U.S denies any agreement allowing SL to import Iran crude via third parties

20 June 2014 09:58 am - 11 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The United States denied on Friday that it had any agreement with Sri Lanka to allow Colombo to import Iranian crude oil through third parties, avoiding Western sanctions aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear program.

"We categorically deny there was any agreement," a spokesman at the U.S. Embassy in Colombo told Reuters.

Sri Lanka's Media Minister and government spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella told reporters late on Thursday that Sri Lanka has been buying Iranian crude from various countries via third parties, and avoiding sanctions - with the understanding of the United States.

"For instance, Malaysia supplied what happened to be Iranian oil. It's a very closed secret," Rambukwella said during a briefing on the expansion of Sri Lanka's shipping fleet. "But we have had some understanding with the U.S. as well."

"I know the gravity of it. I know it's a serious statement," he said when asked if he was aware of the possible implications of what he was saying. He did not elaborate on the nature of the understanding between Sri Lanka and the U.S. government.

"Iran was supplying to 'X' place under a different name and from there to other places. Wherever there are sanctions, third parties are involved," Rambukwella added.

Asked how many cargoes of Iranian crude Sri Lanka had obtained through third parties, Rambukwella said, "I have no idea, but it was time to time. At the end of the day, you get the oil, and our refinery is meant for Iranian crude. They have a sulfur problem and other issues."

In a statement, Sri Lanka's External Affairs Ministry "categorically" rejected the contents of a Reuters article reporting Rambukwella's comments on Sri Lanka evading U.S. sanctions against Iran, saying it was "wholly incorrect and devoid of any truth."

A spokesman for Malaysian state oil firm Petronas [PETR.UL] declined to comment. A Petronas source, who didn't want to be named because of the sensitivity of the issue, said the company had been told by the Prime Minister's office not to deal in any business related to Iran. Malaysia stopped buying Iranian oil when Western sanctions were put in place in early 2012. (Reuters)

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Comments - 11

Jason Friday, 20 June 2014 10:10 AM

SO MUCH FOR BEING THE MEDIA MINISTER!
THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU APPOINT MONKEYS TO DO HIGH PROFILE JOBS. IT BECOMES A PUBLIC RELATIONS DISASTER!

SpaceCab Friday, 20 June 2014 10:16 AM

ROFL .... adhegena naanawa

Kapil Friday, 20 June 2014 11:06 AM

Oh my god! Is the Minister out of his senses? Is he senile already?

Public Friday, 20 June 2014 11:36 AM

The Ministry concern tried to bring low grade crude oil from other sources. America spoiled the whole commission process.

patriot Friday, 20 June 2014 05:57 PM

Appointing such Donkeys to important positions - the innocent masses have to pay for it.How pathetic via DM Android App

dharmapalad Friday, 20 June 2014 12:34 PM

the media minister you can not fool the srlankan they are well known the subject,

Azee Friday, 20 June 2014 06:21 PM

Now what does Rambukwella say after all these developments- he is sure to deny he said these things via DM Android App

joe Friday, 20 June 2014 06:39 PM

Top secret deal with Malaysia yet to be divulged at a press Conference . What an idiot

Empulze Friday, 20 June 2014 09:37 PM

Sri Lankan comedians. via DM Android App

Grumpy Friday, 20 June 2014 06:49 PM

Now we know from where the Son inherited sleep walking!

sam Sunday, 22 June 2014 04:35 AM

Sleep walk Haha via DM iPad app

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U.S denies any agreement allowing SL to import Iran crude via third parties

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