Iran and Iraq will be in tight race for the post of the Secretary
General of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) if Saudi
Arabia withdraws its candidacy as expected, said Iranian Oil Minister Rostam
Qasemi.
“Saudi Arabia's firm decision to withdraw its candidacy for the post of
OPEC Secretary-General has not yet been announced, but it seems that Iran and
Iraq are stronger candidates for the post than Saudi Arabia,” Qasemi said in a
press conference in Tehran today. “I have heard some news that Saudi Arabia
wants to retreat his nominee from the upcoming Secretary-General election.”
(Fars News Agency, 20 April)
Iran will introduce its former oil minister Qolam Hossein Nozari for the
post. Iraq’s candidate if also its former oil minister Thamer Ghadban. The
Saudis were originally expected to nominate Majid Moneef, the country's former
representative on OPEC's governing board.
Iraq's reconstruction of its oil industry after Saddam has thrust it
back into the ranks of major producers and generally sides with Iran in the
cartel to increase prices. The Saudis exert moderation in price hikes to avoid
disruptions in the market.
File photo: OPEC HQ in Vienna (AFP)
Both are simpatico and allies.
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