9-19-2006: Aztlannet_News Report

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9-19-2006: Aztlannet_News Report
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http://humane-rights-agenda.blogspot.com/2006/09/9-19-2006-aztlannetnews-report.html
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http://www.immigrantsolidarity.org/cgi-bin/datacgi/database.cgi?file=Issues&report=SingleArticle&ArticleID=0579

9/29-10/1: Border Summit of the Americas, Tucson, AZ
Released 16 September 2006
By Arizona Border Rights Foundation
For Immediate Release

Arizona Border Rights Foundation
Fundacin de Derechos Fronterizos de Arizona
P.O. Box 1286 Tucson, AZ 85702
Phone: (520) 770-1373 Fax: (520)770-7455

Contacts:
Derechos Humanos: 520-770-1373;
E-mail: kat@derechoshumanosaz.net

Mike Flores: 520-235-7599
E-mail: mmiranda@tocc.cc.az.us

Tohono Odham communities have gathered together in southern Arizona along with Derechos Humanos Coalition, American Indian Movement, International Indian Treaty Council and others to call for an urgent Border Summit of the Americas.

The summit will be held at the San Xavier District Cultural Center, Tucson, Arizona from September 29 through October 1, 2006. Campsite space and other nearby accommodations will be available. More detailed information will follow at later date. Mark your calendars now! Organizations are requested to send in a statement and or send a representative to the event.

The three day Border Summit will be facilitated with assistance from M.C., Dennis Banks, and Bill Means. Speakers on these and other concerns are yet to be confirmed. A Film 'Crossing Arizona' will be viewed on Saturday. Directed by Joseph Mathew and Dan De Vivo, is an up-to-the-moment look at the hotly debated issues of illegal immigration and border security on the US/Mexico border. Floyd Red Crow Westerman-artist, actor, and songwriter-will be on hand for an evening concert in solidarity with Nations along la Frontera!

Make your voices be heard!! Immigration policy proposals and homeland security have combined to create a volatile situation along U.S. international borders. Increased law enforcement and vigilantism along the U.S.-Mexico border, in particular, has sparked a wave of reactions across the United States, from massive demonstrations to calls for voter registration campaigns and targeted actions.

In addition, in the northern border, the Bush administration has initiated efforts to nullify the Jay Treaty, which recognizes the right of border passage to Indigenous Peoples. And, have also planned to introduce new legislation for new laws to require DNA tests to determine Indian blood. All of this is being done without consultation or informed consent by First Nations peoples, and in violation of their treaty rights.

Coupled with the failure of both political parties in the U.S. to address the critical issues specifically confronting Indigenous communities today along its border, and by abandoning any meaningful legislation in this pre-election period, is cause for major concern. There is increasing urgency for Indian communities along the border(s) to address U.S. border enforcement policy. Recent legislative proposals affecting immigration, increased militarization of the border and the rise of private militias along the border(s) have created volatile and dangerous environments for American Indian border communities. Each day the likelihood of conflict and violence is increasing.

Many deaths and injuries have occurred, and many of these deaths are of Indian people from Mexico, Central and South America. This Border Summit of affected communities will provide an important opportunity to document current community experiences with border enforcement activities, identify and discuss issues and explore potential responses. An opportunity to invite the participation of Indigenous peoples from Central and South America, many times victims of U.S. immigration prison camps, threats and intimidation is extended to share their perspectives and recommendations for broad networking to help achieve a common goal.

The Border Summit of the Americas will also explore its future participation in the international arena with the newly created discussions at the UN to establish a Permanent Forum on Migration and Development, as a result of the impact of globalization on society. The Permanent Forum will also serve to gauge the progress of the Millennium Development Goals set by the United Nations in 2000.

Let's not let the southern desert of the southwestern U.S. become another military strategic post for maneuvers similar to what is being witnessed in Iraq and Afghanistan. For the 25 tribes along the northern and southern U.S. borders, these changes in border security practices have had a dramatic effect.

Currently more than half of the apprehensions are made in Arizona, where just a fraction of the migrants used to cross. At present at least eight tribes/nations on the U.S./Mexico border between California and Texas are directly affected by migrations across their reservation lands; the Kumeyaay, Cocopah, Tohono Odham, Yaqui, Gila River, Pima, Yavapai, Ysleta del Sur (Tigua) and Kickapoo nations.

Issues to be discussed include: environmental threats, human rights violations, cultural rights, treaty rights, and sovereignty for Indigenous peoples and Nations, in particular those divided by international borders between Canada and the United States and Mexico and the United States.

The outcome of the Border Summit will be the development of recommendations for border tribal governments and other affected parties to communicate with local, state and national as well as international bodies. This effort lays the groundwork for non-violence on Indian land and a more secure border.

Donations for the summit can be sent to: C/O Arizona Border Rights Foundation, P.O. Box 1286, Tucson, AZ 85702, a 501(c)3 organization.

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http://www.11alive.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=84874

9/18/2006
Latinos Challenge Perdue Statements
Reported By: Denis O'Hayer

Immigration will be a hot issue right up to Election Day. On Monday afternoon, Latino and civil rights leaders announced they will stage an immigrants’ rights march in Downtown Atlanta on September 30 at Noon. Marchers will gather at Centennial Olympic Park and head to the State Capitol.

Norma says her health is fragile. “Mi estado de salud ahorita es delicado,” Norma said.

She's been in the United States without papers for six years. But she joined community leaders at the Capitol, because she needs dialysis for kidney problems she developed four years ago. When Gov. Perdue lined up Georgia's Medicaid rules with federal law, Norma could not get coverage, though she said her husband pays taxes at work.

“Es una vida que depende de eso,” said Norma. “There's a life at stake here,” she said. “My life depends on the dialysis. It's something I don't understand. We're not criminals.”

Latino leaders want Perdue to retract what he said September 6, when he announced a crackdown on false documents at drivers' license offices.

“It is simply unacceptable for people to sneak into this country illegally on Thursday; obtain a government-issued ID on Friday; head for the welfare office on Monday; and go to vote on Tuesday,” Perdue said then.

In a letter, community leaders charged the governor and other candidates made Latinos "scapegoats on whose back these candidates hope to ride to electoral victory."

“Many of these brothers and sisters are better citizens than some of those who are engaging in ridicule and demeaning,” said Rev. Dr. Joseph Lowery of the Coalition for the People’s Agenda.

Perdue says he will not retract the statement.

“They essentially want me to apologize for illegal immigrants? No,” Perdue said.

Both sides expect the march will be just a prelude, both to more election year debates about it before November, and more legislation about immigration when lawmakers come back to the capitol in January.

Asked about the charge that he's using Latinos as election-year targets, Perdue said simply, "I disagree."

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http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/elections/article/0,2808,DRMN_24736_5002086,00.html

September 18, 2006
Poll: Immigration top issue
Majority of voters back 'tough but fair' path to citizenship
By Myung Oak Kim, Rocky Mountain News

Nearly two of every three Colorado voters think illegal immigrants should be allowed to become U.S. citizens if they pay taxes, learn English and meet other requirements, according to a new Rocky Mountain News/CBS 4 poll. Only 15 percent of those polled favor mass deportations.

"People want to be tough but fair," said pollster Lori Weigel. "It's like many issues. You tend to hear from extremes on both ends. Clearly, this data indicate that there's a silent majority that is supportive of a more middle-ground approach."

A top concern: Still, the poll found that illegal immigration remains a top concern among the state's voters and will be a key issue in the governor's race.

The poll respondents cited illegal immigration and the economy as their biggest concerns. And those most worried about immigration heavily favor Republican candidate Bob Beauprez over Democrat Bill Ritter, by a margin of 36 percentage points. Based on the poll results, Beauprez will clearly want to focus his campaign on immigration, said political consultant David Kenney.

"It'll be interesting to see how he takes advantage of it, though. At the same time he raises it, he'll have to defend his record in Congress on this issue."

The immigration issue is expected to dominate the political agenda, at least for the near future.

"Voters clearly see that there's more to do on this issue," said Kenney.

Nearly half of the likely voters polled last week said illegal immigration hurts the state more than it helps. But 61 percent said they support an earned citizenship approach, allowing illegal immigrants to stay in the country and eventually become citizens if they meet certain requirements.

The poll findings are based on statewide telephone interviews of 500 registered voters who said they are likely to vote in November. It was conducted Sept. 10 through Sept. 12 by Weigel of Public Opinion Strategies, a firm that generally polls for Republican candidates. Kenney of The Kenney Group, a firm that typically works with Democratic candidates, consulted on the questionnaire and the analysis.

The sample has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.38 percentage points.

Rash of legislation: The illegal immigration issue exploded in Colorado early this year and has not calmed since.

Concern over reform proposals in Congress prompted two of the largest marches ever seen in Denver. An estimated 50,000 immigrants and their supporters marched to Civic Center Park on March 25 and about 75,000 marched on May 1.

Gov. Bill Owens called a special legislative session on immigration after the state Supreme Court disqualified a proposed ballot measure known as Initiative 55, which sought to deny government services to illegal immigrants. Owens accused the court of playing politics and dragging its feet on the decision.

During a five-day special session in July, state lawmakers passed a package of bills, including the landmark House Bill 1023, which requires government agencies to go through a three-step verification process to ensure that applicants for many government benefits are here legally. It is considered one of the toughest anti-illegal immigration laws in the country.

Since spring, state lawmakers passed an unprecedented 17 immigration laws. Pro-immigrant activists are closely watching the impact of Senate Bill 90, which, among other things, directs law enforcement to notify immigration agents after most arrests of suspected illegal immigrants.

Last week's poll indicates that illegal immigration hits home most among Republicans. Thirty-one percent of Republicans said illegal immigration would be the most important issue in their vote for governor, compared will 8 percent of Democrats and 19 percent of independents.

Ed Marynowski, 51, of Colorado Springs, chose illegal immigration as his top issue because "it's destroying our economy."

Marynowski wants the government to enforce existing laws on immigration, target employers and create ways to deter illegal immigrants from entering the country. He said he favors Republicans on this issue because "they have a stronger stance."

The typical voter who listed illegal immigration as the top issue this election is a suburban, white, Republican man without a college degree.

The issue also resonates among Hispanic voters. Of those polled, 15 percent said illegal immigration is their top concern. Overall, it ranked third among Hispanics, behind health care and education.

Little impact from laws seen: While a wide range of voters want government to take more action on the immigration problem, they are not impressed with the laws passed by the legislature during the July special session. Three of four voters polled said they believe the laws will have little or no impact on the illegal immigration problem a year from now.

Robert Pollock, 69, of Loveland, said immigration is "primarily a federal responsibility."

"That problem belongs to George Bush and he's proven that he can't protect the border. It's a federal problem and the federal government should fix it."

Anti-illegal immigrant activist Fred Elbel, co-chairman of Defend Colorado Now, said the lack of confidence in the new state laws is tied to frustration over perceived inaction in Washington.

"People in general have seen the failings at the federal level," Elbel said. "Laws are on the books but they are not enforced. People are generally anticipating the same failure to enforce our laws at the state level."

But pro-immigrant activist Fidel "Butch" Montoya said the new laws already are having a devastating effect on the economy and cited recent reports that farmers are losing millions of dollars because they don't have enough workers to harvest their crops.
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kimm@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-2361

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http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/local/article/0,1299,DRMN_15_5002033,00.html

September 18, 2006
Immigrant-rights activists refocus
Plans for another march dropped for mini-rally, info day
By Myung Oak Kim, Rocky Mountain News

Local immigrant-rights activists have dropped the idea of a Sept. 30 march and are planning instead to host a mini-rally and informational event that day. But it's still not clear where it will be held or who the main organizers are.

A spokeswoman for Service Employees International Union Local 105 said she was told the event would be at Columbus Park in Northwest Denver, a site many in the Hispanic community call La Raza Park. An SEIU employee and immigrant activist has taken out a permit for a civic-engagement event at Columbus Park at West 38th Avenue and Navajo Street, a spokeswoman for Denver Parks and Recreation said Friday.

Others in the immigrant-activist community say the event could happen at Sunken Gardens Park at West Eighth Avenue and Elati Street in Denver.

Organizer Jennifer Herrera said organizers dropped the idea of a march in favor of a more practical affair at which immigrants could connect with people who can help them register to vote, apply for citizenship and similar civic activities. They decided that approach was "what is actually needed at this time" especially in light of the upcoming election, she said.

"We hear the call in the community for a desire for more information," Herrera said. "That's the focus now."

Pro-immigrant marches held since Labor Day weekend in a handful of other cities produced disappointing turnouts. Recent voter registration drives in Hispanic communities have not seen much success. But some local groups, including the Colorado Progressive Coalition, still plan to push for better voter turnout among already registered voters in Hispanic and other minority communities.

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http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060918/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/venezuela_iran_4

Mon Sep 18, 2006 AM ET
Iran leader visits 'brother' Hugo Chavez
By FABIOLA SANCHEZ, Associated Press Writer

CARACAS, Venezuela - Iran's president praised Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez for his firm opposition to the United States on Sunday, promising to deepen an alliance that is helping Tehran fight U.S. moves to rein in its nuclear program.

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said the United States represents "the tyrants of the world today" and called Chavez "my brother" and "the champion, the leader of the struggle against imperialism."

The two leaders met as both were preparing to travel to New York for this week's U.N. General Assembly.

"We have thoughts, objectives and interests in common," Ahmadinejad said. "We must be united to be able to make these ideas reality with the aim of achieving justice and peace."

Venezuelan and Iranian officials signed a series of accords, including agreements for Tehran to help Venezuela develop oil fields. The governments plan to build factories to produce everything from bricks to bicycles, and have agreed to set up a $2 billion investment fund.

Chavez and Ahmadinejad spoke through a live television link with Iranian businessmen who are helping build a $250 million cement plant in the eastern state of Monagas. They also watched as a Venezuelan Muslim knelt and prayed in a new mosque opened at a joint petrochemical plant.
Ahmadinejad's presence outraged a local Jewish group, which objected to the visit by a leader who has called for Israel's destruction.

Chavez accused the United States of trying to "demonize" the Muslim world.

He honored the Iranian leader with a medal and demanded that the U.S. destroy its own nuclear arsenal instead of harassing Iran about a nuclear program that he said is purely for producing electricity.

"Iran is not making an atomic bomb," Chavez said. "The ones that have many atomic bombs, and I repeat, many, are precisely the U.S. imperialists and their allies in the world."

Iran insists its nuclear research is aimed solely at peaceful uses despite concerns among U.S. and European governments that it could be trying to develop nuclear weapons.

"I salute all the revolutionaries who oppose world hegemony," Ahmadinejad said through an interpreter, apparently referring to the United States.

Ahmadinejad and other Middle Eastern leaders are backing Venezuela's bid for a U.N. Security Council seat, which would give Chavez a platform to battle a U.S. drive for sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program.

Chavez said the U.S. government "is afraid of Venezuela's voice on the Security Council. They're afraid of our voice, our presence."

The U.S. has sought to block Venezuela's attempt to win the Security Council seat, supporting Guatemala instead ahead of a secret-ballot vote next month. Chavez reiterated his complaint that U.S. officials had not granted visas for members of his security detail and his doctors to travel with him to the United Nations.

"If what they want is for me not to go, I may just appear and go out walking on the streets of New York. Maybe I'll go to the barrios of New York, the poor barrios."

Chavez accuses Washington of using the nuclear issue as a pretext to justify an attack on a regime it opposes, and he promises to stand with Iran.

Chavez said the two governments — both major oil exporters — approved 34 cooperation accords in all including ones to restore a shipyard and build factories for petrochemicals, cement, gunpowder, small airplanes and cars. The two leaders plan to visit an oil field on Monday for a ceremony marking the start of joint drilling. They also plan a tour to a joint-venture tractor-assembly factory.

A leading Jewish group, the Venezuelan Confederation of Israeli Associations, expressed discomfort over the visit by a leader who has called for Israel's destruction. Freddy Pressner, president of the Venezuelan Confederation of Israeli Associations, expressed outrage over Ahmadinejad's visit.

"We can't be pleased or satisfied with the presence of someone who has said publicly that one solution (to the Mideast conflict) is the destruction of the state of Israel."

Jewish leaders spoke at a seminar where some expressed concerns about anti-Semitic incidents including graffiti spray-painted on a synagogue and recent newspaper cartoons and headlines deemed offensive. The Venezuelan government says its critical stance against Israel and close ties with Iran are not linked to its relations with Jews, which it says remain open and positive.

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http://www.granma.cu/ingles/2006/septiembre/domin17/39clausura-i.html

Havana. September 17, 2006
Maturity achieved by NAM key to success of 14th Summit
• Affirms Cuban First Vice President Raúl Castro on closing the high-level conference

BY NIDIA DIAZ AND ELSA CLARO —Granma International staff writers—

THE 14th Non-Aligned Movement Summit was closed this Sunday at 1:05 am and, as Cuban First Vice President Raúl Castro stated in his final comments, its results were fruit of the collective work of its participants and an example of the maturity the NAM has achieved during its 45 years of existence.

“We are convinced,” he said, “that the documents and decisions adopted here will serve in the months and years to come for the Movement to be capable of a decisive influence in the discussion and solution of the principal challenges posed to humanity and, in particular, to the peoples of the South.

In his words he expressed thanks for the active participation and valuable contributions of the high number of heads of state and government and other leaders of the nations of the Movement that made the positive results achieved possible.

At the same time, on behalf of the Cuban people and government and, very especially, President Fidel Castro, he offered those present his most sincere gratitude for their support and valuable contribution to its successful outcome.

DOCUMENTS APPROVED: Raúl explained during the final session that “important documents and initiatives were approved, including the reaffirmation of the positions of the Non-Aligned Movement countries on the principal political, economic and social issues of our time and the most significant regional and sub-regional problems for our countries.”

Approval was also given to the Havana Declaration that contains the aims and principles and role of the NAM in the present international juncture, and which, the Cuban leader added, “offers a framework of solid action based on the regulations that must guide international relations in order to achieve a more just and equitable world.”

NAM solidarity with the cause of the Palestinian people was another of the resolutions approved at a time when, as Raúl said, that people “is more in need of it than at any other time given the difficult conditions of constant aggression in which they are living.”

In their totality, he noted, “the positions and initiatives considered by the Summit confirm the identity, raison d’être and validity of the Non-Aligned Movement and will allow us to take a step forward in what constitutes our common objective and undertaking: its revitalization in such a way that it can fulfill its role in international relations derived not only from its current membership of 118 nations, but of our history of struggle in favor of the most just causes.”

During his brief closing speech the Cuban vice president referred to the international situation and the enormous challenges that confront the nations of the Third World and that are related to the use of force, threats, coercion and violation of the principles of international law. In a similar way, underdevelopment, poverty, marginalization, hunger and illiteracy, the proliferation of preventable diseases, environmental deterioration and the squandering of the planet’s resources are constants that are degrading the life of our peoples.

REGIONAL GROUPS SPEAK: The final segment of this second and last working day of the leaders’ summit began with speeches from representatives of regional groups. The first to take the floor was Robert Mugabe, president of Zimbabwe who, in the name of Africa, thanked the Cuban people and government for their hospitality and organization of the event.

He expressed the absolute confidence of the African nations in Cuba’s leadership of the Movement and reiterated his conviction that when this troika is ended and we arrive in Egypt, the next summit venue, we will have recovered the role that the Movement had one day in international relations and the much desired revitalization will be a fact.

We all consider, said Mugabe, that this Summit has been one of the best, while asking for the transmission of “our extremely warm message to brother Fidel for his prompt recovery.”

The president of the Maldives spoke in the name of Asia and reiterated former comments in terms of the success of the Summit and the confidence of his regional group in the new presidency of the Movement, convinced that the road undertaken by the Malaysia will be continued.

“We have more than enough reasons to feel hopeful of the Movement’s future,” he added, while asking for Fidel to be informed of “how much we have missed him.”

Latin America and the Caribbean spoke in the voice of Ralph Goncalves, president of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, who recalled that the Cuban Revolution is already 47 years old and the NAM 45. In that context, he said, “we are confident that in the next three years the experience of both in terms of the revitalization and consolidation of the grouping will be combined.”

In his view Cuba and the troika – Malaysia, Cuba and Egypt – cannot work on alone, that they need the support of everyone to take their mandate to a happy end.

The NAM Summit in Havana was made up of 118 nations – with the addition of Haiti and Saint Kitts and Nevis – 56 of which were represented 56 heads of state and government and by 90 foreign ministers.

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http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060918/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/mexico_election_conflict

Sun Sep 17, 2006 PM ET
Mexico's 'parallel' gov't in question
By LISA J. ADAMS, Associated Press Writer

MEXICO CITY - Now that Mexican leftists have acclaimed defeated candidate Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador president of a parallel government, the question is will they settle into the role of a normal democratic opposition or try to press their agenda through more militant resistance.

Lopez Obrador, who lost the July 2 presidential election by 234,000 votes to conservative Felipe Calderon, led a massive protest for seven weeks with followers camped out in the center of Mexico City clogging the heart of the capital to demand a full vote recount.

The protest culminated in a self-styled convention of delegates who packed central Zocalo plaza Saturday night and voted by a show of hands to form a parallel government with a Cabinet and plans to swear in Lopez Obrador as president on Nov. 20.

Lopez Obrador, who championed the rights of the poor during his campaign, said Saturday the parallel government will work on proposals to rewrite Mexico's constitution to guarantee the right to food, work, health care, education and housing while overhauling "corrupt" public institutions.

Saturday's mass convention held back from vowing to pay taxes to the parallel government or break existing laws. But it pledged to wage a campaign of peaceful resistance to undermine Calderon at every turn during the single six-year term allowed by Mexico's constitution.

At least one Lopez Obrador aide, former Congressman Jose Agustin Ortiz Pinchetti, said, however, no one was "calling for an insurrection" to topple the government.

But it was still unclear how Lopez Obrador planned to implement his "parallel government" policies or what impact it would have. He has said his alternative government will be "itinerant" — traveling around the country to touch base with supporters outside of Mexico City but based somewhere in the capital.

Mexico expert George Grayson of the College of William & Mary in Virginia said he expects President-elect Calderon to promote his own platform of social programs to tackle poverty and inequality.

Grayson said the movement could be a positive influence if it "keeps the elite's feet to the fire" while funneling its ideas to the congressmen and senators of Lopez Obrador's leftist Democratic Revolution Party, now the second-strongest force in Congress.

"The problem is if they become frustrated and resort to militant resistance," Grayson said. That could again result in widespread street protests, the blockade of government offices — or even worse — disruptive attacks on the capital's infrastructure, such as its water system or electric grid. “I just hope he maintains restraint," Grayson added.

Recent political polls have shown declining support for Lopez Obrador and some analysts say that raises questions about what his movement can achieve. Some analysts say the chances are slim that Lopez Obrador can launch a radical opposition government.

The former Mexico City mayor claims a broad conspiracy of business leaders cheated him out of an election victory. Calderon will be sworn in on Dec. 1 as President Vicente Fox's successor.

Dozens of world leaders, including President Bush and Argentine President Nestor Kirchner — have recognized the victory and promised to work with Calderon as Mexico's new chief executive.

But Lopez Obrador has refused to back down from his claim that he is the country's rightful leader.

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http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060915/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/nonaligned_summit_23

Friday, September 15, 2006
Cuba takes over leadership of movement
By VANESSA ARRINGTON, Associated Press Writer

HAVANA - Fidel Castro's brother stood in for him as Cuba took over the leadership of the Nonaligned Movement on Friday, but a top official didn't rule out the possibility the ailing revolutionary might still appear at the meeting.

After acknowledging his brother's illness, Raul Castro launched a stream of anti-American rhetoric in his inaugural speech, saying the world today is shaped by the United States' "irrational pretentions for world dominance."

"When there no longer is a Cold War, the United States spends $1 billion a year in weapons and soldiers and it squanders a similar amount in commercial publicity," he said. "To think that a social and economic order that has proven unsustainable could be maintained by force is simply an absurd idea."

Raul Castro earlier accepted Cuba's three-year chairmanship of the Nonaligned Movement to a round of applause by leaders from two-thirds of the world's nations, saying "Comrade Fidel has asked that I transmit to you his most cordial greetings."

But while Castro is under doctors' orders not to preside at the summit, the iconic leader could make an appearance, Cuba's foreign minister told the assembly.

"Despite the rigor and will with which he pursues his treatment and physical therapy, the doctors have insisted that he continue to rest," Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque said. "His health improves continually and his convalescence is satisfactory."

Many are wondering whether the 80-year-old Castro, a living symbol of revolution for many in the developing world, will be able to guide the group formed during the Cold War in its search for relevance in this era of globalization.

And in the United States, the Bush administration has tried to hasten the end of the Castro brothers' rule. On Friday, it proposed that Cubans hold a referendum to decide if they want to be ruled by Raul Castro — a suggestion certain to be rejected by the island's communist leadership. There was no immediate mention of the U.S. proposal at the summit.

Fidel Castro temporarily ceded Cuba's leadership to his 75-year-old brother and a handful of other top officials after emergency intestinal surgery in July. He's remained out of sight this week, appearing only in photos and video in state media, wearing pajamas in meetings with his close friend Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

Chavez, who like Fidel is famous for giving long speeches, spoke well beyond his allotted time, saying that because the ailing Castro wasn't there, he would take that liberty. It was the second such statement in as many days by Chavez, who has moved forcefully to assert himself as an heir to the ailing Cuban leader. "Homeland or Death, We will overcome!" he thundered, echoing Fidel's favorite slogan.

Chavez also upstaged Raul Castro at a side meeting of the "Group of 15" developing nations while pledging Venezuela's support for Iran if it is invaded because of its nuclear dispute with the U.N. Security Council. "Iran is under threat; there are plans to invade Iran. Hopefully it won't happen, but we are with you," Chavez told Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

"Under any scenario, we are with you just like we are with Cuba," Chavez told Ahmadinejad. "If the United States invades Cuba, blood will run. ... We will not have our arms crossed while bombs are falling in Havana or they carry Raul off in a plane."

It was not clear what Chavez would do for Iran. He's previously vowed to cut off Venezuelan oil supplies to the U.S. if it invades Cuba.

Ahmadinejad told the assembly Friday that "Cuba's fight for liberation from imperialism has been a source of inspiration for the world's peoples."

The Nonaligned Movement was formed during the Cold War to establish a neutral third path in a world divided by allegiances to the United States and the Soviet Union. It now counts 118 members with the addition of Caribbean nations Haiti and St. Kitts this week.

Chavez has been outspoken in advance of next week's U.N. General Assembly session in New York, where nations will debate Iran's nuclear ambitions and Venezuela's campaign for a security council seat.

But Raul Castro also spoke forcefully Friday, urging the gathered developing nations to unite against "unacceptable acts of aggression essentially motivated by the insatiable appetite for strategic recourses."

"With regard to international relations we are not the decisive force that we could be," he said. "The Nonaligned Movement now has to wage courageous battles against unilateralism, double standards, and the impunity granted to those in power, for a fairer and more equal international order."

Annan said the world has changed dramatically since Cuba last hosted the movement 27 years ago, and that developing nations have new responsibilities and opportunities to promote democracy, protect human rights and develop a civil society.

"The collective mission of this movement is more relevant than ever," Annan said.

The United States declined an invitation to attend, and said it would have no comment on the proceedings.

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http://www.pww.org/article/articleview/9796/1/339/

09/14/06 13:39
Latino leaders push voter turnout
Author: Pepe Lozano
Email: plozano@pww.org

See Picture @ websource:
Rosalío Muñoz, representing Latinos for Peace in Los Angeles, described the Sept. 6-10 National Latino Congress as “a fabulous meeting of delegates from all over the country with strong working-class participation and a progressive program for the future. The immigrant rights marches have linked us together and now the challenge is to fight on the issues. If we’re going to move from the defensive to the offensive we have to work to get out the vote in order to change Congress in November. Then we could move forward.” Oscar Hidalgo/AP

LOS ANGELES — Dubbed as the first comprehensive gathering of Latino leaders since the civil rights movement of the 1960s and ’70s, over 3,000 participants assembled here Sept. 6-10 at the National Latino Congreso.

Antonio González, president of the Southwest Voter Registration Educational Project, cited a need “to unite across regions and reinvent the basic principles of unity in the Latino community.”

“The Congreso is going to be acting this week against the ugliness of the right wing,” added John Trasviña, interim president of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund.

The event, held at the downtown Sheraton Hotel, brought together people from the Latino, African American, Asian Pacific Islander, and Native American movements as well as other allies to develop a new direction for Latinos.

Union representatives and workers, business leaders, community development workers, members of nonprofit and religious groups, students and elected officials met to create a national policy platform and action-oriented agenda. There was a high presence of youth and students from the Los Angeles area.

Sponsors included the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, the National Hispanic Environmental Council, the National Alliance of Latin American and Caribbean Communities, and Earth Day Network.

Delegates at daily plenary sessions passed over 70 resolutions, including support for a moratorium on deportations of immigrants, voting rights, election reform, immigrant rights, LGBT rights, the Employee Free Choice Act, increasing the minimum wage, social justice and economic equality and mass voter mobilization drives to make an impact on Nov. 7.

Irma Palacios, national field director of People for the American Way, charged, “States are taking systematic steps to deny the vote to our communities and it does not matter how many of us there are unless we show our strength on Election Day.”

Delegates also called for Latino and African American unity, environmental health, action on global warming, labor rights, peace and ending the war in Iraq.

A resolution calling for ending the U.S. blockade of Cuba was also endorsed.

A speaker in the workshop on LGBT rights highlighted a sentiment running throughout the Congress, declaring, “Todos somos familia” (We are all family).

“Building interracial dialogue is very positive” Kent Wong, a featured speaker at a forum called “Ethnic politics in America: allies or competitors,” told the World. “Questions that confront the Latino community affect all of us.” Wong, director of the UCLA Labor Center, added, “There has to be a coalition” between communities. “Winning electoral campaigns depends on it.”

Many workshops included both Latino activists and a multiracial array of experts in many subjects, including Judith Le Blanc, a Native American Indian who is co-chair of United for Peace and Justice, the largest national peace and justice coalition.

Bernardo Álvarez Herrera, Venezuela’s ambassador to the U.S., spoke at a workshop on social movements and progressive politics in Latin America.

The immigration issue is the most important struggle right now, said Jessica Martínez, 16, state youth director of the League of United Latin American Citizens. Martínez, a high school student from Las Cruces, N.M., hopes to “promote youth getting involved early, to be educated and to let high school students know they have opportunities.”

Linda Chávez-Thompson, executive vice president of the AFL-CIO, agreed. “We don’t do enough to educate young people to become active,” she told the World.

Speaking to the Congress, Chávez-Thompson called for increasing income for Latinos and closing the economic gaps. She said the country needs higher, livable wages for workers and “affordable health care for everybody, not just the wealthy.” She also emphasized “protection and safety rights for women workers.”

Seven-year-old Saúl Arellano traveled to the Congress from Chicago in support of his mother, an undocumented worker, who has taken sanctuary in a church there. Saúl said he hopes that his mother, Elvira Arellano, will not be deported to Mexico. Recognizing his courage, the assembly gave him a standing ovation.

Cecilia Muñoz of the National Council of La Raza warned that the Republican leadership in Congress is poised to try to push through repressive legislation in piecemeal fashion in the next several weeks.

“We need to put the idea of sanctuary on our agenda,” said United Farm Workers Union co-founder Dolores Huerta. “Free trade agreements are putting people out of work.” She added, “We have got to organize our strength and march between now and Election Day.” Immigrants, she said, could help with a commitment of their time. “They could knock doors,” she suggested. “We’re talking about life and death here for many families.”

Other speakers included Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa; Speaker of the California State Assembly Fabián Nuñez; State Treasurer Phil Angelides, candidate for governor of California; and María Elena Durazo, executive secretary-treasurer of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor.

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http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/americas/09/14/mexico.holiday.conflict.ap/index.html

September 14, 2006
Mexican president moves Independence Day celebration

MEXICO CITY, Mexico (AP) -- Mexican President Vicente Fox backed away from another showdown with leftist Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Thursday, announcing that he wouldn't hold his annual Independence Day celebration in the capital's main Zocalo square to avoid protesters.

Lopez Obrador and his supporters had vowed to upstage Fox by refusing to take part in Friday's annual salute of "Viva Mexico!" delivered each year by the president. They are planning to take over the Zocalo for their own celebration, and some had feared clashes if pro-government revelers showed up.

Fox will move his ceremony to the small, central town of Dolores Hidalgo, 170 miles (270 kilometers) northwest of Mexico City, where Roman Catholic priest Miguel Hidalgo launched the first call for independence from Spain in 1810. The town is located in Fox's home state of Guanajuato, a bastion of support for his conservative National Action Party. Interior Secretary Carlos Abascal made the announcement shortly after the Senate voted unanimously to recommend that Fox not travel to the Zocalo.

The last president to hold Independence Day celebrations in Dolores Hidalgo was Carlos Salinas in 1994.

The announcement resolved the latest standoff between Fox and Lopez Obrador. On September 1, lawmakers from Lopez Obrador's party seized Congress, blocking Fox from giving his last state-of-the-nation address.

Lopez Obrador's supporters have been camped out in the Zocalo for weeks. They have refused to recognize President-elect Felipe Calderon's slim victory over Lopez Obrador, and said they will do everything to keep the ruling party from holding power.

Calderon, of National Action, is scheduled to take office on December 1. Lopez Obrador, one of Fox's biggest critics, claims the July 2 election was marred by fraud and illegal government spending.

Traditionally, tens of thousands of Mexicans kick off their Independence Day celebrations with a visit to the Zocalo -- an enormous plaza that houses the National Palace, City Hall, the metropolitan cathedral, and a football field-sized Mexican flag.

Lights fashioned in the shape of the nation's independence heroes are draped over the imposing cement colonial building facades, and the square is filled with people wielding miniature green-white-and-red Mexican flags, enormous straw sombreros and aerosol cans of foam and confetti.
Abascal said this year's celebration will be led by Mexico City Mayor Alejandro Encinas, of Lopez Obrador's Democratic Revolution Party.

The protesters did give Fox's government one concession. They agreed to move protest camps from the Zocalo and the upscale Reforma Avenue, allowing a massive military parade to follow its traditional route on Saturday. Immediately following the parade, however, they will retake the plaza to stage a "National Democratic Convention" in which they could "elect" Lopez Obrador as president of a parallel government.

Earlier this week, Fox's spokesman had said the president wouldn't back down. "The president will be there, fulfilling his responsibility as head of state," Ruben Aguilar said.

Some had worried the standoff would bring violence on a day when the country usually unites.

"It's going to be rough," Fabiola Loyo, 38, a housewife and Calderon supporter, said before Fox announced he was moving the ceremony.

There has been no bloodshed since Lopez Obrador began his massive street protests in July to call for a total recount of the election -- a petition Mexico's top electoral court rejected. And the former Mexico City mayor insists his movement will remain peaceful.

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Liberation Now!!!
Peter S. Lopez ~aka Peta de Aztlan
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