G 20 divided on military action against Syria
7092013
BRICS bloc of emerging economies – Brazil, India and South Africa – also voiced their firm opposition to the possibility of a US-led military strike.
Any action on Syria should be taken within the UN framework, and only after the UN releases the results of the chemical weapons investigation, India’s Prime Minister Manmohan Singh stressed.
While condemning the use of chemical weapons by any party, Singh told G20 leaders that one needs to be certain what has really happened in Syria, according to Indian Planning Commission Deputy Chairperson Montek Singh Ahluwalia, who spoke to reporters at the summit.
Nearly half of the world’s population firmly opposed military action against Syria without a UN mandate, the US kept pushing for a strike, claiming that many countries represented at the G20 summit were “comfortable” with it.
Although discussion of the Syrian conflict was never officially on the G20 agenda, world leaders used their statements and speeches to outline their stance on a possible US-led military strike against the government of Syrian President Bashar Assad.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed the notion that there was a 50/50 split of opinion on the issue, alluding that leaders of the majority of the world’s largest economies clearly stated their opposition to military intervention in Syria.
Russia, China, India, Indonesia, Argentina, Brazil, and South Africa were among the countries that openly spoke out against military action not authorized by the UN Security Council, Putin revealed.
Putin himself said that he believes the alleged chemical weapons attack was nothing more than “a provocation on behalf of the armed insurgents in hope of the help from the outside, from the countries which supported them from day one.”
During his closing speech at the G20 summit, the Russian President pointed out that the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation – Indonesia – was among those “categorically opposed” to a strike against Syria.
Indonesia has been calling on the international community to refrain from extrajudicial justice on Syria, and to wait until UN investigators publish the results of their work.
“Indonesia’s stance is clear. President Yudhoyono has said that, while affirming that the use of chemical weapons against innocent civilians cannot be accepted, we need to ensure who actually carried out the attacks. In this sense, we should wait for the UN’s inspection team to announce the result of its investigation,” Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa said in a statement published on President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s official website. China has consistently opposed a military solution for the Syrian crisis, joining Russia in its belief that any action must be based on the UN investigation and authorized by the UN Security Council.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Qin Gang told RT at the summit that it is “vitally important” that any move on Syria be based on the UN investigation, stressing that China is “against the use of chemical weapons by any countries or organizations.”
“China and Russia are both appealing to the countries concerned to be serious about the possible consequences of the use of military means without the mandate of the UN Security Council,” Qin added, reminding that recent history has shown that such means “can’t solve a complicated issue like Syria.”
Meanwhile, China’s vice finance minister, Zhu Guangyao, has warned that a strike would have a negative impact on the global economy and “cause a hike in the oil price.” China has consistently opposed a military solution for the Syrian crisis, joining Russia in its belief that any action must be based on the UN investigation and authorized by the UN Security Council.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Qin Gang told RT at the summit that it is “vitally important” that any move on Syria be based on the UN investigation, stressing that China is “against the use of chemical weapons by any countries or organizations.”
“China and Russia are both appealing to the countries concerned to be serious about the possible consequences of the use of military means without the mandate of the UN Security Council,” Qin added, reminding that recent history has shown that such means “can’t solve a complicated issue like Syria.”
Meanwhile, China’s vice finance minister, Zhu Guangyao, has warned that a strike would have a negative impact on the global economy and “cause a hike in the oil price.”
Obama openly brought up the issue at both bilateral meetings and in discussions on the summit’s sidelines. The US President’s conclusions on the global opinion contradicted that of President Putin’s.
“I would say that the majority of the room is comfortable with our conclusion that Assad – the Assad government – is responsible for their [chemical weapons] use. Obviously this is disputed by President Putin, but if you polled the leaders last night, I’m confident that you’d get a majority who said it’s most likely, we are confident that the Assad regime used them,” Obama said.
Just as the G20 summit was closing up, the White House promptly published a joint statement signed by the leaders and representatives of 11 nations – ten of whom are G20 members. The signees included Australia, Canada, France, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
The statement condemned “in the strongest terms the horrific chemical weapons attack in the suburbs of Damascus on August 21,” adding that “evidence clearly points to the Syrian government being responsible for the attack.”
It called “for a strong international response to this grave violation of the world’s rules and conscience that will send a clear message that this kind of atrocity can never be repeated.”
The signatory nations said they “support efforts undertaken by the United States and other countries to reinforce the prohibition on the use of chemical weapons.”
However, another part of the statement clearly contradicted the current American stance on military action against Syria.
“Recognizing that Syria’s conflict has no military solution, we reaffirm our commitment to seek a peaceful political settlement through full implementation of the 2012 Geneva Communique. We are committed to a political solution which will result in a united, inclusive and democratic Syria.”
It also remained unclear whether all the parties shared a common understanding of what constitutes a “strong international response.”
Earlier last week, Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta stressed that Italy would not participate in a strike against Damascus “if the United Nations doesn’t back it.”
British Prime Minister David Cameron pledged that he “will act accordingly” after British MPs rejected the government’s motion to support a military action against Syria.
Cameron on Friday again hinted at the possibility of bypassing the UN Security Council on the strike, saying that relying on the body whose decision hinges on a potential Russian veto would be “a very misguided approach.”
Media agencies
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7092013
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Peugeot 308 will make its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show on 10th September 2013, when more information about this innovative new model will be released. Sales will start shortly afterwards in mainland Europe and from January 2014 in the UK.
Kind regards,
Camilla
Camilla Harrison-Allen
The 10 Group / ISEBOX
5th Floor, 13-14 Margaret Street, London, W1W 8RN
DL: 0207 637 0656
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Sardar Sarovar: Submergence and Rehabilitation
Hundreds of Oustees gherao Kukshi, Manavar, Dharampuri Tehsil Offices
Oustees issue Legal Notice to authorities: Demand Compensation and Rehabilitation
6th Sep, 2013: The illegal submergence in the densely populated villages of Nimad region in the last week of August has spurred a series of mass actions by the Sardar Sarovar project-affected families – hundreds of poor landless labourers, fish workers, potters, adivasis and other farmers who have not yet been ensured complete rehabilitation with alternative land, house plots, amenities at resettlement sites, alternative livelihood etc. This is a complete violation of the Narmada Tribunal Award and Supreme Court’s Judgements.
After more than 500 families gheroed the Badwani Collectorate, the oustees in three Tehsils of Dhar District – Manavar, Kukshi and Dharampuri took out huge rallies and stormed into the offices of the SDM / Tehsildar, demanding answers for the sudden and illegal release of reservoir waters from the upstream dams, leading to inhuman submergence of their farms with standing crop, houses, household items, fodder, food grains, fishing nets etc. They also questioned the virtual lack of relief services and disaster preparedness of the administration and challenged the fake claims of rehabilitation by the Narmada Valley Development Authority.
On 2nd September, at Manavar Tehsil the SDM and Naib Tehsildar had to face a volley of questions from the women and men, who came in hundreds from the villages of Ekalwara, Semalda, Gangli, Kavthi, Perkhad etc. It was only when the Naib Tehsildar finally agreed that Panchanamas would be recorded that the oustees returned, after a severe warning to the authorities that if action would not follow, struggle shall intensify.
On 4th September, at Kukshi, almost 800 oustees, largely women from the villages of Chikalda, Nisarpur, Karondia, Kothada, Koteshwar, Gehelgaon, Khaparkheda, Bajrikheda, Malwadi, Bodhwada etc. grilled the SDM, Tehsildar and R&R Officer for almost 5 hours and exposed the rampant corruption in the R&R process. As arguments became heated, the MLA, Mr. Mukam Singh Kirade also arrived at the spot and spoke to the Collector. After this, the SDM assured that video-recording of the affected houses and properties would be the done, administration will consider the process of recording Panchanamas and 50 kgs of food grains will be given to all the affected families immediately.
On 6th September, at Dharampuri, almost 500 women and men marched through the main streets and reached the office of the Tehsildar, where the Asst. R&R Officer was also called and the due not only listed to the woes, but also faced the wrath of the women, who said that to this day (since 23rd August) their kitchen fires have not been lit and the Government, which has been making hollow claims of rehabilitation, did not care to even visit the villages when water was released in the midnight !
In response to the illegal position taken by officials that since all the properties (lands and houses) in question, have been ‘acquired’, Panchanamas cannot be recorded, the oustees shot back by saying that, “Mere land acquisition is not rehabilitation. As per the Narmada Water Disputes Tribunal Award, until rehabilitation is complete, no properties can be submerged and the oustees have every right to continue to reside in their original villages, cultivate the lands and the State must compensate them for any illegal submergence that occurs before complete lawful rehabilitation.
At all the three Tehsils, the oustees also issued Legal Notice to the SDM, Tehsildar and R&R Officer and also another Legal Notice to the Collector, District Dhar to immediately ensure that the Panchanamas of all losses / impacts are duly recorded as per the Revenue Book Circular (RBC) Rules and the oustees are duly compensated. The oustees have issued an ultimatum to the authorities that if their demands are not met soon, the struggle would be intensified and cases would be instituted against the officials in Courts.
Contact: 09179148973 / 09826811982
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M6.0 – BATAN ISLANDS REGION, PHILIPPINES
| Magnitude | 6.0 |
| Date-Time |
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| Location | 20.189N 122.314E |
| Depth | 178 km |
| Distances |
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| Location Uncertainty | Horizontal: 11.7 km; Vertical 8.3 km |
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7092013
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Quake of M6.5 – hit GUATEMALA
| Magnitude | 6.5 |
| Date-Time |
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| Location | 14.668N 92.075W |
| Depth | 67 km |
| Distances |
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| Location Uncertainty | Horizontal: 11.5 km; Vertical 5.8 km |
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7092013
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| Naresh –
Don’t take it from me that gun violence prevention organizers won the August congressional recess:
Just ask the gun lobby.
They were so nervous about our hundreds of grassroots events, they sent out guidance to their members to try to counter our work.
Suffice it to say: This is why our organizing matters. It’s also why we can’t back down now that we have some momentum. Passing legislation in Congress means facing down some powerful, well-funded interests. (They just happen to be special interests who are worried about what we’re up to, too.)
The most heartening thing about August is that, from coast to coast, OFA organizers were recognized for their amazing work.
Local press took notice, because nearly every community has experienced the tragedies of gun violence.
We won August because of you — because it matters to you that we pass legislation to keep our children safe. And maybe because of the work we do, Congress will take action, so more families won’t have to grieve the loss of a loved one.
While the gun lobby is planning their efforts to beat back our progress, now’s the best time to keep fighting.
Today, I’m hoping that means you’ll chip in $5 or more right now:
Thanks,
Jon
Jon Carson
Executive Director Organizing for Action |
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