Reuters
Dubai port company hopes for short delay
Feb 24, 2006
http://today.reuters.com/investing/financeArticle.aspx?type=mergersNews&storyID=2006-02-25T042820Z_01_N24282037_RTRIDST_0_SECURITY-PORTS-DPW.XMLWASHINGTON, Feb 24 (Reuters) - A delay in allowing United Arab Emirates company Dubai Ports World to run U.S. port terminals should be for as short a period as possible, a company executive said on Friday.
"We have a business to run," said Senior Vice President Michael Moore in a telephone interview. "We'd really like it to be as short a time, as short as possible."
His comments came after the state-owned company said it would proceed with the $6.85 billion takeover of the global operations of the British P&O company (PO.L: Quote, Profile, Research) -- making it the world's third-largest port operator -- but not take over management of the U.S. assets in ports like New York while it discusses security concerns.
While that deal has been backed by President George W. Bush, lawmakers and other critics have opposed it, fearing the Dubai-based port operator could be a security risk for militants wanting to attack the United States.
Dubai Ports World agreed to delay taking over control of U.S. ports while security concerns are being discussed.