How we help in Burma

Monday October 22, 2001
The Guardian

Premier Oil has never retained Myanmar government soldiers (British oil firms accused of Burma abuses, October 12). We work in an area of conflict and there are approximately 200 soldiers, paid by the government, in our pipeline area ensuring that our employees are not harmed by insurgents. We have never used forced labour or any of the soldiers in the construction of our pipeline.

Premier has clearly stated that we accept the upholding of human rights as part of our business. We have therefore started a programme to train these soldiers in our area of operation in humanitarian law and human rights. Together with TotalFinaElf we are also implementing a comprehensive human rights monitoring programme in the area to ensure compliance.

Richard Howitt MEP states that we make "moral judgements" about "helping the situation in Burma when the whole international community disagrees". Consensus, and this includes the latest EU Common Position, suggests that the situation in Myanmar is changing for the better and informed commentators will agree that Premier's policy of constructive engagement at various levels, together with our sustained investment, has played a role in this.

Charles Jamieson
Chief executive,
Premier Oil

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