one positive i am taking

One positive I am taking from the Angolan Oil Permits announcement from Tuesday is the fact that the offshore blocks have been OFFERED, not tendered for negotiation.

The fact they have been OFFERED says that assuming CVI like the block(s) and are happy with the terms, then we have secured some offshore block(s).

This of course means no further hoop jumping and hurdle manouvering by the Angolans before we can sign a deal. It means we have to accept the blocks and terms, and asssuming we do they are ours. There should not be any further side-stepping by the Angolans.

My only concern is that there was no detail as to how long it might take us to analyse the blocks and terms of commitment. Will it take 1 week? 1 month? 6 months? I know specific timelines are usually never met, but at least a ball park figure - under-promise and over-deliver. If they think it will take 2 weeks, tell as 4 weeks and then surprise us. Much better then saying 2 weeks and then releasing in 4 weeks.

Cheers