Shell to cease operations in Syria
Royal Dutch Shell has said it will halt its operations in Syria to comply with sanctions imposed by the European Union over the country's violent crackdown on anti-government protesters.
While Shell employees were told to stop working, it was not clear whether that will mean any reduction in Syria's oil output.
The Anglo-Dutch firm is a minority partner in Syria's state-owned Al Furat Petroleum Company, which the EU blacklisted today due to the country's 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% of Shell's daily global production.
"Shell will cease its activities in Syria in compliance with sanctions," the company said in an emailed 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 Mr 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 the Dutch parliament to stop its Syrian operations, saying it would hurt the Syrian people more than its government.
