EU Pledges Millions
The European Union has promised to give the corrupt government of Sudan €400 million for "humanitarian aid". It was only a year ago that Sudan’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Ahman Muhammed Harun, was indicted by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity for funding and arming the Janjaweed militia who in turn brutalised Sudanese citizens in Darfur. Harun is currently a fugitive from justice as the Sudanese government refuses to act on the ICC warrants for arrest. Yeah Europe, keep sending them money!
Two days later a rebel group, the JEM, attacked government forces in Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, in a bid to overthrow the despots. What the hell is the European Union doing, in our name, propping up this corrupt and criminal gang who have caused all the trouble in Darfur that the EUFOR Army is risking their lives to control?
I can’t wait til June so I can vote yes for more of this feckin’ nonsense!
Harun
- Politics, Caoimhin, Irish Culture, Irish Politics, Honesty, misc, All posts, Conflict, freedom, World | Time: 6:56 pm (UTC+8)
I find your blog very informative about the news outside of the US. I will definitely put this on my subscription. Good work!
Comment by quackster — May 11, 2008 @ 11:42 pm
Thanks Quackster, that’s quite a compliment!
Comment by Cao — May 12, 2008 @ 12:31 am
Looks like EU might be guilty by association as an accomplice to War Crimes Against Humanity for giving money to Sudan that will be used for arms and militia against its own people.
Why not contribute money to a multi national peace keeping force?
Comment by Igor The Troll — May 12, 2008 @ 12:44 pm
Hi Caoimhin. Well, you’ll be pleased to hear that I’ve finally decided on a ‘No’ vote to the Lisbon Treaty (though not for the reasons usually stated… read this for more).
However, I’m mystified by your position on Darfur. We all know how brutal and corrupt the Sudanese government is. We also know that a multinational force will not (and probably should not) be sent into the country unless the Sudanese government specifically requests it (which is rather unlikely).
This leaves us with two options… we can simply ignore it and let the suffering continue without any attempt at alleviation, or we can try to offer humanitarian aid in the hope that some of it reaches those who need it.
I’m not suggesting this is a good, or effective, solution. Merely that it is — for now anyway — the least bad option.
(Just my opinion. Keep up the good blogging.)
Comment by Jim Bliss — May 12, 2008 @ 5:42 pm
Back after time spent moving to new digs and cleaning & fixing up the digs (which had been abandoned for over twelve years — yikes!), so we are glad to see you’re keeping a sharp eye on the bastards. Much appreciated. We live in a relatively quiet place, so the harrowing news from the outside can sometimes be jarring. That’s okay. Jar us.
G & 3
Comment by Grillman & Luna — May 16, 2008 @ 12:27 pm
Hi lads, great comments and thanks, sorry for the delayed response I was traveling with visitors and didn’t get a chance to check in!
Igor, at the least the EU politicians are guilty of gross incompetence and stupidity!
Hi Jim, I’m very pleased that you found the information you needed to come to a decision! And I am delighted you dropped by to let me know!
Hey G&L, how ya been? Glad to hear you are setling in nicely!
Comment by Cao — May 17, 2008 @ 9:38 am
Jim, about the Darfur issue: Sudan created the reasons and the refugees the EUFOR forces were sent in to protect in Chad and CAR. A second UN mission is inside Darfur to do the same. Why the EU would give the corrupt regime it is fighting money, for any reason, is beyond me. If the Sudanese leaders do not cooperate with international laws, attack and kill their own people, and hamper outside aid projects they should not be given money without restrictions and supervision. I find it idiotic and naive that the EU is providing this funding at this time. Cheers!
Comment by Cao — May 17, 2008 @ 9:51 am
Cao, missed you around. I am getting ready to go to China. I hope things are ok there after the earthquake!
Comment by Igor The Troll — May 17, 2008 @ 10:01 am
Hi Igor! Have a great trip and let us know what you see!
Comment by Cao — May 17, 2008 @ 10:03 am