Dow Chemicals to remain London 2012 sponsor

[richard]

Despite strong protests in India, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) made it clear that Dow Chemicals will remain a sponsor of the London 2012 Olympics, insisting that the company had no role in the Bhopal gas tragedy.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has repeatedly expressed its opposition to Dow Chemicals as one of the sponsors for the Games, because of its ownership of the infamous Union Carbide, which was responsible for Bhopal gas tragedy.

In a letter to the IOA, IOC on Thursday said its relationship with Dow Chemicals was over 30 years and “we were aware of the Bhopal tragedy when discussing the partnership with Dow”.

In the letter IOC chief Jacques Rogge said: “IOC recognises that the Bhopal tragedy in 1984 was horrific event for India and the world. The Olympic Movement sympathizes with the grief of the victims’ families and regrets the ongoing suffering people face in the region. The IOC and LOCOG were aware of the Bhopal tragedy when discussing the partnership with Dow. Dow had no connection with the Bhopal tragedy. Dow did not have any ownership stake in Union Carbide until 16 years after the accident and 12 years after the USD 470 million compensation agreement was approved by the Indian Supreme Court.”


Source
http://www.indianexpress.com