| In an interview published Monday in a daily newspaper, M. Kuzkiewicz, from the ICFTU (International Confederation of Free Trade Unions), criticises the presence of TotalFinaElf in Burma, albeit on the basis of truncated and oversimplified arguments, and even totally false allegations to which the group intends to respond.
TotalFinaElf has never had any " contract with the Burmese army ". It is indeed the responsibility of the governments of host countries - Burma or any other country -, to ensure the protection of people and plants, without counterpart. As regards the relocation of villages, maps drawn up by the IGN show that these villages were in the same place on completion of the construction of the gas pipeline as before the start of construction.
As for forced labour, TotalFinaElf has never denied that this practice has been in use in Burma, a country which in 1999 and 2000 published two decrees banning the practice. TotalFinaElf firmly reiterates that it has been in full control of its operations in this country from start to finish, and that it has conducted the project in accordance with its usual requirements regarding the people employed on its projects. The Group has also ensured that the same has applied to its subcontractors.
" Opening schools and health centres, even farming chickens " M. Kuzkiewicz reports mockingly. Should these actions be ignored ? Dismissed out of hand ? Don't these concrete initiatives conducted by TotalFinaElf for the benefit of the villages in the vicinity of the gas pipeline, benefit directly the people of these villages ? Bringing electricity to these villages, providing doctors, building or modernising schools and health centres, launching farming projects with the local people, refurbishing churches and pagodas: do such actions deserve to be ridiculed ?
M. Kuzkiewicz also believes that talking to the Group is " a waste of time ". We can only deplore this kind of attitude. This is a pity. We have never turned away from dialogue, and we have always encouraged visits in situ.
One question remains, however: should industrialists stay in Burma ? Some think they should not, and they are entitled to their view. However, in the medium to long term, can we be certain that this would be in the best interests of the Burmese population ? Is isolating these people, by putting an end to foreign investment, the best way of helping them ? On the contrary, we believe that playing a part in the country's development now is helping the country and its society to progress. |
