#197: Sign petition for Ali Panah & Sat Rally
#197: Sign petition for Ali Panah & Sat Rally
Submitted by gpja on Thu, 2007-08-16 21:08. GPJA Newsletter
GLOBAL PEACE AND JUSTICE AUCKLAND NEWSLETTER #197, August 17, 2007
Website http://www.gpja.org.nz/ Contact details: Forums – John Minto, Work: (09) 845 2132, Home 09 846 3176 jbminto@xtra.co.nz; Newsletter Editor – Mike Treen 021 211 5530 / 09 845 4027 mike@unite.org.nz; Web page - media@ndu.org.nz Donations can be sent to GPJA, P O Box 7175, Welesley St, Auckland. To subscribe or unsubscribe to this newsletter visit http://www.gpja.org/ or click the unsubscribe link at the bottom of this email.
Dear friends,
We are pleased that information about the plight of Ali Panah and other reefugee/prisoners is finally breaking into the media. We are saddened that this required Ali to be on a hunger strike for a month to achieve. He needs our support. Please circulate the message below. PLEASE NOTE THE NEW PETITION INITIATED BY CONCERNED ANGLICANS IS NOW POINT 1 OF WAYS TO HELP.
Also please join us outside Auckland Hospital where Ali is is being held this Saturday 12 noon.
HELP SAVE ALI PANAH - Four things you can do to help Ali Panah:
(1) Sign the petition initiated by concerned Anglicans
http://justice.anglican.org.nz/action/ali-panah-petition/
(2) Email Minister of Immigration David Cunliffe and the prime minister (with copies to us) to request Ali be given a temporary visa until it is safe for him to return to Iran. David Cunliffe dcunliffe@ministers.govt.nz Helen Clark pm@ministers.govt.nz
(3) Get your union, church or community group to issue a media release in support of Ali Panah
(4) Advertise and attend a picket outside Auckland hospital in Park Road at 12 noon this Saturday (18th August)
BACKGROUND
Iranian Ali Panah is on the 33rd day of a hunger strike in protest at his detention without trial or charge for the past 18 months. He was transferred from Mt Eden prison to Auckland hospital last week. He is refusing all food as well as a drip and is taking water only. He is weak, becoming emaciated and confused.
Ali arrived here several years ago and applied for refugee status. His application was declined and he was arrested 18 months ago and detained at Mt Eden Prison to be deported. However it is not safe for him to return to Iran so he has refused to sign papers applying for an Iranian passport.
As a Christian convert (before he came to NZ) his life would be in danger. Ali has the strong support of his New Zealand employer, his Anglican vicar and fellow parishioners as well as the Iranian community in New Zealand.
Amnesty International says that in cases like this the government should issue a temporary visa until it is safe for Ali to return to Iran. David Cunliffe is refusing to use his discretion under the Immigration Act to do this.
We are requesting all organisation and individuals to support this request.
Please act urgently.
Mike Treen (mike@unite.org.nz) 021 211 5530
John Minto (john@unite.org.nz) Phone 0064 9 8463173 or 0064 9 8452132
MEDIA COMMENT ON PANAH CASE
Cunliffe Ought To Intercede in Ali Panah's Plight
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0708/S00214.htm
Ali Panah holding on… Day 33 of hunger strike
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0708/S00172.htm
95bFM: Kim Choe IVs Keith Locke on Hunger-Striker
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0708/S00211.htm
STRIKE WITH COMMUNITY PICKET FRI AUG 17 – INDEPENDENT LIQUOR
Friday, August 17, 3-6pm, Independent Liquor, Boundary Road, Papakura
- The workers at Independent Liquor need community support. It’s a site with a culture of bullying and anti-union victimisation where the workers are paid a “South Auckland rate of pay”. Unite union members have been offered pay increases less than non-union members which is illegal but of no concern to this company. (Independent produces “alcopops” aimed at teenage drinkers. These are brands such as Woodstock and Pulse which should be boycotted.)
QUOTES OF THE WEEK
"The enemy aggressor is always pursuing a course of larceny, murder, rapine and barbarism. We are always moving forward with high mission, a destiny imposed by the Deity to regenerate our victims while incidentally capturing their markets, to civilise savage and senile and paranoid peoples while blundering accidentally into their oil wells.": John Flynn, 1944
“We're not a democracy. It's a terrible misunderstanding and a slander to the idea of democracy to call us that. In reality, we're a plutocracy: a government by the wealthy." : Ramsey Clark, former U.S. Attorney General
"Of all forms of tyranny the least attractive and the most vulgar is the tyranny of mere wealth, the tyranny of plutocracy" : John Pierpont Morga
ANNOUNCEMENTS
TAMAKI MAKAURAU DECLARATION AGAINST CORPORATE CONTROL AND FOR GLOBAL JUSTICE Kia ora, Between the 9th and 11th of September, 2007, the Auckland War Memorial Museum will host the second annual United States New Zealand Partnership Forum. This forum is a meeting of US and NZ corporations as well as representatives from both governments to develop closer economic, political and military ties between the two countries. The organising body of the forum, the NZUS Partnership Council was formed around pushing for a neo-liberal free trade agreement between the two nations. In response to this forum, a broad network of activists, union organisers, environmentalists and social justice campaigners have formed the Our World Is Not For Sale campaign. Our campaign aims to raise public awareness about the negative effects of a free trade agreement with the US. On Monday September 10, we intend to march to the forum and protest the selling off of Aotearoa/New Zealand and the world. Below is a declaration for organisations to sign-on to regarding the Our World Is Not For Sale campaign. If you wish to add your organisation or group name to this letter, please send your details to the secretariat of the campaign, the A Space Inside Collective, email: aspaceinside@gmail.com - the deadline is 25 August. Thank you.
**************************************************
Tamaki Makaurau Declaration against Corporate Control and for Global Justice
We, the below signed civil society organisations and peace & justice groups resolve:
1. Aotearoa is not for sale- Free trade agreements only perpetuate unfair and unbalanced trade rules. A free trade deal would mean that US corporations would be able to sue the government for threatening their profits. This could be by not privatising schools or hospitals, by subsidising life-saving medicines, or refusing to allow imports of genetically modified organisms.
The government of New Zealand has no right or democratic mandate to sign trade agreements that undermine the ability of New Zealanders to control our economy and further open up our public resources and institutions to corporate control.
2. Peace and justice are not for sale- We believe that it is ethically repugnant to seek to negotiate a trade agreement with a government that continues to occupy and terrorise the people of Iraq and Afghanistan. Trade agreements should not be negotiated with governments violating international laws and treaties.
The government of New Zealand should not be tightening economic, military or political relations with a nation that continues to flout international law and regularly violates the United Nations Charter by pre-emptive attacks on soveriegn nations.
3. Our world is not for sale- A US-NZ trade agreement is a stepping stone to a fully deregulated global economy where powerful corporations have more power than governments and civil society organisations. The sort of global economy advocated by the USNZ Partnership Forum does not provide for environmental protection, labour rights or even local democracy.
The government of New Zealand must end its role in creating, through the World Trade Organisation, free trade agreements and its support for the IMF and World Bank a global economy that perpetuates social injustice, devastating poverty and exploitation. 4. The environment is not for sale- The corporations involved in pushing for a free trade agreement between New Zealand and the US, only seek to open up our unique and fragile ecosystems to destructive industrial development. A free trade agreement will mean that environmental protections could be removed as they constitute "barriers to free trade".
The government of New Zealand must ensure that its participation in international treaties does not compromise our ability to manage our environment sustainability and our ability to protect our ecosystems from being spoiled.
For global justice and against corporate control,
NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR THE THE ROGER AWARD
Nominations are now open for this most prestigious and keenly contested annual Award (won by Progressive Enterprises in 2006; the previous winners are: Westpac/BNZ, Telecom, Juken Nissho, Carter Holt Harvey, TransAlta Monsanto and TranzRail – 3 times). Nominations close on October 31.
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0706/S00327.htm
INVITATION TO JOIN THE NEXT AUSTRALIAN SOLIDARITY BRIGADE TO VENEZUELA
November 23 - December 3, 2007 - The Australia-Venezuela Solidarity Network’s brigades to Venezuela are a unique opportunity to see first-hand the unfolding revolution in that country. The Venezuelan people, led by George Bush’s arch-enemy, President Hugo Chavez, have taken over more workplaces, set up more cooperatives, established hundreds of free public education and health programs, organised their neighbourhoods and taken big steps towards exercising “popular power” at every level of their society. Participants on the November-December 2007 brigade will meet with a wide range of community organisations involved in transforming Venezuelan society, visit occupied factories and educational institutions, see participatory democracy at work in the communal councils and people’s banks, and speak to government and grassroots organisations about the radical changes being implemented by the Venezuelan people. This brigade will include a special focus on justice for Indigenous people, and will include visits to Indigenous communities and meetings with Indigenous activists and leaders. Accommodation, transport and English translation in Venezuela will be organised for participants, and the AVSN can help you book your travel to and from Australia. The total cost, including return international airfares, is around A$4500. The deadline for registering for the November-December 2007 brigade is August 31. If you are interested in being part of this inspiring and educational experience, please complete the registration form at www.venezuelasolidarity.org, email brigades@venezuelasolidarity.org
VISIT CUBA THIS SUMMER
Cuba consistently makes the news: whether it is it’s health care system (see Salud or Sicko), its response to its oil crisis, its environmental programmes, or by remaining a political opponent of US imperialism for forty years. It is also the home of salsa and its music is world renowned.
Registrations are open for the 25th Southern Cross Brigade to Cuba. Members of the Brigade, which is made up of Australians and New Zealanders, spend approximately four weeks in Cuba, leaving 27th December and returning 24th January. The all up cost is $5500, including airfare, spending money and all accommodation and meals. Members of the Brigade often stay longer in Cuba as private travelers or move onto other countries in the region. For further enquiries and registration e- mail Ina at inashina@clear.net.nz or Paul at wkcultur@ihug.co.nz (03 732 4010).
LATIN AMERICAN AND ASIA PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY FORUM - OCT 11-14, 2007 - MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA
Dear Friend, We are writing to invite you to participate in the Latin American and Asia Pacific International Solidarity Forum - Fighting and organising globally against neoliberalism! (October 11-14th 2007). To read the conference call go to: http://www.venezuelasolidarity.org/?q=node/325 Further Information: Email solidarityforum2007@yahoo.com To join our discussion group go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Solidarity-Forum-2007
WHAT’S ON IN AUCKLAND
Friday, August 17, 3-6pm, Independent Liquor, Boundary Road, Papakura
STRIKE WITH COMMUNITY PICKET - The workers at Independent Liquor need community support. It’s a site with a culture of bullying and anti-union victimisation where the workers are paid a “South Auckland rate of pay”. Unite union members have been offered pay increases less than non-union members which is illegal but of no concern to this company. (Independent produces “alcopops” aimed at teenage drinkers. These are brands such as Woodstock and Pulse which should be boycotted.)
Saturday, August 18, 12 noon, Auckland Hospital
RALLY TO SUPPORT IRANIAN HUNGER STRIKER ALI PANAH
Saturday, August 18, 5pm, ARC Chambers, 21 Pitt St (Cnr Pitt & Hopetoun Sts)
LAUNCH OF CHRIS TROTTER’S BOOK: NO LEFT TURN.
Saturday August 25, 7pm, Jack Dickey Hall, 174 Greenlane
FROM THE HEART OF NEW ZEALAND TO PALESTINIAN HEARTS - Support the Paula Jones Documentary Film on New Zealand heart surgeon Dr Alan Kerr ‘s work among Palestinian children under Israeli Occupation - Fundraising Dinner $30 ~ Drinks available for purchase Tel: (09) 630 4912 Email marjorye@ihug.co.nz
Monday, August 27, Time TBC, Nga Wai O Horotiu Marae, AUT University
BOOK LAUNCHING - POU KORERO - A JOURNALIST'S GUIDE TO MAORI AND CURRENT AFFAIRS, Carol Archie (published by the NZ Journalists Training Organisation).
September 10, 12 noon, Aotea Square, Queen St
PROTEST MARCH TO THE US-NZ PARTNERSHIP FORUM – Tell Helen Clark: - Don’t support the US wars of terror in Iraq and Afghanistan; - Don’t sign trade agreements that give away our right to control our own economy; - Justice and human rights in the Pacific is not for sale. Contact A Space Inside Collective aspaceinside@gmail.com Ph 021 150 3597 http://ourworldisnotforsale.wordpress.com/
Thursday, September 13, 7.30pm, Auckland Centre University of Otago House 385 Queen Street (Free Parking ) PROF WILLIAM HARRIS - POLITICAL STUDIES - MIDDLE EASTERN SCENARIOS IN THE 21ST CENTURY Part of a series of free public lectures starting May 10 at the University of Otago Auckland Centre. http://www.otago.ac.nz/aucklandcentre/whatson/index.html
Sunday, September 23, 3pm, St. Matthew-in-the-City, crn. Hobson and Wellesley Streets
United Nations International Day of Peace –Celebrates the declaration of Auckland Peace City and the 20th Anniversary of Nuclear Free New Zealand legislation. Also, SGI Exhibition launch for ‘Creating a Culture of Peace: The Right to Human Security’. The event includes Interfaith Choirs, music and youth readings, plus Mayor Dick Hubbard and local MPs. Event organised by UNANZ, Ak. Interfaith Council and Soka Gakkai International. More info. contact Laurie Ross on 811 8696 laurie-ross@xtra.co.nz
24th Sept. – 5th Oct. – Exhibition ‘Creating a Culture of Peace: The Right to Human Security’ produced by Soka Gakkai International as part of the United Nations Decade for Peace. Available for public viewing at AUT Library foyer in Wellesley Street.
Wednesday, September 26, 12-2pm, AUT Student Quad
Special lunchtime event to mark the annual U.N. International Day of Peace. Speakers, music, information stalls. More info. contact Laurie 811 8696
BEST ON THE WEB
REVIEW
NEW ZEALAND
Air NZ ferrying of Oz troops to Iraq 'appalling'
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0708/S00265.htm
95bFM Audio: Key and Havoc on Air NZ Scandal
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0708/S00221.htm
Union and Supermarket Chain reach youth rates deal Joint Media Statement - The National Distribution Union and New Zealand’s largest supermarket employer Progressive Enterprises
have reached agreement, on a deal that will set the standard for almost half of the country’s supermarket workers.
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0708/S00195.htm
ENVIRONMENT
Arctic Sea Ice Set To Hit New Low - Arctic sea ice is expected to retreat to a record low by the end of this summer, scientists have predicted. Measurements made by the US National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) showed the extent of sea ice on 8 August was almost 30% below the long-term average
http://countercurrents.org/kniver140807.htm
PAKISTAN
Tariq Ali: Power cycle that always returns to the military
http://www.smh.com.au/news/opinion/power-cycle-that-always-returns-to-th...
PALESTINE
What role for Palestinian supporters today?
http://english.alarabonline.org/display.asp?fname=2007\08\08-13\zopinionz\970.htm&dismode=x&ts=13/08/2007%2002:54:43%20%E3
VENEZUELA
Eyes Wide Shut: The International Media Looks at Venezuela
http://www.ibtimes.com/columns/title/Mark%20Weisbrot%20Economy%20and%20P...
Venezuelan communities take centre stage
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6946013.stm
BOLIVIA
Morales: Bolivians should raise left fist during anthem for indigenous pride
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/world/20070802-1517-bolivia-nationals...
Argentina moves into Chavez's oil-ally circle
http://washingtontimes.com/article/20070815/FOREIGN/108150038/1003
Reciprocity: US citizens need visas to visit Bolivia: Morales says all countries have dignity “even small, underdeveloped countries as Bolivia”
http://www.mercopress.com/vernoticia.do?id=11122&formato=HTML
USA
A Day of Reckoning for Americans Who Lived Beyond Their Means By Joseph Stiglitz - The housing bubble induced Americans to live beyond their means -- net savings have been negative for the past couple of years. With this engine of growth turned off, it is hard to see how the US economy would not suffer from a slowdown.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article18184.htm
Bush's Booming Economy -- For The Rich - Despite what the Journal and the endlessly bleating "Money Heads" on TV would have you believe, millions of Americans are in deep trouble.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article18186.htm
Are You Scared? By Craig Winters - Multinational corporations sell our jobs to the lowest overseas bidders. The credit industry preys on our poor. The for-profit healthcare system is the leading cause of bankruptcy while hospitals dump indigent patients on skid row. Our country's infrastructure is breaking down from New Orleans levees to Minnesota bridges even as we are mired in a war that drowns us in debt and advances only the interests of big oil and arms merchants.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article18186.htm
In Praise Of 'Sicko' But What Happens After The U.S. Healthcare System Dies?" - Not only is U.S. healthcare devastating the lives of Americans who use it, but it is being manipulated to give the appearance of economic health in a code-blue economy now in collapse.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article18189.htm
Bush's lethal legacy: more executions - The US already kills more of its prisoners than almost any other country. Now the White House plans to cut the right of appeal of death row inmates...
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/americas/article2864190.ece
A nation's brutal approach to punishment
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/americas/article2864191.ece
CUBA
MUSIC-CUBA: Rap Calls for ‘Revolution Within the Revolution’ By Dalia Acosta
http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=38881
Neither Gray Quinquennium nor Black Decade, But Endless Struggle for Ideas and Diversity In Revolutionary Cuba By Domingo Amuchastegui
http://www.walterlippmann.com/docs1433.html
WORLD ECONOMY
A Day Of Reckoning For Americans Who Lived Beyond Their Means By Joseph Stiglitz
http://countercurrents.org/stiglitz150807.htm
A "Slow Motion Train Wreck" By Stephen Lendman
http://countercurrents.org/lendman150807.htm
Subprime Problems Spread Into Commercial Loans
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/15/business/15fund.html?_r=4&adxnnl=1&ore...