June 22, 2005
| Headlines (5:14) An international conference on Iraq at the European Union’s headquarters in Brussels has given its support to the current government, after calling for tighter borders to stop foreign fighters going in and for understanding on the country’s debt. Tony Cross reports from Brussels One day after the tense summit between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, the cease fire stands on shaky ground. Manar Jabreen reports for the Palestinian territory. Fighting has broken out between rebels and government troops in North Eastern Sudan. Both sides say there have been heavy casualties. The violence could set back peace talks between opposition parties and the government. Sam Olukoya reports from Lagos. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has produced three dozen video and audio news releases that resemble news reports that promote the Dominican Republic – Central American Free Trade Agreement, or DR-CAFTA. Radio and television stations have been given the reports to air during their newscast. The city of Madison, Wisconsin has come out against the Central American Free Trade Agreement, or CAFTA. The city council approved the resolution thirteen to three on Tuesday night. Madison Alder Austin King says this is a preemption issue. AUDIO CUT…Madison has now joined the National League of Cities, the National Conference of State Legislatures, and the National Association of Towns and Townships IN OPPOSING CAFTA. Features |
Zapatistas on Red Alert (4:25)
There’s a lot of speculation surrounding the recent evacuation of all Zapatista communities in Chiapas, Mexico. 2 days ago, Subcommandante Marcos issued a communiqué, STATING that all caracoles, Good Government Juntas and autonomous authorities had abandoned their homes and community spaces, and would act in a clandestine manner, for an indefinite period of time, as part of a general Red Alert. All records, paperwork, and archives have been removed from the caracoles, and some have had chains and locks placed on the front doors. Joining us to talk about the situation in Chiapas is independent journalist Mariana Mora.
Environmental Issues Highlighted on Capitol Hill (4:03)
As the Senate debates an energy bill this week, environmental issues have been highlighted. An amendment to cap carbon emissions to the 2000 level by 2010 was debated in terms of abating the effects of global warming. Jenny Johnson has more.
After airtime, by a 38 to 60 vote, the Senate rejected the McCain/Lieberman amendment to the Energy Bill that would have required a reduction in green house gasses.
Republican Senator to Submit Bill to Create Detention Commission for Guantanamo (4:15)
The Republican Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee tells Free Speech Radio News that he plans to submit a bill to create a detention commission at Guantanamo Bay so that detainees can get a review of their detention. Republican Senator Arlen Spector says Congress has the Constitutional right to create due process procedures for detainees who have been designated enemy combatants by the Bush administration. The legislation, which has yet to be introduced, could put Congress on a collision course with the White House, as the administration has aggressively guarded its authority over all procedures pertaining to detainees. Mitch Jeserich has more from Capitol Hill.
Report on Prisoners in Iraq (4:20)
Thousands of prisoners are being held without charges in Iraqi prisons, and the number of people detained and disappeared continues to rise daily. Christian Peacemaker Teams is one of the few groups to gain access to testimonies of Iraqi detainees. They published a report last year, which included testimonies and recommendations to the Coalition Provisional Authority. But they have not been allowed to enter the prisons or speak to any Iraqi prisoners detained in these prisons for over a year. They say that there is no central database for obtaining information, and between 70-90% of those currently detained in Iraqi prisons are known to be innocent. FSRN’s Eliana Kaya has the story.
Immigrant Detention Laws to be eased in Australia (3:33)
Just days after announcing that Australia would scale back its policy of mandatory detention of all undocumented refugees, the legislation which would enact the changes passed the lower house of the Australian parliament. While refugee groups have cautiously welcomed the reforms, critics maintain that more needs to be done before Australia can shake off its poor human rights image in relation to refugees. Erica Vowles reports from Sydney.
