30,000 signatures in French Polynesia anti-nuclear petition

RNZI/PACNEWS

More than 30,000 people in French Polynesia have signed a petition urging a local referendum on French weapon tests carried out in the South Pacific between 1966 and 1996.
 

The petition is being organised by the head French Polynesia Nuclear Workers' Association, or Mururoa e Tatou, Roland Oldham, and the Association 193.

Oldham said the groups would keep collecting signatures until July the 2nd, which would will be the 50th anniversary of the first French atmospheric nuclear weapons test in Mururoa.

He said the petition would then be presented to the territorial assembly, so that it local referendum could be organised.

“The petition is asking the people if the 193 bombs here in our country is a good thing, and the second question is does the French government have to do reparation. For us, this is to force the French government to assume its responsibility, also our local government.”

Although France conceded in a 2010 law that the tests had a negative effect on human health, practically all requests for compensation have been rejected.

U.N. Secretary-General - 'Implement U.N. decolonisation mandate'

United Nations Press Release

25 FEBRUARY 2016

GA/COL/3285

Intensify Action-oriented Dialogue to Boost Momentum for Self-determination, Urges Secretary-General, as Special Committee on Decolonization Begins 2016 Session

Special Committee on Decolonization,

1st Meeting (AM)

• GENERAL ASSEMBLY

MEETINGS COVERAGE

The Special Committee on Decolonization should intensify action-oriented dialogue with the aim of generating further momentum to fulfil the United Nations decolonization mandate, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a statement read out on his behalf at the opening of that body’s 2016 session today.

“The international community has the means to eradicate colonialism,” an urgent priority demanding prompt action, the Secretary-General told the Special Committee, known formally as the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence of Colonial Countries and Peoples.

In the statement, read out by Tayé-Brook Zerihoun, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Secretary-General Ban urged the Special Committee, administering Powers, Non-Self-Governing Territories and other stakeholders to do their part to advance progress.  The international commitment to advance the decolonization agenda could be seen in the fact that the Special Committee had undertaken to dispatch one visiting mission to one Non-Self-Governing Territory every year, he said.  Thanking the Special Committee for its renewed vigour and creativity, he emphasized: “All of us must seize the opportunities at hand.”

Rafael Darío Ramírez Carreño (Venezuela), who was elected Chair of the Special Committee by acclamation, said decolonization had been one of the most important tasks in the history of the United Nations and had become one of its main symbols.  However, the persistence of colonial situations around the world undoubtedly represented a blatant violation of fundamental rights, contradicting the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter, and a “stigma in the conscience of the world”.  Half a century after the adoption of the decolonization Declaration, 17 cases of colonialism had not been resolved, he noted.

Indeed, he continued, despite the noteworthy results of the Special Committee, those cases demonstrated that the decolonization process had not yet concluded.  It was therefore necessary to engage in permanent dialogue involving the administering Powers, the Special Committee and the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories in order to reach a negotiated solution, in accordance with the relevant United Nations resolutions on decolonization.

He called upon the administering Powers to increase their efforts to take the necessary measures so that the Non-Self-Governing Territories could exercise fully their right to self-determination, in compliance with Chapter XI of the United Nations Charter.  It was also important that they provide the necessary cooperation, and, in accordance with section (e) of the Charter’s Article 73, provide appropriate information on each Territory under their respective administrations.

Noting that his country still faced the consequences of unpunished plunder of its territory by colonial Powers during the nineteenth century, he said it had always taken as its own the struggle of peoples under “detestable occupations and abhorrent colonial situations”.  Venezuela called upon the international community to pay all necessary attention to the Non-Self-Governing Territories, particularly island States, because they were more vulnerable to natural disasters and environmental degradation — including the risk of disappearance.  He also asked Member States to continue contributing to decolonization efforts in the name of peace, human rights and social and economic development.

In other elections today, the Special Committee re-elected, by acclamation, Rodolfo Reyes Rodríguez (Cuba), Vandi Chidi Minah (Sierra Leone) and Desra Percaya (Indonesia) as Vice-Chairs, and Bashar Ja’afari (Syria) as Rapporteur.  It then approved a timetable and organization of work (document A/AC.109/2016/L.2) for its 2016 session, with the understanding that it might be revised.

In other business, the Chair announced that the Special Committee had yet to find a host for its 2016 Pacific Regional Seminar, scheduled for June.  Inviting offers to host from Member States of the Asia-Pacific region, he added that should a host not be identified, offers by States in other regions would be entertained.

A number of speakers congratulated the new Chair and the other Bureau members on their re-election.  Several underlined the importance of the United Nations decolonization agenda and the Special Committee’s crucial role in that regard, with some warning against a “one-size-fits-all” approach in addressing the 17 cases remaining on the list of Non-Self-Governing Territories.

Ecuador’s representative said those situations remained, in large part, because of a lack of political will on the part of the administering Powers.  The Special Committee had an important mission to establish a road map to concluding the decolonization process before 2020, he added.

Indonesia’s representative agreed that the Special Committee should continue its work through a balanced and thorough assessment of each case, stressing that each was unique, and that the delisting process should be carried out on a “case-by-case” basis.

Nicaragua’s representative agreed that much remained to be done to resolve the situation of the 17 remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories, as well as that of Puerto Rico.  For Latin America and the Caribbean, the issue of decolonization was a very important one, he said, adding that the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) had declared the region a “zone of peace”, for which decolonization was a crucial requirement.

A "geo-strategic" view of the United States role in Micronesia

America’s Micronesia Problem

The end of the Compact of Free Association with the Federated States of Micronesia would have serious repercussions.

By Thomas R. Matelski

February 19, 2016

Lieutenant Colonel Tom Matelski is a U.S. Army War College Fellow at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the U.S. Army War College, the U.S. Army, the Daniel K. Inouye Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government.

In December 2015, in an oft overlooked corner of the globe, the Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia (F.S.M.) passed a resolution signifying the intent to end the Compact of Free Association with the United States of America in 2018. The two sides were in the process of discussing a potential renewal of the Compact when it expires in 2023.

While the rest of the world watches events in the South China Sea and the East China Sea, the People’s Republic of China is positioning itself to be in the driver’s seat in an area of key strategic interest to the United States. If Washington fails to act in a timely manner to renew the sometimes troubled Compact relationship, it will inadvertently drive the Micronesians into the arms of China and simultaneously leave a gaping hole in strategic access.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE.

St. Croix Concert to feature Virgin Islands Youth Ensemble

Virgin Islands Premier sees self-determination in territory's future

TCI NEWS

Our goal must be self-determination, says BVI premier ROAD TOWN, BVI -- Premier and minister of finance, Dr Orlando Smith, has outlined his vision tor moving the British Virgin Islands towards self-sustainability. While delivering the territory’s 2016 Budget Address at the House of Assembly on Monday, Smith said, “I envision a society that is environmentally friendly, our capital and main town is clean, the internet is freely accessible to anyone within its boundaries, our infrastructure meets and exceed the needs of our people and visitors that come to our shores, where our children and senior citizens are protected and taken care of and where crime is nonexistent.” The premier added that, in order for the people of the territory to realise their full potential, everyone’s goal must be self-determination. He stated, “We must do our work now and grow in maturity as a people. Our future continues to depend on our ability to meet the challenges as they present themselves and to adapt, but to do so, without losing our uniqueness.” Smith affirmed his commitment to do everything in his power to put the territory on the path to achieving this goal.  He said there is an often unheralded facet to why the BVI is able to thrive, adding that it is the rule of law and the territory’s relatively low crime rate. He said, “I invite you and all the residents of the BVI to consider very carefully that the industries from which we earn our livelihood – tourism and financial services – are not compatible with crime.”  He commended the work of the men and women of the security organisations, led by the police at the forefront, with customs and immigration on border control, backed up by the financial investigations agencies and the courts, to keep the British Virgin Islands safe and protected.  The premier expressed his gratitude for the duties they perform, and pledged to provide them with the support they need to continue to operate efficiently and credibly. He noted that there is a bright future ahead, and that it will take commitment to country and selfless sacrifice. Smith further urged all citizens to work as a community to ensure the territory’s future and that of its children.

Forum on Hawaiian Sovereignty - February 26

Hawaiian Studies Forum to reaffirm sovereignty - Feb. 25

New perspectives on Chamorro self-determination

When the moon waxes 

by Michael Lujan Bevacqua

This Thursday, Feb. 18, the next “Around the Latte Special Seminar Series” will be held at the University of Guam. This series of symposia is being organized by Dr. Unaisi Nabobo-Baba and myself on behalf of the UOG School of Education and UOG Chamorro Studies. In the fall 2015 semester, we held four special seminars on topics ranging from female empowerment, the Japanese occupation of Guam and the state of education on Guam. To start the spring 2016 semester we have an exciting discussion titled “New Perspectives on Self-Determination in Guam.” The seminar will take place Feb. 18 from 4 to 6 p.m. in SBPA 129 at the University of Guam. The public is invited to attend and light refreshments will be provided.

This symposium will be focused on a newly published issue of the academic journal “Micronesian Educator” which is housed in the School of Education at the University of Guam. This special issue, edited by Victoria Leon Guerrero from the Micronesian Area Research Center and myself, is focused on presenting new scholarly and community ideas about the topic of Chamorro self-determination and decolonization in Guam. We invited a diverse group of intellectuals to tackle various aspects of the issue of decolonization with the hope of creating a forum where we can see ways to resolve some of the deadlocks we currently encounter and move the issue forward. The contributors include: Carlyle Corbin, international expert on self-governance; Mary Cruz, political science, UOG; Craig Santos Perez, creative writing, UH Manoa; Tiara Na’puti, communication, Western Kentucky University; Julian Aguon, human rights attorney; Robert Underwood, former member of the U.S. Congress and president of UOG; Moñeka de Oro, UOG graduate student; Kenneth Gofigan Kuper, UH Manoa graduate student; Felicidad Ogumoro, CNMI representative; and Edward Alvarez, executive director, Commission on Decolonization.

I’d like to share with the Guam Post readers a passage from the introduction penned by Victoria and me for this special edition. It is included below. I hope some of you will be able to join us this Thursday to learn more about the special edition and join the discussion about how to direct our energies and help move the decolonization process forward!

“Over the past century, while the rest of Micronesia has exercised some form of political self-determination, Guam has remained colonized. Other islands in Micronesia have begun the task of representing this part of the world on environmental and natural resource issues, yet Guam remains a place with no formal voice in regional or international affairs. As a colony of the United States, Guam is ‘foreign in a domestic sense,’ or in other words, it brushes up against both spheres but cannot claim to have fundamental power in either. While colonies were once the norm in a world that had been dominated by imperial conquests, in today’s world, to be a colony is to be a relic of a now disavowed past. The United Nations only recognizes that 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories remain in the world. Moving these colonies toward decolonization represents a fight for justice and human liberty that few around the world seem willing to take up.

As educators on Guam, we are faced with unique challenges when making decisions about how to teach our students. We must be students ourselves, ever exploring the unique place Guam has in the world, and seeking a deeper understanding of what it means to teach in a Non-Self-Governing Territory in the 21st century. How does one educate students in a colony in a world where colonialism is no longer supposed to exist? Furthermore, how does Guam’s reality as a heavily militarized island in the Pacific connect to this colonial status? We must be aware that we are teaching within a colonized framework and that we have the choice to either uphold that framework, or challenge it.

This special edition of Micronesian Educator takes a very specific focus on Chamorro self-determination in Guam because we believe that this is an issue educators throughout Micronesia should be more cognizant of, especially when shaping narratives about Guam in their classrooms. One of the biggest obstacles to achieving self-determination on Guam has been ignorance. Students on Guam are simply not taught about self-determination throughout their learning experience. This fundamental part of our historical journey and our contemporary reality is not incorporated into our public school curriculum. Instead, the values of the colonizer(s) are instilled in them every day they attend school, making it difficult for them to face the realities of being colonized, or to value their own unique culture and experiences.

Moreover, in classrooms throughout Micronesia, students are taught (without much context) that Guam is part of America. Thus, Guam is seen as America and not as part of Micronesia, and most definitely not a place where an indigenous people – the Chamorros – have long been deprived of their basic human rights. Ultimately, this weakens Guam’s power in the region and makes the indigenous people of Guam invisible in the eyes of their island neighbors. As a result, the Chamorro people are not included in regional decision-making, even when it pertains to Guam. The rest of Micronesia negotiates with the United States on important issues that affect Guam, but have no obligation or desire to consult Guam’s people. For example, a recent U.S.-FSM treaty, which formalized a maritime boundary between Guam and the Federated States of Micronesia, was signed in Palau on Aug. 1, 2014. This treaty officially gave ownership of the deepest part of the Mariana Trench to the FSM. The people of Guam were never consulted, or given a seat at the table when this treaty was signed.

Prior to colonization, the ancestors of these islands would have determined their ocean boundaries together, because they had to share the ocean and needed to do so peacefully. Today, the people of Guam are no longer seen as relevant in these discussions. As educators, this leaves us to wonder, whether Guam would be taken more seriously if the rest of Micronesia saw in the Chamorro people the aspiration to decolonize? Is the rest of the region aware of the need for Guam to exercise self-determination? By simply making these types of connections in their classrooms, teachers throughout Micronesia could play a critical role in Guam’s movement toward Chamorro Self-Determination.”

Iraqi Kurdish Leader Calls for Non-Binding Referendum on Independence

CAIRO – President of the autonomous region of Iraqi Kurdistan Masoud Barzani said that it is time to hold a non-binding referendum on independence for the region, noting that nothing can prevent the Kurdish people from expressing their right to self-determination.

“The referendum is non-negotiable but does not mean proclaiming statehood immediately,” Barzani said in a statement released by the Kurdish presidency in the last hours.

It is “the will and opinion of the people of Kurdistan about their destiny and for the Kurdish political leadership to execute the will of the people at the appropriate time and conditions,” he added.

He was also surprised by the statements of some countries in the region that spoke out against the referendum, and accused them of interference.

Independence is an old claim of the Iraq’s autonomous region, which was planning to hold a referendum in 2014, but was postponed due to the advance of the Islamic State in northern Iraq.

Puerto Rican Independence Group Rejects Referendum on Statehood

telesur

The debt crisis that the island facing has pushed legislators to give up the current political status and become a 51st state of the union. 

The Boricua Popular Army, better known as EPB-Macheteros, Sunday criticized a move by lawmakers two days ago urging their U.S. counterparts to make Puerto Rico the 51st state of the Union in a bid to save the island from default.

In a statement released by local news agency INS, the clandestine group also formally refused to talk with the governing Popular Democratic Party and New Progressive Party holding them responsible for the social and political crisis.

The group also condemned the calls for “a vague and weird unity” made by independentist and leftist sectors of the territory, arguing they also included sectors allied with “colonialism” that advocate for a Free Associated State – established since 1952 by Washington.

“In this moment, which could be decisive for our history, we don't see the protests, nor the struggle that an organized independence movement should be building and coordinating,” the group added in the press release.

The EPB found “obvious that the first purpose of the colony – preparing this people for submission, exploitation and potential annexation – seemed to have made its time 118 years after the U.S. invasion and four centuries of Spanish domination."

Puerto Rican Statehood Movement seeks a full integration to the United States and has been defended mainly by the PNP.

In the latest status plebiscite held Nov. 6, 2012, over 60 percent Puerto Ricans supported the idea of making Puerto Rico the 51st state of the Union, rejecting the independence or the sovereignty in free association with the United States. Washington acknowledged the result then, saying it would be up to the Puerto Rican Congress to rule on the matter.

INTERVIEW: Boron: Puerto Rico Will Find Many Friends If It Breaks with Colonial Condition

But since Puerto Rico was hit by a strong economic crisis last year, which included a US$72 billion public debt, the idea of statehood found more advocates than ever.

“Each year Puerto Rico loses out on billions of dollars in federal spending and tax credits that Congress sends to the states," explained Pedro Pierluisi, Puerto Rico’s resident commissioner to the island's Congress last year in a letter to the New Yorker.

To compensate for the shortfall in federal funding, Puerto Rico’s government has borrowed heavily in the bond market, leading to excessive debt.

On Friday, the Puerto Rican President of the state bank urged U.S. legislators to allocate to the island the financial powers required to restructure the debt, similarly to the other states of the union, in order to solve the “economic and human crisis.”

This content was originally published by teleSUR at the following address: 

 "http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Puerto-Rican-Independence-Group-Rejects-Referendum-on-Statehood-20160207-0037.html". If you intend to use it, please cite the source and provide a link to the original article. www.teleSURtv.net/english

Puerto Rican Independence Group Rejects Referendum on Statehood
 
A protester holding a Puerto Rico's flag takes part in a march in San Juan | Photo: Reuters
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Published 7 February 2016 (8 hours 34 minutes ago)
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The debt crisis that the island facing has pushed legislators to give up the current political status and become a 51st state of the union. 

The Boricua Popular Army, better known as EPB-Macheteros, Sunday criticized a move by lawmakers two days ago urging their U.S. counterparts to make Puerto Rico the 51st state of the Union in a bid to save the island from default.

In a statement released by local news agency INS, the clandestine group also formally refused to talk with the governing Popular Democratic Party and New Progressive Party holding them responsible for the social and political crisis.

The group also condemned the calls for “a vague and weird unity” made by independentist and leftist sectors of the territory, arguing they also included sectors allied with “colonialism” that advocate for a Free Associated State – established since 1952 by Washington.

“In this moment, which could be decisive for our history, we don't see the protests, nor the struggle that an organized independence movement should be building and coordinating,” the group added in the press release.

The EPB found “obvious that the first purpose of the colony – preparing this people for submission, exploitation and potential annexation – seemed to have made its time 118 years after the U.S. invasion and four centuries of Spanish domination."

Puerto Rican Statehood Movement seeks a full integration to the United States and has been defended mainly by the PNP.

In the latest status plebiscite held Nov. 6, 2012, over 60 percent Puerto Ricans supported the idea of making Puerto Rico the 51st state of the Union, rejecting the independence or the sovereignty in free association with the United States. Washington acknowledged the result then, saying it would be up to the Puerto Rican Congress to rule on the matter.

INTERVIEW: Boron: Puerto Rico Will Find Many Friends If It Breaks with Colonial Condition

But since Puerto Rico was hit by a strong economic crisis last year, which included a US$72 billion public debt, the idea of statehood found more advocates than ever.

“Each year Puerto Rico loses out on billions of dollars in federal spending and tax credits that Congress sends to the states," explained Pedro Pierluisi, Puerto Rico’s resident commissioner to the island's Congress last year in a letter to the New Yorker.

To compensate for the shortfall in federal funding, Puerto Rico’s government has borrowed heavily in the bond market, leading to excessive debt.

On Friday, the Puerto Rican President of the state bank urged U.S. legislators to allocate to the island the financial powers required to restructure the debt, similarly to the other states of the union, in order to solve the “economic and human crisis.”

This content was originally published by teleSUR at the following address: 

 "http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Puerto-Rican-Independence-Group-Rejects-Referendum-on-Statehood-20160207-0037.html". If you intend to use it, please cite the source and provide a link to the original article. www.teleSURtv.net/englishPuerto Rican Independence Group Rejects Referendum on Statehood
 
A protester holding a Puerto Rico's flag takes part in a march in San Juan | Photo: Reuters
Previous
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Published 7 February 2016 (8 hours 34 minutes ago)
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We Recommend

The debt crisis that the island facing has pushed legislators to give up the current political status and become a 51st state of the union. 

The Boricua Popular Army, better known as EPB-Macheteros, Sunday criticized a move by lawmakers two days ago urging their U.S. counterparts to make Puerto Rico the 51st state of the Union in a bid to save the island from default.

In a statement released by local news agency INS, the clandestine group also formally refused to talk with the governing Popular Democratic Party and New Progressive Party holding them responsible for the social and political crisis.

The group also condemned the calls for “a vague and weird unity” made by independentist and leftist sectors of the territory, arguing they also included sectors allied with “colonialism” that advocate for a Free Associated State – established since 1952 by Washington.

“In this moment, which could be decisive for our history, we don't see the protests, nor the struggle that an organized independence movement should be building and coordinating,” the group added in the press release.

The EPB found “obvious that the first purpose of the colony – preparing this people for submission, exploitation and potential annexation – seemed to have made its time 118 years after the U.S. invasion and four centuries of Spanish domination."

Puerto Rican Statehood Movement seeks a full integration to the United States and has been defended mainly by the PNP.

In the latest status plebiscite held Nov. 6, 2012, over 60 percent Puerto Ricans supported the idea of making Puerto Rico the 51st state of the Union, rejecting the independence or the sovereignty in free association with the United States. Washington acknowledged the result then, saying it would be up to the Puerto Rican Congress to rule on the matter.

INTERVIEW: Boron: Puerto Rico Will Find Many Friends If It Breaks with Colonial Condition

But since Puerto Rico was hit by a strong economic crisis last year, which included a US$72 billion public debt, the idea of statehood found more advocates than ever.

“Each year Puerto Rico loses out on billions of dollars in federal spending and tax credits that Congress sends to the states," explained Pedro Pierluisi, Puerto Rico’s resident commissioner to the island's Congress last year in a letter to the New Yorker.

To compensate for the shortfall in federal funding, Puerto Rico’s government has borrowed heavily in the bond market, leading to excessive debt.

On Friday, the Puerto Rican President of the state bank urged U.S. legislators to allocate to the island the financial powers required to restructure the debt, similarly to the other states of the union, in order to solve the “economic and human crisis.”

This content was originally published by teleSUR at the following address: 
 "http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Puerto-Rican-Independence-Group-Rejects-Referendum-on-Statehood-20160207-0037.html". If you intend to use it, please cite the source and provide a link to the original article. www.teleSURtv.net/english

Sri Lanka Celebrates 68 Years of Independence from British Colonial Rule

COLOMBO – Sri Lanka kicks off its 68th anniversary celebrations of political independence from British colonial rule on Thursday in Colombo with a presidential speech at an oceanside urban park, the hoisting of the national flag and a colorful parade in the capital city.

“Our country is embarking on a new chapter in terms of strengthening democracy, good governance, rule of law, human rights and relations with the global community of nations,” said Foreign Affairs Minister Mangala Samaraweera, in a message posted on Twitter on Thursday.

Each year on Independence Day – a national holiday for the tiny island nation’s population of 20.5-million – the main festivities are held at Galle Face Green, a centrally located half-kilometer stretch of oceanside park in Colombo.

In 2016, the event – with the theme of “One Nation, Great Power,” or “Ekama Deyak, Maha Balayak” in the local Sinhalese language – is presided over by President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, online news ColomboPage reported.

While the ceremony and procession were held in the morning, cultural shows to promote national reconciliation will start at 7 p.m. local time (0030 Friday GMT) under the concept of the “Pulse of Freedom,” or “Nidahase Hada Gasma.”

Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, achieved independence from the United Kingdom through peaceful means on Feb. 4, 1948, and served as a dominion for 24 years until it finally became the Republic of Sri Lanka 24 years later, on May 22, 1972.

But the country was subsequently wracked by a 25-year civil war from 1983 to 2009 amid an insurgency by militant separatist group the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE, or Tamil Tigers), in which 80,000 to 100,000 people died, according to the United Nations.

In the final months of the war from March to May 2009, both the LTTE – which is listed as a terrorist organization by 32 countries – and the Sri Lankan military were accused of war crimes, including genocide, against civilians.

The government says Independence Day is a day of symbolic importance for the battle-scarred state’s ongoing efforts towards national reconciliation between the majority Sinhalese population (comprising roughly 74 percent of the total population) and the Tamil ethnic minority (making up about 11 percent).

“Let us, on this solemn occasion of the anniversary of our independence, re-dedicate ourselves to intensify our commitment to built a new, progressive and modern nation where all individuals... have equal rights and opportunities to fulfill their hopes and aspirations,” said Foreign Affairs Minister Samaraweera.

Nucléaire : l’association 193 revendique "plus de 23000" soutiens

Nucléaire : 193 et Moruroa e tatou s'unissent pour demander un référendum local

Crispations autour du plutonium de Hao

PAPEETE, 1er février 2016 - L’association 193 assure être soutenue par "plus de 23000" pétitionnaires pour la soutenir dans sa demande d’un référendum populaire au sujet des conséquences de 193 essais nucléaires français en Polynésie de 1966 à 1996. Elle a réuni une cinquantaine de manifestants, lundi, devant le Haut-commissariat. 

Après la discrète manifestation qui s’est déroulée lundi devant le Haut-commissariat, les militants de 193 organisent ce mardi une marche pour présenter la pétition qu’ils font circuler depuis le 7 janvier en Polynésie française (également accessible sur internet). La pétition sera présentée au président de l’assemblée territoriale, au Président Fritch et au haut-commissaire de la République, à l’issue de cette marche organisée dans les rues de Papeete, au départ du rond-point Chirac à 8 heures. 

Cette pétition, portée par les associations 193 et Moruroa e tatou, demande aux responsables politiques polynésiens d’œuvrer pour l’organisation d’un référendum local, comme le permet le statut d’autonomie. Une consultation populaire qui permettrait aux Polynésiens de se prononcer sur l’opportunité des 193 essais nucléaires conduits par la France, à Moruroa et Fangataufau de 1966 à 1996, et sur d’éventuelles réparations dues par l'Etat. 

"Nucléaire tu nous tues ! ; Etat français, seul responsable ! ; Bombe propre, mensonge ! ; Faaea i te haavare" : lundi des slogans posaient le décor, placardés un peu partout sur l’avenue Pouvanaa’a Oopa devant le Haut-commissariat, tandis que des imprimés étaient distribués aux automobilistes à tous les carrefours du quartier. Mais en termes de participation on ne comptait guère plus d’une cinquantaine de militants à ce rassemblement. 

Une manifestation pour laquelle ses organisateurs pouvaient être certains d’une faible mobilisation, un lundi matin, compte tenu de l’emploi du temps de la plupart des personnes qui auraient pu être intéressées à se joindre à l’événement. Mais c’est en connaissance de cause que l’association l’a tout de même organisée au pied du monument aux morts, lundi. Le père Auguste, président du collectif 193 s’en est expliqué en milieu de matinée, questionné par la presse : "il s’agit d’une étape dans le cadre de la pétition lancée il y a trois semaines. Nous avons compté hier soir plus de 23 000 pétitionnaires. Demain, nous organisons une marche dans la ville et nous allons déposer ces milliers de pétitions à l’assemblée, à la Présidence et au Haussariat. Mais pour nous le lieu le plus symbolique, concernant ce dossier compliqué qu’est le nucléaire, c’est en face du Haussariat et à côté de la Présidence". 

Si elle est présentée ce mardi aux autorités institutionnelles, cette pétition pour l’organisation d’un référendum local sur la question du nucléaire circulera jusqu’au 2 juillet prochain, date du cinquantenaire du premier essai aérien à Moruroa.

The Human Cost of Puerto Rico’s Limbo

OPEN SOCIETY FOUNDATIONS

It has become a daily bet, a cruel, painful, and unfair bet. Every day Puerto Rico wakes to a sort of Russian roulette, trying to determine which child, pensioner, or ward of the state is about to be left out in the cold in what has become a constant―and potentially deadly―balancing act, as officials try to manage the commonwealth’s dwindling and unpredictable cash flow while attempting to maintain basic public services. 

Since 2016 began, this forlorn island territory has been besieged by fiscal problems.

In the second week of January, the Puerto Rican government’s gasoline suppliers threatened to suspend service due to lack of payment. Ambulances and vehicles used by social workers (fundamental in a society plagued by child abuse and gender violence) were in danger of coming to a standstill. The government managed to make partial payments, but then faced a similar prospect with special education children, who were suddenly confronted with the possibility of losing therapies. They were spared by a last-minute scramble that produced payments big enough to keep services running―but not big enough to put accounts in the black.

These budget dramas play out daily while debt-ridden Puerto Rico awaits action by the U.S. Congress. Strapped with over US$70 billion in debt, Puerto Rico is spending more on debt service than on education, health, or security. Services are being curtailed as public agencies scramble to cut costs.

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Two main independence forces call for 'definitive referendum'

Pro-Independence Party Joins Call for Vote on Puerto Rico’s Status

SAN JUAN – The Hostosiano National Independence Movement, or MINH, lined up Monday with the Puerto Rican Independence Party’s plan to ask Washington for a definitive referendum on the political status of Puerto Rico.

“The PIP proposal should be backed by all independence movements, and, even more, by all the Puerto Rican people,” the MINH said in a statement regarding the “need for unity among patriotic forces” to resolve the question of status.

The United States invaded Puerto Rico during the Spanish-American War. Island residents were granted U.S. citizenship in 1917 but they cannot vote in presidential elections, though Puerto Ricans living in the continental United States can.

Since 1952, the island has been a Free Associated State of the United States, an unincorporated territory with broad internal autonomy.*

Last week PIP leader Ruben Berrios proposed that the island’s main political parties speak to Washington with a single voice to demand that a binding referendum be held to determine the island’s status once and for all.

He therefore considered it necessary that all elements of the political class join forces to write the proposition to be voted on, including the choices offered to voters, matters that in previous referendums have divided politicians and have left the results with little credibility.

Last weekend the leader of the main opposition New Progressive Party, or PNP, which supports U.S. statehood for the island, Pedro Pierluisi, said he agreed with the PIP proposal.

However, Pierluisi, Puerto Rico’s non-voting representative in Congress, rejected the possibility that this hypothetical referendum on status offer “national sovereignty” as a choice.

“To succeed we have to agree on a choice that offers more than just ‘admission as a state, yes or no.” We would prefer “statehood or independence,’ since the ambiguous term ‘national sovereignty’ could well lead to confusion,” he said.

His proposal is to vote on “statehood or independence.”

Nonetheless, the MINH lined up with the PIP while maintaining that one choice should be “statehood and sovereignty,” since this would unify both supporters of independence and defenders of the current commonwealth status, including the governing Popular Democratic Party, or PPD, which has yet to decide whether to back the proposal and enter into negotiations with the other parties.

Fifty-four percent of Puerto Rican voters supported a change in status in a non-binding referendum coinciding with the November 2012 gubernatorial election.

The ballot consisted of two questions.

Sixty-one percent of those who answered the second question favored statehood over the other two choices: enhanced commonwealth status – the PPD’s proposal – or independence.

But more than 460,000 Puerto Ricans who voted on the first status question did not respond to the second question.

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* The 'commonwealth' status of Puerto Rico does not meet the mutual consent criteria of free association as defined in United Nations General Assembly Resolution 1541 (XV). A free associated state cannot also be an unincorporated territory. - (OTR) 

UK Labour chief seeks deal with Argentina over Las Malvinas

PRESS TV

Britain’s Labour Party leader has expressed support for a power-sharing deal with Argentina over the disputed Malvinas Islands, aka the Falklands, reports say.

Jeremy Corbyn has told Argentinian diplomats he wants a Northern Ireland-style power-sharing deal for the South Atlantic islands.

Argentina’s outgoing ambassador to London, Alicia Castro, said the Labour leader “shares our concerns” and “he is one of ours,” according to the Guardian.

In an interview published on the Argentinian embassy’s website, Castro said Corbyn had visited the Argentinian embassy in London and was “friendly and humorous.”

“He is saying that dialogue [is] possible and that attitudes are beginning to change, that what was achieved in Northern Ireland can be achieved also here,” she said.

“His decisive leadership can guide the British public opinion to promote dialogue between the governments of the United Kingdom and Argentina.”

The Labour leader drew criticism last week by saying in a television interview that he wanted discussions on “some reasonable accommodation” with Argentina.

While saying the islanders should have an “enormous say” in any discussions on their future, he stopped short of saying they should have a veto over any new arrangements.

Located about 500 kilometers (about 300 miles) off Argentina’s coast and home to about 3,000 inhabitants, the disputed islands have been declared part of the British Overseas Territories since Britain established its colonial rule on the territories in 1833.

Argentina and Britain fought a 74-day war in 1982 over the islands, which ended with the British side claiming victory over the Argentinians.

The United Nations (UN) Special Committee on Decolonization considers the islands as a colony, which is waiting to be decolonized.

EU Overseas Countries and Territories complete innovation strategies

Innovation In The EU’s Overseas Countries And Territories Moves Up A Gear

BRUSSELS, WILLEMSTAD – Brussels, January 25 – The drive for Innovation in the European Union’s Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) has moved up a gear following the finalization of innovation strategies drawn up by Individual OCTs under the OCTA Innovation project.

Individual OCT innovation strategies detail the innovation landscape, the scope for innovation by sector and action plans to achieve the new goals. The strategies are a key feature of OCTA Innovation, a four-year EU funded project that is leveraging economic diversification and improved regional and global competitiveness in the EU’s inhabited OCTs*.

Fiona Curie was appointed as Innovation Manager by the government of Curaçao to be in the driving seat of all of the project’s activities for the island. OCTA Innovation Team Leader, Milan Jezic von Gesseneck, says: “All segments of society in the OCTs were involved in drawing up the strategies: government, public bodies, businesspeople, academics, scientists, banks, investors, not-for-profit organizations and individuals from every sector – agriculture, construction, the creative industry, energy, financial services, fisheries, food processing, IT, tourism, trade and transport.”

“A great job has been done, but a lot of the work to apply innovation strategies lies ahead. The progress made so far shows that OCT governments understand the crucial importance of innovation for their countries, and are ready to make the systemic innovation, undertaking required to implement innovation across all segments of the economy and society.

The approval letter accompanying Curaçao’s strategy was signed by Prime Minister Bernard Whiteman. It reads: “We fully recognize the importance of innovation to bring sustainable economic growth to the Overseas Countries and Territories. We are highly appreciative to the OCT Association for both having initiated and taken the lead in the Territorial Stategies for Innovation project, and to the EU for providing funding.”

In parallel with actions to develop systemic innovation, the project is directly funding innovation initiatives. It has already secured EUR 1.5 million of EU funding for pilot projects as a first step towards implementing the strategies. “The European Union understands the importance of keeping the momentum of our innovative work and supporting the first steps of the action plans developed on the basis of the innovative strategies,” says Milan Jezic von Gesseneck.

*Anguilla, Aruba, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Curaçao, Falkland Islands, Greenland, Montserrat, New Caledonia, Pitcairn, French Polynesia, Saba, St. Barthélemy, Saint Helena, Saint Pierre-et Miquelon, Sint Eustatius, St.Maarten, Turks and Caicos, Wallis and Futuna.