World

Poll victory will test Alliance

Poll victory will test Alliance By Eva Cheng The November 27 poll in New Zealand gives the balance of power to the centre-left Alliance (which received 8% of the vote and will gain 10-11 seats, depending on the special votes). This will give this

Left loses in Uruguay

Left loses in Uruguay By Neville Spencer Jorge Batlle of the ruling Colorado Party was elected Uruguay's president in a second round run-off vote on November 28. The vote followed parliamentary and first round presidential elections held on

Battle over US community radio

By Lyn Gerry LOS ANGELES — Pacifica Radio, also known as "Free Speech Radio", was founded in 1948 by journalist Lewis Hill and a group of anarcho-pacifist war resisters who wanted to counter the rising repression and militarism of the Cold War.

Ireland's part in Fortress Europe

Ireland's part in Fortress Europe By Sinead Corcoran The Irish government has joined the ranks of those taking harsh action against refugees, enforcing draconian laws and planning to deport thousands of asylum seekers. Immigration became an issue

Korean union wins legal recognition

Korean union wins legal recognition SEOUL — On November 23, South Korea's Ministry of Labour finally accepted the "notification of the establishment of a trade union" submitted by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions. This follows four

UN sets up Timor administration

By Max Lane A formal administration of East Timor by the United Nations was established on November 27 when the UN Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) issued its first regulation. The regulation claimed "all legislative and executive

Mbeki calls for 'black capitalist class'

Mbeki calls for 'black capitalist class' By Norm Dixon South African President Thabo Mbeki told the annual conference of the Black Management Forum on November 20, "Because racism lives, the struggle continues. As part of the aim to eradicate

Kosova: colonialism, violence, partition

By Michael Karadjis According to the New York Times of November 14, "Serbia proper begins at the heavily guarded bridge ... in Kosovska Mitrovica, some 30 miles south of Kosovo's actual border with Serbia". The term "Serbia proper" means Serbia

Nigerian military on rampage in Niger delta

By Norm Dixon At least 43 people in Nigeria's oil-rich Niger delta region have been killed in the opening hours of an invasion by federal troops. The people of the delta have long demanded an end to the environmental and social vandalism caused by

Ecuador in crisis: popular forces organise

By Jorge Jorquera QUITO — On November 23, thousands of Amazonians marched and rode on horseback into Ecuador's capital, as part of a nationwide march "against being forgotten". Their principal demand was that US$2 from every barrel of oil

Sri Lankan left unites for election

Sri Lankan left unites for election The following is abridged from a statement issued Nava Sama Samaja Party (NSSP) of Sri Lanka on November 15. EEThe presidential election will be held on December 21. After severe defeats in the war against the

Indonesian generals unlikely to be punished for genocide

Following a fact-finding tour to East Timor, Indonesia's National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) has announced it will subpoena senior Indonesian generals, including General Wiranto, minister-coordinator for political and security affairs, to explain their involvement in the violence and human rights abuses in East Timor since January.