Now
thats more like it...
Much
more believable than anything else I've heard.
:
)
Paul
http://www.rense.com/general13/moom.htm
Follow The Money!! - New Pipeline To Tap The Caspian
Sea Gas Bonanza
From Jim Marrs [EMAIL PROTECTED]
9-18-1
"The 48-inch diameter pipeline will extend 790 miles (1,271
kilometers) from the Afghanistan-Turkmenistan border, generally follow the
Herat-to-Kandahar Road THROUGH AFGHANISTAN (emphasis added -ed), cross the
Pakistan border in the vicinity of Quetta, and terminate in Multan, Pakistan,
where it will tie into an existing pipeline system."
Hi Jeff,
They say follow the money. Well, here's the money trail.
Everyone from Hitler on down has wanted the Caspian Sea oil and with
the fall of communism, the international bankers finally got some control over
this resource. The problem is that to get this oil to the West requires a
pipeline that would have to go through Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
But the fundamentalist Muslim governments of this places won't play ball
so...they get another agent like Ho Chi Minh, in this case Osama bin-Laden,
who was funded and encouraged by our CIA to fight the Russians in Afghanistan,
to be the Bugagoo, either by instigation or merely by allowing his attacks.
Then, in the ensuing unthinking surge of patriotism, either US troops or a UN
coalition moves into the area to wipe out the "terrorists" and install
"democratically aligned" governments and, bingo, the obstacles to the Central
Asia Pipeline disappear and the profit line is increased at only the cost of
several thousand human lives, unfortunate but necessary in this age of
overpopulation. It's a grander replay of the Gulf War but it's still about
oil, a commodity dear to the heart of the Bush family.
Consortium
Formed To Build Central Asia Gas Pipeline
October 27, 1997
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, - Six international companies and the
Government of Turkmenistan formed Central Asia Gas Pipeline, Ltd. (CentGas) in
formal signing ceremonies here Saturday. The group is developing a project to
build a 790-mile (1,271-kilometer) pipeline to link Turkmenistan's abundant
proven natural gas reserves with growing markets in Pakistan. The group is
also considering an extension of the line to the New Delhi area in India.
"This is a truly significant step in the development of this project,"
said John F. Imle, Jr., president of Unocal Corporation . Unocal was appointed
by the Government of Turkmenistan to lead the project development activities
and form the gas pipeline consortium. A Unocal subsidiary will serve as
development manager for CentGas. "The interest shown by major international
companies underscores both the attractiveness of the proposed pipeline and the
significant economic benefits it can bring to the region. This project could
be the foundation for a new commerce corridor for the region -- often referred
to as the Silk Road for the 21st century.
The CentGas consortium will
initially include the following companies, either directly or through
affiliates: Unocal Corporation, 46.5 percent; Delta Oil Company Limited (Saudi
Arabia), 15 percent; the Government of Turkmenistan, 7 percent; Indonesia
Petroleum, LTD. (INPEX) (Japan), 6.5 percent; ITOCHU Oil Exploration Co., Ltd.
(CIECO) (Japan), 6.5 percent; Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd.
(Korea), 5 percent; and the Crescent Group (Pakistan), 3.5 percent. RAO
Gazprom (Russia) has indicated an interest in signing the consortium
agreements formalizing a 10 percent share in the project in the near future.
The proposed pipeline will carry natural gas from the Dauletabad
Field, in southeastern Turkmenistan at a rate of up to 2 billion cubic feet
per day (20 billion cubic meters per year). The Dauletabad Field has
independently certified reserves of more then 25 trillion cubic feet (708
billion cubic meters). The Government of Turkmenistan has guaranteed
deliverability of 25 trillion cubic feet (708 billion cubic meters) of natural
gas exclusively for the Central Asia Gas Pipeline. Much or all of this gas is
expected to come from the Dauletabad Field.
The inaugural memorandum
of understanding between the governments of Turkmenistan and Pakistan for the
CentGas project was signed in March 1995.
"The formation of the
consortium is another major milestone achieved in accordance with the
requirements of protocols and agreements previously signed with the
Governments of Turkmenistan and Pakistan," said Marty Miller, Unocal
Corporation vice president responsible for new ventures in Central Asia and
Pakistan.
Miller pointed out that the project still faces significant
economic, political and commercial challenges, such as finalizing mutually
acceptable commercial agreements and agreements with transit countries. "This
project has exceptionally sound economic fundamentals, given the presence of
proven gas reserves in Turkmenistan and the market needs of Pakistan and
India. The Dauletabad Field has produced well over 2 billion cubic feet per
day in the past and is capable of producing that volume today. With the right
development program, the Field will continue to be able to produce natural gas
at this rate long into the future. No other import project can provide such
volumes of natural gas to these markets at a lower price."
The
proposed natural gas pipeline would stretch from the Turkmenistan/Afghanistan
border in southeastern Turkmenistan to Multan, Pakistan (790 miles, 1,271
kilometers), with a 400-mile (640-kilometer) extension to India under
consideration. Estimated cost of the project is US$1.9 billion for the segment
to Pakistan and an additional US$600 million for the extension to India. This
news release contains forward-looking information, including projections of
future business plans and potential capital expenditures. Actual results could
differ materially from these projections.
CentGas Consortium Members:
Unocal Corporation (U.S.), 46.5 percent
Founded over 100 years
ago, Unocal is one of the world's leading energy resource and project
development companies providing regional integrated energy solutions. Unocal
has reserves of more than 9.8 trillion cubic feet of natural gas equivalent
(1.6 billion barrels of oil equivalent) and major oil and gas production
activities in Asia and the U.S. Gulf of Mexico.
Delta Oil Company
Limited (Saudi Arabia), 15 percent
Delta Oil Company Limited, a
private Saudi-owned company, was founded by its Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer, Mr. Badr M. Al-Aiban. Mr. Al-Aiban established the original Delta
entity in Saudi Arabia in 1978, and its activities have expanded significantly
since its inception. Today, Delta and its affiliates comprise a diversified
group of companies involved in the energy industry, real estate development,
food processing and packaging, soft drink bottling and distribution,
agriculture and manufacturing. The company's operations extend to Central
Asia, South East Asia and other countries in the Middle East. Delta has
developed a number of strategic alliances in the oil and gas industry. As a
member of the Azerbaijan International Operating Company (AIOC) and the North
Absheron Operating Company Limited (NAOC), Delta and its affiliates are
involved in exploring and developing oil fields in Azerbaijan, as well as
other Central Asian countries.
The Government of Turkmenistan, 7
percent
Since declaring its independence from the USSR on October 27,
1991, Turkmenistan has looked forward to increasing the economic strength of
the new state. The country has strived to build on its traditions, values and
history to form a political and economic system capable of increasing the
well-being of its people, and strengthening the sovereignty of Turkmenistan.
The leadership of Turkmenistan has met the challenge of reform head on, and
has established many channels for swift economic development. As an
independent state, Turkmenistan has much to offer to the Central Asian region
and the international community. By effectively using its natural resources,
continuing on a path of economic reform as can be seen in the agricultural
industry, and promoting its economic potential to attract foreign investment,
Turkmenistan can be assured of decades of successful economic growth. The
government believes that by seeking international investment, technological
and management support for its country, Turkmenistan can play a major role as
the economic catalyst for the Central Asian region, and join the world leaders
in the distribution of oil and gas.
Indonesia Petroleum, LTD.
(INPEX) (Japan), 6.5 percent
Indonesia Petroleum, LTD. (INPEX), a
Tokyo-based company, has been engaged in the exploration and development of
petroleum resources, mainly in Indonesia, since 1966 in order to ensure a
continued stable supply of energy resources to Japan. With its core activity
area in Indonesia, INPEX is expanding its activities in East Asia, Oceania,
CIS, the Middle East and Africa. INPEX and its subsidiaries are currently
producing 280,000 BOEPD equity oil and gas in Indonesia, Australia and UAE.
ITOCHU Oil Exploration Co., Ltd. (CIECO) (Japan), 6.5 percent
ITOCHU Oil Exploration Co., Ltd. (CIECO) was formed in 1972 and is now
involved in the exploration, development and production of hydrocarbons in
Indonesia, U.K. North Sea, Australia, Pakistan, CIS Countries, Yemen, Oman and
Gabon. CIECO is the core company responsible for all Hydrocarbon Exploration
and Production activities within the subsidiaries and associates of ITOCHU
Corporation, the largest trading company in Japan. With maximum utilization to
ITOCHU's worldwide network, CIECO is well placed to continue to expand its
foreign activities in the future.
Hyundai Engineering &
Construction Co., Ltd. (Korea), 5 percent
Hyundai Engineering &
Construction Co., Ltd. was established in 1947, and its major role was
rebuilding Korea's infrastructure. Growing rapidly during the early 1960s,
Hyundai built dams, bridges, buildings and tunnels, as well as industrial
plants that were desperately needed. Since it launched into the international
market in 1968, Hyundai has taken a place among top global general
contractors, with approximately US$32 billion construction orders through
1996. As the core company of Hyundai Business Group, Hyundai has set the pace
for the Hyundai Business Group which is now a US$87 billion multi-national
conglomerate specializing in engineering and construction, automobiles,
shipbuilding, robotics, electronics, petrochemicals, aerospace and trading.
The Crescent Group (Pakistan), 3.5 percent
The Crescent Group,
in business for more than 50 years, is the premier industrial and financial
conglomerate in Pakistan. More than 35 independent companies operating across
Pakistan form the nucleus of the group and are leaders in textiles, jute,
sugar, engineering, steel, investment banking, insurance, leasing and software
development. The Crescent Group employs over 15,000 people and contributes to
one percent of GNP of the country and over two percent of market
capitalization of Pakistan. Strategic alliances have helped position the
Crescent Group as a leader in its core businesses, such as textile and textile
made-ups. Crescent is in partnership with some of the most well-known
corporations from the United States and Europe. The Group puts heavy emphasis
on keeping its projects environment-friendly, promotes education, and spends
considerably on the development of human talent in safe working conditions.
Project Overview
International Pipeline Consortium
Six
international companies and the Government of Turkmenistan are forming an
international pipeline consortium, Central Asia Gas Pipeline, Ltd. (CentGas)
to develop a natural gas pipeline that will link Turkmenistan's vast natural
gas reserves with the growing markets of Pakistan and possibly India. This
major new source of fuel will supplement indigenous natural gas supply. An
efficient, clean-burning fuel, natural gas can be economically and safely
transported by pipeline over long distances, and priced competitively with
alternate fuels.
The Resource
Dauletabad Field is one of the
largest gas fields in the world. DeGolyer & MacNaughton, an
internationally recognized petroleum engineering firm, has thoroughly
evaluated the field's reserves. These evaluations clearly show that the
field's resources are adequate for project needs, assuming production rates of
roughly 1.5 billion cubic feet of gas per day (15 billion cubic meters of gas
per year) for 30 years or more. The Government of Turkmenistan has guaranteed
deliverability of 25 trillion cubic feet (709 billion cubic meters) of natural
gas exclusively for this project. Much or all of this gas is expected to come
from the Dauletabad Field.
The Market
Forecasts based on
reasonable gas purchase, sales price and other assumptions show sufficient
demand for the imported gas at prices that support the project's economic
viability. Market analyses indicate that Pakistan's electric power generation
market will be the main consumer of the imported gas.
The Route
The 48-inch diameter pipeline will extend 790 miles (1,271 kilometers)
from the Afghanistan-Turkmenistan border, generally follow the
Herat-to-Kandahar Road through Afghanistan, cross the Pakistan border in the
vicinity of Quetta, and terminate in Multan, Pakistan, where it will tie into
an existing pipeline system. Turkmenistan will construct a pipeline that will
link with the CentGas line at the border and stretch approximately 105 miles
(169 kilometers) to the Dauletabad Field. A potential 400-mile (644-kilometer)
extension from Multan to New Delhi also is under consideration. Estimated cost
of the project is US$1.9 billion for the segment to Pakistan, and an
additional US$600 million for the extension to India.
Inter-Government
Support
The project enjoys strong support from the governments and
leadership of the three countries directly involved and has also attracted the
interest of other countries. Turkmenistan and Pakistan have demonstrated
inter-government support through various memorandums of understanding.
Regional Benefits
The project offers numerous long- and
short-term benefits to the region. It will link plentiful supplies of
clean-burning natural gas with growing regional markets, employ thousands of
local people, foster regional cooperation, and enhance trade, transportation
and communication. The development of pipeline-related infrastructure also
will create opportunities for economic growth in other industries. In addition
to regional advantages, the pipeline offers specific benefits to the countries
involved. Turkmenistan will reach new markets with its plentiful gas reserves,
while Pakistan gains a reliable source of clean-burning fuel to drive its
economic growth. Afghanistan will earn extensive economic benefits from the
pipeline, both during construction and over the life of the project.
Source: Central Asia Gas Pipeline, Ltd.
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