Europe Rejects US Push in Colombia
BRUSSELS — In an almost unanimous vote, the European Parliament has rejected the US-backed "Plan Colombia," saying it’s "not the product of a process of dialogue amongst the various partners in society," and "stepping up military involvement in the fight against drugs involves the risk of sparking off an escalation of the conflict in the region." It adds, "Military solutions cannot bring about lasting peace."  read more

Castro Assassination Plot Derailed

PANAMA CITY — Four Right-wing Cubans were arrested Nov. 17 after an alleged attempt to "eliminate" Fidel Castro during an Ibero-American Summit. But extradition is apt to be rejected, in part because Cuba has previously refused to send Panamanian criminals home. In general, Panama also refuses to extradite anyone who might face the death penalty if returned.

No firearms were found when the four were arrested, but a cache of plastic explosives was discovered a few days later, buried near the international airport. Panamanian authorities think the plot was to bomb Castro’s motorcade during a drive to an engagement at the University of Panama. Cuba suspects that the men, who had tens of thousands in cash, planned to shoot down Castro’s plane. read more

Boycott Hits World Bank Where It Hurts
SAN FRANCISCO– Following Berkeley and Oakland, CA, San Francisco recently became the third US city to pass a resolution agreeing not to invest in World Bank bonds. Similar initiatives are being pressed in Sacramento, Boulder, CO, and Madison, WI. The Communications Workers of America, United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America, and several socially responsible investment firms have also signed on. Students across the US and Canada are mobilizing on campuses. read more

UN Report Challenges WTO Agenda 

GENEVA — Calling the World Trade Organization (WTO) a "nightmare" for developing countries, a UN study team suggested in August that the trade group be brought under UN purview. In a report to the UN Sub-commission on Protection of Human Rights, the team also charged that the WTO’s rules are based "on grossly unfair and even prejudiced" assumptions.

Although the report echoes criticisms by anti-globalization groups, it rejects the idea of linking trade rules to human rights, labor, and environmental standards. Civil society groups in developing countries also oppose such linkages, arguing they would provide Western countries with an excuse to erect more trade barriers. If approved, the study, which examined the effects of globalization on human rights, will be presented to the UN Human Rights Commission during its annual session in Geneva next March. read more

Indigenous Promised a Stronger Voice 

NEW YORK — In less than a year, a new UN Forum on Indigenous Issues will begin providing a platform for the world’s indigenous peoples to air grievances on both old and pressing problems. Representing over 300 million people in more than 70 countries, the Forum will have 16 members, all appointed by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

According to the UN Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Populations, the Forum will enable such groups to "convey their positions on a broader spectrum of issues than is presently possible under the auspices of the Human Rights Commission." The issues to be addressed include human rights, social and sustainable development, health, the environment, education, culture, children, and gender. Currently, no UN body deals with indigenous issues in a comprehensive way. read more

UN Rethinks Failed Sanctions Policies
NEW YORK — UN attitudes concerning the use of comprehensive sanctions as a "big stick" diplomatic tool are beginning to change. "The humanitarian situation in Iraq poses a serious moral dilemma for this organization," UN Secretary General Kofi Annan told the Security Council in March. "The UN has always been on the side of the weak and vulnerable, and has sought to relieve suffering. Yet, here we are accused of causing suffering to an entire population."  read more