Iran: Gas conference proof US pressure ineffective

A high-profile natural gas conference sponsored in part by two of Europe's largest energy companies opened Saturday in Teheran - evidence, Iran said, that US pressure was ineffective in preventing the country from developing its vast oil and gas resources. The two-day conference is sponsored by European energy giants Total of France and OMV AG of Austria, as well as Crescent Petroleum of the United Arab Emirates. "Participation of [European] companies and their interest in investing in Iran's oil and gas sector, despite strong US and Israeli pressures, shows that economic interests supersede political considerations," Iran's state-run radio said Saturday.