Sir, - Peter Sutherland, co-chairman of BP/Amoco, came to Dublin last week to talk to us about global ethics (The Irish Times, October 31st). Very worthy indeed; we're all in favour of them. But when it comes to the nitty-gritty of practising them in particular countries, the situation, it seems, gets a little more complicated. So when asked what standards his company applies in its ongoing negotiations with the Algerian government, a regime that tortures and kills extra-judicially on a systematic basis, Mr Sutherland refused to answer.
Mr Sutherland, however, is not alone; it is now clear that a substantial section of the Western business/political community has decided, in disregard of the facts, to portray Algeria as an emerging democracy. Considerable investment opportunities in Algeria may just possibly have something to do with this. The presidential elections next February will undoubtedly be the cue for a further instalment of panegyrics on Algeria's progress towards market democracy. Let us hope that there are enough journalists of integrity to confront this monumental cur i gceill. - Yours, etc., Conor O Briain,
Sraid Ui Shuilleabhain, Baile Atha Cliath 7.