The Guardian 15 March, 2006
Global briefs
PALESTINE: Last month a delegation of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine met with Hamas representatives to discuss the framework of the new Palestinian Government. The DFLP affirmed the importance of forming a national unity government based on "an agreement on common denominators regarding a political, social and security program". In a statement celebrating its 37th anniversary two days later, the DFLP stated, "The great majority of our people in the Gaza, the West Bank and Jerusalem voted in favour of change and against corruption, chaos and absolutism. All forces must respect the will of the people by demonstrating an open democratic attitude, far different from any monopolisation of power or replacement of one form of absolutism for another." The DFLP and the Palestinian People’s Party campaigned as part of a progressive coalition called The Alternative and won two seats in the legislative council.
FRANCE: In a move hailed by environmentalists and peace activists, the French Supreme Court ordered the decommissioned warship the Clemenceau, laden with asbestos and tonnes of toxic waste in her hulk, to turn away from Indian waters and head back to France. The ship was headed for an Indian shipyard where workers were to break it down and dispose of the waste. Initially both French and Indian Governments agreed on the deal, but Greenpeace and asbestos activists in both countries launched campaigns publicising the international scandal. A storm of protest in India and elsewhere arose over the transport of toxic waste across international waters, the dumping of the toxic chemicals in India and the refusal of the French Government to deal with its own hazardous waste. "This is a victory for international law, a victory for Indian workers, and a victory for workers all across Asia", said Pascal Husting, executive director of Greenpeace France.
SOUTH AFRICA: The ANC has won a resounding victory in the South African local elections, gaining two-thirds of the vote nation-wide — up seven percent on previous results. Congratulating the ANC, the South African Communist Party (SACP) said: "The people’s victory in these elections indicates very clearly that the people of our country still have confidence in the ANC-led government, contrary to what our enemies and detractors have been saying. The overwhelming victory of the ANC in these elections came as a result of mass work done by our movement, including SACP cadres who campaigned throughout the country including in the remotest rural areas. Now the real work starts, to realise the commitments we have made to our people. We expect all ANC councillors to abide by the oath they have taken to serve the people without any expectations of personal or material gain. We also expect ANC councillors to hold regular meetings to report back and take mandates from the communities they represent."