MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has called on investors in the liberalizing power sector not to stuff their “stomachs” with quick profits and pledged harsh treatment for those not respecting national and social interests.

BAGHDAD (Reuters) – Iraq said on Wednesday it was committed to meeting a deadline for a long-term security pact with the United States, as Washington confirmed it dropped a demand concerning the divisive issue of immunity for private contractors.

OPEC president Chakib Khelil says it is ‘illogical and irrational’ to think increasing oil output would ease off soaring prices. “To ask the oil producers to increase their output is illogical and irrational,” Khelil was quoted as saying the Algerie Presse Service (APS) news agency on Friday.