PHOTO OPPORTUNITY – 12.30-1.30pm Friday 3rd February
Demonstration at TOTAL Oil’s London HQ:
33 Cavendish Square
London W1G OPW
Nearest tube: Oxford Circus
Actions against the French oil giant will take place in at least 15 countries worldwide, including the Netherlands, France, UK, Germany, Belgium, Austria, Romania, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Switzerland, Ireland, Australia, Thailand and US. The independent Burmese trade union FTUB will also formally request TOTAL Oil to pull out of Burma.
French oil giant TOTAL is the fourth largest oil company in the UK, and the fourth largest oil company in the world. It is the largest European corporate funder of the regime. The Yadana gas project, in which it is a partner, is believed to earn the regime between $200m to $450m a year.
TOTAL’s presence in Burma is influencing French, European Union and British foreign policy on Burma, as France vetoes effective EU sanctions in order to protect TOTAL.
“TOTAL Oil is one of the regime’s best friends,” said Mark Farmaner, Campaigns Manager at the Burma Campaign UK. “TOTAL Oil provides the dictatorship with financial and political support. Pulling out of Burma is not only the ethical thing for them to do, it also makes financial sense, as the company’s reputation is being severely damaged by their close relationship with one of the most brutal dictatorships in the world.”
Aung San Suu Kyi, Nobel Peace Prize winner and leader of Burma’s democracy movement, has repeatedly called on companies like TOTAL to leave Burma. She has said that: “TOTAL has become the main supporter of the Burmese military regime.” Aung San Suu Kyi recently began her 11th year under house arrest. She is allowed no visitors, her phone line has been cut and post is intercepted. There is currently no prospect of her being released and fears are growing for her safety.
For more information contact Mark Farmaner, Campaigns Manager, on 020 7324 4713