Official surprised at pressure on Talisman - National Post, November 10
Producing oil in Sudan: Minister urges Canada to resist U.S. influence
Claudia Cattaneo
CALGARY - Sudan's foreign affairs minister said yesterday he's
surprised Talisman Energy Inc., Canada's largest oil and gas
producer, is being singled out by critics for its work in his
war-ravaged country since 26 international companies are active
there as well.
And Mustafa Osman, in a media conference call from Khartoum,
the country's capital, vowed that oil production would continue in
Sudan even if Calgary-based Talisman pulled out.
Sudan, Africa's largest country, has been devastated by the world's
longest-running civil war.
Talisman has been targeted by North American human rights
organizations for partnering with Sudan's government in the Greater
Nile Oil Project, which started producing oil in the summer. The
groups claim Sudan's government is using revenues and royalties
from the project to fund the war, and say that Talisman should pull
out rather than be an accomplice. Madeleine Albright, the U.S.
secretary of state, criticized Talisman last month for its work in
Sudan.
Lloyd Axworthy, Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister, said Canada
will consider sanctions against Sudan if a recently appointed mission
finds that oil extraction is exacerbating the conflict.
"If Talisman withdraws, of course we would be very sorry, but of
course, the operation will continue. There is more than one
company that is ready to replace Talisman," Mr. Ismail said.
Mr. Ismail is planning to visit Canada in early December to discuss
humanitarian aid and Canada's role in an effort to broker peace
through an agency called the Inter-Governmental Authority on
Development (IGAD).
Mr. Ismail said he's ready to meet with human rights groups here.
He also said he is also open to a meeting here with John Garang,
leader of the rebel Sudan People's Liberation Army, in the presence
of Mr. Axworthy.
"We feel the war should be stopped, and it should be stopped now,
not tomorrow," said Mr. Ismail. "We have put an offer on the table
involving ceasefire, a transitional period, and then a referendum."
Mr. Ismail criticized the Canadian government for following U.S.
foreign policy. He said the U.S. has unsuccessfully attempted to
influence European policies toward Sudan, and now is looking to
influence Canada.
He pointed out that Mr. Axworthy announced initiatives targetting
Sudan after Ms. Albright made her comments last month. Mr. Ismail
urged Canada to open an embassy in Sudan so it can see first hand
what is going on.
"I'm not saying that Sudan is the model for human rights," Mr. Ismail
said. "What I am saying is that we have been engaged with the
European Union and the situation is better than last year, is better
than the year before." |
