Analysis: Hunt(Hunt Oil), State talked on Iraq oil

[RamboLiberal]

Source: UPI

A representative from Dallas-based Hunt Oil Corp. did talk with the U.S. State Department prior to signing a controversial oil deal with Iraq’s Kurdistan Regional Government, according to an internal department communication obtained by United Press International.

Hunt Oil, whose chief executive officer is connected to the Bush administration by campaign donations and a seat on an intelligence advisory board, had previously denied the meeting.

The company now says the meeting took place but that Hunt did not seek advice from the U.S. government on investing in a country with the world’s third-largest proven oil reserves.

The Sept. 8 production-sharing contract with the KRG set off Baghdad, which accuses the region of unilaterally and illegally signing oil deals. The Hunt deal wasn’t the first or final such contract signed between private oil companies and the Kurds, who say they have the constitutional right to sign deals and blame Baghdad for its inability to make headway on a national oil law.

Read more: http://www.upi.com/International_Security/Energy/Analysis/2007/10/12/analysis_hunt_state_talked_on_iraq_oil/3128/

[Kagemusha]

1. Dumb analysis. You can talk to State without "consulting" it.

Especially if "consulting" was in regards to seeking advice and permission specifically about doing an oil deal with the Kurds, which Hunt Oil denied since day 1. Reporters are reading the subject of the original sentence being "talking to the State Department," whereas Hunt Oil clearly meant the subject to be "asking the State Department for a 'may I?' before moving on the oil deal".

This is a non-issue. The company did not outright deny talking to the State Dept, at all, ever, about anything, prior to signing the deal.

[lovuian]

2. WOnder what will happen if Turkey takes those oil wells

Kurds deal to ask for protection