"Kerr-McGee Corporation is a global energy and inorganic chemical company based in Oklahoma City. [KMG is] a recognized leader in oil and natural gas exploration and production. [It is] also the world's third-largest producer and marketer of titanium dioxide pigment, the preferred whitener and opacifier for a variety of everyday products. Kerr-McGee was founded in 1929 and [its] stock has been traded on the New York Stock Exchange since 1956. We have global assets of more than $14 billion [assets at September 30, 2004: $ 14,5 bln -E&P $12,2 billion, Chemical $ 1,6 bln, other $0,7 bln]. In addition, [it supplies] titanium dioxide pigment to customers in about 100 countries. KMG and Westport Resources Corp. merged on June 25, 2004, creating one of the largest independent oil and gas companies in the U.S. The end-of-year 2003 proved reserves from the combined companies is more than 1.3 billion barrels of oil equivalent".
KMG produces oil and natural gas from the Gulf of Mexico, onshore USA, UK sector of the North Sea, China’s Bohai Bay. Currently, KMG is conducting exploration activities in offshore Alaska, Australia, Bahamas, Brazil, Canada and "Western Africa" (i.e. Western Sahara- cf. KMG website).
KMG has approximately 63 million gross undeveloped acres, with more than 55 million acres in global deepwater locations (half of which are in WS) as of June 2004.
4,638 employees.
Initially involved in the nuclear weapons industry: KMG was charged with numerous instances of radioactive pollution. This led to the infamous killing of an employee, Karen Silkwood, in 1974 as she was about to reveal to the US media the radioactive pollution caused by the company’s weapons plant in Oklahoma City. This incident received widespread publicity following its adaptation into a movie, Silkwood, with Meryl Streep.
A familiar face to international legal disputes and illegal exploitation as attests its contested involvement in the Timor Gap (a Western Sahara "twin case").
What’s the scandal about?
Contracting with an illegal occupying power
Active in an occupied territory in total disrespect of international law and of the wishes and interest of the indigenous Saharawi people
Total lack of transparency of its activities
http://www.arso.org/KMGBackgr.htm
KMG website refers to the area as an "undeveloped lease-holding" in Morocco7 in spite of the fact that no country world-wide or the UN has recognised the sovereignty of Morocco over the territory.
Statement on the US-Morrocco Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act
August 17, 2004
STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY
Today, the President signed the US-Morocco Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act. This agreement will help create jobs and new opportunities for Americans by deepening our trade ties with an important friend in the Arab world. Morocco's leadership has been steadfast in its support for economic and political liberalization and with this agreement, Morocco joins Jordan and Israel as our FTA partners in the region. This agreement also advances the President's goal of a U.S.- Middle East Free Trade Area (MEFTA) by 2013. The President's goal envisions an ever-widening circle of free trade that will help integrate the Middle East region into the global trading system. The openness, prosperity, and hope that free trade will engender will help make the region and America safer.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/08/20040817-2.html
Background Note: Morocco
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5431.htm
Revealed: the terror prison US is helping build in MoroccoTom Walker Rabat and Sarah Baxter
THE United States is helping Morocco to build a new interrogation and detention facility for Al-Qaeda suspects near its capital, Rabat, according to western intelligence sources.
The sources confirmed last week that building was under way at Ain Aouda, above a wooded gorge south of Rabat’s diplomatic district. Locals said they had often seen American vehicles with diplomatic plates in the area.
The construction of the new compound, run by the Direction de la Securité du Territoire (DST), the Moroccan secret police, adds to a substantial body of evidence that Morocco is one of America’s principal partners in the secret “rendition” programme in which the CIA flies prisoners to third countries for interrogation.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2089-2036185,00.html
