We regret that the response provided by Total reiterate previous statements and do not provide any new information, in particular on:

• Whether Total has taken any steps with the Emirati authorities since it was made aware of human rights violations committed; and
• Whether Total intends to withdraw from the Yemen LNG project in light of reported human rights violations. 

Furthermore, we take note of Total’s position that “as Yemen LNG is not controlled by Total, it falls outside the scope of the Vigilance Plan by virtue of the law itself.” However, we reiterate that Total exercises a sufficient level of control over Yemen LNG to be obliged to address the human rights implication of keeping a presence in Balhaf, as Total remains the largest shareholder of Yemen LNG. As stated in our press release, since 2008, Yemen LNG has been directed by general managers with strong connections with the French company. In fact, Mr Francois Rafin was Yemen LNG’s general manager between 2009 and 2013 before being replaced by Mr Jacques Azibert in December 2015. After his replacement, Mr Rafin became General Manager at Total E&P Uganda. Mr Azibert was General Manager of Total E&P Congo before his posting in Belhaf and was Total E&P Angola’s general manager after he left Balhaf. The current General Manager of Yemen LNG is Mr Ali Al Zubairi, who worked for Total from 1997 to 2007.