Juje Posted August 23, 2007 Australia explorer Range criticizes Somalia PM's oil policy SYDNEY, Australia Aug 21 (Garowe Online) - The managing director of Australia-based junior explorer Range Resources, Ltd., has criticized an oil law scheduled to be debated in the Somali parliament soon, clearly weighing in his opinion on the country's political landscape. Michael Povey, in a letter sent Tuesday to the Australian Stock Exchange, defended the validity of his firm's production-sharing agreement (PSA) with the semiautonomous State of Puntland, in northern Somalia. "The President and Government of Puntland have reiterated the validity of PSA's and subsequently both recognize and acknowledge the efforts (and financial resources spent) over the last 2 years on the exploration and development," the letter read. Mr. Povey's letter expressed particular concern over a proposed Petroleum Law, which the interim government of Somali Prime Minister Ali Mohamed Gedi plans to introduce into parliament for debate soon. A clause in the proposed Petroleum Law, if passed by parliament, will automatically invalidate any Somali oil deal signed after 1990 when the national government collapsed. There is a "need for the TFG to introduce a general Constitution acceptable by all autonomous regions of Somalia (namely Puntland) prior to the introduction of any national oil legislation," Mr. Povey argued in the letter. The Australian company, aided in a farm-in deal by Africa Oil (formerly Canmex), says a realistic timeframe to commence drilling in Puntland is by the "end of the year," warning that any attempt by Prime Minister Gedi to oppose this measure "will not be tolerated." Such strong language, aimed at the Somali prime minister, echoes Puntland President Adde Muse's insistence that his regional administration will cut off relations with Gedi's federal government in Mogadishu if the Petroleum Law is passed. [ Full story] Mr. Povey's Range firm signed the Puntland agreement in 2005 clouded by legal controversy and the legacy of clan bloodshed. Somali clan fighters took up arms against Puntland security forces protecting Range scientists in skirmishes that killed several people in early 2006. Source: Garowe Online Arrintan wa in Maxamed Dhere lo sheega, isaga jawab ka bixiin yaqan markey saan iskugu dhumuqdo.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Baashi Posted August 23, 2007 What a punch of ignorant kids they are! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
