Bouteflika backs up OPEC Gas cartel

Bouteflika backs up OPEC Gas cartel

Belarusian experts advised Algeria to turn back MIG 29 aircrafts

El Khabar, 20 février 2008

Algeria’s decision returning MIG 29 aircrafts to Russia has been taken following an advice from Belarusian experts dealing with the Algerian Defence Ministry, Russian sources mentioned. The Belarusian experts assumed that MIG aircrafts were constructed with old date spares, while MIG spokeswoman denied having cancelling armament contracts sealed with Algeria. Furthermore, the Russian Press Agency RIA Novosti said yesterday that the problem with MIG aircrafts to be returned to Russian firms by next month have been raised by Belarusian experts granting technical maintenance for such aircrafts in Algeria. However, a spokeswoman for MIG Group Elena Fedorova rejected to make any comment on the issue, saying: “All I can say is that the contracts haven’t been cancelled.” In this context, military experts said, during the first day of President Bouteflika’s state visit to Russia, that Algeria has requested rearranging MIG aircrafts then getting them back without any intention suspending military cooperation. As far as OPEC Gas project, President Bouteflika said: “defending interest of oil producers urged us to create OPEC in 1960, it’s a lesson that we shouldn’t forget.” He implicitly backed up OPEC style gas cartel while calling for improving the management of Gas Exporters Forum, saying: “it should play a more dynamic role than the role playing now in oil sector.”

20-02-2008 By H.Y/ Translation A.A