OPEC backs Venezuela against Exxon

Ecuador Mining and Petroleum Minister Galo Chiriboga says OPEC will back Venezuela against Exxon Mobil Corporation in its legal battle. OPEC legal consultants will review the issue in their 4th of March meeting. He also noted Ecuador is not planning to halt oil exports to the United States. In a dispute at the heart of a worldwide fight for control of natural resources, the giant Exxon Mobil Oil Corporation has won court orders in the US and the UK to freeze $12 billion of the major crude supplier's assets. The 148th (Ordinary) Meeting of the OPEC Conference commences Wednesday, 5 March 2008, in Vienna, Austria.