Canadian Firm Urged to Abandon Sudan Operations

CALGARY, Alberta, APR. 11, 2001 (Zenit.org).- Talisman Energy released a controversial report on its operations in Sudan and incurred the wrath of church groups who called on the Canada-based company to abandon its oil operations in the war-torn African nation.

The Inter-Church Coalition on Africa said royalties and taxes paid by Talisman to the Sudan government, estimated at more than $300 million last year, is fueling the civil war there and adding to carnage, the Edmonton Sun reported today. The Islamic government based in Khartoum has been leading genocidal attacks against Christians and animists in southern Sudan.

The plea came in the wake of a statement by the Sudanese bishops to the U.S. Catholic Conference to help end the warfare in their country (see Documents).

Talisman issued an "independently verified" corporate social responsibility report which said the energy company will expand community development initiatives in Sudan, including provision of water wells, health clinics and schools. Talisman is one of Canada´s largest independent producers and operates all over the world.