The Wall Street Journal-20080214-Politics - Economics- In Brief

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Politics & Economics: In Brief

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OPEC to Back Venezuela

In Spat With Exxon

Libya's top oil official said OPEC backed member country Venezuela in its row with U.S. oil company Exxon Mobil Corp., the latest battle between resource-rich nations and Western oil giants. Shokri Ghanem said the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries was unlikely to move to cut output as a result of the spat. Also yesterday, a federal judge in New York confirmed an order requested by Exxon, freezing more than $300 million in assets held by a unit of Venezuela's Petroleos de Venezuela SA.

Turkish Premier's Speech

Ignites Backlash in EU

A sharp exchange between the leaders of Turkey and Germany highlights growing frustration with the European Union in the bloc's neighbor and potential member. Visiting Germany last week, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged Turkish immigrants not to lose their Turkish identity, calling assimilation a "crime against humanity." The comment touched off a firestorm of criticism.

Mayor of Rome Resigns

Center-left leader Walter Veltroni resigned as Rome's mayor, preparing to run for premier against Silvio Berlusconi in the parliamentary elections. Mr. Veltroni left with a call for Rome to embrace social and religious unity. There was no word on his replacement.

-- Associated Press