Indonesia recognizes Iraq?s U.S.-backed delegation at upcoming OPEC meeting
Friday, September 19 2003 - 10:29 AM WIB
Indonesia said Friday it would recognize the delegation from Iraq?s U.S.-backed Governing Council at the meeting of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in Vienna on Sept. 24.
?Iraq was a founding member of OPEC. We welcome it to attend the Vienna meeting,? Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Purnomo Yusgiantoro told reporters.
Purnomo said Indonesia did not question the existence of the current government in Iraq.
OPEC had invited Iraq to its Sept 24 meeting in Vienna.
Reports said however Venezuela, an OPEC member and the world?s fifth largest oil exporter, would not recognize Iraq?s delegation at the meeting.
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez had strongly criticized the U.S.-led invasion and occupation of Iraq.
Indonesia is Asia?s only OPEC member country. (godang)