11 Sep 2009

Accusations against energy companies in Myanmar

4:07 pm on 11 September 2009

Total and Chevron are being accused of propping up the military government of Myanmar.

Earth Rights International claims the administration is siphoning off $US5 billion from energy company projects.

The group claims the money is stashed in banks in Singapore, instead of being used to ease poverty in Myanmar.

The BBC reports the companies deny this.

The group also accuses Total and Chevron of ignoring forced labour, killings and high-level corruption.

The companies deny the accusations and say they play a positive and constructive role in communities, with development and educational programmes.

Two Singapore banks named in the report also denied involvement.