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Iran's Energy Minister Visits Iraq After Slashing Natural Gas Exports

Edward Yeranian

   CAIRO - Iraqi state TV announced Tuesday the country is suffering from
   a major electricity crisis following the drastic reduction of natural
   gas supplies by Iran, from 50 million to 5 million cubic meters.

   Tehran says Baghdad must pay at least several billion dollars of an
   estimated $5 billion debt it owes Tehran for natural gas and
   electricity.

   Iranian Energy Minister Reza Ardakanian met top Iraqi officials,
   including Electricity Minister Majid Hantush and Central Bank Governor
   Mustapha Ghaleb, during a visit to Baghdad on Tuesday to discuss the
   crisis.

   Iranian Revolutionary Guard Commander Mustapha Qa'ani reportedly also
   met with Tehran's Shi'ite militia allies in Baghdad during the past
   several days.

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