Journal of Liberation formerly the Movement for Colonial Freedom Autumn2019

The struggle for peace in the Middle East Journal of Liberation formerly the Movement for Colonial Freedom Volume 60 No.7 Autumn 2019

Formerly the Movement for Colonial Freedom, Liberation was founded Contents in1954. Today Liberation campaigns for peace, economic justice, equality and human rights Popuar uprising in Iraq Hashim Ali Liberation 1 75-77 St John Street, London EC1M 4NN

Maggie Bowden general secretary This issue prepared by Ararat Ratoosi

Printed by RussellPress Design and production Manifesto Press set in Liberation sans and Liberation serif Don’t attack Iran Other than the editorial, the opinions in the 4 articles are not necessarily those of Liberation

The struggle for peace in the Middle East Dr Aquel Taqz To recieve a copy of this issue or to recieve 6 regular issues of Liberation journal pleae email or call on [email protected] 02073242498 www. liberationorg.co.uk

TUC debates international 8 solidarity ssues

Murder in Mexico 10 Xochitl Hernandez

Bolivar versus Monroe 12 Francisco Dominguez Uprising in Iraq The movement against unemployment and corruption is facing bloody repression. Hashim Ali reports

NEW WAVE of mass protests has By 6th October 2019, according to buildings targeting them with bullets in swept Baghdad and nine other figures published by the Iraqi Human the head and heart. There is also provinces in central and southern Rights Commission, 107 people were documented evidence and video IAraq and have been met with bloody killed, 4050 wounded, 923 arrested. The recordings of summary executions of repression by the security forces, with over number of people killed is now well few unarmed protesters. While the 120 people killed, thousands injured and over 120, but the real number is feared government has claimed that the killings hundreds arrested. The popular uprising to be much higher. A list has been were carried out by “unidentified was sparked by a peaceful demonstration at published of the names of 57 people elements”, the truth is that death squads Tahrir (Liberation) Square in central killed in Sadr City in Baghdad, based on that belong to militias and shadowy Baghdad on 1st October, with participants information from one hospital alone. groups were responsible for these mainly young people from poor and The victims were aged between 25 and hideous crimes. marginalised areas in the capital, voicing 35 years old. A number of detainees who were their anger against the corrupt political The demonstrations continued, in released have provided evidence of system, poverty and unemployment. They defiance of a curfew, with greater physical and psychological torture, were attacked by security forces that fired numbers of people, mainly youths, including beatings, threats to their lives, live ammunition directly at the protesters coming out to the streets, in Baghdad using force to extract confessions and and also used rubber bullets, tear gas and and other provinces including Naseriya, forcing them to sign so-called pledges water cannons (with hot water). A number Basra, Diwaniya, Najaf and Babylon. It that they would not take part in any of wounded protesters were snatched is now confirmed that most of the protest. detained from hospitals. victims were killed by snipers on top of Continued overleaf

Liberation 1 Uprising in Iraq In a desperate attempt to contain the it is about 23%. But according to other protests, the government issued a sources it is 30 – 40 %, being higher There is also a systematic campaign number of measures to improve the among the youth. In mid-2018, the IMF of arrests targeting activists of the living conditions of the people. These stated that unemployment among the protest movement, forcing many of included giving the unemployed a youth was over 40%. Figures published them to go into hiding. This has monthly grant of about $145 for a period by the Ministry of Labour show that oil included a number of civil democratic of 3 months and building new housing revenues constitute 89% of Iraq’s activists who had been involved in units. The Minister of Labour and Social budget, and represent 94% of its previous mass protests. Affairs announced new plans for exports, yet the oil sector only provides In an attempt to deprive the protest employing 450,000 unemployed people 1% of the jobs. movement of the means to organise and within only 3 months! However, the Despite oil revenues of more than expose the bloody repression and blatant people no longer trust such promises $70 billion, 22% of the population are violations of human rights, the which in the past have proved to be under the poverty line according to government imposed a shutdown of the hollow. official figures. In some southern internet. Iraqi media and TV stations These measures fail to address the provinces it exceeds 31%. Other sectors, that were reporting the protests and the root causes of the resentment and anger especially health, education, electricity vicious campaign of repression were among the people. Combating the and public services have also also targeted. Three satellite channels rampant corruption has been one of the deteriorated. were forced to close by orders of the main demands of the protest movement. The Iraqi economy is facing other official Media Commission. Four TV Public resources and wealth were enormous problems, including a offices were raided by unidentified plundered on an astronomical scale. collapsing infrastructure, the lack of a armed groups and 26 attacks were Reports have revealed that since 2003, national industry and poor performance reported against journalists. There were the country lost about $450 billion as a of the agricultural and trade sectors. also 14 cases where media outlets were result of corruption. It is estimated that This is further aggravated by security prevented from covering protests in about 25% of the country’s public problems and the heavy legacy of the Baghdad and other provinces. money is plundered due to corruption. war against the terrorist organization The government responded to these Iraq’s corruption record has been getting “Daesh” (the so-called “ISIS”). Two gross violations of constitutional and worse over the past decades. In 2003, it million people are still internally human rights by issuing statements was 117th in the world corruption displaced as a result of this war. They rejecting such acts but without concrete ranking among 133 states. It has now are living in miserable conditions in measures to reveal the identity of the gone further down the list, ranking more than 160 camps in several perpetrators of these crimes and 169th among 180 states. No concrete provinces, lacking basic services. bringing them to justice. Under measures and legal action have been The essence of the deep structural mounting pressure, the Prime Minister taken by the government until now to crisis in Iraq lies in the political system Adel Abdul Mehdi ordered the setting deal with the numerous big cases of that was imposed on the country after up of an inquiry to investigate violations corruption. According to Iraqi media the war and occupation in 2003 by the and use of excessive force by the reports in 2018, there were 800 cases of US and its allies. It is a system based on security forces. But past experience has corruption still under investigation. sectarian-ethnic power-sharing quota. It proved that such measures came to Unemployment is rising. According has been continued by the dominant nothing. to the Iraqi Central Statistics Authority, political forces even after the occupation 2 Liberation officially ended in 2011, in order to joined and actively supported the powers, should undertake urgent steps to perpetuate their political power and ongoing protests, have called for an fulfil the legitimate demands of the hegemony. Ruling groups, in alliance immediate halt to the killings of protest movement. This requires with big businessmen and bankers, have peaceful demonstrators, the release of carrying out radical political reforms, also developed links with elements of all detainees and an end to the campaign putting an end to the power-sharing organised crime and militias. of arrests targeting activists. They are quota system and combating corruption. The ongoing mass protests, which also pressing for an urgent investigation The electoral system should be erupted on 1st October, were preceded of the crimes committed by the security reformed, to ensure that the Electoral by a protest movement that had forces and death squads, the so-called Commission is truly independent, and continued for two years, 2015 -2016, “unidentified snipers” according to adopting a fair electoral law. Unlawful and protests in Basra in southern Iraq in government, that are responsible for armed groups, whether militias or summer 2018. Last February, the killing scores of young people in cold shadowy groups, that are part of the Teachers’ Union organised a two-day blood. All those responsible for “deep state” and are operating outside strike, demanding improved living committing these horrific crimes, as the control of the state, must be firmly conditions for teachers as well as well as those who gave orders for the dealt with and dismantled. curricular reform. Nearly 750 thousand killings, must be brought to justice. An A host of urgent economic and social teachers in 14 provinces joined the independent inquiry must therefore be measures are needed to address the strike. During recent months, there were set up, with the participation of civil legitimate demands of the protesters and several sit-ins and demonstrations in society organisations and the UN the people, tackling unemployment and Baghdad and other provinces expressing Human Rights Commission. All providing equal opportunities to jobs, the demands of workers and public restrictions on the media and free access providing social security and housing, employees for their rights and protesting to the internet must be lifted. The right and improving health, education and against privatization. Thousands of to assembly and freedom of expression, public services. unemployed university graduates also as stipulated in the Iraqi constitution, Such measures will provide the joined the wave of protests demanding must be respected. conditions for moving ahead to a jobs. Almost every day, people were Among the demands of the democratic alternative; a state based on coming out to protest against corrupt democratic forces is the setting up of a the principle of citizenship, law, and incompetent local governments, government that includes competent institutions, democracy and social holding them responsible for their people who are known for their integrity justice. This alternative is also miserable living conditions. and are not tainted with corruption. fundamental to ensuing Iraq’s national Civil democratic forces, that have Such a government, with special sovereignty and true independence.

Trade union rights are human rights Keep industrial relations out of the courts Support ILO Conventions 87 and 98 Peter Kavanagh regional secretary Jim Kelly regional chair

Unite London and South Eastern Region Ron Todd House 33-37 Moreland Street London WEC1V 8BB telephone 02088004281 www..org

Liberation 3 in Saudi Arabia. The UK Foreign Secretary stated, “We are now confident that Iran was responsible. The evidence is clear and there is no plausible alternative explanation.” If the evidence were clear, as Raab claims, there would have been no need for the qualification that there is no ‘plausible alternative explanation’. Raab trips himself up with his own phrasing. Whatever evidence Raab is supposed to possess it certainly does not appear to be ’clear’. Even the statement from the Saudi Defence Ministry claimed that the military components retrieved from the Aramco facilities “points to Iran” and that the attacks were “not within the range of capability” of the Yemeni Houthi forces. Hardly unequivocal ‘evidence’ of Iran’s involvement Added to this is the fact that the Yemeni Houthi forces claimed responsibility for the attacks, as part of their resistance to the Saudi led coalition opposing them in Yemen, soon after the attacks took place. Raab’s phrasing follows that of Boris Johnson, Angela Merkel and Emmanuel THE RECENT attack by The Iran nuclear deal, the Joint Macron, who met at the UN General Houthi rebels in Yemen, Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Assembly in New York, towards the end of was concluded under the Obama September, issuing a joint statement on upon the Saudi Arabian administration. The West agreed to the question of the Aramco oil facility Aramco oil installations, reduce sanctions upon Iran in exchange attacks stating, has resulted in a shift in for the Islamic Republic winding down its “It is clear for us that Iran bears the balance of diplomacy uranium enrichment programme. In spite responsibility for this attack. There is no of the fact that the Iranians stuck by the other explanation.” in the Middle East to a terms of the deal, as verified in The West has found a remarkable new and dangerous level. inspections by the IAEA, President degree of ‘clarity’ without either seeking or While the Saudis, the US Trump, never a fan of the agreement, producing any evidence to back it up. and the EU have been decided to pull the plug last year. Falling back on the pantomime villain role, Additional sanctions came into force ascribed to Iran by US diplomacy, the ‘no keen to point the finger at last November, restricting the ability of other explanation’ argument is as Iran for the attacks the Iran to access international finance and substantive as any Western politician has reality remains that Trump has recently tightened the screw so far produced. By any measure of the evidence is thin to non- further, following alleged Iranian norms of international relations, this is involvement in attacks on oil facilities in hardly sufficient given the gravity of the existent. The narrative of the Persian Gulf in May. accusations against Iran. Iranian intervention Until recently the UK had stood apart Lining the Iranians up as the fall guys however, suits the from the US policy position and alongside for the Aramco attacks certainly suits the direction in which the its European Union allies in wanting to narrative, which the US in particular has salvage the JCPOA. The emphasis from been developing over the past two years. West has been moving Europe up until recently has been that However, the fact that relatively poorly since the US withdrew Iran is best dealt with diplomatically, rather armed and beleaguered Houthi rebels in from the Iran nuclear deal than militarily. Yemen could inflict such damage, taking last year. A shift came however at the end of out nearly 50% of Saudi oil production is a September in the statement of UK narrative which the US and Saudis are Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab, to the not so comfortable with. Jane Green considers the House of Commons in which he, in effect, The attacks resulted in oil prices consequences of repeated without qualifications the jumping an immediate 20% as the Saudis escalating tension in the declaration of the Saudi Arabian currently contribute 12% to global oil government and the US in blaming Iran production. The US released its strategic Middle East. for the attacks on the Aramco oil facilities reserves to the oil market to prevent

4 Liberation Latest!

11 October 2019 Iranian oil tanker reportedly hit prices rising more rapidly and plunging Iran to comply 'with the principles and by two the world into recession. rules of the international system'. Not Ironically the illegal US sanctions on international law. missiles oil exports from both Iran and Venezuela The Western position on deescalating makes the world even more dependent tensions in the Gulf region is a poor one TWO missiles have slammed into an upon Saudi oil. It is a further irony that the and the realities of the UK and EU Iranian tanker in the Red Sea off the Saudis had promised to increase aligning with the US are not a hopeful Saudi Arabian coast, not far from production to meet the shortfall from the for breathing life into the JCPOA. Jeddah. lack of oil from Iran and Venezuela. In the UK, solidarity organisation Saudi Arabia’s government - As ever, there is a high degree of CODIR (Committee for the Defence of the which has accused Iran of carrying hypocrisy in the UK, EU and US position. Iranian People’s Rights), has issued a out strikes against its tankers and of While condemning Iran they say statement in response to recent a drone attack on its oilfields (that absolutely nothing about the aggression developments re- emphasising the need has meanwhile been claimed by the and human rights record of Saudi Arabia. for peace and diplomacy in order to find a Houthi rebels it is fighting in Yemen) In addition, the only proof of direct Iranian way forward in the Middle East. A - has so far issued no comment on involvement in the attacks on Saudi oil spokesman said, the development. facilities, is to claim the Iranian missiles “The Iranian people want peace and The US navy’s Fifth Fleet said it were used, while overlooking the reality of need support for their struggle for human was “aware” of the incident but US and British weapons used to slaughter rights and freedoms against the declined to add anything further. the people of Yemen. dictatorship in Tehran, but on this the EU, The strike is likely to further Saudi military spending is now the UK and the US are silent. inflame tensions between Iran and third highest in the world, behind only the These double standards and Saudi Arabia which - backed by the US and China, and at $70 bn is ten times dangerous acts of military, economic and US and Israel - has pushed for war greater than the military budget of Iran. In cyber aggression by the US with EU and with its regional rival. The two spite of the Saudi coastline which faces UK support risks an escalation towards countries are already embroiled in Iran bristling with radar networks, the US war and poses a serious threat to world several conflicts. Fifth fleet being housed in Bahrain and a peace.” In another dangerous US airbase in Qatar, no evidence of an air The Houthi attack upon the Aramco oil development, also on Friday 11 strike coming over the open waters of the installation demonstrates that, in spite of October, the US media reported that Persian Gulf has been produced. the overwhelmingly superior firepower of the U.S. military is significantly The fact that the NATO armed Saudi the Saudi coalition, significant damage increasing troop deployments to air force has carried out over 20,000 can be inflicted upon key facilities as a Saudi Arabia. According to a attacks on Yemenis, including civilians in result of the use of drone technology. A Pentagon announcement earlier that breach of international humanitarian law, war of attrition in the Middle East is in no- day, 3,000 American personnel - as does not appear to warrant the same one’s interest, especially not that of the well as two fighter squadrons, an air degree of international outcry as a threat people of the region. expeditionary wing and advanced to the world oil supply and the dent to the An escalation of military activity is not missile defense systems - will be profits of international banks and going to be the answer for the Middle sent to the Saudi kingdom. corporations that recession would bring. East or for the peace of the world. US officials confirmed that Saudi The position of both the UK and the Diplomacy, negotiation and, ultimately, Arabia explicitly asked Washington EU now tie them to the coattails of the agreement is the only way a solution will to send additional forces to the United States. Furthermore, to cement be found. It can only be hoped that, region, and that the latest move is in UK/EU compliance with US aggression in before any irrevocable action is taken, a response to last month’s attack on the Middle East and the Gulf, the change in UK government will mark a Saudi oil facilities which the Trump statements depend heavily on double change in policy and offer the real administration, Riyadh and standards and US fabrications. As the US prospect of a de-escalation of tension in European powers have all blamed continues its self-proclaimed role as the the region. on Iran. world police force, the statements call on 28 September 2019

Liberation 5 Palestine was in an important position as a major staging post for the British army in the area. During this time, the trade unions and the political organisations in Palestine intensified their struggle to end the colonial presence, establish a democratic state, stop the increasing settlements, and bring about peace between all citizens of the country. After the war, and based on the recommendations of the UN Ad Hoc Committee on the Palestinian Question that Palestine be divided into two states, the UN issued Resolution 181 on 29 November 1947. Following the so-called first Arab- Israeli war in 1948, the state of Israel came into being immediately after the end of the British mandate and occupied more than half of the territory that would have formed part of an independent state of Palestine. Between 1947 -1967, Israel The struggle for peace committed a series of massacres against the Palestinians, followed by the June in Middle East 1967 war, and occupied all of historical Palestine - a situation which remains Solving the Palestinian problem is a major unchanged to this day. Despite all these aggressions and impetus for Peace writes Dr Aqel Taqz massacres - including that which took place in the Sabra and Shatila refugee he Middle East in general - and Agreement, Britain received the mandate camps in 1982 - the Palestinian Palestine in particular - has been going to control the area encompassing leadership, in its National Council in through conflicts for more than a Palestine and Jordan amongst the Arab Algeria in 1988, decided to accept the Tcentury now. countries in the Levant, while France establishment of the Palestinian state in Following the end of the World War 1 controlled the others - namely Lebanon 22% of Palestine; within the borders as and the Balfour Declaration, a new era of and Syria. they stood on 4 June 1967; with East struggle for independence and peace The struggle of the Palestinians Jerusalem as its capital; and to end the began in Palestine. against the colonial forces, for conflict and live in peace with its It was clear that the major prevailing independence and peace, began in neighbour Israel., This, despite no powers in World War 1 were planning to earnest after that. Uprisings took place in positive answer from the Israeli side and control the Middle East by continuing 1921, 1923 and 1929, followed by the its supporters. their colonial policies in the region and Great Revolution of 1936 -1939 with a Meanwhile, in December 1987, the supplanting the Ottoman Empire as the general strike that lasted 6 months. All of Palestinian people began a huge popular main de-facto power there. And, first up these conflicts arose and escalated uprising, the First Intifada, demanding an in these plans was Palestine. England because of the presence of the colonial end to the occupation and for the and France were the main players, forces and the massive increasing of establishing of a Palestinian state. especially after the withdrawal of Russia Jewish migration to Palestine with the With the pressure of this uprising, after the Bolshevik revolution. support of the British colonial army. negotiations started in Madrid in 1991 Following the Sykes-Picot Throughout the Second World War, under the auspices of the US and USSR

The World Peace Council denounces the previous aggressions in the World Peace strongly the new, third invasion by the Northwestern part of Syria and as part of Council Turkish army to Syria. the expansionist plans of the Turkish After a period of military build-up of regime, with the pretext of Turkey’s statement the armed forces of Turkey along the security. It takes place with the full borders of Syria and the successive air complicity of the USA and its allies who on the Turkish strikes against Syrian targets, a maintain also troops in the area since invasion dangerous escalation with ground several years. This aggression and the troops-invasion is taking place these silent tolerance from many sides creates of Syria days. also new threats and dangers for the Thursday, October 10, 2019 This aggression in the Northeastern peoples of the region, above all for the part of Syria comes as continuation of Syrian people which is suffering for 8

6 Liberation so as to achieve peace. These culminated launched 3 wars against besieged Gaza - towards to the so-called Iranian threat in the Oslo Accords which were signed in 2008, 2012 and 2014 - with a huge and readiness to create a coalition with on 13 September 1993 at the White number of Palestinians killed, injured Israel against Iran as a common enemy. House. The Accords were supposed to and thousands of homes destroyed all Taking into consideration that the resolutely deal with the final remaining seemingly with complete impunity. international , namely the UN issues between the two sides and end the In the West Bank, Israel continued in the first instance, is in a position conflict within 5 years. with the same policy of invasions, whereby it “cannot or is not willing” to The whole world believed that this killings, arrests, house destructions, and take any measures to force Israel to abide would bring an end to the long-lasting with checkpoints blocking access and by and respect international law and to crisis in the Middle East and that the essentially dividing the territory into implement the UN resolutions related to Palestinian issue would be solved on the isolated enclaves while more and more the Palestinian issue - a stance fully basis of UN resolutions - and the settlements were built. Israel used the supported by the US - and with the EU Palestinian Authority was established in ongoing negotiations to cover its plans countries seemingly being unable to take due course - but Israel, supported by the and as public relations, without any serious decisions (including at least to US and other western countries, had a serious effort or intent towards peace. recognise Palestine as a state within the different take. In a period of more than 25 years of 1967 borders and as one currently under Israel took advantage of the situation negotiations, during which the occupation) and whose position is afforded by the Oslo Accords to Palestinian side made the historical step limited to being one of words only, we implement its own plans, intensifying the towards peace, Israel has practically believe that peace is under very serious building of settlements in the Palestinian killed the possibility of the establishment threat in the Middle East. occupied territories; invading cities and of a viable Palestinian state. Despite this thoroughly negative villages; arbitrarily arresting and killing Israeli public opinion continues to situation, the Palestinian leadership and Palestinians; demolishing houses and move to the right supporting the most Palestinian people still believe in peace pushing Palestinians out of their homes rightwing government with Netanyahu and are ready to continue the struggle to in Jerusalem; and all of this reached a as prime minister and his extreme policy achieve it. head and resulted in the Palestinian against the Palestinians, while the Israeli It is responsibility of all peace-loving people launching the Second Intifada in Knesset has passed the nationality law, forces and the international community September 2000. which declares historical Palestine as a to support the efforts to end the In a typically draconian response, homeland only for Jews. Meanwhile, the occupation; give the Palestinian people Israeli forces invaded all Palestinian election of Donald Trump as US the right to decide their future; establish territories and laid siege to Ramallah president has been followed by the an independent state within the borders city, including the headquarters of the recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of as they stood on 4 June 1967, with East Palestinian Authority and the historical Israel and the moving of the US embassy Jerusalem as its capital; and recognise leader Yasser Arafat. This resulted in the there; the US’ declaration of the Golan the rights of refugees to return according complete destruction of his office and, in Heights as being Israeli territory; the to the UN Resolution 194. the end, his mysterious death. decision to cut US aid to UNRWA; the Britain, over 100 years on from the In 2002, Israel started to build a wall closure of the PLO’s office in Balfour Declaration, has a moral in the Palestinian territories on the Washington; and the cutting of aid to the responsibility to support the Palestinian pretext of national security but in fact to Palestinian Authority, thus putting struggle for peace. control more Palestinian land and pressure on the Palestinian leadership to Without solving the Palestinian definitively block the road to setting up accept his plan - the so-called ‘deal of problem, peace cannot be achieved in the of a viable Palestinian state. As we all the century’ - all of which means that Middle East. Therefore, we believe that know, the International Criminal Court there is no solution , no Palestinian state supporting Palestinian struggle is a in The Hague declared the wall to be and no solution to the refugee problem struggle for peace. illegal under international law and ruled and right of return. that it must be removed. Compounding this is the situation in Dr Aqel Taqz, is coordinator of the In 2005, Ariel Sharon decided to the neighbouring Arab countries, all with Palestinian Committee for Peace and withdraw from the Gaza Strip and began their own huge internal problems, Solidarity (PCPS), Member of the a crippling siege of the territory instead. rendering them unable or unwilling to Secretariat of the WPC (World Peace In the years that followed, Israel help - and with attention instead diverted Council) years from an unprecedented and well with Syria is hypocritical and cannot hide forces, supports the sovereign right of orchestrated imperialist aggression, its intentions to create a huge area the Syrian people to decide alone and whereas the USA, NATO, the EU, Turkey controlled by Turkey changing also the freely their future and destiny. We and their regional allies have harbored, demographic character of the area. The express our solidarity with the brave financed, trained and instructed dozens real threat to peace and stability derives Syrian people and with the anti- of thousands of armed mercenaries for a from the imperialist plans to control the imperialist forces in Turkey and call upon violent regime change in Damascus. energy resources, pipelines and spheres the members and friends of the WPC to The Turkish invasion and occupation of influence with willing regimes in the take up actions and initiatives to of sovereign territory of Syria will create Middle East. condemn the ongoing aggression. only new displacement and increase the The WPC, while condemning flow of refugees. The claim of Turkey to vehemently the aggression, demands create a “safe zone” along its borders the withdrawal of the foreign occupation Hands off Syria!

Liberation 7 TUC 2019

Brexit sidelines solidarity he 2019 TUC Congress spent union centre to support the campaign to Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions, little time on international matters, release former President Lula and to resulting in violent repression that left at other than Brexit. Popular oppose the anti-worker policies of least 12 people dead many arrested. Tsolidarity issues, such as Cuba, which President Bolsonaro and attended One area that is clearly a big saw an address by Ulises Guilarte de several protests outside their embassy. concern for trades – and likely to rise in Nacimiento, the general secretary of the The TUC has supported the work of importance – is global warming and its Cuban CTC (TUC) were to the fore, as Justice for Colombia in highlighting the consequences. A widely supported was a Freedom for Ocalan photo killings of trade unionists and the motion from Unite and the University opportunity. Whilst there were motions campaign to release framed FARC and College Union, supporting “Greta on Colombia, Cuba, and Palestine, the peace negotiator, Congressman Jesús Thunberg and the school students” formal agenda was not dominated by Santrich, whose freedom was secured called for the pressure to be kept up. domestic issues. Although the rarely in May. On Palestine, members of the Unfortunately, there seems a poor considered General Council report TUC Women’s Committee and other understanding that the environmental (especially Paragraph 5.10), where it union women went to Palestine in May, crisis will have more impact on the focused on global solidarity, trade and after the TUC provided funding and met global south than the global north. A international development, offered a with the Palestine Solidarity Campaign new study by Wageningen University chance to intervene in debate that was trade union network and supported a shows that poor countries are not only not much taken. demonstration held in London in May in predicted to bear the brunt of the Nonetheless, this usefully advises us support of Palestinian rights. increase in average temperatures, but that, in the past year, solidarity actions The TUC has also worked closely also to suffer from higher variation. As were taken to support trade unionists in with the Federation of Somali Trade the planet warms, soil in areas near the Iran and the Philippines. Whilst the TUC Unions (FESTU) and the National Union equator will dry up, reducing its ability to officially spoke in support of the workers of Somali Journalists to promote respect dampen temperature swings. This of Egypt, Fiji, Turkey and Zimbabwe at for human and trade union rights and to problem is expected to be especially the conference of the International promote media freedom. It wrote letters acute in the Amazon rainforest, with the Labour Organisation, a specialised to the Turkish Ambassador highlighting standard deviation of monthly agency of the United Nations dedicated workers’ rights’ issues and met with temperatures increasing by nearly 20% to improving labour conditions and living solidarity campaigns Support for the in Brazil. Perhaps trades unions in standards throughout the world. The People of Turkey (SPOT) and Freedom developing countries could reach out to TUC has also established a new for Öcalan to further solidarity work. British unions on these issues? network of international officers, to help Whilst the trade union centre raised A motion from Communication develop its international strategy. It has concerns about the blocking of a Workers Union, seconded by Unite, also worked with the Brazilian trade peaceful demonstration by the seeks to develop “meaningful co- 8 Liberation ordination of collective bargaining”, the globe. Unilever is the world’s largest H Colombia partly by mapping the top employers food and drink producer. H Guatemala “including their global structures”. A But these transnational corporations H Nicaragua worthy aim but given the obsessive are now often in unexpected sectors. H Occupied Palestinian Territories focus of the TUC on Europe and Compass Group, founded in 1941 as H Tunisia established international structures Factory Canteens Limited, now bid for H Zimbabwe dominated by the west, how are they to food supply contracts in more than 50 Established by the TUC General cope with the reality? Links between countries. Vodafone is the fourth Council through a legal deed in 1988, British trades unionists and subsidiaries largest phone network in the world, the charity (Number 299832) has the of firms operating here have largely operating in 25 countries. Burberry sells formal aim of relieving poverty in been limited to European Works its recognisable check patterns in over developing countries through the Councils, which have received little 500 stores in 50 countries. Lush “provision of long-term development attention in the Brexit process that the Cosmetics total turnover including assistance and through the provision of TUC is totally focused upon. The default franchises has reached £743 million emergency relief in time of need”, position is that UK employees will no right across the globe. Durex began life principally disasters It also provides longer be representatives on EWCs, as the London Rubber Company and, “technical advice”, training and and their seats will be reallocated, while the product is no longer produced education, and other charitable objects. unless the parties to the EWC in Britain, with a third of the global Fringe meetings are a big thing at agreement agree otherwise. Those market, there’s no denying its reach. the TUC and the Brighton Centre lends governed by UK law will have to Even Sir James Dyson’s new electric itself to `in house’ events. Most provide designate a replacement EU country to car plant is in Singapore. Online retailer refreshments, with the result that few govern the EWC. Asos ships to over 200 countries. delegates bother to seek traditional Clearly, building links with trades Operating in over 40 countries across lunch-time fare. Trying to hold a fringe unionists in many diverse countries is five continents, legal firm DLA Piper is outside of the centre is pointless. Over an important next step. Trade union one of the largest law firms in the world. three days, 37 fringes were held this internationalism is still a very sectarian The TUC has its own charity to time, with the great and the good business, with no sign of rapprochement “alleviate suffering abroad”, TUC Aid, sometimes shuffling between several between the World Federation of Trade described as “global solidarity that meetings with Freedom for Öcalan, the Unions, formerly an Eastern bloc body, works” in a booklet on payroll giving. A Jallianwala Bagh massacre, Cuba and the International Federation of David Cameron initiative related to his Solidarity, Colombia and Palestine Trade Unions, formerly a western bloc `Big Society’ concept, this enables gaining heavily supported attendances. body. Whilst western unions are averse employees to give to any UK charity Another means into the to links to some WFTU affiliates, many straight from their gross pay and receive consciousness of trades unionists at the are dual in character and a whole series tax relief. It also gives numerous TUC are the exhibition stands. Like a of important countries have affiliates or benefits for businesses. trade fair, many unions and quite a few sympathetic bodies. (e.g. Bolivia, China, TUC Aid spending has much businesses decide to invest in the Cuba, Greece, India, Italy, Japan, reduced in a very short period. expensive task of hiring one and giving Palestine, Peru, Spain, Serbia, South Examples of TUC Aid funding cover away insignia branded gifts like pens or Africa, and Vietnam.) projects in South America and Africa. sticks of `rock’. Congress is attended Whilst there are maybe four dozen Using the Just Giving on-line funding by about 600 delegates from 48 big and famous British companies that platform, TUC Aid Appeal raised affiliated unions, with many visitors. are subsidiaries of foreign companies, £5,652.24 from 35 donors for The exhibition area is a popular area to the reverse is true. GlaxoSmithKline “Zimbabwean trades unionists” at a time chill out in and gather for a chat. There (GSK) is one of the world’s leading when Robert Mugabe was still are two options for a stand at Congress, pharmaceutical companies. Whilst an President. More recently, its appeal to a space-only site for your own stand or astonishing number of companies are rebuild the Beit Lahia Plant Nursery in table within an allotted area, or a pre- now foreign-owned, there are now only Gaza, which was badly damaged during made shell scheme 20 British companies in the world's top a 2014 Israeli offensive raised stand “with a white melamine finish” 500, sixth place in terms of numbers of £5,488.88 from 39 donors, although a in six variable sizes and rising prices, firms on the list, behind the US (126), target of £15,000 had been set. The from the pokey 3m x 1m at £2,059 to China (111), Japan (52), Germany (32) Nursery was created to help improve the slightly better endowed 4m x 3m at and France (28). Perhaps an easily food security in collaboration with a £8,237 (add VAT to both!). Campaign expected global British company might trade union solidarity support bodies with an international edge to be BP, with headquarters still in Britain, organisation in Australia. Recent and them who opted for the exhibition route it is one of seven major oil and gas current projects include capacity raising this year were: Amnesty International companies in the world and now support for the Guatemalan banana UK, Britain Israel Trade Union Dialogue, operates in over 70 countries. Jaguar workers’ union SINTRABI and a project CND, Care4Calais, Burma Campaign Land Rover has a complicated past of for the National Garment Workers’ UK, Cuba Solidarity, Freedom for owners, but China remains its most Federation in Bangladesh to provide Öcalan, Palestine Solidarity, War on profitable market. Whilst BAE Systems training for women trade union Want. Could some kindly affiliate with a is the third largest of its kind in the members. Support from TUC Aid has desire to have it own stand at next world, with 34,000 UK employees it has recently gone to: year’s TUC offer Liberation a slightly almost three times that number across H Bangladesh foreign corner of a stand in 2020?! Liberation 9 MThe fatue of 4r3 dmissieng srtud enitsn rem aiMns unresolvxed aimcid o claims that vested interests are orchestrating a cover up. Xochitl Hernandez reports

ORRUPTION AND I mpunity by the Mexican government against students were killed along with a continue to cause problems for civilians, many of whom were students. member of a local football team human rights investigators five While not officially sanctioned, it was travelling in another coach. yCears after the killing and forced customary for the Ayotzinapa students Forty-three students were then disappearance of 43 students from rural to commandeer a number of buses in detained by the police - who to date Mexico. order to reach the Mexican capital have been unable to account for why In September 2014, a group of many hours away. none of those arrested have been seen trainee teachers from the Isidrio Burgos Unlike previous years when since. Teacher Training College, near the town students would return - along with the The then president Enrique Peña of Ayotzinapa in the southern state of buses - after a few days in Mexico City, Nieto, opened a half-hearted enquiry Guerrero, set out to travel to Mexico the police and other law enforcement which failed to produce any results - City to mark the anniversary of the agencies including local military, other than the shocking claim - which infamous 1968 ‘Tlatelolco Massacre’ - attacked the convoy and arrested many the then government called “the official one of the worst atrocities carried out of the students. In the shoot-out, three truth’ - that police had handed over the 10 Liberation students to a local drug trafficking cartel the case - including many police which had killed the young men and, officers and the former mayor of the allegedly, burned their bodies in a local nearby town of Iguala - who along with rubbish dump. his wife has been linked to drug The families, along with an trafficking interests in the region - many international group of researchers of those questioned were themselves (GIEI) including forensic specialists abused and as such their evidence has dispute the Peña Nieto’s version of been ruled inadmissible. AGM events and have continued to campaign The recent release of local cartel for the return of their children, some of leader Gildardo Lopez Astudillo - who a Dear member/friend whom were already the fathers of judge ruled had been tortured during We would like to invite you to attend our young children themselves. questioning - was especially upsetting Annual General Meeting on Saturday Last December Peña Nieto left for the families and has, according to 26th of October at the National office. Not only had he failed to live up human rights defender Maria Luisa Education Union, Hamilton house, to his promise to get to the bottom of Aguilar, “confirmed the judicial failure of Mabledon PI, London WC1H 9BD from the issue but he had widely been seen the investigation.” 10:30 – 4:00 pm as having protected the military in The Miguel Agustin Pro Centre also The AGM will host seminars on IRAN, Guerrero from having to answer cites numerous failings in the office and PALESTINE and MEXICO. The aim of questions about their role in the affair or actions of the Attorney General under these seminars is to raise awareness on their alleged links to drug production the previous administration and is now human rights in different parts of the and trafficking in the region. Some pinning its hopes on the appointment by world. believe that the army in Guerrero which President Lopez Obrador of Omar We will be grateful if you could join us has a long and bloody history of Gomez Trejo, a former member of the and confirm your attendance by sending attacking liberation movements GIEI, to head a new investigation. email to Maggie Bowden at disappearing human rights protesters Lopez Obrador’s Human Rights [email protected] with your name, may be hiding evidence - or possibly Secretary, Alejandro Encinas has also contact number and/or name of your even bodies inside barracks or military spoken out about the alleged torture organization. For further information or installations in the state. To date the and subsequent release of witnesses discuss please call on 02073242498. army has refused the investigation to saying it is a worrying trend. Also Lunch will be available at the enter and search inside installations With another cartel leader - widely event. Tickets: £12 waged /£9 unwaged. despite a Presidential promise that they believed to have played a key role in Please do not hesitate to contact us if would be allowed to do so. ordering the disappearance of the you need further information. By contrast, the new Mexican students who may have unwittingly president, Andres Manuel Lopez commandeered a bus in which heroine, Warm regards, Obrador has met the families of the destined for the United Stastes had Maggie Bowden (General Secretary) missing students on several occasions been hidden - set to appeal his arrest, and promised to redouble efforts to find human rights defenders are concerned them. that the most important evidence will be Liberation, one of the oldest human However, as the fifth anniversary of lost. rights organisations, was founded in the atrocity came and went, families The pressure is on the investigation 1954 as the Movement for Colonial and their representatives including the to yield results - and the human rights Freedom. For more than half a century it Miguel Agustin pro Human Rights community - as well as the British has campaigned, alongside other anti- Centre in Mexico City, criticised the lack government which has, along with imperialist forces, to rid the world of of progress over the past 10 months. several other European countries colonialism. In 1958 its name was Campaigners say they are deeply supported the new administration changed to Liberation, an organisation worried that as time passes, leads are efforts to resolve the case - is watching that today opposes neo-colonialism, not been followed correctly. Mexico closely. economic exploitation and racism. At Human rights defenders have Liberation we undertake research and spoken of their concerns that the action centred on the prevention and ongoing investigation is compromised Join us 26 October curtailment of human rights violations, from the inside as some officials from across a broad spectrum of countries. As Peña Nieto’s administration have been at NEU to talk an international and inter-connecting alleged to have hampering organisation, Liberation engages in developments. about the 43 advocacy work, supporting and standing Indeed several high ranking in solidarity with other like-minded officials, including the head of the anti- disappeared organisations. Liberation provides a kidnapping department have left their space and framework to highlight and posts while the investigation has been students and discuss issues of concern with the United active yet seemingly unable to secure Nations, the British Parliament, the any meaningful results. human rights in International Labour Organisation and The most recent developments Trade Unions show that while more than 100 people Mexico have been arrested in connection with Liberation 11 Bolivar versus Monroe Francisco Dominguez on the battle for Latin America

INCE 2009 the seemingly offensive over the whole region whose Uribe and extreme right wing forces in unstoppable of the highlights were a failed coup attempt the country, has managed to derail the Bolivarian Left in Latin America against Ecuador’s president Rafael hard-obtained peace process in that Sbegan to be systematically rolled back. Correa in September 2010; in January beleaguered South American nation. That year a US-backed coup ousted 2012, left wing Paraguay’s president Furthermore, the US government, Honduras’ democratically elected Fernando Lugo was also ousted; in first Obama and then Trump, unleashed president Manuel Zelaya, thus unlashing a 2015, following a 4-year intense an economic war against Bolivarian wave of terror and reaction over the campaign of destabilisation against the Venezuela that in 2018 was turned into a population of this extremely poor Central left wing Peronista government, total blockade, wreaking havoc to its American nation. The previous year, neoliberal forces in Argentina won the economy and people, especially the Bolivia’s extreme right wing, in yet presidency; the impeachment of Brazil’s poorest and most vulnerable (the another US-backed coup attempt, president Dilma Rousseff in 2016 and chronically ill, cancer, HIV and diabetes intended, by violent means, the secession the imprisonment of former president sufferers), given US efforts to block of the Eastern region where the bulk of the Lula, both on thoroughly phoney imports specifically food and medicines. gas and oils deposits are. Both events charges, also after an intense campaign As part of the US offensive, the signalled US strategic determination to of destabilisation and demonisation; in Trump administration also unleashed a fully restore its weakened hegemony in its Ecuador, Correa’s successor, president violent coup attempt against the ‘backyard’. Lenin Moreno, elected in 2017 with democratically elected government of In October 2009 the then Colombia’s Correista votes, betrayed the Citizen’s Nicaragua in 2018. The coup attempt, president Alvaro Uribe signed a Defence Revolution and joined the forces of though it failed, caused huge Cooperation Agreement (DCA) with reaction to the point of supporting US destruction, large economic losses and G.W. Bush’s administration by which imperialism intervention against hundreds of lives lost. the US was given access to and control Venezuela; worse in 2018 and as a direct Thus by 2018, the US looked like it over seven more military bases in the consequence of Rousseff’s impeachment ruled the region unimpeded, with the left country (which with the 3 the US and Lula’s imprisonment, Brazilians wing governments in Venezuela, already had, increased to ten). In 2000 elected fascist Jair Bolsonaro as their Nicaragua, Bolivia and even Cuba, (one year after Chavez’s election) US president. living on borrowed time. Superficial Republican Senator, Paul Coverdell, Between 2017-18 right wing academics and intellectuals began to declared “in order to control Venezuela governments were also elected in Chile, ‘theorize” about the end of the it is necessary to intervene militarily in Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica and ‘progressive cycle’ in Latin America. Colombia.” in Colombia. Ivan Duque was elected in The world corporate media has Zelaya’s ouster inaugurated a US Colombia, who, in cahoots with Alvaro objectively been a key component of 12 Liberation Sandinista Nicaragua, the second upsurge of social mobilization against poorest country in the region, managed Araoz, forced her to resign with her to defeat the 2018 US-backed coup presidency lasting only one day. In other attempt, is rapidly recovering words, a US-created mess. economically, successfully restoring And Bolsonaro’s government though political stability, and confronting a it has set Brazil back more than 40 year, much weaker opposition. It is to be has a very chaotic performance, is noted that in the last 10 years Nicaragua riddled with corruption, and confronts had an average rate of growth of 4% and an increasingly militant and active civil a host of highly progressive social society (workers, students, teachers, policies. women, indigenous peoples, afro Perhaps one of the heaviest blows descendants, LGBT community and against US hegemony in the region was many others) that last May staged the the defeat (50+% against 29%) of Macri biggest mobilization in defence of in the primary elections held last August public education in the country’s history. in Argentina, thus almost guaranteeing Worse, Lula is winning the political the return of a Peronista government battle to be freed from imprisonment, with Cristina Fernandez becoming vice- issue that is an intractable thorn on the president in the coming general regime’s side. Another US-created mess. elections in October 2019. In less than 3 The imposition of brutal neoliberal years, Macri indebted Argentina by policies in the nations where its cronies US$283bn with disastrous consequences have come to office or power makes it for the nation and its people. almost impossible for the US to Furthermore, the prospects for Evo consolidate these political gains. In US’s strategy to re-impose its hegemony Morales’ re-election as Bolivia’s other words, because it has nothing to in the region. And the European Union president on October 20, 2019, are also offer Latin America, time is against US has been a pretty loyal ally, by either not strong, especially considering that the regional objectives. opposing US systematic malfeasances in nation’s average rate of growth has been Thus, two colossal worldviews are the region or by supporting them. over 4% in the last decade with battling for Latin America: Monroeism Nothing legitimises US foreign policy impressive social achievements. (named after the Monroe Doctrine) than the slavish support it gets from the What was definitely not on the US versus Bolivarianism. The former EU. calculations was the extraordinary intends to subjugate the region into total US failure to fully restore its regional electoral victory of left wing Lopez submission by imposing on it savage hegemony, especially in Nicaragua, Obrador, better known as AMLO, in neoliberal policies: abolition of social, Venezuela, Bolivia and Cuba, is leading Mexico in 2018, election that has political and economic rights of the it to resort to ever more bizarre and changed quite dramatically the region’s majority; privatisation of all national extreme measures such as the political relations of forces. AMLO is assets – including raw materials such as resuscitation of the 1947 Inter American slowly but steadily implementing an oil, gas, water – to the benefit of Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance (TIAR anti-neoliberal government programme. voracious US multinational companies; in its Spanish acronym) so as to launch a As we write, we learn that traitor elimination of their national sovereignty, military invasion against Venezuela with Lenin Moreno faces a well-supported and the installation of US military bases the participation of several Latin organised general strike in response to in their territories as a ‘robust’ guarantee American countries, notably Colombia. his intention to implement a brutal of their vassalage. Bolivarianism, on the Were the US to get away with this, it austerity package. Ecuadoreans have other hand, is associated with standing would allow it to turn Latin America ousted several governments in the last up to imperialism, social justice, use of into another Middle East, a region, two decades. So another US ally is the nation’s wealth to redistribute where it intervenes militarily any time it going down the pan. income, poverty eradication, free and wishes. The Peruvian government, the hub of universal health care and education, However, in the last few months, the illegal US-led right wing group set elimination of racial and gender positive developments augur well for the up to ‘legitimise’ US aggression against discrimination, and the nation’s social coming period. First off, Bolivarian Venezuela, the Lima Group, is, as we and economic development. Venezuela, against enormous odds, write, in deep crisis: elected president, In this battle, international solidarity continues to successfully resist US Pablo Kuczynski, is under house arrest, will continue to play a very important imperialist hostility and is defeating after being forced to resign for function, namely to tell the truth about every aggression. Chavismo is coming corruption; his replacement, Martin US real objectives, counteract the out strengthened with the right wing Vizcarra, closed down congress and incessant media lies that demonise the opposition being severely weakened and called for early elections, after the right left in Latin America, and denounce and deeply divided. US-controlled ‘self- wing-controlled parliament rejected his oppose the UK’s government complicity proclaimed’ Juan Guaidó, after evidence proposals twice; the congress, then in the US aggression against progressive of his strong links with Colombian unconstitutionally appointed vice- Latin America. paramilitaries (apparently led by the president Meche Araoz, as ‘interim So, Trump get your greedy, filthy Colombian government), is really president’, but the support of the armed hands off Latin America! finished. forces for Vizcarra, and the gigantic 3 Oct 2019 Liberation 13 REVIEW

Britain and the Dictatorships of Grace Livingstone attributes this to strongly against any criticism of the Argentina and Chile 1973 – 1982 the class basis of the personnel juntas which could damage their by Grace Livingstone involved. She states that, in 1950, 83% activities. One of the principle business Palgrave Macmillan of Foreign Office recruits attended interests concerned was the arms ISBN 978-3-319-78298 private schools and the figure was still industry. 2018 £16.00 68% ten years later. In 1980, 80% of Even with Chile, the Labour ambassadors and top Foreign Office government pushed through the delivery officials had attended fee-paying of two frigates and a destroyer, although URING THE twentieth century, schools. two submarines were temporarily held Latin America was the scene of Not surprisingly, their advice on the back and workers at East Kilbride numerous military coups which Chilean coup was accepted by the stopped work on Rolls Royce engines eDstablished oppressive dictatorships Conservative government led by Edward intended for Hawker Hunter aircraft notorious for their abuse of democratic Heath, but when Labour, under Harold destined for Chile. and human rights. This book is a Wilson, was elected in 1974, the With Argentina, however, Vickers detailed study of the policies adopted by government’s attitude changed to provided two missile destroyers that Britain towards two of them – in Chile condemnation of the Pinochet regime. were later used against British forces in and Argentina. The author attributes this to the very the Falklands War. Six type 21 frigates On 11 September, 1973, Augusto robust anti-Pinochet campaign by the sought by Argentina were lobbied for by Pinochet, the head of Chilean armed Labour and trade union movement from the Ministry of Defence sales forces, launched a coup against the the day of the coup. Grace Livingstone department, but later the orders went to democratically elected socialist describes this from the initial Germany. Sir Anthony Griffiths, chair of president, Salvador Allende. He demonstration organised by Liberation British Shipbuilders, wrote to Eric Varley, bombed the presidential palace, fired on to the continuing protests and Industry Secretary, suggesting diversion and arrested thousands of Allende deputations later co-ordinated by the of a Royal Navy warship to Argentina, supporters and other left-wingers, and Chile Solidarity Campaign. She argues although the commanders of the armed shut down all democratic institutions. that ministers could not fail to be aware forces were strongly against this. In Argentina on 26th March, 1976, of the powerful feelings generated by the Numerous visits were made to Britain by the widowed third wife of former dictator coup. Argentinian military leaders to discuss Juan Peron, Isabella Peron, who had In the case of the Argentinian army’s possible arms sales. One of these, been elected president, was overthrown seizure of power, however, the Labour Brigadier Miguel Angel Osses, was later by the army, which closed down the government of the time largely accepted indicted on charges of involvement in Congress, banned political parties, Foreign Office guidance. Despite a 100 cases of kidnapping and torture. dissolved the Supreme Court, and limited number of protests (including one British officials and military personnel arrested thousands of political activists from the present reviewer to the Prime visited Argentina to promote arms sales, including former ministers. Minister – then Jim Callaghan), the regardless of this. In the case of both Chile and Labour and trade union movement was It was all linked to a concern to Argentina, the British Foreign Office and suspicious of the Perons and only woke promote jobs in the defence industry, but leading ambassadorial staff – despite up to the enormity of the dire terror criticisms of the Argentine regime theoretical commitments to democracy – inflicted by the Argentinian junta several gradually increased: from Amnesty recommended recognition of the military years later. International, student and religious juntas established and downplayed In the cases of both Chile and groups and trade union branches. In reports of human rights infringements. Argentina, business interests were subsequent years it emerged that the

14 Liberation Thatcher did everything possible to the Falklands war, defeat brought the strengthen relations with the junta and junta down and eventually led to the trial Nicholas Ridley closed the door on and punishment of many of those who Argentinian refugees. Proposals to had inflicted unlimited terror on the increase arms sales were legion. population. Ambassadors were exchanged and two The author provides a most revealing Conservative ministers, Cecil Parkinson exposure of the way in which British and Peter Walker, visited Argentina to foreign policy was made towards Chile promote good relations and trade. and Argentina in the face of military Despite this, Hugh O’Shaughnessy coups. It suggests that a similar pattern wrote a Financial Times supplement of events was followed through in the detailing human rights abuses and a case of military coups in Brazil, Uruguay, number of Labour MPs (including the Paraguay and elsewhere. No sanctions present reviewer) maintained their were imposed and trade and investment criticisms of the regime. were encouraged in every case. The Conservative government If ever there is to be an ethical foolishly agreed to a number of steps foreign policy, the research on which this which the junta took to indicate that book is based deserves careful study. Britain would not defend the Falklands. Grace Livingstone’s book should be HMS Endeavour, the only British read by everyone who takes an interest warship in the South Atlantic, was in foreign policy and international affairs. junta killed an estimated 30,000 people. withdrawn, and the British Nationalities It is a gem which demonstrates not only At this time, negotiations were going Bill (1981) was introduced which the need for changes in the way that on with the Argentine regime about the deprived the Falklanders and others foreign policy is formulated but also for a sovereignty of the Falklands, but no one elsewhere of British citizenship. more open and democratic system of seriously expected the issue to lead to Intelligence reports suggesting the recruiting Foreign Office and diplomatic war. Oil companies were interested in possibility of an invasion were personnel which does not rely so heavily the possibilities of exploration in coastal disregarded. Negotiations for a deal on the output of public schools. waters and were unhappy about a with the junta were abandoned and the transfer of the islands to Argentina. invasion followed. Stan Newens, When the Conservative government Although this book stops short of September 2018. was elected in 1979, however, Mrs. dealing with the Argentinian aftermath of

For train drivers, trade unions and the Labour Party since 1880 let’s build better railway and build a better Britain Passengers are fed up with the poor value they are being offered by Britain’s privatised train companies and want the government to do something about it. Because the privatised railway isn’t working properly the privatised train companies are ripping off the taxpayer and ripping off their passengers. Mick Whelan general secretary David Calfe president

Liberation 15 Yes to t he struggl e f or human and democr atic rights … No to w ar!

The thr ea t o f a new war in the We also demand the immedia te Persian Gulf can only exacerba te release o f the Iranian teachers’ the dir e conditions under which leader Esmail Abdi and an end to most Iranian people live. The NEU the persecution o f Iranian educa tors supports Iranian trades unionists in and their unions by the Iranian their unequivocal r ejection o f war government. under any pr etext and in their call for an end to all sanctions.

Kevin Courtney and Dr Joint General Secr etaries, Na tional Educa tion Union N E U 1 4 6 7 / 0 8 1 9

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