OPEC will support efforts to combat global warming and uphold stable oil prices after its heads of state meeting concludes on Sunday. However, only Saudi Arabia has promised financial support for research on climate change. Saudi King Abdullah announced a contribution of $300 million for environmental research, but other leaders have not made any commitments yet. Algerian Energy and Mines Minister Chakib Khelil stated that they are not committing to anything as they are unsure of the proposal, and as far as he knows, no other country has made any pledges either. OPEC Secretary-General Abdullah al-Badri stated that OPEC is willing to contribute to the development of carbon capture and storage technology to help reduce emissions. A draft final communique read by an OPEC delegate mentioned the group's recognition of climate change as a long-term challenge and its desire for stability in global energy markets, but did not include any mention of an environmental fund. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez expressed his expectation that the summit would reaffirm a commitment to stable and competitive oil prices. He cautioned that if the United States were to attack Iran over its nuclear program, crude oil prices, already around $100 per barrel, could potentially double on global markets. Chavez issued this warning to heads of state, including Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, during a meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Concerns about a potential attack by the United States or Israel on Iran, due to accusations of Iran seeking nuclear weapons, have contributed to the rise in global oil prices. Iran denies these allegations. Despite calls from consumer nations for OPEC to increase oil supply, a decision on this matter has been postponed until a meeting in Abu Dhabi on Dec. 5. Iran and Venezuela are considered to be in favor of higher oil prices, while Saudi Arabia has typically supported efforts to lower prices. Ecuador's President, Rafael Correa, suggested at a conference that oil should be priced in a currency other than the dollar. The decline in the value of the U.S. currency compared to other major currencies has contributed to the rise in oil prices to $98.62 last week, but has also weakened the purchasing power of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Saudi Arabia, a key U.S. ally and influential member of OPEC, led the group in rejecting a proposal by Iran and Venezuela to address concerns over the weakening dollar in the summit statement. Analysts believe that Saudi King Abdullah, as OPEC's "swing producer" and long-time supplier of crude oil to the United States, is determined to prevent leaders like Chavez and Ahmadinejad from overshadowing the summit with anti-U.S. rhetoric. During the summit, Chavez delivered a 25-minute speech calling on OPEC to combat global poverty, while King Abdullah humorously remarked to the Venezuelan president afterwards that he spoke for too long. The summit took place in a lavish hall adorned with crystal chandeliers and gold leaf toilet accessories. Ahmadinejad stated that OPEC should take a more active role in geopolitics and demand greater respect for member countries, while also urging powerful nations to cease threats against OPEC. He mentioned that he would share his thoughts on the matter at the end of the summit. Saudi Arabia recently suggested creating a consortium to supply Iran with enriched uranium for peaceful purposes in an attempt to ease tensions between the US and Iran. Despite this, Iran has no plans to stop its own enrichment activities. Concerned about Iran's nuclear capabilities, Gulf Arab countries, including OPEC members Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, have announced plans to develop their own nuclear energy programs.