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I haven't seen any of the press reports (even though I am in London and I
hear that's where they were) but I thought this was a well drafted response. The only additional rumours I have heard indicate that the police may have been rough in their handling of demonstrators outside the fence at the plant construction site. I remember hearing that there were times that the construction workers feared for their lives because of the vehemence of the protesters. I guess that didn't make it into the Human Rights Watch (ever heard of them?) report. Mark ---------------------- Forwarded by Mark - ECT Legal Taylor/HOU/ECT on 01/27/99 04:08 PM --------------------------- From: Ken Lay and Jeff Skilling AT Master_po@CCMAIL on 01/25/99 02:20 PM To: cc: Subject: Human Rights Watch To: All Employees From: Ken Lay & Jeff Skilling Subject: Human Rights Watch Over the next few days, you may see some press coverage of a report that was issued by the Human Rights Watch which alleges human rights abuses in relation to the Dabhol Power Company (DPC) project in India. As you know, Enron is a 50 percent owner of the Dabhol project, which should be operational next month. We want each of you to know that this report is entirely without basis. We are very disappointed that Human Rights Watch has chosen to listen to the perspectives of the people who have opposed the project since the beginning. As you are probably aware, project opponents filed more than 20 lawsuits against the project in the Indian courts over the past four years. Every lawsuit was dismissed, withdrawn or ruled in DPC's favor. The project is clearly above reproach. Enron was advised of the Human Rights report just a few days before it was issued. The Dabhol Power Company, the Government of Maharashtra and our many supporters were never even contacted. DPC has worked hard to promote positive relations within the community. A handful of people who oppose the project were interviewed for this report in great detail. Unfortunately, the good relationships we have built with a large percentage of the community were not reflected. Our community efforts have included building a school and a hospital, planting thousands of trees at the site, building wells for drinking water and conducting numerous job training programs for area residents. Last year, Enron made a $500,000 grant to CARE to be used for programs in the state of Maharashtra. Our media statement on the issue is as follows: Dabhol Power Company does not tolerate human rights abuses by its employees or contractors. And, while we respect the work of Human Rights Watch and its mission, this report is out of context at best and dredges up allegations that have been put to rest over the past four years. Much of the report deals with concerns over state police actions, over which we have no control, and it is misleading by Human Rights Watch to allege so. Please refer any media inquiries to the Enron International public relations office at 713-646-6416.
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