ACTIVISTS PROTEST UNOCAL’S ROLE IN MYANMAR OIL PIPELINE
Apr 26th, 1999 • Posted in: NewsLOS ANGELES
A group of human rights activists last week petitioned California’s attorney general to revoke the state charter of oil giant Unocal, which they charge has supported human rights abuses by doing business in Myanmar (Burma).
Activists, led by the National Lawyers Guild, say Unocal should be held responsible for its investment in the Myanmar oil pipeline. Activists claim that construction of the pipeline prompted brutal forced labor and relocations.
Unocal spokesman Mike Thacher said that his company was “very comfortable” with its role in the Myanmar oil pipeline, which he insists has benefited the region, the Reuters news agency reported.
“We make business investment decisions that follow ethical standards,” Thacher said. “We have consistently taken the position that it’s better that we be there.”
The United States imposed unilateral sanctions on Myanmar in 1997 to protest the military government’s human rights abuses, prohibiting new investments but allowing existing businesses to continue.
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