VOL. XLVI

No 33

18-August-2003

IRAQ

Bush Administration Defends Executive Order On Iraq Oil Dealings

The Bush administration has rebutted criticism that Executive Order 13303, signed by the president on 22 May, is giving US oil firms blanket immunity from lawsuits and criminal prosecution in connection with the sale of Iraqi oil. Critics say the order appears to shield companies from liability, even if it could be proved that they had committed human rights violations, bribed officials or caused...