Thierry Desmarest, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of TotalFinaElf, and François Cornélis, Executive Vice President, TotalFinaElf Chemicals and Chairman of Atofina, met with Yves Cochet, the French Minister of Regional Development and the Environment, on Monday, September 24.

After the meeting, Mr. Desmarest said that: "Mr. Cornélis and I met with the Minister. After providing information on last Friday’s terrible explosion, we outlined the foundations for a constructive dialogue on the safety issues concerning industrial facilities and their coexistence in highly urbanized areas. This is a complex problem. We intend to work relentlessly with the Ministry to coordinate the needs of residential, business and industrial activities. We are on the same wavelength as the Minister, and we reasserted our willingness to make a constructive contribution to this vital debate."

Mr. Cornélis stated that: "Whatever the causes of the Grande Paroisse accident, the tragedy demonstrates how difficult it is to manage industrial risks, despite our best efforts. I believe that we should respond at three levels.

In the short term, reinforce safety at sites comparable to that of Toulouse, in particular by strengthening monitoring teams and reducing operating inventories.

In the medium term, in conjunction with the Regional Industry, Research and Environment Directorate, conduct a thorough study of our industrial procedures and storage practices and to evaluate the investments necessary for industrial protection.

In the long term, participate in the debate mentioned by Mr. Desmarest, contributing proposals that take into account problems related to urban planning, regional development and the future of industry."