#247: No welcome for Condoleezza Rice - Protest Sat

GLOBAL PEACE AND JUSTICE AUCKLAND NEWSLETTER #247, July 24, 2008

Website http://www.gpja.org.nz/

To access the newsletter online go to: http://gpja.org.nz/ This will allow people to link directly through articles until we fix the problem with the newsletter format.

Kindly forward this newsletter to your friends and encourage them to join this mailing list [at] http://www.gpja.org.nz/

Kia ora koutou,
Please circulate widely.

SAT, 1.30PM, PROTEST- NO WELCOME FOR CONDOLEEZZA RICE IN AUCKLAND!

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is visiting Auckland from Friday 25 July to Sunday 27 July. She provides the soft public face for a host of aggressive, immoral policies to expand the US empire. For example she has fronted policies resulting in the death of one million Iraqi civilians in return for US control of Iraq's oil resources. She should be indicted for war crimes.
She is meeting Helen Clark and Winston Peters at Government House on Saturday 26th July.

1.30PM SATURDAY, PROTEST MARCH TO GOVERNMENT HOUSE

Meet at the corner of Carlton Gore Road and Park Road
This will be followed by a protest from 3.15pm outside the Langham Hotel in Symonds Street where she is scheduled to meet National Party Leader John Key.
The protest is co-ordinated by Global Peace and Justice Auckland and will be calling for Condoleezza Rice to be indicted for war crimes as well as calling for United States and New Zealand troops to be withdrawn from Afghanistan and Iraq.
John Minto, Ph 8463173 (H) or 8469496 (W); Mike Treen, 0295254744

ANNOUNCEMENTS

NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE 2008 ROGER AWARD.

You can send your nomination, and any supporting material, by 1/ Filling in the below form and e-mailing it to this address. 2/ Or by sending it by snail mail to the Roger Award, Box 2258, Christchurch. The nomination form and full details about the Award, including past winners, Judges' Reports, etc, can be accessed online at http://canterbury.cyberplace.co.nz/community/CAFCA/publications/Roger/in...

Murray Horton, Secretary/Organiser, CAFCA, Campaign Against Foreign Control of Aotearoa, Box 2258, Christchurch, New Zealand. cafca[at]chch.planet.org.nz www.cafca.org.nz
OCTOBER 15TH SOLIDARITY GROUP

Dear Friends: I am writing on behalf of the October 15th Solidarity Group, Wellington. We were formed in the aftermath of last year's state terror raids in Aotearoa/New Zealand. We are writing to groups and individuals to ask them to support our work.

Although the police failed in their attempts to lay terrorism charges, people are still facing charges under the Arms Act. The depositions hearing for these charges will begin on 1 September, and last for at least a month. This will require those charged to be in Auckland for a month, at their own expense.

As part of the effort to fight these politically motivated charges we are calling for an international day of action on Saturday 30 August 2008.

We would really appreciate your support in this work, in the following ways:

1. Support the international day of action, by signing our solidarity statement, distributing information among your members, and/or organising something in your area. The solidarity statement is pasted below and we will be using endorsers of the statement for publicity purposes. We can send posters and leaflets, just let us know what you need (you can see the resources we have produced at

http://www.october15thsolidarity.info/en/node/236.)

2. Offer financial support, we need money to print resources, and also to support those arrested and their supporters during the depositions hearing. You can mail a cheque to PO Box 9263 or deposit the money directly into our bank account: Bank: Kiwibank, Account

name: October 15 Solidarity, Account Number: 38-9007-0239672-000

3. pass this statement onto groups or individuals who are supportive and asking them to sign on. Please ask people to respond to info[at]October15thSolidarity.info if they would like to sign on.

This international day of action, and depositions hearing, are just one stage in this work. We hope that you and your organisation will continue to be involved. We're really keen to hear from others who are interested in this work. If you have any ideas, questions, or want more information, then please get in touch. My contact details are Valerie Morse 021-295-2138 or info[at]October15thSolidarity.info

Thank you, Valerie Morse
SOLIDARITY STATEMENT:

We demand the unconditional freedom of the people who are facing charges as a result of the state terror raids on 15 October 2007.

Attempts by the Police to lay charges under the Terrorism Suppression Act (TSA) failed but people are still facing politically motivated charges under the Arms Act. These charges are the result of a racist operation.

Police used the Terrorism Suppression Act and over $8 million to harass and punish political activists who they saw as supporting Tino Rangatiratanga.

The Police have arrested a few people but we're all targeted. The arrests of October 15h are aimed at intimidating and frightening all of our communities and cannot be tolerated.

We therefore call on everyone to stand up against this attack on our communities. We support the global day of action on 30 August 2008 and are mobilising to demand the unconditional freedom of the people facing charges as a result of the state terror raids.

The statement is also on our website http://www.october15thsolidarity.info There is currently no facility to sign up to the statement directly from the website, so we are asking supporters to email us at info[at]october15thsolidarity.info

BELFAST POETS PLAY THE NORTH ISLAND

The Belfast Poets Touring Group, widely acclaimed as the world's best performance poetry group, are playing the North Island over the next three weeks. They will be visiting Auckland, Whangarei, Kerikeri, Mercer, Hamilton, Rotorua, Palmerston North and Wellington. Their new show is called "1968: The morning after the Summer of Love". It loosely revolves around 1968, that tumultuous year of anti-war protests, civil rights marches, sexual experimentation, hippies and yippies, upsurges and initiatives from the grassroots. It's a year that right-wing politicians and ideologues are still trying to bury. Anyone who experiences the Belfast Poets walks away with a different idea of what poetry is. In their show poetry is not something read out by one person. It's sometimes all five of them (three women, two men) all declaiming in tandem. It's dynamic, energising, rhythmic. And many shows will feature an integrated film and soundtrack element. Their warm-up act is Roger Fowler, an accomplished NZ singer/guitarist/songwriter who has entertained pickets and protests for over 30 years as well as featuring on television and in plays and shows. Roger is a man with a very powerful voice, and he will be performing 1968-era songs in tune with the Belfast Poet's theme. Come along to one of their shows if you can and have a fantastic time! Here's their itinerary:

MONDAY 21 JULY: 12.15pm Whangarei Public Library, 7 Rust Av, Whangarei.

WEDNESDAY 23 JULY: 2pm Atrium Building, Main Campus, Massey University at Albany, North Shore.

FRIDAY 25 JULY: 10.30am Howick Public Library, 25 Uxbridge Rd, Howick, Manukau City; 7pm Devonport Vintage Bookshop, 81A Victoria Rd, Devonport, North Shore.

SATURDAY 26 JULY: 7.30pm Wellington Irish Society bar, 10 Fifeshire St (off Cambridge Tce), central Wellington.

SUNDAY 27 JULY: 2pm Palmerston North Residents Association special conference on GST taxes, Palmerston North City Council chambers, The Square, Palmerston North. The Belfast Poets will end the conference, starting at 3.30pm.

MONDAY 28 JULY: 7pm Happy cafe, corner Tory & Vivian Sts, central Wellington.

TUESDAY 29 JULY: 2pm Rotorua. The venue still to be confirmed. Contact Bernie (07) 3459 853.

WEDNESDAY 30 JULY: 7pm Auckland University, Library Basement, Alfred St, central Auckland.

Grant Morgan, NZ tour manager, grantmorgan[at]paradise.net.nz

VENEZUELA SOLIDARITY BRIGADE - NOVEMBER 2008

Register now for the next Australian solidarity brigade to Venezuela! November 20th-30th, 2008. The Australia-Venezuela Solidarity Network's brigades to Venezuela are a unique opportunity to see first-hand an unfolding revolution. The Venezuelan people, led by President Hugo Chavez, have taken over more workplaces, set up more cooperatives, established hundreds of free public education and health programs, organised their neighbourhoods and taken big steps towards exercising popular power in their country. This year, on November 23, the regional elections for mayors and governors will take place across Venezuela, preceded by a huge campaign by the pro-Chavez sectors of the population to ensure that the revolutionary process is strengthened by the election results.

Participants in the AVSN's November 2008 brigade will witness that campaign and the elections, as well as meeting with a wide range of community organisations involved in transforming Venezuelan society. The brigade itinerary will include visits to occupied factories and educational institutions, observing popular power at work in the communal councils and people's banks, and speaking to government and grassroots organisations about the radical changes being implemented by the Venezuelan people.

Organisation and costs

The deadline for registering for the November 2008 brigade is September 1, 2008. Participants will need to book their own international airfares, but the brigade organisers are able to give advice and recommend a travel agent. Airfares should be booked as soon as possible, as they become more expensive closer to the departure date.

Accommodation, transport and English translation in Venezuela will be organised for brigade participants.

You will need to budget for a total cost of approximately $5000. This includes: (i) International airfare approximately $3500 (departing Australia). (ii) Approximately $500-1000 for accommodation (twin-share basis), food and other spending during your stay in Venezuela. (iii) $500 registration fee (for brigade organisation, including translators and transport). For more information, email brigades[at]venezuelasolidarity.org, or phone Lara Pullin on 0439 601 277 or Roberto Jorquera on 0425 289 394. (NB: Australian $ costs and ph numbers - but Kiwis welcome)

DOWN LOAD A BRIGADE REGISTRATION FORM http://venezuelasolidarity.org/files/novemberform.pdf

Brigade photos December 2006 http://venezuelasolidarity.org/?q=node/68

Brigade photos May Day 2008 http://venezuelasolidarity.org/?q=node/3509

Read an account of the 2008 May Day Brigade CLICK HERE http://venezuelasolidarity.org/?q=node/3858
INTERNATIONAL BRIGADE "50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TRIUMPH OF THE CUBAN REVOLUTION"

Dear Friends: Next year the Cuban Revolution will arrive to its 50th anniversary: 50 years of solidarity and friendship between Cuba and the peoples of the world. From October 5th through 19th this year, our Institute will welcome the "50th Anniversary of the Revolution" International Brigade and friends coming from all over the world will enjoy this unique opportunity to celebrate this important date in Cuba. We are looking forward to hosting you!!!!

Asia-Pacific Division, Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples, Email: dasia[at]icap.cu Tlf: (53-7) 838 2430
INVITATION TO VENEZUELA EDUCATION STUDY TOUR

A Collaborative Exchange and Study Tour for Academics, Teachers & Students January 2009

Dear Friends and Colleagues, We would like to invite you to participate in the first Education Exchange and Study Tour of Venezuela. A number of educators here in Australia and internationally have become increasingly interested in the radical education reform currently taking place in Venezuela. The study tour will take place in January 2009 and will involve a range of meetings (seminars) and visits with educational groups, institutions, and community organisations. The details of the week are to worked out in conjunction with colleagues from the Bolivarian University of Venezuela, and local schools and community organizations in Caracas. For further details, to contribute ideas and/or to register your interest please contact the organising committee: Tom Griffiths Tom.Griffiths [at] newcastle [dot] edu [dot] au / Jo Williams Jo.Williams [at] vu [dot] edu [dot] au / Roberto Jorquera roberto [at] latinamericasolidarity [dot] org / Jorge Jorquera Jorge.Jorquera [at] rmit [dot] edu [dot] au
WHAT'S ON IN AUCKLAND
Thursday, July 24 & Friday July 25

THE HOLLOW MEM: Auckland premiere at the Auckland International Film Festival at 6.15pm Thursday 24th July at the Sky City Cinema. Tickets are available from 40th Auckland Film Festival. Also sceening at 11.45am Friday 25th July at the Sky City Cinema.
Saturday, July 26

CONDALEEZA RICE PROTESTS
Monday, July 28, 7pm, St Columba Centre, 40 Vermont St Ponsonby, Auckland.

Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) AGM. "Children's experiences of poverty and exclusion" - Presentation by special guest Dr Tess Ridge, University of Bath, UK. Stories from the lives of children in low-income households. 7:00 pm AGM business, 7:45 pm guest speaker. Plenty of parking round the back. For further information contact Rachel Somerfield, CPAG NZ Administrator admin[at]cpag.org.nz or (09) 303-9260.
Friday, August 1, 4.30pm -5.30pm, NZ Superannuation Fund office, outside the AMP building, on the corner of Custom Street West and Albert Street, Auckland CBD

Everyday ordinary West Papuans stare ecocide and genocide in the face with nothing more than their commitment to freedom. Surely we can back them up with a little commitment of our own. Join the picket of the Superfund office on August 1 and tell the Superfund that our future and the future of the Papuan people is not in Freeport.

Organised by: Investment Watch Aotearoa New Zealand | investmentwatch.wordpress.com | nowarp[at]xtra.co.nz
Saturday, August 9, 5-7pm, Auckland Domain Wintergarden

Women's International League for Peace and Freedom Candle Floating Ceremony to commemorate Hiroshima and Nagasaki. All Welcome. There will be crane-making, and music. Candles will be supplied. Contacts Helen Yensen 5200 179 or Joan Macdonald 360 8001
BEST ON THE WEB
NEW ZEALAND

Secret Services -- Keith Locke discusses the secrecy around New Zealand's security and intelligence services, in a speech to Parliament.

http://www.greens.org.nz/node/19285

Police enthusiasm for pepper-spray needs to be reviewed - Green Party Police Spokesperson Keith Locke wants the Police Commissioner to review the way his officers are using pepper spray. The over-enthusiastic use of pepper spray in the force is particularly worrying as police are currently considering whether to introduce an even more dangerous weapon, the 50,000 volt taser stun gun.

http://www.greens.org.nz/node/19245
FEATURES

40 Years On, NPT In Urgent Need of Overhaul: Experts

http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2008/07/02/10040/

Big Oil's Iraq deals are the greatest stick-up in history - The country's invaders should be paying billions in reparations not using the war as a reason to pillage its richest resource

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/jul/04/oil.oilandgascompani...

Pilger on Palestinian journalist Mohammed Omer - John Pilger describes presenting a top journalism award to a young Palestinian, Mohammed Omer, and how, on his return home to Gaza, he was seized by the Israelis, who demanded the prize money and tortured him.

http://www.johnpilger.com/page.asp?partid=495
AUSTRALIA

New report: Why troops should leave Afghanistan

http://www.greenleft.org.au/2008/759/39205
BOLIVIA

Evo Morales, President of Bolivia, on the WTO's round of negotiations

http://boliviarising.blogspot.com/2008/07/evo-morales-president-of-boliv...

MAS, opposition prepare for recall referendums

http://www.greenleft.org.au/2008/759/39206

KOREA

South Korea: Mass movement stops the neoliberal bulldozer

http://www.asia-pacific-action.org/node/102

PACIFIC

Whenua Fenua Enua Vanua - Revolutionary Anti Colonialism & Anti Capitalism in the Pacific

http://uriohau.blogspot.com/

Indonesian police detained 41 people in Fakfak, 890 kilometers west of Jayapura, for allegedly hoisting the "Morning Star" flag of the West Papuan independence movement. Ten years ago, this month, hundreds of West Papuans were massacred by the Indonesian occupation forces in Biak for participating in a flag-raising ceremony - and there have been recent protests in West Papua and around the world to mark the 10th anniversary of "Bloody Biak". http://www.asia-pacific-action.org/node/98

UK

How Britain wages war by John Pilger

http://www.newstatesman.com/uk-politics/2008/07/british-pilger-britain-t...

Homeland insecurity - As Noordin Mengal's experience shows, the US is now adding human rights defenders to its list of unwanted aliens

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/jul/02/humanrights.usa

VENEZUELA

The hard battle for socialism: Interview with Rafael Ramirez, Venezuela's minister of energy and petroleum. Up until now, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's socialist project has counted on broad popular support. But it is encountering - as was foreseen - numerous difficulties and an opposition that is not disgusted by coup plots nor assassination attempts. On November 23, the revolutionary project will have to submit itself to a new test, this time in the form of elections for governors and mayors.

http://links.org.au/node/532

NICARAGUA

July 19, 1979: Nicaragua's Sandinista revolution remembered - Video by John Pilger: On July 19, 1979, the Nicaraguan people led by the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) overthrew the brutal US-backed dictator Somoza. In this film, made by John Pilger in the 1980s, the background to the revolt and the gains won -- and the United States' virulent opposition -- are graphically explained.

http://links.org.au/node/530

ENDS

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