September 11 casts its shadow on NELP-III
The 11th September terrorist attacks on New York have cast their shadow on NELP-III, which was originally scheduled to begin in January 2002.
Oil ministry officials who heard presentations to choose a consultant for the roadshows say the January target is likely to be missed. "The five companies who made presentations told us the New York attacks could affect our NELP-III plans both ways.
On one side, we are a large non-Islamic country. But on the other hand, we have Islamic countries on our east and west.
Besides this, South Asia is widely seen as a powder keg. So we are unsure of the implications.
What is certain is that the target will be missed."