It appears that John Manley, president and CEO of the Business Council of Canada and the Liberal’s Minister of Foreign Trade from 2000 to 2002, is channeling both Stephen Harper and Justin Trudeau.
Manley has written an opinion piece for iPolitics in which he argues there is nothing wrong with the deal which will see Canada sell Saudi Arabia billions of dollars worth of light armoured vehicles.
One of the main reasons, he points out, is that the light armored vehicles the Saudis will receive from General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada, are not the type of “equipment that can be used in torture or persecution of women. We are selling military vehicles — basically fancy trucks.”
General Dynamics Land Systems- Canada is not providing specific details about the breakdown of the LAV order, which has financial backing of the government of Canada. But defence industry sources say Saudi Arabia will acquire different versions of the upgraded LAV-III, outfitted with a variety of weapon systems. One of the subcontracts already made public for the Saudi deal is for a 105mm gun system.
The decision to go for a variety of weapon systems follows the pattern of previous Saudi purchases of Canadian LAVs.
Jane’s, the defense publication in the United Kingdom, noted Saudi Arabia already has a fleet of more than 1,400 light armoured vehicles purchased from General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada. They were produced in a variety of versions: some are designed as armoured ambulances while others are outfitted with 25mm cannons or a 90mm gun. Other versions carry 120mm mortars.
It appears from videos and photos that the versions of the Canadian LAVs that Saudi Arabia used when it helped Bahrain crush pro-democracy protests in 2011 were largely equipped with 90mm guns. The Saudis stationed their vehicles and troops at key locations throughout the country, protecting government buildings for instance.
That in turn freed up Bahrain’s security forces to crack down on the protesters and conduct mass arrests. The Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry determined that many detainees arrested by security forces were subjected to torture.
Manley’s reasoning on the light armoured vehicles is similar to both Harper and Trudeau.
In October, Harper, under fire for the deal with Saudi Arabia, a high profile abuser of human rights, tried to position the deal in a more benign way. “Let’s be clear what this contract is – it’s not an arms contract,” Harper told a radio station in London, Ont. “It’s actually for military transport vehicles.”
Sunday, 24 April 2016
John Manley thinks an armored vehicle with a 105 mm gun is just a “fancy truck”
DAVID PUGLIESE, OTTAWA CITIZEN
It appears that John Manley, president and CEO of the Business Council of Canada and the Liberal’s Minister of Foreign Trade from 2000 to 2002, is channeling both Stephen Harper and Justin Trudeau.
Manley has written an opinion piece for iPolitics in which he argues there is nothing wrong with the deal which will see Canada sell Saudi Arabia billions of dollars worth of light armoured vehicles.
One of the main reasons, he points out, is that the light armored vehicles the Saudis will receive from General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada, are not the type of “equipment that can be used in torture or persecution of women. We are selling military vehicles — basically fancy trucks.”
General Dynamics Land Systems- Canada is not providing specific details about the breakdown of the LAV order, which has financial backing of the government of Canada. But defence industry sources say Saudi Arabia will acquire different versions of the upgraded LAV-III, outfitted with a variety of weapon systems. One of the subcontracts already made public for the Saudi deal is for a 105mm gun system.
The decision to go for a variety of weapon systems follows the pattern of previous Saudi purchases of Canadian LAVs.
Jane’s, the defense publication in the United Kingdom, noted Saudi Arabia already has a fleet of more than 1,400 light armoured vehicles purchased from General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada. They were produced in a variety of versions: some are designed as armoured ambulances while others are outfitted with 25mm cannons or a 90mm gun. Other versions carry 120mm mortars.
It appears from videos and photos that the versions of the Canadian LAVs that Saudi Arabia used when it helped Bahrain crush pro-democracy protests in 2011 were largely equipped with 90mm guns. The Saudis stationed their vehicles and troops at key locations throughout the country, protecting government buildings for instance.
That in turn freed up Bahrain’s security forces to crack down on the protesters and conduct mass arrests. The Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry determined that many detainees arrested by security forces were subjected to torture.
Manley’s reasoning on the light armoured vehicles is similar to both Harper and Trudeau.
In October, Harper, under fire for the deal with Saudi Arabia, a high profile abuser of human rights, tried to position the deal in a more benign way. “Let’s be clear what this contract is – it’s not an arms contract,” Harper told a radio station in London, Ont. “It’s actually for military transport vehicles.”
It appears that John Manley, president and CEO of the Business Council of Canada and the Liberal’s Minister of Foreign Trade from 2000 to 2002, is channeling both Stephen Harper and Justin Trudeau.
Manley has written an opinion piece for iPolitics in which he argues there is nothing wrong with the deal which will see Canada sell Saudi Arabia billions of dollars worth of light armoured vehicles.
One of the main reasons, he points out, is that the light armored vehicles the Saudis will receive from General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada, are not the type of “equipment that can be used in torture or persecution of women. We are selling military vehicles — basically fancy trucks.”
General Dynamics Land Systems- Canada is not providing specific details about the breakdown of the LAV order, which has financial backing of the government of Canada. But defence industry sources say Saudi Arabia will acquire different versions of the upgraded LAV-III, outfitted with a variety of weapon systems. One of the subcontracts already made public for the Saudi deal is for a 105mm gun system.
The decision to go for a variety of weapon systems follows the pattern of previous Saudi purchases of Canadian LAVs.
Jane’s, the defense publication in the United Kingdom, noted Saudi Arabia already has a fleet of more than 1,400 light armoured vehicles purchased from General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada. They were produced in a variety of versions: some are designed as armoured ambulances while others are outfitted with 25mm cannons or a 90mm gun. Other versions carry 120mm mortars.
It appears from videos and photos that the versions of the Canadian LAVs that Saudi Arabia used when it helped Bahrain crush pro-democracy protests in 2011 were largely equipped with 90mm guns. The Saudis stationed their vehicles and troops at key locations throughout the country, protecting government buildings for instance.
That in turn freed up Bahrain’s security forces to crack down on the protesters and conduct mass arrests. The Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry determined that many detainees arrested by security forces were subjected to torture.
Manley’s reasoning on the light armoured vehicles is similar to both Harper and Trudeau.
In October, Harper, under fire for the deal with Saudi Arabia, a high profile abuser of human rights, tried to position the deal in a more benign way. “Let’s be clear what this contract is – it’s not an arms contract,” Harper told a radio station in London, Ont. “It’s actually for military transport vehicles.”
Saturday, 16 April 2016
Pope Francis and Orthodox leaders visit migrants on Lesbos DW by B.Reighart
The leader of the world's estimated 2 billion Catholics arrived on Lesbos Saturday, alongside the spiritual leader of the world's 300 million Orthodox Christians, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, and the head of the Orthodox Church of Greece, Athens Archbishop Ieronymos II.
They greeted about 250 refugees who are currently on the Greek island. Afterwards they are expected to have lunch with some of them, and throw floral wreaths in to the sea while praying for those who died on the journey to the island. The Pope told the refugees at Moira camp "you are not alone."
Later in their visit, the three religious leaders signed a joint declaration calling for the protection of human lives to be made a priority and for the international community to extend temporary asylum to those in need.
Dozens of refugees who didn't meet the pope gathered holding makeshift banners with slogans such as "Pope you are our hope," ''please save Yazidi people," ''we are also human," and "Welcome Pope Francis."
The pope has reportedly offered to take 10 refugees back to Italy with him when he departs the Greek island, Greek state television ERT reported, adding it appears eight Syrians and two Afghans will be offered passage. The inclusion of the latter would be a symbolic move at a time when the EU has stopped automatically considering Afghans as refugees and does not include them among the nationalities whose asylum applications are approved.
The Pope's visit was to "visit refugees and reject EU asylum policy."
Front line of migration crisis
The visit by Pope Francis coincides with the implementation of a controversial deal between the European Union and Turkey aimed at stopping people attempting to reach Europe. Under the deal, people who arrive in Greece in smugglers' boats would be detained and deported back to Turkey unless their applications for asylum in Greece were successful.
The Pope was to visit a Greek "hotspot" - a migrant processing center where conditions have been criticized by rights groups. Before setting off for Greece, he made this statement :
"Refugees are not numbers, they are people who have faces, names, stories and need to be treated as such."
Tuesday, 12 April 2016
US Deploys B-52s for Bombing in Syria, Iraq
US Deploys B-52s for Bombing in Syria, Iraq
"The US Air Force sent B-52 bombers to the Persian Gulf Saturday and plans to use them for bombing raids on targets in Iraq and Syria, according to the Pentagon and US Central Command, which oversees US military operations in the Middle East. An undisclosed number of bombers will be stationed at Al Udeid air base in Qatar.
This marks the first deployment of B-52s in the Middle East since the 1991 Persian Gulf War. The deployment of the B52s is undoubtedly connected to the US preparations to bolster the planned Iraqi military offensive against Mosul.
These maneuvers and preparations for a wider war are taking place under a virtual media blackout in the United States..."
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To understand the American ruling class and how barbaric they are all you need to do is read the quote by Lieutenant Colonel Chris Karns, “Accuracy is critically important in this war.” He added, “Carpet-bombing would not be effective for the operation we’re in because [ISIS] doesn’t mass as large groups. Often they blend into population centers. We always look to minimize civilian casualties.”
To them mass killing is ok depending on the need and that civilians are factored into the killing spree.
Second formation of Turkish fighter jets enter Athens without first submitting flight plans
A second group of Turkish F-4 Phantom II fighter jets and a KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft entered Athens’ FIR at 14.59 (local) without submitting flight plans on Monday, Greece’s National Defence General Staff said on Monday.
The aircraft flew over the northeastern part of Lesvos at 22,000 feet, it said in a press release. The Turkish aircraft, which exited Athens FIR at 15.01 north of Lesvos, were recognized and intercepted by Greek fighter jets.
Earlier, two Turkish F-16 entered Athens’ FIR (13.26 local) between the islands of Lesvos and Chios without submitting a flight plan. The fighter jets flew over the islets of Inouses at 9,000 feet and a minute later they exited Athens FIR through the same route. The Turkish formation was recognized by Greek fighter jets
The Turkish overflights were witnessed by the Dutch frigate “Van Amstel” which is operating east of Chios as part of the NATO operation in the area to stop migrant smuggling rings. The Greek frigate “Salamis” and the Turkish “Gokova” both operate east of Lesvos.
Athens News Agency/Macedonia Press Agency
The aircraft flew over the northeastern part of Lesvos at 22,000 feet, it said in a press release. The Turkish aircraft, which exited Athens FIR at 15.01 north of Lesvos, were recognized and intercepted by Greek fighter jets.
Earlier, two Turkish F-16 entered Athens’ FIR (13.26 local) between the islands of Lesvos and Chios without submitting a flight plan. The fighter jets flew over the islets of Inouses at 9,000 feet and a minute later they exited Athens FIR through the same route. The Turkish formation was recognized by Greek fighter jets
The Turkish overflights were witnessed by the Dutch frigate “Van Amstel” which is operating east of Chios as part of the NATO operation in the area to stop migrant smuggling rings. The Greek frigate “Salamis” and the Turkish “Gokova” both operate east of Lesvos.
Athens News Agency/Macedonia Press Agency
Sunday, 10 April 2016
Chernobyl 30 years later.. Simon Parkin's story
Chernobyl 30 years later.. SimonParkin's story and more pics today in the Guardian Weekend http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/apr/09/chance-show-truth-into-heart-of-chernobyl-nuclear-disaster?CMP=share_btn_tw …‘We have a chance to show the truth’: into the heart of Chernobyl
Three decades after the nuclear disaster, the concrete protecting the reactor is starting to crack. Yet people still live there – and a new virtual reality project will take many more inside the ‘death zone’. At first they thought it was just a fire, then the chickens started to turn black. When it comes to the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, everyone has a vivid detail that is snagged in the memory; the absurdities or the obscenities. It might be the local village that, once evacuated, was claimed by a mob of pigs. Or the way milk would turn to white powder whenever the residents of Pripyat (the town built a few hundred meters from the doomed power plant) would attempt to churn butter. Or the cat that refused to be stuffed into a suitcase by its owner, who couldn’t bear to abandon his pet during the mass exile, 36 hours after the explosion. Who can forget that 70 Belorussian villages had to be buried under the ground? Or that Soviet soldiers shot every dog, in case it wandered, toxic-ally, into a neighboring city? Or that many of those same men risked their lives hoisting flags on the roofs of buildings every few weeks, whenever the old ones were chewed to lace by the radioactive breeze?
Friday, 1 April 2016
Canada’s $15-billion Saudi arms deal violates export rules, lawsuit argues by STEVEN CHASE Globe & Mail
In Canada, General Dynamics Land Systems, based in London, Ont., is still gathering materials for the production of armored combat vehicles that will be equipped with machine guns, medium-calibre weapons or even powerful barrels capable of firing 105mm shells or anti-tank missiles. The contract, which spans nearly 15 years, will keep 3,000 people employed in this country.
Foreign Minister Stéphane Dion is acting illegally by issuing permits to allow the export of combat vehicles to Saudi Arabia, a lawsuit filed in Federal Court on Monday alleges.
Opponents of Canada’s $15-billion arms deal with the Saudis are taking the Trudeau government to court in an attempt to block shipments of the fighting vehicles to Riyadh.
A group led by Daniel Turp, a professor of international and constitutional law at the University of Montreal, filed a notice of application for judicial review on Monday.
The Liberals have repeatedly refused to cancel the contract, but Dr. Turp argues this isn’t about whether a deal should be abrogated. According to Dr. Turp, the question at hand is whether the Liberals are fulfilling their legal obligations to properly implement Canadian restrictions on weapons exports – both under Canadian export rules and the Geneva Conventions Act.
He says Mr. Dion’s responsibility to carefully police exports of arms to countries with poor human-rights records isn’t extinguished simply because Ottawa doesn’t want to cancel a business deal.
The legal action may force the Liberals to explain how they justify these exports to a human-rights pariah despite Canadian rules that place restrictions on weapons shipments to countries where civilians are abused or where conflict is taking place.
“Saudi Arabia is a country ruled by a dictatorship supported by a powerful
Joint operations the MSF and Greenpeace team on Lesvos end. by David Logie
In 5 months of joint operations the MSF and Greenpeace team on Lesvos assisted 18,117 men, women & children at sea has ended.At the end of March, Greenpeace is wrapping up its refugee rescue operation on the Greek island of Lesbos and handing over to Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) who are ready to take full charge of the operation for the longer term. The last few weeks have been quiet with only the odd refugee boat managing to break through the new dictate from Brussels.
...When troubleshooting fails but the boat is still in reasonable condition, towing is the best solution. But first we must secure permission of the Hellenic Coast Guard – we do not want to risk being accused of ‘people smuggling'. It's a complex political game out on the water! There are many players to navigate: the EU border agency Frontex has Norwegian, Portuguese, Bulgarian and Swedish boats out there. Add to that NATO warships, Spanish lifeguards and German, Greek and Dutch volunteer boats ... the Greek Coast Guard has the final say.
...Finally as we start the process of packing for the journey home I find myself staring at my passport. How fortunate I am to have a bit of paper that allows me to fly over these man-made frontiers. An accident of birthplace. I feel privileged to have been the first face of Europe to many and hopefully a friendly one.
Dave Logie worked as Greenpeace boat coordinator on Lesbos
April 1, 2016, HMCS Fredericton enters the Black Sea on NATO-led Maritime Assurance Activities. ,
(Photo credit: Leading Seaman Dan Bard, Formation Imaging Services)
April 1, 2016 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
OTTAWA — Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Fredericton begins operations in the Black Sea today as part of Operation REASSURANCE, the Canadian Armed Forces’ on-going mission to promote security and stability in Central and Eastern Europe.
HMCS Fredericton is the lead to Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2) Task Unit 02 deployed to the Black Sea following the surveillance, reconnaissance and monitoring operations of migrant crossings in the Aegean Sea. During the month of April, the Royal Canadian Navy frigate will conduct operations in concert with Romanian Frigate ROS Regina Maria and other allied ships from Bulgaria and Turkey to enhance the Alliance’s maritime interchangeability as participating nations develop familiarity, trust and confidence in each other.
While in the Black Sea, HMCS Fredericton will also conduct port visits to enhance diplomatic and defense relations with strategic partners in the region. Recurring naval operations in the Black Sea as part of NATO’s assurance measures to demonstrate solidarity towards our allies and partner nations.
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