Progress Now Action

Call for Bob Schaffer to Apologize for War Profiteering:
Highlight Big Oil Bob as War Profiteer Video

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 18, 2008
CONTACT: Michael Huttner
Cell: (303) 931-4547

Denver -- ProgressNowAction called on Bob Schaffer to immediately apologize for disregarding the State Department's recommendations against his trip to Iraq to secure a contract with a regional goverrnment for his oil company. The group also highlighted a video of Colorado consumers' concerns over Schaffer's war profiteering.

"Schaffer's should apologize for his war profiteering, his disregard for the State's Department clear recommendations," stated Michael Huttner, Executive Director of ProgressNowAction, Colorado's largest online progressive advocacy organization.

In November 2006, Schaffer travelled to Northern Iraq to secure a contract for his oil company from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).  At the time, the U.S. State Department was warning energy companies not to strike oil deals with the KRG or any other entity than the Iraqi federal government. This included a visit to the region by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice weeks before Schaffer's trip.  In addition, the Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs wrote in an October 2007 letter to Congressman Ed Markey (D-Mass) that "We have expressed the same concerns to all companies that have contacted the U.S. Government about investment in Iraq's oil sector, regardless of size or nationality." [oversight.house.gov/documents/20080703085805.pdf] 

"Big Oil Bob Schaffer cannot keep his story straight on his war profiteering," stated Huttner.  "While Schaffer apologizes he should clarify his record of inconsistencies."

Schaffer's record on his trip to Kurdistan:

Schaffer didn't know: Last Wednesday, a reporter with the Grand Junction Sentinel asked Schaffer whether or not he was aware of the State Department's warnings against striking oil deals with the KRG at the time of his visit.

Instead of responding to the question, Schaffer answered that he "didn't experience any discouragement." (GJS, 7/9/2008)

He did know: Yesterday, Schaffer admitted in the Pueblo Chieftain that U.S. officials in Baghdad did not want U.S. oil companies doing business directly with the Kurds, but said that under the country's new federal system, such a working relationship was allowed. (PC, 7/18/2008)

He 'sort of' knew:  And yet in this morning's Denver Post you Schaffer stated he had only "had heard such concerns only second hand, through a Kurdish official during a 2006 visit..." and that in your visit in 2006 "at no time did the U.S. government discourage us in any way shape or form..." (DP, 7/19/2008)

The video can be viewed by clicking on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BliOreXzQ-Y

ProgressNowAction is also calling on Schaffer to disclose any correspondence between the U.S. State Department and his oil company concerning his visit.

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