Leila Khaled and the Struggle for Palestinian Liberation

By Ron Jacobs

There was once a time not so long ago when the world seemed to be full of revolutionary heroes. These heroes were both men and women. The actions and accompanying commitment of these individuals inspired millions of others to join movements and organizations dedicated to a vision of social justice and freedom that understood colonialism and racism to be their primary opposition. From Martin Luther King, Jr. to Rosa Parks; from Huey Newton to Assata Shakur; and Che Guevara to Leila Khaled, the list of such individuals is too great to recount here. Their enemies included secret and not-so-secret police, intelligence agencies dedicated to their murder, and governments both liberal and reactionary whose lot lay with the imperial powers in Washington, London and elsewhere in the North. The presence of such men and women made them targets for those opposed to their vision. Simultaneously, the fact of their stature provided them with a media presence created a public awareness of their cause which helped recruit adherents and supporters.
 
During the first Gulf war I worked with an antiwar group in Olympia, WA. There was a young woman named Leila of Syrian heritage in the group. It was during a conversation about the Palestinians that the subject of Leila Khaled came up. After five minutes of conversation or so, Leila mentioned that she was named after Khaled. I knew that Khaled’s youth, beauty and media savvy had made her a media favorite during the hijackings and other actions she had participated in. I also remembered the spray painted silhouettes of Khaled that appeared on the walls of squats and at the Goethe Universitat in Frankfurt. However, this young woman was the first person I had met who was named in her honor.
 
Recently, Pluto Press published a small biography of Leila Khaled as part of its Revolutionary Lives Series. It is titled Leila Khaled: Icon of Palestinian Liberation. Authored by Sarah Irving, a freelancer who has written about environmental and Palestinian issues, this biography looks at Khaled’s life from its beginnings in a Palestinian village occupied by the Israelis to her current activism. Culling information from her biography My People Shall Live, newspaper and journal articles spanning her life and recent interviews, Irving’s book takes a comprehensive look at a life fully-lived.
 
For those who remember the hijackings Khaled participated in, Leila Khaled: Icon of Palestinian Liberation brings those events back to life. In addition, she provides the reader with Khaled’s insights and descriptions of how those hijackings unfolded. Khaled also touches briefly on her emotions during those actions. Irving describes the determination of Khaled’s enemies to kill her, a determination that resulted in her sister and sister’s fiancée being murdered by mistake. She also describes the life of Khaled’s family as refugees and relatives of a revolutionary wanted by Israel and a myriad of other governments. The Palestinian movement Khaled first entered was quite different than that which exists now. Religious elements had minimal influence. Indeed, the primary divisions in the movement arose in the political/economic arena. The primary organization, Al Fatah, was what was then termed a bourgeois nationalist movement, while the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) defined itself as a Marxist one. Khaled was (and is) a member of the latter, but seems to have been only minimally involved in the internecine warfare that occasionally erupted between the factions. Her discussion of the influence of Muslim culture in the Palestinian movement and how it effects the role of women in the Palestinian struggle is an important part of this book and worthy of further exploration. This is especially true given Khaled’s long history in the movement and her lifelong insistence on the need for women to be involved. A sidebar to this discussion is her telling about incidents where some of the men pretending to be strict enforcers of the hijab in Gaza following Hamas’ victory turned out to be informers for the Israeli military. This story points out the potentially reactionary nature of a nationalism that depends on cultural elements to define it while rejecting anticapitalist economic analyses.
 
Khaled discusses the current situation in Palestine. In her opinion, the Oslo accords should never have been signed. The continued control of Palestinian economic, social and daily life by Israelis and their paid police insures the perpetuation of the Occupation. Her opposition to the Accords is often characterized by her enemies as being an opposition to peace. Khaled’s response is simple. When there are no more Israeli soldiers, police, and other agents of the Tel Aviv government occupying the territories, then there will be peace. Until then, the struggle continues. As if to emphasize this, some events arranged by Irving’s publisher to announce the book to the British reading public have been cancelled because of threats of violence. This fact proves Khaled’s continuing relevance, while also intensifying the need to publicize the book.
 
The struggle of the Palestinians is a different looking struggle than it was when Leila Khaled’s name first became known to the world. Yet, it is the same struggle. Heroic figures like those mentioned above do not seem to be part of that struggle right now.  However, their stories are important and need to be told. Leila Khaled: Icon of Palestinian Liberation does a great job of telling one such story.
 
- Ron Jacobs is the author of The Way the Wind Blew: a History of the Weather Underground and Short Order Frame Up. His collection of essays and other musings titled Tripping Through the American Night is now available and his new novel is The Co-Conspirator’s Tale. He is a contributor to Hopeless: Barack Obama and the Politics of Illusion, published by AK Press. He contributed this article to PalestineChronicle.com. Contact him at: ronj1955@gmail.com. (This review originally appeared in CounterPunch.org)

Source: http://palestinechronicle.com/view_article_details.php?id=19371

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MPs start debate on six-month contract

~ SER to give its advice ~

PHILIPSBURG--Members of Parliament (MPs) are on the same page about the need to eliminate the improper use of the six-month labour contract. However, some would prefer additional consultation with social partners to ensure that all opinions are taken into consideration.

The debate on the draft initiative law as presented by the National Alliance (NA) began and concluded in a Central Committee meeting of Parliament on Thursday. The next step is to receive advice from the Social Economic Council SER on the draft.

That advice, once received, will be handled when Parliament returns from recess in early August, according to President of Parliament Gracita Arrindell. Following that discussion, the law should be tabled in a plenary session of Parliament for approval and implementation. The law will classify certain categories of jobs as permanent or semi-permanent.

Justice Minister Roland Duncan and Labour and Social Affairs Minister Cornelius de Weever gave their opinions on the draft law during the meeting. Duncan said that along with trying to close the loopholes of the labour contract, other aspects that impact the labour market must be addressed. Establishing best business practices must be tackled, he said.

De Weever said, "A new vision is needed to meet the political and social concerns that have brought this subject to the forefront." He believes that due diligence should be exercised.

A comprehensive approach to the labour market has been drafted with the Labour Ministry focusing on social dialogue, regulating the functioning of employment agencies, termination of employment and regulation of workers' rights in the event of a transfer of business operation (e.g., the Pelican Resort case).

De Weever said the Department of Labour had been asked to advise on action to be considered for the short-term labour contracts to arrive at a permanent solution. The advice has been received and offers "a good coherent picture of the importance and use of the short-term labour contracts, also solutions to the issue of abuse."

He also emphasised that the "role and significance of the [labour] mediator and the legal possibilities for strengthening the position of the employee through the instrument of CLA [collective labour agreement, ed.] deserve further attention."

Speaking about the draft law, MP Louie Laveist (NA), one of the initiators, said NA had sat with several social partners to gather insight. He called the short-term contract "a necessary evil" due to the high and low tourist seasons.

However, he pointed out that while jobs in the construction industry might be short-term ones, that of a cashier in a grocery store was not. "The vicious cycle" of short employment in the supermarket sector and in casinos must be broken he said.

"Hundreds of casino workers have fallen victim to short-term labour contracts," Laveist said, adding that this was especially hard for single mothers who could not plan for a proper future.

Democratic Party (DP) MP Roy Marlin said laws must be effective to curb the situation for which they were put in place and must not have side effects like the stifling of business. He said he believed the debate of this draft law must go hand-in-hand with one on the revamping of the labour dismissal law. He also pointed out that there were good and bad employers in the community.

MP Silvia Meyers-Olivacce (UP) also concurred with the need to address the dismissal contract.

Marlin asked whether government had looked at Aruba's approach to the short-term contracts. De Weever said it was under review. Marlin was also concerned about the possible shift from the short-term contract to unregulated employment agencies.

United People's (UP) party MP Johan "Janchi" Leonard said there needed to be a balance of local and foreign labour. He also called for the ratio of men to women hired in certain businesses such as casinos to be regulated. De Weever said his ministry was busy adjusting a law pending since the days of the former Netherlands Antilles to suit the local situation.

MP Rodolphe Samuel (NA), speaking in his first Parliament meeting, said the short-term labour contract affected lives. The challenge, he noted, is how and when to apply the short-term contract. The effect of the law on employees and employers must be studied.

MP Hyacinth Richardson (NA) said, "We owe this to the people" to deal with the short-term labour contract. He added his hope that the draft law would receive support from all MPs when it came to a vote.

MP Jules James (UP) said his party supported the law, but would rather it was tackled in "a more comprehensive fashion." He said this was not an attempt to "stonewall" the process. "The initiative is a good thing, but we'll have to do it in responsible way."

Laveist countered that he didn't want another round of meetings on this law.

Independent MP Romain Laville said the short-term contract must be addressed especially in the hotel sector where there has been a drastic shift to more timeshare – an all-year-round business. He also said the responsibility for the working environment went both ways, with employees giving "an honest day's work for an honest day's pay."

Laville also brought forward the question of doctors who gave days off to workers knowing they were not really sick. That puts a burden on the medical and social systems as well as the business operation. He suggested the adoption of an employer/employee pension plan, for the Labour Office to become more effective in finding jobs and government giving tax breaks to businesses that have permanent employees.

Laville said he had wanted to present a motion based on an existing law in Europe about the transfer of business and workers' rights during the budget 2012 debate, but had not had support from UP, his former party.

Also dealt with on Thursday was approval for MPs Louie Laveist (NA) and Dr. Ruth Douglass (UP) to represent Parliament at the upcoming Curaçao Flag and Hymn Day.

An invitation for the President of Parliament and the Justice Minister to visit the offices of the International Police Interpol also was approved.

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/29203-mps-start-debate-on-six-month-contract-.html

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CFT: Measures for a sound budget not yet forthcoming

WILLEMSTAD--The Committee for Financial Supervision CFT has criticised the fact that the necessary structural measures for a sound budget situation in Curaçao have not been introduced yet and are further delayed.

CFT will consult with the Curaçao Government on the current situation in the coming week. Parties also will discuss the necessity of additional measures, according to a CFT press release issued after statements by outgoing Dutch Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations Liesbeth Spies (CDA) in the Dutch Parliament's Second Chamber, to the effect that the Kingdom Council of Ministers was preparing an instruction for the Curaçao Government in view of the budget problems on the island.

Spies' statements led Minister of Finance George "Jorge" Jamaloodin (MFK) to reply that he saw no reason for panic.

In its release CFT spoke of an alarming state of affairs regarding the budget problems of Curaçao to date. For example, on April 19 CFT gave a negative advice on the first budget amendment of the country Curaçao for 2012.

One reason was that the deficit on the budget of 2011 (NAf. 163.4 million) had not been covered in the budget of 2012, although the Kingdom Law on Financial Supervision prescribes such. CFT further indicated that at the time one still had assumed that 2011 would be closed with a deficit of NAf. 90 million, but since then it had become clear that the deficit was much higher.

Another reason for the negative advice was the fact that the measures for public health, pensions and the dividend policy were further delayed. Long-term financial obligations in the budget of 2012 such as the construction of the new hospital also were mentioned.

In conformity with the Accountability Ordinance, the first budget amendment should have been presented to Parliament on May 15, including the advice from CFT and the Advisory Council as well as government's reaction. "To this day, the budget amendment hasn't been presented to Parliament."

In a previous advice, CFT had insisted that structural measures be taken. As from August 2011 the committee indicated that if there were further delays, it would also mean a deficit for the budget of 2012 and CFT wouldn't hesitate to advise the Kingdom Council of Ministers by means of Article 17.1 of the Kingdom Law on Financial Supervision.

"We don't preclude the possibility that the Kingdom Council of Ministers is asked for an instruction," said the CFT.

However, in a press release of his own, Jamaloodin said there was no reason to give an instruction.

"In the last meeting of May 11 it was agreed with Minister Spies that CFT and the Ministry of Finance would send a reply to the Kingdom Council of Ministers regarding the progress of the budget. This will be discussed next week during a meeting with CFT. A meeting is also scheduled on June 15 with Minister Spies in Curaçao."

According to the MFK minister, government is working on reforms and steps in various policy fields. Measures related to basic health insurance, the AOV old-age pension fund, savings in the public health sector, increasing the retirement age and implementing the new tax plan are among the matters involved.

Jamaloodin emphasised that the budget-deficit problems of Curaçao could not be solved simply by restructuring the debt. One must also examine how the debts were incurred, he said.

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/28406-cft-measures-for-a-sound-budget-not-yet-forthcoming-.html

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Worldwide real estate progresses with transparency

A biennial analysis by Jones Lang LaSalle and LaSalle Investment Management reveals that recovering real estate markets have prompted renewed impetus to transparency improvements following a slowdown in progress during the financial crisis in 2008 and 2009.

© 2012 CPI Financial. All rights reserved.

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Source: http://www.albawaba.com/business/global-real-estate-market-431629

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Touching Letters from Barack Obama

By Ralph Nader

I've been getting a variety of letters from President Barack Obama. The salutation is often: 'Dear Ralph.' One of them asks me for $25, adding 'Ralph, this is that moment. This is the time to be in with me.' He writes that 'I need your voice,' that America needs the 'dreams and the energy and the determination of people like you.'
 
Mr. Obama acknowledged that, “We may have differences in policy, but we all believe in the rights enshrined in our Constitution.” He concludes one letter by saying “Ralph, I need you to be part of that movement. Now I need you to be in…. Your dreams, your determination will drive this campaign.”
 
Wow!
 
Wait, it gets better. Another letter starts: “Dear Ralph, each night, I get the chance to read about 10 letters from people across the country. Some are inspiring. Some are heartbreaking. But each one compels me to keep moving forward on this journey we started together…. People like you have been giving it your all.”
 
He even includes a comment card for me to offer my suggestions, thoughts and ideas. He wants this feedback, he writes, “from citizens in the District of Columbia and across the country” to help him “stay connected to [my] priorities.”
 
This is exciting. I get to tell the President directly what we can do together to abolish poverty, including full Medicare for all, put law and order to the corporate crooks, dramatically shift from fossil and nuclear fuels to solar, wind, geothermal and efficient technologies to lower the risk of climate change, and keep more dollars in family pocketbooks. I can remind him about his forgotten 2008 promise to raise the minimum wage to $9.50 in 2011 and urge his support for Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr.’s bill “Catching Up To 1968 Act of 2012” (H.R.5901; see: timeforaraise.org).
 
Since he mentioned the District of Columbia, I can remind him, as many here already have, about his forgotten promise in 2008 to end the colonial status of the nation’s capital and fight for voting representation in Congress for its disenfranchised people.
 
His expressed desire to repair America and help students and patients made me wonder why he did not mention cutting the vastly bloated and wasteful military budget, ending the spreading Afghan quagmire and putting all those saved dollars toward such “hope and change” here in America. He has space left over in his four-paged letters to discuss such things.
 
Oh well, being President is more than any one person can really handle these days. Which is why I welcome another of his letters which opened: “Dear Ralph, when you sent me to the White House, I pledged that I would always keep the lines of communication open – and I meant it…. my ability to lead the country depends on listening to you.” He then advised me to “Stay engaged. Listen, learn and use your voice to speak out for the issues that matter most to you.” He said America needs me.
 
It is touching to see his regular letters. Who would have thought, after my sending him many substantive letters since December 2008 and not receiving a single reply, nary even an acknowledgement from one of his assistants in the vast Executive Branch over which he presides that he was interested in my suggestions?
 
Appealing once to Michelle, the nice organic gardener and fellow Princetonian, I tried to enlist her help in getting a reply from her husband about his meeting with a large gathering of national civic organizations in D.C., which have millions of members nationwide. (President-elect Jimmy Carter held such a meeting in 1976.)  That request too went without a reply. I even asked her and the President simply to explain their non-response policy guidelines.
 
Again, no response.
 
Hark! There is still hope. I just received another missive from President Obama, with an enclosed postcard featuring his signed picture. The letter starts with “Dear Ralph,” and builds to a crescendo with these boldly underlined words, “I’d like to hear from you.”
 
Quickly, before he changes his mind, I rush to my changeless Underwood typewriter and start, hopefully, with “Dear Barack, I am so pleased that you’d like to hear from me….”

- Ralph Nader is a consumer advocate, lawyer and author of 'Only the Super-Rich Can Save Us'. Visit: www.nader.org.

Source: http://palestinechronicle.com/view_article_details.php?id=19378

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Egypt: Tantawi to keep defense portfolio in next government

Egypt's military junta revealed that its chief Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi will hold the defense portfolio in the next government, stressing that it won't retreat from the constitutional declaration issued two weeks ago. Major General Mohammed al-Assar, a member of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF), confirmed ina TV interview that the President of the Council, Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, will take over the defense portfolio in the next government.

© 2012 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

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Source: http://www.albawaba.com/news/egypt-tantawi-keep-defense-portfolio-next-government-431749

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MLK school, Dutch Quarter Center to get parking facility

DUTCH QUARTER--Ground was broken on Thursday for the construction of the parking facility at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School in Dutch Quarter and the Dutch Quarter Community Centre. Now a problematic dirt area, the parking space serves both facilities and, once completed, will eliminate the "mud pools" with which parents, pupils and teachers alike have had to deal with for years.

Minister of Education Silveria Jacobs and Minister of Infrastructure William Marlin each thanked the pupils of the school and their parents for enduring various hardships caused by rain and lack of drainage around the school. The school has a history of being flooded out whenever it rains, with school management forced to close the facility at times.

With that in mind, the project which went on tender in late 2010 will also encompass drainage facilities. However, in order for the contractor to move the water from the area of the school down to the main drainage on A. Th. Illidge Road, Head of the Department of New Works at the Ministry of VROMI Kurt Ruan said cooperation from the community and property owners would be vital. Minister Jacobs also called on the community to cooperate.

Ruan explained that the parking area would consist of 30 parking lots. The new area will also incorporate a "bus loop" where school busses can drop off and pick up pupils. Minister Jacobs also said the sporting facility nearby was also scheduled to be upgraded.

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/29201--mlk-school-dutch-quarter-center-to-get-parking-facility.html

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Government still to take a decision about Tromp

PHILIPSBURG--Government is still to take a decision about the request to support the proposed suspension of Central Bank of Curaçao and St. Maarten (CBCS) President-Director Emsley Tromp while an investigation into lapses in policy and integrity issues is executed.

Finance Minister Roland Tuitt said Wednesday that the matter had been "talked about" in the Council of Ministers meeting and it had been decided "to gather more information" before making a final decision.

The suspension request came from CBCS Supervisory Board Chairman Robert Pietersz.

When asked by the press whether government intended to call in Tromp to hear his opinion on the suspension request, Tuitt said he could not disclose government's strategy to gather information, due to the "critical issues" at play. However, he stated that government would come to a decision on the request soon.

The call for the investigation is related to the granting of a US $150 million bond to St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies, to allow the company room to reinvest and to finance the planned Simpson Bay Lagoon causeway.

The reason given for the suspension request hinges on the impropriety of having the person who is part of the investigation be on the job, Wescot-Williams had explained.

Also related to CBCS, Tuitt will attempt to clear the impasse concerning the 2012 budget, which has not yet been approved, through a meeting with his Curaçao counterpart George Jamaloodin.

Tuitt said the CBCS Supervisory Board had requested that the two governments "meet to see how we can go forward."

The meeting will focus on the "best strategy" to have the budget approved and to get the bank on course. The situation at CBCS is "a ticklish one" that must be resolved soon, Tuitt said.

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/28957-government-still-to-take-a-decision-about-tromp-.html

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Al Bustan Centre & Residence organises health awareness program for employees

Al Bustan Centre and Residence, the popular hotel apartment among visiting tourists and businessmen in the heart of Dubai, recently carried out a health awareness program for their staff though a presentation and check-up by medical experts from Zulekha Hospital.

The Idea Agency

© 2012 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

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Source: http://www.albawaba.com/business/pr/bustan-centre-residence-health-awareness-431748

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Church of the Nativity Sanctuary Seekers in Exile after 10 Years

By Stuart Littlewood

The election of Egypt's president Muhammad Mursi momentarily threw a spotlight on the long-forgotten Palestinians exiled to Gaza after the Israelis' infamous siege of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem in the West Bank 10 years ago.

Still kicking their heels in Gaza the exiles called on Mursi to continue efforts to end the squabble between political rivals Hamas in Gaza and Fatah in the West Bank. They were optimistic that the new Egyptian president would work towards easing Israel's blockade on the Gaza Strip and press for Palestinians rights, including the right of exiles to return home.

It is expected Mursi will at least allow greater freedom to travel across Gaza's Rafah crossing into Egypt, the besieged enclave's only door to the outside world.

How did the exiles find themselves in the prison Gaza has become? In 2002 a young girl from a refugee camp triggered events that led to a 40-day siege of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. This is probably the oldest Christian church in the world, built by Constantine the Great and dating from AD330. A member of the girl's family had been killed by Israeli occupation troops. Grief-stricken, she took revenge by turning herself into a suicide bomber.

The Israelis responded by sending 250 tanks and armoured personnel carriers, F-16 fighter jets, Apache gunships and hundreds of soldiers into West Bank towns like Nablus, Jenin and Bethlehem late at night. In Bethlehem they cut the electricity supply and invaded the old township with helicopter gunships and occupied all key points around Manger Square. Many innocent Palestinians were killed by shelling and army snipers, and the market and some shops were set on fire as troops tried to hunt down suspected ‘fighters’. Civilians tried desperately to hide from the troops and a large number of people took refuge or arrived for other reasons at the Church and found themselves trapped, unable to leave.

A few years ago I interviewed one of the survivors, who recalled that "248 took refuge there. They included 1 Islamic Jihad, 28 Hamas, 50 to 60 Al-Aqsa Martyrs. The remainder were ordinary townsfolk and included 100 uniformed Palestinian Authority workers, also 26 children and 8 to10 women and girls. The Israeli soldiers would not allow them to leave, but they escaped in the first week by a back door."

Priests and nuns - Armenian, Greek and Catholic - from the adjoining monasteries brought the number to over 300 at the beginning. "Some of them went back to the monasteries but some stayed with us every day for the 40 days."

'Armchair Slaughter'

The Vatican was outraged. The Greek Orthodox Church of Jerusalem called on Christians worldwide to make the upcoming Sunday a "solidarity day" for the people in the Church and the Church itself, and urged immediate intervention to stop what it called the "inhuman measures against the people and the stone of the Church".

The Israelis set up cranes on which were mounted robotic machine-guns under video control. According to eye-witnesses eight defenders, including the bell-ringer, were murdered, some by the armchair button-pushers playing with their video joysticks and some by regular snipers.

From the start, said my survivor, the Israeli troops used psychological warfare methods – for example, disorienting noise to deprive them of sleep, bright lights and concussion grenades. They paraded the families of the besieged in front of the Church to pressure them to surrender. They also used illegal dum-dum bullets which cause horrendous wounds and trauma. “Most of those who were killed… it was because of the dum-dums… so much bleeding, and it took so long to arrange to send them to a hospital.”

He said the soldiers fired tracer rounds into two of the monasteries and set the ancient fabric of the buildings alight.

15 days into the siege those inside managed to recharge their cellphones using the mains that supplied the Church towers and call for help. The Israelis had overlooked the fact that this was a separate supply coming from the Bethlehem municipality. Friends responded by sending food to the medical centre. From there it went by ambulance, along with authentic casualties, and was delivered to houses near the Church. At night young girls carried the food in plastic bags from house to house until supplies reached the dwellings nextdoor to the Church. The bags were then thrown from roof to roof. This went on for 6 days until one girl dropped a bag, which the soldiers found. The Israelis, now alerted, shot and paralysed another young man. It put an end to the food operation.

“Inside the Church we vowed not to harm the soldiers unless they actually broke in. When soldiers did gain access and killed one of the resisters, 4 of them were shot.”

Those trapped inside the Church were surprised to discover an old lady living within the complex. She had a small horde of olives and wheat, with which they made bread. So they managed to eke out the food for 28 days.

The Governor of Bethlehem and the Director of the Catholic Society were among those holding out in the Church. According to my survivor’s first-hand account, those inside only opened the door if someone died or was injured. He recalled watching through a peephole and seeing people approaching across the forecourt. "They were from the Peace Movement, 28 of them. By now the world media were watching. 17 were arrested but 11 took a big risk, managing to bluff their way in and bringing food in their rucksacks, which lasted another 4 days, and basic medicines.

The worst time, he said, was the final week - no food and only dirty water from the well. They resorted to boiling leaves and old chicken legs into a soup. He ate only lemons and salt for 5 or 6 days. "Many were so ill by this time that they were passing blood."

Outside some 15 civilians had been indiscriminately shot in the street or in their homes. The Israelis refused to allow the dead in the Church to be removed for decent burial. "In the end, the Governor decided it was better to be in jail than die. So we opened the door and surrendered on the 40th day. 148 had survived. We were promptly arrested and interrogated.

"13 were exiled to the EU, 26 were exiled to Gaza, 26 were wounded, 26 had surrendered because they were under-age. 8 were killed inside the Church, and with Samir (the bellringer) makes 9. They shot Samir in front of the Church as he came out to surrender."

The rest were allowed home, including my survivor. “The Israelis said to me, ‘Do you know why you are going home? Because America wants it’.” The adverse publicity had prodded the CIA and EU into taking a hand in deciding the fate of the survivors.

The whole disgraceful episode would no doubt have ended in more carnage if the world's media hadn't tuned in and ten international activists, including members of the International Solidarity Movement, hadn't managed to enter the Church.

I hear that the exiles have not been allowed to work since or receive visits from their families. According to some reports they were not even allowed to say goodbye to their loved ones before being packed off.

What exactly were they guilty of? They may have been Palestinian gunmen but the last time I checked it was perfectly OK to put up armed resistance against an illegal military occupation. Israel’s gunmen happen to wear uniform and are equipped with the best weaponry American tax dollars can buy. They are fond of saying, "We have a right to defend ourselves." So do the Palestinians. Obviously.

So why did America and the EU lend themselves to this shameful act of exiling... a helpful little boost to Israel’s ongoing programme of ethnic cleansing of the West Bank?

And having got their hands dirty isn't it time, after 10 years, they cleaned up and insisted that these forgotten men be re-united with their families?

A few weeks ago the Israeli press was practising their usual distortions and telling readers that "the terrorists took shelter in the famous church, and used about 40 priests and nuns as a shield, knowing Israel would not take a chance on inadvertently hurting priests and nuns".

But for Israel’s gunslingers it had been open season on bellringers and other innocents.

- Stuart Littlewood’s book Radio Free Palestine can now be read on the internet by visiting www.radiofreepalestine.org.uk. He contributed this article to PalestineChronicle.com.

Source: http://palestinechronicle.com/view_article_details.php?id=19379

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Syria’s ultimatum to Christians: “Leave Qusayr"

An exodus of Christians is taking place in Western Syria: the Christian population has fled the city of Qusayr, near Homs, following an ultimatum issued by the military chief of the armed opposition, Abdel Salam Harba.    This is what local sources told Vatican news agency Fides, pointing out that since the conflict broke out, only a thousand of the city’s ten thousand faithful, were left and they are now being forced to flee immediately. Some of the city’s mosques have issued the message again, announcing from the minarets: “Christians must leave Qusayr within six days, ending Friday.” The ultimatum therefore expired on 8 June and spread fear among the Christian population which had started to regain hope as a result of the presence of the Jesuit Fr. Paolo Dall’Oglio, who stopped off in Qusayr for a week to “pray and fast in the name of peace, right in the midst of conflict.”   The reasons for this ultimatum remain a mystery. Some say it is necessary in order to protect faithful from further suffering; other sources reveal “a continuity in discrimination and selective repression.” Others still claim that Christians have openly expressed their loyalty to the state and this is why the opposition army is chasing them away. Now Christian families in Qusayr have begun their exodus as displaced persons, towards the surrounding valleys and rural areas. Some have taken refuge in parents’ and friends’ homes in Damascus. Very few families have courageously decided to stay behind in their birth city but who knows what fate will meet. Fides sources have reiterated that groups of Salafi Islamic extremists within the armed opposition consider Christians as “infidels”; they confiscate their belongings, carry out mass executions and are ready to declare a “denominational war”.

Source: http://www.tayyar.org/Tayyar/News/PoliticalNews/en-US/Syria-Qusayr-Christians-mt-26819783.htm

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Dubai Chamber seeks stronger ties with National Association of Freight and Logistics

In its quest to strengthen its working relationship and to build bridges of cooperation with various business entities, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry in partnership with the National Association of Freight and Logistics (NAFL), organised an induction program of its services and initiatives for Dubai’s freight and logistics community. The induction program was held at Dubai Chamber headquarters recently.

© 2012 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

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Source: http://www.albawaba.com/business/pr/dubai-chamber-freight-logistics-association-431745

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ADNEC appoints new group Chief Executive Officer

Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) has appointed Pieter Idenburg as its new Group CEO. Idenburg will take up his new role starting 1 August 2012. 

Dutchman Idenburg brings more than 25 years of customer service passion and business acumen to ADNEC. Idenburg has held senior management positions in a number of international organisations such as American Airlines, The Walt Disney Company and British Airways. 

Four Communications

© 2012 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

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Source: http://www.albawaba.com/business/pr/adnec-chief-executive-officer-431722

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Minister holds on to 100-per-cent controls

THE HAGUE--Dutch caretaker Minister of Justice Ivo Opstelten is not planning on relaxing the 100-per-cent controls of flights that arrive at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport from the Dutch Caribbean.

The Minister stated this in response to written questions posed by Member of the Dutch Parliament's Second Chamber Cozkun Çörüz of the Christian Democratic Party CDA in April. Çörüz sought clarity after reports in the Dutch media that the 100-per-cent controls needed adaptation.

The media based the stories on a statement by the Solicitor General of the Supreme Court that the investigative methods used by Customs officials to question arriving passengers from the Dutch Caribbean and Suriname were against the law.

The investigative methods of the 100-per-cent controls ended up in the Supreme Court through a passenger from Suriname, who legally challenged the fine that he had received for disobeying orders, because he had refused to answer questions posed by Customs officers. Passengers from the islands and Suriname are often asked about the purpose of their visit and who paid for their ticket.

Opstelten assumes that the 100-per-cent controls can continue by basing them on the General Customs Law instead of on the Dutch Penal Code. Article 10 of the Customs Law states that passengers are obliged to provide information to Customs authorities. Refusing to give information to Customs officers is punishable based on that same law and as such is subject to a criminal sanction.

The Minister explained that there is more to the 100-per-cent controls than merely questioning passengers. He said that "other means of control and authorities" are deployed as well, aiming at the scanning and checking of luggage, the use of sniffer dogs and security cameras.

The 100-per-cent controls remain necessary, stated Opstelten in response to a question by Çörüz as to whether the controls were a must, considering the numerous "bolita" swallowers and drug couriers arrested at Schiphol every week.

The Supreme Court decides on June 19 whether it will follow the view of the Solicitor General. At that time the Supreme Court will also share its reflections on the legal basis of the 100-per-cent controls.

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/28504-minister-holds-on-to-100-per-cent-controls-.html

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If new study accurate, what will Muslim Arabs drink?: "Coke and Pepsi contain alcohol"

Tests reveal that more than half of leading soft drinks, like Coke and Pepsi, contain traces of alcohol, according to French research.

Only cheap supermarket versions of the drink are alcohol-free. French magazine 60 Million Consumers published results of tests on 19 kinds of colas.

The results suggest that the alcohol levels are as low as 10mg in every litre, or around 0.001 per cent alcohol.

Newzglobe.com. Copyright © 2012. All rights reserved.

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Source: http://www.albawaba.com/business/coca-cola-pepsi-alcohol-431726

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Govt asked to agree to suspension of Tromp

PHILIPSBURG--Government has been asked to agree to a suspension of Emsley Tromp, President of the Central Bank of Curaçao and St. Maarten (CBCS), while an investigation into lapses in policy and integrity issues is executed.

  The call for the investigation is related to the granting of a US $150 million bond to St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies. That bond was to allow the company room to reinvest and to finance the planned Simpson Bay Causeway.

  Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams made the request from CBCS President Robert Pietersz public during Wednesday’s Council of Ministers Press Conference. Government “will deliberate” on the board’s proposal and will respond “shortly.” 

  The reason given for the suspension request hinges on it not being proper to have the person that is also part of the investigation be on the job, Wescot-Williams explained.

  The Council of Ministers has not yet taken any decision on whether to stop the building of theSimpsonBaycauseway. Funding for the causeway is tied in the harbour bond loan. The matter has been raised in the Council.

  Some of the bank supervisory board members have given government their point of view on the issuance of the bond. The management has also given their response. The harbour Group will give a presentation to the Council of Ministers soon.

  Finance Minister Roland Tuitt recently met with Tromp about bank issues in general. One item warranting immediate attention is the approval of the bank’s 2012 budget. This is very necessary as severalSt.Maarten projects, including the build up of the local branch, have been held up.

  Funds for the build up of the local branch are “extremely important” for the country, Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams said.

  The moving ahead of investments by the Central Bank is another issue that needs to be cleared up as soon as possible. “This is a matter than needs to be quite clear because it is tied up in the discussion [about] the harbour bond,” Wescot-Williams said.

  “We would like to impress upon the [supervisory] board that they approve that budget as quickly as possible so items related to country St. Maarten can be carried out during this year,” Tuitt said.

  Tuitt, as new minister, has also held meetings with several departments within his ministry.

  He also has meetings planned with the commercial banks to gauge from their perspective “how the economy is going” and to seek “some financial items” government can deal with to get the economy out of its current slowdown. 

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/28537-govt-asked-to-agree-to-suspension-of-tromp-.html

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UAE leads for real estate regionally

Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the most transparent real estate markets in the Middle East - but have a long way to go before they can match global leaders.

That’s the findings of new research by global industry consultant Jones Lang LaSalle, which ranks 97 major markets around the world in its Global Real Estate Transparency Index.

© 2012 Al Sidra Media LLC

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Source: http://www.albawaba.com/business/middle-east-real-estate-431798

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DC refuses enjoining order on GMOA elections

The Colombo District Court today refused  to issue an enjoining order preventing

GMOA election to be held tomorrow.

 

The order was given by District Judge Dhammika Ganepola.

 

The trial has been fixed  for July 13.

Source: http://www.sundaytimes.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=21056:dc-refuses-enjoining-order-on-gmoa-elections&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=547

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Laville apologises for threats against James

PHILIPSBURG--Independent Member of Parliament (MP) Romain Laville apologised for threats he made against fellow MP Jules James (United People's party) Monday. While James accepted the apology made on the floor of Parliament Tuesday morning, he rehashed the fears that led him to file a police report.

Laville threatened to shoot James and also challenged to a fight for what he termed James' continuous references to him leaving UP and joining the National Alliance (NA)-led coalition.

"I apologise to my colleague and the people of this great country ... I look forward to having a discussion outside with my colleague in order for us to be able to move forward. ... From the depths of my heart I apologise," Laville said. He also apologised to President of Parliament Gracita Arrindell, who together with other MPs witnessed the incident.

Speaking about the incident Laville said, "In the heat of the moment, words were said that didn't have meaning ... [but] I hold responsibility for that. Sometimes when we are so heated things come out of our mouths, things we say, that if we look back on it we would have probably chosen different words." He added that after sitting and thinking about exactly what happened "passed a bad shadow" on Parliament "and I bear the responsibility for passing that shadow."

He added that many youngsters who look to MPs "as examples and leaders they aspire to be" were "let down" as well as their parents by the incident of Monday "so I humbly apologise."

James said, "As far as I am concerned I accept his apology ... I personally felt threatened last night with the statements that he would shoot me and kill me, I went to the police station to lodge a complaint. ... It was uncalled for."

James said he does not believe that anyone should walk with a gun, "especially if it is an unlicensed gun where he would make threats to a fellow colleague for statements that may have been made in this hall." He added that he made the police report "for the record" in case anything happened to him.

"I was intimidated and threatened. I am glad that persons withheld the individual from ... launching himself on me," James said.

MP George Pantophlet (NA) took offence with James' acceptance of the apology but then launching into a rehash of the incident. "I am extremely disappointed ... he [James] got up and said he accepted the apology but then made all kind of statements that were not called for. ... I am disappointed because not only [is he] a member of Parliament, be he is so considered to be a brother in the church."

MP Dr. Ruth Douglass (UP) classified "childish behaviour" that harkens back to the beginning of Parliament and this recent incident shows that words should be "measured." MPs are "the example" for the community and private behaviour such as the use of profanities will come out in public. "There is no pride in being parliamentarian. There is no respect from the people outside there because you have no respect from your colleagues ... we have to learn and move on."

She added that when someone feels that their life is in danger it must be stated in what way. "I know what that feeling is ..." referring to threats levied against her life by her ex-husband.

MP Louie Laveist said on behalf of NA he accepted Laville's apology and concurred with Pantophlet. "I think it's time we move on ... what has been said has been said. I think we took a very mature approach in here today and we should consider it water under the bridge and learn from this experience."

MP Silvia Meyers-Olivacce (UP) said she also accepted the apology. "Some of us forget our position and where we are ... some of us need to grow up. We need to set examples ... and stop the childish behaviour.

"Due to the ill behaviour in Parliament and Monday's incident, I ended up suffering certain slight issues especially reading the blogs on SMN-News. Out of all of this, I became 'a female dog' by someone who doesn't even know me." That comment from an anonymous blogger targeted Meyers-Olivacce because she served as a witness when James went to make the police report.

President of Parliament Gracita Arrindell said she also accepted the apology from Laville, but also thought it "prudent" to allow everyone who wanted to speak about the incident to do so.

"Statements made outside [of a parliament meeting] are statements." She added that Article 65 of the Constitution states that members of parliament and/or ministers who are part of the deliberations cannot be prosecuted or otherwise held liable for anything they say during the meetings of Parliament."

Also on meeting agenda was the approval of Parliament's decision list. This point was referred to another meeting to give MPs an opportunity to review the documents. The other agenda points, the vetting of incoming MP Rodolphe Samuel's credentials and the appointment of two new deputy presidents of parliament were handled.

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/28708-laville-apologises-for-threats-against-james-.html

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Jordanians top for tax-dodging, at "JD800 million"?

Finance Minister Suleiman Hafez estimated tax evasion in Jordan at JD800 million.

“There should be an end to this dodging,” the minister stressed during a meeting with members of the Socio-Economic Council.

© Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved.

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Source: http://www.albawaba.com/business/jordan-tax-evasion-431796

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DC refuses enjoining order on GMOA elections

The Colombo District Court today refused  to issue an enjoining order preventing

GMOA election to be held tomorrow.

 

The order was given by District Judge Dhammika Ganepola.

 

The trial has been fixed  for July 13.

Source: http://www.sundaytimes.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=21056:dc-refuses-enjoining-order-on-gmoa-elections&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=547

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Palestinian Hunger Strikes Continue

Palestine, (Pal Telegraph) - Over 2,000 Palestinian hunger strikers redefined courage. Their willingness to die for justice was unprecedented. On May 14, an Egyptian brokered deal was reached. Strike leaders and Israel Prison Service (IPS) officials agreed on terms. They included:

Source: http://www.paltelegraph.com/world/middle-east/77-middle-east/10580-palestinian-hunger-strikes-continue.html

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Coalition moves to appoint new Parliament President

PHILIPSBURG--The National Alliance (NA)/Democratic Party (DP)/Independent 3 coalition has requested an urgent public meeting of Parliament to appoint a new President of Parliament.

The request was submitted on Monday to incumbent President of Parliament Gracita Arrindell.

Arrindell is the only member of the United People's (UP) party still in a leadership role after the fall of the UP/DP/Illidge coalition in early May. The UP is now the only party in opposition.

With this letter, it appears that the 10-seat-strong coalition is gearing up to vote Arrindell out of the post to which she was elected on October 10, 2010, the day St. Maarten became a country within the Dutch Kingdom.

It is expected that a National Alliance Member of Parliament (MP) – either George Pantophlet or newly-sworn in MP Rodolphe Samuel – will be the coalition's choice to replace Arrindell.

President of Parliament was one of the posts assigned to the NA in the "Working for the People" Governing Accord.

Arrindell, unlike former deputy President of Parliament MP Leroy de Weever and Second Deputy President MP Patrick Illidge (independent), did not resign from her post in Parliament when the government fell. Resignation from the post is not mandatory under Parliament's Rules of Order.

De Weever (DP) has since been replaced by former UP, now independent MP Romain Laville and Illidge by De Weever.

Some contend that Arrindell's holding on to the position is not in keeping with the new political reality now that UP has no control in either the legislative or the executive branch of government.

The request letter was signed by nine of the 10 coalition MPs, including Rodolphe Samuel.

The signature of De Weever was not on the letter. He is currently off-island for his daughter's wedding in California. His daughter is marrying a cousin of UP leader/former Deputy Prime Minister Theo Heyliger.

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/28918-coalition-moves-to-appoint-new-parliament-president-.html

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Jones murder accomplice imprisoned for nine years

PHILIPSBURG--Kennedy C. A. Daniel (22), one of the suspects arrested in the infamous Vesuvius case, was sentenced to nine years on Wednesday. He was found guilty of being an accomplice to the murder of Amador Jones.

Jones was shot and killed on Gladiola Road near Under the Sun snack bar across from John Cooper/José Lake Ballpark, on April 16, 2011.

According to the Prosecutor's Office, Jones had been killed in retaliation for stealing 10 kilos of cocaine from the late restaurant owner Miguel Arrindell.

According to statements made to the Police, suspect O.B. nicknamed "Mad Max" had been hired for US $20,000 to kill Jones.

Judge Monique Keppels stated Wednesday that she considered it proven that Daniel had made his motorbike available to O.B. and that he had taken him to the scene of the crime.

Daniel had denied any relationship with O.B. and his attorney Cor Merx had stated on his behalf during the June 13 hearing that his client's involvement in the case was based on hearsay and on statements provided by an anonymous witness.

The Judge found it proven that the firearm found hidden in the gearbox of Daniel's car had been used in the shooting. Forensic investigations of the pistol and cartridge revealed traces of his DNA, which led the Court to also consider proven possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Daniel was sentenced to nine years, according to the Prosecutor's demand. The Judge also ordered that the pistol and ammunition be confiscated.

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/29165-jones-murder-accomplice-imprisoned-for-nine-years-.html

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The Predicament of Palestinian Refugees in Lebanon

By Ramzy Baroud

When Lebanese security reportedly killed 18-year-old Ahmad al-Qasim over a documentation dispute in the Nahr al-Bared refugee camp, the camp's Palestinian refugee population erupted in anger and dismay.

Within a few days of the June 15 incident, the outrage had spread and more refugees were killed. Fouad Muhi’edeen Lubany was killed on June 18, as a crowd of mourning refugees attempted to bury the first victim of Nahr al-Bared, near Tripoli in the north. Another victim of the violence was Khaled al-Youssef, who was shot in Ein al-Hilweh refugee camp, near Saida, about 30 miles south of Beirut. More Palestinians were reportedly injured, along with three Lebanese security officers.

Palestinian refugees in Lebanon exist on the margins of a larger political question concerning the country’s irreconcilable sectarian, factional and familial divides. This makes it somewhat difficult to place the tragedy of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon within a single political context. Lebanon’s enduring conflicts and political alliances are in a constant state of flux. So when such events concerning Palestinian refugees in Lebanon take place, the issue becomes almost entirely hostage to political considerations and hyped factional sensitivities. Instead of attempting to uncover the best way to tackle the underpinnings of such dramas, or examining the relationship between economic, social and other forms of alienations and political violence, the priority repeatedly revolves around trying to cover the festering problem.

The problem, however, will not disappear on its own. 450,000 United Nations-registered refugees live in Lebanon. They subsist in poverty, living in 12 concentration camp-like physical entities. They are denied basic rights and lack even nominal political horizons. Most of the refugees were forced out of Palestine between 1947-48 by Zionists militias, who later became the Israeli army. It was no accident that Nahr al-Bared was established in 1949. Since then, few if any substantial efforts have been made to remedy the numerous problems created by the violent dispossession.

Years later, Palestinian refugees have become embroiled in Lebanon’s existing conflicts - first by accident (since it happened that majority of the refugees are Sunni Muslims), and later by design (following the PLO’s departure from Jordan in the early 1970s). After the Israeli war on Lebanon in 1982 – accompanied by such infamous massacres as Sabra and Shatila, among others - the fate of the refugees worsened, reaching points of near complete neglect.

In the summer of 2007, the Lebanese army clashed with Fatah al-Islam, an extremist group which had earlier moved to Nahr al-Bared. According to Amnesty International, “the violence caused considerable destruction to the camp, forcibly displaced the camp’s 30,000 residents and led to at least 400 deaths, including 42 civilians and 166 Lebanese soldiers.”

‘Considerable destruction’ is a mild way of putting it. The camp was literally “reduced to rubble,” as described in a report in the Lebanese Daily Star on June 22. Many media outlets reported the story as if it simply concerned another fight between an army and an al-Qaeda inspired group. The stories barely acknowledged the fact that within the confines of the lethal fight there were hundreds of impoverished families, now mostly unemployed and homeless.

Five years have passed since Nahr al-Bared was destroyed. Yet many of its residents remain stranded between an old refugee status – as Palestinians who were forced out of or fled Zionist violence in Palestine in 1948 – and a new refugee status, fleeing from one refugee camp to another. This condition of old-new destitution is highlighted by, but not unique to Nahr al-Bared. It is a reality shared by many Palestinian refugees in Lebanon.

The multiple tragedies that struck the dwellers of Lebanon’s refugee camps throughout the years provide much needed insight into the nature of the Palestinian refugee problem in the country. They also offer obvious clues to its remedy. However much of the political discussion today is still devoid of any substance.

Lebanon-based US writer Franklin Lamb quoted a pledge on behalf of Army Commander General Jean Qahwaji, stating that a “through (and) a swift investigation will determine the perpetrators and prevent a similar incident from occurring in the future.” Lamb rightly comments: “Given past experience, few believe the investigation will be serious or even completed.” The country’s Interior Minister conveniently discounted the obvious link between the clashes in Nahr al-Bared and Ein al-Hilweh, branding it a mere ‘coincidence’ (Akhbar al-Youm, June 20 as referenced by Lamb). Palestinian PLO and Fatah official, Azzam al-Ahmad told the Daily Star during a recent visit to Lebanon that “regional powers are exploiting the hardship of Palestinian refugees…to push their own agendas in Lebanon.” He insisted that these powers don't include Syria.

Lebanon’s Palestinian refugees continue to be victimized by a bewildering political landscape and unmistakable discrimination by the state. Their treatment is often justified by the pretense that Palestinian refugees are temporary ‘guests’ in Lebanon. Now even third generation ‘guests’ of a UN-registered population of nearly 450,000 refugees are denied home ownership, inheritance of land or real estate. They are also barred from many professions. The state of near complete economic stagnation has resulted in socioeconomic regression, placing Palestinian refugees in Lebanon at a very low standing with little hope for the future.

In a report released on June 20 to coincide with World Refugee Day, American Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA) resolved that “Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon are considered the worst of the region’s refugee camps in terms of poverty, health, education and living conditions.” ANERA reported that two out of three refugees subsist on less than $6 a day, and that discrimination against them is expressed in multiple areas ranging from health care to housing.

It is important to note Israel’s role in the perpetual suffering of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon – as everywhere else. But extending this awareness to include the inhumane treatment of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon no longer suffices. As in the case of refugees the world over, Palestinians must be repatriated to their homes and compensated for their pain, suffering and multiple losses. Until that goal is achieved, refugees must be treated with dignity and respect - regardless of the political calculation of their host countries.

The predicament of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon must be handled with decidedness and urgency. It is a responsibility that ought to be shared between the Lebanese government, the Palestinian leadership, the Arab League and the United Nations. Any more neglect and the potential crisis could morph into a full-fledged conflict.

- RamzyBaroud (www.ramzybaroud.net) is an internationally-syndicated columnist and the editor of PalestineChronicle.com. His latest book is My Father Was a Freedom Fighter: Gaza's Untold Story (Pluto Press, London).

Source: http://palestinechronicle.com/view_article_details.php?id=19375

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Iraqi pictures used for Syrian propaganda

Today Sunday May 27 at 0700 am London time the attached image which I took in Al Mussayyib in Iraq on March 27, 2003 (see caption below) was front page on BBC web site illustrating the massacre that happen in Houla the Syrian town and the caption and the web site was stating that the images was showing the bodies of all the people that have been killed in the massacre and that the image was received by the BBC by an unknown activist. Somebody is using my images as a propaganda against the Syrian government to prove the massacre. Al Musayyib, Iraq - May 27, 2003 An Iraqi child jumps over a line of hundreds of bodies, in a school where they have been transported from a mass grave, to be identified. They were discovered in the desert in the outskirts of Al Musayyib, 40 km south of Baghdad. It has been estimated that between 10,000 and 15,000 Iraqis had been reported missing in the region south of Baghdad. People have been searching for days for identity cards or other clues among the skeletons to try to find the remains of brothers, fathers, mothers, sisters and even children who disappeared when Saddam's government crushed a Shi'ite uprising following the 1991 Gulf War. Marco Di Lauro Photographer Reportage by Getty Images

Source: http://www.tayyar.org/Tayyar/News/PoliticalNews/en-US/Houla-Iraq-mt-437.htm

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Govt asked to agree to suspension of Tromp

PHILIPSBURG--Government has been asked to agree to a suspension of Emsley Tromp, President of the Central Bank of Curaçao and St. Maarten (CBCS), while an investigation into lapses in policy and integrity issues is executed.

  The call for the investigation is related to the granting of a US $150 million bond to St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies. That bond was to allow the company room to reinvest and to finance the planned Simpson Bay Causeway.

  Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams made the request from CBCS President Robert Pietersz public during Wednesday’s Council of Ministers Press Conference. Government “will deliberate” on the board’s proposal and will respond “shortly.” 

  The reason given for the suspension request hinges on it not being proper to have the person that is also part of the investigation be on the job, Wescot-Williams explained.

  The Council of Ministers has not yet taken any decision on whether to stop the building of theSimpsonBaycauseway. Funding for the causeway is tied in the harbour bond loan. The matter has been raised in the Council.

  Some of the bank supervisory board members have given government their point of view on the issuance of the bond. The management has also given their response. The harbour Group will give a presentation to the Council of Ministers soon.

  Finance Minister Roland Tuitt recently met with Tromp about bank issues in general. One item warranting immediate attention is the approval of the bank’s 2012 budget. This is very necessary as severalSt.Maarten projects, including the build up of the local branch, have been held up.

  Funds for the build up of the local branch are “extremely important” for the country, Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams said.

  The moving ahead of investments by the Central Bank is another issue that needs to be cleared up as soon as possible. “This is a matter than needs to be quite clear because it is tied up in the discussion [about] the harbour bond,” Wescot-Williams said.

  “We would like to impress upon the [supervisory] board that they approve that budget as quickly as possible so items related to country St. Maarten can be carried out during this year,” Tuitt said.

  Tuitt, as new minister, has also held meetings with several departments within his ministry.

  He also has meetings planned with the commercial banks to gauge from their perspective “how the economy is going” and to seek “some financial items” government can deal with to get the economy out of its current slowdown. 

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/28537-govt-asked-to-agree-to-suspension-of-tromp-.html

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