NewsMine — war-on-terror — iraq — 2003-invasion — beginning-war — oil-fires — Viewing Item

Iraq denies basra fires { March 20 2003 } Original Source Link: (May no longer be active)    http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/s812068.htm http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/s812068.htm Last Update: Thursday, March 20, 2003. 9:28pm (AEDT) Iraq denies oil well fires near Basra Iraqi Oil Minister Amir Muhammed Rasheed has denied reports that oil wells near the southern Iraqi city of Basra were on fire. "This report that was given to you is a film from the American gangs and is misleading and prejudiced," he said in a statement from his Baghdad office. Kuwait television earlier reported several oil wells near Basra had been set alight by Iraqi troops. The oilfields of southern Iraq pump about 1 million barrels per day (bpd) of the country's exports which had been running at about 1.7 million bpd. The region holds most of Iraq's untapped reserves. Exports of Basra Light crude from the Iraqi Gulf port of Mina al-Bakr have been stopped since Monday (local time) after banks refused to grant payment guarantees to customers and UN oil inspectors were evacuated. A Saudi source says while markets were well supplied the main fear for oil traders was Iraqi President Saddam Hussein would torch his oilfields to hinder invading US troops. Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are still tormented by the 1991 Gulf war when departing Iraqi troops blew up Kuwaiti oil wells and were seen as a menace to Saudi oil sector.

Capped in 30 45 days Denies oil fires Douse southern fires { March 22 2003 } Firefighters tackle last oil fires { March 31 2003 } Gulf war vet admits setting fires Iraq denies basra fires { March 20 2003 } Iraqi oil fires sabotage fears { March 21 2003 } Multiple oil wells ablaze { March 21 2003 } Oil focus { March 24 2003 } Us military start 1991 fires Files Listed: 10

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