The Genocide Intervention Network today called for the state of Alaska to immediately reject a bid from China Petrochemical Corporation (Sinopec) to construct the North Slope pipeline. Sinopec is the largest oil field services provider in Sudan, where the government has been accused by President Bush and Congress of committing genocide.

In a letter addressed to Governor Palin, Genocide Intervention Network Executive Director Mark Hanis said that awarding the contract to Sinopec would amount to support for the murderous Sudanese government at a time when others are divesting from the company.

The letter comes in response to yesterday’s announcement that Sinopec was one of six applicants to be considered for the natural gas pipeline contract – a package that includes $500 million in incentives and exclusive license.

“As Governor of Alaska, you have the unique opportunity to send a message that will reverberate far beyond the borders of Alaska and even America,” Hanis wrote. “We urge you to immediately reject Sinopec’s application based on that company’s record of enabling the Government of Sudan to commit genocide against its own people. The corporation’s refusal to ensure that its Sudan operations are not facilitating massive crimes against humanity is solid ground for rejecting consideration of Sinopec’s application.”

As the largest oil-field service provider in Sudan and a company that has refused to alter its operations despite the genocide, Sinopec has been identified by the Sudan Divestment Task Force, a project of the Genocide Intervention Network, as a “highest offender.”

See the letter in full at www.sudandivestment.org