81.   But since then, bureaucratic difficulties and the tough-minded posture of both Washington and Baghdad have delayed the return of Iraqi exports.

82.   The re-entry of Iraqi exports onto the world market may not be as drastic as expected, MEES added.

83.   The oil market responded with sang froid this week to the surprise announcement that Iraqi crude exports would resume soon after a freeze lasting six years.

84.   The prospect of smaller-than-expected Iraqi exports contributed to the up-beat tone of the oil market.

85.   The United Nations has set a value limit on Iraqi exports, rather than a volume ceiling, to finance humanitarian aid to the Iraqi people.

86.   Iraqi crude exports were abruptly suspended by a UN embargo within days of the invasion.

87.   Last month, after lenghty bargaining, the UN authorized two billion dollars worth of Iraqi crude exports over six months to finance emergency imports of food and medicines.

88.   Oil stocks were particularly strong after oil prices rose to three-week highs on Monday on fears about possible reductions in Iraqi exports.

89.   OPEC ministers could also face a grilling over whether they will make good any shortfall in supply to world markets caused by stoppages to Iraqi exports.

90.   Oil prices remain very high because of strong demand in the major consumer countries and the delay in resumption of Iraqi crude exports.