From notoapec at clear.net.nz Sun Jul 2 03:33:04 2000 From: notoapec at clear.net.nz (APEC Monitoring Group) Date: Sat, 1 Jul 2000 11:33:04 -0700 Subject: [asia-apec 1479] APEC SME Ministerial Statement Message-ID: <001001bfe38a$cca942e0$653261cb@notoapec> APEC Secretariat Media Advisory 28/2000 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- APEC Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Seventh Ministerial Meeting Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, 22-23 June 2000 JOINT MINISTERIAL STATEMENT APEC Ministers responsible for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) met in Bandar Seri Begawan on 22-23 June for their seventh meeting. Representatives of SMEs throughout the APEC region joined them in interactive sessions. The meetings discussed matters that are concerned with responding to the needs of APEC SMEs, focusing on four main issues: a.. Capacity Building of APEC SMEs b.. Enabling APEC SMEs to Capitalize on Electronic Commerce c.. Making Financial and Capital Markets More Accessible to SMEs d.. Towards Harnessing Diversity for Shared Economic Prosperity The discussions between Ministers and the business sector were supported by a Business Forum and participation from the associated Women Leaders Network Meeting, an E-Commerce Workshop and an E-Trade Fair. Ministers and business representatives welcomed the opportunity for their dialogue and highlighted its usefulness and effectiveness in understanding the key policy issues facing SMEs. Ministers also commended the business community of Brunei Darussalam on its initiative to hold a Town Hall Session for Young Entrepreneurs, which was attended by young entrepreneurs from the region. Ministers were informed of the wide range of issues relevant to SMEs addressed in the work program of other APEC fora as outlined in the APEC Secretariat's report. Ministers further agreed to encourage other APEC fora to take into account these issues in the interest of SMEs within their respective work programs. Ministers welcomed the report by the Chair of the APEC Business Advisory Council and appreciated its support for APEC?s effort in facilitating cross border trade and investments, and in enhancing the capacity building of SMEs. Ministers also welcomed the statements by the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC), ASEAN Secretariat and South Pacific Forum. Ministers endorsed the APEC Ad Hoc Policy Level Group on SMEs (PLGSME) Chair?s Report and the recommendation to continue the mandate and tenure of the PLGSME for a further three years. In this regard, Ministers also agreed that the PLGSME should also strengthen its focus on policy issues, activities that contribute to the development of policies, and action oriented programs. Ministers also instructed the PLGSME to submit a progress report on new projects at the Ministerial Meeting next year. Ministers stressed the need to develop APEC?s business outreach on SMEs and instructed the PLGSME to develop further the interaction between government and private sector. Ministers also acknowledged that the Framework for the Integration of Women in APEC is the effective means for integrating women into the work processes of APEC. They directed the PLGSME to take steps to implement the Framework and report on the progress to Leaders in their November meeting in Bandar Seri Begawan. Ministers also welcomed Korea?s appointment as the Gender Focal Point for the PLGSME. Responding to the Needs of APEC SMEs Ministers agreed that APEC should respond to the needs of SMEs in sustaining the foundations for growth and creating new opportunities. As many member economies are recovering from the Asian economic crisis, Ministers stressed that SMEs should be prepared and be in position to harness the opportunities in the areas of electronic commerce and in knowledge-based economy (KBE). Ministers reaffirmed the need to enhance efforts in creating a conducive environment for SMEs and welcomed the decision by the APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting in Darwin, which called for the continuation of APEC's work to improve the environment for doing business in the region. In particular, Ministers supported the call by the Ministers Responsible for Trade for prompt action to intensify work on NTMs, capacity building, and strengthening market infrastructure for SME development. Ministers also supported the call to Senior Officials to consider steps to place government information services on-line. Ministers encouraged member economies to include in IAPs the progress made in identifying the major barriers and compliance costs to SMEs in APEC economies. Ministers also welcomed the New Zealand initiative in developing the methodology for reporting on compliance costs and supported continue work to further develop the mechanism. Ministers recognized the vitality of the Consumer Education and Protection Initiative (CEPI) and encouraged more member economies to participate, and to organize the CEPI activities. Capacity Building of APEC SMEs The Asian economic crisis revealed several weaknesses in the capacity of SMEs and Ministers called for steps to train more experts and managers in the areas of technology, management and international trade. Minister concurred that the long-term strategy for enhancing the HRD of SMEs is to inculcate the culture of entrepreneurship and business skills amongst the young population. Ministers instructed the PLGSME to work with the relevant APEC fora to integrate such values into school curicula. They also encouraged young peoples to set up businesses, where possible. It is acknowledged that to strengthen markets in the region, APEC member economies need to deepen their cooperation, focus on capacity building for SMEs, and support for new businesses. Ministers welcomed Japan?s proposal project on the Evolving Cooperation Initiatives for SME and New Business Support, which focus on cooperation in the development of institutions related to SMEs and in the aspect of capacity building particularly on HRD. The Ministers recognized the usefulness of this approach that would contribute to more effective implementation of the Integrated Plan of action for SME Development (SPAN). Ministers also instructed the PLGSME to encourage Japan and other interested economies to be the joint coordinators, to develop the cooperation programs in accordance with the approach that has been outlined in the project, and submit them at the Leaders Meeting in November. Ministers welcomed the 2000 APEC SME AND NEW BUSINESS SUPPORT WORKSHOP, which will be held in Tokyo in 5-8 September 2000 to launch this initiative focusing on sharing knowledge on developing methods of supporting new and existing SMEs. Ministers welcomed Japan?s contribution towards human resources development in the APEC SEMINAR FOR MANAGEMENT CAPACITY BUILDING. Ministers also acknowledged that flexibility in the workplace could improve the management of human resources and raise productivity in SMEs. Many ongoing training programs in APEC member economies are limited to domestic participants, but could be expanded to include participation from member economies. In this context, Ministers agreed for member economies to consider opening up some of their domestic training programs to participants from APEC member economies on a voluntary basis and to include a list of trainers that are available for conducting training across the APEC region. Ministers instructed the PLGSME to work intersessionally in devising an action program and to liaise closely with Brunei Darussalam in time for the Leaders meeting in November at Bandar Seri Begawan. Enabling APEC SMEs to Capitalize on Electronic Commerce It is recognized that the progress of information and communication technology (ICT) has tremendous effect on the existing economic system and that the dynamic changes pressured many SMEs to make structural adjustment. There is broad consensus that governments could assist SMEs to overcome the problem of high initial costs of investment in ICT by creating an environment favourable to E-commerce. Ministers acknowledged that there are many problems arising from E-commerce and recommended that APEC put in place a framework for the coordination of standards, encouragement of private sector innovation, and to improve consumer confidence and acceptance. This should include self-regulation by the private sectors. Ministers acknowledged that the involvement of governments, private sectors, E-commerce and Internet could turn the world of Digital Divide to Digital Opportunity. Ministers are pleased to note that the Electronic Commerce Steering Group will address consumer confidence and acceptance issues. They urged APEC to give priority to hasten the work on strengthening the regulatory and security measures for E-commerce, removing uncertainties that restrict E-commerce, and encouraging the development of self-regulatory frameworks. In this regard, Ministers instructed the PLGSME to coordinate with relevant APEC fora including the APEC Telecommunication Working Group and the Electronic Commerce Steering Group in expediting the on-going work on reducing the costs of access to the Internet. Ministers pledged to enhance collaboration and cooperation among the member economies on institutional development and capacity building especially on HRD, to create a global trading environment for E-commerce. Ministers acknowledged the outcomes of the APEC E-COMMERCE CONVENTION and APEC SME BUSINESS NETWORK PROMOTION FORUM, both held in Tokyo, and welcomed Japan?s initiative to hold a forum on Internet Businesses next year. Ministers also acknowledged the outcomes of both the WORLD CONGRESS ON INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY held in Chinese Taipei. Ministers recognized the importance for SMEs to access information concerning regulatory and administrative requirements on trade and investment. In relation to this, Ministers also welcomed the development of an electronic Individual Action Plans (e-IAPs) system which would make the IAPs more useful to business, especially SMEs, by enabling them to have faster, easier on-line access, and a better understanding of the trade and investment regime of a particular APEC economy. The Meeting also acknowledged that it would be useful for SME related information services to be electronically linked across APEC economies. Ministers welcomed the BizApec.com, a new website which would provide one-stop information for conducting business in the region, and instructed the PLGSME to consider contributing to the further development of this new website. As the use of ICT differs amongst SMEs in different economic sectors, Ministers agreed that future work program on the use of ICT and E-commerce amongst SMEs be focused on specific sector of SMEs. In this regard, Ministers instructed the PLGSME to work with the relevant APEC fora to address these issues. Ministers agreed that there is a need to exchange information regarding best practices and legal issues on E-commerce including government purchasing and intellectual property. In this respect, Ministers sought greater cooperation among member economies to facilitate the development of E-commerce in the region. Ministers noted the recommendations from the APEC 2000 SME Electronic Commerce Workshop in Bandar Seri Begawan as Annex B, which makes reference to promote E-commerce and to capitalise on ICT. Ministers instructed the PLGSME to implement the relevant recommendations in collaboration with relevant APEC fora including the APEC Electronic Commerce Steering Group and the Telecommunication Working Group. Ministers also agreed to endorse a new initiative by Chinese Taipei, the E-COMMERCE Symposium on SMEs, to enhance the promotion of E-commerce to SMEs. Making Financial and Capital Markets More Accessible to SMEs Ministers acknowledged that issues concerning SME financing are crucial for sustaining SME growth. It was recognized that in some economies, SMEs access to capital is limited by a number of factors including the lack of market resources, insufficient collateral and guarantees, high costs of financing, and underdeveloped financial institutions. The lack of finance remained a major constraint for SMEs in some member economies, mainly because SMEs lack managerial skills. There was a convergence of views that APEC member economies should enhance the managerial skills and capacity building of SMEs to enable them to gain better access to financial and capital markets. Ministers also commended the outcomes of the WORKSHOP FOR APEC SMEs FINANCING AND BUSINESS MANAGEMENT in Tokyo. Ministers also recognized that SMEs needed access to information about sources of funds. The APEC Start-up Companies and Venture Capital Survey conducted by Chinese Taipei indicated that there was interest in establishing an APEC database to disseminate and exchange information on start-up companies and venture capital. In this regard, Ministers instructed the PLGSME to cooperate with the IEG in this area. It is recognized that venture capital is important for financing start-up companies and ICT industries, and the private sector is the leading source of capital. Ministers acknowledged that venture capital funds will complement the financial sector in providing initial capital to new businesses and recognized that governments had a role in creating a better environment for SMEs and start-up companies to access capital markets. In this respect, Ministers concurred that SMEs that have growth potential could be assisted in accessing financial and capital markets. Ministers acknowledged the outcomes from the seminar, the SECURING INITIAL EQUITY FUNDING FOR START-UP COMPANIES - THE BIRTH AND GROWTH OF SMEs IN A KNOWLEDGE-BASED ECONOMY held in Taipei, which is a follow-up to the ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION THROUGH START-UP COMPANIES AND VENYURE CAPITAL proposal by Chinese Taipei, adopted at the APEC Ministerial Meeting in Auckland. Ministers encouraged further work on related subjects in this area. In the context of the KBE, Ministers urged financial sectors to accept intangible assets such as knowledge and intellectual property as economic assets for loan applications. Ministers also agreed to work with APEC Ministers of Finance and relevant APEC fora to promote the development of capital markets including venture capital, equity fund, and IPO for the development of SMEs within their economies. Towards Harnessing Diversity for Shared Economic Prosperity Ministers recognized the needs of SMEs to form vertical and horizontal alliances among themselves, with larger corporations, and partnership with foreign companies. By banding together, SMEs can improve their operational efficiency and effectiveness. Ministers encouraged SMEs to continue to form business alliances with larger companies including through the Internet. In this regard, Ministers urged APEC member economies to work together for a more pro-SME environment with increasing transparency in rules and regulations, and provide information and business contacts to SMEs. Ministers endorsed the United States? proposal for the Business Partnership Initiative, which is led by the private sector to facilitate strategic alliances between companies in member economies. Ministers also welcomed the on-going APEC BUSINESS MATCHING AND ADVICE PROGRAM to better serve the needs of SMEs in business matching among firms across the APEC region. In recognition that SMEs have an important role in the global supply chain, Ministers encouraged SMEs to embrace modern business technology including bar-coding, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and Internet-Commerce to enhance their efficiency. In this context, Ministers requested Thailand to work closely with the PLGSME to build on the idea of facilitating the STRATEGIC ALLIANCES FOR BETTER GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT and report to Ministers at their next meeting. Ministers welcomed Thailand's proposal to host the INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE/WORKSHOP ON STRATEGIC ALLIANCE FOR EFFICIENT SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT and requested Thailand to act quickly in developing a proposal for consideration of the PLGSME. Ministers also endorsed the following new initiatives to help SMEs establish strategic alliances and business linkages: a.. APEC SME Profile 2000 b.. Business Partnership Initiative for SMEs c.. SEMINAR ON OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES: APEC SMEs AFTER China's Accession to WTO Progress of APEC Integration Plan of Action for SME Development (SPAN) Ministers reaffirmed the usefulness of sharing information and experiences of APEC member economies in their implementation of various initiatives, programs and regulatory frameworks undertaken to promote the development of SMEs under the SPAN. Ministers also welcomed the progress reports on the implementation of SPAN by China, Japan, Malaysia, Peru, Chinese Taipei and Thailand at the two PLGSME meetings this year. Ministers encouraged other members to regularly report their work in progress within the Framework of SPAN and to share their experiences on a voluntary basis. Dialogue with the Business Sector Ministers welcomed the briefings by the business representatives of the E-COMMERCE WORKSHOP, WLN Meeting, and Business Forum, and commended their recommendations especially on initiatives that would accelerate economic recovery and promote E-commerce in the region as in Annex B, Annex C and Annex D respectively. Ministers agreed to instruct the PLGSME to consider the recommendations from the business sectors for inclusion into its work program. Ministers urged future hosts to continue with this form of outreach. Ministers called on the private sector to change the mind-set on utilization of ICT and encouraged greater usage of ICT for business transactions. Ministers also requested the private sector to prepare a comprehensive list of needs and key issues including capital and financial facilities, and HRD for the consideration of Ministers and member economies. Conclusion Recognizing the desire of APEC 2000 to deliver to the community, Ministers underscored the importance of achieving outcomes that are more substantial. Ministers also affirmed that it is important to heed the capacity building needs of SMEs in member economies. In view of the rapidly changing business environment as a result of economic globalization and ICT development, Ministers urged SMEs to embrace innovative and creative approaches to enhance efficiency and competitiveness. Ministers agreed to request the Senior Officials to note and take appropriate actions on the Ministerial agreed actions at Annex A. Ministers had a very useful and constructive dialogue with the business representatives. Ministers had agreed to examine further the core issues of SMEs in the areas of HRD, ICT, financing and strategic alliances. Ministers thanked the Chair for his guidance in chairing the meeting, and the Government and people of Brunei Darussalam for the warm hospitality in welcoming the officials, business, and WLN delegates. Ministers also welcomed the invitation to meet again next year in the People?s Republic of China. Representatives from Australia; Brunei Darussalam; Canada; Chile; the People's Republic of China; Hong Kong, China; Indonesia; Japan; the Republic of Korea; Malaysia; Mexico; New Zealand; Papua New Guinea; Peru; the Republic of the Philippines; Russia; Singapore; Chinese Taipei; Thailand; the United States of America; and Vietnam participated in the meeting. The representative of ABAC and APEC Secretariat were present. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretariat, the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC) and the South Pacific Forum also attended the meeting as observers. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ANNEX A AGREED ACTIONS APEC SME Ministers in Bandar Seri Begawan on 22-23 June 2000 ask, as part of their instructions in the Joint Ministerial Statement, that Senior Officials: Responding to the Needs of APEC SMEs a.. Note that Ministers have agreed the PLGSME should also look into policy issues in addition to its existing activities. b.. Note that Ministers have agreed to encourage relevant APEC fora to take into account the issues in the interest of SMEs within their respective work programs. c.. Note that Ministers have stressed the needs to develop APEC's business outreach on SMEs and instructed the PLGSME to develop further interaction between government and private sector. d.. Take concrete actions in relation to APEC Ministers' and Leaders' previous instructions to intensify work on NTMs. e.. Note that Ministers have welcomed the decision by the APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting in Darwin to task officials to take prompt action on NTMs and continue focus on capacity building and strengthening market infrastructure for development of SMEs. f.. Note that Ministers have instructed member economies to include in IAPs the progress made in identifying the major barriers and compliance costs. g.. Note that Ministers have encouraged member economies to participate and hold Consumer Education and Protection Initiative activities. Capacity Building of APEC SMEs a.. Note that Ministers have called on member economies place greater emphasis on capacity building measures relating to HRD. b.. Note that Ministers have recommended member economies take steps to train more experts and managers in the areas of technology, management and international trade. c.. Note that Ministers have encouraged member economies to inculcate the culture of entrepreneurship and business skills among the young population, and instructed the PLGSME to work with the relevant APEC fora to integrate entrepreneurship and business skills into school curricula. d.. Note that Ministers have instructed the PLGSME to encouraged Japan and other interested economies to be the joint coordinators, to develop the cooperation programs in accordance with the steps that have been outlined in the EVOLVING COOPERATION INITIATIVE FOR SME AND NEW BUSINES SUPPORT and submit them at the Leaders Meeting in November. e.. Note that Ministers have agreed that member economies could consider opening up the domestic training programs to member economies, on a voluntary basis, and to include a list of trainers that are available to conduct training across the APEC region. f.. Note that Ministers have instructed the PLGSME to work intersessionally in devising an action program and to liaise closely with Brunei Darussalam in time for Ministers and Leaders meeting in November at Bandar Seri Begawan. Enabling APEC SMEs to Capitalize on E-Commerce a.. Note that Ministers have called on member economies to place greater emphasis on the development of infrastructure concerning ICT. b.. Note that Ministers have instructed the PLGSME to take into account that future work program on the use of ICT and E-commerce be focused on definite sector of SMEs and to work with the relevant APEC fora in addressing this issue. c.. Note that Ministers have called on APEC to give priority to hasten the work on strengthening the regulatory and security measures for E-commerce. d.. Note that Ministers have instructed the PLGSME to consider contributing to the further development of the BizApec.com website. e.. Note that Ministers have instructed the PLGSME to coordinate with relevant APEC Fora including the APEC Telecommunication Working Group and the Electronic Commerce Steering Group in expediting the on-going work on reducing the costs of access to the Internet. f.. Note that Ministers have instructed the PLGSME to implement the relevant recommendations arising from the APEC 2000 SME ELECTRONIC COMMERCE WORKSHOP. g.. Note that Ministers have endorsed the E-COMMERCE SYMPOSIUM ON SMEs initiative. Making Financial and Capital Markets More Accessible to APEC SMEs a.. Note that Ministers have called on member economies to enhance the managerial skills and capacity building of SMEs to enable them gain better access to financial and capital markets. b.. Take concrete action to establish an APEC database to disseminate information on start-up companies and venture capital. c.. Note that Ministers have instructed the PLGSME to cooperate with APEC fora including the IEG in establishing the APEC database. d.. Take action to promote the development of capital markets in the region. Towards Harnessing Diversity for Shared Economic Prosperity a.. Note that Ministers have requested Thailand to work closely with the PLGSME on establishing the STRATEGIC ALLIANCES FOR BETTER GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT. b.. Note that Ministers have endorsed the following new initiatives to help SMEs in establishing strategic alliances and business linkages: APEC SME PROFILE 2000 BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP INITIATIVE FOR SME OPERATIONAL ENVIRONMENT OF APEC SMEs AFTER CHINA's ACCESSION TO WTO -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ANNEX B RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE APEC 2000 SME E-COMMERCE WORKSHOP IN BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN The APEC 2000 SME E-Commerce Workshop has made the following recommendations to APEC SME Ministers, to help APEC SMEs embrace and utilize e-commerce: 1. Access to information Infrastructure a.. Provide an environment that fosters/encourages investment in e-Business by government and private enterprise. b.. Assist in lowering Internet access costs along with the improvement of quality of service for SMEs. c.. Support an information infrastructure as a resource for SMEs through the establishment of centres for expertise. 2. Human Resources Development a.. Respond to the existing "Human Resource Deficit" impeding development of the knowledge-based Economy and recognize the need for new tools and skills. b.. APEC Government give priority to the development of a national and regional e-commerce human resource Master Plan with specific action items and time frames. c.. Emphasize public/private sector cooperation, which is of critical importance to HR development in the Knowledge-based Economy. 3. Trust and Regulatory Environment a.. Encourage self-regulation whenever possible, but include minimum standards for trust in the marketplace. b.. Modify and enhance policies and laws that will foster a supportive environment for e-Business and seek compatibility across jurisdictions. c.. Encourage SME participation in an active dialogue with governments and suppliers on issues including: a.. Security, Consumer Protection, Liability, Interoperability, Payment Mechanisms. 4. Government and Business Relationship a.. Develop e-Government to optimise services to SMEs; share information between governments to support best practices adoption; and, proactively share information with SMEs on e-Government initiatives b.. Develop one-stop e-Commerce Information Centres that provide the information Centres that provide the information needed by SMEs c.. Undertake a regular and open assessment of e-Commerce readiness as part of this process -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ANNEX C THE WLN RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE APEC SME MINISTERS The WLN Meeting in Bandar Seri Begawan has made the following recommendations to the APEC SME Ministers: a.. Draw upon the Expert Data Base developed by the WLN to ensure the full participation of women in the APEC process. b.. Implement training programmes, in particular distance learning, to assist women to access the most advanced training and skills development available; c.. Ensure that all women and in particular, young women, indigenous women, rural women and women most at risk have equal access to education and opportunities for skills development. d.. Formulate policies which encourage employers to develop more favourable working terms and conditions for women e.. Establish appropriate mechanisms and incentives to facilitate the development of women-owned SMEs and E-businesses f.. Develop incentives for private sector investment in women-owned SMEs; g.. Improve access to finance for women-owned SMEs and remove barriers to investment and finance which continue to exist; h.. Identify best practice models with respect to access to technology, finance and training for women, and encourage implementation throughout the APEC economies. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ANNEX D RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE BUSINESS FORUM IN BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN The Business Forum in Bandar Seri Begawan has made the following recommendations to the Ministers: a.. Ministers to recognize that new technology can be used to accelerate economic development, but this enabling infrastructure needs to be promoted to SMEs and consumers, and made accessible at affordable costs. b.. Ministers to acknowledge that governments of member economies should provide strategic education investments. This should include women, the young and indigenous peoples, to stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship required for knowledge economy. c.. Ministers to recognize training as a mutual benefit through which SMEs could gain understanding to make the business transitions afforded by liberalization and ICT. In addition, hardware and software suppliers have a role to play in training by contributing to the creation of an expanded market. d.. Ministers to acknowledge that the diversity and depth of capital markets in the more developed economies should be the benchmark for action plans by individual economies to reduce the unevenness of access to finance by SMEs in the APEC economies. e.. Ministers to recognize that globalization presented a regulatory challenge to remove legal and non-tariff Barriers that impede business efficiency and discourage FDI. There is urgent need for new laws and regional harmonization on standards of security and authentication against cybercrime. f.. Ministers to acknowledge that better benchmarking, compilation and reporting of key SME data is necessary to improve public policy and attract greater investor capital and strategic alliances. From bayan at iname.com Mon Jul 3 13:22:00 2000 From: bayan at iname.com (bayan) Date: Mon, 03 Jul 2000 12:22:00 +0800 Subject: [asia-apec 1480] KMP/BAYAN chair defends French peasant "Robin Hood" Message-ID: Dear friends and comrades, Here is a news item on Rafael Mariano, concurrent chair of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP, Peasant Movement of the Philippines) and Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN, New Patriotic Alliance). Best regards, BAYAN Public Information Department KMP CHAIR IS DEFENSE WITNESS FOR FRENCH PEASANT "ROBIN HOOD" The chairman of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP - Peasant Movement of the Philippines), Rafael Mariano, appears in a French court today as a defense witness for Jos? Bov?, the farmer who is on trial for attacking the building site of a new McDonald's fast food outlet in Millau, in the Tarn valley of southern France. The ''symbolic dismantling,'' in Bov?'s words, of the McDonald's outlet then under construction in Millau happened on August 12, 1999. The attack was a protest action against the high tariffs the US imposed on certain French specialty products including the famous Roquefort cheese. Bov?, a sheep farmer who provides milk to Roquefort makers, heads the Conf?deration Paysanne, the French movement of small farmers. He has served already an unrelated eight-month suspended sentence for plowing up a field planted in transgenic corn. After the McDonald's attack, he spent three weeks in jail because he refused to post bail. A picture of him with raised handcuffed wrists crystallized his fame. Since then, the man has won the support of a significant portion of the French population and was nicknamed "the peasant Robin Hood." Bov?, who sports an oversized moustache like French comic strip hero Asterix, was also a prominent participant in last year's anti-globalization protests in Seattle. It was there that he befriended another moustached peasant leader from the other side of the world: Rafael Mariano, the chairman of KMP. "I didn't have to think twice about Jos?'s invitation to defend him in court," Mariano said, "as small farmers from industrialized countries like France and poor Philippine peasants alike are suffering from globalization." "In the context of the devastation brought about by the WTO and other instruments of imperialist globalization, his action was morally justified," the KMP chair argued. Other defense witnesses include activists from around the world like Lori Wallach, president of Global Trade Watch, Bill Christison of the Washington-based National Family Farm Coalition, Vandana Shiva, an Indian environmental activist, and Rafael Allegria who heads La Via Campesina, a worldwide alliance of peasant organizations of which Conf?deration Paysanne and KMP are members. The Conf?deration Paysanne has turned the trial into a huge protest action against globalization. French newspapers are already referring to the event as "Seattle-on-Tarn," a reference to the local river and the anti-WTO protests in the US last year. Some 20,000 people have gathered in Millau since yesterday to support Jos? Bov? and to attend 14 fora and a free rock concert. ''We're making it the trial of globalization!'' said one of the protesters. ''The verdict is already in,'' somebody added. ''No to the World Trade Organization! No to globalization!'' Please refer to BBC news for a picture of Rafael Mariano in Millau, France: http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world/europe/newsid_812000/812995.stm --------------------------------------------------------- B A Y A N Bagong Alyansang Makabayan or New Patriotic Alliance No. 23 Maamo Street, Sikatuna Village Quezon City, PHILIPPINES Telephone: (63-2) 435-9151 Telefax: (63-2) 922-5211 Email: Bayan webpage URL: http://www.bigfoot.com/~bayan-phils ----------------------------------------------------------- From bayan at iname.com Mon Jul 3 18:10:24 2000 From: bayan at iname.com (bayan) Date: Mon, 03 Jul 2000 17:10:24 +0800 Subject: [asia-apec 1481] Re: BEYOND SEATTLE: FIGHTING IMPERIALISM Message-ID: BAYAN (New Patriotic Alliance) Initial Announcement On 16-17 December 2000, BAYAN (New Patriotic Alliance) will organize an international workshop “BEYOND SEATTLE: FIGHTING IMPERIALISM” during the First International Assembly of the International League of Peoples’ Struggle (ILPS) in Duisburg, Germany. The assembly's theme is "Peoples' Demands for International Solidarity in the 21st Century. The workshop will tackle national and social liberation from imperialism and all reaction, and the people's resistance to foreign aggression and intervention. It is the first of 15 simultaneous workshops in the ILPS assembly. It will be held in the afternoon of 16 December and the morning of the 17th. A resolution will be presented at the closing plenary session and will become part of the General Declaration of the First International Assembly of the ILPS. . In this regard, we wish to extend our invitation to your organization to participate in the workshop and in the founding assembly of the ILPS. Below are the workshop's concept and programme. For more information about the Bayan workshop and the ILPS, please get in touch with: Dayling Java Workshop Secretariat E-mail: bayan@iname.com Fax: (63-2) 922 5211 We look forward to your participation in the assemby and the workshop. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------ International League of Peoples’ Struggle Theme: "Peoples' Demands for International Solidarity in the 21st Century" BEYOND SEATTLE: FIGHTING IMPERIALISM (Workshop #1) Duisberg, Germany 16 - 17 December 2000 Last year’s “Battle in Seattle” proved beyond doubt that the resistance to imperialist “globalization” is breaking new ground, and is now threatening to disrupt the very nerve-centers of the “New World Order”. More people are realizing that “free market” globalizaton means no other than the reconcentration of wealth and power to the industrialized countries and their monopoly corporations all at the expense of the majority of the oppressed and exploited. The detrimental effects of imperialist “globalization’s” liberalization, deregulation and privatization policies have caused untold sufferings and misery among the broad masses of the world. In Third World countries, “globalization” has only aggravated the worst features of monopoly capitalism: unrestrained profit-taking, sinking wage levels, unemployment, the loss of livelihood, breakdown in production, neglect of social services and the devastation of the environment. The disastrous impact of imperialist “globalization” has spawned widespread social unrest and political agitation in Indonesia, the Philippines, South Korea, Bangladesh, India, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Brazil and even in imperialist and developed countries like Japan, Germany and France. The forms of resistance are varied, from issue-based mass actions to comprehensive national liberation movements. But the objectives revolve around the people’s opposition to the economic slavery and wanton plunder brought about by imperialist “globalization”. Such resistance is perceived as a grave threat to the hegemony of the “free market”. Thus, in the guise of defending peace, human rights, democracy and progress, the imperialist countries are imposing a new wave of global militarization. This worldwide military strategy is in conformity with the U.S.’s self-proclaimed role as the world’s policeman and sole superpower. Objectives 1. Provide a venue for the participants to discuss and share their analysis and position on “free market” globalization and the U.S.-led global military strategy. 2. Highlight the various efforts against “globalization” and the imperialist offensive, with the aim of forging a common understanding on same strategic issues like alternatives and modes of struggle. 3. To help the League establish a strong, broad and democratic anti-imperialist network and raise the banner of international solidarity in support of the masses’ worldwide struggle for national and social liberation and economic emancipation. Program Schedule December 16, 2000; 1400-1730 02:00 02:10 Opening of the Workshop, Welcome and Recognition of Delegates & Speakers 02:10 02:15 Opening Remarks 02:15 - 02:30 Keynote Address 02:30 03:45 Panel Discussion (15 mins each speaker; 10 mins each reactor) 1. General Crisis of Imperialism and the U.S. Global Military Strategy 2. People’s Resistance to Imperialism’s All-out Offensive 3. Socialist Alternative to Imperialism 03:45 04:00 Coffee/Tea Break04:00 05:30 Open Forum December 17, 2000; 0900-1230 09:00 09:15 Presentation of Draft Resolution 09:15 10:45 Deliberation on Draft Resolution 10:45 - 11:00 Coffee/Tea Break 11:00 12:00 Further Deliberation on Draft Resolution 12:00 - 12:15 Approval of Draft Resolution by the Workshop 12:15 - 12:30 Formation of the Provisional Commission to Continue Work on the Resolution a) Nominations by the WOC b) Nomination from the floor 12:30 Closing Remarks Invited Speakers Mr. Roberto Humpierre Cuba Dr. Youssef Sawani- Libya Ms. Sarah Flounders USA Mr. Kazuo Saito Japan Mr. Luis Jalandoni Philippines/Netherlands Mr. Hildebrando Velez Galeano Colombia Prof. William Hinton/Ms. Joan Hinton - China Ms. Norma Mesino - Mexico >From North Korea --------------------------------------------------------- B A Y A N Bagong Alyansang Makabayan or New Patriotic Alliance No. 23 Maamo Street, Sikatuna Village Quezon City, PHILIPPINES Telephone: (63-2) 435-9151 Telefax: (63-2) 922-5211 Email: Bayan webpage URL: http://www.bigfoot.com/~bayan-phils ----------------------------------------------------------- From amittal at foodfirst.org Thu Jul 6 09:02:23 2000 From: amittal at foodfirst.org (Anuradha Mittal) Date: Wed, 05 Jul 2000 17:02:23 -0700 Subject: [asia-apec 1482] Job Announcement: Media Coordinator Message-ID: <0.700000824.680312453-212058698-962841743@topica.com> July 5, 2000 Job Announcement: Media Coordinator (Half-Time Position) The Institute for Food and Development Policy -- also known as Food First -- is a progressive, independent, non-profit organization engaged in analysis, research, advocacy and education-for-action on hunger, poverty and environmental degradation, with a commitment to food as a human right. Overview We are seeking a half-time media coordinator to provide leadership in communications, media, publicity, outreach and to increase the profile and maximize the impact of the Institute's work. The Media Coordinator will provide leadership in this arena, which includes the print, broadcast and electronic media. Specifically, the Media Coordinator must obtain and enhance general media coverage for the Institute and its programs, including: * Cultivating a network of media contacts, building and updating media lists * Building Food First's presence in the national and international media * Pitching stories to reporters, editors, producers and columnists, arranging interviews for Food First staff, etc. * Editing and placing op-eds and other opinion pieces in a range of publications * Issuing press releases and press kits around newsworthy events related to the Institute's program areas and publications * Developing message and campaign strategy * Organizing press events, news conferences and editorial board meetings * Work with the Managing Editor on book reviews * Monitoring and tracking news coverage * Occasionally serving as media spokesperson Qualifications * Applicants must have two years experience in communications or journalism * Strong written and verbal communication skills, a sharp news sense, political savvy, and a strong willingness to learn * Extensive knowledge of print, radio and electronic news media, and familiarity with multiple forms of local and national media are required (knowledge of international media a plus) * Applicants must be committed to social change work * Ability to work independently and to meet deadlines * Commitment to social justice and the mission of the Institute * Appreciation of diverse cultures and a diverse work environment Salary and Benefits This is a half-time position. (The future availability of funding may conceivably lead to the expansion of this position to full time). This is a Level III job classification, depending on experience, with an initial annual salary of $14,000 - 16,000 for half-time, plus a pro-rated benefits package including health, dental, vision coverage and retirement benefits. Hiring Policy The search will continue until a suitable candidate has been hired. Food First is an equal opportunity employer, and we actively encourage women and people of color to apply. How To Apply Send cover letter, resumé, cover letter, samples of your work which would be useful to the search committee (press releases, opinion pieces, articles, etc.) and three references (include telephone, fax and email if available). Media Coordinator Search Committee Food First 398 60th Street Oakland CA, 94618 foodfirst@foodfirst.org ### Join the fight against hunger. For more information contact foodfirst@foodfirst.org. ___________________________________________________________ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics From amittal at foodfirst.org Fri Jul 7 08:42:52 2000 From: amittal at foodfirst.org (Anuradha Mittal) Date: Thu, 06 Jul 2000 16:42:52 -0700 Subject: [asia-apec 1483] Job Announcement:Internet Program Coordinator Message-ID: <0.700000824.792537712-951758591-962926972@topica.com> Job Announcement/Job Description (PLEASE POST) Internet Program Coordinator (Half-Time Position) Food First/The Institute for Food and Development Policy is a not-for-profit education-for-action center and progressive think tank with a mission to end the injustices that cause hunger by moving people to take effective action. Position Summary The Internet Program Coordinator is responsible for the internet program, the web site, and for overseeing the Institute's Technology Policy. Specific responsibilities include: Web development (design, expansion, maintenance, promotion and analysis); list administration; other possible use of the Internet to further the Institute's mission; Internet connectivity; Technology Policy (maintaining & upgrading in-house computer services including ether and Appletalk networks, hardware, OS and software upgrades and Tech support to staff). Qualifications Required: o Professional-quality Web development experience o Excellent computer skills (Macintosh and DOS/Windows) o Experience with email list administration and other Internet technologies o Knowledge of Internet connectivity issues o Ability to be self-directed and to work cooperatively in a collective environment o Project management skills o Comfort in talking to both experts and lay people about issues including hunger, human rights, sustainable agriculture, international development, computers and online communications o Mac OS and Windows trouble-shooting skills o Commitment to social justice and the mission of the Institute o Appreciation of diverse cultures and a diverse work environment. o Ability to provide leadership and vision to our communications strategy using the internet Desired: o Experience in network administration o Good Knowledge of MAC OS o Technical needs assessment and planning skills o Online fundraising and grant writing experience o Advanced Web development skills (information, graphic and visual design; HTML; JavaScript, ASP, CGI, and other programming; testing; promotion and analysis; knowledge of tools; knowledge of standards and compatibility issues) o Knowledge of computer security issues and backup systems o Knowledge of E-commerce techniques and issues Specific Responsibilities The Internet Program Coordinator/Web Weaver works with other staff to insure a first rate electronic outreach/communications strategy and computer services. S/he is expected to develop and work within a budget and workplan for areas under her/his responsibility. Webmaster responsibilities include: 1. Interface with other staff who provide most content 2. Brainstorm web (and other e-communications) strategies/features/audiences with other staff 2. Design pages in consultation with other staff 3. HTML content 4. Development of images, including scanning and other graphics work 5. E-commerce features including secure server 6. Create searchable archives 7. Add and maintain links in consultation with other staff 8. Manage list-serves, blast fax and email features, etc. 9. Participate in fundraising (grant writing, etc.) activities with other staff to support electronic outreach/services. 10. Provide staff with computer-related trouble-shooting on an as-needed and time-available basis. 11. Provide leadership of technology policy 12. Provide tech support to staff Network Administrator responsibilities include: 1. Maintain & upgrade our internal ether and Appletalk networks. 2. Do feasibility study on acquiring a server and purchase/install/maintain one if so desired 3. Develop in-house file sharing/communication strategy in consultation with other staff 4. Manage OS and software upgrades/compatibility on Institute's computers. 5. Purchase computer equipment as needed, based on comparison shopping. 6. Maintain internet services. 7. Assist other staff with computer-related problems/needs. 8. Take charge of relations with outside computer-related vendors. Employment Status, Salary and Benefits This is a half-time position. [The future availability of funding may conceivably lead to the expansion of this position to full time]. This is a Level III job classification, depending on experience, with an initial annual salary of $14,000 - 16,000 for half-time, plus a pro-rated benefits package including health, dental and vision coverage. How to Apply Send your resume, cover letter, three references, and an URL where we can see your work, to: Internet Coordinator Search Committee Food First 398 60th Street Oakland, CA 94618 510-654-4400 fax 510-654-4551 foodfirst@foodfirst.org www.foodfirst.org Position open until filled. Women and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply. Join the fight against hunger. For more information contact foodfirst@foodfirst.org. ___________________________________________________________ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics From bayan at iname.com Mon Jul 10 00:19:49 2000 From: bayan at iname.com (BAYAN) Date: Sun, 09 Jul 2000 08:19:49 -0700 Subject: [asia-apec 1484] Farmers, Unionists & Retailers Rally Against Foreign Impositions Message-ID: From: KMP (Peasant Movement of the Philippines) and COURAGE (Confederation for Unity, Recognition & Advancement of Government Employees) FARMERS, UNIONISTS & RETAILERS RALLY AGAINST FOREIGN IMPOSITIONS FARMERS, retailers and government employees led by the Coalition of Farmers, Organizations, Unions and Retailers (C-FOUR) and the National Food Authority Employees Association (NFAEA-Courage) from Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Southern Tagalog, Bicol, and the National Capital Region converged for the first time yesterday at the Department of Finance (DOF). Together they launched a protest rally against the privatization of the National Food Authority (NFA) which is being imposed by foreign multilateral financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund-World Bank-Asian Development Bank (IMF-WB-ADB) with the DOF as its spokesperson. The impositions are contained in the ADB-Grains Sector Development Program (GSDP) Loan package which contains among others the de-coupling and eventual privatization of the NFA. Amidst heavy rains and strong winds, the rally dramatized its disgust and growing discontent on the DOF for actively pursuing the foreign-dictated de-coupling and privatization of NFA. The privatization of NFA, through the GSDP loan, will require among other things, rice importation by the private sector, the setting of procurement prices at current levels while rice price is increased by 45%, a limitation of the procurement volume to 30 day buffer stock, and the elimination of cash incentives to farmers as well as divestment from non-grains facilities and services. Meanwhile, the de-coupling of NFA will result to the privatization of its trading functions and transfer of its regulatory powers to the Department of Agriculture (DA). The protest action coincides with the commemoration of the so-called Filipino-American Friendship Day. The C-FOUR led-protest later joined a big protest action led by BAYAN (New Patriotic Alliance) and COURAGE in front of the US Embassy. The protest action at the US Embassy is to protest a lopsided "friendship" between the Philippines and the USA where the other party, the US, is dictating policies that is inimical to the interest of small farmers, consumers and employees. The said rally aims to show its strong opposition to the US foreign policy as being implemented by the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the US-dominated IMF-WB-ADB. These agencies are avid advocates of policies on privatization, deregulation and import liberalization wherein NFA is one of those strategic agencies to be privatized. The dictates of the US continue to exists even in the food security program of the Philippines. The American interest is being represented by the US-controlled IMF-WB-ADB-WTO. The said US dictates impose vital policy reforms in agriculture in order to ensure the dominant role of the American Big Businesses in Philippine agriculture and local business. Even the before the creation of WTO, the privatization of the NFA, the deregulation of the grain industry and the import liberalization of agricultural products such as rice policy reforms being imposed by IMF-WB-ADB will only result to displacement of small farmers, dependence on importation, cartelization of rice and uncontrolled prices of the staple food, just like what happened after the privatization of Petron. It is very clear that the sovereignty of the nation is at risk here because these impositions show the omnipresent influence of the US-led multilateral financial agencies in the affairs of our country. It also exposes their primary objective of fully dominating our economy. Not surprisingly, loan impositions of clipping the corporate wings of NFA began during the Marcos regime and a year after Aquino assumed the presidency. It is very ironic that this is still being continued up to this time because it is a known fact that the centerpiece program of the present Erap administration is "food security". Rice is a political sensitive commodity. Being the staple food for millions of Filipinos is crucial from the standpoint of food security. Its violent distortion in price will have violent response from the people who will feel aggrieve that the government virtually abandoned them. Leaving our food needs to the vagaries of the world market as it is being pushed by the American-led new world economic order of globalization will mean food insecurity for the nation. One must bear in mind that the grain volume available for trade in the world market is minuscule. As late as 1996, world grain stocks were described to be dangerously low that prices were near-record levels. Given the scenario where the local rice farmers will shift to other crops because of reduced or eliminated government subsidy and failure of foreign suppliers to honor their commitments to the Philippines due to low exportable surplus or for political reasons, will have dire consequences on the food security of the country. We in C-FOUR believe that in struggling against NFA privatization and foreign intervention, we are not only fighting for the interest of the farmers, rice retailers and employees but rather for the interest of the Filipino people, the sovereignty of our country and peaceful co-existence among nations, including the US. # From amittal at foodfirst.org Wed Jul 12 03:02:30 2000 From: amittal at foodfirst.org (Anuradha Mittal) Date: Tue, 11 Jul 2000 11:02:30 -0700 Subject: [asia-apec 1485] Eastern Europe Opposes US Budget Proposals to Push Agricultural Biotech Message-ID: <0.700000824.788054520-951758591-963338550@topica.com> For Immediate Release Green Groups in Eastern Europe and Former Soviet Union Oppose U.S. Budget Proposals to push agricultural biotech in their region 11 July 2000 -- Amid growing debate over the safety and productivity of genetically modified crops in its own country, the United States is looking to allocate at least US$30 million to promote U.S. agro-biotechnology in the former communist bloc. Additional funding is earmarked for technical exchange programmes for foreign officials to teach them about the U.S. regulatory system "to approve agricultural products using biotechnology".The budget proposals are going before the U.S. Senate for their third reading during the next Senate session, which started this week. Environmental groups in Eastern Europe are outraged that their countries should be targeted for the promotion of ag-biotech. "In the Ukraine, we already have to live with the legacy of Chernobyl. In the last decade, we have become the dumping ground for nuclear technologies. Now, we see the transfer of another hazardous technology, unwanted in the West - ag-biotech", said Tamara Malkova, from the group, Green Dossier, based in Kiev, Ukraine. "In Russia, we know from UNIDO that Monsanto's Roundup Ready soybeans are already being grown commercially, yet even Russian officials are unable to get information from companies, like Monsanto. The corporations are paying Russian institutes directly to do the trials, and completely by-passing the regulatory system" said Olga Berlova, from the Russian environmental network, Socio-Ecological Union, based in Moscow. Many countries in the region still have no regulatory framework to control releases of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), even though field trials of genetically engineered (GE) crops have been taking place for several years and GE foods are already on the market. Even in those countries with GMO laws, they are either weak or not enforced, and with few exceptions, provide no public right to information about releases. "Ukraine does not have the institutional capacity to regulate GMOs. No official can assure the public that Bt potatoes are not on the loose in Ukraine. No one knows what is growing in our fields, or what we are eating. At the same time, U.S. organisations, like USAID and Citizens Network Agribusiness Alliance, whose members include Monsanto, are helping our officials to draft a biosafety law", adds Tanja Topchiy, also from Green Dossier. Many of the countries in this region are aspiring to join the European Union (EU). "We need to apply the precautionary principle when regulating GMOs in order to harmonise our regulations with those in the EU. The U.S. approval system for GMOs is too permissive and is not one that Hungary should be following", said Veronika Mora, from the Hungarian environmental group, ETK. Countries like Bulgaria, are today torn between U.S. seed producers, like Monsanto and Pioneer, already offering farmers GE maize seeds and corporate food processors, like the Belgium company Amylum and the UK grain trader, Glencore, who export to EU markets and who are demanding GE-free food. "These companies are starting to demand certificates of purity of Bulgarian maize. The absence of segregation, labelling and hence traceability threatens to destroy Bulgaria's export market to the EU", explains Iza Kruszewska, from ANPED, The Northern Alliance for Sustainability, an NGO network based in Amsterdam, supporting groups in Eastern Europe. According to Dr. Peter Rosset, from the U.S. group Food First and The Institute for Food and Development Policy: "The U.S. regulatory agencies -- FDA, EPA and USDA -- have been asleep at the wheel with regard to human health and environmental risk assessment of transgenic crops. It's an outrage, and other countries have good reason to be concerned about U.S. exports and food aid." Groups in Eastern Europe and the Newly Independent States have drafted a statement (see attached) addressed to the U.S. Senate expressing their concerns and requesting that this aid money would be better spent on assessing the environmental, health and socio-economic risks of GE crops, or promoting organic agriculture. The statement has been signed by over 20 organisations, based in 9 countries, has been sent to Senators and to the U.S. Embassies in several countries in the region, including Russia, Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia. For more information, contact: Iza Kruszewska, Tel: +44 20 8672 3454 E-mail: iza@cpa-iza.u-net.com Tanja Topchiy, Tel: +380 44 476 8428 E-mail: ttopchiy@hotmail.com Olga Berlova, Tel: +7 (095) 124 7934 E-mail: seupress@glasnet.ru ______________________________________________________________________________ Statement from NGOs in Central and Eastern Europe and the Newly Independent States to the U.S. Senate We, citizen-based organisations from Central and Eastern Europe and the Newly Independent States, who are campaigning to raise awareness of the potential threats of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), are writing to express our concerns regarding U.S. budget proposals for supporting agricultural biotechnology in our region. In particular, we oppose two Government proposals, which are due to go before the U.S. Senate in July2000: S. 2522 and S. 2382. We consider Sections "Development Assistance" (S.2522) and "International Educational Programs", "Development of Expertise in the US Agency for International Development" and "Co-ordinated Federal Strategy" (S. 2382) as an open political tool to finance pro-biotech activities in CEE-NIS from the US budget. There are reasons to believe that the desire to make the public in our countries more receptive to genetically modified (GM) products approved under the US regulatory system, is dictated exclusively by the financial interests of biotech industry. This approach exploits the lack of regulatory and institutional capacity of our State administrations, the absence of public awareness and the weak democratic structures in our region. In countries, such as Ukraine, we have witnessed how U.S.organisations, like USAID and the Citizens Network Agribusiness Alliance are working to promote permissive regulatory regimes for GM seeds and crops. We refuse to allow our countries to become a dump for GM seeds and foods, which are either unwanted or illegal in the countries of the European Union, which many of our countries are hoping to join. Although we recognise that our countries benefit from US financial support, we believe that more needs to be done on assessing the environmental, health, and socio-economic risks -- as well as the questionable necessity --of genetically engineered crops before their large-scale development and introduction in our countries. Indeed, we would prefer to see US support for more sustainable agricultural systems, such as organic farming. Sign-Ons: Iza Kruszewska, ANPED, Northern Alliance for Sustainability, The Netherlands Tanja Topchiy, Tamara Malkova, Green Dossier, Ukraine Dian Deianov, EcoSouthWest, Bulgari, Kalin Anastasov, EcoSouthWest, Bulgaria Olga Berlova, Socio-ecological Union, Moscow, Russia Ieva Zalite, Green Liberty, ZB, Latvia Veronika Mora, ETK, Hungary Ilya Trombitsky, BIOTICA Ecological Society, Moldova Nina Holland, A SEED, The Netherlands Mariam Jorjadze, ELKANA, Tbilisi, Georgia Aurel Duta, MAMA TERRA / For Mother Earth-Romania Yarovoy Vyacheslav, Fund "Lider", Khmelnitskiy Department, Ukraine; Edward Gladkov, Khmelnitskiy Youth League, Ukraine; Interecocentre, Ukraine; Anna Onisimova, MAMA-86, Ukraine; GUTTA-CLUB (Republican Youth Center) and Republican Environmental newspaper for youth "GUTTA", Moldova; Vladimir Lagutov, Center of Coordination and Information "AzovBass", Regional Ecological Movement "Green Don", Russia Nataliya Akulenko, Ukrainian Energy Brigades, Ukraine Andrey Artov, Crimean Republican Association "Ekologia i Mir", Crimea, Ukraine Nana Nemsadze, Green Movement, Georgia, Levan Paposhvili, Agrobiodiversity Protection Society "Dika", Georgia Natasha Petrushkevich, Andrej Axremenko, Dmitry Drangovsi, YEM Belaja Rus, Belarus Jurgita Maciunaite, Vilnius Nature Protection Society Youth Club, Lithuania Moscow Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Russia; International Union of Food and Allied Workers' Associations (IUF); Intellectual Center "The Man and The Environment", Baku, Azerbaidzhan Andrey Rudomaha, Independent Environmental Service on North West Caucasus; Society for the Protection of Environment, Khmelnitskiy, Ukraine; Compass Club, Ukraine; Youth Astronomic Organisation "Outlook from the space", Simpheropol, Crimea, Ukraine; Tatiana Novikova, news writer for "Chronika" and "Nasha Svoboda", Belorussia; Environmental magazine " Climate of Belorussia"; Association "Nash Dom", Ukraine; Victor Belogurov, Emergency Rescue Service of Kharkov, Ukraine; Alexander Karpov, St.Petersburg Society of Naturalists, Russia; Ukrainian Youth Ecological League, Zhitomir, Ukraine; Ewa Sieniarska "Social Ecological Insitute", Warsaw Poland Ela Priwiezencew "Social Ecological Insitute", Warsaw Poland Join the fight against hunger. For more information contact foodfirst@foodfirst.org. ___________________________________________________________ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics From bayan at iname.com Thu Jul 13 15:52:55 2000 From: bayan at iname.com (BAYAN) Date: Wed, 12 Jul 2000 23:52:55 -0700 Subject: [asia-apec 1486] Action Alert: Dumpsite crash kills 84; 942 remain missing Message-ID: <200007121559.XAA14895@tucows.skyinet.net> ACTION ALERT! (Widest possible circulation requested.) From: Bayanihan Alay Sa Sambayan (BALSA, Relief in Service of the People) A Disaster Relief Campaign of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) DUMPSITE CRASH KILLS 84; 942 REMAIN MISSING On the morning of July 11, just days after floods swamped Metro Manila and huge portions of Luzon, a 50-foot "mountain" of garbage in the Payatas dumpsite collapsed and buried 500 shanties in Quezon City. As of 3:00 pm yesterday, July 11, eighty-four (84) bodies have been recovered from under the stinking pike of garbage that collapsed on their houses. Nine hundred forty-two (942) remain missing, and hopes are diminishing that they would survive, even as rescuers are racing against time to recover them or their bodies. According to KADAMAY, a national urban poor organization and a member of the militant Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU, May First Labor Center), a total of three thousand (3,000) persons eke out a living in Payatas as scavengers, vendors, drivers of pedicab and jeepneys, and other odd jobs in this community ironically named Lupang Pangako (Promised Land). There are five hundred (500) shanties built in this area, the size of four football fields. Currently, the one thousand nine hundred fifty (1,950) survivors of the avalanche have sought temporary refuge in two evacuation centers when the dumpsite collapsed. Seven "purok" of Phase II in Payatas B were badly affected by the collapse of the garbage mountain. Most of the victims and their families are members of SAMAHANG TUNAY (roughly translated as Genuine Organization), a local member-organization of KADAMAY and ANAKBAYAN (a mass organization of youths). Rudy Gino, leader of SANGKAP (Organization of Neighbors in Phase II), another local member-organization of KADAMAY, perished in the avalanche along with his wife. His children are still unaccounted for. Another woman leader of SANGKAP lost her shanty when it was razed to the ground by a power line which went down as the ground gave way. ANAKBAYAN also reported that one of its numerous members there was killed. In addition, a rescuer by the name of Noel, a veteran organizer, was also killed. This sad incident reflects the worsening plight of the urban poor under the Estrada government whose pretensions at being pro-poor have been buried under the weight of its actual negligence of the poor and service to big foreign business interests. Support in the form of relief goods, medicines and monetary donations may be sent to BAYAN's national office at 23 Maamo Street, Sikatuna Village, Quezon City and telephone numbers (63 2) 4359151 and (63 2) 9225211. Checks should be made payable to BAYAN. We hope that with your support, the families of the victims in Payatas B will find the courage and the determination to carry on with their lives and to resolve to organize themselves not only for their rights and welfare; but ultimately, to build a truly democratic and just society where people will no longer scavenge or stay in a filthy place, nor be dirt-poor such as those in Payatas July 12. 2000 Philippines ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- B A Y A N Bagong Alyansang Makabayan or New Patriotic Alliance No. 23 Maamo Street, Sikatuna Village Quezon City, PHILIPPINES Telephone: (63-2) 435-9151 Telefax: (63-2) 922-5211 Email: Webpage: http://www.bigfoot.com/~bayan-phils ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From kevin.li at graduate.hku.hk Sat Jul 15 17:36:24 2000 From: kevin.li at graduate.hku.hk (Li Yuk Shing Kevin) Date: Sat, 15 Jul 2000 16:36:24 +0800 Subject: [asia-apec 1487] East and SE Asia Activists Unite to Protect Rivers, Fight Dams Message-ID: <39702288.DFC3DF87@graduate.hku.hk> Southeast Asia Rivers Network (SEARIN) 25/5 Moo 2, Soi Sukhapiban 27 Changkhien-Jed yod Rd., Chang Phuek Chiang Mai 50300, THAILAND Tel&Fax: (66) 53-221157 Email: searin@chmai.loxinfo.co.th PRESS RELEASE July 4, 2000 East and SE Asia Activists Unite to Protect Rivers, Fight Dams http://www.irn.org/programs/pakmun/pr000704.html Anti-dam and river protection organizations in East and SE Asia have united to form a regional network to fight dams and protect rivers in East and SE Asia. At the First East and SE Asia Regional Meeting on Dams, Rivers and People, held in Kong Jiam, Ubon Ratchathani Province from June 28-July 2, more than 60 participants from fourteen countries announced their intention to "unite our struggle at the local, national and international level so as to stop the funding of dam projects in East and SE Asia and to restore rivers to the communities who depend on them." Mr. Chainarong Srettachau, Director of Thai NGO Southeast Asia Rivers Network, the local organizer for the meeting, said, "the joining together of groups from all over East and SE Asia will provide a powerful force to protect the rights of communities who depend on rivers for their survival. We have recognized that we share common problems caused by dams the appropriation of local communities' rights to their rivers and water resources by governments and private developers. By joining forces we will drive a stake through the heart of the dam-building industry in this region." Participants at the meeting, which included dam-affected people from Malaysia, Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, Taiwan and Cambodia, together with allies from across the region, produced the Pak Mun Declaration, which calls for: - a moratorium on large dam construction until the problems created by existing dams have been rectified and reparations made to affected communities. - the decommissioning of dams which have created irreversible social, environmental and cultural destruction, and - an immediate stop to the financing of dam projects by bilateral and multilateral organizations, particularly the World Bank, Asian Development Bank and Japan Bank for International Cooperation. Participants visited Pak Mun and Rasi Salai dams in Thailand, where villagers have occupied the dams and are demanding the permanent opening of the gates. Participants told the villagers that they would work to support their struggle to restore the Mun River. Ms. Joan Carling, Secretary-General of the Cordillera Peoples' Alliance, an indigenous peoples' organization in the Philippines which is fighting the Japanese-funded San Roque dam, told the villagers at Pak Mun and Rasi Salai. "You are not alone. People from 12 countries in the East and SE Asia region, and from the United States, Norway and Australia, have come here today to express our support for your struggle. We can see that the Pak Mun and Rasi Salai dams serve no useful purpose, and that the gates should be permanently opened to restore the Mun river. We call on the Thai government to stop hesitating and comply with your demands, for the sake of the people and the river." ENDS A copy of the Pak Mun Declaration follows: http://www.irn.org/programs/pakmun/000701.declar.html Demanding a moratorium on dam construction, decommissioning of existing dams, reparations for dam-affected people Mae Mun and Mekong Rivers, Kong Jiam, Thailand July 1, 2000 We, the people from 12 countries of East and Southeast Asia namely Korea, China, Japan, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Burma, Taiwan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia and Hong Kong, representing organizations of dam-affected people and their allies, have gathered here at the mouth of the Mun River (Pak Mun) in order to express our unity in strengthening the people's power and supporting our struggle against the injustices that we are now encountering. We have exchanged our experiences both at the local and regional level and recognize that all of us are facing similar kinds of problems caused by dams. Dams have brought about the destruction of rivers and the lives and livelihoods of villagers. Dams undermine the rights of people, their community and culture as well as destroying the environment, all of which are basic needs for their survival. In order to protect the rights and livelihood of people and rivers, our demands are as follows; 1.A moratorium on large dam construction in East and SE Asia until the problems created by existing dams have been rectified and reparation made to affected communities. Further, dams which have created irreversible social, environmental, and cultural destruction must be decommissioned and the rivers restored. 2.The bilateral and multilateral organizations must stop financing dam projects. Development assistance should not be spent on destroying the lives of the people. The transnational corporations, private companies and private banks must also abolish their investment in dam-building projects that do not do justice to people. 3.Governments, dam-building companies, dam industry consultants, the World Bank, private banks and the Asian Development Bank, who are all responsible for the havoc wreaked upon our communities by large dams, must pay proper reparations to all dam-affected communities. 4.Critical and independent inquiries on the rationale and justification of proposed dam projects should be carried out. Integrated Resource Planning, demand side management and conservation of natural resources should be prioritized. Cheaper, cleaner and better alternatives to dams should be undertaken to meet actual needs of people for energy and water. 5.No development projects should be built without the voluntary, prior and informed consent of all affected people. Information regarding proposed projects must be disclosed, in a timely and transparent manner, to the general public and, especially, to people directly impacted from such projects. Further, we demand democratic reforms throughout the region to increase freedom of speech, press and assembly so that people can participate without fear in the decision-making process regarding the use and management of their resources. 6.The oppression of indigenous peoples by dams and other projects should be stopped. We demand that the cultural, social, economic and land rights of indigenous peoples be fully recognized and respected. 7.We oppose the privatization of rivers and water resources. We also oppose the control of rivers and water resources by illegitimate and repressive governments, as in Burma. Access to water is a basic human right. Rivers must be in the hands of the people, not the private sector or military regimes. In order for our demands to be implemented, we declare that we will unite our struggle at the local, national and international level so as to stop the funding of dam projects in East and SE Asia and to restore rivers to the communities who depend on them. Water for Life, not for Death! Ao Khuan kuen bpai, ao Dhammachat kuen ma! Take your dams back, give us nature! Endorsed by Asian Regional Exchange for New Alternatives, Hong Kong Assembly of the Poor, Thailand Cambodia Environmental Preservation Association, Cambodia Church World Services, Cambodia Coalition of Concerned NGOs Against Bakun Dam, Malaysia Committee Against the Yongwong Dam Project, Tong River, Korea Cordillera Peoples' Alliance, Philippines Earth Rights International, Thailand Friends of the Earth, Japan Friends of the People, Thailand Group of Villagers Affected by Hua Na Dam, Thailand Group of Villagers to Protect the Yom River (Kaeng Sua Ten), Thailand Indigenous Peoples Development Centre, Malaysia Korean Federation for Environmental Movement, Korea Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center (LRC-KSK/Friends of the Earth-Phils), Philippines LRA, Indonesia Meinung People's Association, Taiwan Mekong Watch, Japan National Dam Opposition Network, Japan Sagami River Campaign-Symposium, Japan Sahabat Alam Malaysia SOS Selangor, Malaysia South-East Asia Rivers Network, Thailand Taiwan Environmental Action Network, Taiwan TUNOD KSM - Alliance of Indigenous Organizations in Sierra Madre Mountain, Philippines Villager Committee to Restore the Mun River, Thailand Villager Committee to Protect the Lam Dom Yai River, Thailand Villager Committee to Protect the Rub Ror River Basin, Thailand WALHI, Indonesia WALHI Papua, Indonesia Wildlife Fund Thailand Yayasan Tanah Merdeka, Indonesia -- Kevin Li Researcher Three Gorges Campaign and China Program International Rivers Network http://www.hk-sanxia.org From fod346 at hotmail.com Mon Jul 17 01:28:37 2000 From: fod346 at hotmail.com (winner white) Date: Mon, 17 Jul 2000 01:28:37 PKT Subject: [asia-apec 1488] Fw: Letter of Protest on Kalabagh Dam Message-ID: <20000716202837.571.qmail@hotmail.com> -----Original Message----- From: Maqsood Ghaz M To: helpasia@egroups.com Date: Monday, July 17, 2000 11:10 AM Subject: [HelpAsia] Letter of Protest on Kalabagh Dam Letter of Protest on Kalabagh Dam Dear Colleagues: We invite you to join us in urging Pakistani Government, WCD and International Donors to shelve out the environmentally disastrous Hydropower Dam Kalabagh and to promote fundamental human rights in Indus Basin by protecting the indigenous people from this controversial project in their region. One simple, concrete action you can take in solidarity with the people of Indus valley: Please sign, post and forward / distribute to any and all individuals and groups that support environment, ecology, democracy and Human Rights. TEXT OF THE LETTER To, The President of Pakistan Mr. Rafik Tarar. President House, Islamabad Pakistan. The Chief Executive of Pakistan General Pervez Musharraf. Islamabad Pakistan. The President World Commission of Dams (WCD), Dr. Kader Asmal. CC. Mr Omar Asghar Khan Federal Minister Mr. Javed Jabbar Federal Minister All concerned Donors. International Rivers Network (IRN) Dear Sir, We are deeply concerned with the intentions of Federal Government of Pakistan and Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) regarding proposed construction of controversial mega hydro power dam Kalabagh. We appeal to implement environmentally sound and economically effective alternatives -- such as reducing water wastage by lining the canals and introduction of more efficient irrigation techniques. It appears that In spite of rejection of Kalabagh Dam Project by the environmental and irrigation experts and by the three out of four peoples and provinces (Sindh, NWFP, Balochistan) of Pakistan through their duly elected Provincial Assemblies, your government and ministry of water and power are planning to start with this environmentally and ecologically disastrous project. You know that during the last 15 years Sindh and NWFP (Pakhtunkhwa) and Balochistan Provinces have been erupting in protest and millions of people have come to streets in different cities and towns raising slogans against this disastrous decision. Six complete general strikes have taken place, an Anti-Kalabagh Dam Front (AKDF) and PONM (Pakistan Oppressed Nations Movement) have been formed and different political, social, religious and environmental organizations have started protest marches, hunger strikes and demonstrations. Sir, The area of present-day Sindh province was the center of the ancient Indus Valley / Mohen-jo-daro Civilization (2300 BC-1750 BC), it was named after Indus, the great Trans-Himalayan river of South Asia and one of the world's longest rivers, with a length of 2,900 km. Therefore the threat to Indus valley and Indus river is a threat to the ancient Indus / Mohen-jo-daro Civilization. The proposed Kalabagh dam will not only store 6.7 MAF water of Indus but 12.8 MAF water will be diverted to left bank and right bank canals for the irrigation in Mianwali, Khushab, Jhelum and Dera Ismail Khan districts. Therefore the KB dam will be consuming 19.5 MAF water of Indus and the quantity of 10 MAF which has been provisionally earmarked for out flow to sea under the provisions of Water Accord of 1991, will not be available after storage at Kalabagh dam. There is already a deep distrust created between Sindh and Punjab on the two irrigation links. Chashma-Jhelum link (21000 cusecs) and Taunsa-Panjnad link (12000 cusecs) have been kept open for the last several years without prior consent and permission of the Sindh provincial government in flagrant violation of the inter-provincial agreement. Due to their past malpractice’s and breaches of trust people of Sindh do not trust WAPDA and Punjab irrigation department. People believe that the aim of Punjab regarding building a dam is to keep a life and death grip on the life line of Sindh, in this way the ruthless and unscrupulous ruling coteries would be able to control the very existence of four crore (40 million) Sindhis. As far as the environmental and ecological aspects and threats are concerned the shortage of water for out flow to sea has already caused reduction in the volume of silt. Indus river once brought down 600 million tones of silt out of which half reached the sea and half fertilized the alluvial plain. Today, just 36 million tones passes the upstream barrages and dams. The Indus delta was spread over in 350 sq. km before the partition, it also had more than nine perennial streams, now it has only two perennial streams and covers just about 25 sq. km. This reduction has resulted in the erosion and degradation of the delta, elimination of 0.6 million acres of riverine forests and destruction of mangrove forest area, which has reduced from 263,000 hectares in 1977 to 158,500 hectares in 1990. >From aquatic conservation point of view the famous Palla fish, Bulahan(Indus dolphin), Khagga (Sea cat) and other aquatic species have become nearly extinct due to water shortage. The annual production of Palla has been reduced from 5000 tons to just 500 tons. Further reduction of fresh water flows below Kotri will be a disaster for the common people & fishermen (Munhanas) who depend upon agriculture and fisheries in coastal Sindh. Sir, Indus river plays a vital role in the formation of psyche, society and culture of the Sindhi people. The construction of the dam is likely to keep Indus below Sukkur dry most of the year. Many fishermen living on the Indus will become homeless and the Indus that is the Darya Shah (living legend) for Sindhis will be polluted and reduced from once mighty river to mere expanse of shallow water. This is equal to the cultural invasion and devastation of the thousands year old cultural heritage of Sindhi people. Kalabagh Dam will be a grave threat to the fertile Peshawar valley and thousands of acres of NWFP’s most fertile agricultural land will be destroyed. According to govt.’s own figures a total of 35,000 acres of land will be inundated/submerged by the Dam, out of which 3,000 acres are irrigated while 27,000 acres are barani. As a result of rise of water level due to pounding up at Kalabagh, the water level in Kabul river will rise due to back water effect, thus posing serious threat to the Nowshera (a city of about 200000 people) which will be fully waterlogged within few years. Water quality will be polluted by salinity due to nearness of Khewra and Kohat salt formations. As the KB Dam will cause the displacement of 250,000 people, there will be an issue of implementing compensation and resettlement of the thousands of men, women, and children who will lose houses and lands submerged by KB. The province of Balochistan has been irrigating about 300000 acres with the supply from Pat feeder of Guddu ( a barrage of Indus) which will be affected by the shortage of water. The destruction of wildlife/bird Sanctuaries, riverine forests and natural lakes like Manchar, Kinjhar, Hadero, Haleji and Chotiari will affect biodiversity, specially the migratory birds of Siberia and Kazekustan and endangered aquatic as well as terrestrial species. KB Dam will trap an estimated two-thirds of the sediments of the Indus River, which has the fifth highest sediment load in the world and the Dam will increase salinity and waterlogging and will further degrade agricultural productivity of the Indus Basin. Shortage of water near, and in, the river's estuary would cause a lot of environmental degradation in the coastal areas, destroying Tamar (mangroves) and marine life as well as causing considerable ecological damage to the Indus in its lower reaches. Reduced river discharge, combined with raised sea levels due to global warming, will enable the estuarine salt wedge to extend much further upstream than it previously did at the river mouth. The resultant salinisation will have a disastrous effect on the ecology and agricultural productivity and Arabian sea water might travel upwards for considerable distances submerging/immersing large regions of lower Sindh.As for as the irrigation of Punjab’s Seraiki areas are concerned, the lands along the proposed canal sites are already owned/purchased by the settlers and absentee landlords and it will result in adverse demographic change in Seraiki belt, starting a powerful process of reducing the Seraiki-speaking people to a tiny minority in their thousands year old homeland. As for as the existing water position is concerned The province of Sindh needs adequate water for April May period to ensure initial irrigations for major Kharif crops. But despite that fact that province’s share for April, according to water accord of 1991 is 121,400 cusecs, it just received only 30,275 cusecs for April 2000. In fact there is no shortage of water in the country. The only shortage is of fairness. The Chashma-Jhelium and Taunsa-Panjnad link canals were built under Indus Water Treaty to supply dry beds of eastern rivers, surrendered to India in a disastrous accord and it was agreed that the canals would operate only under surplus flows in Indus and with prior permission of Sindh government. But the agreement has been continuously violated since late seventies. It is this catastrophic situation which forced the minister of irrigation and power, government of Sindh Mr. A.N.G. Abbasi to say that it is not a matter of simply “choree” (theft) but it is “seena zori”. Before this the then Governor of Sindh Mr. Daudpota also complained that Punjab is stealing 11000 cusecs water of Sindh ’s share. The construction of Kalabagh Dam may offer prospects of lucrative kickbacks for our rulers and may bring some land under cultivation in Punjab but only at the cost of inundation and displacement in NWFP, ecological and environmental disaster in Indus basin and at the cost of destruction & desertification of green and fertile lands of Sindh and some parts of Balochistan and NWFP. Ultimately there will not only be a net loss of food production in Pakistan but many areas of Sindh will even be deprived of drinking water. Therefore, we urge you to halt all the planning, preparations and surveys of Kalabagh Dam. We further urge you to take immediate action to save the lives, livelihood and habitats of millions of the people of Indus Basin and terminate this project at once forever. Name-----------------------------Org------------------------------- City / Country 1. Ayaz Latif Palijo Sindh Research Council (SRC) Hyderabad Pakistan 2. Aijaz Mangi Journalist Tameer Sindh Jamshoro Pakistan 3. Jami Chadio Editor Daily Ibrat Hyderabad Pakistan 4. Inam Shaikh Journalist Kawish Hyderabad Pakistan 5. Rasul Bux Palijo Awami Tahreek Hyderabad Pakistan 6. Dr. Qadir Magsi Sindh Tarqi Pasand Party Hyderabad Pakistan 7. Bashir Khan Qureshi Jeay Sindh Qoumi Muhaz Larkana Pakistan 8. Noor ul Huda Shah Writer Hyderabad Pakistan 9. Professor Gul Agha Professor USA 10. Sassui Palijo Law Student London UK 11. Malsi Dias Colombo Sri Lanka 12. Saviri Goonesekere Colombo 13. Swana Jayaweera Colombo Sri Lanka 14. Razk Sarohi Tameer Sindh Hyderabad Pakistan 15. Jaffar Memon Tameer Sindh Hyderabad Pakistan 16. Action for Global Justice USA 17. Abdul Aziz Buriro Pakistan Peoples Party Karachi Pakistan 18. Shaheen Khan Writer Hyderabad Pakistan 19. Arab Malah Tarqi Passand Mallah Hyderabad Pakistan 20. Yury Urbonsky National Ecological Centre Ukraine 21. Dr. Qamar Wahid Professor JAmshoro Pakistan 22. Dr. Shams Siddiqui Writer Hyderabad Pakistan 23. Hafeez Kunbhar Writer Hyderabad Pakistan 24. Hasan Dars Writer Hyderabad Pakistan 25. Ibrahim Munshi Writer Hyderabad Pakistan 26. Qamar Shahbaz Writer Karachi Pakistan 27. Rafik Mustafa Abbasi NGO Activist Hyderabad Pakistan 28. Magnus Linder Sweden 29. Peter Olofson Umea, Sweden 30. Caroline Evenbo Sweden 31. Jesica Bjark Grimsas, Sweden 32. Naseer Sarang Memon NGO Activist Hyderabad Pakistan 33. Imdad Husaini Poet Hyderabad Pakistan 34. Malik Nadim Poet Khairpur Pakistan 35. Lian Greff Environmentalist South Africa 36. Mukhtiar Malik Sindhi Adabi Sangat Khairpur Pakistan 37. Nusrat Lashari Writer Karachi Pakistan 38. Sahar Imdad Poetess Jamshoro Pakistan 39. Görann Ekward Conservationist Sweden 40. Robert Gardet Paris, FRANCE 41. Claude Villard Activist FRANCE 42. Freis Montpellier FRANCE 43. Sobho Gianchandani Writer Larkana Pakistan 44. Taj Joyo Lib Sidhi Language Authority Hyderabad Pakistan 45. Third World Network Malaysia 46. Sohail Kalhoro IT Professional London UK 47. Nadeem Jamali Univ. of Illinois at Urbana Champaign USA 48. Paulene Wiliams Australia 49. Tricsh Kent Perth, Australia 50. Debbie Kersloke Sydney Australia 51. Rubina N Shaikh World Sindhi Congress Cardiff, Wales UK 52. Arif Arrman Jakarta, Indonesia 53. Jijee Zarina Baloch Writer Hyderabad Pakistan 54. Asia Resource Center (ARC) Tokyo, Japan 55. Mahfooz Ursani PNRDP Hyderabad Pakistan 56. Ali Ahmad Joyo Engineer Hyderabad Pakistan 57. Doe Toshiyuki Forum on the ADB Japan 58. Murtaza Malik Consultant Peshawar Pakistan 59. M. Grunbohal Austria 60. Chainarong Sretthachau Southeast Rivers Network Thailand 61. Supacha Charnwong Legal Aid Thailand 62. Naseer Mirza Writer Hyderabad Pakistan 63. Somcha Sirchai Farmers Network Thailand 64. Farhan Soomro Florida USA 65. SHAHBAZ VAKA Pakistan 66. Hussain Uqaili SANA Toronto Canada 67. NAZIA MEMON MEDICAL STUDENT HYDERABAD/PAK 68. FARAH ALI Karachi / PAK 69. Fazal Nizamani Sindhi Sangat Sydney /Australia 70. Nizamuddin Nizamani 71. Nazia Junejo Arizona, USA 72. Michiya Kumaoka Japan 73. Makoto Sataka Japan 74. Makoto Sato Japan 75. Hisae Sawachi Japan 76. Masumi Sirakawa Japan 77. Kojiro Sho Japan 78. Jinzaburo Takagi Japan 79. B K Shar UK 80. Anna Bassol Barcelona, Spain 81. Mireia Dunac Ecologist Spain 82. Ameer Ali Qadri Professor Tando Jam Pakistan 83. Rajab Memon Professor Tando Jam Pakistan 84. Siraj Siyal Ast. Professor Tando Jam Pakistan 85. Asif Baladi Writer Hyderbad Sindh Pakistan 86. Nasim Thebo Writer Jamshoro Pakistan 87. Haider Mallah STP Hyderabad Pakistan 88. Dodo Maheri Badin Pakistan 89. Shabana Mangi Sindh University Jamshoro 90. Moona Thebo Sindh University Jamshoro 91. Mahmooda Mangi Aero Asia Pakistan 92. Razak Rind Al Khair University Hyderabad Pakistan 93. Dr. Rukhsana Fazal Karachi Sindh 94. Ashfaq Azar Daily Kawish Hyderabad Sindh 95. Shabir Nizamani Daily Ibrat Hyderabad Pakistan 96. Jam Saqi Writer Hyderabad 97. Sana Ayaz Doctor Hyderabad 98. Deedar Baloch Advocate Mirpurkhas Sindh 99. Nazir Naz Lecturer Hyderabad 100. Maqsood Memon writer Pakistan 101. Salim Channa Writer Hyderabad Pakistan 102. Ashraf Baloch Artist Hyderabad Pakistan 103. Abid Shah Environmentalist Australia 104. Dr. Aziz Talpur Awami Tahreek Tando Mohd Khan Sindh 105. Mohd Khan Bhurgri Awami Tahreek Hyderabad 106. Wishnoo Mal Awami Tahreek Badin Sindh 107. Akbar Sagar Writer Karachi Pakistan 108. Parwano Bhatti Journalist Hyderabad Pakistan 109. Yusif Leghari SDP Hyderabad Pakistan 110. Tasleem Zanoor Writer Kawish Hyderabad Sindh 111. Akash Mallah JSQM Sindh 112. Mir Allam Maree JSQM Sindh 113. Nazeer Kamal Writer Hyderabad Pakistan 114. Mansoor Qadir Junejo Writer Sindh 115. Khalid Hashmani USA 116. Mir Atta Muhammad Talpur Mirpurkhas 117. Muhammad Umar Chand New Zealand ________________________________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com From notoapec at clear.net.nz Tue Jul 18 00:44:35 2000 From: notoapec at clear.net.nz (APEC Monitoring Group) Date: Mon, 17 Jul 2000 08:44:35 -0700 Subject: [asia-apec 1489] NZ PM writes to Sultan of Brunei re APEC Message-ID: <000201bff006$35475300$fccda7cb@notoapec> The Press, Christchurch NZ, 15 July 2000 Clark writes to Sultan after newspaper report Prime Minister Helen Clark has written to the Sultan of Brunei to avert a diplomatic backlash after her comment to Britain's Financial Times that Apec had run out of steam and was unlikely to make progress under Brunei's stewardship. In an article published on June 29, she said: "Apec won't get any steam this year, because it's in Brunei, which is really too small to give the leadership for it. "The following year will be in China and that will create huge interest. "To be frank, this year, I don't think people are expecting a lot of progress." Ms Clark's comments were consistent with her views expressed all year. But, in order to avert a diplomatic backlash, she sent an explanatory letter with her acceptance of the Sultan's invitation to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation leaders summit in Brunei in November. "Imade the point that hosting Apec was a huge burden for a small country. I noted that Brunei has inherited from New Zealand the largest built-in agenda of any host to date," she said. "Apec is a heavy burden for any of its smaller members. Indeed, I know that acting as host last year was a major challenge for New Zealand and one which drew heavily on all policy and logistical resources." She said reviving Apec might prove harder because of the disillusion with the United States in the wake of the Asian crisis. "There are terribly bitter feelings in Asia from the US response to the Asian economic crisis. What they saw was, when Russia and Brazil were in trouble they rushed in, and they didn't do that for Asia, and yet these countries in Asia had been, they considered, very loyal friends." From kevin.li at graduate.hku.hk Tue Jul 18 09:21:12 2000 From: kevin.li at graduate.hku.hk (Li Yuk Shing Kevin) Date: Tue, 18 Jul 2000 08:21:12 +0800 Subject: [asia-apec 1490] Urgent! Arrest of 200 Villagers at Thailand Government House Message-ID: <3973A2F8.A48BC6E9@graduate.hku.hk> Thai Government Denying Human Rights! Arrest of 200 Villagers at Government House July 17, 2000 At 14:45 (2:45 p.m.) today (Monday, 17 July 2000), the Chuan government ordered more than 1,000 policemen to forcibly remove protesters of the Assembly of the Poor from the area around the Government House. One group of 202 protesters inside the grounds of the Government House were arrested and removed by about 600 policemen and women from the area in more than ten vehicles. Somparn Kuendee, advisor to the Assembly and a staff member of the Southeast Asia Rivers Network (SEARIN), reported by cell phone just prior to herself being arrested, that a representative of the police announced to the protesters that they had tresspassed onto government property and would be arrested. While making the arrests, Somparn said that some police harranged the protesters. At this moment, the police took the arrested protesters to the Police Officer Academy located at Klong Hok in Pathum Thainai and the Police Officer Academy located at the Region One Border Patrol Police Headquarters in Salaya in Nakorn Pathom. Most of those arrested were senior citizens, women, and children, one of them being only two years old. The other group of 500 protesters were pushed and beaten back across the Prempracha canal by about 500-600 police armed with batons and shields and their the vehicle with their loudspeaker was confiscated. About 30 villagers were injured. Two of them were so seriously injured that they were sent to Wachirat Hospital for treatment. At 3:15 p.m., a press conference was held at the SEARIN office by the Academics for the Poor led by Professor Nidhi Iaosriwong from Chiang Mai University and Mr. Somchai Sirichai of the Northern Farmer's Network. Professor Nidhi argued that we need to understand the historical context of the protest staged by the Assembly of the Poor, particularly the Pak Moon villagers who have been waiting for an acceptable resolution by the government for 16 months. But the government has shown its indifference to the suffering of the people despite the recommendations made by the committee set up by the government itself to investigate the issue. The actions taken by the government indicate the govenrment's apathy and the consistent preference for violence in resolving conflicts with the poor. Professor Nidhi urged that the people in Bangkok and in Thai society in general recognize the government's illegitimate use of violence and the narrow-minded and undemocratic attitude prevalent in the Democrat-led government. This can be used against other powerless segments of Thai society any time. The fact that the affected people occupied the premises of the Government House should be seen as their attempt to negotiate with a government that refuses to listen to their long-standing problems. Denied any other avenues to have their grievances heard, they are given only this limited choice. The middle class should understand that the protesters are not initiating any violence or merely agitating. They have, on the contrary, been ignored and deprived of their right to register their grievance. Mr. Somchai condemned the government and demanded the immediate release of the detained villagers. We call upon our international network of friends and those concerned to take action. First, please stage a protest at any Royal Thai Embassies, especially in Washington, D.C., Tokyo, Sydney and any country of the European Union. Second, please send a fax to Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai or to any Royal Thai Embassy abroad. The message of any protest or fax should speak against the use of violence, demand the immediate release of the arrested protesters, and call for the government to comply fully with the recommednations of the committee set up to address the 16 conflicts under the banner of the Aseembly of the Poor. Most immediate is the opening of the gates at Pak Mun Dam. However, the government must also immediately address the remaining 15 unresolved issues, seven covering dams, another seven concerning land rights, and a final one concerning the negative effects of the Chong Mek Development Project. *********************************** Southeast Asia Rivers Network (SEARIN) 78 Moo 10 Suthep Rd, Tambol Suthep, Muang Chiang Mai 50200 Thailand Tel 66-53-278334, 66-53-280-712 Fax 66-53-283609 Email: searin@chmai.loxinfo.co.th -- Kevin Li Researcher Three Gorges Campaign and China Program International Rivers Network http://www.hk-sanxia.org From notoapec at clear.net.nz Mon Jul 24 07:53:33 2000 From: notoapec at clear.net.nz (APEC Monitoring Group) Date: Sun, 23 Jul 2000 15:53:33 -0700 Subject: [asia-apec 1491] GATT Watchdog Media Release 23/7/00 Message-ID: <000001bff4fa$42c6f640$a2cfa7cb@notoapec> GATT WATCHDOG, PO BOX 1905 CHRISTCHURCH MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE USE 23 July 2000 Fair Trade Group Seeks Singapore Free Trade Agreement Draft From Singapore Government, Condemns NZ Government Secrecy GATT Watchdog has written to Singapore?s Ministry of Trade and Industry and its High Commissioner in Wellington requesting a copy of the draft text of the free trade agreement being negotiated between New Zealand and Singapore. This follows earlier refusals by the New Zealand Government to release it or Cabinet papers setting out the rationale for the agreement and its scope. "The secrecy which still surrounds New Zealand?s participation in international negotiations on trade and investment liberalisation is utterly unacceptable. It gives the lie to Labour-led government claims about its commitment to open government and democracy. It clearly does not want genuine open debate about free trade and investment any more than previous governments," said GATT Watchdog spokesman, Aziz Choudry. "With APEC in a state of virtual paralysis, and the WTO so far failing to kick off a new round of multilateral trade negotiations, the "Closer Economic Partnership" with Singapore is a step towards a possible new trade bloc including South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Without seeing the actual text it is very difficult for people to assess the real implications of this agreement for New Zealand. The only material which the Government has deigned to release is so general and one-sided it is almost meaningless. "We understand that Jim Sutton will report on the negotiations ? which appear to have hit problems ? to Cabinet in the next week or two. Meanwhile we hope the Singapore government does the right thing and releases the text to us. "The Government and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade show no sign of departing from the secretive, anti-democratic tradition of New Zealand?s participation in trade and investment liberalisation negotiations. This is not the first time we have sought such information from overseas because New Zealand trade officials and ministers operate in such secrecy. "In 1992 the Dunkel draft of the GATT Agreement was obtained from overseas because New Zealand trade officials would not release it for scrutiny. In 1996 we were only able to raise questions about New Zealand?s draft APEC Individual Action Plan when a copy was leaked from Asia. In 1997, the posting of draft texts of the controversial Multilateral Agreement on Investment (MAI) on the Internet by Canadian campaigners enabled a number of New Zealand organisations and the wider public ? including the Alliance ? to raise concerns about the MAI many of which New Zealand officials finally had to concede might be justified. "Even the National Government finally released the draft text of the MAI while negotiations were still continuing, as well as Cabinet briefing papers and decisions and other official documents including communications between MFAT and other ministries. The current government is unwilling to go even that far with this agreement. What is it trying to hide?" For further comment, ph Aziz Choudry: (03) 3662803 (Letter attached) Director, Trade Division Ministry of Trade and Industry 100 High Street 309-01, The Treasury SINGAPORE 179434 Fax: 65 3348135 High Commissioner Singapore High Commission 17 Kabul St Khandallah WELLINGTON Fax: 04 479 2315 21 July 2000 Dear Sir GATT Watchdog is a Christchurch, New Zealand-based coalition of community groups and non-government organisations committed to education and action on alternatives to the global market economy. Since 1990 we have been at the forefront of education and analysis of New Zealand participation in trade and investment liberalisation which has greatly contributed to national debate about these issues. We are writing to request a copy of the text of the draft Closer Economic Partnership agreement currently being negotiated between the New Zealand and Singapore governments. There is keen public interest in this agreement in New Zealand. We sincerely hope that you are able to help with our request. We look forward to hearing from you. Yours sincerely Aziz Choudry GATT Watchdog From notoapec at clear.net.nz Tue Jul 25 02:26:45 2000 From: notoapec at clear.net.nz (APEC Monitoring Group) Date: Mon, 24 Jul 2000 10:26:45 -0700 Subject: [asia-apec 1492] Mike Moore on G8 and WTO Round Message-ID: <000401bff594$625ead00$09cda7cb@notoapec> DG Moore welcomes G-8 statement on new trade round. Press Release World Trade Organisation 24/07/00 08:34:00 DG Moore welcomes G-8 statement on launch of new trade round. World Trade Organization Director General Mike Moore today (23 July 2000) welcomed the statement from leaders of the Group of Eight industrial countries that a round of multilateral trade negotiations should commence this year. A trade round, Mr. Moore said, offers the best way to ensure balanced negotiations which reflect the interests and concerns of all WTO member governments. Mr. Moore said it was vital for Canada, the European Union, Japan and the United States to agree on the way forward in launching such a round, but he made it very clear that agreement among the "Quad" is not sufficient for a successful launch. He stressed that there could be no trade round unless such talks were supported by developing country governments and unless more flexibility on difficult issues is shown by all sides. "It would be a splendid thing if we could launch a round this year. I welcome the fact that such an important group of world leaders has cast a spotlight on the importance of such negotiations to the people of the world. This is an important step. "But the WTO makes all of its important decisions by consensus and while agreement on a package of negotiations from the Group of Eight is welcome, there can be no launch of talks without support from the world's developing countries. It is through a round that our organization can achieve a balanced agreement that enables us tackle to the many problems and concerns affecting the world's citizens. Only through a round can you get the trade-offs that benefit the smallest and most vulnerable societies." ENDS From kevin.li at graduate.hku.hk Tue Jul 25 22:01:58 2000 From: kevin.li at graduate.hku.hk (Kevin Yuk-shing Li) Date: Tue, 25 Jul 2000 21:01:58 +0800 Subject: [asia-apec 1493] Open the Pak Mun gates: Sign-on letter sent to Thai Prime Minister Chuan Message-ID: <397D8FC5.27EE4DBA@graduate.hku.hk> July 24, 2000 The Honorable Mr. Chuan Leekpai Prime Minister of Thailand Fax: 662-2475417 or 66-2801443 Drop charges for arrested protesters - stop violent police actions - open the Pak Mun gates We write to express our support for the Assembly of the Poor (AOP) villagers who have been protesting at Government House these last two weeks, and at the World Bank-funded Pak Mun dam these last sixteen months. We were shocked to learn about the use of batons, shields and tear gas against protestors on July 16-17, especially against the elderly, women and children. This police violence was unnecessary given that the villagers were unarmed and non violent. These people are not criminals. They are exercising their legitimate right to protest. The members of Assembly of the Poor have been protesting for 16 months, but their grievances have been consistently ignored or downplayed by your government. Faced with this situation, the villagers have been given no other choice but to demonstrate peacefully in order to make their voice heard. Therefore, we request that all charges against the protesters be immediately dropped. Moreover, the government should take responsibility for the violence inflicted on the Pak Mun villagers last week and ensure that it is not repeated. We also strongly urge the Government to comply with the recommendations made by the committee established by the Interior Ministry to investigate the issues raised by Assembly of the Poor. The committee recommended that the gates at Pak Mun Dam be opened for four months during the rainy season in order to allow fish migration and restore fisheries in the upstream areas. There are also 15 more issues on dams and land rights that should be addressed by the government. We request that during tomorrow s Cabinet meeting, the recommendations of the committee be accepted without any conditions, and the remaining 15 unresolved issues be immediately addressed. The international community strongly supports the villagers efforts to recover their lost livelihood and restore the ecology of the Mun River and will be closely monitoring the situation. Respectfully yours, Aviva Imhof South-East Asia Campaigner Endorsed by the following organizations: (74 organizations from 21 countries) Read the whole letter: http://www.irn.org/programs/pakmun/000724.signon.html *********************************** Southeast Asia Rivers Network (SEARIN) 78 Moo 10 Suthep Rd, Tambol Suthep, Muang Chiang Mai 50200 Thailand Tel 66-53-278334, 66-53-280-712 Fax 66-53-283609 Email: searin@chmai.loxinfo.co.th Web site www.searin.atfreeweb.com -- Kevin Li Researcher Three Gorges Campaign and China Program International Rivers Network http://www.hk-sanxia.org From notoapec at clear.net.nz Thu Jul 27 12:22:46 2000 From: notoapec at clear.net.nz (notoapec@clear.net.nz) Date: Thu, 27 Jul 2000 15:22:46 +1200 (NZST) Subject: [asia-apec 1494] NZ Herald - Message-ID: <200007270322.PAA04655@waklwh3.wilsonandhorton.co.nz> 10/05/00 - Dialogue: Economic partnership with Singapore rather one-sided By JANE KELSEY* For much of the 1990s, the champions of globalisation held a position of ascendancy in New Zealand and much of the world. Today, there is a sense of desperation. Political speeches, editorials, official documents and think-tank reports repeat the mantra that globalisation is inevitable and irreversible, and dismiss its critics as simple-minded or neanderthal, as if that will make the challenges go away. They have faced a lot of setbacks lately. Successive financial crises have hit East Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America and people are waiting for the latest speculative stockmarket bubble to burst. All the international institutions are in crisis: negotiations on the Multilateral Agreement on Investment at the OECD collapsed; Apec is paralysed; World Trade Organisation members failed to give a mandate for a new round of negotiations in Seattle; the IMF and World Bank face constant pressure to justify their existence. The causes extend far beyond the protests that recently filled our television screens. Unregulated markets are proving unstable and potentially self-destructive. Poor countries, based on bitter recent experience, are rejecting paternalistic claims that globalisation is really good for them and challenging forums where they have no effective say. Citizens in individual countries are objecting to supranational policy-making by undemocratic institutions such as the WTO and IMF, and free-market policies that visibly serve the elite. Others condemn the damage that policies designed to maximise profit are causing to indigenous people, the environment, workers and local communities. To date, the official solution to the so-called wobbly bicycle is to ride it faster, adopting a detour, where necessary, to reach the finish line. To defuse criticism, they are making the map more transparent and working harder to sell the destination. But this bicycle is on a single track. Passengers cannot suggest a different destination or change the booking agent, let alone demand the right to get off. The Government has adopted this approach. Fortunately, it has abandoned the obsession with unilaterally disarming New Zealand through free trade and investment policies that no one else adopted. The new strategy involves reciprocal agreements with one or more countries to remove restrictions on trade and investment. This patchwork of agreements is meant to achieve progressively the global free-market goal. A concerted push to expand the CER agreement with Australia is part of this strategy. Two reports on a common currency with Australia have now been produced. And a parliamentary select committee has called for submissions by mid-June to identify the benefits (but not the downsides) of further economic integration with Australia. A second element is a free-trade agreement with Singapore. Renamed a Closer Economic Partnership to make it more palatable, this ultimately aims to remove all discrimination in trade in goods and services and investment between New Zealand and Singapore. However, Singapore has many more protections than New Zealand, especially in services. In return for lowering some of these, it wants New Zealand to reduce even further its minimal restrictions on tariffs and services. Officials admit the tangible gains to New Zealand would be minimal. According to the executive director of Asia 2000: "Stated bluntly, the Singapore-NZ free- trade agreement is a Trojan horse for the real negotiating end-game - a possible new trade bloc encompassing all of South-east Asia and Australia and New Zealand." An eminent persons' group is working on that plan. Its target remains the Apec goal of free trade in goods and services and foreign investment by New Zealand and the other "developed" Apec countries by 2010, and poorer ones by 2020. Where Singapore fits is unclear. The Prime Minister has confirmed her commitment to that goal. But it is unclear where the cabinet sits. Its Alliance members cannot be happy. The Greens have made their opposition clear. Despite attempts to portray the agreement as benign, there are many unanswered questions: How does free trade fit the Government's regional economic development strategy? What rights and protections would Singapore investors be guaranteed? Would clothing made in Singapore-owned free-trade zones in Indonesia be able to circumvent the freeze on tariff cuts announced recently? Would Singapore universities have to be treated the same as New Zealand ones, despite the Government's new emphasis on education's nation-building role? To pre-empt accusations of secrecy, officials are now assiduously "consulting" interested groups. But there is no information on which to answer these questions and many more. The Government has released a superficial briefing paper and cost-benefit analysis that lacks the necessary details. Even MPs will apparently not see the text until the negotiations are complete and it is signed. The officials are aiming for late next month. The final agreement will be considered by a select committee that, it is to be hoped, will call for submissions. But like all economic agreements, the decision to ratify will rest with the cabinet, not Parliament. For the Government to pull out then would involve an unacceptable loss of face. Like any other move to promote globalisation, this agreement is not inevitable. Any domestic legislation that sought to tie the hands of future governments would be subject to rigorous scrutiny, public debate and select committee hearings while still in draft form. That is the least we ought to demand from the free-trade agreement with Singapore. * Jane Kelsey lectures in the faculty of law at Auckland University. ---------------------------------- storyID: 136742 fromname: APEC Monitoring Group frommessage: Op-ed from New Zealand Herald 10/05/00 submit.x: 36 submit.y: 12