Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 26

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Oil Firms to Meet Presidency on Niger Delta

Amidst increasing restiveness in the Niger Delta, multi-national oil companies in the country are to meet with the Presidency before the end of this week. They were feelers that may advise the Federal Government against the militarisation of the region.

Niger Delta Summit: Give Us The Benefit Of Doubt – Presidency

The Federal Government has appealed to both international and local communities to give it the benefit of doubt over the proposed Niger Delta Summit, assuring that by the time the summit ends, the hostile environment in the region would change for good.

Concern Mounts Over Attack on Oil Platforms

There are mounting concerns in the country over attacks by Niger Delta militants on oil flow lines and installations particularly on Nigeria’s deep offshore platforms. Worried about the development, the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum (Upstream) is expected to meet with stakeholders over the attacks. If the attacks continue, it might affect the 2008 budget.

Expatriate Hostages Released

A Portuguese captain and the Croatian chief engineer abducted about 5 weeks from the Lourdes Tide were released on Wednesday evening. It is not known if the 30million naira ransom earlier demanded by the abductors was paid. Also, two expatriate staff of Lonestar Drilling Nigeria Limited, George Scerri (Maltan) and Mohammed Asif (Pakistani), kidnapped four weeks ago from Omoku, Rivers State were released.

NNPC Staff Rescued From Kidnappers

Abia state police command, Thursday, rescued Mrs Stella Chijioke of NNPC Port Harcourt who was kidnapped with her sister last week in Abia state. One of the kidnappers was killed, while another was injured. Five rifles and lots of ammunition were recovered from their hideout.

Sea Pirates Attack

A fishing trawler, penultimate Saturday, was robbed by a 7 man gang close to the bonny fairway buoy. The crew on board were disposed of money and personal valuables. No casualty was reported. In a related development, on Thursday, a barge belonging to Vitex in Bonny Island and a community boat were attacked by suspected pirates. Three people were killed while the barge, the boat and remaining passengers were taken away by the armed group.

Cultists Kill One In Port Harcourt

Suspected members of a cult group struck at the Mile 3 area of Port Harcourt and killed one person. Security operatives intervened and shot three of the suspects, but escaped with the injuries.

NDRPCM Worries Over Attacked By Militants

A group known as the Niger Delta Riverine Peace Campaign Movement (NDRPCM), has expressed concern over the increased tension and attacks by militant groups in the Niger Delta as a result of the continued detention of the embattled leader of the Movement for Emancipation of the Niger-Delta (MEND), Henry Okah, and urged the Federal Government to calm down nerves by granting him amnesty.

JTF Raids Militants On Waterways

The Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta, in a combined operation with State Security Service (SSS) on Tuesday raided some waterways identified as hideouts of hoodlums in Port Harcourt and arrested about 50 cultists/other criminal.

Gunmen Abduct Rivers’ CJ Brother

The crime of kidnappings resurfaced, Sunday, with the abduction of a brother of the Chief Judge (CJ) of River state, Justice Iche Ndu. The CJ’s brother, Alawari Ndu was abducted at in Port Harcourt while returning from church. He was released on Wednesday. It is not certain if any ransom was paid or not.

PPMC Moves to Re-open Shut Depots

The era of dormancy in the fuel depots along the Transport Distribution Zone (TDZ) of Abia, Imo, Enugu, Benue and Adamawa States appears to be nearing its end as the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company Limited (PPMC) penultimate weekend revived the Aba depot, saying that others would follow in due course.

Soldiers Die as Armoured Vehicle Crashes

An accident involving an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) has claimed the lives of three soldiers when the vehicle fell into a gully in Okochiri, Okrika. The vehicle was said to have been on routine duty when the accident happened. The head of the Joint Task Force in River state, Brigadier General Sarkin Yarki-Bello assured that it was an ordinary accident as he ruled out sabotage and negligence.

Navy Holds Sea Exercise

Eastern Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy on Wednesday commenced its Sea Exercise, as part of training of its personnel. Although the exercise is coming at the heels of fears that there might be military confrontation between Nigeria and Cameroon, The Command Operations Officer, Captain Mumsuru Boladele, said the exercise is a part of events that will culminate in the annual Chief of Naval Staff Sea exercise later in the year.

Rival Militants In Gun Battle In Bayelsa

About 30 persons are feared dead in Bayelsa State in a recent gun battle between militia groups loyal to the peace pact and those against the process. The first sign of tension and hostilities emerged on Friday following the release of the American, Jack Stone. Mr Stone, who was kidnapped after the attack on Bonga oil-field, was released with the help of those committed to the peace pact.

Why Attack On Bonga Field Was Easy, By Oil Firms' Chiefs

Major oil firms’ helmsmen have attributed the attack on Shell’s Bonga offshore facility to a lack of modern security facilities, saying that the attack would have been averted if radar were installed at the prime block. Added to this was the military alleged withdrawal of boats for patrolling the area owing to a naval exercise.

Former Imo Deputy Governor's Daughter Kidnapped

Kidnappers struck in Owerri, eloping with the daughter of Chief Ebere Udeagu, the immediate past Deputy Governor of Imo state.  A ransom of N1 billion is being demanded for the release of Udeagu's daughter.

Stakeholders Fret over Plots to Hijack LPG Deal

Industry watchers have raised an alarm that some operators under the pretext of assisting the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Ltd in the transhipment of the product via the jetties may have hijacked the sale of the product. This they contend may rubbish Government’s plans to reduce drastically the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). None of the off takers have any investment in LPG Terminals and are not directly involved in gas marketing.

Gambari Wants 90-Day Truce from Militants

Chairman of the Steering Committee on the Niger Delta Summit, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, has called on militants in the area to declare a 90-day truce to give the committee as well as next month’s summit the benefit of the doubt to bring lasting peace and development to the region.  Gambari said his committee would reach out to all stakeholders with legitimate inputs to be made.

Amni, Afren Complete Okoro Field's Wellhead Platform

The local content initiative of the Federal Government in the oil and gas sector recently got a boost when Afren Energy Resources Limited and AMNI International Petroleum Company Limited, celebrated the load-out of Okoro Field Wellhead Platform ('WHP') in a ceremony at the Wilmot Point, Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Sekibo Supplied Arms To Ateke Tom With Govt Ambulance —Bush Boys

The Field Commander of the Okrika Defence Force “Bush Boys”, Gashion Iwari Oduko, on Tuesday, told the Rivers State Truth and Reconciliation Commission that Former Minister of Transport, Dr. Abiye Sekibo, used the state’s Government House Hylux Ambulance to supply weapons to leader of the Niger Delta Vigilante Warlord, Ateke Tom.

Bayelsa Committee Brokers Peace Between Agip And Host Community

Bayelsa State Peace and Conflict Resolution Committee has settled a dispute between the Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) and Tebidaba, a host community to Agip in Southern Ijaw LGA. The conflict between Agip and the community was caused by Agip’s refusal to pay compensation over a massive oil spill in 2007. The firm, it was alleged, also refused to repair ruptured pipes and clear the spillage.

Military Forces Break Militant Ranks

The ranks of the militia groups involved in the bloody clash that has rocked the Bayelsa creeks and waterways was on Wednesday broken by men of the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) with the arrest of one of the leaders known as Jairus Profit, while three others are on the run.

Shell Restarts Bonga Under Naval Cover

Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company, has restarted oil production on the Bonga Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel under the protection of two Nigerian navy frigates.  The resumption indicates that 225,000 barrels per day of the country’s oil production which went offline after attacks by the Movement for Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), has been restored.

Ateke Tom Foils Attempt To Blow Up Shell Oil Field

Wanted Rivers warlord, Ateke Tom has reportedly foiled an attempt by some aggrieved militants to blow up another facility of the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), the EA oil field in Rivers State, on Monday.  It was learnt that Ateke was contacted by the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) to confront and stop the militants, which he did. National President of the IYC, Dr. Chris Ekiyor, who confirmed this, said that the youths were aggrieved by Government negligence of the Niger-Delta.

PENGASSAN Cautions Fed Govt Against Invasion Of Niger Delta

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) yesterday cautioned the Federal Government against military operations in the Niger Delta. It accused the government of insincerity and lack of political will to resolve the crisis in the region.

Communal Clashes Threaten Brass LNG Project

The take-off of the multibillion- dollar Brass Liquefied Natural Gas project is now threatened by communal clashes between two of the host communities, Liama and Egweama. The bloody clash between the two communities reportedly claimed an undisclosed number of lives.

Nigeria: 973 Killed in Ikwerre Crises, Don Tells ESO Panel

Over 973 persons were killed in Ikwerre communities during the political upheavals that rocked Rivers State between 2003 and 2008, President General of Ikwerre Socio-Cultural Organization, Professor Otonti Nduka disclosed in his testimony, Monday, at the Rivers State Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Oil Workers Urged To Show Concern About Safety

Staffers of oil companies in the country have been urged to develop a more proactive attitude towards issues of safety.  The lead country manager of Exxon Mobil, John Chaplin, who made the appeal Thursday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, while declaring open the company’s 2008 safety week said some of the incidents experienced during operations last year could have been averted.

Oil Giants Propose Shares For Niger Deltans

Niger Delta indigenes could become part-owners of oil facilities in the volatile region, if the Federal Government accepts a proposal by major oil companies. The proposal came up at a meeting in Abuja yesterday of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream); the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed; and other stakeholders in the oil industry.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Gunmen Attack Uduaghan’s Convoy, Kill ADC’s Driver

Gunmen suspected to be armed robbers yesterday attacked the convoy of Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, killing the driver to his Aide-De-Camp in the process. The governor’s convoy was said to be travelling from Benin to Warri.

Escravos Project: NNPC, Mobil Sign $220m Deal

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mobil Producing Nigeria (MPN) Limited and a consortium of Nigerian banks at the weekend in far away London signed  a financing agreement to the tune of $220 million for the completion of the Escravos Gas to Liquid Project.

Warri Refinery Trains Staff

Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC), has begun training of its management staff on communication and reporting. This is to sharpen their skills to meet the challenges posed by retirement of some of its staff.

Oil Shut-In Rises, Militants Cease Fire

Nigeria's oil industry has suffered another major setback. About 120, 000 barrels per day have been shut-in from last Friday's attack on Chevron Nigeria Limited pipeline by militants in the Niger Delta. Meanwhile the militants said that from midnight Tuesday, they would observe "a unilateral ceasefire in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria until further notice.

MEND Vows To Confront Soldiers Sighted Close To Militant Camps

Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger-Delta (MEND), Sunday, warned that it would confront soldiers sited close to militant camps in the Niger-Delta and seize their weapons if they were not hostile. It said that the soldiers from the North would be fed to the crocodiles, while those from the region will be treated as traitors if a single bullet is missing from their guns. “Such traitors will face a slow and painful death.

Militants Counsel Yar'adua Against Military Option

Militants have warned the FG against its resolve to carry out full scale war against them in the region, saying it would further heighten the level of insecurity in the region.  They advised the government to begin the process of addressing the injustice in the region.

Chevron Union Shuts Down Offices Nationwide

Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Association (NUPENG) union members of Chevron unit on Tuesday began strike at Chevron's administrative offices nationwide.  The branch chairman of Chevron PENGASSAN union, Comrade John Nwanosike, said that until the safety conditions and expatriate quota are addressed, the workers would not go back to work.

We’re Not At War With Militants – Military

The Nigerian Armed Forces have explained that that their presence in the area was to protect innocent Nigerians rather than fight the militants. They also ruled out a full scale attack on the militants and said they cannot turn their weapons against their country men when the matter could be amicably settled.

Isoko Give Shell 14-Day Ultimatum Over Sacked Kinsmen

Isoko ethnic nationality in Delta State, at the weekend, gave a 14-day ultimatum to Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) to reinstate its 15 kinsmen that were recently fired. Also, the crisis between the company and Gborou, an oil-rich community in Bayelsa State has deepened, as the community threatened war against the company if it fails to vacate the community within seven days.

Nigeria’s Oil Shut-In Reaches 944,000bpd As Chevron Shut Out Production

Oil companies and industry sources have detailed about 944,000 barrels per day (bpd) of shut-in production due to militant attacks and sabotage. This represents more than 30 percent of the country’s installed output capacity of around 3 million bpd even as Chevron’s onshore output has been halted after attack.

Oil Wells: Community Seeks FG’s Help

The Federal Government has been called upon to intervene in the case of 260 oil wells involving the local communities in Delta and Ondo States. The Chairman, Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Chief Adewale Omojuwa, said that if government does not urgently intervene, the nation may experience yet another tragedy of boundary clash.

MEND Calls Off Ceasefire

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, (MEND) has called off the cease fire agreement it announced, declaring war against the federal troop and the oil companies operating in the Niger Delta region. It said the FG violated the peace agreement as Federal troop recently invaded some militant camps in the region.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Pollution: Ondo Threatens Oil Companies, Others

The Ondo State Government has said that it will impose heavy sanctions on any oil company and other operators which violates the health, safety and environmental laws of the state. The state Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Environment, Mr. Ayo Ifayefunmi, reportedly issued the warning in Akure on Friday according to a statement obtained on Monday.  Speaking at the maiden Ondo State Health, Safety and Environment Workshop, the commissioner said that it had become imperative for the state to issue the warning due to the global climatic change caused by environmental pollution.

Students Go On Rampage, Set School Bus, Buildings On Ablaze

Students of Government Secondary School (GSS), Ilorin in Kwara state, have gone on rampage, burning down school properties and equipment worth several millions of naira. Principal of the Junior Secondary School, Mr Muyideen Muhammed, said trouble started when the students protested the maltreatment of a junior student by a senior student. But some students said that the riot was in protest of the poor feeding and lack of potable water in the school.

Robbers Snatch Oyo Commissioner’s Car

Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs Mrs Deborah Oyelade on Monday lost her car to armed robbers in Ibadan. The commissioner was attacked by a five-man armed gang at about 8 pm near her official residence in Agodi area of the city and was dispossessed of her Toyota Corolla car marked FY 60 EKY. The police command, which confirmed the incident in a statement yesterday, said that the gang later engaged them in a gun duel at Onireke where they had gone for another operation. Though the robbers escaped, some items were recovered from them.

Reps Order Oil Firms To Pay NDDC’s Debts

Oil companies still indebted to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) have been ordered to pay up. The House of Representatives Committee on NDDC that gave the order also assured of speedy passage of its budget.

Oyo Police Arrest, Detain 10 Policemen

Oyo State police command has arrested and detained 10 police officers for extortion from the commercial bus drivers and members of the public in the last two weeks. Those officers arrested are currently on trial and would be severely punished, if fund guilty so as to serve as a warning signal to others who are yet to be caught in the unethical act.

End of Road For Dare-Devil Armed Robbers

Two armed robbers were gunned down in Eket, Akwa Ibom state while in operation, by the police. A gang of armed robbers numbering eight invaded a number of buildings along Stadium Road in Eket, robbing from door to door, until a distress call got to the police, who quickly responded. The rest escaped.

NPDC Acquires Rig For Drilling Campaign

Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) has acquired a rig in preparation for aggressive drilling campaign aimed at increasing its production capacity of crude oil and natural gas.

Armed Robbery Kingpin To Assist Police

The Chairman of a five- man high profile robbery gang in Lagos and environs, Dimeji Taofik, has been arrested during a robbery operation in the metropolis. He has promised to cooperate with the police to fish out other members of his gang.

GENERAL

Kaduna Refinery Down Again

The Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company Limited (KRPC) which began operation early this year has stopped production again. Investigations revealed that the company stopped production last week due to non-supply of crude from Warri. Petroleum product marketers who visited the refinery daily for their businesses had also complained that their orders have been stopped as the company was not producing.

Indonesia Executes 2 Nigerians To Mark UN Anti-Drugs Day

The Indonesian authority on Thursday executed two Nigerians, who have been convicted of smuggling illegal drugs into the country. According to a report, the Indonesian capital, which quoted the country’s officials, the execution was meant to mark the United Nations’ anti-drugs day. The condemned traffickers were arrested at Jakarta’s international airport in 2001, each carrying more than 6.5 pounds (three kilogrammes) of heroin.

Use Excess Oil Revenue For New Petrochemical Plants - MAN

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) on Thursday asked the Federal Government to use the excess crude oil revenue to establish petrochemical plants.

Govt Orders Shell To Reinstate SNEPCO'S Autonomy

A diffusion of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) present cluster management structure has been ordered by the Federal Government. The government described the fusion of the management of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO) with its parent body (SPDC) as inimical to the nation's content policy.

US Pushes for Cut in Fuel Subsidies

To check the unending rise in crude oil prices, the United States has asked countries to “reduce untargeted subsidies”  in a “reasonable and timely way”. But the one-day summit of oil producers and consumers held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, weekend, did not reach any concrete agreement that could offer immediate hope of a let-up in the burgeoning oil prices.

FG To Spend N7.27bn On Prison Decongestion

The Ministry of Justice is to spend N7.270bn to decongest the country’s prisons this year, a letter from the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Michael Aondoakaa, to the House of Representatives, has shown. According to the letter, the sum will be released in instalments.

NIPCO N7bn LPG Plant Set For Technical Commissioning July

The N7billion state-of-the-art liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) plant being constructed by NIPCO PLC is set for technical commissioning by the end of July. The plant, reputed to be the largest in the country, was conceived by the Independent Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) as part of efforts to help reduce pressure on the use of kerosene as fuel for homes.

Nigeria To Showcase Own Gas Potential At WPC

The Nigerian delegation to the 19th World Petroleum Congress (WPC) billed for this weekend through mid-next week are going to participate armed with a strong message to market to potential investors the nation's huge potentials in the gas sector. WPC provides a forum for governments, Oil Companies, and industry operators around the world to come together to chart the way forward for the petroleum sector.

Gas Flaring: NASS May Demand Revision National Policy

National Assembly is poised to demand the revision by the Federal Government of the new National Gas Master plan/policy to include the volume of gas flared by each of the multinational oil operator as well as the penalty for defaulting firms.

NDLEA Nabs Octogenarian With Drugs

The Zamfara State Command of NDLEA has arrested a farmer, Garba Maigemu, 80, with 1,000 pieces of diazepam, alongside an accomplice, Yusuf Danmutuwa.

Senate To Investigate $2.902bn Escravos Gas To Liquid Project

The Senate committee on gas may begin investigation into the Escravos Gas to Liquid (EGTL) project which the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, (NNPC) projects will cost $2.902bn. Osita Izunaso, chairman of the committee, drew to the fact that a similar project in Qatar is being executed at the cost of about $592 million, making NNPC’s cost projection questionable.

High Energy Prices: Saudi Arabia To Pump More Oil

After the special summit convened by it ended yesterday, Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil producer, promised to pump additional 700,000 barrels of oil daily, starting from July, but this decision to increase risks being completely negated by the sharp drop in output caused by attacks on production facilities in Nigeria.

NNPC, Korean Firm Venture On Crude Lifting Irritates Indigenous Businesses

A recent agreement reached by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and a Korean company to lift the country’s crude oil, has been seen as another avenue for the corporation to create more monopoly in the business rather than unbundling the NNPC, by maritime stakeholders. This, maritime stakeholders say has created some suspicion on the operations of the organisation.

Fire Guts 100 Shops, Destroys N20m Properties

Mysterious fire has wreaked havoc at the famous Gamboru market in Maiduguri, Borno State consuming more than 100 shops and stalls. The inferno which started at about 12 mid-night was put off by men of the State Fire Service Brigade, almost four hours later. Properties destroyed was estimated at more than N20 million.

Total Nigeria Posts N3.25bn Profit

Total Nigeria Plc has posted a post-tax profit of N3.255 billion for its 2007 operations, indicating an increase of 29 percent over N2.51 billion of the previous year.

CNOOC May Dump Nigeria For Niger Republic Over N36b Refinery Project

For failing to get a leeway from the government to embark on the proposed building of a refinery in the country, the Chinese investors may soon dump Nigeria for Niger  Republic. According source, the Chinese state-controlled oil company, CNOOC Limited, which promised to invest about N36bn to build a refinery in Nigeria, has not been given a go ahead for the project. Due to Nigeria's delay, the company has entered into a deal with Niger Republic.

EFCC Arrests Austrian Over N5.5bn Aviation Deals

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Wednesday, arrested an Austrian, Mr. George Eder, that got the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria’s (FAAN) alleged inflated contracts for the safe tower project worth N5.50 billion. The National Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) said the contract was hugely inflated. A senior EFCC operative said that all ministers, and top officials of FAAN involved in the dirty deals would be arrested.

NLC, Civil Society Advocate Electoral Crimes Commission

Nigeria’s Labour -Civil Society Coalition has called for the establishment of an autonomous Electoral Crimes Commission (ECC). The recommendation canvasses for very stringent rules supporting the arrest, prosecution and punishment for all manners of electoral offences in the country.

N2.3m Lifeline For Families Of 46 Dead Soldiers

Following the death of 46 Nigerian soldiers who perished in an auto-crash in Yobe State on return from international peacekeeping mission in Darfur-Sudan last month, NORDIC Projects Limited has donated N2.3m to the Nigerian Army to serve as succour to families of the deceased soldiers pending the payment of their entitlement by government.

Nigeria Probes Award Of Oil Blocks

The Federal Government is investigating awards of oil blocks made in the last days of the administration of Olusegun Obasanjo.  Meanwhile President Yar’Adua has pledged to reverse declining production from Africa’s biggest oil industry with a set of reforms designed to maximise revenues and introduce greater transparency.

FCT Police Smashes Stolen Vehicles Receivers Gang

In its continued bid to rid Abuja of all forms of crime and criminality, the FCT Police has smashed a notorious gang that specialised in receiving stolen vehicles from Abuja and its environs. Parading nine suspects who were arrested for six different armed robbery cases, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mike Ehidiamen, stated that on interrogation, the two suspects confessed to having received stolen cars from one Babaje and others who are at large.

High Cost Of Diesel Reduces Fishing Activities

The escalating price of diesel, which now sells for between N130 and N140 per litre, had forced trawler owners to withdraw 60 percent of the fishing vessels in the country from the high seas.  The development, if not quickly addressed may result to about 20,000 skilled and 50,000 unskilled manpower being thrown into the labour market.

Indian Hemp: Police, Army Are My Customers - Suspect

A middle-aged man, Tunde Dirisu, has been arrested for alleged trafficking in Indian hemp. Dirisu told the police that he took to the trade to help himself and his family and his major customers were Policemen, Army and Naval personnel. The Rapid Response Squad (RRS) arrested him.

INTERNATIONAL

OPEC Blames Oil Prices on Speculators, Geopolitics

OPEC President Chakib Khelil, said record oil prices are due to speculative investors, the sub-prime crisis and geopolitics, and not the result of a supply shortage. Khelil dismissed the argument that worries over a future shortage was driving up prices.

Thousands Die in Custody in India

Nearly 7,500 people have died in official custody in India over the past five years, according to a report by a human rights group. The report by Delhi-based Asian Centre for Human Rights says many of these people were tortured in custody.  It says the Indian government is in a state of denial about torture.

Land Protests Shut Down Kashmir

Life in Indian- controlled Kashmir is   at a standstill for the fourth consecutive day after protests over the transfer of land for a Hindu pilgrimage site.
Shops across the Kashmir valley are shut and roads empty of traffic. Banks, colleges and businesses are closed.  Three people have been shot dead by police in three days of protests in India's only Muslim-majority state.

North Korea Submits Nuclear List To China

North Korea has submitted its long-awaited   declaration detailing its nuclear weapons activities yesterday, South Korea's foreign minister said, paving the way for Pyongyang to receive economic aid.  South Korean Foreign Minister, Yu Myung-hwan told reporters that the North had submitted its declaration to Chinese officials in Beijing. The North was set to blow up the cooling tower at its Yongbyon nuclear complex today, he said.

15 Die In Attack On West Baghdad

A suicide bomber struck    yesterday inside a    municipal building west of Baghdad, killing at least 15 people at a meeting of tribal sheiks opposed to al-Qaeda, police said. The U.S. confirmed American casualties but gave no further details.
Another 18 people were killed and about 60 wounded in a car bombing near a government headquarters in the northern city of Mosul, officials said. The attacks yesterday were part of a spike in violence in Iraq after weeks of relative calm.

Gunman Kills One, Injures 7 In Peru

A gunman has killed a student and injured seven other Universitario club fans while on their way to a league football match in Peru.  The gunman on a motorcycle targeted the eight fans on their way for a match between Universitario and Sporting Cristal.

Saudi Arrests Hundreds Plotting Attacks On Oil Installations

The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries' (OPEC) kingpin, Saudi Arabia, has arrested 701 Islamists in the past six months on suspicion of plotting attacks on oil industry installations, the interior ministry said. Of those arrested 520 are still being held for their implication in the organisational and ideological plans of the ‘Deviant Ideology’. Deviant ideology is at term used to describe Al-Qaeda.