America: No Secret Deals for Iraqi Oil.

(From The Moscow Times)

America is not secretly offering Russia oil concessions in a post-Saddam Hussein Iraq in exchange for political support, and Moscow better think twice about the consequences of blocking Washington's pursuit of war against Baghdad, senior U.S. officials said Wednesday.

"In America, there will certainly be concern about the way other nations respond [to the Iraq crisis]," visiting U.S. Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham told reporters.

"Obviously, those actions have consequences."

Abraham's comments were echoed by U.S. Ambassador Alexander Vershbow, who reiterated earlier remarks that Washington would likely retaliate …