By Associated Press, Updated: Friday, December 2, 4:04 PM
AMSTERDAM Royal Dutch Shell PLC said Friday it will halt its operations in Syria to comply with sanctions imposed by the European Union over the countrys violent crackdown on anti-government protesters.
While Shell employees were told to stop working, it was not clear whether that will actually mean any reduction in Syrias oil output. Shell is a minority partner in Syrias state-owned Al Furat Petroleum Company, which the EU blacklisted Friday due to the countrys deadly crackdown on protesters.
Al Furat produces 13,000 barrels of oil per day a significant player in the Syrian market, but representing less than half of 1 percent of Shells daily global production.
Shell will cease its activities in Syria in compliance with sanctions, the company said in an e-mailed statement. Our main priority is the safety of our employees of whom we are very proud.
Spokesman Jonathan French declined to give any further details about how many employees the company has in Syria. The Dutch national broadcaster NOS reported there are several dozen but French could not confirm that.
He would also not comment on what their nationalities are, or whether the company is planning to evacuate any of them.
In August, Shell rejected requests from Dutch parliament to stop its Syrian operations, saying it would hurt the Syrian people more than its government.
Why is Shell still present and operating in Syria?: 16 August 2011
