Wiesenthal Centre Slams Shell's Reported Exploitation of Sanctions to Increase its Oil Trade Profits with Iran

September 29, 2010

SIMON WIESENTHAL CENTRE - EUROPE
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Tel. +33-147237637 - Fax: +33-147208401
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Wiesenthal Centre Slams Shell's Reported Exploitation of Sanctions to Increase its Oil Trade Profits with Iran



In a letter to Peter Voser, Shell CEO, the Simon Wiesenthal Centre’s Director for International Relations, Dr.Shimon Samuels referred to an article in the British daily, the Guardian "Shell Increases Oil Trade with Iran - Despite Sanctions: oil giant stepped-up orders of Iranian crude while others halted trade amid sanctions imposed by UN, EU, USA."

The letter continued "reportedly, in the months immediately following the imposition of sanctions, your company raised purchases by 27%, at the same time enjoying an increased discount due to the 'reputational risk' for companies trading with Iran."

Samuels added "apparently, the once proud reputation of your parent, Royal Dutch Shell, has been sullied by irresponsible greed. Your payment of $ 1.5 billion this summer to Tehran enriched your coffers, but Shell arguably, may be perceived as now indirectly complicit in encouraging Tehran's weaponization programme, its sponsorship of global terrorism and its repressive abuse of domestic fundamental rights."

The Centre stressed that "Shell's alleged exploitation of the sanctions regime for immoral enrichment must carry a reputational price."

"Until Shell publicly announces the cancellation of further crude oil purchases from Iran,we urge the public to exercise its intellignt choice and avoid Shell gas stations to give their business to companies that honour sanctions. All who are concerned for world peace and human rights should leave Shell products on the shelf." concluded Samuels.

The Simon Wiesenthal Center is one of the largest international Jewish human rights organizations with over 400,000 member families in the United States. It is an NGO at international agencies including the United Nations, UNESCO, the OSCE, the OAS, the Council of Europe and the Latin American Parliament (Parlatino).

For further information contact Shimon Samuels on 0033 (0) 609770158, join the Center on Facebook, www.facebook.com/simonwiesenthalcenter,  or follow @simonwiesenthal for news updates sent direct to your Twitter page or mobile device.