EXHIBIT 99.1

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

(18 U.S.C. 1350)

The undersigned, Ronald Suttill, President and Chief Executive Officer of Aviva Petroleum Inc. (the “Company”), has executed this certification in connection with the filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002 (the “Report”).

The undersigned hereby certifies that to the knowledge of the undersigned:

1.    The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2.    The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this certification as of the 25th day of March, 2003.

/s/    Ronald Suttill

Ronald Suttill

President and Chief Executive Officer