ABU DHABI Ñ Iraq is not expected to resume oil exports before June.
Officials said the northern Gulf route to and from Iraq still remains
vulnerable to suicide attacks by loyalists of deposed President Saddam
Hussein. They said another threat comes from Al Qaida allies of Saddam.
"My understanding broadly speaking is that we will see the direct export
of oil in the next month or two," British Navy Rear Adm. David Snelson,
deputy coalition commander of naval forces, said.
Snelson told the Manama-based Gulf Daily News that there are no
restrictions on the entry of vessels into the southern Iraqi port of Umm
Qasr. But the admiral said threats of attacks on oil tankers continue and a
second port is being planned.
"It gives us another series of jetties which could be used for more
shipping if necessary," Snelson said. "We aim to open as many jetties as
possible so there is no restriction on getting humanitarian aid in."
