The U.S. Army has opened up bidding for Iraqi oil contracts worth as much as $1 billion.
The Army Corps of Engineers says the two new contracts for southern and northern Iraq will replace a controversial contract given in March to a unit of Halliburton, the Texas oil firm once headed by Vice President Dick Cheney.
The U.S. government was criticized for awarding the initial contract without competition, and for excluding foreign companies. The Army says formal bidding, including by foreign companies, can now begin. The two contracts, which include maintaining oil fields, distributing oil products and marketing Iraqi oil, are worth between $500,000 and $500 million each.
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By David Ljunggren
OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canada became on Wednesday the first country in the world to start selling marijuana to several hundred seriously ill people but said the pot project could be halted at any time.
Ottawa announced in July 2001 that some patients would be able to use marijuana provided by the government. But plans to grow official pot hit a series of snags, prompting a court in Ontario to give Ottawa until July 10 to come up with a solution.
The new plan is Ottawa's response to that ruling. Federal officials said more research into the claimed benefits of medical pot was needed and they would therefore appeal the court ruling, a decision that angered critics.
"My first obligation is to ensure the safety and efficacy of this product. Marijuana is not a proven therapeutic product," said Health Minister Anne McLellan.
"I remain committed to (Ottawa's) medical marijuana research program, which promotes research on the medical value of marijuana while taking a compassionate approach to Canadians who suffer from serious medical conditions."
The 582 sufferers granted dispensation from criminal laws to use the drug will be able to buy dried marijuana for $3.70 per 0.04 ounce -- about half the current black-market rate -- or a pack of 30 seeds for $20 so they can grow their own plants.
"Although this interim policy can be amended or suspended at any time, it is anticipated that it will remain in effect until...(Ottawa's) roles and responsibilities with respect to a supply of marijuana for medical purposes have been clarified by the courts," the health ministry said in a statement.
McLellan said despite the planned appeal, Ottawa would press ahead with clinical trials to probe whether marijuana could really benefit the ill.
The drug -- grown in a special federal facility in a mine shaft in central Canada -- will be given to patients by their doctors. Officials recommend that patients do not smoke pot but rather put it in food, drinks or use other methods.
Alison Myrden, who has multiple sclerosis, a disorder of the brain and spinal cord, took part in a demonstration in Ottawa and condemned the government for appealing the court ruling.
"This country has to act now...nobody wants us to play this political football game any more. People are suffering and dying out there," she said.
Canada's approach is markedly different to that of the United States, where the Supreme Court in 2001 upheld a federal ban on medical marijuana.
U.S. authorities have strongly criticized Canadian plans to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana, arguing it could result in highly potent pot flooding across the border.
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"In reality there is neither guru nor disciple, neither theory nor practice, neither ignorance nor realization. It all depends on what you take yourself to be. Know your self correctly, There is no substitute to self-knowledge." - Sri Nisagardatta Maharaj
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In fighting me, you fight yourself...for Thou art God...and I am God...and all that groks is God - there is no other...the Truth is simple but the Way of Man is hard. First you must learn to control your Self. The rest follows. Blessed is He who knows Himself and commands Himself, for the World is His and Love and Happiness and Peace walk with Him wherever He goes...
ESTP - "Promotor". Action! When present, things begin to happen. Fiercely competitive. Entrepreneur. Often uses shock effect to get attention. Negotiator par excellence. 4.3% of total population.
Content, emotionally stable, outgoing, social, group oriented, finisher, does not like to be alone, open, decisive, likes external praise, likes to be center of attention, always joking, adjusts easily, likes crowds, self confident, neutral moods, good at getting people to have fun, disorganized, messy, talented at presentation, can be easily annoyed...
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