Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07DOHA713
2007-07-09 14:28:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Doha
Cable title:  

DEMARCHE TO OIL EXPORTERS: QATAR "ON THE SAME PAGE"

Tags:  EPET PREL QA 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXRO6995
PP RUEHDE
DE RUEHDO #0713 1901428
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
P 091428Z JUL 07
FM AMEMBASSY DOHA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 6848
INFO RUEHHH/OPEC COLLECTIVE
C O N F I D E N T I A L DOHA 000713 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/08/2017
TAGS: EPET PREL QA
SUBJECT: DEMARCHE TO OIL EXPORTERS: QATAR "ON THE SAME PAGE"

REF: SECSTATE 88197

Derived from: DSCG 05-1, B,D.

C O N F I D E N T I A L DOHA 000713

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/08/2017
TAGS: EPET PREL QA
SUBJECT: DEMARCHE TO OIL EXPORTERS: QATAR "ON THE SAME PAGE"

REF: SECSTATE 88197

Derived from: DSCG 05-1, B,D.


1. (C) Minister of State for Energy and Industry Mohamed
al-Sada agreed with Charge in a meeting July 9 that
statements in support of high oil prices made it difficult
for the U.S. Administration to oppose the No Oil Producing
and Exporting Cartels Act (reftel). Al-Sada nevertheless made
the point that the "underlying value" in terms of purchasing
power of a USD 65 barrel of oil today was no greater than
that of a USD 40 barrel of oil several years ago. He said
that Qatar's decision to price oil in dollars was "strategic"
and long-term, implying the benefit to the U.S. of this
position.


2. (C) Al-Sada argued that OPEC was more of a "club" than a
cartel, and its mission was the security of the world oil
supply. He also pointed out that current oil prices and price
stability allowed for a great deal of investment in the
industry. This investment benefited U.S. firms such as Exxon
Mobil. "Our interests are mingled together," he observed.

--------------
Comment
--------------


3. (C) Qatar, as a small producer with limited oil reserves,
has generally not advocated increased OPEC production
targets. However, Al-Sada, whose number-two position in the
ministry was created for him several months ago, appears to
be helpful. We expect that he will share our message with the
Minister, who is occasionally quoted in the press.
RATNEY