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13.01.9
Debate in the British Parliament
In a debate in the British House of Commons about the "UK Role in
Europe," Ms Tess Kingham, MP (Labour), spoke about how the EU aid
budget has been spent. She said she was shocked to learn that Morocco
receives more EU aid than any other country. "Morocco shot up from
nowhere to become the top country receiving EU aid; it did not even
feature in the top 10 countries receiving EU aid in the previous 10
years.(...) I cannot believe that, all of a sudden, Morocco has
dropped in the world rankings, ceased being a middle-income country
and suddenly become one of the poorest in the world...". She added,
"Morocco is not only a middle-income country receiving EU aid, but is
spending about $1 million a day illegally occupying Western Sahara.
Therefore, while receiving EU aid money to the tune of $280 million a
year, it is spending $365 million a year illegally occupying another
country. Allowing such a situation to continue does not demonstrate
good, open, democratic and accountable governance in the EU... The EU
should be flexing its strategic muscles and promoting good practice
by trying to ensure that peace continues in the Mediterranean and
North Africa region." (...) She further added, "I believe that the
United Kingdom Government, the EU and the EU member states have a
very important role to play in urging Morocco to move towards peace,
and to accept and respond positively to the new United Nations
peacekeeping package."
14.01.99
European Parliament Resolution
The European Parliament adopted a
resolution that "urges" Morocco to
accept the UN Secretary General's proposals "within the delays fixed
by the UN" and to allow the deployment of UNHCR activities in the
Western Sahara. The resolution, presented by socialist and popular
groups, liberals, the unitarian left and greens, called on the
Commission and the Council to give the "fullest possible support to
the further preparatory work for the referendum process", to bolster
humanitarian aid to the Sahrawi people and to send observers.
"This resolution demonstrates clear support for the right of the
Sahrawi people to self-determination and freedom," stated Minister
Sidati, who applauded the adoption of "this important resolution." He
said it was time that "the European Union use its influence to
pressure the Moroccan government to end its double talk."
(full text french)
SOLIDARITY
Andalucia, Spain
12.01.99: Sahrawi Health Minister Bachir Mustapha Sayed was in
Granada to formalize the creation of a body to coordinate the health
activities of some 30 Sahrawi support organizations in Andalucia. Its
priority will be to help children injured by antipersonnel mines
(Ideal, Granada).
Cosenza, Italy
16.01.99: Sahrawi indipendente - Il ruolo delle istituzioni nella
rete de solidarietà internazionale, seminario organizzato
dell'Amministrazione provinziale di Cosenza, con diversi interventi,
conclusioni di Carlo Leoni del Gruppo Interparlamentare di
solidarietà con il Popolo Sahrawi.
COMING UP...
Rome, Italy
"I diritti del popolo sahrawi: quali prospettive per
l'autodeterminazione ?", relazione di Mohamed Salem nel ciclo di
seminari "Il futuro dei diritti umani", Lega per i dirittti dei
popoli, Roma (nella sede dell'Associazione Occhi Aperti, via
Sprovieri 9, Roma, lunedi 25.01.99, ore 17,30).
[Summary Weekly News,]
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