ABU DHABI Ñ Saudi Arabia has quietly acknowledged that Middle East
tension has delayed a decision to launch an estimated $30 billion project to
explore and develop natural gas in the kingdom.
Saudi sources said officials have cited political delays in talks with
the main competitors for the project. Last week, Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah
Bin Abdul Aziz and Oil Minister Ali Al Nuami met U.S. oil company
representatives involved in the bidding.
"Many, many people are preoccupied in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia with
matters more important than a commercial deal with companies." British
Petroleum chief executive John Browne said in London. "They will take more
time."
U.S. energy companies have pressed the Bush administration to respond to
the Saudi eight-point plan to end the Israeli-Palestinian war. The plan
includes the deployment of international forces in the West Bank and Gaza
Strip.
