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Vershbow: US cannot guarantee Russian access to Iraq's oil

MOSCOW. March 26 (Interfax) - The United States made clear on Wednesday that it could not guarantee Russian companies access to the postwar Iraqi oil industry.

Whether Russian companies will be let into Iraq's oil sector is the prerogative of the future Iraqi leadership, Alexander Vershbow, U.S. ambassador to Russia, told Interfax.

He said he believes that Russia's role in Iraq's postwar rehabilitation depends on the position on Iraq that Moscow hammers out within the next few weeks or months.

He denied that the United States sought control of Iraq's oil industry.

In comments on reports that U.S. oil company Halliburton has received the first contract for postwar Iraq, he said there would be an urgent need to restore the Middle Eastern country's infrastructure, which Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's forces might destroy towards the end of the war.

For that reason, contracts are already being signed, Vershbow said.

But long-term commercial decisions will be made by the Iraqi leadership, he said.

He said he expects enterprises from various states to help build up Iraq's oil industry and an important role will be given to Russia.

Russia and the United States should start talks now on how to rehabilitate Iraq despite their serious disagreements about the war, he said.

He said the United States has a three-stage rehabilitation plan. During the first, brief stage, the military coalition will control Iraq.

The second stage would involve forming an internationally-overseen interim Iraqi government.

In about two years, general elections would establish a permanent democratic system.

Vershbow said the UN Security Council should play an important role in Iraq's transition to self-government, and the United States expects Russia to have wide opportunities to make its own contribution.

He also said the United States hopes for close cooperation with Russia, other states, and the United Nations in giving urgent humanitarian relief to Iraq's population.

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