Total Defends Position Inside Burma

French oil company Total SA has hit back at criticism against oil companies operating in troubled Burma and reputed claims that it has shut down production of its oil and gas installations in the region.

Escalating violence between pro-democracy groups and Burma's ruling militia has led to a backlash against oil and gas companies in the region which pro democracy groups believe offer economic support to the country’s ruling power.

The company is keen to defend its position inside Burma - even though its has tightened its security by "deploying heightened vigilance" to protect its employees.

In a statement on its website Total says: "We are convinced that through our presence we are helping to improve the daily lives of tens of thousands of people who benefit from our social and economic initiatives. By promoting responsible behaviour, our local teams can serve as a model for business and political leaders looking for ways to address the country's human rights issues."

A Total spokesperson in France has also told offshore-technology today that despite reports by the Australian press, production in the country is continuing as normal.

Further criticism has been aimed at countries such as India which signed contracts between state-controlled ONGC Videsh and Burma's military rulers last week to explore three offshore blocks, according to Australian accounts.

The UN envoy Ibrahim Gambari met Burma's junta leader Than Shwe today in a bid to end a bloody crackdown on the protests.

By Ozge Ibrahim