41.   Some oil traders expected today to be the last day of negotiations because Boutros-Ghali is scheduled to fly to Russia this afternoon.

42.   Still, crude oil prices fell Tuesday, as oil traders sold on expectations that Iraq might cooperate with the United Nations on weapons inspections.

43.   Some oil traders had speculated that the refinery was already closing down for repairs.

44.   Still, most oil traders said the Venezuelan strike threat was overshadowed today by the unexpected gains in U.S. oil inventories.

45.   Still, it has been enough to unsettle oil traders.

46.   That really had oil traders howling in laughter.

47.   The breakthrough assured oil traders of normal oil exports from the Middle East, which accounts for a third of world supply.

48.   The companies said the guerrilla activity near a town also known as Arauca is preventing them from keeping their commitments with oil traders.

49.   The expulsion order has raised concern among oil traders that Iraq might become embroiled in a military conflict that could disrupt supplies from the oil-rich Middle East.

50.   The issue has been monitored closely by oil traders because last week the Iraqi government threatened to cease cooperating with the U.N. if new sanctions are imposed.