LONDON (Standard&Poor's) Aug. 14, 2006--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services said today it affirmed its 'A+' long-term and 'A-1' short-term sovereign credit ratings on the State of Qatar on strong financial performance. The outlook is stable. At the same time, Standard&Poor's affirmed its 'A+' foreign currency issuer credit rating on Qatar Petroleum. The outlook is stable. In addition, the 'A+' senior unsecured debt rating on the $700 million notes maturing in October 2010, issued by Qatar Global Sukuk QSC, was affirmed. "The ratings on Qatar are supported by prudent and sustainable fiscal policy that results in strong budgetary outturns, by substantial external liquidity, healthy economic prospects driven largely by the gas industry, and by the ongoing improvement
