Another Split With Russia: Putin Plans To Block Out US Oil Giants...

The Guardian Observer Conal Walsh July 23, 2006 at 10:25 AM

President Vladimir Putin is set to keep US oil companies out of a lucrative gas field in the latest sign of the deteriorating relationship between Moscow and Washington.

The Russian leader is expected to favour Norwegian companies and reject bids by America's Chevron and ConocoPhillips after failing to secure backing from the United States for his country's attempt to join the World Trade Organisation.

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