Libya Friday, July 27, rejected the warning issued two days earlier by US President George W. Bush to OPEC countries against a hike in oil prices which would slow economic growth in the United States.
"OPEC countries have nothing to do with the difficulties of the US economy," Libyan government spokesman Hassuna Shaush told AFP.
He said that OPEC, of which Libya is a member, rejects "pressure and threats" and could by no means be held "responsible for the slowdown of the US economy".
"Besides, these countries have the right to ask a fair price for their oil," said Shaush.
On Wednesday, Bush warned OPEC nations not to use oil production as a tool to increase the price of oil after the organization announced it would cut output by one million barrels a day to avoid a fall in prices.
"Our economy is bumping along right now and a runup in energy prices will hurt. Surely the OPEC leaders understand that. I think they do," said Bush. — (AFP)
© Agence France Presse
© 2001 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
