
"Saudi Arabia [Apr 5] emphasized the need for an Arab summit as soon as
possible to strengthen Arab unity and confront the challenges facing the Arab
world.. ..Egypt has offered to host the summit which was scrapped by Tunisia
two weeks ago in order to dispel the impression that Arab states are divided
over the main topics on the agenda - Iraq, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
and a common response to the US campaign for Arab reform and democracy.."
Complete
report..
Also:
ARAB
LEAGUE SEES SUMMIT "DEFINITELY" IN MAY
ARAB
LEAGUE SAYS SUMMIT WILL BE HELD IN TUNISIA
~~GulfWire Link~~
ARAB
SUMMIT POSTPONED - GWD Mar 29, 2004
EGYPT
OFFERS TO HOST ARAB SUMMIT - GWD Mar 29, 2004
TUNIS
SUMMIT POSTPONED INDEFINITELY - GW Perspectives Apr. 6, 2004
U.S. CALLS FOR
CEASE-FIRE IN FALLUJAH
"American commanders took the unusual step [Apr 10] of publicly asking
insurgents to honor an across-the-board cease-fire in the besieged city of
Fallujah.. ..Explosions could be heard throughout the afternoon in Fallujah,
even as Iraqi negotiators entered the city for talks with local leaders. By
the evening, U.S. commanders conceded that fighting in the city about 35 miles
west of Baghdad had continued and said they did not know whether the
insurgents had not received the message or had simply decided to
resist.." Complete
report..
Also:
TRUCE BID
CALMS FALLUJAH FIGHTING
ALL
HELL BREAKS LOOSE IN IRAQ
SADR TELLS BUSH TO
WITHDRAW TROOPS OR FACE REVOLUTION
"Outlawed Shiite Muslim radical leader Moqtada Sadr on [Apr 9] branded US
President George W. Bush an 'enemy' and told him to withdraw his troops from
Iraq or face a revolution.. ..Earlier this week, Sadr, who has been outlawed
by the US-led coalition after being charged with two counts of murder by an
Iraqi investigating magistrate, barricaded himself inside the Kufa
mosque.." Complete
report..
IRAQI ALLIES WARN US
OVER FALLUJAH
"Members of Iraq's US-appointed governing council have condemned the US
military operation in Fallujah after four days of bitter fighting. One member
described the operation as "genocide" after doctors in the Sunni
Muslim city of 300,000 reported 450 deaths and 1,000 injured this week. The
fugitive leader of the country's parallel Shia unrest has demanded the
withdrawal of troops from Iraq.." Complete
report..
GCC URGES AN END TO
VIOLENCE IN IRAQ
"The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) called on [Apr 8] for an end to the
deadly violence in Iraq, urging Iraqis to prioritize 'national interests' and
the coalition to guarantee security.. ..The GCC states, of Saudi Arabia,
Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, are in 'solidarity'
with the Iraqi people and are concerned for Iraq's 'territorial integrity',
said the statement carried by the official SPA news agency.." Complete
report..
U.S. SEEKS NEW GLOBAL
FORCE TO PROTECT THE U.N. IN IRAQ
"The United States has asked more than a dozen countries to join a new
international military force to protect the United Nations in Iraq, a proposal
critical to persuading the world body to return there after two massive
suicide attacks against its Baghdad headquarters last year, State Department
officials said.. ..The new force is considered essential to the fragile
political transition because the Bush administration is relying on the United
Nations to return to Iraq to help organize elections after the occupation ends
on June 30.." Complete
report..
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Future
of Global Oil Supply: Saudi Arabia
A
Conference Hosted at the Center for Strategic and International
Studies on Feb. 24, 2004
[more] |
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KIDNAPPINGS CHALLENGE
JAPAN MILITARY
"The kidnapping of three Japanese civilians in Iraq posed the greatest
challenge yet to Japan's first foray to a combat zone since World War II.
Television footage released Thursday of three terrified and blindfolded
captives being held at knifepoint by screaming militants triggered a national
vigil and threatened to sap the already weak support for the mission.. ..The
government was quick to voice its commitment to the Iraqi mission.." Complete
report..
Also:
THREE
JAPANESE HELD IN IRAQ BY GROUP DEMANDING PULLOUT
~~GulfWire Link~~
JAPAN
BACKS IRAQ TROOPS DISPATCH - GWD Dec 15, 2003
US NAMES NEW INTERIOR
MINISTER, NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR IN IRAQ
"US civil administrator in Iraq, Paul Bremer, on [Apr. 9] named interim
Governing Council member Samir Sumaydah as new interim interior minister and
council member Muwaffaq al-Rubaie as National Security Advisor.. ..The post of
National Security Advisor is a newly created position in Iraq.." Complete
report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
US
HANDS OVER MINISTRY TO IRAQIS - GWD Mar 29, 2004
ITALY'S BERLUSCONI
VISITS TROOPS IN 'DIFFICULT' IRAQ
"Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi visited Italian troops in Nassiriya on
[Apr 10], expressing pride in their performance and later reiterating that
they will remain in Iraq despite a 'very difficult' situation.. ..A staunch
war ally of President Bush despite vocal domestic opposition, the prime
minister met Italy's commanding general and Barbara Contini, the interim
governor of the Iraqi province of Dhi Qar, which includes Nassiriya.." Complete
report..
|
Developments
in Iraq at the End of 2003: Adapting U.S. Policy to Stay the
Course
By Anthony H. Cordesman
[Click
Here] |
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IRAN TO START WORK ON
HEAVY WATER NUCLEAR REACTOR IN JUNE
"Iran will start building a heavy water reactor in June that can produce
weapons-grade plutonium, diplomats said [Apr 7]. Although Tehran insists the
facility is purely for research, the decision heightens concern about its
nuclear aims. One of the diplomats said that - if built to plan - the
40-megawatt reactor could produce enough plutonium for a nuclear weapon each
year.." Complete
report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
IRAN
URANIUM PLANT SPARKS NEW ROW - GWD Apr 5, 2004
IRAN
STOPS BUILDING CENTRIFUGES - GWD Mar. 29, 2004
UN
CONDEMNS IRAN NUCLEAR SECRECY - GWD Mar. 13, 2004
US,
EU STRUGGLE FOR DRAFT UN RESOLUTION ON IRAN - GWD Mar. 8, 2004
IRAN
ADMITS BUYING BLACK MARKET NUKE PARTS - Mar. 1, 2004
GLOBAL AGENCY TO
PROTECT CHARITY WORK SUGGESTED
"An international conference on humanitarian aid and redevelopment has
recommended the establishment of an international authority under the United
Nations to protect charity work and charity organizations.. ..the delegates
felt the institution what could be called the United Nations High Commission
for Charity Affairs will be one of the solutions for a crisis facing charity
organizations following the tragic September 11, 2001 incidents.." Complete
report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
US
TELLS GULF STATES TO WATCH CHARITIES TO STOP TERROR FUNDING - GWD Jan 19, 2004
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News
- Bahrain |
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BAHRAIN TO TAKE PART IN
DEMOCRACY FORUM
"Bahrain is one of only four Arab countries which have qualified to take
part in a major conference in Turkey on democracy in the Islamic world. An
eight-member delegation from the country will take part in the Congress of
Democrats from the Islamic World, which will be held in Istanbul from [Apr 12]
to April 15.. ..Shura Council member Dr Nada Haffadh said allowing Bahrain to
be included in the event shows that real reforms have taken place in the
country.." Complete
report..
BAHRAIN RIGHTS GROUPS
SLAM WEBSITE CLOSURE
"The Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR) expressed concern over the
deterioration of freedom of expression after a popular local website was
blocked by the Bahraini authorities on [Apr 7]. The move to block the Bahrain
Online site follows the cancellation of the reality TV program Ar Rais, which
was hyped as the Arab world's answer to the hugely successful Big Brother
franchise. A BCHR spokesman said they have observed a significant drop in the
level of freedom of expression in the country.." Complete
report..
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News
- Kuwait |
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KUWAIT FEARS
IRAQ'S DIVISION
"Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah warned in
remarks published on [Apr. 11] that the scheduled June transfer of
power to Iraqis could lead to a partition of the war-ravaged country.
'The situation in Iraq is very dangerous ... Iraq could be partitioned
if Washington insists on meeting the deadline to hand power to an
Iraqi government' by June 30, Sheikh Sabah told Kuwaiti newspaper
editors.." Complete
report..
COMMUNAL FIRE
COULD BURN KUWAIT, WARNS PM
"As Iraq's emboldened Shiite community challenges the US-led
occupation, the prime minister in neighboring Kuwait said [Apr 5] that
escalating Shiite-Sunni tensions in his country could become
destructive. 'If civil strife erupts, it will burn us all and burn
down our country', Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Sabah said. Sheikh Sabah
was responding to questions about meetings he has been holding with
Sunni and Shiite clerics and community leaders. He did not elaborate
on what was causing the religious tensions in Kuwait, where 30 percent
of the population is Shiite and the ruling Al Sabah family is
Sunni.." Complete
report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
RISE
OF IRAQ SHIITES SPARKS AREA INTEREST - GWD Mar 29, 2004
KUWAIT REJECTS
AL-SADR CALL FOR THE EVACUATION OF THE AMERICANS
"Kuwait [Apr 9] rejected the call made by the Shiite clergy
Muqtada al-Sadr on it to get the American forces out of its lands and
stressed it 'does not accept' instructions.. ..Sheikh Muhammad al-Sabah said 'Kuwait is an independent and sovereign state and does
not accept to be told whom to keep and whom to expel'.." Complete
report..
KUWAIT TO FUND
REPATRIATION OF 350 INDONESIAN MAIDS
"The Kuwait government has arranged to repatriate 350 Indonesian
maids to their country.. ..chairman of Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS)
Barges Al Barges.. ..'The inhuman treatment meted out to maids by some
sponsors has damaged Kuwait's reputation in the international arena,'
said Al Barges.." Complete
report..
KUWAIT MAY
FORGE RAIL LINK WITH EUROPE
"Kuwait's Ministry of communications and Administrative
Development will study a proposal for railway line, which was referred
to it by the Cabinet. It has been reported the railway line will
connect Kuwait with Europe via Iraq, Iran and the former Republic of
Czechoslovakia.." Complete
report..
NO MAY CUTS TO
KUWAIT CRUDE TO ASIA-TRADE
"Kuwait has informed key Asian customers it would supply the same
volumes of crude in May as in April, the first signal that the Middle
East producer might not cut oil output as agreed by the OPEC cartel at
its last meeting.." Complete
report..
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News
- Oman |
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YEMEN
SIGNS OMAN BORDER PACT INTO LAW
Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh [Apr. 10] signed into law
a maritime border agreement between the Sultanate and Yemeni
Republic concluded in Muscat on December 14, last
year.." Complete
report..
SULTAN
OF OMAN PROFESSORSHIP CHAIR OPENED AT HARVARD VARSITY
"A celebration was held at Harvard University here [Apr
7] to inaugurate the Sultan of Oman professorship in
international relations.. ..Yousuf bin Alawi signed an
agreement in October 1999 with John F. Kennedy School of
Government at Harvard University to establish a professorship
chair in international relations in the name of His Majesty
Sultan Qaboos bin Said.." Complete
report..
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News
- Qatar |
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RUSSIAN AGENTS HELD IN
QATAR FACE DEATH PENALTY
"Russia has intensified efforts to free two of its foreign intelligence
operatives as the realization dawns that they may face the death penalty if
convicted.. ..The alleged assassins are accused of detonating a car bomb that
killed Zelimkhan Yandarbiyev as he left a mosque in the Qatari capital, Doha,
in February. Their trial is scheduled to begin this week. New legislation
introduced in Qatar just days after the men were captured stipulated the death
penalty or life in prison for 'anyone founding, organizing or managing a group
or organization to commit a terror act'.." Complete
report..
Also:
RUSSIANS ON
TRIAL OVER QATAR BOMB
~~GulfWire Link~~
2
AGENTS CHARGED IN QATAR KILLING - GWD Mar 1, 2004
PERMANENT RESIDENCY FOR
'PEARL OF THE GULF' PROPERTY BUYERS
"The Prime Minister H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani [APR 5]
formally inaugurated the $2.5 billion, Pearl of the Gulf man-made island
project, in which foreign nationals would be allowed to own properties and
offered permanent residency.. ..it will accommodate about 30,000 people in a
multi-cultural residential and commercial community. It is also the first
project that offers freehold and residential rights to foreign
nationals.." Complete
report..
QATAR FOUNDATION TO
SUPPORT PRODUCTION OF FEATURE FILM
"..Filming is scheduled to begin here later this month on a major 13
million euro production.. ..'Battleships' (which takes its name from a French
boardgame) will transport the markets and streets of a 'dreamworld Paris' to
the deserts of Qatar and Yemen in a production that Depardieu has described as
'confirming the exceptional relations between the Arab World and West, the mix
of their cultures; we hope it will be seen as a symbol of peace in the
world.'" Complete
report..
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News
- Saudi Arabia |
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SAUDI
ARABIA'S AL QAEDA CHIEF VOWS TO EJECT U.S. FROM ARABIAN
PENINSULA
"A video purportedly from Al Qaida's chief of operations
in Saudi Arabia vowed to avenge the death of Muslims in Iraq
and Afghanistan by expelling Americans from the Arabian
Peninsula.. ..posted on an Islamic Web site viewed in Dubai on
[Apr. 8], shows a masked man identified in a subtitle as
Abdulaziz al-Moqrin.. ..U.S. and Saudi officials believe al-Moqrin is Al Qaeda's top figure in Saudi Arabia and
masterminded the Nov. 8 bombing of a Riyadh housing compound
that killed 17 people, most of them Arabs and Muslims working
in Saudi Arabia.." Complete
report..
SENATOR
QUESTIONS REGULATOR ON RIGGS BANK
"The chairman of the Senate Banking Committee on [Apr 7]
questioned a federal regulator about Riggs Bank's compliance
with anti-money-laundering rules as authorities investigate
transactions in accounts controlled by Saudi diplomats..
..Riggs.. ..recently severed its relationship with the Saudi
Arabian embassy and closed all its Saudi accounts as a result
of the investigation. Under chairman Sen. Richard Shelby,
R-Ala., the banking committee has been examining the use of
U.S. financial institutions in financing of terrorist
activities.. " Complete
report..
Also:
SAUDI
MONEY AT RIGGS PROBED
GOVERNMENT
ENDORSES NEW EDUCATION STRATEGY
"The [Saudi] government has endorsed a new education
strategy that will steer the country's education system toward
meeting the requirements of the local job market. According to
the new strategy, the academic, technical and vocational
sectors will be examined to reflect the country's future
economic, social and educational needs. The aim is to produce
graduates of universities and vocational training centers who
can successfully compete in a job market dominated by
foreigners.." Complete
report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
SENIOR
EDUCATION OFFICIALS TO VISIT JAPAN - GWD Jan 19, 2004
NAIF
TELLS WARDENS TO TAKE GOOD CARE OF PRISONERS
"Interior Minister Prince Naif has called upon prison
wardens in various parts of the country to treat their
prisoners well and exert greater efforts to ensure better
management of prisons.. ..Prince Naif highlighted the
importance of the recently formed National Human Rights
Association (NHRA).. ..Meanwhile, NHRA Vice President Dr.
Bandar ibn Ahmed A-Hejar said [Apr 7] the organization's
members would start visiting prisons in the Kingdom on [Apr
10].." Complete
report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
KINGDOM'S
PRISONS SYSTEM TO UNDERGO MAJOR OVERHAUL - GWD Feb 3, 2003
YAMANI
TO LEAD SAUDI DELEGATION TO PRETORIA
"Minister of Commerce and Industry Dr. Hashim Yamani will
lead a Saudi delegation to South Africa at the end of May. The
delegation will take part in the first ministerial commission
meeting between the two countries.." Complete
report..
SUSPECTED
MILITANT GUNNED DOWN IN RIYADH
"Saudi security forces shot dead a suspected militant and
wounded another during a car chase in an eastern [Riyadh]
neighborhood [Apr 5].. ..It was not immediately possible to
establish whether the two suspected militants figure on the
government's most-wanted list, as some witnesses claimed. That
list has gone down from 26 to 22.." Complete
report..
SECOND
SHOOTING INCIDENT BAFFLES INVESTIGATORS
"The second shooting incident in Jeddah within a week,
which claimed the life of another young police officer, has
baffled investigators. Ahmad Rajeh Al-Asafi, 30, was shot and
killed [Apr 9].. ..In a similar incident in Jeddah's Al-Bawadi
district on [Apr 5] another police officer was killed.." Complete
report..
OVER
50,000 INFILTRATORS ARRESTED
"Saudi Arabia said [Apr 10] it detained 51,811 people
trying to cross its borders illegally in a single month. Lt.
Gen. Talal Al-Angawi, director general of the border guards,
said the majority (47,599 people) was arrested in the southern
Jizan province, on the long porous border with Yemen, while
702 were held at the country's northern border with Iraq..
..The Kingdom is battling a wave of militant violence linked
to Al-Qaeda and believes that it is fueled by arms smuggled
across its mountain and desert borders.." Complete
report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
KINGDOM-YEMEN
EMERGENCY TALKS SET OVER BORDER FENCE - GWD Feb 16, 2004
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News
- UAE |
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UAE TO
INTRODUCE NEW LAW AGAINST TERROR FINANCING
"The UAE is poised to introduce a new law to combat the
financing of terrorism in response to concerns raised by the
International Monetary Fund.
The move marks a new initiative in the country's ongoing efforts
to curb terrorist financing, Sultan bin Nasser Al Suwaidi,
Governor of the UAE Central bank, said.. ..Despite taking this
positive stance Suwaidi insisted at the end of the three-day
International Hawala Conference that the UAE will not bow to
international pressure to ban hawala. He said the approach remains
the same - to continue to regulate hawala and stop it from being
misused.." Complete
report..
MOHAMMED
WEDS JORDANIAN PRINCESS
"Dubai Crown Prince's Court announced [Apr 10] that General
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and
UAE Minister of Defense, has wedded Princess Haya bint Al Hussein,
sister of King Abdullah II of Jordan.." Complete
report..
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Link
of the Week / GulfWire
Flashback - Four Years of GW |
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LINK OF
THE WEEK
The
Arab League
|
~~~Flashback~~~
..from the GulfWire archive..
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<<ONE YEAR AGO>>
GULFWIRE DIGEST #192 WEEK OF APRIL 14, 2003
HUSSEIN'S
FALL BOLSTERS MIDDLE EAST REFORMERS
"..With the collapse of the Iraqi government in
Baghdad, Arab governments are warily confronting citizens
angered by their leaders' impotence during the war in Iraq
and emboldened by the war to speak out, often bluntly,
about their governments.."
<<TWO YEARS AGO>>
GULFWIRE DIGEST #143 WEEK OF APRIL 15, 2002
PRESIDENT
URGES ARABS TO DO MORE FOR PEACE
"..Bush called on them to disrupt terrorist financing
and use the state-owned media to denounce suicide
bombing.."
<<THREE YEARS AGO>>
GULFWIRE DIGEST #93 WEEK OF APRIL 16, 2001
BAHRAIN
MOVES TO LEGALIZE TRADE UNIONS
"..Bahrain is considering legislation to allow trade
unions to operate legally in the Gulf state as part of
moves towards democracy.."
<<FOUR YEARS AGO>>
GULFWIRE DIGEST #40 WEEK OF APRIL 10, 2000
OIL
MAJORS INVESTMENT TALKS
"Executives from some of the world's largest oil
firms will meet in Riyadh this week with members of the
Supreme Council for Petroleum and Mineral Affairs to
discuss investment proposals according to Michael Georgy
writing for Reuters on April 9. The talks will focus
on Saudi Arabia's invitation for foreign oil firms to
propose investments in the Kingdom's energy
industry. According to a Western oil executive, 'It
will be a feedback and clarification process. We don't
expect any nitty-gritty negotiations to start at a time
when the country is about to come up with new investment
guidelines.' The opening for energy sector
investment is expected to create jobs for the burgeoning
Saudi work force. According to Brad Bourland, chief
economist at Saudi American Bank, 'Creating jobs and
economic growth and building new infrastructure is a big
priority. They want foreign direct investment and this is
a way to jump start it.'"
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Business
- Region |
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[GulfWire] ENERGY FUTURES
- 04.08.04
Light Crude (NYM) $37.14 bbl UP from $34.50 bbl on 04.02.04
Brent Crude (IPE) $33.19 bbl UP from $30.06 bbl on 04.02.04
Heating Oil (NYM) $.9254 gal UP from $.855 gal on 04.02.04
Natural Gas (NYM) $5.941 mmbtu UP from $5.895 mmbtu on 04.02.04
Unleaded Gas (NYM) $1.1508 gal UP from $1.068 gal on 04.02.04
Source: CNNfn
Country Analysis
Briefs
by DOE/EIA
FRESH HOPES SURFACE FOR
RESUMPTION OF GCC-EU TALKS
"Hopes are high that the stalled EU-GCC free trade agreement talks could
soon be back on track and that a deal could be wrapped up by the end of this
year. The negotiations hit the buffers last January with both sides raising
concerns.. .. But some of the obstacles seem to be dissolving, with Hamad Al
Amer, chief of the GCC mission to the EU in Brussels, insisting: 'Both sides
are very keen and are aware of the importance of finalizing the agreement and
signing it soon'.." Complete
report..
Also:
GCC
CHIEF BLAMES EU FOR STALLING FREE TRADE DEAL
~~GulfWire Link~~
GCC
AND EU TO RESUME TALKS ON FREE TRADE ZONE - GWD Mar 15, 2004
GCC TO WORK WITH EU TO
ENSURE ENERGY STABILITY
"Prince Abdul Aziz ibn Salman, deputy minister for petroleum and mineral
resources, said here [Apr 6] that the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council
(GCC) is determined to keep oil supply steady and will work with European
Union to ensure energy stability and sustainability.. .."The dialogue
within the framework of EUROGULF will help to enhance energy cooperation
between the GCC and EU", said Prince Abdul Aziz. EUROGULF, which seeks to
develop new ideas for better cooperation in the oil and gas sector between the
two regional blocs, is a research project on GCC-EU energy relations supported
by the European Commission, implemented by a consortium of Arab and European
research institutes.." Complete
report..
MIDDLE EAST OIL SUPPLY
STRATEGY TO BE ANALYZED
"The 10th annual Middle East Petroleum Strategy (MEPS) briefing will take
place on May 8 and 9 at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa. It is being
held in conjunction with Middle East Oil and Gas Week 2004 and is a forerunner
to the Middle East Petroleum and Gas Conference (MPGC), which is taking place
from May 9 to 11.. ..An exhibition showcasing products and services will run
alongside the conference on May 10 and 11.." Complete
report..
OIL PRODUCERS FEELING
PRESSURE TO STAY IN CONTROL
"Today's high oil prices would have seemed inconceivable only a few years
ago. OPEC has increased its influence, but as it met in Vienna recently, there
was uncertainty about price stability as demand continues to
increase.." Complete
report..
GCC MONETARY UNION PLAN
PROBED
"The GCC states agreed on several key criteria [Apr 7] to bring their
economic and fiscal policies closer together for their anticipated monetary
union.. ..The GCC launched on January 1, 2003, a customs union with a view to
becoming a common market in 2007 and establishing a monetary union in 2005.
They aim to have a single currency by 2010.." Complete
report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
GULF
CUSTOMS UNION RECEIVES GO-AHEAD
GCC ACCOUNTS FOR OVER
46PC OF ARAB WORLD'S GNP: EXPERT
"GCC accounts for a hefty 46.36 percent of the total gross national
product (GNP) of the entire Arab world, a Kuwait-based economist said [Apr 6],
quoting what he said were the latest figures.. ..although the Gulf countries
accounted for barely 11 percent of the total Arab population, they were
economically quite crucial to the region. The population figures, he said,
included foreign residents who were present in large numbers invariably in all
the GCC countries.." Complete
report..
INTRA-ARAB TRADE STILL
LOW DESPITE FUNDING
"Arab trade is still extremely low, despite $545 million in credits
extended by the Arab Trade Financing Program (ATFP) last year to develop the
market, the financing body said [Apr 7]. The ATFP has now extended a total of
three billion dollars in credit financing to member countries since it was
established in 1989.. ..The ATFP recorded a net income of $15 million in 2003,
nearly 25 percent lower than the year before.." Complete
report..
MIDDLE EAST GROWTH
EXPECTED TO REMAIN STEADY UNTIL NEXT YEAR
"Strong Middle East growth should continue at least until mid-2005 thanks
to firm oil prices and low interest rates, despite instability in Iraq and
political tension elsewhere in the region.. ..But the region still faces the
challenges of diversifying energy-dependent economies and creating jobs for
young and growing populations. Unemployment in the Middle East and North
Africa is the world's highest, at 12 percent overall.." Complete
report..
MIDDLE EAST CARD SPEND
RISES 41PC TO RECORD $8B
"The card spend at retail outlets in the Middle East soared by 41 per
cent to $8 billion last year according to the official figures recently
released by Visa International. This is a record for the region and is partly
attributable to the launch of innovative card products across the region's
financial sector.." Complete
report..
BUSINESSMEN TOLD TO
PREPARE FOR INVESTMENT IN IRAQ
"Dr. Fahd ibn Saleh Al-Sultan, secretary-general of the Council of Saudi
Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CSCCI), has called on the Kingdom's
business sector to prepare for an active participation in Iraq's
reconstruction. In a statement on the eve of a Saudi-American seminar
scheduled to open in Riyadh today, Al-Sultan spoke of the huge business
opportunities in Iraq with reconstruction work in the war-torn country
estimated at $100 billion.." Complete
report..
IRAQ OVERHAULS
REFINERIES TO RAISE OUTPUT
"Iraq's refineries are undergoing a nationwide turnaround program to
raise output by a quarter as oil product imports help meet demand.. ..Senior
Oil Ministry adviser Ahmad Al-Barifkani told Reuters that Iraq's refining
capacity would rise to 600,000 barrels per day (bpd) after the one-year plan,
which covers around a dozen major and smaller refineries.." Complete
report..
Also:
EIA Country Analysis
Brief - Iraq
~~GulfWire Link~~
FIRMS
SET TO SUBMIT BIDS FOR REVAMPING IRAQI OIL INDUSTRY - GWD Aug 18, 2003
BAGHDAD EXPO TO GO
AHEAD DESPITE VIOLENCE
"Iraq will go ahead with an international oil and gas conference in
Basra, a week after canceling a similar, larger event in Baghdad due to a
resurgence in armed clashes.. ..The Baghdad Expo, billed as Iraq's largest
post-war business gathering, is scheduled for April 18-19 in Basra.." Complete
report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
SAFETY
FEARS HALT IRAQ TRADE FAIR - GWD Apr 5, 2004
$40M BAHRAINI-IRANIAN
BANK PROJECT PLANNED
"A Bahraini-Iranian Bank is to be set up in Manama soon, it has been
revealed. The $40 million project will be jointly financed by the private
sectors of both countries.. ..As there are several commercial banks in
Bahrain, the proposed project will be an investment bank, said Mr Zainal, who
is also the International Chambers of Commerce - Bahrain chairman. 'As Iran
has opened up the country for foreign investors, the bank will act as an
intermediary between the financial institutions of both countries'.." Complete
report..
CONGRESSMAN PLEDGES TO
PROMOTE ISLAMIC FINANCE
"An American Congressman has pledged to support the spread of Islamic
finance in the US. F. James Sensenbrenner, who is chairman of the Judiciary
Committee in the US House of Representatives, made the promise during a
meeting with senior bankers in Bahrain.. ..More than 30 government officials
and Islamic bankers attended the meeting, which was organized by General
Council for Islamic Banks and Financial Institutions (GCIBFI) chairman Shaikh
Saleh Kamel.. ..The latest GCIBFI figures show that Islamic banking industry
has grown by almost 23.5 percent during the last five years.." Complete
report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
ISLAMIC
BANKS URGED TO TARGET GLOBAL MARKETS - GWD Sep 29, 2003
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BAHRAIN 'GATEWAY
TO US-GULF TRADE LINKS'
"Bahrain will be used as a model for at least eight other
countries in the Middle East which have been earmarked for Free
Trade Agreements (FTAs) with the US, according to American
Congressman Paul Ryan. He expects the FTA between Bahrain and the US
to be finalised before the end of the year.. .. Mr Ryan said the
country will cash in by becoming a 'gateway' for American firms
looking to do business in the Middle East.." Complete
report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
CONGRESSIONAL
CAUCUS ON U.S. BAHRAIN FREE TRADE ANNOUNCED - GWD Mar 8, 2004
CHANGES IN
BAHRAIN'S TRADE UNION LAWS URGED
"Bahrain's trade union laws need to change to become more in
line with international standards, said a visiting international
trade union representative [Apr 6]. Brussels-based International
Confederation of Free Trade Unions general secretary Guy Ryder said
laws regarding strikes in Bahrain do not match International Labor
Organization requirements.." Complete
report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
BAHRAIN'S
FIRST FEDERATION OF LABOR UNIONS FORMED - GWD Jan 1, 2004
$1 BILLION
MAY BE SPENT ON F1 COMPLEX
"A billion dollars will be pumped into development of Bahrain's
Grand Prix circuit, it was revealed [Apr 6]. Hotels and tourism
complexes built around the site top a list of infrastructure
priorities.. ..The race was expected to generate $74 million
(BD28m), according to a report by the Bahrain Study and Research
Center ahead of the event.." Complete
report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
GRAN
PRIX - BRAVO BAHRAIN - GWD Apr. 5, 2004
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- Kuwait |
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IMF URGES KUWAIT TO CUT
FISCAL DEFICIT
"The International Monetary Fund has urged Kuwait to start selling its
public institutions to the private sector within intensified reforms to reduce
reliance on oil and spur growth. The IMF said the end of the war in Iraq had
positively affected Kuwait's economic and fiscal situation and expected robust
growth in the next four years. But it stressed the Gulf country, one of the
biggest oil producers in the world, needs to take measures to boost revenue and
ensure viable growth in its non-oil economy.." Complete
report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
IMF
MEETING PUTS MIDDLE EAST ECONOMIES IN SPOTLIGHT - GWD Sep 22, 2003
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- Oman |
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SHELL'S OMAN
OUTPUT HAD BEEN DOWN
"Royal/Dutch Shell's oil output in Oman has been falling for
several years, disproving company reports of improving production in
the country, according to a published report [Apr 8]. Internal
documents at the Anglo-Dutch group had suggested that proven oil
reserve figures for Oman were raised in 2000 and resulted in a 40
percent overstatement by mistake.. ..Shell shocked investors January
9 when it revealed it had overstated "proved" reserves by
20 percent. The disclosure prompted the Securities and Exchange
Commission and Justice Department to probe Shell and sparked
investor fears of further revisions.." Complete
report..
Also:
SHELL
INCREASES OMAN RESERVES AS OUTPUT FALLS
OMAN'S
DECISION TO RAISE PRICES MAY PUSH ASIAN BUYERS TO CHEAPER GRADES
"Oman's decision to raise its crude oil prices may cut demand
for the oil as Asian refiners such as China Petroleum and Chemical
Corp. turn to cheaper varieties from Russia and Abu Dhabi.. ..Oman
raised the premium above the Middle East benchmark Dubai grade for
March-loaded oil by 7 cents a barrel to 78 cents a barrel. That was
the first time in five months it raised the premium.." Complete
report..
OIL, GAS
EXHIBITION
"Omanexpo, organizers of the energy industry's biennial OGWA
trade fair since 1998, will stage the fourth event at the Oman
International Exhibition Centre from April 19 to 21 together with an
accompanying strategic energy conference on April 20.." Complete
report..
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- Qatar |
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DEALS WORTH $230M SIGNED
AT QSI 2004
"Deals worth more than $230 million have been signed on the sidelines of
Qatar Sports International (QSi), the biggest sports industry meet in the
region, currently on at the Qatar International Exhibition Center.. ..'The QSi
expo has already generated nearly five times the value of business transacted
at the previous show in 2002', said Perry Smith, QSI's Director of
International Relations.." Complete
report..
Q-SHIP
SECURES $223M LOAN
"Qatar Shipping Company (Q-Ship), [Apr 6] signed a $223.3
million financing deal with Kexim of Korea and Credit Lyonnais of
France. The long term financing deal was signed with Korean Export
Import Bank (Kexim), an Export Credit Agency (ECA) lender and a
consortium of commercial banks led by Credit Lyonnais (CL) for
Q-Ship's fleet expansion.. ..Incorporated in 1992, Q-Ship has been
steadily advancing to become one of the leading ship owners in the
Middle East.." Complete
report..
SPENDING
DOUBLED AS GAS INCOME SURGES
"Qatar has doubled spending on development and other sectors
over the past 10 years as its coffers have been swelled by surging
liquefied gas exports.. .. Figures by the Qatari Central Bank (QCB)
showed capital expenditure, covering infrastructure, oil, gas and
other projects, shot up from only 1.8 billion riyals ($493 million)
to around 6.15 billion riyals ($1.68 billion) in the same
period.." Complete
report..
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- Saudi Arabia |
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SAUDIS KEEP OIL PRODUCTION
STEADY
"Top OPEC producer Saudi Arabia told major oil companies and independent
refiners in the United States it would hold its production level in May steady
compared to the previous month, traders said [Apr. 12].." Complete
report..
SAUDI GAS
FORUM TO BE HELD IN MAY
"The first Saudi gas forum will be held at the Eastern Province
Chamber of Commerce and Industry from May 15 to 17.. ..the forum
would provide a good opportunity for businessmen in the Kingdom and
the neighboring countries to meet with executives of international
oil and gas giants.." Complete
report..
SAUDI ARABIA
PLEDGES OIL SUPPLY TO JAPAN
"Saudi Arabia's oil minister said [Apr 7] his country would
continue to provide Japan with a stable supply of crude oil at
'moderate' prices.. ..
Trade Minister Shoichi Nakagawa was speaking after a one-hour
meeting with Saudi Arabian Oil Minister Ali Naimi, who is in Tokyo
to discuss economic cooperation between the two nations. 'Minister
Naimi said Saudi Arabia will continue to stably supply crude oil to
Japan without any disruption and maintain oil prices at a moderate
level'.." Complete
report..
JAPAN TO
TRAIN YOUNG SAUDIS
"Saudi Arabia and Japan will work together to train young
Saudis, according to a Japanese agency here. Seiichi Miyoshi,
resident representative of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA),
said a Japanese education mission arrived here to explore the
possibility of cooperation in the manpower sector and a Saudi
educational delegation will be leaving for Tokyo on June 30 to
attend a training program.." Complete
report..
NEW SAGIA
CHIEF TO TEAR DOWN INVESTMENT BARRIERS
"Saudi Arabia's new investment chief said [Apr 5] he would give
priority to stimulating the oil-reliant economy to create jobs for
the kingdom's fast growing population. Amr bin Abdullah Al Dabbagh,
who last week replaced a senior royal member as Chairman of the
Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA), said measures
needed to accelerate growth in the dormant economy include
improvement of investment laws and giving priority to industry and
other productive sectors.." Complete
report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
DABBAGH
NAMED NEW SAGIA CHIEF - GWD Mar 29, 2004
PRIVATE
SECTOR REFORMS HELP BOOST TRADE RELATIONS
"Reforms initiated by the government in the private sector have
resulted in boosting inter-state trade relations, according to the
Saudi Committee for the Development of International Trade (CIT).
'More foreign trade delegations are visiting Saudi Arabia to promote
products than last year. At least one delegation comes per week
while a Saudi team goes out once a month to promote Saudi products
abroad, said CIT Secretary-General Omar A. Bahlaiwa'.." Complete
report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
KINGDOM
NEEDS TO SPEED UP ECONOMIC REFORM
SCT MAPS OUT
FRESH STRATEGY TO TRAIN SAUDIS IN TRAVEL JOBS
"The Supreme Commission for Tourism (SCT) is mapping out a new
strategy to train Saudi nationals and cut reliance on foreign
workers in the travel sector. [Apr 5] was the deadline for travel
agencies to provide details of their workers to the commission..
..The Saudization of travel agencies would go ahead in accordance
with a new agreement between travel agencies and the Saudi
government.. ..A draconian attempt to enforce the Saudization of
front desks last month sparked an outcry and led to a compromise
solution..." Complete
report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
TRAVEL
AGENCIES MAY BE BROUGHT UNDER SCT CONTROL - GWD Jan 26, 2004
CARGO SERVICE
BETWEEN HOUSTON, SAUDI ARABIA LAUNCHED
"Saudi Arabian Airlines Cargo began its first direct weekly
freighter service between Houston and Dammann and Jeddah on April 2.
The service uses a Boeing 747-200 freighter and will transport cargo
between Saudi Arabia and Houston, while attracting shipments to and
from other Texas cities and surrounding states.. ..Oilfield and
energy related equipment will be the driving force for the
service.." Complete
report..
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UAE MAKES 21
PERCENT OF GCC GDP
"The UAE economy contributes to around 21 percent of the GCC's
gross domestic product and 10 percent of the Arab World gross
product, according to a recent study.. ..The study discussed such
significant issues that present serious challenges to the economic
process of development in the UAE, noting that the efforts and
results of development were concentrated in three emirates, namely
Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah, which contributed more than 93.6 per
cent of the UAE gross domestic product.." Complete
report..
UAE SELLS
REMAINING GOLD RESERVES FOR HIGHER PRICE
"The UAE has taken advantage of a surge in gold prices late
last year to sell its remaining gold reserves, and experts described
it as a wise investment measure. The move nearly five months ago was
the latest in a series of sales of gold reserves by the Central Bank
as part of a strategy intended to diversify its investment
portfolio, make more profits, and offset any decline in return from
low interest rates.." Complete
report..
UAE SET TO
BOOST RELATIONS, TRADE WITH ASIAN GIANTS
"Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, left here [Apr 10] on a
four-day tour of Far Eastern countries. The visit will take him to
Korea, Japan and China.. .. Sheikh Hamden's trip to Far East Asia
underlines the country's foreign policy of bolstering relations of
cooperation and friendship with these three major Asian countries.
The UAE has maintained robust trade and economic relations with
these Asian countries.." Complete
report..
UAE TO
REASSURE TRADE PARTNERS IN ASIA ON OIL SUPPLY
"A high level UAE delegation flew to South Korea [Apr 10] at
the start of a three-nation Asian tour aimed at reassuring its
partners on stable oil supplies and securing their commitment to the
country's economic diversification program.. ..The 10-day trip will
take them to South Korea, China and Japan, the UAE's biggest trading
partners and its top oil clients.. ..It is the highest ranking
political and economic team to travel to those three Asian
industrial giants in many years and the trip coincides with the
UAE's efforts to lure in capital to diversify its economy and ease
reliance on volatile oil sales.." Complete
report..
AMERICAN
HOSPITAL TO REFER PATIENTS TO GERMAN HOSPITAL
"The American Hospital, Doha, [Apr 10] signed an agreement with
Germany's University Clinics of Saarland which will allow the
Doha-based medical facility to send its patients needing advanced
treatment to the UCS facilities in Hamburg.." Complete
report..
WORLD'S
LARGEST DIAMOND TRADER ENTERS DUBAI MARKET
"Rosy Blue, a leading global diamond manufacturer and
distributor, is investing $25 million in expanding its operation in
the Gulf which includes setting up a manufacturing unit.. ..The $1.8
billion company established its Dubai operations at the Dubai
Airport Free Zone in 1999.." Complete
report..
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