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Baghdad- a media light show distraction for TV audiences? The fight for Kirkuk, Mosel low-sulpher oil is the real prize for US? Who is presently getting the Iraqi oil sale money? Dow Jones Newswires 03-25-030706ET Iraq Kirkuk Oil Pipeline To Ceyhan Still Pumping-Sources ISTANBUL -(Dow Jones)- A pipeline from Iraq's northern Kirkuk oil field to Turkey's Mediterranean export terminal Ceyhan is still operating normally Tuesday, despite reports of explosions in Kirkuk Monday, port sources said. At least six explosions were heard Monday around Kirkuk, MSNBC reported. The network also reported from the area that more U.S. forces had arrived and still larger units were expected. But Iraq continues to pump oil to Ceyhan at a reduced rate of 200,000 to 300, 000 barrels a day to extend the time before available storage at the terminal is filled. Port sources say the storage will be full in around a week. Iraq will be forced to shut down the pipeline - a technically problematic move - if the storage facilities become filled. The last vessel taking oil from Ceyhan left March 20 and no other vessels are scheduled to load. Turkish sources said they have no concerns about the pipeline's security. "Before the recent strike on Iraq, Turkish and U.S. officials reached consensus that the pipeline will remain intact and secure," said a Turkish Energy Ministry official. "We're providing security on our side, and the U.S. has planned to do so in Northern Iraq," he added. The Iraq-Turkey pipeline, opened in 1976 and operated almost nonstop during the Iran-Iraq war from 1980 through 1988. The pipeline was also unharmed during the 1991 Gulf War. Iraqi oil exports through the pipeline were halted by Turkey after Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990 and in line with the international embargo against Baghdad. Occasional sabotage attacks on the pipeline in the last 10 years have led to few days of interruption, at most. However, sources say an attack on a pumping station would bring more serious interruptions. Due to technical shortcomings and lack of proper maintenance, the pipeline has for years been operating well below its original daily capacity of 1.6 million barrels. Dow Jones Newswires 03-25-030706ET _______________________________________________ Sent via the discussion list of the Campaign Against Sanctions on Iraq. To unsubscribe, visit http://lists.casi.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/casi-discuss To contact the list manager, email casi-discuss-admin@lists.casi.org.uk All postings are archived on CASI's website: http://www.casi.org.uk