Official Response Against False Internet Defamation
Thursday, 10-Apr 2008
Garowe,Puntland:The Puntland Government would like to condemn the few
internet sites, who are busy in arresting the progress and freedom of the people
of Puntland in exploiting their natural resources.
Garoweonline, and Somalitalk in particular, have gone so far as to start
fabricating stories of our partners in the development of Puntland. It is
spreading lies and rumors about the pioneering investors in the exploration
activities in Puntland.
We want inform all concerned, that all negotiations and agreements regarding
mineral and oil explorations in Puntland are above the table and legally
sanctioned by the Government and Parliament of Puntland. All the funds received
from the contracts for exploration have been received by Puntland Government and
spent for the development and security of Puntland.
We will take legal action against anyone based in Puntland who are defaming
and spreading lies about the activities of the Puntland Government and its
officials. We recommend that our partners investigate the individuals who are
behind this defamation campaign and take legal action against their libel.
###
Range Resources Clarifies Inaccurate Web Article
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Range Resources Limited, the oil and gas explorer with assets in Puntland,
Somalia, have been made aware of a recent misleading and defamatory "news"
posting on the website called Garoweonline, under the heading "Somaliland
Minerals Minister Accused of Receiving Kick Backs". This article was attributed
to the Somaliland Times. Puntland and neighbouring Somaliland are currently in a
dispute over an area of land relating to short - term colonial borders as
opposed to historic tribal areas.
In response to the various incorrect statements and claims made in this article,
the Company would like to make the following specific comments:
• No Directors of the Company nor any Company representatives or employees have
ever met the Somaliland minister referred to in the article (Qassim Yusuf) and
no payments have ever been made to this person by the Company. Range’s oil and
gas and minerals exploration interests and activities are solely in Puntland
and, at this stage, the Company has no intention commencing any activities in
Somaliland. The Company further notes that the Minister in question and another
businessman referred to in the article have also denied the allegations and have
stated an intention to commence defamation proceedings against the publisher;
• The article also make an incorrect reference to $2.5m and a further 17 monthly
payments of $200,000 paid by the Company to the President of Puntland. The
Company assumed the payment obligations to the Puntland Government under the
original Contract of Work that was agreed to, and ratified by, the Puntland
Parliament. The Puntland government has confirmed by written confirmation that
all funds have been received under the Contract of Work.
• The reference in the article to $16.7m being paid by the Company to Puntland
authorities is also incorrect. The Company, in accordance with its cash flow
reporting requirements, disclosed the amount. Approximately two-thirds (2/3) of
the funds referred to relate to payments by Range to acquire the remaining 49.9%
of the original Puntland interest as approved by Shareholders (they are not
payments to the Government).
• The article also incorrectly states, "the Puntland leader agreed that Range
grant an 80% interest in the Nugal and Dharoor blocks to a new company called
Canmex Minerals". The Production Sharing Agreements entered into between the
Puntland Government, Range and its joint venture partner, TSX-listed Africa Oil
Corporation (formerly Canmex Minerals) are unanimous Acts of the Puntland
parliament.
• The Company categorically denies that it or any of its directors or employees
have ever engaged in any criminal or dishonest activity as alleged in the
article.
• The Company believes that the article is defamatory of both it and its
directors and all appropriate legal avenues are currently being pursued.
As a general comment, the Company has in the past noted stories on this website
that were factually incorrect but has not specifically responded to these
stories. However, in this instance and given the proximity to the commencement
of seismic and drilling activity in Puntland by the Company’s joint venture
partner, Africa Oil, the Company believes it is appropriate to respond to the
increasing volume of false and misleading statements being made by minority
groups for their own political and / or commercial ends.
Shareholders should be aware that as the Company further progresses towards
drilling at the project it may be subject to innuendo and false conjecture as to
the status of the project. The directors advise that any shareholders who have
concerns or queries relating to any media or web site article should contact the
Company directly to allay their concerns about misinformation.
It is disappointing that the Company was not directly asked to clarify these
issues.
Range, together with Africa Oil, is committed to the development of its assets
in Puntland in a manner that provides tangible benefits to the region and its
people as well as to shareholders.
Source:
http://www.oilvoice.com
Af-Soomaali...
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Daabaco
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Warbixin dheer
oo laga qoray shirkadaha Batroolka DGPL 
Puntland
oo Shirkadda Range u dirtay Warqaddii ay ka sugeysey.