Log-book, December 1997 |
Madrid trial | Inner cities districts |
Montreal conference | Republican sponsors |
Squatters organized a feast | Bibliography |
Archives | Partenia: some figures |
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Madrid trial
When I said that I was going to Madrid to attend the trial of 23 Basque leaders, I was accused of going in order to defend the cause of terrorists. Why such a judgment ? I was invited as a "judiciary observer" at the supreme court. The trial is a political one, which is why it is so significant. To the public, as well as to the media, stiffness and condemnation summarize popular opinion toward the Basque cause. When I was asked to give my opinion, I was seen as being of the opposite opinion. Condemnation and repression will not put an end to terrorism. Political negotiations are necessary. They have to come one day. Why not start without delay, without waiting for dialogue with the ETA organization ? At the time of the trial, Archbishop Setien of San Sebastian issued a
statement which became controversial. He is of the opinion that a dialogue
should commence with the ETA and he requested that preliminary discussions
started without demanding that the terrorist organization put its weapons
down. He is a courageous bishop. He is great and I conveyed to him my feelings
of solidarity.
Write to Partenia: jgaillot@partenia.org |
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Inner cities districts
Even police officers try not to enter such places. But I was happy to
go there for the third time and find myself at home. The young people from
Morocco who invited me were happy. They have created a meeting place and
they put all their strength to change the image of the district and of the
young people who live in it. Little by little, they have managed to reduce
diffidence between town people and those living in their inner-city district.
Links have been woven. It becomes possible to live together. Living among
them is a retired working priest, a witness who is tremendously humane.
The evening and the exchange were superb. It was with joy in my heart that
I went and spent the night with a family from Morocco.
Write to Partenia: jgaillot@partenia.org |
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Montreal conference
The association "Alternatives" (of Actions and Communication
for International Development) organized a conference against "integrist"
ideologies. It was fascinating. The integrists claim as an ideology an absolute
truth which should not be discussed and they want to impose this truth on
all society, through means either gentle or violent. Social justice versus
integrism had full meaning. And the Algerian women were there to give an
account of their courageous struggle.
Write to Partenia: jgaillot@partenia.org |
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Republican sponsors
In one of Paris' suburbs, there was great rejoicing at the town hall.
Seventeen foreigners who lacked proper residents'permits were sponsored
with a warm crowd gathered around them. It was a grand occasion full of
symbols. I am the sponsor of Karim and Mohammed, two young Algerians. Their
hearts beat loudly when the lord mayor addressed them. It was the first
time that they had recognition given them in an official civil building.
They were taken into account. [Their voices were heard.] They were of worth.
I put my signature down on the document they were given. Now I have a bond
with them and they know that I'll be at their side.
Write to Partenia: jgaillot@partenia.org |
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Squatters organized a feast
They had squatted a building at the heart of Paris, near the stock exchange (La Bourse) and leading banks. They had succeeded. Fifteen young people and a family live there, happy to find proper accommodations. I admire the way they organize themselves, divvying up responsibilities and not forgetting to forbid alcoholic drinks. When young people feel they are trusted, they take on responsibilities and give the best of themselves. For all that, it was good to be together for an evening and to take time to rejoice, sharing bread and friendship.
Write to Partenia: jgaillot@partenia.org |
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Archives : |
PS: Partenia some figuresFiles on the website: 115 |