"...The history of Total in Burma is complex and problematic. It began commercial negotiations with the military regime after the junta refused to cede power to the democratically elected National League for Democracy (NLD) following the 1990 elections. This report shows that Total activities in Burma, particularly the Yadana Gas Project, have provided direct and substantial political and fi nancial support to the military junta. The military junta in Burma perpetrates widespread and systematic abuses of human rights on a daily basis. The regime routinely uses forced labour and severely oppresses ethnic minorities and opposition groups. In spite of theoretical arguments regarding the relationship between investment and development1, Total has no control over the way the Yadana project revenue is used by the military government and there is nothing to suggest that this money will be used, in any way, to improve conditions in Burma. In fact, approximately 40% of the national budget is spent on the military, with infi nitesimal amounts being spent on health and education. The military regime is also becoming increasingly closed to external observation and scrutiny. Up to now, Total?s investment in Burma has not resulted in an opening of the regime to international dialogue. The human rights violations perpetrated by the Burmese Army in the Yadana pipeline area also demonstrate the nature of the regime Total is dealing with, as well as Total?s own legal responsibility for acts carried out by those state actors. Embroiled in the actions occurring in and around the pipeline area, Total was complicit in these human rights violations. It knew the Burmese military would be engaged to secure the pipeline, it was aware of the abuses carried out by the military and it failed to take adequate steps to prevent these abuses. The social projects and compensation offered by Total does not absolve from acknowledging its responsibility and from providing appropriate compensation to all victims..."... N.B. THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE FILE -- IT GETS STUCK ON P30 AND CAN ONLY BE DOWNLOADED WITH INTERNET EXPLORER.