Western Sahara

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Western Sahara János Besenyő WESTERN SAHARA Publikon Publishers Pécs, 2009 János Besenyő WESTERN SAHARA Editor: István Tarrósy Photos made by: János Besenyő English language consultant: István Tarrósy, IDResearch Ltd. Cover: Gábor Kiss Layout editor: Dávid Keserű, IDResearch Ltd., Pécs Printed by: Ad Librum, Budapest Published by IDResearch Ltd./Publikon Publishers. ISBN 978-963-88332-0-4 © IDResearch Kft./Publikon Kiadó, 2009 © IDResearch Ltd./Publikon Publishers, 2009 www.afrikatanulmanyok.hu © János Besenyő, 2009 CONTENTS Recommendation 5 Editor’s Preface 7 Geographical Features – Flora and Fauna 9 Economy 17 Society 27 The History of the Region Before the Arrival of the Europeans 37 Colonisation of the Area 45 Spanish Sahara 57 The Beginning of the Struggle for Independence 65 The Early Activities of the UN in the Resolution of the Problem 73 The Decision of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) 83 in The Hague The Green March and Subsequent Events 89 The Occupation of the Sahara Territories and the Beginning of Hostilities 97 After the Declaration of Independence – The Escalation of the Conflict 103 Peace Treaty between Mauritania and the Polisario 111 Events after the Occupation of the Area by Morocco 119 The UN Re-enters the Negotiations on the Settlement 131 of the Future of the Region 3 MINURSO 141 The Structure of MINURSO 145 Life in the Refugee Camps 167 Endnotes 175 References 189 4 RECOMMENDATION I am fortunate enough to know the author of this book who was on duty in Western Sahara when I was serving as the Chief of Staff of the Hungarian Defence Forces (HDF). Even back then I considered it as a priority not just to send our soldiers to foreign countries but to process and channel their experiences to anyone who might benefit from them. For peacekeeping and the involvement of the HDF in missions outside Hungarian borders are not just military or governmental interests, but important contributions to uphold peace and stability worldwide. We simply cannot forget that the concepts of security and the world itself have changed gravely and rapidly, therefore, we are no longer an independent island with an outside view on the more and more bloody conflicts of other countries and continents. The Republic of Hungary—due to its NATO and EU commitments—participates in a growing number of armed and unarmed peacekeeping and peace-managing operations. Therefore, I consider it as of great importance that a vast number of studies deals with such operations in order to help us gain a better knowledge of the outside world and to support us with credible information about the activity of our peacekeeping forces. This volume gives a thorough overview of a still operating UN mission in Western Sahara. Also, this work fills in a niche, since this area—apart from a few minor articles—has not been covered yet. Since the Republic of Hungary has been deploying a small contingent for years—who has been tasked with classic peacekeeping duties—, this fact is rather surprising. Considering that one of the main duties of the Council on Geopolitics is to monitor the different crisis areas of the world, the timeliness of this study is completely verified. The author includes his own experiences to give a thorough overview on the activities of the MINURSO. The book is based on those experiences and on a wide-range analysis of relevant sources. Also, it soon becomes obvious that the author was not satisfied to be familiar only with the information deriving from his line of duty, but aimed to understand the roots of the conflict. One of the many benefits of this case study is that someone unfamiliar with this topic will also be able to understand the aim, essence and hardships of this mission in Western Sahara. As of today, the Hungarian foreign policy does not pay enough attention to the African continent, even though there is a lot to do over there. The world’s poorest continent has to suffer under an increasingly great number of wars and armed conflicts. The EU’s attention towards the region is already raised and the NATO is being involved in strategic logistics tasks aimed to support the African 5 Union peacekeeping mission in the Sudan. Meanwhile, the experts of security policy can only hope that a time will come when the different international organisations act together to solve the problems of Africa. I do recommend this book of János Besenyő for anyone who is interested in understanding the hardships of Africa in detail. Colonel General Zoltán Szenes Former Chief of Staff Hungarian Defence Forces 6 EDITOR’S PREFACE Fortunately, interest in Africa-related issues and topics has been gradually on the rise in the last decades—and this is a global phenomenon. Unfortunately, not many pieces on Africa (books, journals, etc.) are available in Hungary, definitely, not by Hungarian authors. The journal Afrika Tanulmányok (Africa Studies in Hungary) and Publikon Publishers have the mission to change this situation and annually come out with more and more articles and volumes about different themes connected with the continent. Luckily, we find committed partners in achieving these aims. We are delighted to be the publisher of the first English-language book of János Besenyő. He is that type of committed person who has been extensively writing on African topics, trying to channel his ground experiences into the Hungarian readers’ circles. One of his decisive works is formulated in this volume, in which he thoroughly explores the historical background and the present-day situation of the conflict in Western Sahara. The area itself is full of interesting stories and tales—János Besenyő relies on these while in a very professional way arrives at certain significant conclusions, for instance, as far as the UN mission in Western Sahara and its potential future are concerned. He does this in a sophisticated and even-tempered manner, which, I think is one of the strengths of the book. The author is a good photographer at the same time—he does have sharp eyes to notice the very details of life in the Sahara, among the local communities of the territories he visited. We had a difficult task to pick only a couple of his photos; we would have liked to publish another book only of these great moments and descriptions (hopefully, next time we will have the chance to continue this collaboration). We are proud to present János Besenyő’s monography on Western Sahara, as the first such book in the English language in Hungary. We hope that the readers will enjoy it, and wish that many more pieces on many more African countries and themes will follow so that people understand more about real Africa. These will surely allow them/us to look beyond the stereotypical images that are embedded in our everyday minds. Africa is much more to these; Africa deserves much more attention to discover its real values! Such attempts as János Besenyő’s can help us open our eyes. Pécs, 20 April 2009 István Tarrósy, M.Sc., M.A. editor, executive editor of Afrika Tanulmányok managing director of IDResearch Ltd./Publikon Publishers 7 GEOGRAPHICAL FEATUREs – fLORA AND FAUNA The area lies in North Africa, on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. It is bordered by Morocco in the north, Algeria in the east (they have 42 kms of common boundary) and Mauritania from the east and south. Its area is 266,000 square kilometres. Just like in most African countries, the borders were marked out by the colonial powers by ratifying different treaties, agreements. The borders of Western Sahara were regulated and marked out by the agreements signed by Spain and France in 1900, 1904 and 1912.1 Its lowland area is plain, sandy and rocky, with a few hills in the southern and north-eastern parts. These hills are at an altitude of not more than 400 metres2. Its lowest point is Sebjet Tah, 55 metres below sea-level, while the highest is a 721 metre high hill, which has no official name. Western Sahara can be divided into three main regions. Source: MINURSO The north-eastern zone is a rocky desert (hamadas) spreading from the chains of the Atlas mountain to the Zemmour mountains. Mountain 9 chains of volcanic origin of different sizes and unique hanging rocks can be found here. Water is scarce in the area, there are only few scattered wells. Despite the relative lack of water, many species of plants and animals live in the area. For example, the screwhorn antelope or kudu (Addax nasomaculatus), 3 the Dama gazelle (Gazella dama), Dorcas gazelles (Gazelle dorcas), the African sand fox or pale fox (Vulpes pallida), sand foxes or Rueppel’s fox (Vulpes rueppeli), the caracal or African Lynx (Caracal caracal), the African wildcat (Felis silvestris), the golden jackal (Canis aureus), and the desert hedgehog (Hemiechinus aethiopicus). The most typical plant of the area is the acacia with large thorns, which can be considered the only indigenous species in the desert besides some variations of cacti. Deriving tannin from this acacia, the plant is used for paint production by the locals. Due to its hardness, the wood can be used in a versatile way. The so-called Senegal Acacia (Acacia senegal) can also be found in the desert. Rubber arabicum is made from it by tapping. The animals are quite difficult to observe as they move around mostly at dawn or late at night. The military observers can also see their footprints or gather information from the Moroccan soldiers and the descriptions of the Bedouins. Many of the animals living here are registered in the Red Book and are strictly protected.
Recommended publications
  • War and Insurgency in the Western Sahara
    Visit our website for other free publication downloads http://www.StrategicStudiesInstitute.army.mil/ To rate this publication click here. STRATEGIC STUDIES INSTITUTE The Strategic Studies Institute (SSI) is part of the U.S. Army War College and is the strategic-level study agent for issues relat- ed to national security and military strategy with emphasis on geostrategic analysis. The mission of SSI is to use independent analysis to conduct strategic studies that develop policy recommendations on: • Strategy, planning, and policy for joint and combined employment of military forces; • Regional strategic appraisals; • The nature of land warfare; • Matters affecting the Army’s future; • The concepts, philosophy, and theory of strategy; and, • Other issues of importance to the leadership of the Army. Studies produced by civilian and military analysts concern topics having strategic implications for the Army, the Department of Defense, and the larger national security community. In addition to its studies, SSI publishes special reports on topics of special or immediate interest. These include edited proceedings of conferences and topically-oriented roundtables, expanded trip reports, and quick-reaction responses to senior Army leaders. The Institute provides a valuable analytical capability within the Army to address strategic and other issues in support of Army participation in national security policy formulation. Strategic Studies Institute and U.S. Army War College Press WAR AND INSURGENCY IN THE WESTERN SAHARA Geoffrey Jensen May 2013 The views expressed in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Army, the Department of Defense, or the U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Tuareg Music and Capitalist Reckonings in Niger a Dissertation Submitted
    UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA Los Angeles Rhythms of Value: Tuareg Music and Capitalist Reckonings in Niger A dissertation submitted in partial satisfaction of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Philosophy in Ethnomusicology by Eric James Schmidt 2018 © Copyright by Eric James Schmidt 2018 ABSTRACT OF THE DISSERTATION Rhythms of Value: Tuareg Music and Capitalist Reckonings in Niger by Eric James Schmidt Doctor of Philosophy in Ethnomusicology University of California, Los Angeles, 2018 Professor Timothy D. Taylor, Chair This dissertation examines how Tuareg people in Niger use music to reckon with their increasing but incomplete entanglement in global neoliberal capitalism. I argue that a variety of social actors—Tuareg musicians, fans, festival organizers, and government officials, as well as music producers from Europe and North America—have come to regard Tuareg music as a resource by which to realize economic, political, and other social ambitions. Such treatment of culture-as-resource is intimately linked to the global expansion of neoliberal capitalism, which has led individual and collective subjects around the world to take on a more entrepreneurial nature by exploiting representations of their identities for a variety of ends. While Tuareg collective identity has strongly been tied to an economy of pastoralism and caravan trade, the contemporary moment demands a reimagining of what it means to be, and to survive as, Tuareg. Since the 1970s, cycles of drought, entrenched poverty, and periodic conflicts have pushed more and more Tuaregs to pursue wage labor in cities across northwestern Africa or to work as trans- ii Saharan smugglers; meanwhile, tourism expanded from the 1980s into one of the region’s biggest industries by drawing on pastoralist skills while capitalizing on strategic essentialisms of Tuareg culture and identity.
    [Show full text]
  • S/2002/467 Security Council
    United Nations S/2002/467 Security Council Distr.: General 19 April 2002 Original: English Report of the Secretary-General on the situation concerning Western Sahara I. Introduction III. Developments on the ground 1. The present report is submitted pursuant to 3. My Special Representative, William L. Swing, Security Council resolution 1394 (2002) of 27 has continued to maintain regular contacts with the February 2002, by which the Council extended the parties. In Laayoune he has met regularly with the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Coordinator of the Kingdom of Morocco with Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) until 30 MINURSO, Governor Hamid Chabar. On 20 and 21 April 2002 and requested me to provide a report on the March 2002 my Special Representative, accompanied situation before the end of the present mandate. by the MINURSO Force Commander, visited the Reaffirming its previous resolutions on the question of Tindouf area in Algeria, where they met with the Western Sahara and its commitment to assist the parties Frente POLISARIO chief official dealing with defence to achieve a just, lasting and mutually acceptable issues, Mohammed Bouhali, and the Frente solution, the Security Council decided to consider POLISARIO Coordinator with MINURSO, Emhamed actively the options contained in my report of 19 Khaddad. During his visits to Algiers and Rabat on 31 February 2002 (S/2002/178). The present report covers March and 4 and 5 April, respectively, Mr. Swing met developments since that date. with senior Algerian and Moroccan officials. On 8 April he held talks in Nouakchott with the President of Mauritania, Maaouya Ould Sid’ Ahmed Taya, and II.
    [Show full text]
  • Contraintes Géomorphologiques Des Géosystèmes Du Bas Sahara Algérien Septentrional
    CONTRAINTES GEOMORPHOLOGIQUES DES GEOSYSTEMES DU BAS-SAHARA ALGERIEN SEPTENTRIONAL (Ziban, oued Rhir, Souf) Jean-Louis BALLAIS Avertissement : l’original de cet article étant indisponible, ce texte en reprend l’intégralité du texte et quatre des cinq figures, mais ne respecte pas la pagination des actes du séminaire. Introduction : Les géosystèmes sont des complexes naturels homogènes plus ou moins anthropisés et liés à un territoire (Rougerie, Beroutchachvili, 1991). Ils se caractérisent par des interactions complexes (fig. 1) entre leurs différents composants abiotiques (aéromasse, lithomasse, hydromasse), biotiques (biomasse, phytomasse) et de contact (sols et formations superficielles tout particulièrement). Dans le cas des domaines arides, un grand nombre de ces composants ou de leurs combinaisons constituent des contraintes, parfois très fortes, au développement durable. Je me limiterai ici aux contraintes géomorphologiques, c'est à dire celles dues à certains composants de contact et à la morphogenèse qui combine ces composants de contact, lithomasse, aéromasse et hydromasse. Fig. 1 – Ecosystème, complexe naturel territorial et géosystème (N. Beroutchachvili, J.L. Mathieu, 1977). I – Les contraintes liées aux formations superficielles : Il s'agit uniquement des contraintes dues à des formations superficielles caractéristiques des domaines arides en général et représentées dans le Bas-Sahara algérien septentrional. 1 – Les croûtes calcaires : Formations superficielles fossiles, donc non renouvelables, elles occupent des superficies moins importantes que dans le domaine semi-aride. Elles se limitent, pour l'essentiel, au piémont de l'Atlas saharien (Ballais, 1984) et à des espaces discontinus sur les collines qui isolent les dépressions (Still, Chebka du Mzab…). Cohérentes à l'affleurement, elles sont également imperméables, ce qui oblige à les casser (sous-solage par exemple) pour la mise en culture.
    [Show full text]
  • A/74/645 General Assembly
    United Nations A/74/645 General Assembly Distr.: General 13 January 2020 Original: English Seventy-fourth session Agenda item 162 Financing of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara Budget performance of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara for the period from 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019 Report of the Secretary-General Contents Page I. Introduction ................................................................... 5 II. Mandate performance ........................................................... 5 A. Overall ................................................................... 5 B. Budget implementation ...................................................... 5 C. Mission support initiatives ................................................... 8 D. Regional mission cooperation ................................................ 9 E. Partnerships and country team coordination ..................................... 9 F. Results-based budgeting frameworks .......................................... 9 III. Resource performance ........................................................... 26 A. Financial resources ......................................................... 26 B. Summary information on redeployments across groups ........................... 27 C. Monthly expenditure pattern ................................................. 28 D. Other revenue and adjustments ............................................... 28 E. Expenditure for contingent-owned equipment: major equipment and self-sustainment
    [Show full text]
  • CIA Factbook
    The World Factbook Africa :: Morocco Introduction :: Morocco Background: In 788, about a century after the Arab conquest of North Africa, a series of Moroccan Muslim dynasties began to rule in Morocco. In the 16th century, the Sa'adi monarchy, particularly under Ahmad al-MANSUR (1578-1603), repelled foreign invaders and inaugurated a golden age. The Alaouite dynasty, to which the current Moroccan royal family belongs, dates from the 17th century. In 1860, Spain occupied northern Morocco and ushered in a half century of trade rivalry among European powers that saw Morocco's sovereignty steadily erode; in 1912, the French imposed a protectorate over the country. A protracted independence struggle with France ended successfully in 1956. The internationalized city of Tangier and most Spanish possessions were turned over to the new country that same year. Sultan MOHAMMED V, the current monarch's grandfather, organized the new state as a constitutional monarchy and in 1957 assumed the title of king. Although Morocco is not the UN-recognized Administering Power for the Western Sahara, it exercises de facto administrative control there. The UN assists with direct negotiations between Morocco and the Polisario Front, but the status of the territory remains unresolved. Gradual political reforms in the 1990s resulted in the establishment of a bicameral legislature, which first met in 1997. Morocco enjoys a moderately free press, but the government has taken action against journalists who they perceive to be challenging the monarchy, Islam, or the status of Western Sahara. Influenced by protests elsewhere in the region, in February 2011 thousands of Moroccans began weekly rallies in multiple cities across the country to demand greater democracy and end to government corruption.
    [Show full text]
  • WW2-Spain-Tripbook.Pdf
    SPAIN 1 Page Spanish Civil War (clockwise from top-left) • Members of the XI International Brigade at the Battle of Belchite • Bf 109 with Nationalist markings • Bombing of an airfield in Spanish West Africa • Republican soldiers at the Siege of the Alcázar • Nationalist soldiers operating an anti-aircraft gun • HMS Royal Oakin an incursion around Gibraltar Date 17 July 1936 – 1 April 1939 (2 years, 8 months, 2 weeks and 1 day) Location Spain Result Nationalist victory • End of the Second Spanish Republic • Establishment of the Spanish State under the rule of Francisco Franco Belligerents 2 Page Republicans Nationalists • Ejército Popular • FET y de las JONS[b] • Popular Front • FE de las JONS[c] • CNT-FAI • Requetés[c] • UGT • CEDA[c] • Generalitat de Catalunya • Renovación Española[c] • Euzko Gudarostea[a] • Army of Africa • International Brigades • Italy • Supported by: • Germany • Soviet Union • Supported by: • Mexico • Portugal • France (1936) • Vatican City (Diplomatic) • Foreign volunteers • Foreign volunteers Commanders and leaders Republican leaders Nationalist leaders • Manuel Azaña • José Sanjurjo † • Julián Besteiro • Emilio Mola † • Francisco Largo Caballero • Francisco Franco • Juan Negrín • Gonzalo Queipo de Llano • Indalecio Prieto • Juan Yagüe • Vicente Rojo Lluch • Miguel Cabanellas † • José Miaja • Fidel Dávila Arrondo • Juan Modesto • Manuel Goded Llopis † • Juan Hernández Saravia • Manuel Hedilla • Carlos Romero Giménez • Manuel Fal Conde • Buenaventura Durruti † • Lluís Companys • José Antonio Aguirre Strength 1936
    [Show full text]
  • Leidenstudies Inislamandsociety
    After Orientalism Leiden Studies in Islam and Society Editors Léon Buskens (Leiden University) Petra M. Sijpesteijn (Leiden University) Editorial Board Maurits Berger (Leiden University) – R. Michael Feener (National University of Singapore) – Nico Kaptein (Leiden University) Jan Michiel Otto (Leiden University) – David S. Powers (Cornell University) volume 2 The titles published in this series are listed at brill.com/lsis After Orientalism Critical Perspectives on Western Agency and Eastern Re-appropriations Edited by François Pouillon Jean-Claude Vatin leiden | boston Cover illustration: Osman Hamdi Bey [1842–1910], A Persian carpet dealer or Street scene in Constantinople, 1888. Oil on canvas, 60×119,5 cm. Copyright: bpk / Nationalgalerie, smb / Bernd Kuhnert. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Colloque "L'orientalisme et après? - Méditations, appropriations, contestations" (2011 : Paris, France) After orientalism : critical perspectives on western agency and eastern re-appropriations / edited by Francois Pouillon, Jean-Claude Vatin. pages cm. – (Leiden studies in Islam and society ; v. 2) Original French title: Après l'orientalisme : l'Orient créé par l'Orient. Includes index. Translated from French. ISBN 978-90-04-28252-0 (pbk. : alk. paper) – ISBN 978-90-04-28253-7 (e-book) 1. Orientalism–Congresses. 2. East and West–Congresses. 3. Middle East–Civilization–Congresses. I. Pouillon, Francois. II. Vatin, Jean-Claude. III. Title. DS61.85.C6513 2011 303.48'2182105–dc23 2014034595 This publication has been typeset in the multilingual “Brill” typeface. With over 5,100 characters covering Latin, ipa, Greek, and Cyrillic, this typeface is especially suitable for use in the humanities. For more information, please see www.brill.com/brill-typeface.
    [Show full text]
  • Pmta-2007-00231
    .' . • • • Internal Revenue Service memorandum CC:INTL:BR.l :MEHara CAU-N-I13576-98 date: October 14, 1998 to: John T. Lyons, Assistant Commissioner (International) CP:IN:OO from: W. Edward Williams, Senior Technical Reviewer, Branch I (International) CC:lNTL:Br.l subject: Requestfor Opinion - CIAT Membership ofPuerto Rico In your memorandum dated June 24, 1998, you asked for a formal opinion regarding the matter ofPuerto Rico's request for membership in the Inter-American Center of Tax Administrators (hereafter "CIAT", the organization's Spanish acronym). After reviewing the political status of Puerto Rico, CIAT organizational documents including its Articles of Incorporation,1 Statutes, and Regulations,2 it is our opinion that Puerto Rico does not qualify for CIAT regular membership,3 because the conduct of foreign affairs is assigned by the United States Constitution to the President ofthe United States and Congress, and the political subdivisions of the United States are forbidden from entering into alliances with foreign governments without the explicit authorization of Congress. CIAT (REGULAR) MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS CIAT is an international organization whose purposes include encouraging "bilateral cooperation between members, mainly in an effort to promote voluntary compliance and counteract 1 CIAT was incorporated in Washington D.C., on July 10, 1967, upon the filing of Articles ofIncorporation with the Corporation Division, Office ofRecorder ofDeeds, under the District ofColumbia Non-Profit Corporation Act. The CIAT Articles ofIncorporation names five individuals as the organization's initial directors, including Sheldon S. Cohen, the Col11.ll$sioner ofthe IRS, and the directors ofthe tax authorities ofthe governments of Ecuador, Guatemala, Venezuela and Brazil.
    [Show full text]
  • Resource Unit VI, Grade Providence Social Studies Curriculum Project
    DOCUMENT RESUME ED 048 183 SP 007 070 TITLE Governmental Systems. Resource Unit VI, Grade Providence Social Studies Curriculum Project. INSTITUriCN Providence Puh?.ic Schools, R.I.;::.lode Island Coll., Providence. SPONS AGENCY Office of Education (FHFW), Wa:hington, L.C. Cooperative Research Program. REPORT NO CRP-6-1195 PUB DATE 68 NOTE 29p.; Part of a.:et of re ounce units and curriculum overviews for K-12 social studies EERS PRICE EDRS Price MF-D.65 LC -33. 29 DESCEIPTORS *Cur:.iculum Guides, Governmental Structure, *Grade 6, *Social. Studies, *Urban 'reaching IDENTIFIERS Africa, Latin America ABSTPACT GRADES Oh AGES: GJ:ade r. SUEJECT MA2T27,.: Social studies; government of Latin America and Africa. ChGANIZATION PHYSICAL APPEARNCF: The major portion of the guide, which develops the unit, is laid out in three columns, each one for topics, activities, and materials. Other sections are in list form. Tlie guiOe is mimeographed and staple-bound with a paper cover. OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES: General objectives for the unit are listed on the first page. Each group cf activities in the second column is related to a topic in the first column. 7.NSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Each group of materials listed in the third colucn Is related to one or more activities. In addition, two appendixes contain curriculum materials. STUDENT ASSESSMENT: A one-page section entitled "Evaluation" lists ideas students shor.ld understand and skills the should possess ty the end of the unit. OPTIONS: The guide is prescriptive Ls to course content and timing. Activities and materials ?isted are ontional. (PI) M co -1 oo c) PROVIDENCE SOCIAL STUDIES CURRICULUM PI:ZOJE CT 1 11.101.1 =1111 US DEPARTMENT OF 4IF ALTO", EDUCATION T WELFARE OFFICE OF EDUCATION THIS DOCUMENT PVLS SEEN REPRO GOVERNAENTAL SYSTE0 OUCH/ EXACTLY AS RECEIVED FROM THE PERSON OR ORGANIZATION ORIG IPLATING ITR')INTS CO VIEW OR OPiN RESOURCE UNIT VI IONS Ei AI SO CO NOT NECESSARILY PEPRESENT OFFIC,AL (IPEICE OF ECU CATION POSTUON OR POLICY GRADE G r2IrIODE ISLAND COLLEGE PROVIDENCE PUBLIC SCHOOLS RJ,VI - Gr.
    [Show full text]
  • Modern Moroccan Music Is a Westernized Version Driss Ridouani*
    Проблеми на постмодерността, Том II, Брой 1, 2012 Postmodernism problems, Volume 2, Number 1, 2012 Modern Moroccan Music is a Westernized Version Driss Ridouani* Abstract With the advancement of means of communication especially in the modern era, we have become more aware of the scope where nations constitute an ineluctable part system of the world at large. In fact, what is nowadays called individual societies and considered as independent entities do not exist any more for their local distinctive standard can be recognized only within the global framework. Hence, besieged and governed by mass media, the world at large has been transformed into what McLuhan cogently termed “Global Village”, paving the way for the expansion of foreign powers over the poor societies. In order to gain insight into an individual society, we would consider it as an integrated part of the global whole together with the external, say Western, factors that forcibly influence its fundamental principles. The scope of the impact is so wide and its nature is so various that it encompasses all nations together with their institutions. This paper is an attempt to investigate the way the cultural framework of Moroccan society is “Westernized”, drawing on the popular music and the changes that have shaped both its content and form. In the same vein, scholars of different interest and aim, chiefly Moroccan ones, underline the process of transformation that has been incessantly happening in popular music, pointing especially to the integration and assimilation of Western characteristics. Such a situation leads to a crucial question why Moroccan popular music has made room for external influences while sloughing off its originality and its essence.
    [Show full text]
  • General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade
    RESTRICTED GENERAL AGREEMENT ON L/1411/Add.1 TARIFFS AND TRADE 9 June 1961 Limited Distribution WORKING PARTY ON ACCESSION OF PORTUGAL Information on Portugal's Commercial Policy and Regulations Addendum 1. There are attached hereto the replies which the Portuguese delegation gave to supplementary questions put to it at meetings of the Working Party on the Accession of Portugal last February. The questions bear the numbers of the original questions in L/1411 to which they are related. 2. As promised to the Working Party the Portuguese delegation has submitted a number of amendments to replies contained in L/1411. These amendments are listed in Annex B hereto. L/1411/Add.1 Page 2 ANNEX A I. TARIFFS Question 2 The old Portuguese Customs Tariff had two columns: "maximum" and "minimum"duties. Does this two-column system still apply? Reply Yes. The "minimum" rates are applied to imports from countries with which Portugal has bilateral agreements: the "maximum" tariff to all others. In fact, the "minimum" tariff is applied to practically all imports. Question 3 The Portuguese representative announced that two new decree-laws, embodying some modifications in the tariffs, would be forwarded to the secretariat. Question 4 What is the "National Salvation Tax"? Reply This is a tax which was imposed at a time of financial difficulty and is still collected. II. PREFERETIAL ARRANGEMENTS Question 19 The Working Party heard statements by the Portuguese representative and the Deputy Executive Secretary on the arrangements which Portugal proposed to make with regard to its overseas provinces upon its accession to GATT.
    [Show full text]