The Plough Vol 01 No 02

The Plough
-e-mail newsletter of the Irish Republican Socialist Party

Number- 2 Date August 22nd 2003

CONTENTS

International Issues
Maghera Memorial Controversy
Sunday World-Sunday Liar
Statement on the 5th Anniversary of the INLA cease-fire by the leadership of the Irish
National Liberation Army
Research on migrant workers
Forthcoming events
Comments on Plough
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES
A recent documentary on the war in the Democratic Republic of Congo broadcasted on
Channel 4 brought light on the deadliest conflict since world war two. Four million
people have been killed in the Congo since 1998. However, the documentary did not
emphasise enough the responsability of Western powers and economic interests in
creating this war.
In May 1997, Laurent Désiré Kabila, a long time Congolese guerilla fighter against
Mobutu's dictatorial and kleptocratic regime took power in the Democratic Republic of
Congo. Soon, Kabila frustrated the Western governments and multinationals' appetite for
'a second scramble for Africa'. As soon as he settled in Kinshasa, Kabila started to
articulate clearly the aspirations of his people and summoning them to take their own
destiny into their own hands, politically and economically. This was perceived by
Western powers and their African allies as a covert declaration of independence. Kabila's
nationalist stance immediately clashed with their interests, as he eventually reviewed all
the contracts he had signed with American and South African mineral companies,
demanded that they pay upfront for decades of future profits and subsequently
nationalised all the mines.
The people of Congo enjoyed a short-lived time of respite during Kabila's first year in
power. They could eat three times a day again as prices of essential commodities
drastically dropped, roads and bridges were repaired, public transport restored, electricity
extended to the suburbs of Kinshasa and people liberated from Mobutu's ill paid soldiers'
ransoming (67 members of the new army who resumed the practice were arrested and
jailed).
The new currency, the Congolese franc, was launched and the inflation rate dropped from
8.828% in 1993 to 6% in 1997. Embezzlers were thrown into jail. Corruption was
severely combated. All this was achieved in the absence of any help from the IMF and
World Bank who conditioned their financial support to Congo normalising its relations
with the institutions of Bretton Woods and pledging to pay all the debt the old regime
contracted.
The new government embarked on an ambitious three year programme of national
reconstruction and during the third summit of Comesa (common market community of
central and southern African countries) held in Kinshasa on 29 June 1998, Kabila clearly
outlined what role Congo would play within the common market and in Africa as a
whole.He explained that "more than 40 years of African independence have offered to the
world a sad spectacle of a continent looted and humiliated with the complicity of its own
sons and daughters". He expressed the wish "to see Africa entering the 21st century
totally independent of foreign interference" and declared that the battle for Congo's
independence and sovereignty is fought in the interest of Africa as a whole.
"Our country", he said, "has a vocation of exporting peace, development and security to
the rest of Africa. A weak Congo means a vulnerable Africa from its centre, an Africa
without a heart." The stakes were then raised. America and Britain branded Kabila a
'loose cannon that had to be restrained. But as Colette Braeckman (an expert who is for
Congolese affairs what Robert Fisk is for the Middle East) who reports for the Belgian
daily, Le Soir, wrote in her book, L'enjeu Congolais - l'Afrique Centrale après Mobutu,
this "sudden animosity against Kabila could only be explained by the fact that his
nationalist stance collided with or frustrated their economic interests in CongoåKabila
opposed all forms of investments that did not represent the interests of the people of
Congo."
Upon Laurent Désiré Kabila's assassination in 2001, Michela Wrong, a former
correspondent for Reuters, BBC and The Financial Times, and author of In the Footsteps
of Mr Kurtz, Living on the Brink of Disaster in the Congo, wrote in the Financial Times:
"Laurent Kabilaåalienated Western powers and African allies in his three-and-half years
in poweråHe was welcomed as a liberator when his rebel forces marched into Kinshasa
in 1997, toppling the late Mobutu Sese Seko, but diplomats and statesmen had come to
view him as a man impossible 'to do business with', a key factor in central Africa's
growing instabilityåThe World Bank and the IMF found him so obstructive, talks on new
aid were abandoned."
Consequently, on 2 August 1998, a Rwandan-Ugandan-Burundian coalition launched a
war of invasion of the Democratic Republic of Congo, logistically supported and
financed by well known Western powers and multinationals, as well as with the
complicity of the so-called Congolese 'rebels'. They are systematically looting Congo's
fauna and flora, natural and mineral resources and destroying or transferring what is left
of Congo's infrastructure to their own countries.
According to Wayne Madsen, an American investigative journalist and intelligence
specialist, author of Genocide and Covert Operations in Africa 1993 - 1999, the US
military has been covertly involved in the war in Congo. Madsen on May 17 2002 told
the US House subcommittee on International Operations and Human Rights, that the US
was using Private Military Contractors (PMCs). Madsen said American companies
including one linked to former President George Bush Snr are stoking the Congo conflict
for monetary gains.
It should be made clear that what is at stake in this war is not some "ethnic conflict"
between "rival tribes", but a fight between a popular nationalist regime and a Westernbacked
invasion force.
LOR
Maghera Controversy
The IRSP accused the Northern Ireland Housing Executive of being the political dupes
of the SDLP, DUP and others following the smashing of a monument to two INLA
volunteers.
The monument to Brendan Convery and Gerald Mallon killed in action on the main street
of Dungannon during the 80's was due to be unveiled by IRSP Ard Comhairle member
and ex Blanket Man Paul Little. However at 5 AM on Saturday morning August 16th
MOD contractors from Henry Brothers construction company, supported by almost 200
RUC/PSNI personal turned up at the back of Mc Atamney Crescent and demolished the
plinth for the memorial.
"What price the Good Friday Agreement now?" Said IRSP Ard Comhairle Member and
Chairman of the Memorial committee Terry Harkin.
"Was this agreement not meant to guaranteed "parity of esteem"? Was the GFA not
meant to enshrine the rights of the indigenous Irish to their own cultural identity? That
was what the people were told. When did it change to "everyone has the right to express
their identity except the Irp's and those loyalist groups who are anti agreement?" "There
has always been, for the most part anyway, a tacit agreement between the local
communities not to interfere with how the other side honoured their dead. The murals on
the Shankill to Brian Robinson and his ilk have been largely ignored even though they
can be plainly seen from Nationalist areas, the payment of 10's of thousands of pounds to
the UDA's C Company by a multinational to remove murals from NIHE land went unnoted
as did the NIHE's complacency when the same C Coy: smashed down walls in
Executive property to create the big brother house in a housing black spot. Why were
Henry Brothers and their police escort not brought in to repair the damage or paint out the
murals? There are double standards being applied in Maghera due to the unholy cabal
that has developed between local SDLP representatives and (Box Car) Willie Mc Cray of
the DUP."
"Well, We've a message for both those parties, we do not need their mandate to
commemorate our dead, and before the sun sets on Sunday they may want to take a walk
up to the estate, they'll be surprised, for they'll find a monument to two brave INLA men
who gave their lives fighting for National Liberation and Socialism there." Sure they can
send for their MOD contractors and the Henry's can pull it down one more time, but it
wont go away you know, it'll be back. I would still appeal to them all the same to step
back before they do any serious damage to the community by raising tensions when they
do not need to. Let this memorial stand let the loyalist and republican monuments stand.
let's have parity not parody of esteem.
Unveiling of Convery/Mallon Memorial Plaque
The Unveiling of the Memorial plaque to Brendan Convery and Gerard Mallon took
place on Sunday 17th of August in Maghera.A crowd of several hundred people
followed took part in a march to McAttamny Crescent where the memorial plaque
was unveiled and wreaths laid on behalf of the families of the two dead volunteers
and the various branches of the Republican Socialist movement. Brendan's brother
made a moving and hard hitting speech reminding the audience what the struggle
had been about and that tho' methods may change the struggle continues.
Pol Little speaking on behalf of the IRSP lambasted those in the SDLP who's
protests led to the RUC/PSNI sneaking in at 5.30 in the morning to wreak the
previous memorial. He paid tribute to the Republican Socialists of South Derry who
in the space of 24 hours had rebuild a magnificent tribute to the dead INLA
volunteers.
sunday world-sunday liar.
The Sunday World is a tabloid paper which many people believe sets people up for
assassination. Over 20 people named in the newspaper have died in violent
circumstance. August 17th had an article by Hugh Jordan in which he poured scorn
on the INLA, besmirched the memory of two dead volunteers and defended the Good
Friday Agreement calling it "the only show in town". Some political analysist he is!!!.
The institutions set up under the GFA have failed, having been suspended four times.
Elections due to be called were postponed due to fears that Trimble might lose support
of the majority of Unionists and the British Government has reneged on its part of the
GFA. Sectarianism has incresed massively since the GFA and violence still continues.
God help us if this is the only show in town.Wake up and smell the stench of a rotten
corrupt statelet, Jordan!
An other article written by John Cassidy repeats the lie that "Eddie Copeland, alleged to
be associated with the IRA, and Dark CLoud who is alleged to be associated with the
INLA were banned from" the Shamrock GAA Club. That is a lie as both individuals are
still members of the club and play a prominent part in its social and cultural activities.
Three weeks ago the SW claimed Copeland was dismissed as O/c of the Provos in
Ardoyne and now they claim he is on the Northern Command of the IRA. They forget
their own lies!!
The following statement was received by the Plough from the leadership of the Irish
National Liberation Army on the 5th Anniversary of the INLA ceasefire.
In August 1998 the leadership of the INLA with the full support of the volunteers of the
People’s Army called a ceasefire in response to the will of the Irish people as expressed
through the Referenda on the Good Friday Agreement.
Now five years on it is time to take stock.
Nothing that occurred since then has persuaded us to change our minds on the Good
Friday Agreement. Four suspensions of the Assembly, a massive increase in sectarianism,
the introduction of a neo-liberal economic agenda, the failure of mainstream unionism to
actively accept an equality agenda and continuing direct rule by the British Government
confirms the correctness of our analysis. The Good Friday Agreement is a failed and
flawed agreement. The Northern Ireland State is a failed political entity.
With the increasing disillusionment with in loyalist ranks over the whole so-called peace
process and with whole sections of the UDA rejecting the GFA while the UVF re-arms
now is not the time for any Republicans to be even considering negotiating any arms
surrender. A squalid political deal that exchanges guns for Government was not what the
republican struggle of the past was about. Such a deal is in effect an attempt to hide and
cover up what has been in effect a defeat for Republicanism. Running Stormont
departments does not and will not hide that reality.
However the INLA does not see a return to armed struggle as a viable alternative at this
time. Accordingly we have encouraged our membership and supporters to become
actively involved in the day-to-day struggles of ordinary people. Such political
involvement is following the example of our founder Seamus Costello. A revolutionary
army without a clear base of political understanding and activity is no longer a
revolutionary Army. The INLA is part of and acts in the interests of the Irish working
class.
Five years on from our ceasefire there is still a role for the INLA. We will remain vigilant
in defence of working class communities but we will not take offensive action.
We will assist in resolving disputes within working class communities but we will not
police those communities. The INLA is not a police force and we call on all units of the
INLA to desist from policing communities. It is no part of our role to police the working
class. However we do reserve the right to defend our membership and the most
vulnerable members of our community. It is time to encourage working class
communities to take responsibility for their own lives. We will encourage initiatives that
give some respect and dignity back to communities living in fear from drug dealers and
young disaffected youth. Therefore we encourage all volunteers to actively participate in
a positive manner in daily lives of working class communities. The INLA has no interests
outside the liberation of the working and the establishment of a socialist society.
There are however those who have abused and exploited working class communities. We
warn those who used and abused the name of the INLA within working class
communities to intimidate and extort to desist forthwith. We are aware of individuals
who use our name as a flag of convenience. Your day is done.
To the gutter press who regularly print falsehoods gossip title tattle and lies about this
movement stop. Check your facts with this movement before you go to press.
Five years on the INAL ceasefire is solid. We recognise that the Republican struggle has
to take a new direction and we call on all other republican forces to enter into dialogue
with us and other republicans to discuss the way forward in the new situation we all find
ourselves in.
Now is not the time for the failed strategies and tactics of the past. Now is the time for a
new departure.
Statement on behalf of the leadership of the INLA
Migrant workers in Northern Ireland-Research-Mid Ulster readers please note!!!
The Institute for Conflict Research, an independent research organisation, has been
commissioned by the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to research
the experiences and needs of migrant workers living in Northern Ireland. A migrant
worker is defined as anyone working in Northern Ireland who is not from the United
Kingdom or Ireland.
The research aims to establish an overview of migrant workers' participation in the
employment market in Northern Ireland. It also seeks to document the variety of
problems that migrant workers may experience in relation to employment rights, pay,
racism, access to health, housing, education and social services. The research will also
examine the standard of service currently provided by statutory agencies to migrant
workers.
Versions of the questionnaire are available in English, French and Portuguese. All the
information you provide is anonymous, and will only be used for research purposes.
If anyone there knows of any migrant workers could they please encourage them to help
out with this research by complete the online questionnaire by clicking on web:
www.conflictresearch.org.uk.
For more information, contact Kathryn Bell, Institute for Conflict Research, on tel: 028
9074 2682 or email: research3@conflictresearch.org.uk.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Anti-War Movement- Wyns Hotel Lower Abbey Street Dublin 2.00pm to 5.00PM
Saturday 23rd August IAWM Calls Public Meeting To Decide The Three
Representatives From Ireland To The Nov. 2003 European Social Forum and to
Mobilise Participation in the ESF.
The Irish Anti War Movement (IAWM) sent a representative to the European
Social Forum (ESF) Planning Assembly in Genoa in early July. This gathering
was to continue preparation and plans for the 2nd ESF taking place next
November in Paris. At this meeting: (a) Ireland was allocated a total of
three speakers for the Plenary meetings of the Paris ESF, (b) Ireland was
allocated one representative on a new ESF Working Group which will decide
the final details of the 250 Seminars of November ESF.
The IAWM has called a public meeting for Sat. Aug 23rd 2003, 2pm, Wynns
Hotel, Abbey St., Dublin 1, in order to mobilise people from Ireland to
attend the Paris ESF and to address issues (a) and (b) above. The IAWM has
asked in their invitation that as many groups, organisations and movements
as possible be represented at this public meeting.
Political Status for Republican POWs!
Leafleting to highlight the dirty protest and campaign for political status
in Maghaberry prison. The GAA Football semi-final in Croke Park on Sunday, 24th
August will be leafleted to highlight the POWs campaign. The Minor is at 2pm and Kerry
play Tyrone at 3.30pm.
All interested are asked to come along and give a hand.
Meeting point is the bus stop opposite The Big Tree pub on Dorset Street
1pm. Keep and eye out for a big black banner with the slogan ?Political
Status for Republican POWs?, That'll be us.
Organised by: Na Fianna Eireann and Working Class Action and supported by the IRSP
North East Social Forum One World Centre, Lower Crescent Belfast 7.15pm
Tuesday 26th August Anyone can attend
Ard-Comhairle IRSP 392 Falls Road Belfast 10.30- 5.00pm Saturday
30TH August A/C members and delegates only.
Anti- Imperialist Camp in Assisi, Italy.
Sunday to Saturday 31st August to 6th September .
Programme of the Anti-imperialist Camp 2003 Assisi, Italy, August 31 to
September 6
Sunday, August 31
10 p.m. inauguration concert
Monday, September 1
10.30 am
Forum 1 The true story of the Iraqi Communist Party By Ahmed p.m., leader
of the anti-imperialist opposition within the ICP
Forum 2 The road map and the political military in Palestine Meeting with the
Palestinian delegation (PFLP, Abnaa el Balad, solidarity groups,&)
Forum 3 With Kurdistan In memory of Dino Frisullo, leader of the Italian
solidarity movement
5 am
Round table Trial against the war criminals Liberation movements listed by
US and US as terrorists speak out (Basques, Colombians, Palestinians,
Turkish, Filippinos, Lebanese, &)
10 p.m., theatre
Tuesday, September 2
10.30 am
Forum 1 The Italian youth between commitment and indifference
Forum 2 The empire: a critical analysis of Toni Negris thesis by Costanzo
Preve
Forum 3 Meeting with the Lebanese National Resistance
5 p.m.
Round table Beyond Porto Alegre The World Social Forum and the perspectives
of the movement against globalisation with Piero Bernocchi (Italian Cobas
leader), Costanzo Preve, ....
10 p.m. film
Wednesday, September 3
10,30 am
Forum 1 Kidnapping Meeting with the leader of defence of Slobodan Milosevic,
Vladimir Krsljanin
Forum 2 From Venezuela to Brazil: reform and revolution
Forum 3 Cuba: blockade, socialism and democracy
5 p.m. Round table La lucha sigue: Class struggle and anti-imperialism in
Latin America By Elias Letelier (Chile), Mario Maestri (Brazil), ...
10 p.m. Meeting with the Anti-imperialist Poets of America
Thursday, September 4
10.30 am
Forum 1 Revolutionary prisoners: testimonies from Turkey and Israel
Forum 2 Is Maoism still up to date?
Forum 3 Against the imperialist occupation An Iraqi Fedayyin recounts
5 p.m. round table Christianism, Islam, Judaism with Hamza Piccardo (leader of
the Union of Italian Islamic Communities), Shia leader from Lebanon,
Representative of the Franciscans,&
10 p.m. theatre
Friday, September 6
10.30 am
Forum 1 The collapse of the German left: from anti-fascism to Americanism
Forum 2 Without truce: The Basque struggle against Spanish oppression
Militants from Euskal Herria speak out
Forum 3 Intifada, Jihad and Arab nation Meeting with the Arab delegations
from Morocco, Tunisia, Palestine, Lebanon, Iraq&
5 p.m. Round table Waiting for Godot Transatlantic tensions and the future of
Europe
10 p.m. theatre
Saturday, September 6
10,30 am
Forum 1 Between persecution and integration: Islam in Italy By the lawyer of
the Islamic communities
Forum 2 The European workers movement and anti-imperialism
Forum 3 Armageddon: religious fundamentalism in the US By Miguel Martinez
5 p.m. Round table For a resistance movement against the American empire what
alternatives to the imperialist transformation of the Western left?
10 p.m. Closing concert of the Camp
Accommodation Fees Anti-imperialist Camp 2003 Assisi, Italy, August 31 -
September 6
Hotel / Bungalow Full Board* E 250
Caravan Full Board*E 200 only night's lodging E 100
Tent Full Board* E 160 only night's lodging ¬ 70
Tent under 25 years Only night's lodging E 50
One day fees Hotel/Bungalow only night's lodging E 25 Caravan only night's
lodging E 16 Tent only night's lodging E 12
One meal voucher E 10
PLEASE NOTE: * Includes lunch and dinner (3 courses). Breakfast is not
included
For information and reservation please contact the Reception Service at:
registration form
e-mail: reception@antiimperialista.com
Please note that reservations are only valid upon payment of a deposit of
30% of the total amount to the following Italian bank account: Campo
Antiimperialista account N°: 679/53 bank name: Banca dell'Umbria transfer
codes: ABI: 6235 - CAB: 21800 - SWIFT: CRPG IT 3P
Irish Social Forum Conference Crescent Arts Centre Belfast 10.00 am-5.00pm
Sunday 23rd September .
International Day of Action Dublin Saturday 27TH September
GEORGE MONBIOT
George Monbiot, a regular feature writer in The Guardian, is the author of Captive State
and The Age of Consent.
The One World Centre, The New Ireland Group and The de Borda Institute have
organised the following events:
1 GEORGE MONBIOT The 2nd One World Centre annual lecture, 12 noon to 2
p.m., Thursday 9th October, Room G07, Peter Frogatt Building, Queen’s
University. Everyone welcome.
Further information available from The One World Centre, 4 Lower Crescent,
Belfast BT7 1NR, Tel 90241879, e-mail stephen@owcni.org.uk
2 GEORGE MONBIOT “Unionism, Nationalism or Globalisation?” 7.30 for
7.45 p.m. on Thursday 9th October, in The Elmwood Hall, Belfast Tickets £5
(concessions £2.50), includes a free glass of organic wine from the Belfast Food Coop.
Tickets and further information available from either The New Ireland Group, 7
Slievedarragh Park, Belfast BT14 8J sec.newirelandgroup@ntlworld.com or The de
Borda Institute, 36 Ballysillan Road, Belfast BT14 7QQ pemerson@deborda.org
European Social Forum Paris , St Denis 12-15 November
If you have not yet received "The Plough Number 1"Please e-mail "request one" to
johnmartinps@eircom.net
Comments about the Plough
"Fantastic newsletter -- good work!"
"Overall good, however what is problematic is the lack of uniformity of
- colour - letter format (I prefer Times New Roman format 12)- space
If the whole newsletter was like the section included on the Assisi camp, it
would be more pleasant to read."