Iraq pumps approximately 222,000 barrels of oil per per day to Syria , without UN approval, reported the New York-based Energy Intelligence Briefing. The recently publicized report reveals this as another step in the continued erosion of UN sanctions against Iraq.
The briefing asserted that Syria will export 437,000 barrels per day (bpd) in December, although its domestic surplus production is projected at just 215,000 bpd. Syrian output is set at 510,000 bpd while domestic consumption is about 295,000 bpd, it added. Iraq started pumping discounted crude oil to Syria through the pipeline in November 2001, AFP reported.
Syria and Iraq froze diplomatic relations in 1980 over Syrian support for Iran in the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war, but have recently forged closer economic ties. The two countries recently signed a free trade agreement and currently exchange an estimated $500 million in bilateral trade a year.
Under the UN oil-for-food program, Baghdad may export oil through its regimented pipeline to Turkey or its port at Mina Al-Bakr. Oil revenues are then directed solely to buy food and medicine for the Iraqi people. — (menareport.com)
© 2001 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
