Talisman positive to action,
CALGARY, Oct. 26 /CNW/ - Jim Buckee, President and Chief Executive
Officer, comments on the recently announced Canadian Government Initiatives in
Sudan.
"I am delighted with the initiatives announced today by Lloyd Axworthy,
Minister for Foreign Affairs. This is the type of positive engagement that we
had hoped for when we entered Sudan a year ago. There is a lot of
misinformation surrounding Sudan, and Talisman will respond seriously and
constructively to these initiatives. Canada has a reputation as an honest
broker and peacekeeper throughout the world. I am particularly pleased that
Canada will take an active role in the IGAD peace process.
"We are also willing to provide any support we can to Mr. Harker in his
efforts to provide a balanced and objective view of what is really happening
in Sudan. We believe Canada's limited diplomatic links with Sudan have
hampered a true understanding of the real human tragedy, the civil war and the
tribal dynamics in the South.
"We expect to soon implement the International Code of Ethics for
Canadian Business and have already spoken with the Government of Sudan about
many of the issues raised by Mr. Axworthy. However, I should point out that
Talisman is a business and does not have the role of a sovereign government.
We encourage the evolution of diplomatic relations between Ottawa and Khartoum
to the point where a positive and constructive dialogue can be held.
"I strongly believe in the government's view that this oilfield may be a
key part of Sudan's post war economy. The best path towards peace will be in
economic development, constructive dialogue and a fair, honest assessment of
the real situation in Sudan."
Talisman Energy Inc. is the largest independent Canadian oil and gas
producer. The Company has operations in Canada, the North Sea, Indonesia and
Sudan. Talisman is also conducting exploration in Algeria and Trinidad.
Talisman's shares are listed on the Toronto and Montreal stock exchanges in
Canada and the New York Stock Exchange in the United States under the symbol
TLM. |
