Daily commends Japan, Italy's oil deals with Iran, warns US,
Tehran, July 1, `Iran News' in its editorial on Sunday
commending the oil deals signed on Saturday by Japan and Italy with
Iran, warned Washington to review the situation and evaluate its ties
with Tehran before the August 1st deadline on unilateral extension of
its economic sanctions on the country by its Congressmen.
Elaborating on the "concrete" proposals for the Azadegan Oil Field
by the Japanese to the Ministry of Petroleum, the English-language
daily wrote that the logic behind the current Japanese moves is that
conditions are ideal in Iran to supplement world oil supplies and
develop projects in oil and gas.
It noted that Japan has also voiced its support for "a stable
supply of energy, which requires close cooperation with Iran and the
region," and added that President Khatami has also made a pledge to
Tokyo for preferential rights during his visit to Japan in November 2000.
"The enormous Azadegan Field in south-west Iran with reserves
of up to 26 billion barrels is an ideal opportunity for Japan,
Iran's main trade partner in Asia," wrote the daily.
With regard to the oil deal signed between Italy and Iran, the
article noted that Vittorio Mincato, the Chief Executive Officer of
ENI signed a "dlrs 1 billion deal with the Iranian Oil Minister,
Bijan Namdar Zanganeh for the development of the Darqain Oil Field."
"Iran has proved a reliable partner for the Italians, who are
now involved in four projects in Iran," it said.
All these events come at a time when the U.S. remains committed
on boycotting Iran and penalizing all the companies that enter into
contracts with Iran, wrote the paper warning U.S. that it has, with
its attitude towards, only isolated itself from its own allies.
"The U.S. Administration has ample time to therefore review the
situation and evaluate its ties with Iran", before the August 1st
deadline on the sanctions, advised the paper.
It would do well if the U.S. Administration "seriously and
realistically evaluates its future economic prospects with Iran"
before insisting on extending the current sanctions for a further five
years, concluded the paper. |
