11.   Its completion gives Russia an edge over an American-backed alternative route through Georgia in a race to control oil shipments from the Caspian region.

12.   Naumann predicted that even without the threat of force, the embargo will have a deterrent effect on oil shipments.

13.   Now few analysts expect any Iraqi oil shipments for months.

14.   Oil prices rose on concern the Iraqi dispute could lead to a confrontation that might disrupt oil shipments from the region.

15.   Other countries that had decided to stop oil shipments would be invited to do so as well, he said.

16.   Russia still pays rent for the facility through in-kind oil shipments, Western officials say.

17.   Saudi officials also denied news media reports Thursday that Abdullah would consider withholding oil shipments or shut down US military bases in his country if Bush rejected his advice.

18.   Several oil pipelines are being planned, including one through Georgia and Turkey, thus depriving Moscow of a monopoly on oil shipments.

19.   The decision represents a victory for the Clinton administration and deprives Moscow of a monopoly on the oil shipments.

20.   The first sign of strain came in April when Venezuela suspended oil shipments after Cuba failed to meet its payments.