Tag Archives: france

International

Two faced Obama wants Gaddafi out, but says we’re not trying to bomb him, after we try to bomb him

Almost from day one of the so called revolution in Libya, President Obama said “It’s time for Gaddafi to go.”   He didn’t say that about Mubarak, not for several weeks of the Egyptian Revolution anyway.

Obama has said many times he wanted Gaddafi out.  Then Gaddafi’s compound is bombed by coalition forces, and the official statement from coalition leaders is that they were not trying to bomb Gaddafi. That’s one dumb smart bomb then.

Here is what Obama said today: “Now, I also have stated that it is U.S. policy that Gadhafi needs to go.” President Obama has basically admitted that trying to get rid of Gaddafi IS what he’s trying to do.   Obama then goes on to admit that UNSCR 1973 does not allow him to do that: “But when it comes to the military action, we are doing so in support of U.N. Resolution 1973 that specifically talks about humanitarian efforts, and we are going to make sure we stick to that mandate.”

Obama also says he’s hoping that other “tools” will be used to allow the Libyan people to kick Gaddafi out.  Remember, UNSCR 1973 is supposed to be about protecting peaceful civilians, not regime change.   Lies. lies and more lies!

International, U.S.

Arab League regrets supporting UN resolution against Libya. Emergency meeting called

“What we want is civilians’ protection not shelling more civilians.” said Amr Moussa, the head of the Arab League.

Moussa said international military actions have gone beyond any so called no fly zone, and are actually causing more civilian deaths.  This is exactly what critics of the resolution warned of.

French president Sarkozy worked hard to convince the Arab League to support a so called no fly zone. When you read the historic resolution it is clear that it is more than a no fly zone, because it authorizes any/all military action.

The Arab League will now hold an emergency meeting.  This will affect the military action against Libya because several Arab League members are supposed to be taking part in that action.

International

Libya warned about ceasefire AND attacked by France at the same time

War monger Sarkozy said “If there is not an immediate cease-fire and withdrawal of the forces that have been attacking civilian populations in the last few weeks, our countries will have recourse to military means.”

French President Sarkozy made the statement around 17:30 (5:30pm) Libyan time, yet, while he was demanding a ceasefire French aircraft were already in Libyan airspace attacking Libyan aircraft.  Shortly after Sarkozy made the statement regarding ceasefire he admitted they were already attacking Libya:  “As of now, our aircraft are preventing planes from attacking the town. Our French aircraft are ready to intervene against tanks.”

Earlier in the day rebels apparently shot down a Libyan Su-24 (might have been a single engined MiG-23) attack aircraft.  The Sukhoi Su-24 is made in Russia (as is the MiG-23).  Also, there is video of rebels armed with the latest brand new short range anti aircraft missiles, it is not possible they “captured” them from Gaddafi’s forces.  Some rebels are wearing brand new U.S. BDU (Battle Dress Uniform, no longer used by U.S. forces) style desert camo uniforms.  To me it is clear that this “revolution” in Libya was planned by outside, non-Libyan parties.

President Obama told the U.S. Congress that the military operations against Libya would days, not weeks or months. He better be right. Don’t forget, his predecessor (Bush Jr) made similar comments about Iraq.

International, U.S.

No Fly Zone is Hyperbole, UN becoming war monger

Technically a no fly zone simply means that no aircraft can fly in a specific area.  At the most this should mean that if an aircraft is found flying in such area it will be shot down.  But the current United Nations resolution against Libya is NOT a no fly zone.

The resolution allows any force necessary, that would mean air strikes, and even troops, on the ground.  That is NOT a no fly zone.  This is what UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said: “The resolution authorizes the use of ‘all necessary measures’, including a no-fly zone to prevent further casualties and loss of innocent lives.” In other words a no fly zone is just one part of the military operations that will take place.

Ed Luck, a special adviser on the protection of civilians,  said this current resolution is historic : “This is the first time that the council has taken Chapter 7 enforcement measures specifically to ensure the responsibility to protect.” He added that it “…authorizes a much greater use of coercive force if necessary.” In other words the UN (at the urging of France, United Kingdom & United States) has just moved closer to being willing to go to all out war with member nations.

International, Opinion, U.S.

Ivory Coast, more proof of U.S. & French Hypocrisy

The UN is expressing shock at the violence in Ivory Coast (Cote d’Ivoire). Yet, where’s the U.S. pushing for no fly zones and military action? Hypocrisy!

If the violence in Libya warrants military action by the UN, then why not in Ivory Coast?  Where’s war mongering French President Sarkozy?  Ivory Coast used to be a colony of France, yet Sarkozy has been salivating at the prospect of military action against Libya (a former Italian colony).  He’s been working hard to get support for war against Libya, he even convinced the Arab League to join in.

2010 election results, in Ivory Coast, were basically thrown out by the ruling party, and that started what now looks like a second civil war.   Hello, President Obama, what about the rights of the “people”?  Obama is quick to use such reasoning in regards to attacking Libya, but not Ivory Coast.

The United States Department of State estimates that at least 75,000 people have fled Ivory Coast into Liberia (a former U.S. colony).  Recent reports say dead bodies lie in the streets of the capitol.  An attack by government forces, on March 17, is being called a crime against humanity by the UN, but where’s the U.S. and France on this one.  Oh yeah they’re getting ready to bomb Libya.

Fukushima

France tells Citizens to Leave Japan

On 13 March 2011, the French embassy in Japan told French citizens to leave.

The memo described a worst case scenario that had most of Japan being hit by radioactive clouds.  The memo also warned of overuse of Radiation Pills (Iodide), “Excessive repeated use can be harmful to your health.”

 

 

 

Business/Economics, International

Senate Passes Retirement Reforms People say Strikes will Continue

The French Senate passed the controversial bill to increase the retirement age, as well as other rules.  At last count there were 250 amendments to the bill.  President Sarkozy issued a directive which allowed the Senate to vote without further deliberation.

General view inside the French Senate where debate on the government's pension reform bill continues in Paris October 22, 2010. French unions hardened their stance on Friday ahead of a final vote on the French government's pension reform raising the retirement age which is expected later in the day. REUTERS/Charles Platiau (FRANCE - Tags: POLITICS EMPLOYMENT BUSINESS CIVIL UNREST)

Most university students, and union members, voted to continue strikes.

French university students raise their hands to vote during the General Assembly at the Tolbiac University in Paris October 22, 2010. Elsewhere refinery labour unions hardened their stance ahead of a final vote on French government's pension reform expected later in the day. REUTERS/Julien Muguet (FRANCE - Tags: POLITICS EDUCATION BUSINESS)
Striking workers of French oil giant Total vote to continue the strike during a general assembly in the oil refinery of Donges, near Nantes, October 22, 2010. French police cleared access to the main refinery supplying fuel to Paris early on Friday as unions hardened their stance ahead of a final vote on French government's pension reform expected later in the day. REUTERS/Stephane Mahe (FRANCE - Tags: EMPLOYMENT BUSINESS CIVIL UNREST ENERGY)

Part of the reforms include the number of years a worker must contribute to the retirement plan; increased to 41.5.  The French reforms are still not as drastic as other countries, such as Greece or the United Kingdom (Britain).

Business/Economics, International

French Government Cracks Down, Because they want to go on Holiday

On the day the French Senate is to vote on a controversial retirement plan, French police have been ordered to crack down on protesters.  The first plan of attack for the police; get the oil refineries running again.

French gendarmes stand next to the entrance of the Grandpuits oil refinery southeast of Paris October 22, 2010 as striking workers continue to block the refinery. Police took over the Total installation, the CGT union said on Friday, in an attempt to end a blockade by workers striking over a planned reform of the pensions system. Police were expected to bring in workers who are not on strike later in the day. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier (FRANCE - Tags: POLITICS ENERGY EMPLOYMENT BUSINESS CIVIL UNREST)

The French government issued a ‘requisition’ order, which means they believe the strikes threaten public order.  A recent poll shows that 69% of the French support the strikes, but, when asked specifically about the shut down of the oil refineries the support drops to 52%.   It looks like the French government’s crackdown is actually motivated by upcoming November holidays.  Prime Minister Francois Fillon’s office issued this statement; “At a time when many French people wish to travel for the November 1 holiday weekend, it is in everyone’s interest to make all necessary efforts to return the situation to normal, which will take several more days.”

ATTENTION EDITORS : FRENCH LAW REQUIRES THAT THE FACES OF MINORS ARE MASKED IN PUBLICATIONS WITHIN FRANCE A high school student holds a sign as students French police during a demonstration over pension reform at Place Bellecour in Lyon October 21, 2010. France faced another day of strikes and confrontation on its streets on Thursday as the government grappled to restore fuel supply with senators just a few days away from voting on pension reform. The sign reads, Police everywhere, justice nowhere . REUTERS/Robert Pratta (FRANCE - Tags: POLITICS EMPLOYMENT BUSINESS CIVIL UNREST EDUCATION)

French high school and university students continued to protest.  Trash collectors joined the strikes as well.

The delay on the Senate vote is because 250 amendments, to the retirement bill, are being argued over.

Business/Economics, International

French Senate Votes Friday, Travellers Walk to Airports, Lady Gaga Stays Home

Reuters is reporting that the French Senate will vote on a proposed increase to the retirement age, on Friday, October 22nd.  Originally the Senate was to vote Thursday, October 21st.  That proposal has sparked on again, off again strikes.  But the latest strikes have gone on for more than a week now, and involve everyone from teenagers to retirees.

To clarify the retirement age in France, because there has been some misreporting going on by the main stream media.  The current retirement age in France is 60, but that is not for full retirement benefits.  Full retirement is 65.  The proposal, of which the main elements have been approved by the French Parliament, would raise the age of partial retirement from 60 to 62, and full retirement from 65 to 67.

Passengers walk past a striking worker blockade as they arrive at the Marseille-Provence airport October 21, 2010. France faced another day of strikes and confrontation on its streets on Thursday as the government grappled to restore fuel supply with senators just a few days away from voting on pension reform. REUTERS/Jean-Paul Pelissier (FRANCE - Tags: EMPLOYMENT BUSINESS POLITICS CIVIL UNREST TRANSPORT)

People using air transport had to walk to the airports because public transportation has been shut down.  Train workers joined the strike today, by forming blockades, and burning railroad ties.

Striking railway workers burn railway tracks during a demonstration at the old port of Marseille October 21, 2010. France faced another day of strikes and confrontation on its streets on Thursday as the government grappled to restore fuel supply with senators just a few days away from voting on pension reform. REUTERS/Jean-Paul Pelissier (FRANCE - Tags: EMPLOYMENT BUSINESS POLITICS CIVIL UNREST)

The French Interior Ministry said that on Tuesday, October 19th, 1.1 million people went on strike across France. Union officials claim it was 3.5 million. Either way that’s a lot, when was the last time you saw even 1 million people protest on a single day in the United States? Even the Million Man March fell short.

ATTENTION EDITORS : FRENCH LAW REQUIRES THAT THE FACES OF MINORS ARE MASKED IN PUBLICATIONS WITHIN FRANCE. High school students shout slogans as they attend a demonstration over pension reform with private and public sector workers in Bordeaux, southwestern France, October 21, 2010. France faced another day of strikes and confrontation on its streets on Thursday as the government grappled to restore fuel supply with senators just a few days away from voting on pension reform. The banner reads High school students don't beat a retreat . REUTERS/Regis Duvignau (FRANCE - Tags: CIVIL UNREST POLITICS EMPLOYMENT BUSINESS EDUCATION)

French high school students continue to protest.  Victor Colombani, a 16-year-old student and President of the National Union of Students explained; “Extending the age of retirement means reducing almost a million jobs for young people. We call for a fairer reform that takes into account years of study and periods of forced unemployment for young people.”

The Video Music Awards 2010 Arrivals held at The Nokia Theatre LA Live in Los Angeles, California in September 12th, 2010. Lady Gaga Fame Pictures, Inc

The strikes have also forced entertainer Lady Gaga to cancel her French tour. According to her website; “Unfortunately, as there is no certainty that the trucks can make it to the Bercy for this weekend’s shows, the Lady Gaga performances are now postponed.”