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Published in Brighton by Justice? - Brighton's Direct Action collective
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Published in Brighton by Justice? - Brighton's Direct Action collective
ISSUE 318, FRIDAY 17th August, 2001
Credit to the Nation
"In 1988 Tanzania's per capita income was $280. Then, in 1998, it was $140. SO I asked the World Bank people what went wrong. Because for the last ten years Tanzania has been signing the dotted line and doing everything the IMF and the World Bank wanted. Enrolment in school has plummeted to 63 per cent and conditions in health and other socila services have deteriorated." - Julius Nyerere, former leader of Tanzania.
Tory Blair left last month's G8 Summit in Genoa blabbering something about making Africa his priority. True to his word he is currently deciding whether or not to grease the wheels for a British company to go in and make a quick buck in Tanzania - one of the poorest countries in the world.
The decision is whether to give an Export Credit Guarantee- and hence the green light - for UK arms company BAE Systems to install a new £28 million air-traffic system (with military potential) in Tanzania, further adding to that country's current crippling foreign debt of £5 billion. This is a deal that even the IMF/World Bank won't support, and are even threatening to stop any more loans if the deal goes ahead.
As well as the debt, Tanzania suffers the ravages of AIDS, a 1 in 10 child mortality rate, land degradation and half the population living on less than $1 a day. So what everyone is really crying out for is an 'over the top' air-traffic system.
The behind-closed-doors machinations which underlie this deal we will never know. Oxfam told SchNEWS that the new air traffic system would include military radar equipment needed to scour the region for gun-smugglers in small aircraft - a big problem in an area which includes The Congo, Rwanda and Burundi. As an OXFAM report points out "In N.E.Kenya, the barter rate for an AK-47 has dropped from 10 cows in '86 to its present level of 2 cows. Wars in the developing world which only decades ago were fought with spears, bows and arrows are now waged with automatic and semi-automatic weapons and the victims are usually civilians. According to the UN Secretary General, the death toll from small arms 'in most years greatly exceeds the toll from the atomic bombs that devastated Hiroshima and Nagasaki'."
But if such noble anti-smuggling work were the prime motive for investment, then why haven't BAE Systems and Tanzania been announcing it as such? We were starting to get a whiff of that familiar old smell.
Debt to the World
A search through East Africa news services reveals page after page of stories about land disputes, factional disputes, privatisation, buy-outs, and companies and governments setting up 'strings attached' deals and aid packages. But on the subject of this air-traffic story you will find nothing definite, apart from these few things we stumbled on. Could they, perhaps, be linked?:
* The Bush Administration is 'committed to helping nations of Africa improve their aviation safety record' and 'seeking an 'open skies' agreement'. Tanzania is one of the African countries singled out to be part of the 'Safe Skies for Africa' programme.
* Swissport International Ltd, a major aviation 'ground handling company' are a big part of the ongoing privatisation of airports in Tanzania, and recently acquired a majority stake in Dar Es Salaam airport, where the new system is to be installed.
* BAE Systems has long been a big privatisation and arms sales player in Africa - coming in with war jets and communications.
* Governments like Tanzania's are surrounded by agencies such as 'Mindworks', who, in their words 'develop executive agencies to assume responsibility for a range of operational functions which were formerly carried out by government departments' - er, sounds like a privatisation broker.
SchNEWS invites readers to make your own mind up - money well spent to fight arms smuggling, or a company earning a fortune from a country who desperately needs its meagre funds to deal with AIDS, starvation, and environmental degradation?
Ethicing 'ell
The Export Credits Guarantee Department (ECGD) is backing the BAE project in Tanzania. This Dept acts as insurance for companies and banks involved in export deals. If the receiving country doesn't cough up the cash the ECGD steps in and foots the bill - funded by us the taxpayer!
In theory the Department supports projects in poor countries so that the population can benefit from improved infrastructure. In reality, of course, the ECGD doesn't take social, human or environmental rights into consideration, and has funded a whole load of dodgy schemes. Over the past decade a third of guarantees have gone to cover arms exports, others have gone to schemes like nuclear power stations and copper mines, with more of the same in the pipeline - like the backing of the notorious Ilisu Dam in Turkey (SchNEWS 259 & 266).
But don't worry dear reader: the UK government has had a review of the ECGD to make it more ethically accountable, and is planning a toothless 'Arms Export Bill'. We can all sleep soundly in our beds knowing that weapons exported to regions of conflict will be used ethically. Especially as BAE Systems - with more export credit guarantees than any other company - boasts on its website of being a 'global citizen', which must mean they don't care who their weapons kill - black, brown, white or yellow, everyone's a winner!
We've heard all this ethics stuff before when 'New-improved' Labour was first elected in 1997. For years, India and Pakistan have been in dispute over the province of Kashmir. In the late 90's tensions increased and border skirmishes became a regular occurrence - and UK arms exporters profited as both countries increased their arms imports. Similarly, the UK cashed in on the bloody civil war in the Democratic Republic of Congo - training Zimbabwean soldiers (who made up two-thirds of the Congo's military force) and selling weapons aCity Studies expressed it in no uncertain terms: "Britain is inflaming the situation by arming both sides."
Going for a Bomb
Where can you buy good ol' British weapons then? One such place is the Defence Systems Equipment international (DSEi) arms fair. Where military generals hob-nob with ministers as they buy weapons from BAE Systems and all their ethical arms dealing mates. As Baroness Symons, Minister of State for Defence Procurement, said at the last DSEi "[Defence exports] enable us to spread and bolster enlightened concepts of democracy and freewill." You might even be able to pick up an illegal anti-personnel mine, openly on sale at the last one - not that anyone got prosecuted for the oversight.
If all this stuff sounds really dodgy to you, why not bomb on down to the opening day of DSEi on the 11th September for a Fiesta for Life Against Death. To get involved call 020-7281-4621. www.disarm-trade.org
Positive SchNEWS
While we in the rich north worry about computers, e-mail and mobile phones it is easy to forget that four fifths of the worlds population don't have access to a telephone. Radios, on the other hand, are to be found in even the poorest communities off the beaten development track. As an example Tanzania, a country with a population of over 35 million, has only 103,000 TV's and 127,000 telephones - but 8.8 million radios. The Developing Countries Farm Radio Network, set up in 1979, is a not-for-profit organisation providing radio scripts to local radio stations in more than 100 countries covering topics on health, micro-credit schemes and low-cost farming practices. The scripts are sent free to a network of over 1500 radio stations whose only obligation is to comment on the content while sharing information with millions of farmers around the world. Info www.farmradio.org. Developing Countries Farm Radio Network, 416 Moore Avenue, Suite 101, Toronto, Canada M4G 1C9.
Negative SchNEWS
Pirates Beware! After many futile years of trying to catch pirate radio stations, the DTI has decided to hassle local authorities into doing their dirty work for them. The DTI recently sent a letter to councils reminding them that it is THEIR responsibility to ensure that council properties are not used for illegal broadcasts.
Inside SchNEWS
URGENT - Today (Friday 17) Philadelphia Court has ordered that Mumia Abu-Jamal should not appear in court for his appeal - because there is apparently not enough room in local prisons 'to house him'!! An international fax and phone blitz campaign is being launched to demand his constitutional rights not be violated once again. Mumia, an ex-Black Panther, has been on Death Row for 18 years, pleading innocence to the crime of shooting a policeman. Bearing in mind that in England we're 5 hours ahead, there's still plenty of time to phone or fax the demand that Mumia gets a trial that he can actually attend!! Court administrator Phone: (215) 686-2547 Fax: (215) 686-7485 City Hall, Room 336. Mayor of Philadelphia, Phone: (215) 686-2181 Fax: (215) 686-2180 City Hall, Room 215 www.mumia2000.org
* Demonstrate outside the US Embassy (Grosvenor Square, London W1) this Saturday (18) 12noon - 2pm. Organised by Mumia Must Live! BM Haven, London WC1N 3XX e: mumia@callnet.uk.com
GOTHENBURG - 23 people have so far been found guilty of rioting during the EU Summit in Gothenburg (see SchNEWS 310) with sentences from eight months to four years. 8 others are still in prison awaiting trial. Hannes Westberg, the man who was shot by the police is out of hospital and working with the prisoner solidarity group. Despite his injuries he still faces a trial. If you wish to send publications, letters, money etc. to pass onto the prisoners send them to Solidarity group GBG, c/o Syndikalistiskt Forum, Box 7267, 402 35 Gothenburg, Sweden. Tel + 0046 733 16 42 96.
* One UK person found guilty of 'violent rioting' at the Summit is appealing against his one year sentence. Send letters of support to Paul Robinson, Goteburg Remand Centre (Haktet), Gotebug Polis Headquarters (Polis Huset), Box 429, 40129, Goteburg, Sweden.
GENOA - This coming Monday is an international solidarity day for those still imprisoned in Genoa and in remembrance of Carlo Giuliani. If you're in Liverpool meet 10.30am central station to go to Italian consulate, or 12 noon by the horse statue, Church Street. www.peoplenotprofit.co.uk. Other actions around the world see http://g8solidarity.protest.net/
* The newly formed Genoa Justice Campaign are holding a public meeting for people "who were at Genoa to discuss strategies for supporting each other and developing the campaign for Justice." It's on Wednesday 29th August at Conway Hall, Red Lion Square, London. (nearest tube Holborn) 7.30pm. Solicitors are available for legal advice
* Loz O'Reily, doing a life sentence, is a Pagan who because of his religious beliefs is refusing to take mandatory drug tests, with the consequence that he will not be put on a release plan. His case is going to the European Court and he would really appreciate letters from any Pagans out there. Write to him at R13613, F Wing, HMP Long Lartin, Worcs, WR11 STZ.
Big Blue Gathering
So let's get this straight, the Welsh Big Green Gathering was cancelled because the police licensing officer said that if the festie went ahead they "would be left with 25 acres of land.filled with human waste, diesel and cannabis."
On the other hand last weekend's "Red White and Blue" BNP fascist festie was allowed to go ahead with the cops thoughtfully placing a "Section 14 Banning Order" 15 miles around the site. They then used roadblocks, surveillance units, mounted police, dogs and about 200 riot cops to stop anti-fascist protestors getting anywhere near. One demonstrator told SchNEWS "Anyone wanting to get anywhere near the festival, including residents, had to stop at a police road block and show a pass provided by the BNP. Anyone suspected of heading for the demo was stopped, searched and given an escort to the Gorsedd Stones on the outskirts of Welshpool where they were cordoned in by riot police and kept there for 5 hours." One of those protesting was Brig Oubridge who helps organise the Welsh Green Gathering. He complained "The police went out of the way to stop the Welsh Green Gathering, a peaceful event, yet here they are working hand in hand with the forces of darkness." www.thecopshavespoiledoursummer.org
* There's a counter demonstration this Saturday against the National Front - meet 1pm at Sunderland train station. Tel 0777 967 5284
CRAP ARREST OF THE WEEK
For leafleting and singing! A Labour councillor and a South Wales Red Choir member were nicked at last week's anti-fascist demo in Welshpool for singing in the high street and handing out leaflets. They were held for 5 hours then released without charge. (See story above).
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Brighton Call to Arms * Find out more about the Arms Trade at a Public Meeting, 7.30pm, 4 Sept @ Friends Meeting House, Ship Street. * Brighton will be hosting an anti-arms fair Spors not Wars with street theatre, music, films, food, kids activities. 8 Sept. Venue TBC. sporganism@spor.org.uk * There's a couple of benefit gigs: Folk Music, Videos, Ragga-Dub Disco and Techno Shenanigans. 8pm-late, 29 Aug @ The Volks. £Donations. and Headmix with Marmoset, 10pm, 5 Sept @ Concorde2, £5/£4. * The Rebel Alliance returns after a summer break. Brighton's meeting of local direct action groups. 7pm, 2nd Sept @ Hannover Centre, Southover Street. * Transport to the Fiesta For Life Against Death. Tickets £4 from the Peace and Environment Centre, Gardner Street. Please buy your ticket in advance. For up to the minute info 01273-298192. |
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SchNEWS in brief
- Banner Theatre, community theatre with 'disenfranchised' groups are producing their latest play 'Local Stories/Global Times'. To see the play or their book 'Workers' Playtime', call 0121-4400460 or e-mail voices@btinternet.com
- The new Rainbow Centre in Nottingham (activist and community offices, social centre, etc) have released two benefit CDs: Moving On Vol. 1 - Sing Songs & Moving On Vol. 2 -Electronica Exotica. £6 each, inc. p&p from Moving On, Rooted Media, 145-149 Cardigan Rd, Leeds L56 1LJ www.movingonmusic.org.uk
- Mass trespass on Hatfield Moor in Yorkshire Sat 25 Aug to stop US company Scotts extracting the peat (bogs). Campaigners want the digging suspended and the place declared a 'special area for conservation,' otherwise Scotts will carry on digging for the next two years. This is a family friendly event - meet at Tyrham Hall Motel fishing lake 10:30-11am. Tel 07971-073282
- If anarchy is your black hooded wet dream, then get a copy of the Re-Pressed catalogue. SAE to CRC, 16 Sholebroke Av, Leeds LS7 3HB. www.re-pressed.org.uk
- The Buckmaster Institute is planning to publish a book "Traffic Life" dealing with the problems of traffic and the nuisance of cars. www.buckmaster.ca/trafficlife
- You've heard them on the streets of Prague, Barcelona, London, The Hague and Slough, now check out the London samba band Rhythms of Resistance new website www.rhythmsofresistance.co.uk
- And why not join the Reclaim The Streets congo on the 15th September, as a protest against the meeting of European transport ministers in Leuven, Belgium. reclaimthetop@hotmail.com
- If any musical people out there are interested in being part of an 'anarchist travelling circus' band at next months arms fair in the docklands (see front page) get in touch with jess@km551818.demon.co.uk
- Squatters in Montreal, Canada have recently claimed a resounding victory. At the end of July they squatted a building that had been empty for 13 years. But instead of evicting, the council they gave them an old council building, five times bigger that their squatted one, for long term use! The new squat will have workshops, crèche, cafe, living space as well as organic allotments.
- Esso Boycotting action this Saturday, 12 noon till 2pm at the Esso station on Dyke Road (near the Dyke Tavern). Watch out for people in tiger suits doing unmentionable things to George Bush.
- 3rd Sept - Cardiff Social Forum. Discussion about Genoa, global capital etc. Grassroots Cafe, Charles St Cardiff, 6:30PM. 02920 707102.
...and finally...
Ever wondered why sometimes yer past convictions have done a Lord Lucan leaving you without a criminal record? Well if you live in Longido, in the Monduli district of Tanzania, the answer is simple - termites! Yep those class-conscious invertebrates have been busily munching through case files held at the Longido Primary Court, leaving the court in chaos and bringing most trials to a standstill. SchNEWS reckons we should import some of these insurgent insects to the next summit of paper treaty mountains and let 'em do the business. But why stop at termites? We could get all sorts of creepy crawlies to deal with the real parasites and their travelling flea circus - redback spiders, army ants, killer bees, the list is endless. If you can't beat 'em - eat 'em!
disclaimer
SchNEWS warns all readers you just gotta give us credit for keeping
going while paying our debt to society cos it ain't pun, pun, pun. Honest.
Cor-blimley-they’re-practically-giving-them-away book offer
- SchNEWS Round issues 51 - 100 £4.50 inc. postage.
- SchNEWS Annual issues 101 - 150 £4.50 inc. postage.
- SchNEWS Survival Guide issues 151 - 200 and a whole lot more £5.50 inc. postage
- The SchQUALL book at only £6.50 inc postage. (US Postage £4.00 for individual books, £13 for all four).
- SchNEWS and SQUALL's YEARBOOK 2001. 300 pages of adventures from the direct action frontline. £7 + £1.50 p&p. You can order the book from a bookshop or your library, quote the ISBN 09529748 4 3.
In the UK you can get 2, 3, 4 & 5 for £20 inc. postage.
In addition to 50 issues of SchNEWS, each book contains articles, photos, cartoons, subverts, a “yellow pages” list of contacts, comedy etc. All the above books are available from the Brighton Peace Centre, saving postage yer tight gits.
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Last updated 17th August, 2001
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