NICOSIA — European and U.S. contractors attended Iran's annual
energy exhibition in Teheran, an event regarded as a barometer of Western intentions toward the nation's radical regime.
Industry sources said a range of Western energy companies, including
France's Total, have been attending the Iran Oil & Gas show 2009, which
began on April 21, Middle East Newsline reported.
The five-day show, held in Teheran, is being watched for clues of
Western interest in developing Iran's energy sector during the
administration of U.S. President Barack Obama.
"Those companies attending Iran's oil conference are undermining
international efforts to deter Iran's nuclear program solely for short-term
economic gain," Mark Wallace, a former U.S. ambassador and president of
United Against Nuclear Iran, said.
The annual show, which has drawn what organizers termed a
record turnout of 450 foreign companies, was said to contain 25 percent
greater participation than in 2008, including five unidentified U.S. firms.
"This makes it the biggest event of its kind in the Middle East and
provides a first-class platform of opportunities for those interested to
achieve lucrative business contacts within the extensive development plans
announced by the Iranian Petroleum Ministry," organizers said in a
statement.
The sources said Western
energy major remain wary of investing in Iran amid the prospect of U.S.
sanctions.
