Posted on 01/11/2002 5:33:49 PM PST by Oxylus
LORD MELCHETT, the environmental campaigner, has resigned from the board of Greenpeace International following controversy over his new job with a public relations firm.
The former Labour minister, who was arrested for destroying a field of genetically modified crops in 1999, disclosed last week that he is to join Burson-Marsteller, whose clients include the GM food company Monsanto.
The firm has also worked to improve the image of companies and governments accused of serious environmental and human rights abuses.
The furore that followed Lord Melchett's announcement resulted in his decision yesterday to cut all ties with Greenpeace, the world's biggest environmental charity, which feared its global reputation could be damaged by his association with the PR firm.
Anne Summers, the chairwoman of Greenpeace International, said: 'The interests of Greenpeace must be safeguarded by ensuring that no one who holds a position within the organisation engages in any other activity that is, or could be perceived to be, in conflict with our principles.'
Lord Melchett will work as an adviser in the corporate responsibility department at Burson-Marsteller. The company worked with the Exxon Corporation after the catastrophic Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska and was also employed to improve the reputation of the Argentine junta despite the disappearance of 35,000 civilians.
The furore that followed Lord Melchett's announcement resulted in his decision yesterday to cut all ties with Greenpeace, the world's biggest environmental charity, which feared its global reputation could be damaged by his association with the PR firm.I love it when they sell out.
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