The main driver behind the strengthening of the external position has been high global oil prices.

The stable outlook reflects the balance between positive economic developments and the prospects for the success of the government's ambitious and broad-based reform effort on the one hand, and escalating regional geopolitical risks on the other hand.

If the violence in the Niger Delta subsides, the outcome of the presidential election in 2007 proves benign for political stability, and progress on structural reform continues, the ratings could improve.

reasonable demands that are within the framework of international legitimacy.

We don't want them to leave behind anything that will remind of us of the Israeli occupation,

Once you have damaged the fields, there is almost nothing you can do about it. I have a great worry that we are not too far from it, ... The last two years have been a nightmare.