Middle East to help BP?

MANAMA, Bahrain, June 1 (UPI) -- Oil companies in the Middle East specializing in spill response are standing by to help cleanup operations in the Gulf of Mexico, executives said.

British petroleum company BP is searching for options to contain what is described as one of the greatest environmental disasters in U.S. history. The BP-operated Deepwater Horizon rig caught fire and later sank April 22. It continues to spill oil and natural gas.

State oil company Saudi Aramco is said to have dispatched equipment and chemicals to help BP with its cleanup efforts. Rob Self, regional manager of the Manama's Oil Spill Response, told the Emirates Business news agency that an international response may be needed in the Gulf of Mexico.

"If the oil from the well continues to spill at this rate, we and other companies may be required to mobilize resources from the region," he said.

U.S. President Barack Obama is to address the nation about the Gulf of Mexico oil spill following a Tuesday meeting with the BP Oil Spill Commission, the White House said.

Tuesday marks the beginning of hurricane season in the United States and weather experts predict increased activity because of warmer water temperatures.

The U.S. government's Deepwater Horizon Unified Command said a hurricane could accelerate the biodegradation process of the oil, though high winds could spread contamination over a wider area.