According to: http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/oil/2002/1004privatiz.htm
"We have interests in the oil sector of the Iraqi economy," said Mikhail Margelov, chairman of the international affairs committee of Russia's Federation Council, or upper house. "When I say interests, I do not mean only honoring the current contracts which exist, but also an opportunity for equal, fruitful cooperation between the international oil companies and the Russian oil companies in future, especially in the privatization of the Iraqi oil sector," he added. Margelov, on a visit to Washington where he met members of Congress, said Moscow was also concerned about Iraqi debt to Russia, estimated between $7 billion and $12 billion. http://www.csmonitor.com/2003/0225/p03s01-woiq.htm "But France also has economic interests that would be more lucrative if Saddam Hussein stays in power. Iraq France's TotalFinaElf has contracts with Iraq to develop the Majnoon and Bin Umar fields, once sanctions are lifted. In addition, Iraq owes France billions in foreign debt accrued from arms sales in the 1970s and '80s, which experts say could be virtually uncollectible in the case of war." Also: http://www.gazeta.ru/2003/03/26/NohopeforRus.shtml -- Neil Johnson http://www.njohnsn.com PGP key available on request.
