Thanks Cowke, Don't understand Somali except for the odd word here and there. I take it the Mayor is referring to Africa Oil and must be talking about mobilization of a rig. Set up time usually takes a couple of months before spudding can occur. Pilgrim

Hi Cowke - can you help with a translation and source? Cheers P

Good news indeed! Now AOC can get on with the job of drilling for oil.

If I was easily offended, I would expect compensation for my whole family, for the offence you have caused by calling me 'lad'. I am a PHD applicant with taxi driving experience...please don't mess with me.

Yawn!

I was hearing over the weekend GD. If the oil is confirmed in any quantity UZTAAD, there will be plenty of money poured into the region to develop it.

Media has been very quiet on the matter.

Has anyone heard anything about parliament meeting to discuss the amended PSA?

Not deminishing the obsticles that still ly ahead with the oil exploration, it is good to know that one of the main sources of opposition to the project now appears to have been satisfied that AOC (as operater) are the right company for the job. Range and AOC are different company's than they were 2 years ago - both have new management that have a fresh commitment to Puntland and the project. Once the amended PSA has been approved by parliament and signed off by Pres Farole, mobilisation and drilling can get underway. Does anyone know when parliament will be meeting to discuss the amended PSA?

Originally posted by General Duke: ^^^ With all due respect, we are not beggers, is the world unfair? indeed for most people of colour it has been and we are no exception but the Somali pride comes from a place a few from the west will ever understand and it's not false. It's a fact we have weak government and leadership in all Somali lands, bu that does not mean we have to compount his by bringing in the wolves, this deal in my opinion is adequite and we want it to go on. However we have survived for a long time in the most difficult of situations, as a westerner it would not be harmful if you watched your tone, and understood the people you are talking to. Note I have been a supporter of this deal , but all my fellow Somali's don't see it as I do and that does not mean that they should be talked down to.

I was not out to offend you GD, I just see the argument on here is often too one sided. I try to not to make judgements about people unless I have a just cause and unfortunately, up to this point I have met very few Somali's I would ever place my trust in. I would love nothing more than to be proven wrong.

GD - I appreciate what you are saying, but with all due respect it is not the absence of knowledge about a company you need to fear but the integrity of your government. Deals that are not worth the paper they're written on,government signatories that are worthless. You say Samali's don't like being talked down to but it is obvious that it is Somali's that have a false sense of pride and too often are unwilling to listen to wise counsel. Westerners do not have to invest in Puntland, they do so in the hope that there will be a mutual gain. Somali's will always be beggars until they learn this basic rule.

Then it will be up to all of you to ensure your government is kept accountable.

It's true, Angola, Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea have had problems due to Oil exploration but these problems are mainly related to corruption within the Governments involved and not the Oil Companies. Oil companies will take short cuts if not properly regulated but again, that is the responsibility of the Government. If you look at the PSA agreement that was drawn up between Range/AOC and the former gov, it was in line and comparable to the best deals secured in more low risk countries. Range also paid dearly to secure that deal. Not only is Somalia considered a high security risk but also a huge political risk. Do you think foreign firms are able to raise investment capital for such high risk projects without offering better returns than can be gained in safe projects? Get real! Look at all the BS Range and AOC share holders have had to deal with to get this project off the ground - government agreements are made only to be broken or re-negotiated - it's laughable! It's a fact, most people wouldn't even consider investing in Somalia. Also look at the budget for Puntland - certain people like Bokero suggest - Puntland should develop its own resources - yeah right, with what? It's time the Puntland people stopped wasting their time and bickering like old woman - the current deal is excellent but the benefits of any oil will only flow if you get rid of all the self interest and support the companies involved, going forward.

Certainly not truth syrup - grow up man!