Oil prices retreat sharply as Syria strike uncertain August 30, 2013 - 09:19 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Oil prices retreated sharply on Thursday, August 29 as a possible strike on Syria remained uncertain, driving traders to book profits ahead of a holiday weekend in the United States, Reuters said. Brent crude for October delivery settled $1.45 lower at $115.16 per barrel, after trading as low as $114.91 just ahead of the market close. Brent had jumped more than 5 percent in the previous two sessions, for its strongest two-day gain since January 2012. The United States and its allies had been gearing up for an attack in response to reports that the Syrian government used poison gas against its civilians. The White House said on Thursday it was contemplating a "very discrete and limited" response to any findings that Syria used chemical weapons. Still, the United States and its allies have "no smoking gun" to prove Assad personally ordered the attack, U.S. national security officials said. The lack of clarity from Western powers on Thursday about what their next move might be kept the market "jittery," prompting traders to sell out of their positions.   Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Latest news Mirzoyan says meeting with Bayramov was “constructive”  At the moment, Ararat Mirzoyan said, there is no basis for additional comments.OSCE vows support for Armenia “in all three directions of security” Achieving stable peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan remains a priority of the OSCE, said Ian Borg.151 detained as civil disobedience campaigns continue in Yerevan Citizens have been blocking streets in the Armenian capital, demanding Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation.France welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan meeting in Almaty France has welcomed the new round of negotiations between the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan. |
