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Home > Programs > Trade and Agriculture > WTO Meeting: Doha > Protestors Challenge Arm Twisting and Initimidation by the U.S. and the European Union |
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Protestors Challenge Arm Twisting and Initimidation by the U.S. and the European UnionAnuradha Mittal Almost 60-70 protestors took the U.S. delegates and security by surprise when they gathered outside the heavily guarded room where the press briefing was being held by the USTR on China's accession to the WTO. Earlier the room had been sniffed clean by police trained dogs and the U.S. marines. Protesting the arm twisting by powerful trading nations, popularly known as the Quad, especially by the U.S. and the European Union, the Third World activists joined activists from the U.S., Canada, New Zealand and the European Union. They chanted in one voice, "What's going on inside closed doors: Intimidation, Intimidation!!" The press raced to cover these fierce voices and there was almost a stampede as they tried to catch every word of protest. The security officials from Qatar graciously respected our right to protest peacefully. As we all left, some of the security officials gave us a thumbs up on a protest well done. I was left with one thought: perhaps we should invite the Qatari officials to train the U.S. and Genoa security officials for future. They could learn a lesson or two of respect for free speech of protestors from them, as could the U.S. press which continues to be fixated by the war on terrorism and has failed to cover the meeting in Doha as it meets in secrecy under police and military presence. Actions will continue. More power to the people!! From Doha, ### |
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