Media Release: Scott Ludlam, Senator for Western Australia. September 6th, 2011
US diplomatic cables released by WikiLeaks support the Australian Greens’ claim that oil and gas companies investing in Burma are “directly helping to strengthen the military hold on power”.
Greens spokesperson on Burma Senator Scott Ludlam said US diplomats had echoed Greens calls for stronger sanctions against the dictatorship.
“Danford Equities is mentioned by name in the cable as one of the Australian companies propping up the dictatorship. The parent company of Danford is Twinza Oil – controlled by the Western Australian-based Clough family. This is something very close to home and it can’t be ignored any longer,” said the Western Australian Senator.
“The US diplomats make clear in the cable that the ‘unofficial policy’ discouraging Australians doing business in Burma is grossly inadequate. Danford Equities is classified by the document as amongst the Australian companies “(entering) into the race to tap into Burma’s offshore oil and gas fields (and providing) Than Shwe’s main source of funding”.”
“The statement is explicit – “These companies are directly helping to strengthen the military hold on power in Burma”. The Australian Government must immediately impose a trade embargo on Burma,” said Senator Ludlam.