At the conclusion of the OPEC heads of state meeting, it was announced that Saudi Arabia was the only country to pledge money for climate change research, with King Abdullah promising $300 million. Other leaders have not made any similar commitments, with Algerian Energy and Mines Minister Chakib Khelil stating that they are unsure of the proposal and no other country has offered funding either. OPEC Secretary-General Abdullah al-Badri announced this week that OPEC is willing to contribute to the development of carbon capture and storage technology to help reduce emissions. A draft final communique from OPEC mentioned their shared concern with the international community about climate change being a long-term challenge and their goal for stability in global energy markets, but did not include any mention of an environmental fund. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez expressed his expectation for the summit to affirm a commitment to stable and competitive oil prices. He also warned that if the United States were to attack Iran or Venezuela, crude oil prices could potentially double from $100 to $200 per barrel on global markets. Chavez delivered this message to heads of state, including Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, during a meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Concerns about potential attacks by the United States or its ally Israel on Iran, accused by Washington of pursuing nuclear weapons, have contributed to the increase in global oil prices. Despite calls for OPEC to increase crude supply, the decision will be made at a meeting in Abu Dhabi on Dec. 5. Iran and Venezuela are resistant to raising output, while Riyadh has historically been more willing to accommodate Western demands. Ecuador's President has suggested pricing oil in a currency other than the dollar. The decrease in the value of the U.S. currency in comparison to other major currencies has contributed to the rise in oil prices to $98.62 last week. However, it has also weakened the purchasing power of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). During a summit, Saudi Arabia, a key U.S. ally and influential member of OPEC, guided the group in rejecting an attempt by Iran and Venezuela to address concerns about the weakening dollar in the summit's statement. Saudi King Abdullah, as OPEC's "swing producer" and a long-standing supplier of crude oil to the United States, is focused on preventing Chavez and Ahmadinejad from dominating the summit with anti-U.S. rhetoric. Despite sitting through Chavez's speech without showing much emotion, King Abdullah later joked with the Venezuelan president about the length of his speech. Chavez, known for his socialist beliefs, emphasized the importance of OPEC taking a stand against poverty on a global scale during the summit held in a lavishly decorated hall. Ahmadinejad stated that OPEC should take a more active role in geopolitics and demand respect for member countries, urging powerful nations to stop threatening the organization. He mentioned that he would share his views on this matter at the end of the summit. Saudi Arabia recently proposed a consortium to provide Iran with enriched uranium for peaceful purposes in an attempt to ease tensions between Iran and the United States. Despite this offer, Iran has stated that it will continue its own uranium enrichment program. Gulf Arab countries, including OPEC members Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, are concerned about Iran's nuclear capabilities and have announced plans to start their own nuclear energy programs.