Global Notebook

Blocking the Free Trade Express
TORONTO — On Nov. 4, a banner was hung outside the Toronto Metro Convention Center, where Latin American trade ministers were meeting to discuss the southern expansion of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The protest, organized by the Native Forest Network, was one of hundreds of events around the world during an International Day of Education and Action expressing opposition to the World Trade Organization (WTO), expansion ofNAFTA, and a proposed Global Free Logging Agreement (GFLA). read more

Seeking Justice for the Slave Trade
ACCRA — Calling itself the African World Reparations and Repatriation Truth Commission, a group set up by the Organization of African Unity is demanding $777 trillion from Western Europe and the the Americas "in reparation for enslaving Africans while colonizing the continent." According to a declaration released in Ghana, the commission will use an international team of lawyers to collect the money.

Africa’s external debts would be wiped out as part of the package. The Accra Declaration argues that Europe, the Americas, and the Caribbean grew rich off the slave trade, while Africa shriveled economically. Development was further hampered by colonization — another form of slavery. read more

US Moves to Bottle African Lightning
LUANDA — In late July, the Clinton administration quietly agreed to resume military cooperation with Angola. According to an Angolan newspaper, the US will provide airspace control equipment, military training through a private contractor, and help in drafting a development plan. South Africa’s SAPA news agency adds that the US recently participated in military exercises with the Botswanan and South African armed forces.

These developments mark the emergence of a new and potentially risky US policy toward Africa – increased engagement, with an eye toward preventing conflicts from spreading. To this end, the administration appears willing to support Angola’s MPLA government, while abandoning the UNITA rebels it has long supported. Angola still receives aid from Russia, Cuba, and Libya. read more

Robertson Goes for the Gold

MONROVIA — Liberian President Charles Taylor is known for many things:  embezzling, escaping jail, abusing human rights, and starting a bloody civil war. Now he adds another line to his resume — Pat Robertson’s business partner. The TV preacher has struck a deal with Taylor that allows a Robertson-owned company to mine for gold in Liberia’s Bukon Jedeh region. Freedom Gold Ltd., which lists Robertson as president and sole director, was formed last December in the Cayman Islands. read more

Indonesia Plays the Autonomy Card

DILI – After 23 years of brutal Indonesian rule, President B.J. Habibie has offered East Timor independence if people reject autonomy in return for accepting Indonesia’s permanent sovereignty. The announcement, setting a July vote, took the international community by surprise. But rather than expressing relief, pro-independence supporters in East Timor remain skeptical.

After Habibie’s announcement, right-wing militia groups, armed by the military, led assaults on sympathizers of Falintil, the pro-independence guerrilla forces. Hundreds have died during recent attacks, and over 18,000 people have been displaced since last November. read more

Angola and Zambia Move Toward War

LUSAKA – A year ago, Zambia and Angola were whispering about war. Now theyre shouting, as Angola accuses its neighbor of helping to arm Jonas Savimbis UNITA rebel movement. In Lusaka, Zambias overcrowded capital, headlines about a possible invasion hit the streets every other day. One such story, which said Angolas military power is three times that of Zambias, led to the arrest of staff members at The Post and subsequent espionage charges. read more