IMF Continues Washington?s Harassment of Ecuador

After the most recent presidential resignation forced by popular
pressure in Ecuador, a progressive, Alfredo Palacio, was made interim
president. His skepticism about the neo-liberal ideology has
concerned the U.S. government a great deal, especially in light of
the fact that the Ecuador is not far from Venezuela and Hugo Chavez,
the one of the Bush Administration?s major irritants (apart from its
incompetence in Iraq and at home, of course).
It is also threatening to block the desires of Occidental Petroleum,
longtime Amazon oil explorer and a good friend of the Administration,
by nationalizing oilfields. There have been threats to exclude
Ecuador from the nascent Andean Free Trade Agreement if it does not
play ball with Occidental (which may not strike many readers as a
reason to change course).
U.S. concern about Ecuador?s trajectory seemed to find a sympathetic
ear at the World Bank, which recently condemned the government?s move
to adjust the percentage of oil profits that is mandated to be
devoted to debt payments. That move, in light of skyrocketing oil
prices and domestic economic turmoil, did not seem outlandish to many
observers, especially since the net amount of cash devoted to debt
did not diminish. Even the IMF, which had been the most vocal in
warning against the move, did not react with draconian steps. But the
World Bank diverged from its own customary procedures and stopped its
lending to Ecuador, reportedly because of personal intervention by
new World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz, another good friend of the
Bush Administration. As one observer put it, the rationale seems to
be that the Bank was saying that the move meant it would not fulfill
its IMF program requirements, even when the IMF had come to no such
conclusion. As the same observer noted, this would be <<a new level
of overreach for the Bank.>>

The Bank?s abrupt decision resulted in the forced resignation of
Ecuador?s Finance Minister, Rafael Correa, considered among the most
progressive Finance Ministers in the hemisphere, and an important
voice anchoring Palacio on the left.
All this is to provide context for the article below, which was
circulated on the <stop-imf> listserv. The IMF?s concerns about
public spending echo those it has been making for the last few
months, though they have been framed in an analysis of a ?broadly
positive? outlook for Ecuador. That they are choosing to publicize
them in this manner, with the laughable (even for the IMF) idea that
4% inflation could portend a crisis, suggests the IMF is being
brought into Washington?s great game.

Soren Ambrose    50 Years Is Enough Network / Solidarity Africa
Network in Action

IMF Calls On Ecuador To Resist Government Spending Pressures
November 21, 2005

QUITO -(Dow Jones)- The International Monetary Fund has called on
Ecuador's government not to give in to political pressure to increase
public spending above budgeted levels, and to establish priorities
for capital spending.

"The emergence of inflation pressures and the expected decline in the
international price of petroleum underscore the importance of
resisting demands to increase current government spending above that
contained in the budget proposal and to rigorously prioritize capital
spending," said Trevor Alleyne, head of the IMF's mission to Ecuador,
in a statement distributed over the weekend.

Since taking over as interim president in April, President Alfredo
Palacio has taken on commitments to spend $650 million to appease
public protests. Palacio's administration remains fragile and
vulnerable to the protesters, who have brought down a number of
recent presidents.

Most of the extra spending will be paid out in 2006, and comes from
the windfall in revenues from sky-high international crude oil prices.

The IMF team visited Ecuador between Nov. 7 and 16 to carry out its
annual evaluation of the economy, and met with senior government
officials including President Palacio.

The IMF's mission also advised against classifying oil revenues as
current account expenditure, as this would "complicate efforts to
control spending." Congress recently said it would re-classify oil
revenues as current spending, which would mainly bolster the day-to-
day spending of provincial and municipal governments.

It also emphasized the need to "curtail the high and rising
government spending on subsidies for domestic consumption of
petroleum products." Domestic fuel prices have been frozen since
January 2003.

The IMF said it expects Ecuador's gross domestic product as a whole
to grow by 3% in 2005, while the non-oil segment of GDP should grow
by 3.5%. Inflation is likely to end at almost 4%, close to the
government's own recent forecasts.

For the IMF, the increase in inflation is "largely reflecting sharp
increase in public spending and credit to the private sector."

The IMF encouraged the government to prioritize reforms that would
improve the efficiency of the electric power, oil and
telecommunications industries, including a move away from political
involvement in management decisions and towards encouraging private
sector investment.
It also called on the government to strengthen supervision of the
financial system, which would improve its operating efficiency and
lead to lower interest rates.

The mission emphasized the government still has much to be done to
reduce the external vulnerability of the economy and to strengthen
financial stability, and said it supports efforts to maintain prudent
fiscal management in the difficult political context.

The IMF encouraged Ecuador to build political consensus around
economic policies that would "bolster external competitiveness."

"Such reforms are needed so that Ecuador can take greater advantage
of the opportunities provided by the expected increased opening of
foreign markets to Ecuadorian exports in the years ahead in the
context of bilateral and multilateral trade liberalization," the
statement said.

-By Mercedes Alvaro, Dow Jones Newswires

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I'll be on leave from the World Bank until March, 2007.

For media relations, please contact Alejandra Viveros at 202-473-4306 or
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For all other inquiries, please contact Bertha Medina at 202-473-4775.

I will be out of the office starting  11/21/2005 and will not return until
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For all media enquiries, please contact Steven Jouy on +.33.1.40.69.30.22

Welcome to the final Bretton Woods Update for 2005!  We're sure you
value the
critical, independent analysis that you receive from BWP; to help us
continue
to provide this vital service to civil society organisations
worldwide, we hope
you will consider supporting the Project for 2006:
www.brettonwoodsproject.org/donate  Your support is crucial to our work!

BWP has a position available for a policy and advocacy officer.
Details are
available at www.brettonwoodsproject.org/jobs - any assistance you
can provide
in circulating the notice would be greatly appreciated.  Deadline for
applications is 2 December.

This edition comes after a flurry of activity at the Annual Meetings in
September.  At the Fund, balance sheet blues and deafening cries for
governance
reform have precipitated an exercise in soul-searching
www.brettonwoodsproject.org/imfreview48 ; across the street at the
Bank, the
daggers are out as senior management leaves en masse...
www.brettonwoodsproject.org/exodus48

Highlights of this issue include:

* Details of a statement by the UN special rapporteur on the right to
food
calling for the Bank and Fund to be bound by international law:
www.brettonwoodsproject.org/humanrights48

* Comment by the Arab NGO Network for Development on the Bank, the
Fund and the
Arab region
www.brettonwoodsproject.org/comment48

* and, as we approach world AIDS day, the latest on the Bank's work
on HIV/AIDS
including the just-released report by the evaluation department
www.brettonwoodsproject.org/atissuehiv48

Other stories include:

IMF policy support instrument: Helping hand or more thumb screws?
www.brettonwoodsproject.org/psi48
Evaluation unit slates Bank development effectiveness
www.brettonwoodsproject.org/oedeffectiveness48
World Development Report on equity: Practice what you preach
www.brettonwoodsproject.org/wdrequity48
World Bank~s community development efforts ineffective, poorly
monitored and
unsustainable
www.brettonwoodsproject.org/oedcdd48
World Bank and climate change: power failure
www.brettonwoodsproject.org/climate48
IFI ~aid for trade~ carrot ahead of Hong Kong trade summit
www.brettonwoodsproject.org/aidfortrade48

All the best for the new year from the staff at the Project!


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urgent matters, please contact Ms. Beaulah Noble at 202-4733748. Kind regards.

I will be out of the office starting  03/04/2005 and will not return until
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This message is about Human beings, Democracy, UNHCR, Refugees, The Iraqis,
Islam, Kurds, Human rights, Respect, Money, Donations, Angelina Jolie,
Pavarotti, Giorgio Armani, Donors, Peace, History, Campaigns and about you if
you care about these words.

Hi there,

I am SAM, an Iraqi refugee living in Lebanon at the moment; I have spent the
last 10 years of my life as a refugee registered with the UNHCR in Beirut. The
last 4 years, I have spent as an activist for peace and human rights (especially
refugees and asylum seekers) on the Internet; I'm also books author and ebooks
publisher. I have launched many campaigns to improve our situation as refugees
in Lebanon and hopefully bring more understanding to our problems worldwide. I
helped make many changes and improvements at the UNHCR office in Beirut; I used
the Internet as the field for my activities (you can read more about that in my
free ebook 'MY CAMPAIGNS'). All my ebooks are free and could be download from my
sites.

This is my newest campaign, it's about the illegal and humiliating actions of
the UNHCR, who using photos of refugees as banners and human-buttons to collect
money. This is an abuse of the dignity and humanity of the refugees and must
stop immediately and a clear public apology present by The United Nations High
Commissioner for Refugees. My friends, I am talking about the pictures you can
see here:
http://unhcr4.freewebpage.org

Where you can read the rest of this message as web page.
For more info about UNHCR and life of refugees you can read my free ebooks. I
invite you as fellow humans and members of the world community to support my
campaign by reading my article on my site and see the human-buttons. The
campaign is to support and improve the UNHCR http://www.unhcr.ch especially
after the last scandals in the UN and UNHCR, just for example:

The refugees allege that UNHCR staff is selling most of the food items they are
supposed to be supplied.
"They aren't supplying sufficient food to us because they sell most of the food
items," they allege: http://allafrica.com/stories/200503140214.html

Together we will build better world.

You could reach me fast via this form: http://www.unhcr.us/email_me.htm and if
you like to know more about me, you can google for my name 'osam altaee'.

Thanks
THE TRUTH WARRIOR
http://www.eccentrix.com/members/unhcr

• Ø     Put development in the "Development Round"
• Ø     Ensure that developing countries have the right to protect their local agriculture production
• Ø     Ensure that export subsidies are eliminated through an early end date and that trade distorting domestic support by developed countries is effectively and rapidly being reduced
• Ø     Ensure that developing countries have the right to determine their own rate of tariff reductions and tariff bindings on industrial products
• Ø     Ensure that elimination of tariffs on certain industrial sectors is strictly voluntary
• Ø     Ensure that there is no pressure on developing countries to submit offers in the services negotiations - developing countries need sufficient time to carefully analyse their service sectors before they can make any king of offers.
• 
  

-- 

I will be out of the office starting  02/28/2005 and will not return until
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I will be away from the office until March 3, 2004. I will not be reading my
emails. For media enquiries please contact the Paris office on
+.33.1.40.69.30.38 or 3022.  If you need to speak to me urgently, please call my
global mobile on +.33.6.23.14.17.45

Re: [SpiritualPrep2012]A Snowballing Awareness ... ChinaMan ...
Kind?


Owners of U.S. treasuries hold the fate of the U.S. in their hands.
The biggest holders are Japan and China. All nations are concerned
about the competitive levels of their domestic currencies as the
dollar continues its fall.

Precious metals are the perfect avenue to soak up the excess
liquidity,as they are a non-political currency. P.M.'s look real
good! Is it any coincidence that P.M.'s subscribe to the law of
weights andmeasures as per the old testament ?

Cheers
Dan

chuck labelle wrote:

>Dear Twain,
>
>The Chinese are also buying up right now vast amounts
>of Gold Bullion from anywhere in the world that they
>can get thier hands on it. It is common knowledge fact
>as well, as the Red Chineese are also dumping Dollars
>as a trade-able currency to traffick in as a
>Denominated/measured Standard. They also own $700
>Billion in US Treasury notes. Imagine what would
>happen if they were to un-load all of that overnight
>in exchange for Gold as Hard Currency instead. Yikes!
>[The US] Economy would implode over night.
>

...

..

~~~
~~~~

anyone have the current Daily Market Volume/
Takings in US Dollars?  For NYSE, All-US, and
Global Market?

[and the global market assets total?]

perhaps there is a financial market webpage
where I can read the daily total market volume?

talked to an analyst-friend today, and he said
the current numbers were about US $4 Trillion
for the USA -- and US $10-15 Trillion globally --
for the DAILY market volume/takings. [US financial
market being about 30 percent of world total.]

i.e., the DAILY untaxed, unreported, income of
the 'Banking' aristocracy is several hundred times
the government budgets, and several hundred times
the 'Gross' Domestic and Global 'Products'.

there is no scarcity of money -- only scarcity
of ethics, morality, spirituality in the worldwide
market place.

which could just as easily, and ten-times more
productively, be reforesting the planet, and cleansing
the atmosphere and ocean -- instead of decimating
our sacred home planet.

'serf'-ing the aristos-crazy ...



Millennium Twain

allowing for enlightenment ...

...


..

From: "50 Years Is Enough Network" <list@...>


The following articles come from the Washington Post and the website
of the Financial Times (2 articles from there). The final FT story
seems to have details on how the statement's wording got set the way
it did.


G-7 Backs Debt Plan For Poor Countries U.S. Disapproves of European Approach
By Glenn Frankel Washington Post Foreign Service Sunday, February 6,
2005; Page A17
LONDON, Feb. 5 -- Finance ministers from the world's seven richest
nations agreed in principle Saturday to write off up to 100 percent
of the debts of the world's poorest countries but remained deeply
divided on the best way to do it.
Treasury Chancellor Gordon Brown of Britain, the meeting's host, said
Group of Seven ministers had achieved a breakthrough by agreeing not
only to work toward wiping clean the debts owed to their nations by
the 27 poorest countries -- most them in Africa -- but also to
eliminate debts these countries owe to multilateral institutions such
as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.

"This is the first time we have ever made this offer," Brown told a
news conference at the conclusion of the meeting, which he
characterized as "the 100 percent debt-relief summit."
"It is the richest countries hearing the voices of the poor . . .
[and] showing that no injustice can last forever," said Brown, who
has been promoting the idea of a new "Marshall Plan for Africa" in
recent weeks. He brought former South African president Nelson
Mandela to London this week for a speech in Trafalgar Square and a
personal lobbying session with the ministers Friday night in which he
sought a new $50 billion aid commitment.
But while U.S. officials insisted they supported debt relief and
increased aid in principle, they made clear they could not support
the specific mechanisms Brown and other European leaders had proposed.
Brown had proposed having rich nations put up money to pay off the
Africans' cost of servicing their debts to the World Bank and the
African Development Bank, and using the International Monetary Fund's
vast gold reserves -- perhaps selling some of them -- to cover the
cost of canceling the fund's loans to poor countries. He also
proposed doubling aid to about $100 billion a year, by creating an
international financing facility that would essentially require rich
nations to make long-term aid commitments.
The Bush administration opposes those ideas. Washington prefers an
approach in which the World Bank would essentially convert future
assistance to poor countries to grants rather than loans -- an
approach the Europeans fear could undermine the bank's financial
strength. The United States is willing to consider using IMF gold
reserves in some way to help fund debt relief, but "we're not
convinced of the need at this time," John B. Taylor, the Treasury
undersecretary for international affairs, told a news conference.
On the question of Brown's proposed financing facility, Washington
has rejected it outright because future Congresses cannot be bound by
commitments made by the current one. "This particular mechanism does
not work for the United States," Taylor told reporters.
Taylor, who led the delegation here after Treasury Secretary John W.
Snow pulled out citing illness, repeatedly stressed the Bush
administration's support for increased aid to Africa. He noted U.S.
aid to Africa had quadrupled from $1.1 billion to $4.6 billion per
year over the last four years.
The finance ministers will meet again at least twice before their
heads of state meet at the annual G-8 summit, which will be held in
Scotland in July.
U.S. officials took pains to express support for the thrust of
Britain's efforts, if not the details. But Snow's absence from the
proceedings, coupled with the lack of a hearty U.S. endorsement for
Brown's Marshall Plan-style rhetoric, suggested American skepticism
about at least the means, if not the ends, the British are pursuing.
Supporters of African development have pushed debt-relief to ease the
economic burdens of African governments, many of which spend more
annually paying off old debts to western nations and multilateral
institutions than they do on health care or education. But even
though G-7 countries have been endorsing relief for the past decades,
many African states are still mired in debt both because they have
not been granted full relief and they have continued borrowing.
"Though we are encouraged to hear that for the first time the G-7
have officially embraced the call for 100 percent multilateral debt
cancellation, we insist that this plan must be actual cancellation --
not just debt service relief, that it apply to all impoverished
countries, and that it must come without devastating economic
conditions," said Neil Watkins, national coordinator of Jubilee USA
Network, a Washington-based group working for debt relief.


IMF looks at gold sale options for debt relief FT.com (Financial Times)
By Andrew Balls, Chris Giles and Scheherazade Daneshkhu in London
Published: February 6 2005 20:13 | Last updated: February 6 2005 20:13
The International Monetary Fund is preparing a report on the
potential sale of a portion of its gold reserves in a move that would
help fund debt relief for poor countries but could unsettle the
markets by threatening a drop in the price of gold.
Finance ministers from the Group of Seven countries, meeting in
London at the weekend, asked Rodrigo Rato, IMF managing director, to
make proposals to the fund's shareholders at its April meeting.
The IMF values its store of 3,217 tonnes of gold at about $8.5bn
(?6.6bn) about a fifth of market value. Poor countries owe about
$11bn to the IMF. If the IMF sold large quantities of gold, it could
finance the debts owed to it by poor countries. An alternative option
to be studied would be to revalue the gold in the IMF's accounts.
This would strengthen its balance sheet, against which it could then
write off lending to poor countries. But this is seen as an
accounting gimmick that would do nothing to free up real resources
within the fund. Gordon Brown, UK chancellor, who has long supported
making better use of the IMF's gold, said the agreed move was an
important step towards debt relief for poor countries, following a G7
meeting that focused on development aid and on Africa.
Gold producing countries sensitive to its price have traditionally
opposed sales by the IMF, or by central banks. But Trevor Manuel,
South Africa's finance minister, told reporters that South Africa
would not necessarily oppose sales, as long as the process was
carefully managed. Opposition to gold sales still exists within the
G7, however. John Taylor, US Treasury under-secretary for
international affairs, said the US was "not convinced that gold sales
is a necessary way to do [debt relief]".
Canada also opposed gold sales. Ralph Goodale, finance minister, said
Canada would instead be prepared to fund its share of the poor
countries' debt. An IMF official, who declined to be named, said the
fund would not make recommendations on the use of its gold for debt
relief, but present the pros and cons of various options. "This is
the kind of thing the G7 has to find a consensus on and it is a
political decision that will require the backing of all the IMF's
shareholders," said the insider.
US scepticism in part reflects concerns that gold sales would require
congressional approval.
This might be tricky at a time when the administration is attempting
to squeeze domestic programmes. The White House will unveil its
budget for the 2006 fiscal year today, the official start of
negotiations with Congress.
The G7 communiqué repeated its statement on currencies, calling for
"more flexibility in exchange rates" where this was lacking notably
in China.
China was a guest at the meeting. Zhou Xiaochan, central bank
governor, said the renminbi was not substantially overvalued and
China would follow its own timetable for moving to a more flexible
regime, rather than being rushed by the G7.




G7 still divided on debt relief for Africa FT.com (Financial Times)
By Chris Giles, Andrew Balls and Scheherazade Daneshkhu in London
Published: February 6 2005 20:28 | Last updated: February 6 2005 20:28
In spite of agreeing to consider International Monetary Fund gold
sales, the Group of Seven industrialised countries will have to shift
their positions much further to agree a package on African aid debt
relief in time for their summit this summer.
Finance ministers from the world's seven richest nations devoted most
of their weekend meeting in London to Africa's grinding poverty. But
their closing statement revealed just how far they have to go to
reconcile old differences on how best to help Africa if they are to
agree concrete assistance at their leaders' summit in Gleneagles,
Scotland.
"We are agreed on a case-by-case analysis of HIPC [highly indebted
poor] countries, based on our willingness to provide as much as 100
per cent multilateral debt relief," the ministers said. But the
reference to the HIPC, which would limit the eligible countries,
showed that agreement on broader debt relief was not secured.
The stress on a "case-by-case" basis was designed to meet German
concerns about the dangers of blanket debt relief for all debtors.
The phrase "as much as" was inserted because some G7 members,
including Japan, oppose 100 per cent debt relief of all debt.
Domenico Siniscalco, the Italian finance minister, described how the
awkward compromise was reached: "On the wording of the debt relief we
started with '100 per cent', which then became 'up to 100 per cent'
and ended with 'as much as 100 per cent'."
Even among countries that support 100 per cent relief, large
differences remain. The US favours writing off the stock of
multilateral debt, most of which is owed to the World Bank. Canada,
the UK and other European countries focus on reducing the burden of
debt service paid to international institutions.
At the end of the meeting, John Taylor, the US Treasury
undersecretary for international development, said: "We continue to
think our proposal is the best." He hoped other countries would soon
come round to the US view. The UK signalled otherwise, announcing
that it would pay 10 per cent of World Bank debt servicing costs for
another 17 poor countries.
Agreement on increasing aid was just as elusive. The G7 agreed to set
up a "work programme" to examine each country's favoured scheme. The
US and Canada poured cold water on the UK's idea of an International
Finance Facility to borrow money against future aid flows and to pay
off the accumulated borrowing out of subsequent aid budgets.
"Do you really believe that you can scoop money from 10 years from
now and not have a problem in seven or eight or nine years," asked
Ralph Goodale, the Canadian finance minister. "To put it bluntly, you
have to make sure you're not robbing Peter to pay Paul."
European countries were more supportive, particularly of the Italian
proposal for a pilot IFF to fund general immunisation as well as new
vaccines for HIV/Aids. But they stressed the need to refinance any
borrowing.
One possibility was a purely European tax on aviation fuel or
tickets. Representing the European Union, Jean-Claude Juncker, the
Luxembourg prime minister, spurred speculation: "I have the
impression and indeed the knowledge that most EU finance ministers
are in favour of taxation of kerosene." The US and the International
Air Transport Association reiterated opposition to any global tax of
this kind. Even a report commissioned by the French government
highlighted "an important legal obstacle, namely the bilateral
agreements prohibiting this taxation" even on a European level.
Aid campaigners recognised that little concrete progress was made but
welcomed the G7's new focus on development. "The pressure is now on
to do a deal and do it soon," said Max Lawson, policy adviser to
Oxfam.

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EIGHT THOUSAND SACRED DRUMS
FOR THE HEALING OF THE MOTHER EARTH AND ENSURE LIFE AND PEACE

Visita nuestro Sitio http://universidadindigena.org/uii/id58.html


WORLDWIDE CALL TO
The Indigenous First Nations, Peoples, Communities and Organizations of the
World and all Humankind

According to a Prophecy Revealed at the Otomí Ceremonial Center by the Otomí
Elder Sages to the Indigenous Peoples and all Humankind and a Vision of our
Venerable Ancestors, the day when the Sounds of Eight Thousand Sacred Drums
join together will be the beginning of a true Healing of Mother Earth, of All
the Species and of the Human Family – which is now in total disequilibrium – in
order to be able to live together on the road to Sacred Peace, in harmonious
union with the Universe, Mother Nature, the Community, the Family and our own
Hearts. It is time to re-unify ourselves and rediscover for ourselves all the
Seeds of the Four Directions in order to reactivate cosmic energy, heal
historical wounds and heal our Mother Earth by respecting life and the liberty
and dignity of our Peoples.

The Otomí Nation, through the Council of the Elders and the Guardians of the
Otomí Tradition, the Dänguu Mfädi “Mähki ´Ñuu” (Grand House of Otomí
Knowledge), and the International Indigenous University invite (a) Indigenous
Keepers of the Ancestral, Ceremonial and Medicinal Sound of the Sacred Drums;
(b) Councils of Elders, Sages and Leaders of all Indigenous Nations, Peoples
and Organizations; (c) Indigenous Guides, Guardians and Spiritual Leaders, and
(d) All Traditions of Humankind to come together at the Grand Indigenous
Ceremony of the

EIGHT THOUSAND SACRED DRUMS
FOR THE HEALING THE MOTHER EARTH AND ENSURE LIFE AND PEACE

which will be held to the Otomí Nation, Mexico, and  around the world at 12
noon on January 26, February 26 and March 26, 2005.

SACRED PRINCIPLES

§  Sealing and healing the wounded vertices of Mother Earth is urgent.

§  Identifying and activating the Indigenous Energy Centers at Sacred Places is
our duty.

§   Planting and strengthening consciousness of Love and Respect for our Mother
Earth is everyone’s work.

§  The indigenous ancestral recommendation to create and practice the Grand
Culture of Peace and Life is fundamental.

§  Recognition of the use of the energy and healing properties of our sacred
instruments is a principle and goal of our Indigenous Mission.

All Indigenous Peoples, Native Nations, Communities and Organizations that
would like to participate in this Grand Ancestral Cosmic Ceremony are asked to
notify us as soon as possible to set up contacts and facilitate communication
and coordination.
Call +52 (722) 2 91 07 48 or +52 (722) 7 73 22 40 or e-mail us at       
drums@...
otomi_nation@...

¡Ra zö ga ihmu! Welcome, everyone!
In harmony,
DA MUNTS’I YA MÄ HNINIHU

COUNCIL OF THE ELDERS AND THE GUARDIANS OF THE OTOMÍ NATION

EIGHT THOUSAND SACRED DRUMS
TO CURE MOTHER EARTH AND ENSURE LIFE AND PEACE

1. Main Event. The main event at the Grand Indigenous Ceremony will be held in
Indonesia, Tailand, Bangladesh, Valdivas, Sri Lanka, India, Birmanie, Malasia,
and the Otomí Nation, Mexico, at 12 noon local Mexican time on January 26,
February 26, adn March 26, 2005, when the Elder Sages, Spiritual Guides and
Guardians of the sacred Drums will appear and play their Sacred Drums to the
Four Directions of Mother Earth, thereby attaining unity in diversity and
communally receiving the Healing Energy of the Great Spirit and the Cosmos. It
will be a marvelous blessing to all of us who are able to come together at this
Celebration of Peace and Dignity in honor of Our Ancestors.

In order to take part in this Indigenous Ceremony, bring your Sacred Drums,
your Native Nation, Indigenous People or Community; bring the Sacred Drum from
your Ceremonial Cultural or Educational Center or the Sacred Drum of your
Family, Group, Council, Collective or Association; you may also bring the drum
of your heart. To take part, it is imperative that you contact us quickly,
register and let us know how many Sacred Drums will be taking part in the Grand
Ceremony of 8,000 Sacred Drums to Cure Mother Earth and Ensure Life and Peace.
We ask you to register as soon as possible.

2. Taking Part from your Home Countries. Another way of participating in this
Indigenous Ceremony is to meet with your Sacred Drums and the drum of your
heart at some Sacred Place in any region or country on the planet. If you do
this, we still ask that you inform us as soon as possible, register your drums
and let us know how many people will be taking part from their home areas so
that we can make the connection and know how many drums are contributing to the
Sound of the 8,000 Sacred Drums.

3. Your Offering for the Earth, Peace and Life. We are appealing to the
generosity of your heart to help humankind. This Grand Indigenous Ceremony of
Cosmic Harmony will lift up our prayers. We would also be grateful for your
donations and offerings ; your collaboration will help support this sacred work
guided by the Great Spirit, with the blessing of our Elders, to further the
revival of our Ancestral Wisdom.

4. Important. We are contacting our Indigenous Brothers and Sisters from all
Traditions on the Planet that would like to take part in the Ceremony to be
held on March, 2005, at the Otomí Nation by bringing their Sacred Drums to let
them know that as we are making every effort to offer them the best service, we
are also asking them to register and obtain confirmation and plan to cover
their own expenses for lodging, food, transportation and any other needs.

5. International Gathering of the Mother Earth's Guardians. We are scheduling
an event called the International Gathering of the Mother's Earth's Guardians
on March 19-25, 2005, just prior to March 26  at the same Otomi Nation in
Mexico. For logistics reasons, anyone attending – All the interested People –
must register. Thanks for you contribution and donations. You must to obtain
confirmation of your participation. Space is limited. For further information,
please  contact us by phone at (722) 2 91 07 48 or (722) 7 73 22 40 or better
yet, e-mail us today at:
drums@... 
otomi_nation@...

INFO FROM THE LAST YEAR
*****************************
PROGRAM
MARCH 21, 2004
OTOMÍ CEREMONIAL CENTER – TEMOAYA, MEXICO

Dawn Ceremony
Ceremony of the Blessing and Consecration of the Drums
Harmonious Playing and Cosmic Sound of the Sacred Drums (12:00 noon)
Messages for the Healing of Mother Earth, for Life and Peace worldwide (Red,
White, Yellow and Black Traditions)
Sacred Convergence (Music and Song by the Otomí Native Nation and other Native
Nations)
Farewell Ceremony

DOC 2.2
*******************************
INTERNATIONAL INDIGENOUS IN-GATHERING OF SACRED DRUMS
MARCH 18-20, 2004
OTOMÍ CEREMONIAL CENTER – TEMOAYA, MEXICO

March 18: Sacred Welcome Ceremony

(Music, Song and Traditional Dance by the Otomí Native Nation and other Native
Nations)

Sacred Teaching Circles and Sacred Drum Workshops (Women, Men, Children, Youth
and Elders)

March 19: Dawn Ceremony

Blessing and Consecration of Sacred Drums
Circle of Indigenous Guardians of the Sacred Drum
New Year Celebration and Sacred Fire Ceremony
                      
March 20: Tata Hyadi (Father Sun) and Mähkimehoi (Mother Earth)
Ceremony and Music, Song and Sacred Dances by Attending Traditions

Circle of Guardians of the Sacred Drum
Presentation of the Sacred Sounds of the Drum

*Each day, anyone who wants may enjoy Sacred Drum Healing Ceremonies and the
Medicinal House of Sacred Vapor (Tihta or Temascal), guided by Elders and
Medicine Women and Medicine Men (Registration Required in Advance).

ENGLISH

COORDINATION FORMS
March 21, 2004
CEREMONY OF 8,000 SACRED DRUMS
FOR THE HEALING THE MOTHER EARTH AND ENSURE PEACE AND LIFE

1. Blessing of the Sacred Drums. It will be a great blessing for Traditions
from around the World to be represented by the Drums at the Otomí Ceremonial
Center in Temoaya, State of México, Otomí Native Nation, México, taking part
together in the Grand Ceremony of 8,000 Sacred Drums to cure Mother Earth and
ensure Life and Peace (March 21, 2004) and the International Indigenous
In-Gathering of Sacred Drums (March 18-20, 2004).

2.  The Spirit of 8,000 Sacred Drums. The prophecy of the ancestors of the
Otomí Native Nation, the Sacred Civilizatión of Silence, Sound, Time, Space and
Corn (Ñätho-Ñähñu-‘Ñuhmu-‘Ñuhu-Olmecas-Toltecas-Teotihuacanos), is an Awakening
of Indigenous Peoples and of All Humankind. We will come together to make the
Sound of 8,000 Sacred Drums  (the number may be 8,000 times 8,000 worldwide) to
enable the Vibration of All the Sacred Drums to generate Mähki ‘Ñithi (Powerful
Sacred Medicine) and Ts’edi Pa (intensified Healing Energy) to Heal Mother
Earth.

The messages from our wise elders (both men and women) also speak to us of the
need to transform drums of war into Drums of Peace and to recognize the
importance of the work for harmony and the peaceful resolution of conflicts
around the world.

To leave a message of Love and Respect for all forms of Life on the planet.
Life with Liberty, Justice, Dignity and Sacred Peace. To recognize that
Everything is Sacred, and that our mission is to work to ensure that our life
is in equilibrium with our families, communities, peoples, humanity, plants,
animals, air, earth, fire, the Cosmos and our own heart.

To present the option of Mother Earth and for Life and Peace as a legacy for
present and future generations.

3. Meeting Place. Notwithstanding the In-Gathering, the idea is that those that
cannot attend, in their thousands or millions, can connect with this Grand
Indigenous Ceremony. This is why, with all the love and respect of our heart,
we are inviting your Family, Group, Council, Collective, Association,
Community, or Native People or Nation of all regions and countries worldwide to
meet at some Sacred Place (a Valley, Desert, Jungle, Island, Lake, Forest,
Mountain, Cave, River, Waterfall, Ceremonial Center, Temple or special Site of
your own, at the Altar in your Home, your Cultural or Educational Center or
some other Meeting Place, such as a Public Square, Garden, or any other space
conducive to a Meeting.

4. Time and Date of Ceremony. The purpose is to join the Sound of the Sacred
Drums for an hour (60 minutes) at 12 noon (local time at every location on the
Planet) on March 21, 2004. Depending on your local capabilities and conditions,
you can begin your activities for one hour or 12 hours any time between dawn
and dusk, or activities may continue all day (for 24 hours).

5. Ways to Connect and Share. You can play and thereby connect with the sound
of the Sacred Drums or other similar percussion instruments. You can also
connect through other musical instruments, dancing and sacred chants; you can
hold a ceremony or rituals; you can meditate or pray in any language. You can
unite the drum of your heart with the drum of all Humankind. May all the power
and sacred medicine of the Sacred Drums come to us, unite us and bring us
together, reconcile us and heal us and bring joy to our hearts.

6. For the Earth, Peace and Life. Every Sister, Brother, Family, Group,
Council, Collective, Association, Community, Native People, Native Nation or
any other Tradition from every area on the planet can have activities before,
during and after the Grand Ceremony of 8,000 Sacred Drums. These activities may
be focused on the defense and respect of Mother Earth (jungles, forests,
ceremonial centers and sacred sites), Peace (for the collective rights of
Indigenous Peoples and of all Traditional Societies worldwide) and Life
(Equilibrium with animal, plant, mineral and human Life. Life is sacred and in
harmony and dignity with all living things).

7. Be in Touch. We ask you to be in communication with us. Let us know how many
Sacred Drums are involved from your home areas; let us know that we are
connecting with every place and region so that we will know about the
ceremonies, meetings, festivals, workshops, meditations, and ceremonial,
cultural and fraternal activities being held around Sacred Drums. May the
shimmering of light bathe us and may healing energy spread among everyone so
that we can feel, experience and share in peace and love at all times.

8. Sacred Ceremony. For those who would like to attend, we will share this
Sacred Ceremony of March 21, 2004, with you.
As a gesture of love and respect, you may begin as follows:
-Dawn Ceremony (Greetings to the Four Directions, the Heart of the Sky
and of the Earth and Our Heart)
-Offering to Great Creator Sun
-Ceremony to Bless and Consecrate the Drums
-Harmonious playing and cosmic sound of the Drums  (12:00 noon)
-Messages to heal Mother Nature and ensure Life and Peace of the Four
Directions
-Sacred Convergence (Music and Song)
-Farewell Ceremony (Greetings to the Four Directions, the Heart of the Sky and
of the Earth and Our Heart)


Hñä na nzengua di gehnä Dahnini Natho Nahnu Nuhmu Nuhu ko ra Dänguu Mfädi
Nxihmehöi
Nugohe ya Hnini i Ñätho di nehe 'na nxihmehöi da 'mui ra zö, da ment'i ra 'ñu,
da njahpi guenda da 'mui ra chala. Ra ngenka bi thofi ko ya Nahmhoi nu Asia, Go
'yothehu ra Mähkimehöi Nuua Nuya
Ra 26 mpa ra 'Meto, Yoho Hnu Zana  jeya 2005

Recibe los saludos de la Nacion Otomi Olmeca Tolteca Teotihuacana y la
Universidad Indígena Internacional
Nosotros los Pueblos Indígenas queremos un mundo de paz con libre
determinación, justicia y dignidad. Ante los Tsunami en el Oceano Indico,
Juntos Curemos a la Madre Tierra Aqui y Ahora
Ceremonias: 26 de Enero, 26 de Febrero y 26 de Marzo de 2005

Receive the greetings from the Otomi Olmec Toltec Teotihuacan Nation and the
International Indigenous University
We the Indigenous Peoples want a world of peace with self determination,
justice and dignity. A cause of the Tsunami in the Indian Ocean, Let's heal to
the Mother Earth Right Here Right Now. Ceremonies: January 26th, February 26th
and March 26th, 2005

Reçoit les salutations de la Nation Otomi Olmeque Tolteque Teotihuacan et
l'Université Indigéne Internationel
Nous les Peuples Autochtones voulons un monde de paix avec l'autodétermination,
justice et dignité. Pour les Tsunami au Asie, Allez a guerir a la Mere Terre
Ici et Maintenant
Ceremonies: Janvier 26, Fevrier 26 et Mars 26,  2005

Receve i saluti di Popolo Otomi Olmeca Tolteca Teotihuacana e l’Università
Indígena Internazionale.
Noi i Popoli Indigeni ci vogliamo un mondo di pace con auto determinazione,
giustizia e dignità. Per i Tsunami a Asia. Andiamo guarire la Madre Terra Qui e
Ora.  Cerimonie: 26 di Gennaio, Febbraio e Marzo  di 2005.

Mayor información haga click/More Info click here Tambores Sagrados y/and
Convocatoria

Contacto: Para mayor información y para registrarse, contactar en México a
informes@... o al (722)7 73 22 40.
Visita nuestro Sitio http://universidadindigena.org

MÄ HÑÄHE

Gö’tho mbi hini
honse mbra ‘mexui
Ta bi nzö bi ‘yode
ro ‘meto hñä
bi bongi ro ne ro Mähkihmuu
Ro gö’tho
njaua mä hñähe
bi jahpi bi nja ya ‘meto yot’i.

NUESTRO IDIOMA

Todo era silencio
solo silencio
hasta que se pudo escuchar
la primera palabra
de la boca de Mähkihmuu
El Todo
Así fue como la lengua nuestra
hizo las primeras luces.

***********************************************************

forwarded by Millennium Twain
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LeagueOfTheLastDays/


***********************************************************


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Fwd: WorldIntelligenceNetwork@yahoogroups.com, Bilderberg@yahoogroups.com,
InsiderTrading@yahoogroups.com, The911StockPlay@yahoogroups.com,
DivineLove2@yahoogroups.com, PeaceCenterWithin@yahoogroups.com

Date: Wed, 12 Jan 2005 23:27:27 +0000 (GMT)
Subject: [World Intelligence Network] Re: Ascension -- India Daily -- Human
Hand Behind Earthquake & Tsunami?



in LeagueOfTheLastDays, fred call wrote:


Human Hand Behind Earthquake and Tsunami?

India Daily | January 2, 2005

http://216.132.172.240/indiadaily/editorial/12-29a-04.asp


Was this an earthquake creation experiment that ran out of control? Many
countries are working on methods of creating massive earthquakes as means to
defeat the enemy. The technologically advanced countries are working on this
project.

If an earthquake and Tsunami can be created artificially and directed to a
specific enemy, it can literally create havoc to the enemy. Weather control,
controlling tectonic plate movements, electromagnetic wave simulated weaponry
are all on the table of many countries.

The planetary alignment can cause many earthquakes all around the world of
magnitude the modern mankind has never seen before.

Many all around the world are puzzled with the fact that Tsunamis never happen
in South Asia. Also is perplexing is the fact that Tsunamis traveled 1000 miles
at a speed of 500 miles an hour and smashed the coastal lines of South and
South east Asia where Tsunamis do not happen.

There are technologies on the research table that is used to create
electromagnetic effects to release the gravitational effects which can cause
this kind massive earth movements.

Another astonishing feature of this earthquake and Tsunami is the amount by
which the Kar Nicobar Islands have displaced. The level of devastation
simulates 10 or higher Richter scale earthquake.

Was this a show down by a country to show the region what havoc can be created?


We do not have the answers to this. We know many courtiers including India are
working on anti-gravity lifters and devices.

No matter what, it can be an experiment that went out of control. If it is not,
that is the best news.

But given the level of devastation and given the fact India is a regional power
in South Asia, Indian Navy has the obligation to investigate and tell the world
what they found.



...


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January 11, 2004

According to the COORDINADORA NACIONAL DE ORGANIZACIONES CAMPESINAS
(National Coordinator of Farmers Organizations - CNOC), two people
were killed today - and many more injured - when the Guatemalan
police and military took action to end a blockade of mining equipment
destined for a World Bank-supported mining operation. Information at
this stage is limited, but we deeply regret and mourn the reported
passing of Raul Castro Bocel and Miguel Tzorín Tuy (see below). The
mining equipment was reportedly destined for the Canadian-owned
Marlin Mine.

Below you will find a brief background summary of the situation that
was provided by the Asociación Estoreña Para el Desarrollo Integral.
This is followed by an unofficial translation of a statement
regarding today's events issued by the  Coordinadora Nacional de
Organizaciones Campesinas (CNOC). The original CNOC statement in
Spanish is also below.
Finally, we have included the Summary of Project Information (SPI)
for this project. The SPI was prepared by the International Finance
Corporation (the private sector lending arm of the World Bank Group)
prior to the project's approval in 2004. According to the SPI, the
World Bank Group not only provided a $35 million loan to the Marlin
mine, it is also a part owner of the project (it purchased $10
million in equity).
In May 2004, Guatemalan organizations called on the World Bank Group
to delay approval of the Marlin Mine in order to allow time for a
number of outstanding issues to be resolved. The Guatemalan groups
argued that more consultation was necessary and that large segments
of the local population did not support the project. Rather than
following this advice, the World Bank Group approved the project on
schedule in June 2004. The Bank Group argued that ?the project enjoys
the significant support of the local indigenous communities? and that
consultations with the local population had been adequate.

If you are interested in additional information, such as
correspondence between Guatemalan organizations and the World Bank
Group or related declarations from Guatemalan indigenous peoples
organizations, do not hesitate to ask.
We will distribute more information tomorrow as it becomes available.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
With regrets,

Graham Saul
Friends of the Earth Canada
gsaul@...
Tel: 1-613-241-0085, ext. 22
Fax: 1-613-241-7998

**********************************************
40 DAYS OF PROTEST AGAINST GLAMIS GOLD?S GUATEMALAN MINE
END IN BLOODSHED AND DEATH

Monday, January 10 marked the fortieth day that platform trailers
carrying milling cylinders for Glamis Gold?s Marlin mine in the
western department of San Marcos had been blocked from passing along
the Panamerican Highway to the mine.  Since December 3, the convoy
which could not pass under a metal pedestrian crossing bridge 130 km
northwest of Guatemala City, is the object  of a growing opposition
to metal mining in the largely indigenous populated highlands.

When the equipment reached the bridge, workmen from the transport
company tried to cut away part of the bridge so that the trailer
could pass.  When the local population discovered that the equipment
was for mining, they initially feared that it was to be used in their
communities 100 km from the mine, and organized to protect the bridge
and prevent the mine equipment from passing further.  On the first
day of protest more than 2000 indigenous farmers and villagers
gathered, and tried to dissuade the convoy from traveling further.
When their demands were not met, one small vehicle carrying tools and
fuel for the mine was set afire.  The rest of the convoy retreated 2
km to a lookout point parking area where it remained until January
11, guarded by private police under the vigilance of local villagers.
In the time since December 3, the local mayor stated repeatedly his
determination to respect his constituents? demand that the equipment
not continue to San Marcos where Glamis is constructing its Marlin
mine. However, the Guatemalan Interior Ministry stated on January 8
that it is prepared to call in troops to escort the convoy past the
bridge despite local opposition.  Villagers have stated that they
would push the equipment over a cliff where it is parked if the
military intervened.  However, at 3:00 am January 11 hundreds of
National Police and Guatemalan Army soldiers arrived to escort the
equipment to the Marlin mine.

Although the Police had blocked access to the area, hundreds of
indigenous campesinos gathered to protest the movement of the milling
cylinder.  Shots were fired and tear gas used as the authorities
dispersed protesters from the area.  Two kilometers away workmen
accompanied by National Police were busy dismantling the pedestrian
bridge that had initially blocked the cylinders passing. When local
villagers gathered to oppose the action, the Police shot and killed
two men, Raúl Castro Bocel and Miguel Tzorín Tuy, and wounded several
other persons, ultimately accomplishing their objective.  At this
writing, there are unconfirmed reports of four Police being held
hostage by groups of villagers who are outraged at the death of their
companions.

As news of the deaths and violence spread through the area, large
groups of villagers gathered along the highway where the cylinder and
convoy are to pass, ready to try to halt its advance.  Prepared for
this resistance the convoy is accompanied by hundreds of Police and
soldiers as armed escorts.

The opposition to the mine arises from a mining license granted by
the lame duck Portillo administration in late 2003, without
conducting the obligatory consultation of the local indigenous
communities, required by Convention 169 of the ILO.  Once the
communities discovered the extent and possible impacts of the
project, opposition formed around issues of violation of the rights
of indigenous persons and environmental risks inherent to the cyanide
leaching refinement process.  The situation is further aggravated by
the World Bank?s International Finance Corporation?s lending $45
million to Glamis to develop the mine, despite written opposition to
the mine project by local organizations, and the apparent non
compliance of the IFC to the Bank?s own recommendations regarding
extractive industries investments requiring their broad community
support and clear poverty alleviating impacts.

Local organizations and villagers have organized across four
departments in support of the protest and demanded a government /
company dialogue directly with the San Marcos communities affected by
the mine project to reach an accord regarding the mine?s future.  As
tensions rose and patience grew short, neither the company or
government showed signs of engaging those opposed to the mine, and
the World Bank, having been informed of these problems since early
December, demonstrated no leadership or ability to address the
situation.

The situation remains extremely tense, and despite so many claims to
the contrary by the World Bank and mining industry, the same
repressive practices reminiscent of the mining projects from the past
remain the norm of the day.

Daniel Vogt
Asociación Estoreña Para el Desarrollo Integral, AEPDI
El Estor, Izabal, Guatemala

******************************************************

[UNOFFICIAL TRANSLATION]

NATIONAL COORDINATOR OF FARMERS ORGANIZATIONS - CNOC- 5ª Street 1-61 Zone 1
Tel.: 2202957 Fax: 2303196 email: cnocdis@...

To national and international attention:

We protest the death of two farmers in Los Encuentros, Solalá, and we
support the Indigenous peoples' rejection of mining operations in the
west of the country

The CNOC as an organisation representing the interests of the
Indigenous peoples and farmers of Guatemala, laments the death of
Raul Castro Bocel and Miguel Tzorín Tuy, farmers who were killed
today by the Guatemalan authorities while protesting the
transportation of a piece of machinery that the company Cropa
Panalpina will use in the operation of mines in the West of the
country.

The trickery of the transnational companies who, using stunning
pretexts, want to destroy a community footbridge to transport their
equipment provoked the rejection and wrath of the communities, which
was countered by agents of the National Civil Police and elements of
the Army at Los Encuentros, Sololá, resulting in the death of two
people.

The organization of the population in Los Encountros to reject the
exploitation of their natural resources operation has as its
foundations:
1. The mining concession in Sololá or other departments of the West
will not benefit the Indigenous peoples in any respect.
2. That community works, like the footbridge of Los Encountros,
Sololá, should not be destroyed for the benefit of economic interests.
3. The central government never consulted with the rural communities
regarding mining operations in Guatemala.

In view of this, the transport of this machinery to the Department of
San Marcos will serve to pillage natural wealth without the consent
of the inhabitants, and for this reason, the National Coordinator of
Farmers Organizations (CNOC), joins the rejection of the mining
operation that the government of Oscar Berger has promoted during the
12 months of his mandate, considering that this political decision
will not benefit the rural communities in any respect, but will only
further enrich national and transnational companies to the detriment
of the communities.

The destruction of the natural wealth of Guatemala has not been
respected by the governmental authorities, as demonstrated by the
breach of national laws and international treaties like ILO
Convention 169 that protects Indigenous and Tribal Peoples
world-wide. At the same time, the authorities of Energy and Mines
have not achieved consensus on the viability or otherwise of mining,
making it clear that certain economic interests favour interested
sectors in the country.

Guatemala, 11 January 2005.


[after the Spanish version of the memo is the IFC?s Summary of
Project Information (in English only)]
*********************************************************

COORDINADORA NACIONAL DE ORGANIZACIONES CAMPESINAS
-CNOC-
5ª Calle 1-61 Zona 1
Tel.: 2202957 Fax: 2303196
E-mail: cnocdis@...


Ala opinión pública nacional e internacional.

REPUDIAMOS LA MUERTE DE DOS CAMPESINOS EN LOS ENCUENTROS, SOLOLA Y
RESPALDAMOS EL RECHAZO DE LOS PUEBLOS INDÍGENAS A LA EXPLOTACIÓN MINERA EN
EL OCCIDENTE DEL PAIS.

La CNOC como instancia que representa los intereses de los pueblos
indígenas y campesinos en Guatemala, lamenta la muerte de Raúl Castro
Bocel y Miguel Tzorín Tuy, campesinos que fueron asesinados hoy por
la fuerza pública al oponerse al paso de una maquinaria que usará la
empresa Cropa Panalpina en la explotación de minas en el occidente
del país.

Los engaños de las empresas transnacionales que con pretextos
asombrosos quieren destruir una pasarela comunitaria para trasladar
sus equipos, provocó la ira y el rechazo de los comunitarios que
fueron refutadas por agentes de la Policía Nacional Civil y elementos
del Ejército en los Encuentros, Sololá, dejando como saldo la muerte
de dos personas.

La organización de la población en Los Encuentros para rechazar la
explotación natural tiene fundamentos:  1. La concesión minera
en Sololá o en otros departamentos del occidente no beneficiará en
nada a los pueblos Indígenas.
2. Que por intereses de grupos económicos no debe destruirse
obras comunitarias, como la pasarela de Los Encuentros, Sololá.
3. El Tema de la explotación Minera en Guatemala, nunca fue
consultada a las comunidades rurales por el gobierno central.

Ante ésta situación, el traslado de dichas maquinarias hacia el
departamento de San Marcos servirá para saquear las riquezas
naturales sin el consentimiento de los habitantes, por ello, la
Coordinadora Nacional de Organizaciones Campesinas CNOC, se suma al
rechazo de la explotación minera que el gobierno de Oscar Berger ha
impulsado durante los 12 meses de su mandato, considerando que ésta
decisión política no beneficiará en nada a las comunidades rurales,
más sólo enriquecerá a las empresas nacionales y transnacionales en
detrimento de las comunidades.

La destrucción de la riqueza natural en Guatemala no ha sido
respetada por las autoridades gubernamentales, demostradas mediante
el incumplimiento de leyes nacionales y tratados internacionales como
el Convenio 169 que protege a los Pueblos Indígenas a nivel mundial.
Por aparte, las autoridades de Energía y Minas no han logrado
consensos sobre la viabilidad o no del tema, lo que deja en
manifiesto ciertos intereses económicos a favor de sectores
interesados del país.

Guatemala,  11 de enero de 2005.


***********************************************

PREPARED BY THE WORLD BANK GROUP

http://ifcln001.worldbank.org/ifcext/spiwebsite1.nsf/0/9e42e13df0ff8b3485256
e61006d226a Open Document

This Summary of Project Information is prepared and distributed to
the public in advance of the IFC Board of Directors? consideration of
the proposed transaction. Its purpose is to enhance the transparency
of IFC?s activities, and this document should not be construed as
presuming the outcome of the Board decision. Board dates are
estimates only. Summary of Project Information (SPI)
Project number 21766
Project name Marlin
Country Guatemala
Sector Oil, Gas And Mining
Department Oil, Gas, Mining And Chemicals
Company name Montana
Environmental category A
Date SPI disclosed March 24, 2004
Projected board date May 28, 2004
Status Active
Previous Events Invested: November 5, 2004
Signed: June 29, 2004
Approved: June 3, 2004

Project sponsor and major shareholders of project company Glamis Gold
Limited, through Montana Exploradora de Guatemala, has a 100%
interest in the Marlin project. Glamis Gold Limited: a description of
the sponsor is as follows: Glamis is a Reno based mid-cap sized gold
mining company listed on both Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges.
Glamis currently produced 230,000 ounces in 2003 at a cash cost of
$184/oz from its operations in Honduras and Nevada. The company has a
stated medium term goal of achieving gold production of 500,000 oz/yr
at less than US$150/oz. In addition to Marlin, Glamis holds
additional concessions (both through and outside Montana Exploradora)
in Guatemala. As of March 5, 2004 Glamis had a market cap of $2.15
billion at $16.6 per share.

Total project cost and proposed IFC investment The project cost for
Marlin is estimated at $254 million, including $123 million capital
costs and $131 million that Glamis spent to acquire and develop the
project to feasibility stage. IFC is considering providing ME
approximately $45 million, including approximately $10 million equity
and $35 million A Loan for Marlin?s development. Glamis will finance
the remaining $80 million in capital costs through shareholders?
equity and loans.

Location of project and description of site The Marlin project is
located near the village of San Miguel in western Guatemala. San
Miguel is located 30 kilometers south of Huehuetenango, a major town
250 kilometers northwest of Guatemala City along the Central American
highway. The Marlin project is accessible by an all-season road,
which is connected to a paved highway near Huehuetenango.

Description of company and purpose of project The Marlin project
(Marlin, the company or the project) is a promising greenfield gold
project located in the western Guatemalan highlands approximately 90
air miles northwest of Guatemala City. The $254 million open
pit/underground project is estimated to produce about 217,000 oz per
annum over 11 years at about $93/oz cash cost (lowest quartile on the
cost curve). Total open pit and underground reserves in the current
mine plan are estimated 13.3 million tonnes at 5.4 g/t gold. In
addition, there is significant exploration potential. The metallurgy
appears simple and conducive to a simple treatment circuit with high
recoveries.The project is owned by Montana Exploradora de Guatemala,
S.A. (ME), a 100% subsidiary of Glamis Gold Ltd. (Glamis or the
sponsor), a mid tier gold producer listed on both the Toronto and New
York Stock Exchanges. ME holds other exploration stage properties in
Guatemala in addition to Marlin.

Environmental and social issues - Category A This is a category A
project according to IFC?s Environmental and Social Review Procedure.
Potential environmental, health and safety issues associated with
this project include: associated facilities; longer-term cumulative
impacts; natural habitats; international waterways; safety of
tailings dam; solid and liquid waste management; hazardous materials
management; water resources management; reclamation and closure;
management of occupational health and safety issues, as well as
emergency preparedness and response. Social issues include:
management of impacts on indigenous communities; resettlement,
compensation and sustainable economic rehabilitation/development;
direct and induced impacts of associated facilities; induced
migration to the project area; and management of work camps and
residential areas. To view the environmental documents for this
project, click here

Location of environmental documents in locally affected community The
environmental documentation will be made available at the following
locations: Montana Exploradora de Guatemala, S.A. 20 Calle 24-60 Zona
10Ofi-Bodegas Pradera #20Guatemala City, Guatemala Marlin Project
Office Project Site San Miguel Ixtahuacan Departamento San Marcos
Guatemala San Miguel Ixtahuacan Municipal Office San Miguel
Ixtahuacan Departamento San Marcos Guatemala Foundation Sierra Madre
Office San Miguel Ixtahuacan Departamento San Marcos Guatemala
Sipacapa Municipal Office Sipacapa Departamento San Marcos Guatemala

To contact the project company, please write to:
Mr. J. Michael Swetye Principal Investment Officer, Oil, Gas, Mining
and Chemicals Department F8K-254International Finance Corporation 2121
Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington DC 20433 Email: Jswetye@... Fax:
202-974-4323

===


#############################################################
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From: "50 Years Is Enough Network" <list@...>
[español abajo]

ACTION ALERT: Guatemalan Military May Be Brought Into Conflict Over World
Bank-Supported Mine:

10 January 2005

The Guatemalan Government has threatened to call in the military to
end a confrontation with local communities on the road to a World
Bank-financed gold mine in Guatemala. We are writing to ask you to
help ensure that the situation does not deteriorate any further.

Various groups are taking action aimed at different decision-makers.
This message is geared towards the World Bank Group. We are asking
organizations to contact their Executive Director at the World Bank
Group as well as the officials in your government that work on issues
related to the World Bank. The objective at this stage is simply to
raise the overall profile of the issue in the hopes that it will be
more difficult for the government to use violent means to end the
stand-off.

Directly below you will find some background information. This is
followed by some points that you may want to raise with your
government officials.
If you are interested in additional information, such as
correspondence between Guatemalan organizations and the World Bank
Group or related declarations from Guatemalan indigenous peoples
organizations, do not hesitate to ask. If you want to know more about
what other groups are doing we are also happy to share that
information.

A full list of World Bank Group Executive Directors and their contact
information can be found at:
http://www.bicusa.org/bicusa/issues/misc_resources/92.php

Thanks,

Graham Saul
Friends of the Earth Canada
gsaul@...
1-613-241-0085, ext. 22

****************************************************************
BACKGROUND:
40 DAYS OF PROTEST AGAINST GLAMIS GOLD?S GUATEMALAN MINE

Monday, January 10 marks the fortieth day that platform trailers
carrying milling cylinders for Glamis Gold?s Marlin mine in the
western department of San Marcos have been blocked from passing along
the Panamerican Highway to the mine.  Since December 3, the convoy
which cannot pass under a metal pedestrian crossing bridge 130 km
northwest of Guatemala City, has been the object of a growing
opposition to metal mining in the largely indigenous populated
highlands.

When the equipment reached the bridge, workmen from the transport
company tried to cut away part of the bridge so that the trailer
could pass.  When the local population discovered that the equipment
was for mining, they initially feared that it was to be used in their
communities 100 km from the mine, and organized to protect the bridge
and prevent the mine equipment from passing further.  On the first
day of protest more than 2000 indigenous farmers and villagers
gathered, and tried to dissuade the convoy from traveling further.
When their demands were not met, one small vehicle carrying tools and
fuel for the mine was set afire.  The rest of the convoy retreated 2
km to a lookout point parking area where it has remained since,
guarded by private police under the vigilance of local villagers.
In the time since December 3, the local mayor has stated repeatedly
his determination to respect his constituents? demand that the
equipment not continue to San Marcos where Glamis is constructing its
Marlin mine. However, the Guatemalan Interior Ministry stated on
January 8 that it is prepared to call in troops to escort the convoy
past the bridge despite local opposition.  Villagers have stated that
they will push the equipment over a cliff where it is parked if the
military intervenes.

The opposition to the mine arises from a mining license granted by
the lame duck Portillo administration in late 2003, without
conducting the obligatory consultation of the local indigenous
communities, required by Convention 169 of the ILO.  Once the
communities discovered the extent and possible impacts of the
project, opposition formed around issues of violation of the rights
of indigenous persons and environmental risks inherent to the cyanide
leaching refinement process.  The situation is further aggravated by
the World Bank?s International Finance Corporation?s lending $45
million to Glamis to develop the mine, despite written opposition to
the mine project by local organizations, and the apparent non
compliance of the IFC to the Bank?s own recommendations regarding
extractive industries investments requiring their broad community
support and clear poverty alleviating impacts.

Local organizations and villagers have organized across four
departments in support of the protest and demand a government /
company dialogue directly with the San Marcos communities affected by
the mine project to reach an accord regarding the mine?s future.  As
tensions rise and patience grows short, neither the company or
government show signs of engaging those opposed to the mine, and the
World Bank, having been informed of these problems since early
December, has demonstrated no leadership or ability to address the
situation.

Daniel Vogt
Asociación Estoreña Para el Desarrollo Integral, AEPDI
El Estor, Izabal, Guatemala

******************************************************************

ISSUES TO RAISE WITH YOUR OFFICIALS:

Here are some of the points that you may want to raise with your
officials on this issue:

* In response to the World Bank Group?s Extractive Industries
Review, the Bank Group stated that it would only support mining
projects that enjoyed the ?broad community support? from affected
populations.

* In May 2004, Guatemalan organizations called on the World
Bank Group to delay approval of the Marlin Mine in order to allow
time for a number of outstanding issues to be resolved. The
Guatemalan groups argued that more consultation was necessary and
that large segments of the local population did not support the
project. Rather than following this advice, the World Bank Group
approved the project on schedule in June 2004. The Bank Group argued
that ?the project enjoys the significant support of the local
indigenous communities? and that consultations with the local
population had been adequate.

* Since project approval, local groups have repeatedly raised
their concerns with the World Bank Group and have not received a
satisfactory or meaningful response. This includes groups in the
immediate area, as well as national indigenous peoples organizations
that have raised broader concerns about the hundreds of mining
concessions that have been issued in the country in recent years.

* How can the World Bank Group argue that the Marlin Mine
enjoys broad community support when the government is threatening to
bring in the military in order to resolve a confrontation with
communities?

* What is the World Bank Group doing to ensure that the
government does not resort to violence to resolve the current
stand-off?

* The Bank should call on the government and Glamis to ensure
peaceful resolution of the current standoff and fully respect the
rights of indigenous groups and communities potentially affected by
the Marlin project.

* The Bank should support further dialogue among the
communities, the government and the company and, if necessary, call
on the government to suspend further development of the project until
community concerns can be addressed and full respect for the rights
of affected communities can be guaranteed.

A full list of World Bank Group Executive Directors and their contact
information can be found at:
http://www.bicusa.org/bicusa/issues/misc_resources/92.php


**********************************************

Militares Guatemaltecos podrian ser enviados a un conflicto al Banco
Mundial- soportando la mina.

10 de Enero del 2005.

El gobierno guatemalteco ha amenazado en enviar fuerzas militares
para terminar el conflicto con las comunidades locales y el Banco
Mundial quien ha financiado la mina de oro en Guatemala. Estamos
solicitando su ayuda y asegurar que esta situación no se deteriore o
vaya mas lejos.

Varios grupos están tomando acción apuntando a diferentes tomas de
decisiones. Este mensaje es dirigido hacia el Grupo del Banco
Mundial. Estamos pidiendo a organizaciones para ponerse en contacto
con el director ejecutivo de la misma institución,  así como a los
funcionarios de su gobierno que trabajan en las ediciones
relacionadas con el grupo del banco mundial. El objetivo principal
en esta etapa es simplemente hacer un llamado de la situación con la
esperanza de que sea más difícil que el gobierno utilice medios
violentos de terminar el aislamiento.

Abajo encontrara la información a fondo de la situación. Esto seguido
por algunos puntos que usted puede alertar con sus oficiales del
gobierno así como la traducción de un artículo periodístico reciente
que apareció en Guatemala.

Si usted está interesado información adicional, tal como
correspondencia entre las Organizaciones Guatemaltecas y del grupo
del Banco Mundial, declaraciones relacionadas con organizaciones
Indígenas Guatemaltecas, no dude en solicitarnos información.  Si
usted desea saber más sobre otros grupos  que están trabajando en
conjunto con nosotros, con gusto estoy a sus ordenes. La lista
completa de los directores ejecutivos del grupo del banco mundial e
información de contactos, se pueden encontrar en:
http://www.bicusa.org/bicusa/issues/misc_resources/92.php

Gracias,

Graham Saul
Friends of the Earth Canada
gsaul@...
1-613-241-0085, ext. 22


40 DÍAS DE PROTESTA CONTRA
LA MINA GUATEMALTECA DE GLAMIS GOLD

Hoy, lunes, 10 de enero, es el cuadragésimo día de bloqueo en la Carretera
Panamericana de traileres de plataforma cargados con cilindros de
molino para la mina Marlin de la empresa Glamis Gold, ubicada en el
departamento occidental de San Marcos.  Desde el 3 de diciembre, la
caravana que no puede pasar por debajo de una pasarela de acero a 130
km de la ciudad capital, ha sido objeto de una oposición creciente a
la minería de metales en el altiplano poblado mayoritariamente por
indígenas.

Cuando la caravana minera llegó a la pasarela, trabajadores de la
empresa transportista intentaron cortarla para el paso del trailer.
Cuando la población local se enteró que los equipos son de un
proyecto minero, temieron que eran para uso en sus comunidades a unos
100 km de la mina, y se organizaron para proteger a la pasarela e
impedir el paso de los traileres. El primer día de la protesta mas de
2000 campesinos y aldeanos indígenas se reunieron y trataron de
disuadir a la caravana en su viaje.  Cuando no hubo respuesta a sus
demandas, un vehículo cargado de combustible y herramientas para la
mina fue incendiado.  Los otros vehículos se regresaron unos 2 km al
parqueo de un mirador donde se han permanecido desde entonces bajo
custodia de policías privados bajo la vigilancia de pobladores
locales.

Desde el 3 de diciembre, el alcalde local ha reiterado su apoyo al
movimiento que exige que los equipos no avancen a San Marcos donde
Gladis está construyendo su mina Marlin. Sin embargo, el 8 de enero,
el Ministro de Gobernación declaró que pedirá al ejército que escolte
a la caravana a pesar de la oposición.  Los aldeanos han indicado que
tirarán los equipos por el barranco donde están estacionados si
intervengan los militares.

La oposición a la mina proviene de una licencia minera otorgada en
los últimos días de la administración presidencial de Alfonso
Portillo, sin la consulta obligatoria a las comunidades indígenas
locales, tal como requerida por el Convenio 169 de la OIT.  Cuando
las comunidades entendieron la magnitud y posibles impactos del
proyecto, se organizaron al derredor de los temas de violaciones de
derechos de los pueblos indígenas y riesgos ambientales inherentes en
el proceso de refinación a través de lixiviación de cianuro.  La
situación se agrava aún más por un préstamo de USD $45 millones
otorgado a Glamis por la Corporación Financiera Internacional del
Banco Mundial, por el desarrollo de la mina, a pesar de la oposición
por escrito al proyecto por organizaciones locales; y con el aparente
incumplimiento por la CFI de las recomendaciones del mismo Banco
respecto a sus inversiones en las industrias extractivas, exigiendo
su amplio apoyo comunitario e impactos claros en aliviar la pobreza.

Organizaciones y personas se han organizado en cuatro departamentos
en apoyo a la protesta y demandan un diálogo compañía / gobierno
directo con las comunidades marquenses afectadas por el proyecto
minero, para llegar a un acuerdo sobre el futuro de la mina.
Mientras crecen las tensiones y la paciencia se agota, ni la compañía
o el gobierno demuestra señales de acercarse con los opositores de la
mina; y el Banco Mundial, informado de la situación desde el
principio, no manifiesta liderazgo ni capacidad para responder a la
situación.


Daniel Vogt
Asociación Estoreña Para el Desarrollo Integral, AEPDI
El Estor, Izabal, Guatemala

*********************************************

TEMAS PARA DISCUSIÓN CON LIDERES

? En respuesta a la revisión extractiva de las industrias del Banco
Mundial, este mismo indica que apoyaria solamente a los grupos
mineros que gozaron la ?amplia ayuda de la comunidad? de poblaciones
afectadas.

? En Mayo del 2004 Organizaciones Guatemaltecas invitaron al Grupo
del Banco Mundial a retrasar la aprobación de la mina Marlin para dar
tiempo a que los acontecimientos sean resueltos. Grupos Guatemaltecos
discutieron que eran necesario mas consultas en segmentos largos de
la población para que el proyecto fuera aprobado. En lugar de seguir
esta recomendación el Banco Mundial aprobó el proyecto en Junio del
2004. El Banco Mundial afirma que ?El proyecto disfruta de todo el
soporte local de las comunidades indígenas? y las consultas con los
pueblos ha sido la adecuada.
? Desde que el proyecto fue aprobado, grupos locales han mostrado en
repetidamente sus preocupaciones con el Banco Mundial así como no han
recibido una respuesta coherente de la situación. Esto incluyendo
grupos del area cercana así como Organizaciones Nacionales de
Población  Indígenas las cuales han externado su preocupación por los
cientos de concesiones mineras que han sido otorgadas en los años
recientes.

? ¿Cómo puede el Grupo del Banco Mundial asegurar que la mina de
Marlin goce de la amplia ayuda de la comunidad cuando el gobierno ha
amenazando en enviar la fuerza militar para resolver una
confrontación con las comunidades?

? ¿Qué esta haciendo el Banco Mundial para asegurarse de que el
Gobierno no requiera de la violencia para resolver el aislamiento
actual?

Una lista completa de los directores ejecutivos del Grupo del Banco
Mundial y de su información del contacto se puede encontrar en:

http://www.bicusa.org/bicusa/issues/misc_resources/92.php


**********************************************************

Ejército intervendría para terminar bloqueo en Guatemala
http://www.miami.com/mld/elnuevo/10605018.htm
Sunday, Jan 09, 2005
Associated Press

GUATEMALA - Si los pobladores de la aldea Los Encuentros continúan
bloqueando el paso de un gigantesco tubo de acero que se usará en una
explotación minera, tendrá que intervenir el Ejército, anunciaron el
domingo las autoridades.

"No tenemos ya nada que discutir. Ya hubo diálogo con las autoridades
que tenía que haberlo y ya no se va a permitir que cada quien haga lo
que se le da la gana en contra de la ley", dijo a la AP el domingo
Carlos Vielman, ministro de gobernación.

Se trata de un tubo de acero de unos 7 metros de diámetro y unas 50
toneladas de peso, varado en el kilómetro 118 de la ruta
interamericana desde principios de diciembre.

La empresa de transportes habría de llevarlo a Huehuetenango, a unos
250 kilómetros al noroeste de la capital, para ser instalado en una
mina. Para permitir su paso, es preciso desmontar una pasarela que
sirve para el tránsito de personas sobre la carretera.

Los pobladores de la localidad impidieron entonces el paso del camión
que llevaba el tubo ante el rumor de que la explotación se haría en
sus comunidades. Desde entonces han amenazado con lanzar el remolque
a un profundo abismo.

"Tendré que dejarlos que lo hagan si no se llega a un acuerdo", dijo
a periodistas Esteban Toc, alcalde de Sololá, municipio al que
pertenece Los Encuentros.

Por aparte, en el municipio de Sipacapa, San Marcos, a unos 200
kilómetros al noroeste de la capital, un grupo de pobladores bloqueó
el camino que conduce hacia la localidad en protesta por la concesión
que hizo el Gobierno a una empresa para la explotación minera en el
lugar.

El reciente auge de la explotación minera en Guatemala ha resucitado
viejas rencillas entre quienes otrora simpatizaron con causas de la
derecha y la izquierda.

Organizaciones no gubernamentales de defensa del medio ambiente han
lanzado la voz de alarma sobre los peligros de la minería, mientras
que el gobierno defiende con vehemencia las concesiones que generarán
empleos, según aducen las autoridades.

La disputa llegó en 2004 a enfrentar al presidente Oscar Berger, con
el arzobispo metropolitano, el cardenal Rodolfo Quezada.
En una reunión con empresarios estadounidenses, Berger dijo que la
postura de la Iglesia en Guatemala sobre la minería era "desfasada" y
"populista", con la consiguiente respuesta de los religiosos.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Minería: Amenazan con mandar tropa
http://www.prensalibre.com/pl/2005/enero/10/105190.html
Guatemala, lunes 10 de enero de 2005

Si pobladores de la aldea Los Encuentros siguen bloqueando el paso de
un gigantesco tubo de acero que se usará en una explotación minera,
tendrá que intervenir el Ejército, amenazaron autoridades.

"No tenemos nada que discutir. Hubo diálogo y no se va a permitir que
cada quien haga lo que se le da la gana en contra de la ley", afirmó
a la AP Carlos Vielman, ministro de Gobernación.

Se trata de un tubo de acero de unos siete metros de diámetro y unas
50 toneladas de peso, varado en el kilómetro 118 de la ruta
Interamericana desde diciembre.

La empresa de transportes tiene que llevarlo a Huehuetenango para ser
instalado en una mina. Para permitir su paso es preciso desmontar una
pasarela que sirve para el tránsito de personas sobre la carretera.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tensión alrededor de las mineras
Población afirma que detendrá la excavación Por Lorena Seijo
lseijo@...

Guatemala, lunes 27 de diciembre de 2004
http://www.prensalibre.com/pl/2004/diciembre/27/104363.html

Todo empezó con buenos augurios en San Marcos. La mina iba a llevar
trabajo y desarrollo para las comunidades de ese departamento, pero
el sueño se quebró cuando "abrieron la montaña".

"La minería es culpable de todas las desgracias de nuestro pueblo",
opinan las comunidades de la montaña de San Marcos. Mientras la
empresa pide protección al Estado, la población no descarta la
utilización de medidas de hecho si la compañía Montana Exploradora no
se retira de sus tierras.

Problemas

Las primeras exploraciones se efectuaron en 1997, pero los trabajos
se iniciaron hasta 2003.

Para entonces, los líderes comunitarios ya habían buscado
asesoramiento con grupos ambientalistas y abogados.

Su conclusión fue que no querían la minería porque contaminaría el
ambiente y habría escasez de agua. Para entonces, todos los permisos
estaban concedidos. "La explotación es ilegal porque no se informó a
la población", asegura Roberto Magari, de Sipacapa.

Según un funcionario de Montana que no quiso identificarse, la
población ha sido mal informada y se aprovechan de su ignorancia.

Para contrarrestar algunos males, la compañía construyó casas para
los pobladores de dos comunidades que tuvieron que retirarse,
emprendió jornadas médicas y edificó una escuela.

"El alcalde del FRG fue puerta por puerta para convencerlos de que
vendieran sus terrenos, porque si no el Estado se los iba a quitar",
relata Juan Tema, otro líder de Sipacapa.

Aunque muchos se sienten engañados, otros han decidido trabajar para
la compañía. Montana ha construido anchas carreteras para el paso de
sus camiones, y a cada 500 metros hay carteles que enumeran los
beneficios de la minería a cielo abierto.

Se inicia el caos

Pero no todo va bien. La comunidad de Salem llevaba seis meses sin
agua porque debido a la excavación de la montaña se rompió la tubería.
Las mujeres, cansadas de la situación, cerraron la carretera a los
vehículos de la minera. Una semana después, el agua regresó a sus
hogares.

"Como la gente de San Marcos no está interesada en trabajar en la
mina, trajeron gente de Honduras y de El Salvador", dice Tema.

Un salvadoreño estuvo a punto de ser linchado hace dos meses por
pasearse desnudo por el pueblo.
Fue amarrado a un poste, y líderes comunales tuvieron que mediar para
que lo soltaran.

En Pueblo Viejo fueron violadas dos niñas, y la población le echó la
culpa a los mineros. Ahora recomiendan a los extranjeros que no
lleguen a la comunidad, pues podrían ser agredidos.

En Tacaná, los trabajadores fueron retenidos y advertidos de que si
volvían, los matarían.

Durante tres días Prensa Libre intentó localizar al vocero de
Montana, pero éste no respondió a las llamadas telefónicas.

No a las minas

En Sololá se especula con más concesiones mineras, por lo que la
población ya se levantó.

El primer incidente fue la quema de un camión de Montana en Cuatro
Caminos. "En Sololá nos han ofrecido cinco mil personas para venir a
San Marcos a quemar la mina", comenta Juan Tema.

Si las cosas siguen así, el líder afirma que "cualquier día podría
haber una desgracia en el pueblo".

Los altercados:

En Sipacapa, San Marcos, ha habido intentos de linchamientos, cierre
de carreteras para los camiones de Montana e intimidaciones a la
población.
En Pueblo Viejo violaron a dos niñas, y ahora ningún extranjero puede
pasar por allí.

En Totonicapán retuvieron a varios montañistas extranjeros porque
creyeron que hacían exploraciones para la minera.

En Cuatro Caminos, pobladores de Sololá quemaron un camión de Montana.


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--- In LeagueOfTheLastDays, MessiahTwain wrote:

thank you, Sharon, for this!


Millennium

From: wdestiny
Date: Wed, 5 Jan 2005 16:01:17 EST
Subject: [We Come as Eagles] 85% of the People Hit by the Tsunami Were
Muslim: Did Mother Nature
Have Help?


The following article has much food for thought. There are some
very interesting articles high-lighted within this post.

Before reading this forwarded article, I'd like to share the
following thoughts, ones I had immediately upon first hearing
about the tsunami. These thoughts are in addition to the ones
I shared a few days ago about how the planet might respond
to pounding one area of the world with the equivalent of over
500 nuclear bombs, as the U.S. and others have done in Iraq
since March 2003. Here are other thoughts I've had. 

First of all, please note that the date of the 2003 earthquake in
Iran was exactly (to the day) one year from the 2004 tsunami
in Indonesia and surrounding areas.Over 20,000 (Muslims)
died in the Iran earthquake.

H.A.A.R.P.???? For those not familiar, do a search of those
five letters. Or, you can start with the following article recently
shared:

http://english.pravda.ru/main/2003/01/15/42068.html

Also, the E.L.F . (Extremely Low Frequency) fields mentioned
in this post are controlled frequencies (H.A.A.R.P.) that have
been used by the U.S. Navy for underwater testing, using
dolphins, whales and other marine life as their targets because
they are as close to submarine size as they could get. The
injuries, trama, and death caused to these magnificent beings
is tragic and unconscionable.

Within the last couple of years, the Navy was court-ordered to
stop this LFAS (Low Frequency Active Sonar) testing, because
of the non-stop efforts of many ordinary, but committed
world-citizens. So, while looking up H.A.A.R.P., also look up 
LFAS as well as E.L.F. fields. Here are a few sites to get you
started. Some additional E.L.F. sites have been added to the
bottom of this post.

Click here: Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises
http://www.solcomhouse.com/sonar.htm

Click here: US Navy's Misinformation to Congress About LFAS
http://www.oceanmammalinst.org/lfa-navy.html

Click here: ELF Waves: A Path to War or Peace?
http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Shadowlands/6583/project105.html

ALL change comes about through awareness. And, once
again, it is easy to see that EVERYTHING IS RELATED.
World governments would do well to remember this when
deciding whether to use any technology anywhere in the
world. If they don't remember this, it is our responsibility,
as world citizens, to remind them!

What the recent tsunami did was take the focus off of the
atrocities still allowed to happen daily in Iraq and other
places on the planet.The tsunami is an opportunity for a
much needed face-lift  for the United States in the world
opinion poll, as the government rushs to aid the tsunami
victims with two days worth of money spent on the war
in Iraq  (currently $350 million being donated, the
hard-earned dollars of American citizens). The amount
was recently upped from the original donation of $35
million, which was widely reported as being the cost of
four hours of war in Iraq). 

What is happening in the world is often scripted, both
problems and solutions, controlled (by omission)  mostly by
the U.S. media. As the saying goes, there's no business like
show business!

Change, whether local, global or within, comes about through
awareness, not the illusion of truth we are spoon-fed on a daily
basis, but the reality happening behind the scenes.  And, if you
don't believe that the masses can be deceived, remember that
it was only a few hundred years ago that the masses believed
that the world was flat and those who believed the Earth was
round were burned at the stake!

In closing, we all know the power of Mother Nature. But, many
are asking: Is the weather on our planet getting assistance from advanced
technology?  And, of
course, when we speak of the
frequency of H.A.A.R.P., specifically E.L.F., we are speaking
of SOUND. Frequency/vibration/geometry IS SOUND! There's
nothing that isn't sound. The ancient Egyptians even referred
to geometry as "frozen music."

I have often wondered if the H.A.A.R.P. (E.L.F.) frequency fields
are responsible for numbing the minds of so much of humanity.

I AM reminded of a quote by Sufi Master Hazrat Inayat Khan:
"He who knows the secrets of the sounds, knows the
mystery of the whole universe."  Please re-read that
sentence as you consider the food for thought contained in
this post.

In closing with my portion of this post, I ran across an
interesting quote:

"Others are engaging even in an eco type of terrorism,
whereby they can alter the climate, set off earthquakes
or volcanos remotely, through the use of electromagnetic waves." 
~~~~American Secretary of
Defense William S.
Cohen, April 1997.

BTW, I'm also reminded that 1997 was the year that birthed
the Project For a New American Century (PNAC). For those
who are not familiar, that's a good one to look up too!

Other Quotes:

"The question before the human race is whether God
or Nature shall govern the world by his own laws or
whether priests and kings shall rule it by fictitious
miracles."
~~~~~John Adams

"When a well-packaged web of lies has been sold
gradually to the masses over generations, the truth will
seem utterly preposterous and its speaker a raving lunatic."~~~~~~~Dresden
James

"Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority,
it's time to pause and reflect."~~~~~~Mark Twain

"It is part of the general pattern of misguided policy that
our country is now geared to an arms economy which
was bred in an artificially induced psychosis of war
hysteria and nurtured upon an incessant propaganda
of fear." ~~~General Douglas MacArthur, May 15, 1951

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for
good men to do nothing,"~~~~Edmund Burke

Please read the following post with an open mind and please
continue to pray for all areas and beings experiencing of trama
in the world by working for peace and justice for all.  Becoming
aware IS a way of making a difference. Opening the heart
and mind to concepts we don't want to believe are true takes
courage.

Please consider passing this along to others who might be
interested. Thanks so much.

In the Spirit of Peace and Love for all life,
Sharon 444
Wdestiny44@a...

Date: 1/5/2005 3:28:40 AM Eastern Standard Time
From: namaste.pub-uk@v...
Reply-to: info@n...

----- Original Message -----
From: Pamela Valenti 
Sent: Wednesday, January 05, 2005 2:36 AM

WHAT A COINCIDENCE, 85 PERCENT OF THE PEOPLE HIT
BY THE TSUNAMI WERE MUSLIM

**Does one too many coincidences spell concoincidence?

Subject: Tsunami - - 85% of the population of Indonesia follows Islam

Forwarded Message:

As I wrote in the first email concerning the Tsunami, showing that
INTENTIONALLY "there was no
warning" (now confirmed on Drudge
Report), and that ELF (Extremely Low Frequency) technology is
available to cause earthquakes, by the powers of Novus Ordo Seclorum
(New World Order), that Indonesia is on "the Pentagon's new map" for
"War on Terrorism", and that death tolls in reporting have been greatly
delayed, and that the Media has been spinning this in their propaganda-type
manner. (Tonight ABC
news wasted public air time about bloggers on the internet, interviewing a
teen-age girl!) The
U.S. media seems to be
downplaying the bad news now, to protect American's delicate ears
(being only able to hear "positive" things), while the death toll is CLEARLY
IN THE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS! While Drudge Report says
the "official count" is 125,000, officials in these countries know better, as
does their media, which is leaking out. One report we will quote later,
says 400,000--which the Drudge Report headlines with a question
mark (?). Why would they lie? In addition, another mark of suspicion,
is that while Bush offered a few pence ($35 million of debt money) for
aid, he is now rushing to out compete the U.N. in establishing pretended
aid! Often, those who blow the trumpet in pretended compassion, are
those who are hiding their guilty faces of the conspiracy they were a
part of.

Conspiracy? Absolutely! Again, this area was on the target map for the
"War on Terrorism", and just WHO do you think is the predominant
religion and idealogical power in that region?

"The majority (about 85%) of the population follows Islam."
http://www.asiatour.com/indonesia/e-01land/ei-lan13.htm

But there is more! The HARDEST HIT AREA, THE NORTHERN
AREA OF SUMATRA, IS THE MOST DOMINANT IN ISLAMIC LEADERSHIP,
ON THE ISLAND OF SUMATRA:

" Today, the most hard-core of the indonesian muslims lives in Aceh,
the northern tip of Sumatra, where Islam is said to first take hold. They
have always been fierce fighters, giving both the Dutch and the
Indonesian state a hard time. Aceh strived for a long time for an
independent Islamic state and has today a special status."
http://home.swipnet.se/~w-15266/indons/instant/religion.htm

Note now, IT IS THIS AREA, OF "ACEH, THE NORTHERN TIP
OF SUMATRA"--THAT WAS NEAR THE EARTHQUAKE ZONE,
BUT ALSO, THE HARDEST HIT BY THE TSUNAMI. Now, pray
tell, what is the death toll there?

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 30 (Bernama) -- The death toll in Acheh, the
region worst hit by last Sunday's tsunami, may exceed 400,000 as many
affected areas could still not be reached for search and rescue operations,
Indonesia's Ambassador
to Malaysia Drs H. Rusdihardjo said Thursday.
http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news_lite.php?id=111574

Viola! 400,000 of mostly Islamic souls! How strategic, this "act of nature",
"act of God" (conspiracy of Man playing God!) warned of in the vision of
Daniel in the coming evil global government! There was INTENTIONALLY
"no warning given", and the true cause of it can be seen by the propaganda,
shifting, pretended
humanitarian support, and guilty smirks standing in front
of the secret ELF low frequency technology, or sub-marine drilling and
setting of thermonuclear devices behind the curtain of Shadow
Government, at the controls. There was intentionally NO WARNING
GIVEN, and the cause is highly suspect, knowing that the technology IS
employed in these modern
times! (source: http://www.globalresearch.ca/articles/CHO409F.html)

Atolls and islands have been tested before using nuclear devices, including
one in the Bikini Atoll in 1946, called Operation Hardtack:

"When the shot went off, at first, there was only a large mound of water
similar to a "ground-swell" that appeared. I thought, 'there wasn't much
to that'! But after a moment, it burst through the surface, and water and
debris went up as high as I could see....Then, the concussion came,
feeling like a very hard slap especially to the face. Then the sound came
so intense that one would really need ear protection, which we didn't
have, except to plug the ears with our hands....Next, we could see the
tidal-wave approaching and we could see it on the other side of the
blast site as it rolled over the island in the distance. "
http://www.aracnet.com/~pdxavets/rodgersj.htm

Interesting, they too had a tidal wave. Here is a picture of Operation
Hardtack: http://www.aracnet.com/~pdxavets/hardtac1.htm

Could this have been a larger one set deep in the sea floor? Whether
by ELF or sub-marine thermonuclear device, the earthquake and
Tsunami that ensued has already been compared in the Zionist
Media to "9/11" (their words), with "pictures....remembrances.....
acts of heroism", "except this one was not man-made" (interesting
they felt they shoud say that). It nevertheless fits the pattern of the
Iran earthquake on Dec. 26, 2003 (20,000 dead), and the PNAC's
plot to make a War on Terrorism (largely in Islamic nations, like
Indonesia) to "re-order the world around us"
(PM Tony Blair).
=====================
Warning: Reading this material might induce significant anxiety or
depression. Individuals with a history of heart problems, or who
are being treated for depression, may find it advisable not to read
this report.
http://www.apfn.org/apfn/population.htm

SOS Tsunami: It's Time For a United Media Appeal http://
www.mediachannel.org/

"Follow the path of the unsafe, independent thinker. Expose your ideas
to the dangers of controversy. Speak your mind and fear less the label
of 'crackpot' than the stigma of conformity. And, on issues that seem
important to you, stand up and be counted at any cost."
~~~~~~Thomas J. Watson (1874 - 1956)

Other E.L.F. Fields Sites:

Click here: Extremely Low Frequency Communications Program - United
States Nuclear Forces
http://www.fas.org/nuke/guide/usa/c3i/elf.htm

Click here: Biohazards of Extremely Low Frequencies (ELF)
http://www.earthpulse.com/haarp/biohazards.html

Click here: What is ElF? ELF stands for Extremely Low Frequency. But what
does that mean and how
does it correlate to earthqua
http://www.quakefinder.com/what_is_elf.htm
 

Submitted in the name of peace and love for all life,
Sharon 444
*Sharon Pacione*
Wdestiny44@a...

I will be out of the office starting  01/03/2005 and will not return until
01/10/2005.

I will respond to your message upon returning to the office on Monday, January
10.

If your need is urgent, please contact Bertha Medina at 202-473-4775.

Fwd: DivineLove2@yahoogroups.com,
The911StockPlay@yahoogroups.com,
LeagueOfTheLastDays@yahoogroups.com, Armageddon-or-
NewAge@yahoogroups.com, WorldIntelligenceNetwork@yahoogroups.com,
Bilderberg@yahoogroups.com, InsiderTrading@yahoogroups.com


~


  ~ ~


a.k.a. <<< ! TSUNAMI ! >>>




  will the <<< TRUTH >>> be told? ~ ~ ~







stay tuned ...





~ ~ ~



  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~



~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~



Millennium Twain
31 December 2004



~ ~



~

I will be out of the office starting  14/12/2004 and will not return until
04/01/2005.

I will respond to your message when I return. During my absence, Hui Lu is
Officer-in-charge, lu5@..., tel no (212) 963-8378.

From: "50 Years Is Enough Network" <list@...>
Lusaka, Zambia
AFRICAN SOCIAL FORUM
14 December 2004

The following statement, in response to the news that the U.K. and
the U.S. governments are offering different proposals aimed at 100%
multilateral debt cancellation, was circulated at the African Social
Forum in Lusaka, Zambia. The endorsements below were gathered in a
few hours; more will undoubtedly be forthcoming as the statement's
circulation broadens.

We Demand Full Multilateral Debt Cancellation for Africa and the Global South
Drop the Debt 100% -- All Impoverished Countries -- No Economic Conditions!

As civil society organizations from across the continent of Africa,
we are confronted every day by the devastating reality of the crisis
of debt. Debt payments to wealthy institutions like the IMF and World
Bank rob our countries of resources we desperately need to provide
health care, fight HIV/AIDS, provide education, and make available
clean water. Debt is a tool of domination
used by rich country governments and creditors like the IMF and World
Bank. Conditions attached to debt relief and loans are devastating
our economies and undermining our choices as sovereign nations.

For impoverished nations, multilateral creditors -- in particular the
IMF and World Bank -- are the largest creditors. They are also the
most powerful: because of their "preferred creditor" status,
countries must pay their debts back first to these institutions. If
countries do not pay, they are penalized and excluded from most forms
of aid and assistance.
The Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative was launched by
the World Bank in 1996 to provide a "robust exit" to the crisis of
debt faced by impoverished nations. Eight years on, the program has
failed to achieve this goal. HIPC has provided too little relief, to
too few countries, with devastating conditions. It is time to move
beyond the failed HIPC Initiative towards another approach: Full
(100%) multilateral debt cancellation for all impoverished nations,
without harmful conditions.

We are aware of discussions going on now within the G-7 (in
particular proposals by the UK and US governments), the IMF and World
Bank, and other forums about possibilities for 100% (full)
multilateral debt cancellation. We are encouraged that after many
years of half-measures, full cancellation is being discussed at these
levels.
However, we must be clear about the principles for such discussions
to meet the goals and aspirations of African civil society.
First, 100% multilateral debt cancellation is critical. Attempts to
determine a "sustainable" level of debt for impoverished nations
desperately trying to address the crises of HIV/AIDS and economic
injustice should be rejected. For impoverished nations struggling to
meet the human needs of their peoples, full 100% multilateral debt
cancellation is the only option.
Second, this cancellation must come without any economic
conditionalities. The HIPC program and PRSPs are riddled with
conditions such as privatization, indiscriminate trade
liberalization, opening up markets, fiscal and monetary targets.
These conditions have devastated our economies long enough. Debt
cancellation must come without any economic conditions attached.
Moreover, we reject and find that the IMF's Poverty Reduction and
Growth Facility (PRGF) must be dismantled and abolished. The PRGF is
not a force for development in our countries; the conditions attached
to loans from this facility have devastated our economies.  It is
time to end the role of the IMF in poor countries once and for all;
closing the PRGF is a critical first step towards doing this.

Third, multilateral debt cancellation must apply to all impoverished
nations, not just the 42 HIPC nations. We reject proposals which only
address countries that have reached HIPC "completion point." Many
countries would be excluded from this approach. Moreover, non-HIPC
countries must be included in efforts towards 100% debt cancellation.
Countries including Haiti, Jamaica, and Nigeria are not part of HIPC,
despite their extreme indebtedness.
Finally, we think that the multilateral financial institutions should
do their fair share, and should contribute the bulk of the resources
to finance debt cancellation. The IMF and World Bank are two of the
richest financial institutions in the world. The IMF sits atop more
than $30 billion in gold which currently serves no productive
purpose. The IMF could sell this gold and use proceeds to cover debt
owed to the World Bank and other multilaterals. The IBRD could easily
mobilize more than $10 billion in accumulated profits and reserves
and could commit a share of its annual multi-billion dollar profit to
debt cancellation. The IMF should close down the PRGF facility and
use its resources to cancel IMF debt. These are wealthy institutions;
it is high time for them to do their fair share and by paying for
debt cancellation, begin to acknowledge their role and responsibility
in the debt crisis.
We do not believe that concerns about the "additionality" of debt
cancellation should be allowed to postpone the full cancellation of
the multilateral debt. Cancellation is significantly more valuable to
our peoples than additional aid. Aid comes with its own conditions,
and often creates more debt. The resources realized from debt
cancellation can be used as governments -- with ample interventions
from civil society -- see fit. Aid is a promise we have seen broken
far too often; cancellation's benefits would be lasting.

Endorsed by the following debt campaigners:

Tafadzwa Muropa - Zimbabwe
Sy Koumbo S. Gale - Chad
Constancia de Pina - Cape Verde
James Kashiki - Zambia
Godfrey Mfiti - Malawi
Rev. Lumu Shabani â?? Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa)
Benoit Essiga - CGT Liberte - Cameroon
Hassan Sayouty - Espace Associatif Maroc - Morocco
Demba Moussa Dembele - Forum for African Alternatives - Senegal
Taoufik BenAbdallah - ENDA - Senegal
Engudat Bekele - PAC - Ethiopia
Bakary Fofana - CECIDE - Guinea
Archinson Mhlata - PCO - South Africa
Pat Dooms - Orange Farm Vision - South Africa
Dao Dounantie - Jubile 2000 / CAD - Mali
Kone Solange - FNDP/ASAPSU - Cote d'Ivoire
Ouattar Diakalia - FNDP - Cote d'Ivoire
Dieng Amady Aly - Forum de Tiers Monde - Senegal
Seydou Ndiaye - ACAPES â?? Senegal
Abubacar Ndiaye, RADI - Senegal

#############################################################
50 Years Is Enough            http://50years.org

I will be out of the office starting  12/08/2004 and will not return until
12/16/2004.

I shall reply to your e-mail when I return.

PRESS RELEASE

THE RAINFOREST FOUNDATION

Tuesday 14th December 2004 : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

British MP condemns World Bank-backed plans for rainforest logging
in the Congo

Member of Parliament Bob Blizzard (Waveney) yesterday said in a
Westminster Hall debate that "there was no chance at all" that a
World Bank-backed plan to 'develop' the rainforests of the
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which are the second largest on
Earth, would bring any benefits to impoverished local people.
Instead, the planned expansion of the timber industry would, the MP
said, damage the livelihoods of some of the poorest people on Earth,
including those of local 'Pygmies'.

The Parliamentary debate followed a visit to Congo's rainforests by
members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Great Lakes and
Genocide Prevention. The Group also yesterday announced the
publication of a new report, "To elections and beyond" , which
details the MPs' visit to DRC and sets out their recommendations on
the future of the country's vast rainforests [2]. The report calls
for the continuation of a moratorium on the issuing of any new
logging concessions in DRC's forests.

Oona King, Founder and Chair of the APPG, said "We learned that nine
contracts have been awarded to private logging companies by the
Environment Ministry since the moratorium. They should simply be
annulled and the moratorium maintained" [3]. Oona King called for
sound management of DRC's natural resources which, she said, "was a
prerequisite to enduring peace and prosperity in the country".

Responding to the debate, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for
Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Chris Mullin, said that he would
draw the attention of the World Bank to the concerns raised by the
Members of Parliament.

Simon Counsell, Director of the Rainforest Foundation UK,
said:   "We welcome the UK Government's commitment to raising
concerns with the World Bank about the future of Congo's
rainforests. As a major shareholder in the Bank, the Government has
a responsibility to ensure that UK taxpayers' money will not be
spent on destroying Congo's rainforests and wrecking local peoples'
livelihoods."

ENDS

For further information, please contact:

Simon Counsell,  Rainforest Foundation UK

Tel:                 +44 (020) 7251 6345

Mobile:           (0)7941 899 579

Email:             simonc@...

More information about Congo's rainforests and the work of the
Rainforest Foundation can be found at: www.rainforestfoundationuk.com

Notes to Editors

[1] MPs Bob Blizzard and Oona King visited the Democratic Republic
of Congo in October, hosted by the Rainforest Foundation. The All
Party Parliamentary Group on the Great Lakes Region & Genocide
Prevention (APPG) comprises 148 MPs and Peers from the UK
Parliament. It was founded by its current Chair. Oona King MP.
Today, it is the leading forum in the UK Parliament for discussion
and critical analysis of issues affecting the Great Lakes Region:
Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi and Northern
Uganda.

[2] The report is available from the website of the All-Party
Parliamentary Group, at: www.appggreatlakes.org

The report  also  recommends that the World Bank, in conjunction
with the Ministry of environment  and local civil society
organisation, send monitors into the forest to ensure that local
people are consulted and acknowledged as residents.  It also calls
for international donors, the UK Government's Department for
International Development (DfID) especially,  to fund a
comprehensive study in order to provide an estimation of the value
of the forest, based not only on the commercial worth of its timber,
but also on the value of forest products such as animal products,
vegetable foods, building materials, medicinal plants and fuelwood,
as well as ecological functions and services such as watershed
maintenance and biodiversity protection.

[3] At the  November "Forum on Forests  and Nature Conservation"
organised by the Congolese government in and the World Bank  in
Kinshasa ,  international and local NGOs as well as Congolese civil
society called for the moratorium  on all new logging concessions to
be maintained  until such time as strict conditions were complied
with by the Congolese government.

PRESS RELEASE

THE RAINFOREST FOUNDATION

Tuesday 14th December 2004 : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

British MP condemns World Bank-backed plans for rainforest logging
in the Congo

Member of Parliament Bob Blizzard (Waveney) yesterday said in a
Westminster Hall debate that "there was no chance at all" that a
World Bank-backed plan to 'develop' the rainforests of the
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which are the second largest on
Earth, would bring any benefits to impoverished local people.
Instead, the planned expansion of the timber industry would, the MP
said, damage the livelihoods of some of the poorest people on Earth,
including those of local 'Pygmies'.

The Parliamentary debate followed a visit to Congo's rainforests by
members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Great Lakes and
Genocide Prevention. The Group also yesterday announced the
publication of a new report, "To elections and beyond" , which
details the MPs' visit to DRC and sets out their recommendations on
the future of the country's vast rainforests [2]. The report calls
for the continuation of a moratorium on the issuing of any new
logging concessions in DRC's forests.

Oona King, Founder and Chair of the APPG, said "We learned that nine
contracts have been awarded to private logging companies by the
Environment Ministry since the moratorium. They should simply be
annulled and the moratorium maintained" [3]. Oona King called for
sound management of DRC's natural resources which, she said, "was a
prerequisite to enduring peace and prosperity in the country".

Responding to the debate, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for
Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Chris Mullin, said that he would
draw the attention of the World Bank to the concerns raised by the
Members of Parliament.

Simon Counsell, Director of the Rainforest Foundation UK,
said: "We welcome the UK Government's commitment to raising
concerns with the World Bank about the future of Congo's
rainforests. As a major shareholder in the Bank, the Government has
a responsibility to ensure that UK taxpayers' money will not be
spent on destroying Congo's rainforests and wrecking local peoples'
livelihoods."

ENDS

For further information, please contact:

Simon Counsell, Rainforest Foundation UK

Tel: +44 (020) 7251 6345

Mobile: (0)7941 899 579

Email: simonc@...

More information about Congo's rainforests and the work of the
Rainforest Foundation can be found at: www.rainforestfoundationuk.com

Notes to Editors

[1] MPs Bob Blizzard and Oona King visited the Democratic Republic
of Congo in October, hosted by the Rainforest Foundation. The All
Party Parliamentary Group on the Great Lakes Region & Genocide
Prevention (APPG) comprises 148 MPs and Peers from the UK
Parliament. It was founded by its current Chair. Oona King MP.
Today, it is the leading forum in the UK Parliament for discussion
and critical analysis of issues affecting the Great Lakes Region:
Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi and Northern
Uganda.

[2] The report is available from the website of the All-Party
Parliamentary Group, at: www.appggreatlakes.org

The report also recommends that the World Bank, in conjunction
with the Ministry of environment and local civil society
organisation, send monitors into the forest to ensure that local
people are consulted and acknowledged as residents. It also calls
for international donors, the UK Government's Department for
International Development (DfID) especially, to fund a
comprehensive study in order to provide an estimation of the value
of the forest, based not only on the commercial worth of its timber,
but also on the value of forest products such as animal products,
vegetable foods, building materials, medicinal plants and fuelwood,
as well as ecological functions and services such as watershed
maintenance and biodiversity protection.

[3] At the November "Forum on Forests and Nature Conservation"
organised by the Congolese government in and the World Bank in
Kinshasa , international and local NGOs as well as Congolese civil
society called for the moratorium on all new logging concessions to
be maintained until such time as strict conditions were complied
with by the Congolese government.

Jesus defeated death not for him but for all of us. In order to open
to all us the door towards a happy eternity. He defeated death to let
us win that "useless passion" that is the short life on earth,
opening prospectives of infinite when every way seemed closed by the
black wall of a final and inevitable end. Here we will talk about His
Resurrection, trying to answer some questions as the ones which
follow for example:

- Why can we understand the sense of our life only thinking of
eternity ?
- What are the reasons of our Faith?
- And what about people who do not have Faith?
- Why death?
- Can reason and common sense help us in our Faith?
- What is the mistake in the hypothesis which deny Jesus Christ?


Sito Web:   www.lorenzocrescini.it/dialogue

E-Mail:       ricercapap@...

To all the readers a loving greeting
Lorenzo Crescini

I will be out of the office starting  09/22/2004 and will not return until
10/12/2004.

Thank you for your message.  I will away from the office through October 11,
2004.  For urgent matters, please contact Ms. Beaulah Noble at 202-4733748. Kind
regards.

I will be out of the office starting  09/27/2004 and will not return until
10/11/2004.

I will be away from the office until October 11 2004. I will be able to check my
emails from time to time. For all media enquiries, please call Steven Jouy or
Bakary Sanogo in the Paris media team on +.33.1.40.69.3022 or 3263. If you need
to speak to me urgently call me on my global mobile on: +.33.6.23.14.17.45.