View allAll Photos Tagged impartial
From the Solidarity with Ferguson rally in Madison, Wisconsin. 09/07/2014
Dorothy Krause is a progressive-minded Supervisor at Dane County Board of Supervisors and Common Council Alder at City of Fitchburg.
Here is a link to the petition:
www.change.org/p/joe-parisi-we-want-solidarity-with-fergu...
Here are the demands:
1. Diversity training - All common council members and All law enforcement departments within Dane county must participate in an ongoing, diversity training program approved by a diverse group of council members, officers and civilian experts on issues of diversity and policing such as Gloria Ladson-Billings, Seema Kapani and David Couper.
•All law enforcement departments within Dane county must commission an annual poll to determine the success and needs for diversity training.
•The poll must be commissioned through an independent non-law enforcement institution approved by civilian experts on issues of diversity and policing. Examples of such civilians would be Gloria Ladson-Billings, Seema Kapani and David Couper.
2. Sensitivity training - All common council and all law enforcement departments within Dane county must participate in an ongoing sensitivity training program approved by a diverse group of officers and civilian experts on issues of diversity and policing. Examples of such civilians would be Gloria Ladson-Billings, Seema Kapani and David Couper.
•All law enforcement departments within Dane county must commission an annual poll to determine the success and needs for sensitivity training.
•The poll must be commissioned through an independent non-law enforcement institution approved by civilian experts on issues of diversity and policing. Examples of such civilians would be Gloria Ladson-Billings, Seema Kapani and David Couper.
•All law enforcement departments within Dane county must meet with Community Solutions Teams in each district to determine a plan for developing greater and more honest communication between themselves and their respective communities, particularly the communities of color.
3. Racially diverse employees who live in the city they police -All law enforcement departments within Dane county must strive to employ people whose race reflect that of the community they police most often and hire employees who are live or are willing to live in the city they police.
4. Independent CRIMINAL and INTERNAL investigations -for all injuries inflicted by law enforcement officers within Dane County to be performed by an agency that does not employ anyone from the department of the officer involved. It has become clear that police cannot be “objective” in their pursuit of “reasonableness.” Bias lays waste to justice. Let's prevent it as best we can.
•The race of the investigative leads must equally represent the race of those involved in the incident.
•The names of the investigative leads must be revealed to the public within 48 hours of the incident.
•Photographs of the civilians that are released to the media must be offered and approved by the civilian's next of kin.
•Civilians must have the right to redact information from police records before they are made public.
•If a department breaks this law and investigates itself as we are seeing in Milwaukee with the Dontre Hamilton investigation, the chief of police must be reprimanded with 6 months minimum jail time for misuse of confidential information and tampering with evidence.
5. Front facing cameras for all law enforcement officers - an investment in having the advantage of complete video footage of officer-involved incidents would save lives and money and it would restore some trust in the police.
•Everyone would think twice about behaving inappropriately, trust in that transparency would be inevitable and money in that far fewer days and hours would be spent piecing together multiple takes of a single incident. Cameras must not be turned off at the officer's discretion. To do so is tampering with and attempting to conceal evidence.
•The footage must not be altered in any way.
•Civilian and officer witnesses must be permitted to view the exact same footage, no more or less than one another, in the company of their attorneys, before giving their statements to anyone.
•Civilians must be allowed to redact elements of footage that if released to the public would cause further trauma or damage to their lives.
6. The District Attorney must not review or make the determination in criminal investigations. In the history of Wisconsin policing, there has been only 1 case when a D.A. charged an officer involved in a fatality. The D.A., who cannot win re-election if s/he loses the law enforcement vote and who depends on good rapport with officers to try and win cases, must no longer make the final determination in the criminal investigations of officers involved in potentially criminal activity - nor should they prosecute. To date, there is no greater conflict of interest built into the infrastructure of law enforcement.
•A diverse grand jury must make the determination for criminal investigations of officer-involved excessive force and fatal incidents.
•A special prosecutor must prosecute in these cases and be appointed by the grand jury or an ombudsman
7. The chief or sheriff must not review or make the determination in officer-involved injury or death investigation.
•In the past 129 years, not a single Wisconsin police chief, sheriff or police and fire commission has found an officer in the wrong for excessive force or taking a life. This proves that chiefs and sheriffs will not or feel that cannot find one of their own officers guilty of excessive force.
•All officer-involved injury and death investigations must be reviewed and determined by a diverse grand jury
8. If an officer is found to have used excessive force, they must be fired.
9. All law enforcement departments within Dane county must terminate every officer named in settled lawsuits - This seems like common sense, but the fact is that officers that cost millions in lawsuits are routinely allowed to keep their jobs. If a jurisdiction chooses to settle a lawsuit against an officer for excessive force, civil rights violations, or other abuses of power, the department must terminate the officer and the officer will be placed on the National Police Offender Registry.
10. Firing vs Resigning - As with the military, officers who are charged internally with policy violations that would have them fired should have to go before their commission and be fired. A firing and a resignation look different on a job or gun owner application, as they should. The former West Allis officer who went on to be a security guard before he killed two woman and put them in suitcases is one example of why officers must be held fully accountable, on paper, for their actions.
11. Early Warning System: There is no worse time and place for a chief or sheriff to find that they have a bigot or loose canon in their department than at the scene of an officer-involved injury or death. The development of early warning systems for all law enforcement departments within Dane county that tracks all complaints made against police officers and flags destructive patterns is needed. These systems should be reviewed by the police and fire commission.
12. MDC Screening: As we learned from Rodney King's beating and the 2012 forced resignation of former Madison Police Officer Heimsness, it is essential for all police communication systems for all law enforcement departments within Dane county to be screened.
13. Screening for drugs and mental fitness: All law enforcement departments within Dane county must conduct random drug and mental fitness screening. The program used for screening for and supporting mental fitness must be developed by an impartial institution. For example: "Force Science" is is not an impartial institution. The UW Center For Investigating Healthy Minds is.
14. STATS: All law enforcement departments within Dane countymust report to the FBI's UCR (uniform crime reporting) program for more accurate data. Additionally, they must release all statistics involving their employees and complaints made against them for all injuries afflicted on civilians to a database housed by an independent location that is easily accessible to the public.
15. National Police Offender Registry: All law enforcement officers within Dane county that violate the public’s trust should not be treated differently than sex offenders. "If an officer is found to have used excessive force, violated a citizen’s civil rights, or abused the power of their office, they should be added to the registry and be barred from holding a law enforcement related position for life. " - Justin King
16. No death penalty by WI Police: Fatal shooting is too often employed in circumstances when public safety could have been secured with far less drastic measures. All law enforcement departments within Dane county must commit to researching and developing non-deadly and non-injurious methods for stopping a threat, to codifying the precedence of these methods in procedural policy, and to employing them in practice.
17. Shifts for law enforcement employees with the sole purpose of decompressing and restoration: Traumatic events occur in the everyday lives of officers. It would benefit everyone if the resulting trauma were taken seriously. When an officer commits a crime, we often hear from his/her co-workers that "we saw no signs." All law enforcement departments within Dane county must be required to go before psychologists on a regular basis in order that those signs be detected. Additionally, officers should have shifts that include scientifically-supported decompression and restoration techniques. UW Center for Investigating Healthy Minds would be a good resource for compiling these techniques.
18. Rate Leadership: All law officers with in Dane county must be polled anonymously by an independent and impartial group to gauge whether their needs are being met by their leadership and whether or not they feel comfortable upholding justice at the expense of their department's reputation.
19. Dash cameras must not be turned off at the officer's discretion.
20. Two-way radios should stay on throughout officer interactions with civilians for backup evidence.
21. Ask for help when needed: Develop an interface through which the police can solicit community assistance and collaboration, ideas and programs that foster better communication, transparency and relations with the community.
22. Stop accepting and maintaining military equipment. Dane County, there is no war but the one you are waging with yourselves!
23. Re-examination of Graham Vs Connor and the Objective Reasonableness Standard: In the past 129 years, not a single police chief or sheriff has found an officer in the wrong for taking a life. That means in 129 years, WI officers have never made a mistake when taking a life. Impossible. This statistic represents a systemic failure of oversight and malpractice on the part of those supposedly keeping watch. How does this happen?
The Objective Reasonableness Standard is used as a guide for deadly force policy by a chief or sheriff to determine whether or not the amount of force used against a civilian was reasonable. Chiefs and sheriffs look to past cases to determine what a "reasonable officer" would have done and so the criteria for such a decision can essentially be determined after the fact.
The highly flexible ways in which the Standard has been interpreted have only served the interests of the police force and, in fact, no officer has been found to have taken a “wrong" action in any of these investigations by a chief, sheriff or commission. This irresponsible looseness is legally, systemically supported at every level of law enforcement, from the statutes to the rulings of District Attorneys. This fact serves virtually to eliminate accountability in policing and, placing little value on the lives of civilians.
Though serving our community poorly, the looseness of this Standard serves well the elected officials who make determinations on controversial Officer-involved injuries and fatalities etc. in that sheriffs and D.A.s can stay elected and appointed chiefs are allowed to keep their records of “perfection” intact.
The general public has no idea how little value this standard places on all of our lives. Currently, if an officer has a civilian within reach of their weapon, s/he can at any time claim the civilian went for his/her gun, that s/he feared for his/her life, and that s/he therefore shot to kill.
•Because all of this is true, Dane County and its cities must commission a poll through an independent institution approved by impartial civilian experts on deadly force such as Michael Scott at the center of Problem Oriented Policing and former Madison Chief of Police, David Couper. The purpose of this poll would be to determine how comfortable Dane County civilians are with both current and historical applications of the Objective Reasonableness Standard, use of force policies and Wisconsin's 129 year record of perfect policing in all officer-involved fatalities.
•The Objective Reasonableness Standard allows officers to be conveniently selective as to what information coming from the suspect or witnesses can be interpreted as "fact". This flexibility allows officers to get away with intentional recklessness and negligence as we saw in the in the 1989 case of Graham vs Connor, the 2012 shooting death of unarmed Madison resident Paul Heenan, the 2004 shooting death of handcuffed Kenosha resident, Michael Bell and the 2012 suffocation death of Milwaukee resident, Derek Williams.
•The Objective Reasonableness Standard must be re-examined and changed to better protect civilians and to place value where it belongs: on human life.
•The exoneration of an officer must be supported by proof of prior and current mental fitness and drug screening of that police officer.
Without an agreed upon definition of justice, there can be no peace. These changes represent a justice that protects all human life no matter what color we are or badge we wear. I ask that you to take this stand and act as if the lives of all who live in Dane County are invaluable and irreplaceable.
A Sikh is a follower of Sikhism, a monotheistic religion which originated during the 15th century in the Punjab region. The term "Sikh" has its origin in the Sanskrit words शिष्य (śiṣya; disciple, student) or शिक्ष (śikṣa; instruction). A Sikh is a disciple of a guru. According to Article I of the Sikh Rehat Maryada (the Sikh code of conduct), a Sikh is "any human being who faithfully believes in One Immortal Being; ten Gurus, from Guru Nanak to Guru Gobind Singh; Guru Granth Sahib; the teachings of the ten Gurus and the baptism bequeathed by the tenth Guru". "Sikh" properly refers to adherents of Sikhism as a religion, not an ethnic group. However, because Sikhs often share strong ethno-religious ties, many countries, such as the U.K., recognize Sikh as a designated ethnicity on their censuses. The American non-profit organization United Sikhs has fought to have Sikh included on the U.S. census as well, arguing that Sikhs "self-identify as an 'ethnic minority'" and believe "that they are more than just a religion".
Male Sikhs usually have "Singh" (Lion), and female Sikhs have "Kaur" (Princess) as their middle or last name. Sikhs who have undergone the khanḍe-kī-pahul (the Sikh initiation ceremony) may also be recognized by the five Ks: uncut hair (kesh); an iron or steel bracelet (kara); a kirpan (a sword tucked into a gatra strap); kachehra, a cotton undergarment, and kanga, a small wooden comb. Baptized male Sikhs must cover their hair with a turban, which is optional for baptized female Sikhs. The greater Punjab region is the historic homeland of the Sikhs, although significant communities exist around the world.
HISTORY
Sikh political history may be said to begin with the death of the fifth Sikh guru, Guru Arjan Dev, in 1606. Guru Nanak was a religious leader and social reformer in the 15th-century Punjab. Religious practices were formalized by Guru Gobind Singh on 30 March 1699. Singh baptized five people from a variety of social backgrounds, known as the Panj Piare (the five beloved ones) to form the Khalsa, or collective body of initiated Sikhs. Sikhism has generally had amicable relations with other religions, except for the period of Mughal rule in India (1556–1707). Several Sikh gurus were killed by the Mughals for opposing their persecution of minority religious communities including Sikhs. Sikhs subsequently militarized to oppose Mughal rule. The emergence of the Sikh Confederacy under Ranjit Singh was characterized by religious tolerance and pluralism, with Christians, Muslims and Hindus in positions of power. The confederacy is considered the zenith of political Sikhism, encompassing Kashmir, Ladakh and Peshawar. Hari Singh Nalwa, the commander-in-chief of the Sikh army in the North West Frontier, expanded the confederacy to the Khyber Pass. Its secular administration implemented military, economic and governmental reforms. The months leading up to the partition of India in 1947 were marked by conflict in the Punjab between Sikhs and Muslims. This caused the religious migration of Punjabi Sikhs and Hindus from West Punjab, mirroring a similar religious migration of Punjabi Muslims from East Punjab.
The 1960s saw growing animosity between Sikhs and Hindus in India, with the Sikhs demanding the creation of a Punjab state on a linguistic basis similar to other states in India. This was promised to Sikh leader Master Tara Singh by Jawaharlal Nehru, in return for Sikh political support during negotiations for Indian independence. Although the Sikhs obtained the Punjab, they lost Hindi-speaking areas to Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan. Chandigarh was made a union territory and the capital of Haryana and Punjab on 1 November 1966.
Tensions arose again during the late 1970s, fueled by Sikh claims of discrimination and marginalisation by the Hindu-dominated Indian National Congress party and tactics adopted by the Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
According to Katherine Frank, Indira Gandhi's assumption of emergency powers in 1975 resulted in the weakening of the "legitimate and impartial machinery of government", and her increasing "paranoia" about opposing political groups led her to institute a "despotic policy of playing castes, religions and political groups against each other for political advantage". Sikh leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale articulated Sikh demands for justice, and this triggered violence in the Punjab. The prime minister's 1984 defeat of Bhindranwale led to an attack on the Golden Temple in Operation Blue Star and to her assassination by her Sikh bodyguards. Gandhi's assassination resulted in an explosion of violence against Sikh communities and the killing of thousands of Sikhs throughout India. Khushwant Singh described the riots as a Sikh pogrom; he "felt like a refugee in my country. In fact, I felt like a Jew in Nazi Germany". Since 1984, relations between Sikhs and Hindus have moved toward a rapprochement aided by economic prosperity. However, a 2002 claim by the Hindu right-wing Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) that "Sikhs are Hindus" disturbed Sikh sensibilities. The Khalistan movement campaigns for justice for the victims of the violence, and for the political and economic needs of the Punjab.
In 1996, United Nations Commission on Human Rights Freedom of Religion or Belief Special Rapporteur Abdelfattah Amor (Tunisia, 1993–2004) visited India to report on religious discrimination. The following year Amor concluded, "In India it appears that the situation of the Sikhs in the religious field is satisfactory, but that difficulties are arising in the political (foreign interference, terrorism, etc.), economic (in particular with regard to sharing of water supplies) and even occupational fields. Information received from nongovernment (sic) sources indicates that discrimination does exist in certain sectors of the public administration; examples include the decline in the number of Sikhs in the police force and the military, and the absence of Sikhs in personal bodyguard units since the murder of Indira Gandhi".
Although Sikhs comprise 10 to 15 percent of all ranks of the Indian Army and 20 percent of its officers, they make up 1.87 percent of the Indian population.
During the 1999 Vaisakhi, Sikhs worldwide celebrated the 300th anniversary of the creation of the Khalsa. Canada Post honoured Sikh Canadians with a commemorative stamp in conjunction with the 300th anniversary of Vaisakhi. On April 9, 1999, Indian president K.R. Narayanan issued a stamp commemorating the 300th anniversary of the Khalsa.
DEFINITION
According to Guru Granth Sahib:
One who calls himself a Sikh of the Guru, the True Guru, shall rise in the early morning hours and meditate on the Lord's Name. Upon arising early in the morning, the Sikh is to bathe, and cleanse himself in the pool of nectar. Following the Instructions of the Guru, the Sikh is to chant the Name of the Lord, Har. All sins, misdeeds and negativity shall be erased. Then, at the rising of the sun, the Sikh is to sing Gurbani; whether sitting down or standing up, the Sikh is to meditate on the Lord's Name. One who meditates on my Lord, Har, with every breath and every morsel of food – that Gursikh becomes pleasing to the Guru's Mind. That person, unto whom my Lord and Master is kind and compassionate – upon that Gursikh, the Guru's Teachings are bestowed. Servant Nanak begs for the dust of the feet of that Gursikh, who himself chants the Naam, and inspires others to chant it.
Simran of the Lord's name is a recurring theme of Guru Granth Sahib, and Sukhmani Sahib were composed to allow a devotee to recite Nam throughout the day. Rising at Amrit Velā (before sunrise) is a common Sikh practice. Sikhism considers the spiritual and secular lives to be intertwined: "In the Sikh Weltanschauung ... the temporal world is part of the Infinite and partakes of its characteristics." According to Guru Nanak, living an "active, creative, and practical life" of "truthfulness, fidelity, self-control and purity" is superior to a purely contemplative life.
FIVE Ks
The five Ks (panj kakaar) are five articles of faith which all baptized Sikhs (Amritdhari Sikhs) are obliged to wear. The symbols represent the ideals of Sikhism: honesty, equality, fidelity, meditating on God and never bowing to tyranny. The five symbols are:
- Kesh: Uncut hair, usually tied and wrapped in a Dastar
- Kanga: A wooden comb, usually worn under a Dastar
- Katchera: Cotton undergarments, historically appropriate in battle due to increased mobility when compared to a dhoti. Worn by both sexes, the katchera is a symbol of chastity.
- Kara: An iron bracelet, a weapon and a symbol of eternity
- Kirpan: An iron dagger in different sizes. In the UK Sikhs can wear a small dagger, but in the Punjab they might wear a traditional curved sword from one to three feet in length.
MUSIC & INSTRUMENTS
The Sikhs have a number of musical instruments: the rebab, dilruba, taus, jori and sarinda. Playing the sarangi was encouraged in Guru Har Gobind. The rubab was first played by Bhai Mardana as he accompanied Guru Nanak on his journeys. The jori and sarinda were designed by Guru Arjan. The taus was made by Guru Hargobind, who supposedly heard a peacock singing and wanted to create an instrument mimicking its sounds (taus is the Persian word for peacock). The dilruba was made by Guru Gobind Singh at the request of his followers, who wanted a smaller instrument than the taus. After Japji Sahib, all of the shabda in the Guru Granth Sahib were composed as ragas. This type of singing is known as Gurmat Sangeet.
When they marched into battle, the Sikhs would play a Ranjit Nagara (victory drum) to boost morale. Nagaras (usually two to three feet in diameter, although some were up to five feet in diameter) are played with two sticks. The beat of the large drums, and the raising of the Nishan Sahib, meant that the singhs were on their way.
DISTRIBUTION
Numbering about 27 million worldwide, Sikhs make up 0.39 percent of the world population; approximately 83 percent live in India. About 76 percent of all Sikhs live in the north Indian State of Punjab, where they form a majority (about two-thirds) of the population. Substantial communities of Sikhs (more than 200,000) live in the Indian states or union territories of Haryana (more than 1.1 million), Rajasthan, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh Assam and Jammu and Kashmir.
Sikh migration from British India began in earnest during the second half of the 19th century, when the British completed their annexation of the Punjab. The British Raj recruited Sikhs for the Indian Civil Service (particularly the British Indian Army), which led to Sikh migration throughout India and the British Empire. During the Raj, semiskilled Sikh artisans were transported from the Punjab to British East Africa to help build railroads. Sikhs emigrated from India and Pakistan after World War II, most going to the United Kingdom but many to North America. Some Sikhs who had settled in eastern Africa were expelled by Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in 1972. Economics is a major factor in Sikh migration, and significant communities exist in the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Malaysia, East Africa, Australia and Thailand.
Although the rate of Sikh migration from the Punjab has remained high, traditional patterns of Sikh migration favouring English-speaking countries (particularly the United Kingdom) have changed during the past decade due to stricter immigration laws. Moliner (2006) wrote that as a consequence of Sikh migration to the UK "becom[ing] virtually impossible since the late 1970s", migration patterns evolved to continental Europe. Italy is a rapidly growing destination for Sikh migration, with Reggio Emilia and Vicenza having significant Sikh population clusters. Italian Sikhs are generally involved in agriculture, agricultural processing, the manufacture of machine tools and horticulture.
Primarily for socio-economic reasons, Indian Sikhs have the lowest adjusted growth rate of any major religious group in India, at 16.9 percent per decade (estimated from 1991 to 2001). Johnson and Barrett (2004) estimate that the global Sikh population increases annually by 392,633 (1.7 percent per year, based on 2004 figures); this percentage includes births, deaths and conversions.
REPRESENTATION
Sikhs have been represented in Indian politics by former Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh and the deputy chairman of the Indian Planning Commission, Montek Singh Ahluwalia. Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal is also a Sikh. Past Sikh politicians in India include former president Giani Zail Singh, Sardar Swaran Singh (India's first foreign minister), Speaker of Parliament Gurdial Singh Dhillon and former Chief Minister of Punjab Pratap Singh Kairon.
Politicians from the Sikh diaspora include the first Asian American member of the United States Congress, Dalip Singh Saund, British MPs Piara Khabra, Parmjit Dhanda and Paul Uppal, the first couple to sit together in a Commonwealth parliament (Gurmant Grewal and Nina Grewal, who requested a Canadian government apology for the Komagata Maru incident), former Canadian Shadow Social Development Minister Ruby Dhalla, Canadian Minister of State for Sport Baljit Singh Gosal and Legislative Assembly of Ontario members Vic Dhillon and Jagmeet Singh. Ujjal Dosanjh was the New Democratic Party Premier of British Columbia from July 2004 to February 2005, and was later a Liberal frontbench MP in Ottawa. In Malaysia, two Sikhs were elected MPs in the 2008 general elections: Karpal Singh (Bukit Gelugor) and his son, Gobind Singh Deo (Puchong). Two Sikhs were elected assemblymen: Jagdeep Singh Deo (Datuk Keramat) and Keshvinder Singh (Malim Nawar).
Sikhs comprise 10 to 15 percent of all ranks in the Indian Army and 20 percent of its officers, while making up 1.87 percent of the Indian population. The Sikh Regiment is one of the most-decorated regiments in the army, with 73 Battle Honours, 14 Victoria Crosses, 21 first-class Indian Orders of Merit (equivalent to the Victoria Cross), 15 Theatre Honours, five COAS Unit Citations, two Param Vir Chakras, 14 Maha Vir Chakras, five Kirti Chakras, 67 Vir Chakras and 1,596 other awards. The highest-ranking general in the history of the Indian Air Force is a Punjabi Sikh, Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh. Plans by the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence for a Sikh infantry regiment were scrapped in June 2007.
Historically, most Indians have been farmers and 66 percent of the Indian population are engaged in agriculture. Indian Sikhs are employed in agriculture to a lesser extent; India's 2001 census found 39 percent of the working population of the Punjab employed in this sector. The success of the 1960s Green Revolution, in which India went from "famine to plenty, from humiliation to dignity", was based in the Punjab (which became known as "the breadbasket of India"). The Punjab is the wealthiest Indian state per capita, with the average Punjabi income three times the national average. The Green Revolution centred on Indian farmers adopting more intensive and mechanised agricultural methods, aided by the electrification of the Punjab, cooperative credit, consolidation of small holdings and the existing, British Raj-developed canal system. According to Swedish political scientist Ishtiaq Ahmad, a factor in the success of the Indian green revolution was the "Sikh cultivator, often the Jat, whose courage, perseverance, spirit of enterprise and muscle prowess proved crucial". However, not all aspects of the green revolution were beneficial. Indian physicist Vandana Shiva wrote that the green revolution made the "negative and destructive impacts of science [i.e. the green revolution] on nature and society" invisible, and was a catalyst for Punjabi Sikh and Hindu tensions despite a growth in material wealth.
Punjabi Sikhs are engaged in a number of professions which include science, engineering and medicine. Notable examples are nuclear scientist Piara Singh Gill (who worked on the Manhattan Project), fibre-optics pioneer Narinder Singh Kapany and physicist, science writer and broadcaster Simon Singh.
In business, the UK-based clothing retailers New Look and the Thai-based Jaspal were founded by Sikhs. India's largest pharmaceutical company, Ranbaxy Laboratories, is headed by Sikhs. UK Sikhs have the highest percentage of home ownership (82 percent) of any religious community. UK Sikhs are the second-wealthiest (after the Jewish community) religious group in the UK, with a median total household wealth of £229,000. In Singapore Kartar Singh Thakral expanded his family's trading business, Thakral Holdings, into total assets of almost $1.4 billion and is Singapore's 25th-richest person. Sikh Bob Singh Dhillon is the first Indo-Canadian billionaire. The Sikh diaspora has been most successful in North America, especially in California’s fertile Central Valley. American Sikh farmers such as Harbhajan Singh Samra and Didar Singh Bains dominate California agriculture, with Samra specialising in okra and Bains in peaches.
Sikh intellectuals, sportsmen and artists include writer Khushwant Singh, England cricketer Monty Panesar, former 400m runner Milkha Singh, Indian wrestler and actor Dara Singh, former Indian hockey team captains Ajitpal Singh and Balbir Singh Sr., former Indian cricket captain Bishen Singh Bedi, Harbhajan Singh (India's most successful off spin cricket bowler), Bollywood actress Neetu Singh, Sunny Leone, actors Parminder Nagra, Neha Dhupia, Gul Panag, Mona Singh, Namrata Singh Gujral, Archie Panjabi and director Gurinder Chadha.
Sikhs have migrated worldwide, with a variety of occupations. The Sikh Gurus preached ethnic and social harmony, and Sikhs comprise a number of ethnic groups. Those with over 1,000 members include the Ahluwalia, Arain, Arora, Bhatra, Bairagi, Bania, Basith, Bawaria, Bazigar, Bhabra, Chamar, Chhimba, Darzi, Dhobi, Gujar, Jatt, Jhinwar, Kahar, Kalal, Kamboj, Khatri, Kumhar, Labana, Lohar, Mahtam, Mazhabi, Megh, Mirasi, Mochi, Nai, Rajput, Ramgarhia, Saini, Sarera, Sikligar, Sunar, Sudh, Tarkhan and Zargar.
An order of Punjabi Sikhs, the Nihang or the Akalis, was formed during Ranjit Singh's time. Under their leader, Akali Phula Singh, they won many battles for the Sikh Confederacy during the early 19th century.
IN THE INDIAN & BRITISH ARMIES
Sikhs supported the British during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. By the beginning of World War I, Sikhs in the British Indian Army totaled over 100,000 (20 percent of the force). Until 1945 fourteen Victoria Crosses were awarded to Sikhs, a per-capita regimental record. In 2002 the names of all Sikh VC and George Cross recipients were inscribed on the monument of the Memorial Gates on Constitution Hill, next to Buckingham Palace. Chanan Singh Dhillon was instrumental in campaigning for the memorial.
During World War I, Sikh battalions fought in Egypt, Palestine, Mesopotamia, Gallipoli and France. Six battalions of the Sikh Regiment were raised during World War II, serving in the Second Battle of El Alamein, the Burma and Italian campaigns and in Iraq and receiving 27 battle honours. Around the world, Sikhs are commemorated in Commonwealth cemeteries.
In the last two world wars 83,005 turban wearing Sikh soldiers were killed and 109,045 were wounded. They all died or were wounded for the freedom of Britain and the world, and during shell fire, with no other protection but the turban, the symbol of their faith.
—General Sir Frank Messervy
British people are highly indebted and obliged to Sikhs for a long time. I know that within this century we needed their help twice [in two world wars] and they did help us very well. As a result of their timely help, we are today able to live with honour, dignity, and independence. In the war, they fought and died for us, wearing the turbans.
—Sir Winston Churchill
IN THE WEST
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Sikhs began to emigrate to East Africa, the Far East, Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. In 1907 the Khalsa Diwan Society was established in Vancouver, and four years later the first gurdwara was established in London. In 1912 the first gurdwara in the United States was founded in Stockton, California.
Since Sikhs (like Middle Eastern men) wear turbans, some in Western countries have been mistaken for Muslim or Arabic men since the September 11 attacks and the Iraq War. Several days after the 9/11 attacks Sikh Balbir Singh Sodhi was murdered by Frank Roque, who thought Sodhi was connected with al-Qaeda. CNN suggested an increase in hate crimes against Sikh men in the United States and the UK after the 9/11 attacks.
Since Sikhism has never actively sought converts, the Sikhs have remained a relatively homogeneous ethnic group. The Kundalini Yoga-based activities of Harbhajan Singh Yogi in his 3HO (Happy, Healthy, Holy) organisation claim to have inspired a moderate growth in non-Indian adherents of Sikhism. In 1998 an estimated 7,800 3HO Sikhs, known colloquially as ‘gora’ (ਗੋਰਾ) or ‘white’ Sikhs, were mainly centred around Española, New Mexico and Los Angeles, California. Sikhs and the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund overturned a 1925 Oregon law banning the wearing of turbans by teachers and government officials.
In an attempt to foster Sikh leaders in the Western world, youth initiatives by a number of organisations have begun. The Sikh Youth Alliance of North America sponsors an annual Sikh Youth Symposium, a public-speaking and debate competition held in gurdwaras throughout the U.S. and Canada.
ART & CULTURE
Sikh art and culture are nearly synonymous with that of the Punjab, and Sikhs are easily recognised by their distinctive turban (Dastar). The Punjab has been called India’s melting pot, due to the confluence of invading cultures (Greek, Mughal and Persian) from the rivers from which the region gets its name. Sikh culture is therefore a synthesis of cultures. Sikhism has forged a unique architecture, which S. S. Bhatti described as "inspired by Guru Nanak’s creative mysticism" and "is a mute harbinger of holistic humanism based on pragmatic spirituality".
During the Mughal and Afghan persecution of the Sikhs during the 17th and 18th centuries, the latter were concerned with preserving their religion and gave little thought to art and culture. With the rise of Ranjit Singh and the Sikh Raj in Lahore and Delhi, there was a change in the landscape of art and culture in the Punjab; Hindus and Sikhs could build decorated shrines without the fear of destruction or looting.
The Sikh Confederacy was the catalyst for a uniquely Sikh form of expression, with Ranjit Singh commissioning forts, palaces, bungas (residential places) and colleges in a Sikh style. Sikh architecture is characterised by gilded fluted domes, cupolas, kiosks, stone lanterns, ornate balusters and square roofs. A pinnacle of Sikh style is Harmandir Sahib (also known as the Golden Temple) in Amritsar.
Sikh culture is influenced by militaristic motifs (with the Khanda the most obvious), and most Sikh artifacts - except for the relics of the Gurus - have a military theme. This theme is evident in the Sikh festivals of Hola Mohalla and Vaisakhi, which feature marching and displays of valor.
Although the art and culture of the Sikh diaspora have merged with that of other Indo-immigrant groups into categories like "British Asian", "Indo-Canadian" and "Desi-Culture", a minor cultural phenomenon which can be described as "political Sikh" has arisen. The art of diaspora Sikhs like Amarjeet Kaur Nandhra and Amrit and Rabindra Kaur Singh (the "Singh Twins") is influenced by their Sikhism and current affairs in the Punjab.
Bhangra and Giddha are two forms of Punjabi folk dancing which have been adapted and pioneered by Sikhs. Punjabi Sikhs have championed these forms of expression worldwide, resulting in Sikh culture becoming linked to Bhangra (although "Bhangra is not a Sikh institution but a Punjabi one").
PAINTING
Sikh painting is a direct offshoot of the Kangra school of painting. In 1810, Ranjeet Singh (1780–1839) occupied Kangra Fort and appointed Sardar Desa Singh Majithia his governor of the Punjab hills. In 1813 the Sikh army occupied Guler State, and Raja Bhup Singh became a vassal of the Sikhs. With the Sikh kingdom of Lahore becoming the paramount power, some of the Pahari painters from Guler migrated to Lahore for the patronage of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh and his Sardars.
The Sikh school adapted Kangra painting to Sikh needs and ideals. Its main subjects are the ten Sikh gurus and stories from Guru Nanak's Janamsakhis. The tenth Guru, Gobind Singh, left a deep impression on the followers of the new faith because of his courage and sacrifices. Hunting scenes and portraits are also common in Sikh painting.
WIKIPEDIA
. . . Leonardo da Vinci missed him by 600 years
_______________________________________
A Sikh is a follower of Sikhism, a monotheistic religion which originated during the 15th century in the Punjab region. The term "Sikh" has its origin in the Sanskrit words शिष्य (śiṣya; disciple, student) or शिक्ष (śikṣa; instruction). A Sikh is a disciple of a guru. According to Article I of the Sikh Rehat Maryada (the Sikh code of conduct), a Sikh is "any human being who faithfully believes in One Immortal Being; ten Gurus, from Guru Nanak to Guru Gobind Singh; Guru Granth Sahib; the teachings of the ten Gurus and the baptism bequeathed by the tenth Guru". "Sikh" properly refers to adherents of Sikhism as a religion, not an ethnic group. However, because Sikhs often share strong ethno-religious ties, many countries, such as the U.K., recognize Sikh as a designated ethnicity on their censuses. The American non-profit organization United Sikhs has fought to have Sikh included on the U.S. census as well, arguing that Sikhs "self-identify as an 'ethnic minority'" and believe "that they are more than just a religion".
Male Sikhs usually have "Singh" (Lion), and female Sikhs have "Kaur" (Princess) as their middle or last name. Sikhs who have undergone the khanḍe-kī-pahul (the Sikh initiation ceremony) may also be recognized by the five Ks: uncut hair (kesh); an iron or steel bracelet (kara); a kirpan (a sword tucked into a gatra strap); kachehra, a cotton undergarment, and kanga, a small wooden comb. Baptized male Sikhs must cover their hair with a turban, which is optional for baptized female Sikhs. The greater Punjab region is the historic homeland of the Sikhs, although significant communities exist around the world.
HISTORY
Sikh political history may be said to begin with the death of the fifth Sikh guru, Guru Arjan Dev, in 1606. Guru Nanak was a religious leader and social reformer in the 15th-century Punjab. Religious practices were formalized by Guru Gobind Singh on 30 March 1699. Singh baptized five people from a variety of social backgrounds, known as the Panj Piare (the five beloved ones) to form the Khalsa, or collective body of initiated Sikhs. Sikhism has generally had amicable relations with other religions, except for the period of Mughal rule in India (1556–1707). Several Sikh gurus were killed by the Mughals for opposing their persecution of minority religious communities including Sikhs. Sikhs subsequently militarized to oppose Mughal rule. The emergence of the Sikh Confederacy under Ranjit Singh was characterized by religious tolerance and pluralism, with Christians, Muslims and Hindus in positions of power. The confederacy is considered the zenith of political Sikhism, encompassing Kashmir, Ladakh and Peshawar. Hari Singh Nalwa, the commander-in-chief of the Sikh army in the North West Frontier, expanded the confederacy to the Khyber Pass. Its secular administration implemented military, economic and governmental reforms. The months leading up to the partition of India in 1947 were marked by conflict in the Punjab between Sikhs and Muslims. This caused the religious migration of Punjabi Sikhs and Hindus from West Punjab, mirroring a similar religious migration of Punjabi Muslims from East Punjab.
The 1960s saw growing animosity between Sikhs and Hindus in India, with the Sikhs demanding the creation of a Punjab state on a linguistic basis similar to other states in India. This was promised to Sikh leader Master Tara Singh by Jawaharlal Nehru, in return for Sikh political support during negotiations for Indian independence. Although the Sikhs obtained the Punjab, they lost Hindi-speaking areas to Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan. Chandigarh was made a union territory and the capital of Haryana and Punjab on 1 November 1966.
Tensions arose again during the late 1970s, fueled by Sikh claims of discrimination and marginalisation by the Hindu-dominated Indian National Congress party and tactics adopted by the Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
According to Katherine Frank, Indira Gandhi's assumption of emergency powers in 1975 resulted in the weakening of the "legitimate and impartial machinery of government", and her increasing "paranoia" about opposing political groups led her to institute a "despotic policy of playing castes, religions and political groups against each other for political advantage". Sikh leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale articulated Sikh demands for justice, and this triggered violence in the Punjab. The prime minister's 1984 defeat of Bhindranwale led to an attack on the Golden Temple in Operation Blue Star and to her assassination by her Sikh bodyguards. Gandhi's assassination resulted in an explosion of violence against Sikh communities and the killing of thousands of Sikhs throughout India. Khushwant Singh described the riots as a Sikh pogrom; he "felt like a refugee in my country. In fact, I felt like a Jew in Nazi Germany". Since 1984, relations between Sikhs and Hindus have moved toward a rapprochement aided by economic prosperity. However, a 2002 claim by the Hindu right-wing Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) that "Sikhs are Hindus" disturbed Sikh sensibilities. The Khalistan movement campaigns for justice for the victims of the violence, and for the political and economic needs of the Punjab.
In 1996, United Nations Commission on Human Rights Freedom of Religion or Belief Special Rapporteur Abdelfattah Amor (Tunisia, 1993–2004) visited India to report on religious discrimination. The following year Amor concluded, "In India it appears that the situation of the Sikhs in the religious field is satisfactory, but that difficulties are arising in the political (foreign interference, terrorism, etc.), economic (in particular with regard to sharing of water supplies) and even occupational fields. Information received from nongovernment (sic) sources indicates that discrimination does exist in certain sectors of the public administration; examples include the decline in the number of Sikhs in the police force and the military, and the absence of Sikhs in personal bodyguard units since the murder of Indira Gandhi".
Although Sikhs comprise 10 to 15 percent of all ranks of the Indian Army and 20 percent of its officers, they make up 1.87 percent of the Indian population.
During the 1999 Vaisakhi, Sikhs worldwide celebrated the 300th anniversary of the creation of the Khalsa. Canada Post honoured Sikh Canadians with a commemorative stamp in conjunction with the 300th anniversary of Vaisakhi. On April 9, 1999, Indian president K.R. Narayanan issued a stamp commemorating the 300th anniversary of the Khalsa.
DEFINITION
According to Guru Granth Sahib:
One who calls himself a Sikh of the Guru, the True Guru, shall rise in the early morning hours and meditate on the Lord's Name. Upon arising early in the morning, the Sikh is to bathe, and cleanse himself in the pool of nectar. Following the Instructions of the Guru, the Sikh is to chant the Name of the Lord, Har. All sins, misdeeds and negativity shall be erased. Then, at the rising of the sun, the Sikh is to sing Gurbani; whether sitting down or standing up, the Sikh is to meditate on the Lord's Name. One who meditates on my Lord, Har, with every breath and every morsel of food – that Gursikh becomes pleasing to the Guru's Mind. That person, unto whom my Lord and Master is kind and compassionate – upon that Gursikh, the Guru's Teachings are bestowed. Servant Nanak begs for the dust of the feet of that Gursikh, who himself chants the Naam, and inspires others to chant it.
Simran of the Lord's name is a recurring theme of Guru Granth Sahib, and Sukhmani Sahib were composed to allow a devotee to recite Nam throughout the day. Rising at Amrit Velā (before sunrise) is a common Sikh practice. Sikhism considers the spiritual and secular lives to be intertwined: "In the Sikh Weltanschauung ... the temporal world is part of the Infinite and partakes of its characteristics." According to Guru Nanak, living an "active, creative, and practical life" of "truthfulness, fidelity, self-control and purity" is superior to a purely contemplative life.
FIVE Ks
The five Ks (panj kakaar) are five articles of faith which all baptized Sikhs (Amritdhari Sikhs) are obliged to wear. The symbols represent the ideals of Sikhism: honesty, equality, fidelity, meditating on God and never bowing to tyranny. The five symbols are:
- Kesh: Uncut hair, usually tied and wrapped in a Dastar
- Kanga: A wooden comb, usually worn under a Dastar
- Katchera: Cotton undergarments, historically appropriate in battle due to increased mobility when compared to a dhoti. Worn by both sexes, the katchera is a symbol of chastity.
- Kara: An iron bracelet, a weapon and a symbol of eternity
- Kirpan: An iron dagger in different sizes. In the UK Sikhs can wear a small dagger, but in the Punjab they might wear a traditional curved sword from one to three feet in length.
MUSIC & INSTRUMENTS
The Sikhs have a number of musical instruments: the rebab, dilruba, taus, jori and sarinda. Playing the sarangi was encouraged in Guru Har Gobind. The rubab was first played by Bhai Mardana as he accompanied Guru Nanak on his journeys. The jori and sarinda were designed by Guru Arjan. The taus was made by Guru Hargobind, who supposedly heard a peacock singing and wanted to create an instrument mimicking its sounds (taus is the Persian word for peacock). The dilruba was made by Guru Gobind Singh at the request of his followers, who wanted a smaller instrument than the taus. After Japji Sahib, all of the shabda in the Guru Granth Sahib were composed as ragas. This type of singing is known as Gurmat Sangeet.
When they marched into battle, the Sikhs would play a Ranjit Nagara (victory drum) to boost morale. Nagaras (usually two to three feet in diameter, although some were up to five feet in diameter) are played with two sticks. The beat of the large drums, and the raising of the Nishan Sahib, meant that the singhs were on their way.
DISTRIBUTION
Numbering about 27 million worldwide, Sikhs make up 0.39 percent of the world population; approximately 83 percent live in India. About 76 percent of all Sikhs live in the north Indian State of Punjab, where they form a majority (about two-thirds) of the population. Substantial communities of Sikhs (more than 200,000) live in the Indian states or union territories of Haryana (more than 1.1 million), Rajasthan, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh Assam and Jammu and Kashmir.
Sikh migration from British India began in earnest during the second half of the 19th century, when the British completed their annexation of the Punjab. The British Raj recruited Sikhs for the Indian Civil Service (particularly the British Indian Army), which led to Sikh migration throughout India and the British Empire. During the Raj, semiskilled Sikh artisans were transported from the Punjab to British East Africa to help build railroads. Sikhs emigrated from India and Pakistan after World War II, most going to the United Kingdom but many to North America. Some Sikhs who had settled in eastern Africa were expelled by Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in 1972. Economics is a major factor in Sikh migration, and significant communities exist in the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Malaysia, East Africa, Australia and Thailand.
Although the rate of Sikh migration from the Punjab has remained high, traditional patterns of Sikh migration favouring English-speaking countries (particularly the United Kingdom) have changed during the past decade due to stricter immigration laws. Moliner (2006) wrote that as a consequence of Sikh migration to the UK "becom[ing] virtually impossible since the late 1970s", migration patterns evolved to continental Europe. Italy is a rapidly growing destination for Sikh migration, with Reggio Emilia and Vicenza having significant Sikh population clusters. Italian Sikhs are generally involved in agriculture, agricultural processing, the manufacture of machine tools and horticulture.
Primarily for socio-economic reasons, Indian Sikhs have the lowest adjusted growth rate of any major religious group in India, at 16.9 percent per decade (estimated from 1991 to 2001). Johnson and Barrett (2004) estimate that the global Sikh population increases annually by 392,633 (1.7 percent per year, based on 2004 figures); this percentage includes births, deaths and conversions.
REPRESENTATION
Sikhs have been represented in Indian politics by former Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh and the deputy chairman of the Indian Planning Commission, Montek Singh Ahluwalia. Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal is also a Sikh. Past Sikh politicians in India include former president Giani Zail Singh, Sardar Swaran Singh (India's first foreign minister), Speaker of Parliament Gurdial Singh Dhillon and former Chief Minister of Punjab Pratap Singh Kairon.
Politicians from the Sikh diaspora include the first Asian American member of the United States Congress, Dalip Singh Saund, British MPs Piara Khabra, Parmjit Dhanda and Paul Uppal, the first couple to sit together in a Commonwealth parliament (Gurmant Grewal and Nina Grewal, who requested a Canadian government apology for the Komagata Maru incident), former Canadian Shadow Social Development Minister Ruby Dhalla, Canadian Minister of State for Sport Baljit Singh Gosal and Legislative Assembly of Ontario members Vic Dhillon and Jagmeet Singh. Ujjal Dosanjh was the New Democratic Party Premier of British Columbia from July 2004 to February 2005, and was later a Liberal frontbench MP in Ottawa. In Malaysia, two Sikhs were elected MPs in the 2008 general elections: Karpal Singh (Bukit Gelugor) and his son, Gobind Singh Deo (Puchong). Two Sikhs were elected assemblymen: Jagdeep Singh Deo (Datuk Keramat) and Keshvinder Singh (Malim Nawar).
Sikhs comprise 10 to 15 percent of all ranks in the Indian Army and 20 percent of its officers, while making up 1.87 percent of the Indian population. The Sikh Regiment is one of the most-decorated regiments in the army, with 73 Battle Honours, 14 Victoria Crosses, 21 first-class Indian Orders of Merit (equivalent to the Victoria Cross), 15 Theatre Honours, five COAS Unit Citations, two Param Vir Chakras, 14 Maha Vir Chakras, five Kirti Chakras, 67 Vir Chakras and 1,596 other awards. The highest-ranking general in the history of the Indian Air Force is a Punjabi Sikh, Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh. Plans by the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence for a Sikh infantry regiment were scrapped in June 2007.
Historically, most Indians have been farmers and 66 percent of the Indian population are engaged in agriculture. Indian Sikhs are employed in agriculture to a lesser extent; India's 2001 census found 39 percent of the working population of the Punjab employed in this sector. The success of the 1960s Green Revolution, in which India went from "famine to plenty, from humiliation to dignity", was based in the Punjab (which became known as "the breadbasket of India"). The Punjab is the wealthiest Indian state per capita, with the average Punjabi income three times the national average. The Green Revolution centred on Indian farmers adopting more intensive and mechanised agricultural methods, aided by the electrification of the Punjab, cooperative credit, consolidation of small holdings and the existing, British Raj-developed canal system. According to Swedish political scientist Ishtiaq Ahmad, a factor in the success of the Indian green revolution was the "Sikh cultivator, often the Jat, whose courage, perseverance, spirit of enterprise and muscle prowess proved crucial". However, not all aspects of the green revolution were beneficial. Indian physicist Vandana Shiva wrote that the green revolution made the "negative and destructive impacts of science [i.e. the green revolution] on nature and society" invisible, and was a catalyst for Punjabi Sikh and Hindu tensions despite a growth in material wealth.
Punjabi Sikhs are engaged in a number of professions which include science, engineering and medicine. Notable examples are nuclear scientist Piara Singh Gill (who worked on the Manhattan Project), fibre-optics pioneer Narinder Singh Kapany and physicist, science writer and broadcaster Simon Singh.
In business, the UK-based clothing retailers New Look and the Thai-based Jaspal were founded by Sikhs. India's largest pharmaceutical company, Ranbaxy Laboratories, is headed by Sikhs. UK Sikhs have the highest percentage of home ownership (82 percent) of any religious community. UK Sikhs are the second-wealthiest (after the Jewish community) religious group in the UK, with a median total household wealth of £229,000. In Singapore Kartar Singh Thakral expanded his family's trading business, Thakral Holdings, into total assets of almost $1.4 billion and is Singapore's 25th-richest person. Sikh Bob Singh Dhillon is the first Indo-Canadian billionaire. The Sikh diaspora has been most successful in North America, especially in California’s fertile Central Valley. American Sikh farmers such as Harbhajan Singh Samra and Didar Singh Bains dominate California agriculture, with Samra specialising in okra and Bains in peaches.
Sikh intellectuals, sportsmen and artists include writer Khushwant Singh, England cricketer Monty Panesar, former 400m runner Milkha Singh, Indian wrestler and actor Dara Singh, former Indian hockey team captains Ajitpal Singh and Balbir Singh Sr., former Indian cricket captain Bishen Singh Bedi, Harbhajan Singh (India's most successful off spin cricket bowler), Bollywood actress Neetu Singh, Sunny Leone, actors Parminder Nagra, Neha Dhupia, Gul Panag, Mona Singh, Namrata Singh Gujral, Archie Panjabi and director Gurinder Chadha.
Sikhs have migrated worldwide, with a variety of occupations. The Sikh Gurus preached ethnic and social harmony, and Sikhs comprise a number of ethnic groups. Those with over 1,000 members include the Ahluwalia, Arain, Arora, Bhatra, Bairagi, Bania, Basith, Bawaria, Bazigar, Bhabra, Chamar, Chhimba, Darzi, Dhobi, Gujar, Jatt, Jhinwar, Kahar, Kalal, Kamboj, Khatri, Kumhar, Labana, Lohar, Mahtam, Mazhabi, Megh, Mirasi, Mochi, Nai, Rajput, Ramgarhia, Saini, Sarera, Sikligar, Sunar, Sudh, Tarkhan and Zargar.
An order of Punjabi Sikhs, the Nihang or the Akalis, was formed during Ranjit Singh's time. Under their leader, Akali Phula Singh, they won many battles for the Sikh Confederacy during the early 19th century.
IN THE INDIAN & BRITISH ARMIES
Sikhs supported the British during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. By the beginning of World War I, Sikhs in the British Indian Army totaled over 100,000 (20 percent of the force). Until 1945 fourteen Victoria Crosses were awarded to Sikhs, a per-capita regimental record. In 2002 the names of all Sikh VC and George Cross recipients were inscribed on the monument of the Memorial Gates on Constitution Hill, next to Buckingham Palace. Chanan Singh Dhillon was instrumental in campaigning for the memorial.
During World War I, Sikh battalions fought in Egypt, Palestine, Mesopotamia, Gallipoli and France. Six battalions of the Sikh Regiment were raised during World War II, serving in the Second Battle of El Alamein, the Burma and Italian campaigns and in Iraq and receiving 27 battle honours. Around the world, Sikhs are commemorated in Commonwealth cemeteries.
In the last two world wars 83,005 turban wearing Sikh soldiers were killed and 109,045 were wounded. They all died or were wounded for the freedom of Britain and the world, and during shell fire, with no other protection but the turban, the symbol of their faith.
—General Sir Frank Messervy
British people are highly indebted and obliged to Sikhs for a long time. I know that within this century we needed their help twice [in two world wars] and they did help us very well. As a result of their timely help, we are today able to live with honour, dignity, and independence. In the war, they fought and died for us, wearing the turbans.
—Sir Winston Churchill
IN THE WEST
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Sikhs began to emigrate to East Africa, the Far East, Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. In 1907 the Khalsa Diwan Society was established in Vancouver, and four years later the first gurdwara was established in London. In 1912 the first gurdwara in the United States was founded in Stockton, California.
Since Sikhs (like Middle Eastern men) wear turbans, some in Western countries have been mistaken for Muslim or Arabic men since the September 11 attacks and the Iraq War. Several days after the 9/11 attacks Sikh Balbir Singh Sodhi was murdered by Frank Roque, who thought Sodhi was connected with al-Qaeda. CNN suggested an increase in hate crimes against Sikh men in the United States and the UK after the 9/11 attacks.
Since Sikhism has never actively sought converts, the Sikhs have remained a relatively homogeneous ethnic group. The Kundalini Yoga-based activities of Harbhajan Singh Yogi in his 3HO (Happy, Healthy, Holy) organisation claim to have inspired a moderate growth in non-Indian adherents of Sikhism. In 1998 an estimated 7,800 3HO Sikhs, known colloquially as ‘gora’ (ਗੋਰਾ) or ‘white’ Sikhs, were mainly centred around Española, New Mexico and Los Angeles, California. Sikhs and the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund overturned a 1925 Oregon law banning the wearing of turbans by teachers and government officials.
In an attempt to foster Sikh leaders in the Western world, youth initiatives by a number of organisations have begun. The Sikh Youth Alliance of North America sponsors an annual Sikh Youth Symposium, a public-speaking and debate competition held in gurdwaras throughout the U.S. and Canada.
ART & CULTURE
Sikh art and culture are nearly synonymous with that of the Punjab, and Sikhs are easily recognised by their distinctive turban (Dastar). The Punjab has been called India’s melting pot, due to the confluence of invading cultures (Greek, Mughal and Persian) from the rivers from which the region gets its name. Sikh culture is therefore a synthesis of cultures. Sikhism has forged a unique architecture, which S. S. Bhatti described as "inspired by Guru Nanak’s creative mysticism" and "is a mute harbinger of holistic humanism based on pragmatic spirituality".
During the Mughal and Afghan persecution of the Sikhs during the 17th and 18th centuries, the latter were concerned with preserving their religion and gave little thought to art and culture. With the rise of Ranjit Singh and the Sikh Raj in Lahore and Delhi, there was a change in the landscape of art and culture in the Punjab; Hindus and Sikhs could build decorated shrines without the fear of destruction or looting.
The Sikh Confederacy was the catalyst for a uniquely Sikh form of expression, with Ranjit Singh commissioning forts, palaces, bungas (residential places) and colleges in a Sikh style. Sikh architecture is characterised by gilded fluted domes, cupolas, kiosks, stone lanterns, ornate balusters and square roofs. A pinnacle of Sikh style is Harmandir Sahib (also known as the Golden Temple) in Amritsar.
Sikh culture is influenced by militaristic motifs (with the Khanda the most obvious), and most Sikh artifacts - except for the relics of the Gurus - have a military theme. This theme is evident in the Sikh festivals of Hola Mohalla and Vaisakhi, which feature marching and displays of valor.
Although the art and culture of the Sikh diaspora have merged with that of other Indo-immigrant groups into categories like "British Asian", "Indo-Canadian" and "Desi-Culture", a minor cultural phenomenon which can be described as "political Sikh" has arisen. The art of diaspora Sikhs like Amarjeet Kaur Nandhra and Amrit and Rabindra Kaur Singh (the "Singh Twins") is influenced by their Sikhism and current affairs in the Punjab.
Bhangra and Giddha are two forms of Punjabi folk dancing which have been adapted and pioneered by Sikhs. Punjabi Sikhs have championed these forms of expression worldwide, resulting in Sikh culture becoming linked to Bhangra (although "Bhangra is not a Sikh institution but a Punjabi one").
PAINTING
Sikh painting is a direct offshoot of the Kangra school of painting. In 1810, Ranjeet Singh (1780–1839) occupied Kangra Fort and appointed Sardar Desa Singh Majithia his governor of the Punjab hills. In 1813 the Sikh army occupied Guler State, and Raja Bhup Singh became a vassal of the Sikhs. With the Sikh kingdom of Lahore becoming the paramount power, some of the Pahari painters from Guler migrated to Lahore for the patronage of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh and his Sardars.
The Sikh school adapted Kangra painting to Sikh needs and ideals. Its main subjects are the ten Sikh gurus and stories from Guru Nanak's Janamsakhis. The tenth Guru, Gobind Singh, left a deep impression on the followers of the new faith because of his courage and sacrifices. Hunting scenes and portraits are also common in Sikh painting.
WIKIPEDIA
Interventions publiques extérieures sur 14 panneaux rétroéclairés le long du boulevard Monk, entre le métro Monk et la rue St-Patrick.
Présenté par MAP - Mouvement Art Public
Jon Rafman fait partie d’un noyau d’artistes qui créent à partir d’archives de Google Street View et de fonds d’images. Le titre de sa série The Nine Eyes of Google Street View (2008- ) fait directement allusion aux neuf caméras installées sur chaque véhicule hybride envoyé par Google Maps pour répertorier le monde. Rafman choisit des images d’évènements bizarres captés en cours de route par l’appareil automatique soi-disant impartial. Les résultats ainsi obtenus donnent des photographies troublantes qui défient toute compréhension rationnelle du monde.
Police staff, former military personnel, prison staff and office workers make up the varied backgrounds of Greater Manchester Police’s new officers. Yesterday GMP welcomed 96 new recruits to the Force.
The officers were officially sworn in at a formal ceremony attended by the Chief Constable, senior officers and magistrate Joan Cooper.
Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: “Our region is made up of people from a range of backgrounds, cultures and ethnicities which is why it’s wonderful to see our workforce now becoming a reflection of this.
“By having an organisation which mirrors our community we are able to strengthen the ties we already have with the public and instil a better understanding of the needs and demands across the region.”
The attestation ceremony was held at Stockport Town Hall on Tuesday 5 June. Family and friends watched the new officers make their oath to uphold their role with fairness, integrity, diligence and impartiality throughout their time in post.
New recruits have to complete a two year probation period which includes classroom based learning and a year of active patrol. During their training they will have the same of level of authority as regular officers, including the power of arrest.
Chief Constable Ian Hopkins added: “Neighbourhood policing is at the heart of our philosophy which is why it is so important to hold these ceremonies within the community.
“Our new recruits will join their colleagues in dealing with challenging situations in order to ensure the safety and security of the public. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for choosing to become a part of our police family and wish them every success in their future careers.”
Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime Beverley Hughes said: “I want to congratulate all of our recruits who have taken part in tonight’s attestation ceremony. It is a celebration of the hard work and dedication that each of our new police constables has put in to prepare themselves for their new roles. I would like to welcome them all into the police service.
“Policing is one of the most fundamental public services upon which our citizens depend, and they will play a vital role in keeping people safe.
“In Greater Manchester we pride ourselves on our diverse cultures and communities that this new generation of police officers will now be working closely with across the city region. I wish you all the very best in your future careers with GMP.”
The new recruits are replacing those who have either retired or left the organisation and therefore helping GMP to maintain current officer numbers.
To find out more about Greater Manchester Police please visit our website. www.gmp.police.uk
You should call 101, the national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.
Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.
You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.
Property description
Villa Yiali has one air-conditioned bedroom (with extra fold-down bed or cot), and is fully self-contained with kitchen, one bathroom, sitting area, large balcony and private outside space. Enjoying stunning views over the adjacent islands of Skiathos and Evia, the gardens and pool area are a haven of relaxation. In addition, the location at the edge of the village of Glossa means that shops, bakery, cafes and tavernas are within a few minutes walk. Otherwise the beautiful area to the north of Skopelos island is also within easy reach with many walks and trails accessible. The west facing aspect delivers the most breathtaking sunsets from the garden, whilst the sun traverses from the south giving all-day sunshine – the terrace and trees giving shade and cool when required.Glossa is situated on the northwest coast of Skopelos, 10 minutes from the port of Loutraki where the ferry docks from the neighboring island of Skiathos and the nearest airport. The ferry journey is about 25 minutes.
Accommodation description:
Bedrooms:
Bedroom. King sized bed and open traditional beamed ceiling and wooden floors. Air conditioned with dressing area and double access to large balcony. Ample storage, hairdryer, full length mirror, sofa-bed or cot if required. Quality bed linen from M&S
Bathrooms:
Located on the ground floor, with shower cabinet, washbasin and wc. Quality towels and locally made olive oil soap, complimentary gels from L'Occitane and Body Shop provided.
Kitchen:
Whirlpool appliances. Oven and ceramic hob, microwave, fridge freezer. Ample kitchen storage with quality pans, crockery and cutlery. Fully equipped. Laundry machine (detergent provided). Complimentary welcome pack. Tea, coffee, bread, cheese, wine etc.
Living Rooms:
Wooden floor, fold down dining table, open fire place. TV, DVD, iPod dock, WiFi, satellite TV, comfortable furniture. Most living is outdoors and there is a patio table and 6 chairs under a shady verandah, as well as a morning coffee set on the balcony.
Cleaning/Towels/Linen/Maid service:
All towels/beach towels/pool towels and linen provided. The house is cleaned and
changed twice each week. Outside BBQ, pool shower, sunbeds. Don't use valuable luggage space with towels as they are all provided.
Amenities/Facilities:
Barbecue, Private Pool, Garden.
Fridge/Freezer, Hob/Stove, Iron, Microwave, Oven, Washing Machine.
Air Conditioning, Cot, High Chair, Internet Access, Room Fans, Satellite, TV.
Location Type:
Beach, Village.
Important notes on accommodation
This former ‘kalivi’ was painstakingly restored in the traditional village style and is finished to a high standard of craftsmanship. The private garden, pool area and planted terraces provide a ‘home from home’ feel.
We make sure that we provide most kitchen essentials that many rental house lack such as condiments, some spices , sugar, coffee and tea together with our own olive oil for the kitchen. Soap powder, washing up liquid, in fact most kitchen comforts that we feel you shouldn't have to worry about on your holidays.
We also provide all towels including beach towels and pool towels. There are even beach mats and an umbrella available for that inevitable visit to one of Skopelos’s enviable beaches.
If you visit in June / July / August, as a highlight to your stay your holiday price will include dinner for two on one night at the acclaimed Agnanti restaurant (5 minutes walk away). Please ask us for details.
About the area
Accessibility
Glossa is unfortunately not wheelchair friendly due to the steps. However, it is possible to walk (within 10 minutes) from the main road to Villa Yiali with only 1 or 2 inclines and no steps. Parking can be arranged close by. Pets accepted by prior arrangement.
Outside
There is a private garden area approx 400 sq. mtrs. with a swimming pool of 7m by 4m, gently sloping to a depth of 1.6m. Along two sides of the pool are underwater seating areas allowing relaxation and refreshment at the same time. The private gardens are not overlooked and offer stunning views over the Aegean to Skiathos, Pilion, towards Mount Olympus in the north and even towards Athens.
Coast/Beach
The closest beach is at Loutraki, with a few tavernas / cafe’s. This is 10 minutes drive or a pleasant 25 minute downhill walk. Within 20 minutes drive are the beaches on Armenopetra, Elios, Milia, Kastani and Panormos. Glossa enjoys a unique position between both sides of the island, and the famous Mamma Mia church at Aghios Ioanni is only 15 minutes drive, as is the beach at Perivoliou. Buses run about every 2 hours in the high season. Skopelos town and the south of the island are 35 mins away
Special Interest Holidays
We have friends on the island who are running sea kayaking tours for all levels of experience and there are mountain bikes to hire to explore the beautiful deserted tracks that lead through the mountains. With a license and an off-road motorbike you can take a guided trail ride up the mountains, jeep, 4x4 or quad bike, or you can rent a motor boat or yacht or go on a sea fishing trip. Walking, birdwatching, painting and local crafts are all available. Also at the villa we have a telescope for stargazing, which on a balmy summer evening opens up the whole universe.
How to get there
Nearest airport is Skiathos which is 25 minutes by boat from the local port of Loutraki (Glossa). Volos airport is on the mainland then its 2hrs 20 by boat to Glossa. Athens and Thessaloniki both connect through. Out of season there is an air connection from Athens to Skiathos which takes only 25 minutes with Olympic Air. We can advise you on flights and also book you a car at discount rates from a small family company on the island (the car will be waiting for you next to the boat as it docks)
Distances
Glossa town is a traditional hill village with shops, cafe’s, bakeries and tavernas. Villa Yiali is on the edge of the village and all amenities are within 10 minutes walk.
Skopelos Town, the main center of the island is about 35 minutes drive away, from where day trips to Alonissos and the World Marine Park are available. Loutraki (10 mins) has much of archaeological interest, including remains of Roman baths and a hill fort. Ancient ruins remain on Mount Delphi and surrounding areas.
Further Details
Glossa has a selection of tavernas,cafe’s and restaurants including one regarded as the best in the Aegean, a number of local supermarkets, bakeries and butchers. Fish is sold from vans or straight from the port of Glossa (known as Loutraki).
Loutraki also has a number of tavernas on the waterfront, and cafes. We will be happy to help you with recommendations and advise on travel arrangements. We will collect you from the port and lead you to the house, introducing you to the wonderful wood fired bakery and friendly little supermarket on the way and demonstrate all the features of the house before leaving you to relax in this beautiful environment. As the English owners, we live next door! Unlike some villa owners, we do not charge commissions or receive payments from restaurants, car hire companies and the like. Our advice is impartial and geared to the needs of the holidaymaker. During June, July and August we offer an included meal for two at the renowned Agnanti restaurant for one night of your stay. Otherwise we have arrangements to have quality restaurant food delivered to your holiday villa so that you can enjoy the local cuisine without the trouble of leaving your comfortable surroundings.
Booking notes
Please contact us for booking details. A deposit of 20% is required to confirm booking. Deposits received will confirm booking and remainder to be payed 6 weeks in advance of arrival. If you wish to pay in € that isn't a problem we use the National Bank of Greece rates on the day of
booking confirmation and set that as your personal rate so there are no surprises with rate fluctuations. Cancellation will forfeit 10% of the booking cost if it is more than 6 weeks, otherwise the full is payable.
Villa Yiali Glossa
Property description
Villa Yiali has one air-conditioned bedroom (with extra fold-down bed or cot), and is fully self-contained with kitchen, one bathroom, sitting area, large balcony and private outside space. Enjoying stunning views over the adjacent islands of Skiathos and Evia, the gardens and pool area are a haven of relaxation. In addition, the location at the edge of the village of Glossa means that shops, bakery, cafes and tavernas are within a few minutes walk. Otherwise the beautiful area to the north of Skopelos island is also within easy reach with many walks and trails accessible. The west facing aspect delivers the most breathtaking sunsets from the garden, whilst the sun traverses from the south giving all-day sunshine – the terrace and trees giving shade and cool when required.Glossa is situated on the northwest coast of Skopelos, 10 minutes from the port of Loutraki where the ferry docks from the neighboring island of Skiathos and the nearest airport. The ferry journey is about 25 minutes.
Accommodation description:
Bedrooms:
Bedroom. King sized bed and open traditional beamed ceiling and wooden floors. Air conditioned with dressing area and double access to large balcony. Ample storage, hairdryer, full length mirror, sofa-bed or cot if required. Quality bed linen from M&S
Bathrooms:
Located on the ground floor, with shower cabinet, washbasin and wc. Quality towels and locally made olive oil soap, complimentary gels from L'Occitane and Body Shop provided.
Kitchen:
Whirlpool appliances. Oven and ceramic hob, microwave, fridge freezer. Ample kitchen storage with quality pans, crockery and cutlery. Fully equipped. Laundry machine (detergent provided). Complimentary welcome pack. Tea, coffee, bread, cheese, wine etc.
Living Rooms:
Wooden floor, fold down dining table, open fire place. TV, DVD, iPod dock, WiFi, satellite TV, comfortable furniture. Most living is outdoors and there is a patio table and 6 chairs under a shady verandah, as well as a morning coffee set on the balcony.
Cleaning/Towels/Linen/Maid service:
All towels/beach towels/pool towels and linen provided. The house is cleaned and
changed twice each week. Outside BBQ, pool shower, sunbeds. Don't use valuable luggage space with towels as they are all provided.
Amenities/Facilities:
Barbecue, Private Pool, Garden.
Fridge/Freezer, Hob/Stove, Iron, Microwave, Oven, Washing Machine.
Air Conditioning, Cot, High Chair, Internet Access, Room Fans, Satellite, TV.
Location Type:
Beach, Village.
Important notes on accommodation
This former ‘kalivi’ was painstakingly restored in the traditional village style and is finished to a high standard of craftsmanship. The private garden, pool area and planted terraces provide a ‘home from home’ feel.
We make sure that we provide most kitchen essentials that many rental house lack such as condiments, some spices , sugar, coffee and tea together with our own olive oil for the kitchen. Soap powder, washing up liquid, in fact most kitchen comforts that we feel you shouldn't have to worry about on your holidays.
We also provide all towels including beach towels and pool towels. There are even beach mats and an umbrella available for that inevitable visit to one of Skopelos’s enviable beaches.
If you visit in June / July / August, as a highlight to your stay your holiday price will include dinner for two on one night at the acclaimed Agnanti restaurant (5 minutes walk away). Please ask us for details.
About the area
Accessibility
Glossa is unfortunately not wheelchair friendly due to the steps. However, it is possible to walk (within 10 minutes) from the main road to Villa Yiali with only 1 or 2 inclines and no steps. Parking can be arranged close by. Pets accepted by prior arrangement.
Outside
There is a private garden area approx 400 sq. mtrs. with a swimming pool of 7m by 4m, gently sloping to a depth of 1.6m. Along two sides of the pool are underwater seating areas allowing relaxation and refreshment at the same time. The private gardens are not overlooked and offer stunning views over the Aegean to Skiathos, Pilion, towards Mount Olympus in the north and even towards Athens.
Coast/Beach
The closest beach is at Loutraki, with a few tavernas / cafe’s. This is 10 minutes drive or a pleasant 25 minute downhill walk. Within 20 minutes drive are the beaches on Armenopetra, Elios, Milia, Kastani and Panormos. Glossa enjoys a unique position between both sides of the island, and the famous Mamma Mia church at Aghios Ioanni is only 15 minutes drive, as is the beach at Perivoliou. Buses run about every 2 hours in the high season. Skopelos town and the south of the island are 35 mins away
Special Interest Holidays
We have friends on the island who are running sea kayaking tours for all levels of experience and there are mountain bikes to hire to explore the beautiful deserted tracks that lead through the mountains. With a license and an off-road motorbike you can take a guided trail ride up the mountains, jeep, 4x4 or quad bike, or you can rent a motor boat or yacht or go on a sea fishing trip. Walking, birdwatching, painting and local crafts are all available. Also at the villa we have a telescope for stargazing, which on a balmy summer evening opens up the whole universe.
How to get there
Nearest airport is Skiathos which is 25 minutes by boat from the local port of Loutraki (Glossa). Volos airport is on the mainland then its 2hrs 20 by boat to Glossa. Athens and Thessaloniki both connect through. Out of season there is an air connection from Athens to Skiathos which takes only 25 minutes with Olympic Air. We can advise you on flights and also book you a car at discount rates from a small family company on the island (the car will be waiting for you next to the boat as it docks)
Distances
Glossa town is a traditional hill village with shops, cafe’s, bakeries and tavernas. Villa Yiali is on the edge of the village and all amenities are within 10 minutes walk.
Skopelos Town, the main center of the island is about 35 minutes drive away, from where day trips to Alonissos and the World Marine Park are available. Loutraki (10 mins) has much of archaeological interest, including remains of Roman baths and a hill fort. Ancient ruins remain on Mount Delphi and surrounding areas.
Further Details
Glossa has a selection of tavernas,cafe’s and restaurants including one regarded as the best in the Aegean, a number of local supermarkets, bakeries and butchers. Fish is sold from vans or straight from the port of Glossa (known as Loutraki).
Loutraki also has a number of tavernas on the waterfront, and cafes. We will be happy to help you with recommendations and advise on travel arrangements. We will collect you from the port and lead you to the house, introducing you to the wonderful wood fired bakery and friendly little supermarket on the way and demonstrate all the features of the house before leaving you to relax in this beautiful environment. As the English owners, we live next door! Unlike some villa owners, we do not charge commissions or receive payments from restaurants, car hire companies and the like. Our advice is impartial and geared to the needs of the holidaymaker. During June, July and August we offer an included meal for two at the renowned Agnanti restaurant for one night of your stay. Otherwise we have arrangements to have quality restaurant food delivered to your holiday villa so that you can enjoy the local cuisine without the trouble of leaving your comfortable surroundings.
Booking notes
Please contact us for booking details. A deposit of 20% is required to confirm booking. Deposits received will confirm booking and remainder to be payed 6 weeks in advance of arrival. If you wish to pay in € that isn't a problem we use the National Bank of Greece rates on the day of
booking confirmation and set that as your personal rate so there are no surprises with rate fluctuations. Cancellation will forfeit 10% of the booking cost if it is more than 6 weeks, otherwise the full is payable.
Villa Yiali Glossa
Property description
Villa Yiali has one air-conditioned bedroom (with extra fold-down bed or cot), and is fully self-contained with kitchen, one bathroom, sitting area, large balcony and private outside space. Enjoying stunning views over the adjacent islands of Skiathos and Evia, the gardens and pool area are a haven of relaxation. In addition, the location at the edge of the village of Glossa means that shops, bakery, cafes and tavernas are within a few minutes walk. Otherwise the beautiful area to the north of Skopelos island is also within easy reach with many walks and trails accessible. The west facing aspect delivers the most breathtaking sunsets from the garden, whilst the sun traverses from the south giving all-day sunshine – the terrace and trees giving shade and cool when required.Glossa is situated on the northwest coast of Skopelos, 10 minutes from the port of Loutraki where the ferry docks from the neighboring island of Skiathos and the nearest airport. The ferry journey is about 25 minutes.
Accommodation description:
Bedrooms:
Bedroom. King sized bed and open traditional beamed ceiling and wooden floors. Air conditioned with dressing area and double access to large balcony. Ample storage, hairdryer, full length mirror, sofa-bed or cot if required. Quality bed linen from M&S
Bathrooms:
Located on the ground floor, with shower cabinet, washbasin and wc. Quality towels and locally made olive oil soap, complimentary gels from L'Occitane and Body Shop provided.
Kitchen:
Whirlpool appliances. Oven and ceramic hob, microwave, fridge freezer. Ample kitchen storage with quality pans, crockery and cutlery. Fully equipped. Laundry machine (detergent provided). Complimentary welcome pack. Tea, coffee, bread, cheese, wine etc.
Living Rooms:
Wooden floor, fold down dining table, open fire place. TV, DVD, iPod dock, WiFi, satellite TV, comfortable furniture. Most living is outdoors and there is a patio table and 6 chairs under a shady verandah, as well as a morning coffee set on the balcony.
Cleaning/Towels/Linen/Maid service:
All towels/beach towels/pool towels and linen provided. The house is cleaned and
changed twice each week. Outside BBQ, pool shower, sunbeds. Don't use valuable luggage space with towels as they are all provided.
Amenities/Facilities:
Barbecue, Private Pool, Garden.
Fridge/Freezer, Hob/Stove, Iron, Microwave, Oven, Washing Machine.
Air Conditioning, Cot, High Chair, Internet Access, Room Fans, Satellite, TV.
Location Type:
Beach, Village.
Important notes on accommodation
This former ‘kalivi’ was painstakingly restored in the traditional village style and is finished to a high standard of craftsmanship. The private garden, pool area and planted terraces provide a ‘home from home’ feel.
We make sure that we provide most kitchen essentials that many rental house lack such as condiments, some spices , sugar, coffee and tea together with our own olive oil for the kitchen. Soap powder, washing up liquid, in fact most kitchen comforts that we feel you shouldn't have to worry about on your holidays.
We also provide all towels including beach towels and pool towels. There are even beach mats and an umbrella available for that inevitable visit to one of Skopelos’s enviable beaches.
If you visit in June / July / August, as a highlight to your stay your holiday price will include dinner for two on one night at the acclaimed Agnanti restaurant (5 minutes walk away). Please ask us for details.
About the area
Accessibility
Glossa is unfortunately not wheelchair friendly due to the steps. However, it is possible to walk (within 10 minutes) from the main road to Villa Yiali with only 1 or 2 inclines and no steps. Parking can be arranged close by. Pets accepted by prior arrangement.
Outside
There is a private garden area approx 400 sq. mtrs. with a swimming pool of 7m by 4m, gently sloping to a depth of 1.6m. Along two sides of the pool are underwater seating areas allowing relaxation and refreshment at the same time. The private gardens are not overlooked and offer stunning views over the Aegean to Skiathos, Pilion, towards Mount Olympus in the north and even towards Athens.
Coast/Beach
The closest beach is at Loutraki, with a few tavernas / cafe’s. This is 10 minutes drive or a pleasant 25 minute downhill walk. Within 20 minutes drive are the beaches on Armenopetra, Elios, Milia, Kastani and Panormos. Glossa enjoys a unique position between both sides of the island, and the famous Mamma Mia church at Aghios Ioanni is only 15 minutes drive, as is the beach at Perivoliou. Buses run about every 2 hours in the high season. Skopelos town and the south of the island are 35 mins away
Special Interest Holidays
We have friends on the island who are running sea kayaking tours for all levels of experience and there are mountain bikes to hire to explore the beautiful deserted tracks that lead through the mountains. With a license and an off-road motorbike you can take a guided trail ride up the mountains, jeep, 4x4 or quad bike, or you can rent a motor boat or yacht or go on a sea fishing trip. Walking, birdwatching, painting and local crafts are all available. Also at the villa we have a telescope for stargazing, which on a balmy summer evening opens up the whole universe.
How to get there
Nearest airport is Skiathos which is 25 minutes by boat from the local port of Loutraki (Glossa). Volos airport is on the mainland then its 2hrs 20 by boat to Glossa. Athens and Thessaloniki both connect through. Out of season there is an air connection from Athens to Skiathos which takes only 25 minutes with Olympic Air. We can advise you on flights and also book you a car at discount rates from a small family company on the island (the car will be waiting for you next to the boat as it docks)
Distances
Glossa town is a traditional hill village with shops, cafe’s, bakeries and tavernas. Villa Yiali is on the edge of the village and all amenities are within 10 minutes walk.
Skopelos Town, the main center of the island is about 35 minutes drive away, from where day trips to Alonissos and the World Marine Park are available. Loutraki (10 mins) has much of archaeological interest, including remains of Roman baths and a hill fort. Ancient ruins remain on Mount Delphi and surrounding areas.
Further Details
Glossa has a selection of tavernas,cafe’s and restaurants including one regarded as the best in the Aegean, a number of local supermarkets, bakeries and butchers. Fish is sold from vans or straight from the port of Glossa (known as Loutraki).
Loutraki also has a number of tavernas on the waterfront, and cafes. We will be happy to help you with recommendations and advise on travel arrangements. We will collect you from the port and lead you to the house, introducing you to the wonderful wood fired bakery and friendly little supermarket on the way and demonstrate all the features of the house before leaving you to relax in this beautiful environment. As the English owners, we live next door! Unlike some villa owners, we do not charge commissions or receive payments from restaurants, car hire companies and the like. Our advice is impartial and geared to the needs of the holidaymaker. During June, July and August we offer an included meal for two at the renowned Agnanti restaurant for one night of your stay. Otherwise we have arrangements to have quality restaurant food delivered to your holiday villa so that you can enjoy the local cuisine without the trouble of leaving your comfortable surroundings.
Booking notes
Please contact us for booking details. A deposit of 20% is required to confirm booking. Deposits received will confirm booking and remainder to be payed 6 weeks in advance of arrival. If you wish to pay in € that isn't a problem we use the National Bank of Greece rates on the day of
booking confirmation and set that as your personal rate so there are no surprises with rate fluctuations. Cancellation will forfeit 10% of the booking cost if it is more than 6 weeks, otherwise the full is payable.
Self-awareness occurs in different modalities. Sometimes people engage in self-touching when feeling shy (Edelmann et al., 1989), and others drink copious amounts of fluids thus becoming pneumatically aware of their digestive tract when suffering from psychosis (see: de Leon, Verghese, Tracy, Josiassen, & Simpson, 1994)*. But generally speaking, humans self awareness takes places in two channels or modalities: through language and though vision.
Typically, in Western literature the former, linguistic self awareness is privileged. The father of social psychology argues that speech necessarily demands of speakers to hear themselves from the point of view of their listeners (plural), giving rise to the generalised other (Mead, 1967), super-addressee (Bakhtin, 1986, p126), Other (Lacan, 2007), and impartial spectator(Smith, 1812). Typically Western theorists argue, by application of common sense I presume, that in order to see oneself however, one needs a mirror. Mead writes " If we exclude vocal gestures, it is only by the use of the mirror that one could reach the position where he responds to his own gestures as other people respond" (Mead, 1967, p.66).
However, the recent discovery of 'mirror neurons' (Iacoboni, 2009a, 2009b) and the concomitant neural capability of 'autoscopy' (Blanke & Metzinger, 2009; Metzinger, 2009) and our own work demonstrating that the Japanese, but not North Americans, have "mirrors in their heads," (Heine, Takemoto, Moskalenko, Lasaleta, & Henrich, 2008) demonstrates that Mead's common sense assumptions about human inability to see themselves without a mirror is incorrect. Humans, especially if properly trained through the Japanese arts (Zeami; see Yusa, 1987; Ozawa, 2006) can train their mirror neurons and hone their ability to learn to see themselves, just as Westerners can and do develop their debating skills and hone their ability to hear themselves from others' and then, importantly, the Other's objective point of view.
Cultures differ in the predominance of each type of self awareness. As we have seen, the Japanese have an ability and proclivity to be aware of themselves visually. This is demonstrated likewise by the tremendously positive way in which they portray themselves visually with their poses, fashion, and automatically corrected "puri-kura." That Americans are predominantly aware of themselves in the linguistic domain is, even if one does not believe theorists such as Mead, Bruner, Lacan (2007), Hermans and Kempen (1993), Ricoeur (1990), Derrida, McAdams, Bakhtin (1986) to name but a few, adequately demonstrated by the way in which they have a strong and robust desire for positive linguistic self regard. All the studies showing positive self regard on the part of North Americans and and equivalent lack on the part of Japanese, for instance, are linguistic. The only studies to demonstrate a greater or equivalent positivity among Asians are visual: auto-photography (Leuers = Takémoto see Mukoyama, 2010, Ch.1), collage (Leuers = Takémoto & Sonoda, 2000), briefly presented flash cards (Yamaguchi et al., 2007), and positivity in recollection of photos.
What happens when the non-culturally preferred medium of self-awareness is promoted?
Among Westerners it has long been known that, unless they are feeling in a good mood, Mirrors tend to promote a novel mode of self-awareness making them aware of failure to meet social norms (Heine, Takemoto, Moskalenko, Lasaleta, & Henrich, 2008; Sedikides, 1992). The negative impact of mirrors is all the more pronounced when Westerners are in a state of negative affect. It is hardly surprising therefore that, as demonstrated by recent research (Selimbegović & Chatard, 2013), mirrors increase thoughts of suicide among Westerners. And, yet, mirrors are used as a means of preventing suicide in Japan (Oshimi, 1992).
After more than two decades of economic stagnation, the level of suicide in Japan has reached historic highs. One way in which Japanese railway authorities have found effective in reducing the level of suicide by jumping in front of passing trains is to install mirrors on platforms. Mirrors are the culturally familiar mode of self-awareness in which the Japanese have learnt to self enhance. To see themselves as loved, lovable, even cute. Remembering the internalised gazes of their loved ones, the Japanese look at the mirror, see the side of themselves that they still love, don't do it and go home.
The equivalent stimulus for increasing positive self regard among Westerners has long been known - provide them with a telephone, a listening ear, and an opportunity to narrate themselves. Hearing ones self speak is enough to put your average Western, but not East Asians (Butler, Lee, & Gross, 2007, 2009; Butler, 2012), in a better mood.
Increase in the incidence of suicide might arise however if mirrors were situated on the Golden Gate Bridge, or if suicidal Japanese were encouraged to narrate themselves**. This last possibility does not seem to be one which Japanese medical health professionals, even Mukoyama (2010), seem to have considered.
The image above is from the Wikipedia page on Infamous Suicide Spots, showing the suicide prevention mirror on the the platform of Ogikubo Station's Central Line, and a "Crisis Councelling" telephone on Sanfransisco's Golden Gate Bridge.
Inspired in the first instance by (Selimbegović & Chatard, 2013)
Bibliography
Bakhtin, M. M. (1986). Speech Genres and Other Late Essays. (V. W. McGee, Trans., C. Emerson & M. Holquist, Eds.) (Second Printing.). University of Texas Press. pubpages.unh.edu/~jds/BAKHTINSG.htm
Blanke, O., & Metzinger, T. (2009). Full-body illusions and minimal phenomenal selfhood. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 13(1), 7–13. doi:10.1016/j.tics.2008.10.003
Butler, E. A. (2012). Emotion Regulation in Cultural Context: Implications for Wellness and Illness. In S. Barnow & N. Balkir (Eds.), Cultural Variations in Psychopathology: From Research to Practice. Hogrefe & Huber Pub. Retrieved from www.hogrefe.com/program/media/flyingbooks/600434/files/as...
Butler, E. A., Lee, T. L., & Gross, J. J. (2007). Emotion regulation and culture: Are the social consequences of emotion suppression culture-specific? Emotion, 7(1), 30.
Butler, E. A., Lee, T. L., & Gross, J. J. (2009). Does Expressing Your Emotions Raise or Lower Your Blood Pressure?: The Answer Depends on Cultural Context. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 40(3), 510–517. doi:10.1177/0022022109332845
Derrida, J. (2011). Voice and Phenomenon: Introduction to the Problem of the Sign in Husserl’s Phenomenology. Northwestern Univ Pr.
Hermans, H. J. M., & Kempen, H. J. G. (1993). The Dialogical Self: Meaning as Movement. Academic Press.
Heine, S. J., Takemoto, T., Moskalenko, S., Lasaleta, J., & Henrich, J. (2008). Mirrors in the head: Cultural variation in objective self-awareness. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 34(7), 879–887. Retrieved from www2.psych.ubc.ca/~heine/docs/2008Mirrors.pdf
Iacoboni, M. (2009a). Imitation, Empathy, and Mirror Neurons. Annual Review of Psychology, 60(1), 653–670. doi:10.1146/annurev.psych.60.110707.163604
Iacoboni, M. (2009b). Mirroring people: the science of empathy and how we connect with others. New York, N.Y.: Picador.
Lacan, J. (2007). Ecrits: The First Complete Edition in English. (B. Fink, Trans.) (1st ed.). W W Norton & Co Inc.
Leuers = Takémoto, T. R. S., & Sonoda, N. (2000, November). 心像的自己に関する比較文化的研究（6） －メディア（言語とイメージ）の違いと日米比較― Cross Cultural Research on the Specular Self: Differences in Media (Language and Image) and comparison between Japan and America. Oral Presentation口頭発表 presented at the The 64th Annual Convention of the Japanese Psychologiocal Association English日本心理学第64回大会, Kyoto University. Retrieved from nihonbunka.com/docs/shinzoutekijiko6.docx
Mead, G. H. (1967). Mind, self, and society: From the standpoint of a social behaviorist (Vol. 1). The University of Chicago Press.Metzinger, T. (2009). The Ego Tunnel: The Science of the Mind and the Myth of the Self (1st ed.). Basic Books.
Mukuyama, Y. 向山泰代. (2010). 自叙写真法による自己認知の測定に関する研究. ナカニシヤ出版.
Oshimi, T. 押見輝男. (1992). 自分を見つめる自分: 自己フォーカスの社会心理学.
Ozawa, T. 小沢隆. (2006). 武道の心理学入門: 武道教育と無意識の世界. 東京: BABジャパン出版局.
Sedikides, C. (1992). Attentional effects on mood are moderated by chronic self-conception valence. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 18(5), 580–584. Retrieved from psp.sagepub.com/content/18/5/580.short
Ricoeur, P. (1990). Time and Narrative. (K. Blamey, Trans.) (Reprint.). Univ of Chicago Pr (T).
Selimbegović, L., & Chatard, A. (2013). The mirror effect: Self-awareness alone increases suicide thought accessibility. Consciousness and cognition, 22(3), 756-764.
Smith, A. (1812). The theory of moral sentiments. Retrieved from books.google.co.jp/books?hl=en&lr=&id=d-UUAAAAQAA...
Yamaguchi, S., Greenwald, A. G., Banaji, M. R., Murakami, F., Chen, D., Shiomura, K., … Krendl, A. (2007). Apparent universality of positive implicit self-esteem. Psychological Science, 18(6), 498.
Yusa, M. (1987). Riken no Ken. Zeami’s Theory of Acting and Theatrical Appreciation. Monumenta Nipponica, 42(3), 331–345. Retrieved from myweb.facstaff.wwu.edu/yusa/docs/riken.pdf
Notes
* This is the way I (and perhaps Derrida) see self speech, as a sort of self touching, self-comforting, auto 'hostipitality.'
**I know that I am ignoring Cooley and Goffman. It seems to me that the latter, and those that base there analyses on Goffman's approach such as McVeigh (Wearing Ideology) come closest to the position that this blog espouses but, in Goffman's and McVeigh's case at least it seems to me that the 'looking glass self" is 'presentational.' That is to say that the Goffman and McVeigh (if not the Cooley) 'looking glass self" is an image of me for you, for another specific other. And this is the nub of the matter. The Japanese too hear their self speech from the ear of otherS but they lack the "generalized" (Mead, 1967), "super" (Bakhtin, 1986) Other (Lacan, 2006) and they have, and we lack, a generalized gaze of the world.
*** Based on Western practice, the Japanese have taken to situating telephones at suicide spots. It seems possible to me that a telephone to the Japanese is a bit like a mirror to Westerners. A telephone encourages people to narrate themselves, and in Japan that, among those that have debt, interpersonal problems, encourages them to narrate themselves negatively in the absence of Eve, a generalized other, super-addressee, or ear that loves them. I know that there is some (though very little) OSA research that uses voice, but I suggest that a telephone, r even a poster with a sooth saying "don't do it, some one loves you," is a Nacalianly transformed mirror. The last thing a suicidal East Asian wants is to think and evaluate themselves in the desert of Japanese words (Mori, 1999).
I took this series of photos on the 10th of December 2008, which marked the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights*.
Amnesty International's annual Report on the State of the World's Human Rights**.
UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS*
Preamble:
Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,
Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people,
Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law,
Whereas it is essential to promote the development of friendly relations between nations,
Whereas the peoples of the United Nations have in the Charter reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women and have determined to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,
Whereas Member States have pledged themselves to achieve, in cooperation with the United Nations, the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms,
Whereas a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest importance for the full realization of this pledge,
Now, therefore,
The General Assembly,
Proclaims this Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance, both among the peoples of Member States themselves and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction.
Article 1.
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.
Article 2.
Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty.
Article 3.
Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.
Article 4.
No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.
Article 5.
No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
Article 6.
Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.
Article 7.
All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.
Article 8.
Everyone has the right to an effective remedy by the competent national tribunals for acts violating the fundamental rights granted him by the constitution or by law.
Article 9.
No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.
Article 10.
Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal, in the determination of his rights and obligations and of any criminal charge against him.
Article 11.
(1) Everyone charged with a penal offence has the right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law in a public trial at which he has had all the guarantees necessary for his defence.
(2) No one shall be held guilty of any penal offence on account of any act or omission which did not constitute a penal offence, under national or international law, at the time when it was committed. Nor shall a heavier penalty be imposed than the one that was applicable at the time the penal offence was committed.
Article 12.
No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.
Article 13.
(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state.
(2) Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country.
Article 14.
(1) Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution.
(2) This right may not be invoked in the case of prosecutions genuinely arising from non-political crimes or from acts contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.
Article 15.
(1) Everyone has the right to a nationality.
(2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality nor denied the right to change his nationality.
Article 16.
(1) Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race, nationality or religion, have the right to marry and to found a family. They are entitled to equal rights as to marriage, during marriage and at its dissolution.
(2) Marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full consent of the intending spouses.
(3) The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State.
Article 17.
(1) Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in association with others.
(2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property.
Article 18.
Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.
Article 19.
Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.
Article 20.
(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
(2) No one may be compelled to belong to an association.
Article 21.
(1) Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives.
(2) Everyone has the right of equal access to public service in his country.
(3) The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.
Article 22.
Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security and is entitled to realization, through national effort and international co-operation and in accordance with the organization and resources of each State, of the economic, social and cultural rights indispensable for his dignity and the free development of his personality.
Article 23.
(1) Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment.
(2) Everyone, without any discrimination, has the right to equal pay for equal work.
(3) Everyone who works has the right to just and favourable remuneration ensuring for himself and his family an existence worthy of human dignity, and supplemented, if necessary, by other means of social protection.
(4) Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his interests.
Article 24.
Everyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of working hours and periodic holidays with pay.
Article 25.
(1) Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control.
(2) Motherhood and childhood are entitled to special care and assistance. All children, whether born in or out of wedlock, shall enjoy the same social protection.
Article 26.
(1) Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit.
(2) Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace.
(3) Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children.
Article 27.
(1) Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits.
(2) Everyone has the right to the protection of the moral and material interests resulting from any scientific, literary or artistic production of which he is the author.
Article 28.
Everyone is entitled to a social and international order in which the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration can be fully realized.
Article 29.
(1) Everyone has duties to the community in which alone the free and full development of his personality is possible.
(2) In the exercise of his rights and freedoms, everyone shall be subject only to such limitations as are determined by law solely for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just requirements of morality, public order and the general welfare in a democratic society.
(3) These rights and freedoms may in no case be exercised contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.
Article 30.
Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying for any State, group or person any right to engage in any activity or to perform any act aimed at the destruction of any of the rights and freedoms set forth herein.
*Adopted and proclaimed by United Nations General Assembly resolution 217 A (III) of 10 December 1948.
Link to full translation of the UDHR in 335 languages: www.unhchr.ch/udhr/navigate/alpha.htm#E
Link to a PDF version of the UDHR in English:
www.unhchr.ch/udhr/lang/eng.pdf
**Link to Amnesty International's page on 6Oth anniversary of the UDHR:
www.amnesty.org/en/universal-declaration-human-rights-ann...
**Link to consult & download the Amnesty International Report 2008 - The State of the World's Human Rights:
I took this series of photos on the 10th of December 2008, which marked the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights*.
Amnesty International's annual Report on the State of the World's Human Rights**.
UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS*
Preamble:
Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,
Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people,
Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law,
Whereas it is essential to promote the development of friendly relations between nations,
Whereas the peoples of the United Nations have in the Charter reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women and have determined to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,
Whereas Member States have pledged themselves to achieve, in cooperation with the United Nations, the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms,
Whereas a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest importance for the full realization of this pledge,
Now, therefore,
The General Assembly,
Proclaims this Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance, both among the peoples of Member States themselves and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction.
Article 1.
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.
Article 2.
Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty.
Article 3.
Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.
Article 4.
No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.
Article 5.
No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
Article 6.
Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.
Article 7.
All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.
Article 8.
Everyone has the right to an effective remedy by the competent national tribunals for acts violating the fundamental rights granted him by the constitution or by law.
Article 9.
No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.
Article 10.
Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal, in the determination of his rights and obligations and of any criminal charge against him.
Article 11.
(1) Everyone charged with a penal offence has the right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law in a public trial at which he has had all the guarantees necessary for his defence.
(2) No one shall be held guilty of any penal offence on account of any act or omission which did not constitute a penal offence, under national or international law, at the time when it was committed. Nor shall a heavier penalty be imposed than the one that was applicable at the time the penal offence was committed.
Article 12.
No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.
Article 13.
(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state.
(2) Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country.
Article 14.
(1) Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution.
(2) This right may not be invoked in the case of prosecutions genuinely arising from non-political crimes or from acts contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.
Article 15.
(1) Everyone has the right to a nationality.
(2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality nor denied the right to change his nationality.
Article 16.
(1) Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race, nationality or religion, have the right to marry and to found a family. They are entitled to equal rights as to marriage, during marriage and at its dissolution.
(2) Marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full consent of the intending spouses.
(3) The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State.
Article 17.
(1) Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in association with others.
(2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property.
Article 18.
Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.
Article 19.
Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.
Article 20.
(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
(2) No one may be compelled to belong to an association.
Article 21.
(1) Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives.
(2) Everyone has the right of equal access to public service in his country.
(3) The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.
Article 22.
Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security and is entitled to realization, through national effort and international co-operation and in accordance with the organization and resources of each State, of the economic, social and cultural rights indispensable for his dignity and the free development of his personality.
Article 23.
(1) Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment.
(2) Everyone, without any discrimination, has the right to equal pay for equal work.
(3) Everyone who works has the right to just and favourable remuneration ensuring for himself and his family an existence worthy of human dignity, and supplemented, if necessary, by other means of social protection.
(4) Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his interests.
Article 24.
Everyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of working hours and periodic holidays with pay.
Article 25.
(1) Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control.
(2) Motherhood and childhood are entitled to special care and assistance. All children, whether born in or out of wedlock, shall enjoy the same social protection.
Article 26.
(1) Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit.
(2) Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace.
(3) Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children.
Article 27.
(1) Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits.
(2) Everyone has the right to the protection of the moral and material interests resulting from any scientific, literary or artistic production of which he is the author.
Article 28.
Everyone is entitled to a social and international order in which the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration can be fully realized.
Article 29.
(1) Everyone has duties to the community in which alone the free and full development of his personality is possible.
(2) In the exercise of his rights and freedoms, everyone shall be subject only to such limitations as are determined by law solely for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just requirements of morality, public order and the general welfare in a democratic society.
(3) These rights and freedoms may in no case be exercised contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.
Article 30.
Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying for any State, group or person any right to engage in any activity or to perform any act aimed at the destruction of any of the rights and freedoms set forth herein.
*Adopted and proclaimed by United Nations General Assembly resolution 217 A (III) of 10 December 1948.
Link to full translation of the UDHR in 335 languages: www.unhchr.ch/udhr/navigate/alpha.htm#E
Link to a PDF version of the UDHR in English:
www.unhchr.ch/udhr/lang/eng.pdf
**Link to Amnesty International's page on 6Oth anniversary of the UDHR:
www.amnesty.org/en/universal-declaration-human-rights-ann...
**Link to consult & download the Amnesty International Report 2008 - The State of the World's Human Rights:
Villa Yiali Glossa
Property description
Villa Yiali has one air-conditioned bedroom (with extra fold-down bed or cot), and is fully self-contained with kitchen, one bathroom, sitting area, large balcony and private outside space. Enjoying stunning views over the adjacent islands of Skiathos and Evia, the gardens and pool area are a haven of relaxation. In addition, the location at the edge of the village of Glossa means that shops, bakery, cafes and tavernas are within a few minutes walk. Otherwise the beautiful area to the north of Skopelos island is also within easy reach with many walks and trails accessible. The west facing aspect delivers the most breathtaking sunsets from the garden, whilst the sun traverses from the south giving all-day sunshine – the terrace and trees giving shade and cool when required.Glossa is situated on the northwest coast of Skopelos, 10 minutes from the port of Loutraki where the ferry docks from the neighboring island of Skiathos and the nearest airport. The ferry journey is about 25 minutes.
Accommodation description:
Bedrooms:
Bedroom. King sized bed and open traditional beamed ceiling and wooden floors. Air conditioned with dressing area and double access to large balcony. Ample storage, hairdryer, full length mirror, sofa-bed or cot if required. Quality bed linen from M&S
Bathrooms:
Located on the ground floor, with shower cabinet, washbasin and wc. Quality towels and locally made olive oil soap, complimentary gels from L'Occitane and Body Shop provided.
Kitchen:
Whirlpool appliances. Oven and ceramic hob, microwave, fridge freezer. Ample kitchen storage with quality pans, crockery and cutlery. Fully equipped. Laundry machine (detergent provided). Complimentary welcome pack. Tea, coffee, bread, cheese, wine etc.
Living Rooms:
Wooden floor, fold down dining table, open fire place. TV, DVD, iPod dock, WiFi, satellite TV, comfortable furniture. Most living is outdoors and there is a patio table and 6 chairs under a shady verandah, as well as a morning coffee set on the balcony.
Cleaning/Towels/Linen/Maid service:
All towels/beach towels/pool towels and linen provided. The house is cleaned and
changed twice each week. Outside BBQ, pool shower, sunbeds. Don't use valuable luggage space with towels as they are all provided.
Amenities/Facilities:
Barbecue, Private Pool, Garden.
Fridge/Freezer, Hob/Stove, Iron, Microwave, Oven, Washing Machine.
Air Conditioning, Cot, High Chair, Internet Access, Room Fans, Satellite, TV.
Location Type:
Beach, Village.
Important notes on accommodation
This former ‘kalivi’ was painstakingly restored in the traditional village style and is finished to a high standard of craftsmanship. The private garden, pool area and planted terraces provide a ‘home from home’ feel.
We make sure that we provide most kitchen essentials that many rental house lack such as condiments, some spices , sugar, coffee and tea together with our own olive oil for the kitchen. Soap powder, washing up liquid, in fact most kitchen comforts that we feel you shouldn't have to worry about on your holidays.
We also provide all towels including beach towels and pool towels. There are even beach mats and an umbrella available for that inevitable visit to one of Skopelos’s enviable beaches.
If you visit in June / July / August, as a highlight to your stay your holiday price will include dinner for two on one night at the acclaimed Agnanti restaurant (5 minutes walk away). Please ask us for details.
About the area
Accessibility
Glossa is unfortunately not wheelchair friendly due to the steps. However, it is possible to walk (within 10 minutes) from the main road to Villa Yiali with only 1 or 2 inclines and no steps. Parking can be arranged close by. Pets accepted by prior arrangement.
Outside
There is a private garden area approx 400 sq. mtrs. with a swimming pool of 7m by 4m, gently sloping to a depth of 1.6m. Along two sides of the pool are underwater seating areas allowing relaxation and refreshment at the same time. The private gardens are not overlooked and offer stunning views over the Aegean to Skiathos, Pilion, towards Mount Olympus in the north and even towards Athens.
Coast/Beach
The closest beach is at Loutraki, with a few tavernas / cafe’s. This is 10 minutes drive or a pleasant 25 minute downhill walk. Within 20 minutes drive are the beaches on Armenopetra, Elios, Milia, Kastani and Panormos. Glossa enjoys a unique position between both sides of the island, and the famous Mamma Mia church at Aghios Ioanni is only 15 minutes drive, as is the beach at Perivoliou. Buses run about every 2 hours in the high season. Skopelos town and the south of the island are 35 mins away
Special Interest Holidays
We have friends on the island who are running sea kayaking tours for all levels of experience and there are mountain bikes to hire to explore the beautiful deserted tracks that lead through the mountains. With a license and an off-road motorbike you can take a guided trail ride up the mountains, jeep, 4x4 or quad bike, or you can rent a motor boat or yacht or go on a sea fishing trip. Walking, birdwatching, painting and local crafts are all available. Also at the villa we have a telescope for stargazing, which on a balmy summer evening opens up the whole universe.
How to get there
Nearest airport is Skiathos which is 25 minutes by boat from the local port of Loutraki (Glossa). Volos airport is on the mainland then its 2hrs 20 by boat to Glossa. Athens and Thessaloniki both connect through. Out of season there is an air connection from Athens to Skiathos which takes only 25 minutes with Olympic Air. We can advise you on flights and also book you a car at discount rates from a small family company on the island (the car will be waiting for you next to the boat as it docks)
Distances
Glossa town is a traditional hill village with shops, cafe’s, bakeries and tavernas. Villa Yiali is on the edge of the village and all amenities are within 10 minutes walk.
Skopelos Town, the main center of the island is about 35 minutes drive away, from where day trips to Alonissos and the World Marine Park are available. Loutraki (10 mins) has much of archaeological interest, including remains of Roman baths and a hill fort. Ancient ruins remain on Mount Delphi and surrounding areas.
Further Details
Glossa has a selection of tavernas,cafe’s and restaurants including one regarded as the best in the Aegean, a number of local supermarkets, bakeries and butchers. Fish is sold from vans or straight from the port of Glossa (known as Loutraki).
Loutraki also has a number of tavernas on the waterfront, and cafes. We will be happy to help you with recommendations and advise on travel arrangements. We will collect you from the port and lead you to the house, introducing you to the wonderful wood fired bakery and friendly little supermarket on the way and demonstrate all the features of the house before leaving you to relax in this beautiful environment. As the English owners, we live next door! Unlike some villa owners, we do not charge commissions or receive payments from restaurants, car hire companies and the like. Our advice is impartial and geared to the needs of the holidaymaker. During June, July and August we offer an included meal for two at the renowned Agnanti restaurant for one night of your stay. Otherwise we have arrangements to have quality restaurant food delivered to your holiday villa so that you can enjoy the local cuisine without the trouble of leaving your comfortable surroundings.
Booking notes
Please contact us for booking details. A deposit of 20% is required to confirm booking. Deposits received will confirm booking and remainder to be payed 6 weeks in advance of arrival. If you wish to pay in € that isn't a problem we use the National Bank of Greece rates on the day of
booking confirmation and set that as your personal rate so there are no surprises with rate fluctuations. Cancellation will forfeit 10% of the booking cost if it is more than 6 weeks, otherwise the full is payable.
Villa Yiali Glossa
Property description
Villa Yiali has one air-conditioned bedroom (with extra fold-down bed or cot), and is fully self-contained with kitchen, one bathroom, sitting area, large balcony and private outside space. Enjoying stunning views over the adjacent islands of Skiathos and Evia, the gardens and pool area are a haven of relaxation. In addition, the location at the edge of the village of Glossa means that shops, bakery, cafes and tavernas are within a few minutes walk. Otherwise the beautiful area to the north of Skopelos island is also within easy reach with many walks and trails accessible. The west facing aspect delivers the most breathtaking sunsets from the garden, whilst the sun traverses from the south giving all-day sunshine – the terrace and trees giving shade and cool when required.Glossa is situated on the northwest coast of Skopelos, 10 minutes from the port of Loutraki where the ferry docks from the neighboring island of Skiathos and the nearest airport. The ferry journey is about 25 minutes.
Accommodation description:
Bedrooms:
Bedroom. King sized bed and open traditional beamed ceiling and wooden floors. Air conditioned with dressing area and double access to large balcony. Ample storage, hairdryer, full length mirror, sofa-bed or cot if required. Quality bed linen from M&S
Bathrooms:
Located on the ground floor, with shower cabinet, washbasin and wc. Quality towels and locally made olive oil soap, complimentary gels from L'Occitane and Body Shop provided.
Kitchen:
Whirlpool appliances. Oven and ceramic hob, microwave, fridge freezer. Ample kitchen storage with quality pans, crockery and cutlery. Fully equipped. Laundry machine (detergent provided). Complimentary welcome pack. Tea, coffee, bread, cheese, wine etc.
Living Rooms:
Wooden floor, fold down dining table, open fire place. TV, DVD, iPod dock, WiFi, satellite TV, comfortable furniture. Most living is outdoors and there is a patio table and 6 chairs under a shady verandah, as well as a morning coffee set on the balcony.
Cleaning/Towels/Linen/Maid service:
All towels/beach towels/pool towels and linen provided. The house is cleaned and
changed twice each week. Outside BBQ, pool shower, sunbeds. Don't use valuable luggage space with towels as they are all provided.
Amenities/Facilities:
Barbecue, Private Pool, Garden.
Fridge/Freezer, Hob/Stove, Iron, Microwave, Oven, Washing Machine.
Air Conditioning, Cot, High Chair, Internet Access, Room Fans, Satellite, TV.
Location Type:
Beach, Village.
Important notes on accommodation
This former ‘kalivi’ was painstakingly restored in the traditional village style and is finished to a high standard of craftsmanship. The private garden, pool area and planted terraces provide a ‘home from home’ feel.
We make sure that we provide most kitchen essentials that many rental house lack such as condiments, some spices , sugar, coffee and tea together with our own olive oil for the kitchen. Soap powder, washing up liquid, in fact most kitchen comforts that we feel you shouldn't have to worry about on your holidays.
We also provide all towels including beach towels and pool towels. There are even beach mats and an umbrella available for that inevitable visit to one of Skopelos’s enviable beaches.
If you visit in June / July / August, as a highlight to your stay your holiday price will include dinner for two on one night at the acclaimed Agnanti restaurant (5 minutes walk away). Please ask us for details.
About the area
Accessibility
Glossa is unfortunately not wheelchair friendly due to the steps. However, it is possible to walk (within 10 minutes) from the main road to Villa Yiali with only 1 or 2 inclines and no steps. Parking can be arranged close by. Pets accepted by prior arrangement.
Outside
There is a private garden area approx 400 sq. mtrs. with a swimming pool of 7m by 4m, gently sloping to a depth of 1.6m. Along two sides of the pool are underwater seating areas allowing relaxation and refreshment at the same time. The private gardens are not overlooked and offer stunning views over the Aegean to Skiathos, Pilion, towards Mount Olympus in the north and even towards Athens.
Coast/Beach
The closest beach is at Loutraki, with a few tavernas / cafe’s. This is 10 minutes drive or a pleasant 25 minute downhill walk. Within 20 minutes drive are the beaches on Armenopetra, Elios, Milia, Kastani and Panormos. Glossa enjoys a unique position between both sides of the island, and the famous Mamma Mia church at Aghios Ioanni is only 15 minutes drive, as is the beach at Perivoliou. Buses run about every 2 hours in the high season. Skopelos town and the south of the island are 35 mins away
Special Interest Holidays
We have friends on the island who are running sea kayaking tours for all levels of experience and there are mountain bikes to hire to explore the beautiful deserted tracks that lead through the mountains. With a license and an off-road motorbike you can take a guided trail ride up the mountains, jeep, 4x4 or quad bike, or you can rent a motor boat or yacht or go on a sea fishing trip. Walking, birdwatching, painting and local crafts are all available. Also at the villa we have a telescope for stargazing, which on a balmy summer evening opens up the whole universe.
How to get there
Nearest airport is Skiathos which is 25 minutes by boat from the local port of Loutraki (Glossa). Volos airport is on the mainland then its 2hrs 20 by boat to Glossa. Athens and Thessaloniki both connect through. Out of season there is an air connection from Athens to Skiathos which takes only 25 minutes with Olympic Air. We can advise you on flights and also book you a car at discount rates from a small family company on the island (the car will be waiting for you next to the boat as it docks)
Distances
Glossa town is a traditional hill village with shops, cafe’s, bakeries and tavernas. Villa Yiali is on the edge of the village and all amenities are within 10 minutes walk.
Skopelos Town, the main center of the island is about 35 minutes drive away, from where day trips to Alonissos and the World Marine Park are available. Loutraki (10 mins) has much of archaeological interest, including remains of Roman baths and a hill fort. Ancient ruins remain on Mount Delphi and surrounding areas.
Further Details
Glossa has a selection of tavernas,cafe’s and restaurants including one regarded as the best in the Aegean, a number of local supermarkets, bakeries and butchers. Fish is sold from vans or straight from the port of Glossa (known as Loutraki).
Loutraki also has a number of tavernas on the waterfront, and cafes. We will be happy to help you with recommendations and advise on travel arrangements. We will collect you from the port and lead you to the house, introducing you to the wonderful wood fired bakery and friendly little supermarket on the way and demonstrate all the features of the house before leaving you to relax in this beautiful environment. As the English owners, we live next door! Unlike some villa owners, we do not charge commissions or receive payments from restaurants, car hire companies and the like. Our advice is impartial and geared to the needs of the holidaymaker. During June, July and August we offer an included meal for two at the renowned Agnanti restaurant for one night of your stay. Otherwise we have arrangements to have quality restaurant food delivered to your holiday villa so that you can enjoy the local cuisine without the trouble of leaving your comfortable surroundings.
Booking notes
Please contact us for booking details. A deposit of 20% is required to confirm booking. Deposits received will confirm booking and remainder to be payed 6 weeks in advance of arrival. If you wish to pay in € that isn't a problem we use the National Bank of Greece rates on the day of
booking confirmation and set that as your personal rate so there are no surprises with rate fluctuations. Cancellation will forfeit 10% of the booking cost if it is more than 6 weeks, otherwise the full is payable.
Villa Yiali Glossa
Property description
Villa Yiali has one air-conditioned bedroom (with extra fold-down bed or cot), and is fully self-contained with kitchen, one bathroom, sitting area, large balcony and private outside space. Enjoying stunning views over the adjacent islands of Skiathos and Evia, the gardens and pool area are a haven of relaxation. In addition, the location at the edge of the village of Glossa means that shops, bakery, cafes and tavernas are within a few minutes walk. Otherwise the beautiful area to the north of Skopelos island is also within easy reach with many walks and trails accessible. The west facing aspect delivers the most breathtaking sunsets from the garden, whilst the sun traverses from the south giving all-day sunshine – the terrace and trees giving shade and cool when required.Glossa is situated on the northwest coast of Skopelos, 10 minutes from the port of Loutraki where the ferry docks from the neighboring island of Skiathos and the nearest airport. The ferry journey is about 25 minutes.
Accommodation description:
Bedrooms:
Bedroom. King sized bed and open traditional beamed ceiling and wooden floors. Air conditioned with dressing area and double access to large balcony. Ample storage, hairdryer, full length mirror, sofa-bed or cot if required. Quality bed linen from M&S
Bathrooms:
Located on the ground floor, with shower cabinet, washbasin and wc. Quality towels and locally made olive oil soap, complimentary gels from L'Occitane and Body Shop provided.
Kitchen:
Whirlpool appliances. Oven and ceramic hob, microwave, fridge freezer. Ample kitchen storage with quality pans, crockery and cutlery. Fully equipped. Laundry machine (detergent provided). Complimentary welcome pack. Tea, coffee, bread, cheese, wine etc.
Living Rooms:
Wooden floor, fold down dining table, open fire place. TV, DVD, iPod dock, WiFi, satellite TV, comfortable furniture. Most living is outdoors and there is a patio table and 6 chairs under a shady verandah, as well as a morning coffee set on the balcony.
Cleaning/Towels/Linen/Maid service:
All towels/beach towels/pool towels and linen provided. The house is cleaned and
changed twice each week. Outside BBQ, pool shower, sunbeds. Don't use valuable luggage space with towels as they are all provided.
Amenities/Facilities:
Barbecue, Private Pool, Garden.
Fridge/Freezer, Hob/Stove, Iron, Microwave, Oven, Washing Machine.
Air Conditioning, Cot, High Chair, Internet Access, Room Fans, Satellite, TV.
Location Type:
Beach, Village.
Important notes on accommodation
This former ‘kalivi’ was painstakingly restored in the traditional village style and is finished to a high standard of craftsmanship. The private garden, pool area and planted terraces provide a ‘home from home’ feel.
We make sure that we provide most kitchen essentials that many rental house lack such as condiments, some spices , sugar, coffee and tea together with our own olive oil for the kitchen. Soap powder, washing up liquid, in fact most kitchen comforts that we feel you shouldn't have to worry about on your holidays.
We also provide all towels including beach towels and pool towels. There are even beach mats and an umbrella available for that inevitable visit to one of Skopelos’s enviable beaches.
If you visit in June / July / August, as a highlight to your stay your holiday price will include dinner for two on one night at the acclaimed Agnanti restaurant (5 minutes walk away). Please ask us for details.
About the area
Accessibility
Glossa is unfortunately not wheelchair friendly due to the steps. However, it is possible to walk (within 10 minutes) from the main road to Villa Yiali with only 1 or 2 inclines and no steps. Parking can be arranged close by. Pets accepted by prior arrangement.
Outside
There is a private garden area approx 400 sq. mtrs. with a swimming pool of 7m by 4m, gently sloping to a depth of 1.6m. Along two sides of the pool are underwater seating areas allowing relaxation and refreshment at the same time. The private gardens are not overlooked and offer stunning views over the Aegean to Skiathos, Pilion, towards Mount Olympus in the north and even towards Athens.
Coast/Beach
The closest beach is at Loutraki, with a few tavernas / cafe’s. This is 10 minutes drive or a pleasant 25 minute downhill walk. Within 20 minutes drive are the beaches on Armenopetra, Elios, Milia, Kastani and Panormos. Glossa enjoys a unique position between both sides of the island, and the famous Mamma Mia church at Aghios Ioanni is only 15 minutes drive, as is the beach at Perivoliou. Buses run about every 2 hours in the high season. Skopelos town and the south of the island are 35 mins away
Special Interest Holidays
We have friends on the island who are running sea kayaking tours for all levels of experience and there are mountain bikes to hire to explore the beautiful deserted tracks that lead through the mountains. With a license and an off-road motorbike you can take a guided trail ride up the mountains, jeep, 4x4 or quad bike, or you can rent a motor boat or yacht or go on a sea fishing trip. Walking, birdwatching, painting and local crafts are all available. Also at the villa we have a telescope for stargazing, which on a balmy summer evening opens up the whole universe.
How to get there
Nearest airport is Skiathos which is 25 minutes by boat from the local port of Loutraki (Glossa). Volos airport is on the mainland then its 2hrs 20 by boat to Glossa. Athens and Thessaloniki both connect through. Out of season there is an air connection from Athens to Skiathos which takes only 25 minutes with Olympic Air. We can advise you on flights and also book you a car at discount rates from a small family company on the island (the car will be waiting for you next to the boat as it docks)
Distances
Glossa town is a traditional hill village with shops, cafe’s, bakeries and tavernas. Villa Yiali is on the edge of the village and all amenities are within 10 minutes walk.
Skopelos Town, the main center of the island is about 35 minutes drive away, from where day trips to Alonissos and the World Marine Park are available. Loutraki (10 mins) has much of archaeological interest, including remains of Roman baths and a hill fort. Ancient ruins remain on Mount Delphi and surrounding areas.
Further Details
Glossa has a selection of tavernas,cafe’s and restaurants including one regarded as the best in the Aegean, a number of local supermarkets, bakeries and butchers. Fish is sold from vans or straight from the port of Glossa (known as Loutraki).
Loutraki also has a number of tavernas on the waterfront, and cafes. We will be happy to help you with recommendations and advise on travel arrangements. We will collect you from the port and lead you to the house, introducing you to the wonderful wood fired bakery and friendly little supermarket on the way and demonstrate all the features of the house before leaving you to relax in this beautiful environment. As the English owners, we live next door! Unlike some villa owners, we do not charge commissions or receive payments from restaurants, car hire companies and the like. Our advice is impartial and geared to the needs of the holidaymaker. During June, July and August we offer an included meal for two at the renowned Agnanti restaurant for one night of your stay. Otherwise we have arrangements to have quality restaurant food delivered to your holiday villa so that you can enjoy the local cuisine without the trouble of leaving your comfortable surroundings.
Booking notes
Please contact us for booking details. A deposit of 20% is required to confirm booking. Deposits received will confirm booking and remainder to be payed 6 weeks in advance of arrival. If you wish to pay in € that isn't a problem we use the National Bank of Greece rates on the day of
booking confirmation and set that as your personal rate so there are no surprises with rate fluctuations. Cancellation will forfeit 10% of the booking cost if it is more than 6 weeks, otherwise the full is payable.
Agriculture - Industry - Marine Survey & Inspection Group (AIM Control) in Viet Nam and Worldwide. AIM Control is an independent inspection company acting globally and providing a complete range of inspection, quality goods control and consulting service to trade and industry as well as governmental buying organizations.
ACTIVITIES:
Certification
Inspection & Survey, Superintendence
Quality Goods Control Inspection & Adjuster
Third Party Inspection & Laboratory Services
Technical Consultancy & Engineering Control
Diving and Underwater Works
BUSINESS LINES:
Agriculture - Industry – Marine Operations
Consumer - Manufacture Testing
Governments and Institutions
Minerals
Oil gas - Chemical - Offshore
Systems and Service Certification
Outsourcing
Risk Management
It would be very happy for AIM Control to be nominated as independent Agency & Inspection, Survey Company and/ or Representative on behalf of your company in Vietnam and worldwide. We would like to take the opportunity to sign in co-operation with your company with an Agent Agreement Contract.
It is pleasure to introduce ourselves to you, our Group: Agriculture - Industry - Marine Survey & Inspection Group (AIM Control), Vietnam and Worldwide
1. Background
1.1. Agriculture – Industry – Marine Inspection and Survey Group (AIM Control), Our Group was founded with 30% share capital from the Multinational Group holdings and its business operated under Business Register Certificate No. 4103003457 to meet the requirements of our clients and comply with the requirements of the Vietnam Government and International Rules for Survey, Inspection, and Consultant & Superintendence.
1.2. As from its foundation, AIM Control has provided a full range of survey, inspection and superintendence services to domestic and foreign clients since 1993 via its prompt and accurate for commodities, non-commodities, others and as well consultant, property appraisal in Industry, Marine and Agriculture fields. Most important of all, we offer a high level of attention to the needs of our customers.
1.3. Our experienced surveyors/inspectors are committed to understanding each client's particular situation and survey/inspection objectives. We do our best to provide the kind of information, analysis and advice that will assist our clients in making informed and comfortable decisions.
1.3. AIM Control has established and applied Quality Management System in conformity with ISO 9001: 2000 by BVQI London. The scope of services offered and the techniques and procedures applied are constantly adapted to the demands of the market place. The company is member of IFIA, GAFTA, FOSFA, THE SUGAR ASSOCIATION and corresponding associations and has been certified for ISO 45001, 45004, 45012 ( ISO 17020, 17025 ).
1.4. The Logo of AIM Control was registered at National Office of Industrial Property belonging directly to Ministry of Science, Industry and Environment.
1.5. Our Mission promotes improvements in quality, health, safety, and environmental and technical standards through the publication of guidance and information notes, codes of practice, and by other appropriate means to our staff and the Vietnamese community.
1.6. AIM Control provides inspection & survey services by National & International Inspector, Surveyor who meet the qualifications of the Inspector, Surveyors. The term Inspector, Surveyor refers to a National & International Commissioned Inspector, Surveyor as defined in this document.
1.7. Administrative Criteria of AIM Control demonstrates exclusive administrative and technical supervision of the surveyor, inspector's activities.
1.8. Independence, Impartiality and Integrity
General: The personnel of AIM Control shall be free from any financial and other pressures which might affect their judgment. Procedures shall be implemented to ensure that persons or organizations external to AIM Control; cannot influence the results of inspections carried out.
Independence: AIM Control shall be independent to the extent that is required with regard to the conditions under which it performs its services. It shall meet the criteria described: shall be independent of the parties involved; its staff responsible for carrying out the inspection, survey shall not be the designer, manufacturer or supplier of the items which they inspect, nor the authorized representative of any of these parties; shall not engage in any activities that may conflict with their independence of judgment and integrity in relation to their inspection, survey activities.
1.9. Organization and Management
AIM Control has the capability to perform its technical functions satisfactorily, as described in Paragraph 1.10.
AIM Control defines and document the responsibilities and reporting structure of the organization.
In some case of the inspection, survey, AIM Control shall employ one or more high-technology supervisor(s)/technical manager(s) and equipment(s)/device(s) however named, who have the overall responsibility for carrying out inspection activities in accordance with this document, and to monitor the performance of the inspector, surveyor. The supervisor/technical manager shall provide instructions to Inspectors, Surveyors specifying their respective duties and responsibilities, including the duty to perform inspections in accordance with department requirements.
1.10. Technical Management
Management controls to ensure development and implementation of a quality process.
Verify its technical capability with respect to inspection, examination, repair, alteration or other core competencies.
Provide for initial and ongoing training to maintain the competence of its personnel.
1.11. Evaluation for Membership Certificate of AIM Control
Membership required a survey at a location or locations where the applicant's inspection activities are controlled. The applicant shall specify the location(s) at which the quality program will be fully demonstrated. The applicant must provide the formal name of the agency and under what department it was formed. It is not necessary to survey each regional office or location covered by the same program provided documentation is made available to the survey team. The purpose of the survey is to evaluate the applicant's quality program including its implementation.
1.12. Issuance of Certificate and/or Report
The Certificate and/or Report will be promptly completed to the client upon request.
2. Members
2.1 Membership of AIM Control is available to companies and organizations active in the survey, inspection, consultant profession. The company's service organization is present in all major countries of all continents either with own Branch Offices or through Team Offices and is co-ordinated by the Head Offices in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam:
Toa Consultant Co., Ltd. in Marine Consultants & Ship Designs and of Panama Marine Survey & Certificate Services Inc, (PMSCS) – Malta Flag in Japan
Cesmec WSS S.A. Group in Chile
Overseas Associate Surveyors Brazil Ltd.
BASE SPA in Italy
Henderson International Iran Ltd
International Goods Inspection Company
Asian Divers & Equipment Sdn. Bhd.
VDL Marine Services (Pty) Ltd in Seychelles
Carsurin Co., Ltd, and PT. Andisha Sompa Co. in Indonesia
Global Surveyors & Inspectors Ltd. in Korea
Triumph Marine S.A. in Bulgaria
M/s J.C Gupta & Co., Pvt. Ltd. in India
Asian Divers & Equipment SDN BHD. in Malaysia
Hyopsung Surveyors & Adjusters Group in Korea
International Register of Shipping in USA
Eurogal Surveys Co., Ltd. (ESC) in Cambodia
MACOSNAR GROUP in Panama
BroadPulsee Group in North America
European Operations Group (“GMG”) in U.K
P & F S.r.l. (STCR) in Italy
BULCARGO Ltd.,7, VasilDrumev Str., BG-9002 Varna, Bulgaria
2.2 Our Clients are Ship Owners, Cargo, Shippers, Consignees, Chatterers, P&I, H&M & Cargo Underwriters, Banks, Lawyers, Shipyards, Enterprises, Group, Group, Shippers, Consignees, and some Government and Official bodies and the International Associations and any of its clients.
3. Personnel
3.1 Staff of the office is variously Members or Fellows of the Institute of Marine Engineers, The Royal Institution of Naval Architects, The Nautical Institute and The Society of Consulting Marine Engineers & Ship Surveyors, in The Marine Technical Consultants’ Association, having the Professional Qualifications Marine, Diver, Construction & Architecture, Environment, Design, and Industrial & Electrical Engineers.
3.2 Key of our personnel, CEO. Nguyen Te Nhan, Master Ha Van Truong and Marine Pilot, Eng. Tran Duc Nhat, Capt. Nguyen An Thanh, Marine Chief Electrical Eng. Le Quang Dat, Electrical Industry Eng. Nguyen Hai Phong, Marine Dive Master Nguyen Hoang Hung, Master of Architecture Pham Ngoc Thao, Construction Eng. Nguyen Van Khoa, Construction Eng. Tran Duy An, Business Accountant Management Dang Viet Ha, Business Economical Management Nguyen Sy Huy, Master-Engineer Officer Nguyen Ngoc Phu, Chief Engineer Nguyen Dinh Hung.
4. Equipment
4.1 In Marine, Industry Fields, We carry equipment for shipping casualty investigations such as the normal still & motion picture photography including digital photography for transferring photographs of casualties to Clients direct over the Internet. Ultrasonic steel plate thickness gauging tools, refrigeration spear thermometers, grain temperature, moisture & humidity meters, Dynamometers, Pyrometers, Binoculars, The Ocean Imaging System Digital, GPS System, Corrosion Testing Equipment, In-Plan Quality Control Thin Film, Coating Thickness Meters, Electronic Spray Gun Testing, Temperature Dew point, Hydrometer, Amperemeters, Electrodynamometer, Mega-Ohm Meters and measurement Devices, are also carried. An ultra-sonic cargo hatch cover tightness instrument which permits testing of hatch covers with cargo on board and a digital fan-wheel anemometer for measuring air flows through cargo holds prior to loading perishable products are some more of our equipment, NTD. Furthermore a chromium steel tank contents’ sampling device suitable to obtain samples from any level is available for use.
4.2 In Diving & Offshore Field, survey and working : Chamber, Diver Gas Recovery System, Diver Gas Reclaim Helmet, Membrane Gas Separation System, Bell Gas Management Panel, High Flow Big Mask, Cuttings Rods, Cutting/Welding Torch, Battery Operated Sets, Ultra weld, Cox Submarine Gun, Underwater Video System, Pins, Hand lamps, wetsuits, hot water suits and accessories, Marker Lights, Diver Communication, Pressure Testing Gause, Decompression Chambers, Container Diving System, Built-in Compressor and Gas Storage, Bell Survival Suit, Underwater Digital Photography, Video Camera, Underwater Radio Communication.
4.4 Our Laboratory: Testing products & Material Lab Analysis.
Pursuant to the mottos:
Accurate
Unprejudiced
Prompt
We dedicate ourselves to continually improving the quality of our services by focusing on skills of the specialized staff and technique to and hope to obtain close cooperation with you all soon in the spirit of equality and bilateral benefit.
Thanks your help and your attention would be highly appreciated,
Thanks & Best regards,
Dr Capt Nguyen
Tel: +848-3832-7204; Fax: +848-3832-8393
Cell: +8490-3615-612
Skype: aimcontrol
E-mail: aimcontrol@vnn.vn; aimcontrol@hotmail.com
The Local 5 Year Anniversary!
Unlike the employment market today, ten years ago there were very few jobs available and the competition was fierce. What was available was government funding for self-employment. Having previously been a business owner, I enrolled
in a self-employment course at Community Futures and set myself up as Montgomery Promotions that handled various publishing ventures over the years. In 2003, I was encouraged by the business community to start a newspaper. Modeled on
an “advertiser format,” I published the first The Local on the third week of June that year. In the first issue, I felt compelled to write a little bit about myself, who I was, where I was coming from. I wanted to introduce myself to anyone who did not
already know me. We printed 12,000 copies of an eight-page flyer and sent them out by Canada Post to every mailbox on the Sunshine Coast. In the next issue there was only advertising. To me it felt like a hollow shell. So started my publisher’s
message, which I have written every week since.
In those early days, The Local office was one room and a bathroom. We had three desks crammed in the room that was made bigger with a huge mirror that was given to me as a gift by my dear friend Dan McCormick. Dan also supplied an assortment of fabulous photos to use wherever necessary. There was one fulltime reception person, one graphic artist, a delivery boy/truck driver and myself. In a very short period of time The Local prospered and outgrew the small space, necessitating a move to our current location on Cowrie Street. I would like to thank Shirley and Tania Hall for being awesome landlords in those early days. They even allowed me to throw an open house Christmas Party in their Hostel facility The Upper Deck. Our graphic artist was Jason Silverthorne who went on the produce the Sunshine Coast Super Map. I am eternally grateful to Jason for his support then and since.
It wasn’t long before all sorts of people approached me to ask if I wanted articles or photos for the paper. 2004 proved to be a very exciting year. Doug Hockley wrote
some interesting historical articles and Ron Dinsdale started ‘Coast Facts,’ an interactive column about a myriad of Coast facts and questions that came from our readers.Four significant persons contacted The Local that year. Retired UBC physics professor, Garth Jones contacted me and asked if I was interested in a weekly article about astronomy. I am particularly proud that I accepted Garth’s proposal. Garth’s weekly article brought people together who loved to watch the stars. From this the Sunshine Coast Astronomy Club was born. Recently the club was accepted as a member of the Royal Astronomical Society.
Coast residents were showing a keen interest in The Local and submitting articles, photos, kudos and comments. One day after a long stint of rain, a photo was
submitted of a family enjoying the first day of Sunshine on Roberts Creek Beach. I thought, “Now here is a person who understands what The Local is all about.” That
person was Duane Burnett. Duane continued to send in photos capturing Coast life and the beauty that surrounds us. Before long, we asked Duane to become our official photographer. Duane has brought the essence of the Sunshine Coast to The Local. Through his fabulous photos he has documented community, people and scenery. He is an invaluable source of encouragement, enlightenment and entertainment. Duane has recently delved into journalism covering events with his photos, research and writing.
Our weekly cartoonist Matt Evans joined us that year as well. Matt is an amazingly talented artist with a quirky sense of humour. He possesses the irony that a cartoonist
needs to make a point. His drawings are sometimes tongue in cheek, sometimes straight to the point and often laugh out loud hilarious. Michael O’Connor also called
The Local that year. He is a syndicated columnist throughout British Columbia and Alberta. I will never regret accepting Michael’s proposal to supply The Local with his
Astrology column every week. Michael’s inspirational column is very popular with our readers.
As time went by, the paper grew and so did my workload in the editorial department. In 2006, I decided to get some help. Linda White France was hired to assist me
in processing submissions, researching, editing and reporting. It wasn’t long before I grew to respect Linda’s straightforward approach, her excellent editing and writing
skills and her ability to be impartial. Before long I asked her to become our editor and she accepted. It was around that same time that I realized that we had become a
“newspaper.” By provincial government standards a publication must have 20% editorial content on a consistent basis in order to call itself a newspaper. I applied to the government for a ruling and submitted the supporting documentation. Not only did we receive a healthy PST refund going back to 2005, but also most treasured, we were declared a newspaper. I am proud to say that The Local far exceeds government standards by carrying an average of 35% editorial content.
We did not get to our five-year anniversary without a lot of help. The Local is the largest Canada Post account on the Sunshine Coast. Every week the post office and rural
route drivers deliver 12,200 newspapers to mail boxes from Egmont to Port Mellon, including Gambier Island. Post Masters Maureen Matkin in Sechelt and Suzanne Leslie in Gibsons have been a constant source of support. My sincere gratitude goes out to all Canada Post staff for their part in delivering The Local to your mailbox throughout the year. Our printer, Horizon Publications, has never let us down. They constantly strive to improve systems and quality. Printing is not an exact science and can sometimes be fraught with problems. By working together there has not been anything we could not solve and improve upon. So many, many people have helped, supported and encouraged The Local over the years. Notably I would like to thank Ron Howes of Community Futures, Mary Degan former office manager extraordinaire, Jan Brinton, Linda Williams and Tom and Dean of Tom’s Signs.
Running a successful newspaper allows us to give back to the community in which we live. I am very proud of the support we have been able to give to many groups
clubs, organizations and societies by way of editorial support, free advertising, discounted advertising and financial support. Happy Cat Haven, Renaissance Rescue, Back the CAT, Sunshine Coast Schizophrenia Society, Habitat for Humanity and Crime Stoppers are only a few of the many good causes The Local has been happy and proud to support. All this could not be done without our valued advertisers to whom I am eternally grateful.
I am inspired and encouraged by what the next five years will bring to The Local and this exceptional community we live in. From cream cakes to kudos, you, our
readers encourage us to continue with our work and to strive to help support and report on this community in all the right ways. To my staff, I thank you from the bottom
of my heart for all your hard work and the heart that you put into this paper. On this page, I am proud to showcase the wonderful people who make The Local happen every week. No acknowledgement would be complete without recognizing the unending support of my family. Thank you for everything you have done over the years, I am truly blessed.
Pauline Montgomery
Publisher
The Local - Staff and Contributors
Duane Burnett - Photographer
Duane was born in Vancouver General Hospital, but spent many summers on the Sunshine Coast as he has extensive family here. He has lived on the Coast fulltime for over fourteen years. Taking photos of the community was an early pastime for Duane. He even has photos of the Beachcombers’ film set that he took at the age of thirteen. In his teens and early twenties, Duane became energetically involved in the environmental movement. He
helped co-found an award winning wetlands education society called The Fraser for Life and Friends of Boundary Bay, and also got involved in the Don’t Dump on Delta campaign, Ban the leg hold traps Society, Burns Bog Society, West Coast Wilderness Society where he helped write a paper about Burns Bog. He then moved into print media, radio and community television. Duane contacted The Local in August
2004 when he sent a photo of families enjoying a sunny day on Roberts Creek Beach. Soon after The Local asked him to become their official photographer. He is currently a free-lance photographer who accepts contract work from groups, clubs and organizations, as well as the work he does for The Local. To view thousands of Duane’s Sunshine Coast photos go to duaneburnett.com or view his YouTube tribute to the Coast at Sunshine Coast YouTube Music Video. Duane’s work is a highly prized component of The Local and he is very much loved and respected by the community.
Linda White France – Editor
Linda was born and raised in Montreal. After they married, her partner’s work took them to Frobisher Bay/Iqaluit, Dawson Creek, Chetwynd, Terrace, Courtenay and finally to Sechelt where they have lived with their three children for almost eight years. Linda joined The Local in March 2006 as editorial assistant to the Publisher. Her education in photo-technology, graphic design and fine arts lent themselves well
to the position. Before too long, Linda was asked to become our editor and has succeeded in bringing the editorial content of the paper to today’s level. Linda’s signature article ‘Go Green’ has run for over a year now and is very popular with our readers. As one reader commented about Linda’s reporting, “It was nice to read something accurate without any assumptions or inferences.” As well as being a
talented writer, Linda is also a gifted potter. Her Serendipity pottery is available at the Sechelt Farmers’ Market every Saturday and she frequents most of the larger craft fairs on the Coast.
Ken Philps – Production Manager
Ken was born in New Westminster, grew up in the
lower mainland and then moved to Montreal. Prior to
moving the Sunshine Coast and joining The Local, he
worked in Chilliwack for ten years. He brings a wealth
of experience in print media, design, publishing and
web development. Ken revamped production systems
at The Local making production fl ow smoother, which
has brought about a significant reduction in mistakes. Ken is
currently working on a website for The Local, which we are very excited about.
Gosia – Production Assistant
Gosia was raised on the Sunshine Coast and graduated
from Elphinestone Secondary. After high school she
moved to Vancouver to attend design school. Her
love of the Coast brought her back and she currently
manages her own accounts, works one long day at
The Local and three full days at a new design company
in Gibsons. Gosia brings enormous talent to The Local
and is responsible for some of the beautiful collages and
layouts you see in our pages.
Adrianna – Reception
Adrianna is the friendly voice answering the phone
and the smiling face that greets you when you walk
in the office. She was born in Kelowna, grew up in
Port Coquitlam and moved to the Coast with her
family last summer. She started with The Local in
August and has mastered her department. Adrianna is
extremely organized and a quick learner. Taking care of
the classified advertisements including final layout is just
one of the many administrative duties for which she is responsible.
Nicole – Production Assistant
Nicole is a recent addition to The Local and a new
graduate of design school. She commutes from
Vancouver for her work at The Local and visits with
her mother who lives in Gibsons while she is here.
Nicole said, “I really like the Sunshine Coast. It is a
beautiful community and I don’t mind making the trip.
I love what I am learning at The Local.”
Katie – Girl Friday
Katie was born and raised on the Sunshine Coast and came to
work for The Local three years ago as an after school student.
Katie has learnt many areas of work within the office including
archiving, post office procedures, reception, research and
invoice processing. Katie currently delivers papers to over
one hundred newsstands and high profile locations in Pender
Harbour, Sechelt, Roberts Creek and Gibsons. She is an invaluable
asset to the company.
Garth Jones
Astronomy
Matt Evans
Cartoonist
Linda Williams
Guest Writer and
Photographer
Tricia Rife
Part-time Receptionist
Michael O’Connor
Astrologer
Jan Brinton
Guest Writer and
Photographer
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
In loving memory of
Reverend Frank W ISITT
October 3 1846 – November 11 1916
Patriot, Preacher, Prohibitionist
Friend of Children
Lover of Mankind
His life was a challenge not a truce
Charles Whitmore ISITT
Son of the Reverend F W ISITT
Born December 31st 1874
Died September 22nd 1946
Francis Charles ISITT
Son of C W ISITT
1898 – 1976
Marie LaMothe ISITT
Beloved wife of above
Honourable Leonard Monk ISITT M.L.C.
Methodist Minister
1855 – 1937
There are who triumph in a losing cause
Tis they who stand for freedom and Gods laws
Also Agnes ISITT
Beloved wife of above
1857 – 1938
Rifleman Willard Whitmore ISITT
Aged 22
The younger son of
Leonard Monk and Agnes ISITT
He died of wounds on the Flanders
Front, October 31st 1916, and is buried
In the Communal cemetery, Estaires.
He gladly gave his life for his country.
Francis Caverhill THORNTON
1889 – 1960
Herbert John ISITT
1844 – 1926
Brother of Frank and Leonard
Sons of
Rebecca and James ISITT
Bedford, England
Christine Scott CAVERHILL
1834 – 1918
L Miriam ISITT
1898 – 1992
Beloved wife of F C ISITT
**************************************
Rev. Frank W ISITT [Francis Whitmore]
Block 36 Plot 177
[Coroners Warrant]
See photograph in comments section below [1]
Born England and in NZ 45 years at time of death.
Died of hearth failure.
His obituary at time of death:
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=s...
Rev Francis Whitmore (Frank) Isitt (1843[sic] –1916) was a New Zealand Methodist Minister, who was general secretary of the New Zealand Alliance (for prohibition) from 1900 to 1909. He was a brother of the Rev Leonard Isitt.
Rev Frank Isitt entered the ministry from the Sydenham Circuit, London and after a term at Richmond College went to New Zealand in 1871. He was a parish minister for a number of years, but after two breakdowns in health concentrated on temperance work. He stood in the 1902 election as a prohibition candidate for ten seats, and came second in eight. He also stood in the 1905 and 1908 elections.
In February 1874 he married Mary Campbell Purdie (Spinster, 22 years) in Dunedin; in the house of Dr. Wm Purdie of Upper Kaikorai, who was probably her father.
Also
“Here are buried Herbert John Isitt and his brothers who were Methodist ministers and deeply involved with politics and the social problems of their age.
The Rev. Frank Isitt was born in England in 1846, trained at the Wesleyan Training College, Richmond, came to New Zealand in 1870 and served at Balclutha, Port Chalmers and New Plymouth. After he had recovered from a breakdown in his health, he served at Nelson, Invercargill and the East Belt (FitzGerald Avenue), Christchurch. In the 1890s he took up work for the Prohibition organisation, the New Zealand Alliance, first as travelling agent and then as secretary. He edited the Prohibitionist, firstly with Thomas Edward Taylor and then on his own, ‘possessed rare gifts of organisation … [a] magnetic personality … passionate eloquence … and untiring energy’. He was a ‘man of very warm friendships … had a fine character in his private life …. [and] a host of friends throughout New Zealand’.
A ‘comrade’ wrote:
Today will be laid to rest the frail body in which tabernacled for 70 years the strong heroic soul of F. W. Isitt. Pure of heart, gentle of nature, strong and brave of soul, the wrong and oppression of the weak, the suffering of humanity ever kindled in him a passion of pity and a consuming desire to help and save.
Frank, with his brother, L. M. Isitt, T. E. Taylor and the Rev. P. R. Munro
… formed that quartet of great leaders which, for so many stirring and strenuous years led valiantly and wisely the crusade against the liquor trade throughout New Zealand and secured much restrictive and progressive licensing legislation.
The ‘comrade’ concluded:
He lived the truth he taught,
white-souled, clean-handed, pure in heart.
As God live, he must live always.
There is no end for souls like his,
No night for children of the day.
The gravestone states that Frank Isitt was ‘Patriot, Preacher, Prohibitionist: Friend of children, lover of mankind: his life was a challenge, not a truce’.
Leonard Monk Isitt was born in England in 1855 and, in New Zealand, joined the Methodist ministry, being ordained in 1881. He became an enemy of drink when he went to bury a victim of alcoholic poisoning. The coach-driver was scarcely able to control his horse, such was his state of inebriation; and the grave-digger was so drunk that he could only inadequately dig the grave.
With Thomas Edward Taylor, Leonard Isitt led the no-licence campaign which led to the closure of all the public hotels in Sydenham. The decision was fought all the way through the courts and up to the Privy Council where it was reversed. With the consent of the Methodist Conference, Isitt resigned from his ministry and devoted his time to campaigning for a ‘local option measure’ so that different areas could vote on whether they would have licensed premises.
Four times Isitt campaigned in England for the Great Britain Alliance. For 12 years he lectured on Prohibition virtually as a whole time job and ‘ruined a remarkably fine singing voice to the extent that … [he] had to give up singing altogether’.
Taylor died in 1911, Isitt taking his Christchurch North seat. When interest in Prohibition waned, he supported the Bible-in-schools campaign. He retired in 1925, dying in 1937.” [2]
Charles Whitmore ISITT
Block 36 Plot 181
Born Fairlie, NZ [3]
Sun, Volume V, Issue 1374, 9 July 1918
"On Thursday afternoon, at 2.30, a monument to the memory of the late Rev. Frank W. Isitt, the well-known prohibition leader, will be unveiled in the Linwood Cemetery." [11]
Francis Charles ISITT
Block 36 Plot 177
Born Hawera, NZ and a farmer at the time of his death
Died 22 July 1976 aged 76[4]
Marie LaMothe ISITT
Not recorded on CCC database – possibly cremated and ashes interred
[wife of Charles Whitmore ISITT]
Newspaper notice of her marriage that took place on 8 June 1897:
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=s...
Her probate is available for year 1958:
www.archway.archives.govt.nz/ViewFullItem.do?code=1952621
Leonard Monk ISITT
Block 36 Plot 179
Born England and in NZ 60 years at time of death
Died 29 July 1937[4]
His probate is available [Occupation: retired stationer]:
www.archway.archives.govt.nz/ViewFullItem.do?code=20187931
"Methodist minister, temperance leader, politician.
Leonard Monk Isitt was born in a Methodist home in Bedford, England; his father died when he was two and his mother when he was 12. He was educated at Clevedon Methodist College, Northampton, and, afterwards, at the age of 15, joined a drapery firm. He came out to New Zealand to get experience and also to join his brother Francis Whitmore who was a Methodist minister at Balclutha. Isitt worked in the warehouse of Ross and Glendining at Dunedin, but the urge to enter the Methodist ministry became stronger, and he was sent to a Home Mission Station at Lawrence. Here occurred an incident which influenced his subsequent career. Called upon to conduct the burial service of a man who had died of alcoholic poisoning, whose body was hurried by a drunken driver to a grave left half-dug by a drunken gravedigger, Isitt scathingly denounced the publicans present at the funeral and set his whole energies to fight the drink evil.
Isitt became a minister in 1876 and was ordained in 1881. He was stationed successively at Auckland, Masterton, Wellington, Christchurch and, finally, in 1889 at Sydenham, where the drink evil was seen in its most sordid aspect. It was largely a working-class district, with grimy little cottages jammed into the smallest possible sections, many of them blackened with smoke from the railway yards. He met T. E. Taylor, a kindred spirit, and together they determined to fight for legislative prohibition. The campaign followed two chief lines of attack. One was propaganda spread by means of a paper, The Prohibitionist, which, although started for local consumption, was soon circulated throughout New Zealand under the name of the Vanguard. His brother Francis edited the paper. This propaganda was aided by one of the most powerful speaking campaigns ever carried out in New Zealand. Isitt had a natural eloquence which, fed by his burning enthusiasm for his cause, made him an orator of a type probably unequalled in New Zealand. He ruined a good singing voice by his efforts. Dr C. F. Aked described him in these words: “When did we hear such speaking as his? Clear pure Saxon, not a word misplaced, not a sentence which could be improved; every phrase a point; every point sent home; massive sentences falling like the strokes of a sledgehammer”. The Methodist Conference released him from his usual work to concentrate on his campaign.
Isitt's second line of attack was to gain control of the Licensing Committee and refuse licences to all Sydenham hotels. The first attempt in 1890 failed, but the next election resulted in all five members elected being Prohibitionists. The publicans, however, took a test case to Court and Judge Denniston ruled that the Licensing Committee had acted beyond its powers, which should be used in a judicial and impartial manner, not as an instrument of a campaign. The Court of Appeal unanimously upheld him.
Isitt made four speaking tours in England at the invitation of the United Kingdom Alliance. When T. E. Taylor died in 1911, he succeeded him as member of Parliament for Sydenham, and held the seat until 1925 when he was appointed to the Legislative Council. He worked hard to get the Local Option Bill through Parliament and was successful. Bible in Schools was another cause he worked for and he was prominent in the Boy Scout movement. He was a governor of Canterbury College and was vice-president of the Methodist Centenary Conference in 1922. He founded the firm of L. M. Isitt and Co., booksellers (Christ-church), and was its managing director.
In 1881 he married Agnes, daughter of John Scott Caverhill. One son, Sir Leonard Isitt, was head of the New Zealand Air Staff and another was killed in the 1914–18 war."[5]
Agnes Martha ISITT
Block 36 Plot 181
Born Lyttelton, NZ
Died 27 September 1938 [6]
Her probate is available:
www.archway.archives.govt.nz/ViewFullItem.do?code=20188681
Rifleman Willard Whitmore ISITT
Military number 12400
Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 14147, 15 November 1916, Page 4
“Private advice has been received that Private Willard Isitt, younger son of the Rev. L. M. Isitt, M.P. has died from wounds in France, aged 23 years of age. He was engaged in his father’s bookselling business when he enlisted with the 12th Reinforcements. He was a young man of fine grit and determination, and the story told of his enlistment shows the stuff he was made of. He had offered his services several times and been rejected because the sight of one eye was defective. Ultimately he found a way out of the difficulty when in a boxing bout with a friend. He invited and received a solid blow on the defective eye. The result, of course, was to close it up, and before the effect had time to disappear Isitt, presented himself for medical examination, and got through. The Rev. Mr Isitt’s only other son was wounded in the battle of the Somme.”[9]
Willard’s Cenotaph database record:
muse.aucklandmuseum.com/databases/Cenotaph/7539.detail?Or...
Willard’s Commonwealth War Graves Commission record:
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=268264
His military records are available but with restrictions:
www.archway.archives.govt.nz/ViewFullItem.do?code=18052286
Interesting connection to Willard name:
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=s...
Frances Caverhill THORNTON
Nee ISITT. Married Cuthbert THORNTON [registration 1912/3006] [8]
Daughter of Agnes Martha & Leonard Monk ISITT [8]
Herbert John ISITT
Block 36 Plot 177
Born Bedford, England, he was a labourer and had been in NZ 50 years at time of death
Died 14 September 1926 aged 82[7]
Christine Scott CAVERHILL
Block 36 Plot 84
Born Scotland, Spinster and in NZ 41 years at time of death
Died 4 August 1918[10]
L. Miriam ISITT
Nee Lily Miriam LYNN [Marriage registry to Francis Charles ISITT 1929/1800] [8]
References:
[1]
www.nzetc.org/tm/scholarly/MurTemp-fig-MurTemp016b.html
[2]
christchurchcitylibraries.com/Heritage/Cemeteries/Linwood...
[3]
librarydata.christchurch.org.nz/Cemeteries/interment.asp?...
[4]
librarydata.christchurch.org.nz/Cemeteries/interment.asp?...
[5]
www.teara.govt.nz/en/1966/isitt-leonard-monk/1
[6]
librarydata.christchurch.org.nz/Cemeteries/interment.asp?...
[7]
librarydata.christchurch.org.nz/Cemeteries/interment.asp?...
[8]
www.bdmhistoricalrecords.dia.govt.nz/search/
[9]
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=s...
[10]
librarydata.christchurch.org.nz/Cemeteries/interment.asp?...
[11]
Paperspast
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/SUNCH19180709.2.8?en...
Signature of Edward Montagu, 2nd Earl of Manchester
Edward Montagu, 2nd Earl of Manchester (1602-1671)
EDWARD MONTAGU, second Earl of Manchester (1602-1671), born in 1602, was the eldest son of Sir Henry Montagu, first Earl of Manchester, by Catherine, second daughter of Sir William Spencer of Yarnton in Oxfordshire, who was the third son of Sir John Spencer of Althorp, Lincolnshire. After a desultory education, he entered Sidney Sussex College Cambridge, on 27 Jan. 1618.1 He represented the county of Huntingdon in the parliaments of 1623-4, 1625, and 1625-6. In 1623 he attended Prince Charles in Spain, and was by him created a knight of the Bath at his coronation on 1 Feb. 1625-6. On 22 May 1626, through the influence of the Duke of Buckingham, he was raised to the Upper House with the title of Baron Montagu of Kimbolton. In the same year he became known by the courtesy title of Viscount Mandeville, on his father being created Earl of Manchester. Being allowed but a small income from his father, Mandeville resided little in London, and mixed much with the relations of his second wife, the daughter of Robert Rich, second Earl of Warwick. By them he was led to lean towards the puritan party, and to detach himself from the court.
On 24 April 1640, during the sitting of the Short Parliament, he voted with the minority against the king on the question of the precedency of supply.2 In June 1640 he signed the hesitating reply sent by some of the peers to Lord Warriston's curious appeal to them to aid the Scots in an invasion of England.3 Mandeville signed the petition of the twelve peers (28 Aug. 1640) urging the king to call a parliament, and with Lord Howard of Escrick presented it to Charles on 5 Sept. In the same month he obeyed the king's summons to the grand council of peers at York, and was one of those chosen to treat with the Scottish commissioners at Ripon on 1 Oct. In the negotiations he took an active part, passing frequently to and fro between Ripon and York, urging an accommodation,4 and drawing up the articles.5
Mandeville was during the early sittings of the Long Parliament an acknowledged leader of the popular and puritan party in the Lords. He was in complete accord with Pym, Hampden, Fiennes, and St. John, and he held constant meetings with them in his house at Chelsea.6On the discovery of the 'first army plot,' in May 1641, he was despatched by the Lords to Portsmouth with a warrant to examine the governor [see Goring, George, Lord Goring], and to send him up to London to appear before parliament.7 He was one of the sixteen peers chosen as a committee to transact business during the adjournment from 9 Sept. to 20 Oct. 1641. On 24 Dec. he protested against the adjournment of the debate on the removal of Sir Thomas Lunsford from the command of the Tower.
His position was very clearly denned when his name was joined with those of the five members who were impeached by the king of high treason on 3 Jan. 1642, although his inclusion appears to have been an afterthought.8 When the articles of impeachment were read, Mandeville at once offered, 'with a great deal of cheerfulness,' to obey the commands of the house, and demanded that, 'as he had a public charge, so he might have a public clearing.'9 This demand he reiterated in the House on 11 Jan., and again on 13 Jan., notwithstanding the message from the king waiving the proceedings.10 A bill was finally passed by both houses in March 1642,11 clearing him from the accusation.12
Edward Montagu, 2nd Earl of Manchester. After Anthony Van Dyck's painting of the late 1630s.Having thus identified himself with the popular party, he was among the few peers who remained with the parliament in August 1642, and in the following month he took command of a regiment of foot in Essex's army. When the king retired to Oxford, Mandeville (who had succeeded his father as Earl of Manchester in November) returned to London and occupied himself in raising money for the army,13 and in the negotiations for the cessation of arms. He was made Lord-Lieutenant of Huntingdonshire and Northamptonshire by the parliament in 1642. On the first suspicion of the Tomkins and Challoner plot [see Waller, Edmund], Manchester, with Viscount Save and Sele and others, managed (on Sunday, 28 May 1643) to elicit from Roe, a clerk of Tomkins, so many important secrets, that the whole conspiracy was speedily discovered. He afterwards acted as president in the resulting court-martial in June and July.14 Manchester was one of the ten peers nominated to sit as lay members in the Westminster Assembly of Divines in July of the same year.
The fortunes of the parliamentary forces in the eastern counties had in the early summer been seriously imperilled by local quarrels. Cromwell recognised the danger, and appealed to parliament to appoint a commander of high position and authority. On 9 Aug. accordingly the Commons resolved to make Manchester Major-General of the associated counties in the place of Lord Grey of Wark. The choice was confirmed by the Lords on the following day, and Essex at once complied with the request to give him the commission.15Cromwell and Manchester were thus brought into close connection. They were already well acquainted with each other. Each belonged to a leading family of Huntingdonshire, had been educated at Sidney Sussex, Cambridge,16 and had been concerned in a dispute relating to the enclosing of common lands in the eastern counties, which had been before a committee of the House of Commons.17
By 28 Aug. Manchester, in his new capacity, was besieging Lynn-Regis in Norfolk; the town capitulated 16 Sept., and the governorship was bestowed upon him (21 Sept.). On 9 Oct. he joined Cromwell and Fairfax, then besieging Bolingbroke Castle, and the three commanders won Winceby or Horncastle fight on 11 Oct.18 On 20 Oct. the town of Lincoln surrendered to Manchester. On Cromwell's motion (22 Jan. 1644), Lord Willoughby of Parham, who had been commanding in Lincolnshire as Serjeant-Major-General of the county, was ordered to place himself under Manchester's orders. Charges of misconduct had been brought against Willoughby, who resented the position now forced on him, and challenged Manchester as he was on his way to the House of Lords. Both houses treated Willoughby's conduct as a breach of privilege, but after Manchester had defended himself against Willoughby's complaints, the subject dropped,19 and Willoughby returned to his duties under him.
On 22 Jan. 1644,20 Manchester was directed to 'regulate' the university of Cambridge, and to remove scandalous ministers in the associated counties. On 24 Feb. he accordingly issued his warrants to the heads of colleges, and began the work of reformation. About the same time (19 Dec. 1643) he authorised William Dowsing to destroy 'superstitious pictures and ornaments.' In February 1644 Manchester became a member of the new committee of both kingdoms, meeting at Derby House. In April he was again with his army watching the movements of Prince Rupert. The town of Lincoln had been retaken by the royalists in March, but Manchester successfully stormed the close on 6 May, and thus secured the county for the parliament.21 A bridge was thrown over the Trent at Gainsborough, and Manchester marched to the aid of Lord Fairfax and the Scots, who were besieging York. This junction was effected on 3 June. On the same day the committee of both kingdoms sent Vane to York, ostensibly to urge the generals to send a force into Lancashire to arrest Prince Rupert's progress, but in reality to propose the formation of a government from which Charles was to be excluded. Manchester and his colleagues rejected the suggestion, but Cromwell, Manchester's Lieutenant-General, probably accepted Vane's proposals, and to this difference of view may be traced the subsequent breach between the two.22Cromwell at the battle of Marston Moor (1 July) commanded Manchester's horse, while the earl himself exercised a general control as a field officer. Though carried away in the flight, he soon returned to the field, and successfully rallied some of the fugitives.
After the surrender of the city of York on 16 July, the armies divided, and Manchester marched to Doncaster, which he reached on 23 July. While there Tickhill Castle surrendered (26 July) to John Lilburne, who had summoned it contrary to Manchester's orders, Sheffield Castle surrendered (10 Aug.) to Major-General Lawrence Crawford, and Welbeck House to Manchester himself (11 Aug.) But Pontefract Castle had been passed by, and Manchester paid no attention to the entreaty of the officers to blockade Newark.23 Proceeding leisurely to Lincoln, he subsided into inaction. The committee of both kingdoms (3 Aug.) directed him to march against Prince Rupert, but he (10 Aug.) shrank from 'so large a commission, and a worke so difficult,' in the unsatisfactory condition of his men, and the lateness of the season,24 and though constantly urged to make his way westward, the earl made no movement till the beginning of September.25 By 22 Sept. he was at Watford, on his way to the general rendezvous at Abingdon, and reached Reading on 29 Sept. Here he remained till the middle of October, notwithstanding the urgent desire of the committee in London that he should move forwards. He had reached Basingstoke by 17 Oct., was joined by Waller on the 19th, and by Essexon 21 Oct. For the command of the three armies thus united, a council of war, consisting of the three generals, with Johnston of Warriston and Crewe, had been appointed by the committee of both kingdoms.
At the second battle of Newbury, on 28 Oct., Manchester's lethargy became fatally conspicuous. Delaying to make the attack assigned to him till too late in the day, he failed in his attempt on Shaw House, and the royalist army under cover of the darkness made its escape westward, within 'little more than musket-shot' of the earl's position.26 At the council held the following day Manchester opposed Waller's and Cromwell's advice to pursue the enemy, and preferred to summon Donnington Castle. Failing in his attempt to storm it on 1 Nov. he leisurely withdrew, and the castle thus abandoned was relieved by the king on the 9th. At a council of war at Shaw Field on 10 Nov. Manchester plainly declared his horror of prosecution of the war. 'If we beat the king 99 times,' he said, 'he is king still, and so will his posterity be after him; but if the king beat us once, we shall be all hanged, and our posterity be made slaves.' On 17 Nov. he left Newbury for the purpose of protecting the besiegers of Basing House. But Basing was never reached. His starving men were deserting him, and with the remains of his army he made his way to Reading. The siege of Basing House was necessarily abandoned.27
Manchester's religious views, though sincere, were not very deep. He inclined to presbyterianism from circumstances rather than from conviction, and had not attempted to curtail Cromwell's efforts to 'seduce' the army 'to independency'.28 Discords among his officers were growing, and in September he had paid a hurried and fruitless visit to London in the hope of healing them, but the breach between him and Cromwell was soon irreparable.
On 25 Nov. Cromwell laid before the House of Commons a narrative, charging Manchester with neglect and incompetency in the prosecution of the war.29 He called attention to 'his Lordshipe's continued backwardness to all action, his aversenes to engagement or what tendes thereto, his neglecting of opportunityes and declineing to take or pursue advantages upon the enemy, and this (in many particulars) contrary to advice given him, contrary to commands received, and when there had been noe impediment or other employment for his army.'30 Cromwell's charges were probably not exaggerated. Manchester, a civilian at heart, was always of opinion 'that this war would not be ended by the sword, for if it were so concluded, it would be an occasion of rising again or of a future quarrel, but it would be better for the kingdom if it were ended by an accommodation.'31 Manchester defended himself in the House of Lords on 27 Nov., when a committee of inquiry was appointed,32 and made a vigorous attack on Cromwell.33 But the presentation of the bill for new modelling the army turned the course of public debate from the shortcomings of individuals to more general principles. The Commons (26 Dec., 30 Dec., and 1 Jan.), although urged by the lords to deliver their reports respecting Manchester, centred all their energies on the struggle for the passing of the self-denying ordinance, and on 2 April 1645 (the day before the ordinance passed the Lords) Manchester, like Essex and Denbigh, resigned his commission in the army. Forty of his officers in January 1645 signed a petition for his continuance in the service, fearing that his removal would 'breed a great confusion amongst them by reason of the differences between the Presbyterians and Independents.'34
Manchester, although relieved of military duty, still (4 April) retained his powers for regulating the university of Cambridge, was a constant attendant on the committee of both kingdoms, and frequently acted as Speaker of the House of Lords. In the propositions for peace at the end of 1645 it was recommended that he should be made a marquis. He was one of those to whom Charles on 26 Dec. 1645 expressed himself willing to entrust the militia, in accordance with the Uxbridge proposals, and was a commissioner for framing the articles of peace between the kingdoms of England and Scotland in July 1646.35 With William Lenthall he was entrusted with the charge of the Great Seal from 30 Oct. 1646 to 15 March 1648. Early in 1647 he was busy with other leading presbyterian peers in sketching out a pacification more likely to meet with the royal approval. When the houses of parliament were attacked by the London mob in July 1647, Manchester, notwithstanding his presbyterian leanings, fled to the army on Hounslow Heath with the independent members, and signed the engagement of 4 Aug. to stand by the army for the freedom of parliament.36 On 6 Aug. he returned to London escorted by Fairfax and resumed his duties as Speaker of the upper chamber.
Manchester stoutly opposed the ordinance for the king's trial in the House of Lords on 2 Jan. 1649, and retired from public life when the formation of a commonwealth grew inevitable. After the death of the Earl of Holland he was, on 15 March 1649, made chancellor of the university of Cambridge, a post of which he was deprived in November 1651 for refusing to take the engagement.37 Cromwell summoned him to sit in his Upper House in December 1657,38 but the summons was not obeyed. Manchester took an active part in bringing about the Restoration, and as Speaker of the Lords welcomed the king on his arrival (29 May). He was speedily invested with many honours. On 27 April 1660 he was appointed one of the commissioners of the Great Seal, on 22 May was restored to his Lord-Lieutenancy of the counties of Northampton and Huntingdon,39 and on the 26th to the chancellorship of Cambridge. He was made Lord Chamberlain of the household on 30 May, privy councillor on 1 June, and was also chamberlain of South Wales.
From 9 to 19 Oct. he was engaged on the trial of the regicides, and appears to have inclined to leniency.40 At the coronation of Charles II on 23 April 1661 he bore the sword of state, and was made a Knight of the Garter. He became joint commissioner for the office of Earl-Marshal on 26 May 1662, and was incorporated M.A. in the university of Oxford on 8 Sept. 1665. When, in 1667, the Dutch appeared in the Channel, Manchester was made a general, and a regiment was raised under his command (15 June). He was a fellow of the Royal Society from 1667 till his death. He died on 5 May 1671, and was buried in Kimbolton Church, Huntingdonshire.
Edward Montagu, 2nd Earl of Manchester. Studio of Peter Lely, after 1661. NPGManchester was of a generous and gentle disposition. Burnet speaks of him as 'of a soft and obliging temper, of no great depth, but universally beloved, being both a virtuous and a generous man,'41and this view is corroborated even by Clarendon.42 Sir Philip Warwick describes him as 'of a debonnair nature, but very facile and changeable,'43 while Baillie calls him 'a sweet, meek man.'44 Peace, a constitutional monarchy, and puritanism were the objects at which he aimed, and his inactivity in the army dated from the time when protracted war, the rule of the people, and independency seemed to be the inevitable outcome of the struggle. It was easy to begin a war, he was in the habit of saying, but no man knew when it would end, and a war was not the way to advance religion.45 When actually in the field, his sense of duty and his humanity prompted him to activity. To encourage his men he marched among them for many a weary mile,46 or spent the night after an engagement in riding from regiment to regiment, thanking the soldiers and endeavouring to supply their wants.47 The same longing for peace and accommodation is exemplified in his religious connections. A presbyterian member of the assembly of divines, he used his influence to have Philip Nye, the independent, appointed to the vicarage of Kimbolton, and in the hearing of Baxter pleaded for moderate episcopacy and a liturgy.48 Baxter, while designating him 'a good man,' complains that he would have drawn the presbyterians to yield more than they did, and was earnest in urging the suppression of passages that were 'too vehement.'49
Many of Manchester's letters on army business are in the British Museum50 and in the Bodleian Library.51Manchester married five times. His first wife was Susanna, daughter of John Hill of Honiley in Warwickshire, and of his wife Dorothy Beaumont, sister to the Duke of Buckingham's mother. Pecuniary arrangements between the duke and Manchester's father were amicably concluded by means of the match. The marriage ceremony, which took place early in February 1623, was performed in the king's bedchamber, where James was confined to his bed. He was not, however, incapable of throwing his shoe after the bridal party as they left the room. Susanna Montagu died in January 1625. As Lord Mandeville, Manchester married at Newington Church, on 1 July 1626, Anne, daughter of Robert Rich, second Earl of Warwick, Lord Admiral of the Long Parliament, by whom he had three children: Robert, his successor, noticed below; Frances, who married Henry, son of Dr. Robert Sanderson, Bishop of Lincoln; and Anne, who married Robert Rich, second Earl of Holland and fifth Earl of Warwick. Anne, Lady Mandeville, died on 14 or 19 Feb. 1641-2, and was buried at Kimbolton. There is a portrait of her at Kimbolton Castle. His third wife was Essex (d. 28 Sept. 1658), daughter of Sir Thomas Cheke of Pirgo in Essex, by his wife Essex Rich, daughter of Robert, first Earl of Warwick, and widow of Sir Robert Bevil (d. 1640) of Chesterton in Huntingdonshire, by whom he had six sons and two daughters. Of the daughters, Essex (born 1644) married, in June 1661, Henry Ingram, Viscount Irwin. Of the six sons, Edward, Henry, Charles, and Thomas were members of Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. Manchester married a fourth wife in July 1659; she was Ellinor, daughter of Sir Richard Wortley of Wortley in Yorkshire, and he was her fourth husband. She had previously married Sir Henry Lee, first Baronet (d. 1631), of Ditchley in Oxfordshire; Edward Radcliffe, sixth Earl of Sussex (d. 1641); and Robert Rich, second Earl of Warwick (d. 1658) (the father of Manchester's second wife). She died in January 1666-7. In August 1667, at St. Martin's-in-the-Fields, Manchester married his fifth wife, Margaret, daughter of Francis Russell, fourth Earl of Bedford, a widow of James Hay, second Earl of Carlisle (d. 1660). She died in November 1676, and was buried at Chenies, Buckinghamshire.
1. Admission Registers.
2. Calendar of State Papers, 1640, p. 66.
3. Gardiner, Fall of Charles I, p. 402; Mandeville, MS. Memoirs in Addit. MS. 15567, ff. 7-8.
4. Harl. MS. 456, ff. 38-40.
5. Borough, Treaty of Ripon, pp. 44,55.
6. Evelyn, Diary of Correspondence, iv. 75-6.
7. Lords' Journals, iv. 238.
8. Nicholas Papers, Camden Society, i. 62.
9. Lords' Journals, iv. 501.
10. ib. pp. 505, 511.
11. ib. p. 649.
12. cf. v. 564.
13. Comm. for the Advance of Money, p. 1.
14. Sanford, Studies of the Great Rebellion, p. 561, quoting from D'Ewes.
15. Gardiner, History of the Great Civil War, i. 224-6.
16. Sanford, Studies, pp. 202-5.
17. Clarendon, Life, 1857, i. 73-4; Carlyle, Cromwell's Letters and Speeches, 1866, i. 90.
18. See Manchester's letter of 12 Oct. in Lords' Journals, vi. 255-6.
19. Harl. MS. 2224, ff. 12-16.
20. Husband, Ordinances of Parliament, 1646, folio, p. 415.
21. True Relation, E. 47 [2], Manchester's letter read in the House of Commons on 9 May.
22. Gardiner, Civil War, i. 431-3.
23. Pickering's Deposition, Cal. State Papers, 1644, p. 151.
24. Quarrel of Manchester and Cromwell, p. 9.
25. ib. pp. 20-4.
26. Watson's Deposition, Cal. State Papers, 1644-5, p. 150.
27. Gardiner, Civil War, p. 518.
28. Baillie, Letters and Journals, ii. 185.
29. Quarrel of Manchester and Cromwell, Camden Soc., pp. 178-95.
30. Cromwell's Narrative in Quarrel, p. 79.
31. Pickering's Deposition, Cal. State Papers, 1644-5, p. 152.
32. Lords' Journals, vii. 76.
33. Camden Miscellany, vol. viii.
34. Whitacre, Diary, British Library Addit. MS. 31116, f. 185.
35. Thurloe, State Papers, i. 77-9.
36. Rushworth, vii. 754.
37. See letters in Hist. MSS. Comm. 8th Rep. pt. ii. p. 64.
38. Parl. Hist. iii. col. 1518.
39. Hist. MSS. Comm. 8th Rep. pt. ii. p. 65.
40. Exact and most impartial Account. E. 1047 [3], p. 53 b.
41. Burnet's History of his Own Time,, 1875, i. 66.
42. History of the Rebellion, ed. Macray, i. 242, ii. 545.
43. Sir Philip Warwick, Memoires of the Reign of King Charles I, 1701. 246.
44. Baillie, Letters and Journals, ii. 229.
45. Cal. State Papers. 1644-5, Pickering's Deposition, p. 152.
46. Ashe, Particular Relation.
47. Sanford, Studies, p. 608.
48. Sylvester, Reliquae Baxterianae, p. 278.
49. ib. p. 365.
50. British Library Egerton MSS. 2643 ff. 9, 23, 2647 ff. 136, 229, 241, 319; Addit. MS. 18979, f. 158; Harl. MS. 7001, ff. 170, 172, 174, 202.
51. Bodleian Library Tanner MSS. lxiii. f. 130, lxiv. f. 91, lxii.'tf.43l, 471, lvii. f. 194.
Porter, Bertha. "Edward Montagu, second Earl of Manchester."
Dictionary of National Biography. Vol XXXVIII. Sidney Lee, Ed.
New York: Macmillan and Co., 1894. 227-231.
Villa Yiali Glossa
Property description
Villa Yiali has one air-conditioned bedroom (with extra fold-down bed or cot), and is fully self-contained with kitchen, one bathroom, sitting area, large balcony and private outside space. Enjoying stunning views over the adjacent islands of Skiathos and Evia, the gardens and pool area are a haven of relaxation. In addition, the location at the edge of the village of Glossa means that shops, bakery, cafes and tavernas are within a few minutes walk. Otherwise the beautiful area to the north of Skopelos island is also within easy reach with many walks and trails accessible. The west facing aspect delivers the most breathtaking sunsets from the garden, whilst the sun traverses from the south giving all-day sunshine – the terrace and trees giving shade and cool when required.Glossa is situated on the northwest coast of Skopelos, 10 minutes from the port of Loutraki where the ferry docks from the neighboring island of Skiathos and the nearest airport. The ferry journey is about 25 minutes.
Accommodation description:
Bedrooms:
Bedroom. King sized bed and open traditional beamed ceiling and wooden floors. Air conditioned with dressing area and double access to large balcony. Ample storage, hairdryer, full length mirror, sofa-bed or cot if required. Quality bed linen from M&S
Bathrooms:
Located on the ground floor, with shower cabinet, washbasin and wc. Quality towels and locally made olive oil soap, complimentary gels from L'Occitane and Body Shop provided.
Kitchen:
Whirlpool appliances. Oven and ceramic hob, microwave, fridge freezer. Ample kitchen storage with quality pans, crockery and cutlery. Fully equipped. Laundry machine (detergent provided). Complimentary welcome pack. Tea, coffee, bread, cheese, wine etc.
Living Rooms:
Wooden floor, fold down dining table, open fire place. TV, DVD, iPod dock, WiFi, satellite TV, comfortable furniture. Most living is outdoors and there is a patio table and 6 chairs under a shady verandah, as well as a morning coffee set on the balcony.
Cleaning/Towels/Linen/Maid service:
All towels/beach towels/pool towels and linen provided. The house is cleaned and
changed twice each week. Outside BBQ, pool shower, sunbeds. Don't use valuable luggage space with towels as they are all provided.
Amenities/Facilities:
Barbecue, Private Pool, Garden.
Fridge/Freezer, Hob/Stove, Iron, Microwave, Oven, Washing Machine.
Air Conditioning, Cot, High Chair, Internet Access, Room Fans, Satellite, TV.
Location Type:
Beach, Village.
Important notes on accommodation
This former ‘kalivi’ was painstakingly restored in the traditional village style and is finished to a high standard of craftsmanship. The private garden, pool area and planted terraces provide a ‘home from home’ feel.
We make sure that we provide most kitchen essentials that many rental house lack such as condiments, some spices , sugar, coffee and tea together with our own olive oil for the kitchen. Soap powder, washing up liquid, in fact most kitchen comforts that we feel you shouldn't have to worry about on your holidays.
We also provide all towels including beach towels and pool towels. There are even beach mats and an umbrella available for that inevitable visit to one of Skopelos’s enviable beaches.
If you visit in June / July / August, as a highlight to your stay your holiday price will include dinner for two on one night at the acclaimed Agnanti restaurant (5 minutes walk away). Please ask us for details.
About the area
Accessibility
Glossa is unfortunately not wheelchair friendly due to the steps. However, it is possible to walk (within 10 minutes) from the main road to Villa Yiali with only 1 or 2 inclines and no steps. Parking can be arranged close by. Pets accepted by prior arrangement.
Outside
There is a private garden area approx 400 sq. mtrs. with a swimming pool of 7m by 4m, gently sloping to a depth of 1.6m. Along two sides of the pool are underwater seating areas allowing relaxation and refreshment at the same time. The private gardens are not overlooked and offer stunning views over the Aegean to Skiathos, Pilion, towards Mount Olympus in the north and even towards Athens.
Coast/Beach
The closest beach is at Loutraki, with a few tavernas / cafe’s. This is 10 minutes drive or a pleasant 25 minute downhill walk. Within 20 minutes drive are the beaches on Armenopetra, Elios, Milia, Kastani and Panormos. Glossa enjoys a unique position between both sides of the island, and the famous Mamma Mia church at Aghios Ioanni is only 15 minutes drive, as is the beach at Perivoliou. Buses run about every 2 hours in the high season. Skopelos town and the south of the island are 35 mins away
Special Interest Holidays
We have friends on the island who are running sea kayaking tours for all levels of experience and there are mountain bikes to hire to explore the beautiful deserted tracks that lead through the mountains. With a license and an off-road motorbike you can take a guided trail ride up the mountains, jeep, 4x4 or quad bike, or you can rent a motor boat or yacht or go on a sea fishing trip. Walking, birdwatching, painting and local crafts are all available. Also at the villa we have a telescope for stargazing, which on a balmy summer evening opens up the whole universe.
How to get there
Nearest airport is Skiathos which is 25 minutes by boat from the local port of Loutraki (Glossa). Volos airport is on the mainland then its 2hrs 20 by boat to Glossa. Athens and Thessaloniki both connect through. Out of season there is an air connection from Athens to Skiathos which takes only 25 minutes with Olympic Air. We can advise you on flights and also book you a car at discount rates from a small family company on the island (the car will be waiting for you next to the boat as it docks)
Distances
Glossa town is a traditional hill village with shops, cafe’s, bakeries and tavernas. Villa Yiali is on the edge of the village and all amenities are within 10 minutes walk.
Skopelos Town, the main center of the island is about 35 minutes drive away, from where day trips to Alonissos and the World Marine Park are available. Loutraki (10 mins) has much of archaeological interest, including remains of Roman baths and a hill fort. Ancient ruins remain on Mount Delphi and surrounding areas.
Further Details
Glossa has a selection of tavernas,cafe’s and restaurants including one regarded as the best in the Aegean, a number of local supermarkets, bakeries and butchers. Fish is sold from vans or straight from the port of Glossa (known as Loutraki).
Loutraki also has a number of tavernas on the waterfront, and cafes. We will be happy to help you with recommendations and advise on travel arrangements. We will collect you from the port and lead you to the house, introducing you to the wonderful wood fired bakery and friendly little supermarket on the way and demonstrate all the features of the house before leaving you to relax in this beautiful environment. As the English owners, we live next door! Unlike some villa owners, we do not charge commissions or receive payments from restaurants, car hire companies and the like. Our advice is impartial and geared to the needs of the holidaymaker. During June, July and August we offer an included meal for two at the renowned Agnanti restaurant for one night of your stay. Otherwise we have arrangements to have quality restaurant food delivered to your holiday villa so that you can enjoy the local cuisine without the trouble of leaving your comfortable surroundings.
Booking notes
Please contact us for booking details. A deposit of 20% is required to confirm booking. Deposits received will confirm booking and remainder to be payed 6 weeks in advance of arrival. If you wish to pay in € that isn't a problem we use the National Bank of Greece rates on the day of
booking confirmation and set that as your personal rate so there are no surprises with rate fluctuations. Cancellation will forfeit 10% of the booking cost if it is more than 6 weeks, otherwise the full is payable.
Villa Yiali Glossa
Property description
Villa Yiali has one air-conditioned bedroom (with extra fold-down bed or cot), and is fully self-contained with kitchen, one bathroom, sitting area, large balcony and private outside space. Enjoying stunning views over the adjacent islands of Skiathos and Evia, the gardens and pool area are a haven of relaxation. In addition, the location at the edge of the village of Glossa means that shops, bakery, cafes and tavernas are within a few minutes walk. Otherwise the beautiful area to the north of Skopelos island is also within easy reach with many walks and trails accessible. The west facing aspect delivers the most breathtaking sunsets from the garden, whilst the sun traverses from the south giving all-day sunshine – the terrace and trees giving shade and cool when required.Glossa is situated on the northwest coast of Skopelos, 10 minutes from the port of Loutraki where the ferry docks from the neighboring island of Skiathos and the nearest airport. The ferry journey is about 25 minutes.
Accommodation description:
Bedrooms:
Bedroom. King sized bed and open traditional beamed ceiling and wooden floors. Air conditioned with dressing area and double access to large balcony. Ample storage, hairdryer, full length mirror, sofa-bed or cot if required. Quality bed linen from M&S
Bathrooms:
Located on the ground floor, with shower cabinet, washbasin and wc. Quality towels and locally made olive oil soap, complimentary gels from L'Occitane and Body Shop provided.
Kitchen:
Whirlpool appliances. Oven and ceramic hob, microwave, fridge freezer. Ample kitchen storage with quality pans, crockery and cutlery. Fully equipped. Laundry machine (detergent provided). Complimentary welcome pack. Tea, coffee, bread, cheese, wine etc.
Living Rooms:
Wooden floor, fold down dining table, open fire place. TV, DVD, iPod dock, WiFi, satellite TV, comfortable furniture. Most living is outdoors and there is a patio table and 6 chairs under a shady verandah, as well as a morning coffee set on the balcony.
Cleaning/Towels/Linen/Maid service:
All towels/beach towels/pool towels and linen provided. The house is cleaned and
changed twice each week. Outside BBQ, pool shower, sunbeds. Don't use valuable luggage space with towels as they are all provided.
Amenities/Facilities:
Barbecue, Private Pool, Garden.
Fridge/Freezer, Hob/Stove, Iron, Microwave, Oven, Washing Machine.
Air Conditioning, Cot, High Chair, Internet Access, Room Fans, Satellite, TV.
Location Type:
Beach, Village.
Important notes on accommodation
This former ‘kalivi’ was painstakingly restored in the traditional village style and is finished to a high standard of craftsmanship. The private garden, pool area and planted terraces provide a ‘home from home’ feel.
We make sure that we provide most kitchen essentials that many rental house lack such as condiments, some spices , sugar, coffee and tea together with our own olive oil for the kitchen. Soap powder, washing up liquid, in fact most kitchen comforts that we feel you shouldn't have to worry about on your holidays.
We also provide all towels including beach towels and pool towels. There are even beach mats and an umbrella available for that inevitable visit to one of Skopelos’s enviable beaches.
If you visit in June / July / August, as a highlight to your stay your holiday price will include dinner for two on one night at the acclaimed Agnanti restaurant (5 minutes walk away). Please ask us for details.
About the area
Accessibility
Glossa is unfortunately not wheelchair friendly due to the steps. However, it is possible to walk (within 10 minutes) from the main road to Villa Yiali with only 1 or 2 inclines and no steps. Parking can be arranged close by. Pets accepted by prior arrangement.
Outside
There is a private garden area approx 400 sq. mtrs. with a swimming pool of 7m by 4m, gently sloping to a depth of 1.6m. Along two sides of the pool are underwater seating areas allowing relaxation and refreshment at the same time. The private gardens are not overlooked and offer stunning views over the Aegean to Skiathos, Pilion, towards Mount Olympus in the north and even towards Athens.
Coast/Beach
The closest beach is at Loutraki, with a few tavernas / cafe’s. This is 10 minutes drive or a pleasant 25 minute downhill walk. Within 20 minutes drive are the beaches on Armenopetra, Elios, Milia, Kastani and Panormos. Glossa enjoys a unique position between both sides of the island, and the famous Mamma Mia church at Aghios Ioanni is only 15 minutes drive, as is the beach at Perivoliou. Buses run about every 2 hours in the high season. Skopelos town and the south of the island are 35 mins away
Special Interest Holidays
We have friends on the island who are running sea kayaking tours for all levels of experience and there are mountain bikes to hire to explore the beautiful deserted tracks that lead through the mountains. With a license and an off-road motorbike you can take a guided trail ride up the mountains, jeep, 4x4 or quad bike, or you can rent a motor boat or yacht or go on a sea fishing trip. Walking, birdwatching, painting and local crafts are all available. Also at the villa we have a telescope for stargazing, which on a balmy summer evening opens up the whole universe.
How to get there
Nearest airport is Skiathos which is 25 minutes by boat from the local port of Loutraki (Glossa). Volos airport is on the mainland then its 2hrs 20 by boat to Glossa. Athens and Thessaloniki both connect through. Out of season there is an air connection from Athens to Skiathos which takes only 25 minutes with Olympic Air. We can advise you on flights and also book you a car at discount rates from a small family company on the island (the car will be waiting for you next to the boat as it docks)
Distances
Glossa town is a traditional hill village with shops, cafe’s, bakeries and tavernas. Villa Yiali is on the edge of the village and all amenities are within 10 minutes walk.
Skopelos Town, the main center of the island is about 35 minutes drive away, from where day trips to Alonissos and the World Marine Park are available. Loutraki (10 mins) has much of archaeological interest, including remains of Roman baths and a hill fort. Ancient ruins remain on Mount Delphi and surrounding areas.
Further Details
Glossa has a selection of tavernas,cafe’s and restaurants including one regarded as the best in the Aegean, a number of local supermarkets, bakeries and butchers. Fish is sold from vans or straight from the port of Glossa (known as Loutraki).
Loutraki also has a number of tavernas on the waterfront, and cafes. We will be happy to help you with recommendations and advise on travel arrangements. We will collect you from the port and lead you to the house, introducing you to the wonderful wood fired bakery and friendly little supermarket on the way and demonstrate all the features of the house before leaving you to relax in this beautiful environment. As the English owners, we live next door! Unlike some villa owners, we do not charge commissions or receive payments from restaurants, car hire companies and the like. Our advice is impartial and geared to the needs of the holidaymaker. During June, July and August we offer an included meal for two at the renowned Agnanti restaurant for one night of your stay. Otherwise we have arrangements to have quality restaurant food delivered to your holiday villa so that you can enjoy the local cuisine without the trouble of leaving your comfortable surroundings.
Booking notes
Please contact us for booking details. A deposit of 20% is required to confirm booking. Deposits received will confirm booking and remainder to be payed 6 weeks in advance of arrival. If you wish to pay in € that isn't a problem we use the National Bank of Greece rates on the day of
booking confirmation and set that as your personal rate so there are no surprises with rate fluctuations. Cancellation will forfeit 10% of the booking cost if it is more than 6 weeks, otherwise the full is payable.
Villa Yiali Glossa
Property description
Villa Yiali has one air-conditioned bedroom (with extra fold-down bed or cot), and is fully self-contained with kitchen, one bathroom, sitting area, large balcony and private outside space. Enjoying stunning views over the adjacent islands of Skiathos and Evia, the gardens and pool area are a haven of relaxation. In addition, the location at the edge of the village of Glossa means that shops, bakery, cafes and tavernas are within a few minutes walk. Otherwise the beautiful area to the north of Skopelos island is also within easy reach with many walks and trails accessible. The west facing aspect delivers the most breathtaking sunsets from the garden, whilst the sun traverses from the south giving all-day sunshine – the terrace and trees giving shade and cool when required.Glossa is situated on the northwest coast of Skopelos, 10 minutes from the port of Loutraki where the ferry docks from the neighboring island of Skiathos and the nearest airport. The ferry journey is about 25 minutes.
Accommodation description:
Bedrooms:
Bedroom. King sized bed and open traditional beamed ceiling and wooden floors. Air conditioned with dressing area and double access to large balcony. Ample storage, hairdryer, full length mirror, sofa-bed or cot if required. Quality bed linen from M&S
Bathrooms:
Located on the ground floor, with shower cabinet, washbasin and wc. Quality towels and locally made olive oil soap, complimentary gels from L'Occitane and Body Shop provided.
Kitchen:
Whirlpool appliances. Oven and ceramic hob, microwave, fridge freezer. Ample kitchen storage with quality pans, crockery and cutlery. Fully equipped. Laundry machine (detergent provided). Complimentary welcome pack. Tea, coffee, bread, cheese, wine etc.
Living Rooms:
Wooden floor, fold down dining table, open fire place. TV, DVD, iPod dock, WiFi, satellite TV, comfortable furniture. Most living is outdoors and there is a patio table and 6 chairs under a shady verandah, as well as a morning coffee set on the balcony.
Cleaning/Towels/Linen/Maid service:
All towels/beach towels/pool towels and linen provided. The house is cleaned and
changed twice each week. Outside BBQ, pool shower, sunbeds. Don't use valuable luggage space with towels as they are all provided.
Amenities/Facilities:
Barbecue, Private Pool, Garden.
Fridge/Freezer, Hob/Stove, Iron, Microwave, Oven, Washing Machine.
Air Conditioning, Cot, High Chair, Internet Access, Room Fans, Satellite, TV.
Location Type:
Beach, Village.
Important notes on accommodation
This former ‘kalivi’ was painstakingly restored in the traditional village style and is finished to a high standard of craftsmanship. The private garden, pool area and planted terraces provide a ‘home from home’ feel.
We make sure that we provide most kitchen essentials that many rental house lack such as condiments, some spices , sugar, coffee and tea together with our own olive oil for the kitchen. Soap powder, washing up liquid, in fact most kitchen comforts that we feel you shouldn't have to worry about on your holidays.
We also provide all towels including beach towels and pool towels. There are even beach mats and an umbrella available for that inevitable visit to one of Skopelos’s enviable beaches.
If you visit in June / July / August, as a highlight to your stay your holiday price will include dinner for two on one night at the acclaimed Agnanti restaurant (5 minutes walk away). Please ask us for details.
About the area
Accessibility
Glossa is unfortunately not wheelchair friendly due to the steps. However, it is possible to walk (within 10 minutes) from the main road to Villa Yiali with only 1 or 2 inclines and no steps. Parking can be arranged close by. Pets accepted by prior arrangement.
Outside
There is a private garden area approx 400 sq. mtrs. with a swimming pool of 7m by 4m, gently sloping to a depth of 1.6m. Along two sides of the pool are underwater seating areas allowing relaxation and refreshment at the same time. The private gardens are not overlooked and offer stunning views over the Aegean to Skiathos, Pilion, towards Mount Olympus in the north and even towards Athens.
Coast/Beach
The closest beach is at Loutraki, with a few tavernas / cafe’s. This is 10 minutes drive or a pleasant 25 minute downhill walk. Within 20 minutes drive are the beaches on Armenopetra, Elios, Milia, Kastani and Panormos. Glossa enjoys a unique position between both sides of the island, and the famous Mamma Mia church at Aghios Ioanni is only 15 minutes drive, as is the beach at Perivoliou. Buses run about every 2 hours in the high season. Skopelos town and the south of the island are 35 mins away
Special Interest Holidays
We have friends on the island who are running sea kayaking tours for all levels of experience and there are mountain bikes to hire to explore the beautiful deserted tracks that lead through the mountains. With a license and an off-road motorbike you can take a guided trail ride up the mountains, jeep, 4x4 or quad bike, or you can rent a motor boat or yacht or go on a sea fishing trip. Walking, birdwatching, painting and local crafts are all available. Also at the villa we have a telescope for stargazing, which on a balmy summer evening opens up the whole universe.
How to get there
Nearest airport is Skiathos which is 25 minutes by boat from the local port of Loutraki (Glossa). Volos airport is on the mainland then its 2hrs 20 by boat to Glossa. Athens and Thessaloniki both connect through. Out of season there is an air connection from Athens to Skiathos which takes only 25 minutes with Olympic Air. We can advise you on flights and also book you a car at discount rates from a small family company on the island (the car will be waiting for you next to the boat as it docks)
Distances
Glossa town is a traditional hill village with shops, cafe’s, bakeries and tavernas. Villa Yiali is on the edge of the village and all amenities are within 10 minutes walk.
Skopelos Town, the main center of the island is about 35 minutes drive away, from where day trips to Alonissos and the World Marine Park are available. Loutraki (10 mins) has much of archaeological interest, including remains of Roman baths and a hill fort. Ancient ruins remain on Mount Delphi and surrounding areas.
Further Details
Glossa has a selection of tavernas,cafe’s and restaurants including one regarded as the best in the Aegean, a number of local supermarkets, bakeries and butchers. Fish is sold from vans or straight from the port of Glossa (known as Loutraki).
Loutraki also has a number of tavernas on the waterfront, and cafes. We will be happy to help you with recommendations and advise on travel arrangements. We will collect you from the port and lead you to the house, introducing you to the wonderful wood fired bakery and friendly little supermarket on the way and demonstrate all the features of the house before leaving you to relax in this beautiful environment. As the English owners, we live next door! Unlike some villa owners, we do not charge commissions or receive payments from restaurants, car hire companies and the like. Our advice is impartial and geared to the needs of the holidaymaker. During June, July and August we offer an included meal for two at the renowned Agnanti restaurant for one night of your stay. Otherwise we have arrangements to have quality restaurant food delivered to your holiday villa so that you can enjoy the local cuisine without the trouble of leaving your comfortable surroundings.
Booking notes
Please contact us for booking details. A deposit of 20% is required to confirm booking. Deposits received will confirm booking and remainder to be payed 6 weeks in advance of arrival. If you wish to pay in € that isn't a problem we use the National Bank of Greece rates on the day of
booking confirmation and set that as your personal rate so there are no surprises with rate fluctuations. Cancellation will forfeit 10% of the booking cost if it is more than 6 weeks, otherwise the full is payable.
Collection Peggy Guggenheim
[Bibliography]
Peggy Guggenheim's career belongs in the history of 20th century art. Peggy used to say that it was her duty to protect the art of her own time, and she dedicated half of her life to this mission, as well as to the creation of the museum that still carries her name.
Peggy Guggenheim was born in New York on 26 August 1898, the daughter of Benjamin Guggenheim and Florette Seligman. Benjamin Guggenheim was one of seven brothers who, with their father, Meyer (of Swiss origin), created a family fortune in the late 19th century from the mining and smelting of metals, especially silver, copper and lead. The Seligmans were a leading banking family. Peggy grew up in New York. In April 1912 her father died heroically on the SS Titanic.
In her early 20s, Peggy volunteered for work at a bookshop, the Sunwise Turn, in New York and thanks to this began making friends in intellectual and artistic circles, including the man who was to become her first husband in Paris in 1922, Laurence Vail. Vail was a writer and Dada collagist of great talent. He chronicled his tempestuous life with Peggy in a novel, Murder! Murder! of which Peggy wrote: "It was a sort of satire of our life together and, although it was extremely funny, I took offense at several things he said about me."
In 1921 Peggy Guggenheim traveled to Europe. Thanks to Laurence Vail (the father of her two children Sindbad and Pegeen, the painter), Peggy soon found herself at the heart of Parisian bohème and American ex-patriate society. Many of her acquaintances of the time, such as Constantin Brancusi, Djuna Barnes and Marcel Duchamp, were to become lifelong friends. Though she remained on good terms with Vail for the rest of his life, she left him in 1928 for an English intellectual, John Holms, who was the greatest love of her life. There is a lengthy description of John Holms, a war hero with writer's block, in chapter five of Edwin Muir's An Autobiography. Muir wrote: "Holms was the most remarkable man I ever met." Unfortunately, Holms died tragically young in 1934.
In 1937, encouraged by her friend Peggy Waldman, Peggy decided to open an art gallery in London. When she opened her Guggenheim Jeune gallery in January 1938, she was beginning, at 39 years old, a career which would significantly affect the course of post-war art. Her friend Samuel Beckett urged her to dedicate herself to contemporary art as it was âa living thing,â and Marcel Duchamp introduced her to the artists and taught her, as she put it, âthe difference between abstract and Surrealist art.â The first show presented works by Jean Cocteau, while the second was the first one-man show of Vasily Kandinsky in England.
In 1939, tired of her gallery, Peggy conceived âthe idea of opening a modern museum in London,â with her friend Herbert Read as its director (2). From the start the museum was to be formed on historical principles, and a list of all the artists that should be represented, drawn up by Read and later revised by Marcel Duchamp and Nellie van Doesburg, was to become the basis of her collection.
In 1939-40, apparently oblivious of the war, Peggy busily acquired works for the future museum, keeping to her resolve to âbuy a picture a day.â Some of the masterpieces of her collection, such as works by Francis Picabia, Georges Braque, Salvador DalÃ- and Piet Mondrian, were bought at that time. She astonished Fernand Léger by buying his Men in the City on the day that Hitler invaded Norway. She acquired Brancusiâs Bird in Space as the Germans approached Paris, and only then decided to flee the city.
In July 1941, Peggy fled Nazi-occupied France and returned to her native New York, together with Max Ernst, who was to become her second husband a few months later (they separated in 1943).
Peggy immediately began looking for a location for her modern art museum, while she continued to acquire works for her collection. In October 1942 she opened her museum/gallery Art of This Century. Designed by the Rumanian-Austrian architect Frederick Kiesler, the gallery was composed of extraordinarily innovative exhibition rooms and soon became the most stimulating venue for contemporary art in New York City.
Of the opening night, she wrote: âI wore one of my Tanguy earrings and one made by Calder in order to show my impartiality between Surrealist and Abstract Art" . There Peggy exhibited her collection of Cubist, abstract and Surrealist art, which was already substantially that which we see today in Venice. Peggy produced a remarkable catalogue, edited by André Breton, with a cover design by Max Ernst. She held temporary exhibitions of leading European artists, and of several then unknown young Americans such as Robert Motherwell, William Baziotes, Mark Rothko, David Hare, Janet Sobel, Robert de Niro Sr, Clyfford Still, and Jackson Pollock, the âstarâ of the gallery, who was given his first show by Peggy late in 1943. From July 1943 Peggy supported Pollock with a monthly stipend and actively promoted and sold his paintings. She commissioned his largest painting, a Mural, which she later gave to the University of Iowa.
Pollock and the others pioneered American Abstract Expressionism. One of the principal sources of this was Surrealism, which the artists encountered at Art of This Century. More important, however, was the encouragement and support that Peggy, together with her friend and assistant Howard Putzel, gave to the members of this nascent New York avant-garde. Peggy and her collection thus played a vital intermediary role in the development of Americaâs first art movement of international importance.
In 1947 Peggy decided to return in Europe, where her collection was shown for the first time at the 1948 Venice Biennale, in the Greek pavilion. In this way the works of artists such as Arshile Gorky, Jackson Pollock, and Mark Rothko were exhibited for the first time in Europe. The presence of Cubist, abstract, and Surrealist art made the pavilion the most coherent survey of Modernism yet to have been presented in Italy.
Soon after Peggy bought Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, on the Grand Canal in Venice, where she came to live. In 1949 she held an exhibition of sculptures in the garden curated by Giuseppe Marchiori, and from 1951 she opened her collection to the public.
In 1950 Peggy organized the first exhibition of Jackson Pollock in Italy, in the Ala Napoleonica of the Museo Correr in Venice. Her collection was in the meantime exhibited in Florence and Milan, and later in Amsterdam, Brussels, and Zurich. From 1951 Peggy opened her house and her collection to the public annually in the summer months. During her 30-year Venetian life, Peggy Guggenheim continued to collect works of art and to support artists, such as Edmondo Bacci and Tancredi Parmeggiani, whom she met in 1951. In 1962 Peggy Guggenheim was nominated Honorary Citizen of Venice.
In 1969 the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York invited Peggy Guggenheim to show her collection there. In 1976 she donated her palace and works of art to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation. The Foundation had been created in 1937 by Peggy Guggenheimâs uncle Solomon, in order to operate his collection and museum which, since 1959, has been housed in Frank Lloyd Wrightâs famous spiral structure on 5th Avenue.
Peggy died aged 81 on 23 December 1979. Her ashes are placed in a corner of the garden of Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, next to the place where she customarily buried her beloved dogs. Since this time, the Guggenheim Foundation has converted and expanded Peggy Guggenheim's private house into one of the finest small museums of modern art in the world.
[Info]
Address
Peggy Guggenheim Collection
Palazzo Venier dei Leoni
Dorsoduro 701
I-30123 Venezia
Opening hours
Daily 10 am - 6 pm
Closed Tuesdays and December 25
General information
tel: +39.041.2405.411
fax: +39.041.520.6885
e-mail: info@guggenheim-venice.it
Visitor services
tel: +39.041.2405.440/419
fax: +39.041.520.9083
e-mail: visitorinfo@guggenheim-venice.it
Photography
Photography is permitted without flash. You may not use tripods or monopods.
Animals
Animals of all sizes are not allowed in the galleries and in the gardens.
For information and assistance please contact "Sporting Dog Club".
Call Tel. +39 347 6242550 (Marie) or +39 347 4161321 (Roberto)
or write to sportingdoginvenice@gmail.com
Venice Art for All
The Peggy Guggenheim Collection joins the Venice Art for All project and becomes accessible to all, including people with limited mobility.
Palazzo Venier dei Leoni was probably begun in the 1750s by architect Lorenzo Boschetti, whose only other known building in Venice is the church of San Barnaba.
It is an unfinished palace. A model exists in the Museo Correr, Venice. Its magnificent classical façade would have matched that of Palazzo Corner, opposite, with the triple arch of the ground floor (which is the explanation of the ivy-covered pillars visible today) extended through both the piani nobili above. We do not know precisely why this Venier palace was left unfinished. Money may have run out, or some say that the powerful Corner family living opposite blocked the completion of a building that would have been grander than their own. Another explanation may rest with the unhappy fate of the next door Gothic palace which was demolished in the early 19th century: structural damage to this was blamed in part on the deep foundations of Palazzo Venier dei Leoni.
Nor is it known how the palace came to be associated with "leoni," lions. Although it is said that a lion was once kept in the garden, the name is more likely to have arisen from the yawning lion's heads of Istrian stone which decorate the façade at water level. The Venier family, who claimed descent from the gens Aurelia of ancient Rome (the Emperor Valerian and Gallienus were from this family), were among the oldest Venetian noble families. Over the centuries they provided eighteen Procurators of St Markâs and three Doges. Antonio Venier (Doge, 1382-1400) had such a strong sense of justice that he allowed his own son to languish and die in prison for his crimes. Francesco Venier (Doge, 1553-56) was the subject of a superb portrait by Titian (Madrid, Fundaciòn Thyssen-Bornemisza). Sebastiano Venier was a commander of the Venetian fleet at the Battle of Lepanto (1571) and later became Doge (1577-78). A lively strutting statue of him, by Antonio dal Zotto (1907), can be seen today in the church of Ss. Giovanni e Paolo, Venice.
From 1910 to c. 1924 the house was owned by the flamboyant Marchesa Luisa Casati, hostess to the Ballets Russes, and the subject of numerous portraits by artists as various as Boldini, Troubetzkoy, Man Ray and Augustus John. In 1949, Peggy Guggenheim purchased Palazzo Venier from the heirs of Viscountes Castlerosse and made it her home for the following thirty years. Early in 1951, Peggy Guggenheim opened her home and collection to the public and continued to do so every year until her death in 1979.
In 1980, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection opened for the first time under the management of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, to which Peggy Guggenheim had given her palazzo and collection during her lifetime.
Palazzo Venier dei Leoni's long low façade, made of Istrian stone and set off against the trees in the garden behind that soften its lines, forms a welcome "caesura" in the stately march of Grand Canal palaces from the Accademia to the Salute.
[Permanent collection]
The core mission of the museum is to present the personal collection of Peggy Guggenheim. The collection holds major works of Cubism, Futurism, Metaphysical painting, European abstraction, avant-garde sculpture, Surrealism, and American Abstract Expressionism, by some of the greatest artists of the 20th century. These include Picasso (The Poet, On the Beach), Braque (The Clarinet), Duchamp (Sad Young Man on a Train), Léger, Brancusi (Maiastra, Bird in Space), Severini (Sea=Dancer), Picabia (Very Rare Picture on Earth), de Chirico (The Red Tower, The Nostalgia of the Poet), Mondrian (Composition No. 1 with Grey and Red 1938 / Composition with Red 1939), Kandinsky (Landscape with Red Spots, No. 2, White Cross), Miro (Seated Woman II), Giacometti Woman with Her Throat Cut, Woman Walking), Klee (Magic Garden), Ernst (The Kiss, Attirement of the Bride), Magritte (Empire of Light), DalÃ- (Birth of Liquid Desires), Pollock (The Moon Woman, Alchemy), Gorky (Untitled), Calder (Arc of Petals) and Marini (Angel of the City).
The museum also exhibits works of art given to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation for its Venetian museum since Peggy Guggenheim's death, as well as long-term loans from private collections.
Hannelore B. and Rudolph B. Schulhof Collection
In October 2012 eighty works of Italian, European and American art of the decades after 1945 were added to the collections of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation in Venice. They were the bequest of Hannelore B. Schulhof, who collected the works with her late husband Rudolph B. Schulhof. They include paintings by Burri, Dubuffet, Fontana, Hofmann, Kelly, Kiefer, Noland, Rothko, and Twombly, as well as sculptures by Calder, Caro, Holzer, Judd and Hepworth. The Hannelore B. and Rudolph B. Schulhof Garden exhibits works from this collection.
Gianni Mattioli Collection
The museum exhibits twenty six masterpieces on long-term loan from the renowned Gianni Mattioli Collection, including famous images of Italian Futurism, such as Materia and Dynamism of a Cyclist by Boccioni, Interventionist Demonstration by Carrà , The Solidity of Fog by Russolo, works by Balla, Severini (Blue Dancer), Sironi, Soffici, Rosai, Depero. The collection includes important early paintings by Morandi and a rare portrait by Modigliani.
Patsy R. and Raymond D. Nasher Sculpture Garden
The Patsy R. and Raymond D. Nasher Sculpture Garden and other outdoor spaces at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection presents works from the permanent collections (by Arp, Duchamp-Villon, Ernst, Flanagan, Giacometti, Gilardi, Goldsworthy, Holzer, Marini, Minguzzi, Mirko, Merz, Moore, Ono, Paladino, Richier, Takis), as well as sculptures on temporary loan from foundations and private collections (by Calder, König , Marini, Nannucci, Smith).
In loving memory of
Reverend Frank W ISITT
October 3 1846 – November 11 1916
Patriot, Preacher, Prohibitionist
Friend of Children
Lover of Mankind
His life was a challenge not a truce
Charles Whitmore ISITT
Son of the Reverend F W ISITT
Born December 31st 1874
Died September 22nd 1946
Francis Charles ISITT
Son of C W ISITT
1898 – 1976
Marie LaMothe ISITT
Beloved wife of above
Honourable Leonard Monk ISITT M.L.C.
Methodist Minister
1855 – 1937
There are who triumph in a losing cause
Tis they who stand for freedom and Gods laws
Also Agnes ISITT
Beloved wife of above
1857 – 1938
Rifleman Willard Whitmore ISITT
Aged 22
The younger son of
Leonard Monk and Agnes ISITT
He died of wounds on the Flanders
Front, October 31st 1916, and is buried
In the Communal cemetery, Estaires.
He gladly gave his life for his country.
Francis Caverhill THORNTON
1889 – 1960
Herbert John ISITT
1844 – 1926
Brother of Frank and Leonard
Sons of
Rebecca and James ISITT
Bedford, England
Christine Scott CAVERHILL
1834 – 1918
L Miriam ISITT
1898 – 1992
Beloved wife of F C ISITT
**************************************
Rev. Frank W ISITT [Francis Whitmore]
Block 36 Plot 177
[Coroners Warrant]
See photograph in comments section below [1]
Born England and in NZ 45 years at time of death.
Died of hearth failure.
His obituary at time of death:
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=s...
Rev Francis Whitmore (Frank) Isitt (1843[sic] –1916) was a New Zealand Methodist Minister, who was general secretary of the New Zealand Alliance (for prohibition) from 1900 to 1909. He was a brother of the Rev Leonard Isitt.
Rev Frank Isitt entered the ministry from the Sydenham Circuit, London and after a term at Richmond College went to New Zealand in 1871. He was a parish minister for a number of years, but after two breakdowns in health concentrated on temperance work. He stood in the 1902 election as a prohibition candidate for ten seats, and came second in eight. He also stood in the 1905 and 1908 elections.
In February 1874 he married Mary Campbell Purdie (Spinster, 22 years) in Dunedin; in the house of Dr. Wm Purdie of Upper Kaikorai, who was probably her father.
Also
“Here are buried Herbert John Isitt and his brothers who were Methodist ministers and deeply involved with politics and the social problems of their age.
The Rev. Frank Isitt was born in England in 1846, trained at the Wesleyan Training College, Richmond, came to New Zealand in 1870 and served at Balclutha, Port Chalmers and New Plymouth. After he had recovered from a breakdown in his health, he served at Nelson, Invercargill and the East Belt (FitzGerald Avenue), Christchurch. In the 1890s he took up work for the Prohibition organisation, the New Zealand Alliance, first as travelling agent and then as secretary. He edited the Prohibitionist, firstly with Thomas Edward Taylor and then on his own, ‘possessed rare gifts of organisation … [a] magnetic personality … passionate eloquence … and untiring energy’. He was a ‘man of very warm friendships … had a fine character in his private life …. [and] a host of friends throughout New Zealand’.
A ‘comrade’ wrote:
Today will be laid to rest the frail body in which tabernacled for 70 years the strong heroic soul of F. W. Isitt. Pure of heart, gentle of nature, strong and brave of soul, the wrong and oppression of the weak, the suffering of humanity ever kindled in him a passion of pity and a consuming desire to help and save.
Frank, with his brother, L. M. Isitt, T. E. Taylor and the Rev. P. R. Munro
… formed that quartet of great leaders which, for so many stirring and strenuous years led valiantly and wisely the crusade against the liquor trade throughout New Zealand and secured much restrictive and progressive licensing legislation.
The ‘comrade’ concluded:
He lived the truth he taught,
white-souled, clean-handed, pure in heart.
As God live, he must live always.
There is no end for souls like his,
No night for children of the day.
The gravestone states that Frank Isitt was ‘Patriot, Preacher, Prohibitionist: Friend of children, lover of mankind: his life was a challenge, not a truce’.
Leonard Monk Isitt was born in England in 1855 and, in New Zealand, joined the Methodist ministry, being ordained in 1881. He became an enemy of drink when he went to bury a victim of alcoholic poisoning. The coach-driver was scarcely able to control his horse, such was his state of inebriation; and the grave-digger was so drunk that he could only inadequately dig the grave.
With Thomas Edward Taylor, Leonard Isitt led the no-licence campaign which led to the closure of all the public hotels in Sydenham. The decision was fought all the way through the courts and up to the Privy Council where it was reversed. With the consent of the Methodist Conference, Isitt resigned from his ministry and devoted his time to campaigning for a ‘local option measure’ so that different areas could vote on whether they would have licensed premises.
Four times Isitt campaigned in England for the Great Britain Alliance. For 12 years he lectured on Prohibition virtually as a whole time job and ‘ruined a remarkably fine singing voice to the extent that … [he] had to give up singing altogether’.
Taylor died in 1911, Isitt taking his Christchurch North seat. When interest in Prohibition waned, he supported the Bible-in-schools campaign. He retired in 1925, dying in 1937.” [2]
Charles Whitmore ISITT
Block 36 Plot 181
Born Fairlie, NZ [3]
Francis Charles ISITT
Block 36 Plot 177
Born Hawera, NZ and a farmer at the time of his death
Died 22 July 1976 aged 76[4]
Marie LaMothe ISITT
Not recorded on CCC database – possibly cremated and ashes interred
[wife of Charles Whitmore ISITT]
Newspaper notice of her marriage that took place on 8 June 1897:
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=s...
Her probate is available for year 1958:
www.archway.archives.govt.nz/ViewFullItem.do?code=1952621
Leonard Monk ISITT
Block 36 Plot 179
Born England and in NZ 60 years at time of death
Died 29 July 1937[4]
His probate is available [Occupation: retired stationer]:
www.archway.archives.govt.nz/ViewFullItem.do?code=20187931
"Methodist minister, temperance leader, politician.
Leonard Monk Isitt was born in a Methodist home in Bedford, England; his father died when he was two and his mother when he was 12. He was educated at Clevedon Methodist College, Northampton, and, afterwards, at the age of 15, joined a drapery firm. He came out to New Zealand to get experience and also to join his brother Francis Whitmore who was a Methodist minister at Balclutha. Isitt worked in the warehouse of Ross and Glendining at Dunedin, but the urge to enter the Methodist ministry became stronger, and he was sent to a Home Mission Station at Lawrence. Here occurred an incident which influenced his subsequent career. Called upon to conduct the burial service of a man who had died of alcoholic poisoning, whose body was hurried by a drunken driver to a grave left half-dug by a drunken gravedigger, Isitt scathingly denounced the publicans present at the funeral and set his whole energies to fight the drink evil.
Isitt became a minister in 1876 and was ordained in 1881. He was stationed successively at Auckland, Masterton, Wellington, Christchurch and, finally, in 1889 at Sydenham, where the drink evil was seen in its most sordid aspect. It was largely a working-class district, with grimy little cottages jammed into the smallest possible sections, many of them blackened with smoke from the railway yards. He met T. E. Taylor, a kindred spirit, and together they determined to fight for legislative prohibition. The campaign followed two chief lines of attack. One was propaganda spread by means of a paper, The Prohibitionist, which, although started for local consumption, was soon circulated throughout New Zealand under the name of the Vanguard. His brother Francis edited the paper. This propaganda was aided by one of the most powerful speaking campaigns ever carried out in New Zealand. Isitt had a natural eloquence which, fed by his burning enthusiasm for his cause, made him an orator of a type probably unequalled in New Zealand. He ruined a good singing voice by his efforts. Dr C. F. Aked described him in these words: “When did we hear such speaking as his? Clear pure Saxon, not a word misplaced, not a sentence which could be improved; every phrase a point; every point sent home; massive sentences falling like the strokes of a sledgehammer”. The Methodist Conference released him from his usual work to concentrate on his campaign.
Isitt's second line of attack was to gain control of the Licensing Committee and refuse licences to all Sydenham hotels. The first attempt in 1890 failed, but the next election resulted in all five members elected being Prohibitionists. The publicans, however, took a test case to Court and Judge Denniston ruled that the Licensing Committee had acted beyond its powers, which should be used in a judicial and impartial manner, not as an instrument of a campaign. The Court of Appeal unanimously upheld him.
Isitt made four speaking tours in England at the invitation of the United Kingdom Alliance. When T. E. Taylor died in 1911, he succeeded him as member of Parliament for Sydenham, and held the seat until 1925 when he was appointed to the Legislative Council. He worked hard to get the Local Option Bill through Parliament and was successful. Bible in Schools was another cause he worked for and he was prominent in the Boy Scout movement. He was a governor of Canterbury College and was vice-president of the Methodist Centenary Conference in 1922. He founded the firm of L. M. Isitt and Co., booksellers (Christ-church), and was its managing director.
In 1881 he married Agnes, daughter of John Scott Caverhill. One son, Sir Leonard Isitt, was head of the New Zealand Air Staff and another was killed in the 1914–18 war."[5]
Agnes Martha ISITT
Block 36 Plot 181
Born Lyttelton, NZ
Died 27 September 1938 [6]
Her probate is available:
www.archway.archives.govt.nz/ViewFullItem.do?code=20188681
Rifleman Willard Whitmore ISITT
Military number 12400
Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 14147, 15 November 1916, Page 4
“Private advice has been received that Private Willard Isitt, younger son of the Rev. L. M. Isitt, M.P. has died from wounds in France, aged 23 years of age. He was engaged in his father’s bookselling business when he enlisted with the 12th Reinforcements. He was a young man of fine grit and determination, and the story told of his enlistment shows the stuff he was made of. He had offered his services several times and been rejected because the sight of one eye was defective. Ultimately he found a way out of the difficulty when in a boxing bout with a friend. He invited and received a solid blow on the defective eye. The result, of course, was to close it up, and before the effect had time to disappear Isitt, presented himself for medical examination, and got through. The Rev. Mr Isitt’s only other son was wounded in the battle of the Somme.”[9]
Willard’s Cenotaph database record:
muse.aucklandmuseum.com/databases/Cenotaph/7539.detail?Or...
Willard’s Commonwealth War Graves Commission record:
www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=268264
His military records are available but with restrictions:
www.archway.archives.govt.nz/ViewFullItem.do?code=18052286
Interesting connection to Willard name:
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=s...
Frances Caverhill THORNTON
Nee ISITT. Married Cuthbert THORNTON [registration 1912/3006] [8]
Daughter of Agnes Martha & Leonard Monk ISITT [8]
Herbert John ISITT
Block 36 Plot 177
Born Bedford, England, he was a labourer and had been in NZ 50 years at time of death
Died 14 September 1926 aged 82[7]
Christine Scott CAVERHILL
Block 36 Plot 84
Born Scotland, Spinster and in NZ 41 years at time of death
Died 4 August 1918[10]
L. Miriam ISITT
Nee Lily Miriam LYNN [Marriage registry to Francis Charles ISITT 1929/1800] [8]
References:
[1]
www.nzetc.org/tm/scholarly/MurTemp-fig-MurTemp016b.html
[2]
christchurchcitylibraries.com/Heritage/Cemeteries/Linwood...
[3]
librarydata.christchurch.org.nz/Cemeteries/interment.asp?...
[4]
librarydata.christchurch.org.nz/Cemeteries/interment.asp?...
[5]
www.teara.govt.nz/en/1966/isitt-leonard-monk/1
[6]
librarydata.christchurch.org.nz/Cemeteries/interment.asp?...
[7]
librarydata.christchurch.org.nz/Cemeteries/interment.asp?...
[8]
www.bdmhistoricalrecords.dia.govt.nz/search/
[9]
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=s...
[10]
librarydata.christchurch.org.nz/Cemeteries/interment.asp?...
After Jeff Sessions was fired by President Trump, concern grew that Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker could not be impartial on the probe into Russian election interference and potential collusion by the Trump campaign.
Protests erupted nationwide. In Chicago, a crowd that began at Federal Plaza grew to 3,000 as it marched to Trump Tower.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has welcomed 101 new police officers to the ranks.
The new officers were sworn in at an attestation ceremony at Droylsden Academy on Wednesday evening.
Chief Constable Ian Hopkins, Assistant Chief Constable Debbie Ford, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Jim Battle, Magistrates Mike Phillips and Zahid Maqbool, the Mayor of Tameside Councillor Philip Fitzpatrick and Assistant Head Teacher at Droylsden Academy Dr Lee Schofield attended the legally binding event.
Friends and family were also invited to watch as each of the officers took the oath to uphold the officer of constable with fairness, integrity, diligence and impartiality. More than 200 friends and family members attended the event.
Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: “The role of every officer is to help and serve the public, they are at the heart of the community and holding this event at a school helps to reflect this. The officers have been through a rigorous selection process and training programme, and I am proud to officially welcome them to the Force and look forward to seeing their hard work continue throughout Greater Manchester.
“I would like to thank Droylsden Academy for allowing us to hold our ceremony here. The evening was also an opportunity for pupils to witness the officers taking their oath, and for us to hear their musical talent.”
All of the new recruits have previously been employees with GMP, either as Police Community Support Officers (PCSO), Special Constables, or police staff, and will build upon their existing skills and knowledge involved with policing.
To find out more about Greater Manchester Police please visit our website. www.gmp.police.uk
You should call 101, the national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.
Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.
You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.
Property description
Villa Yiali has one air-conditioned bedroom (with extra fold-down bed or cot), and is fully self-contained with kitchen, one bathroom, sitting area, large balcony and private outside space. Enjoying stunning views over the adjacent islands of Skiathos and Evia, the gardens and pool area are a haven of relaxation. In addition, the location at the edge of the village of Glossa means that shops, bakery, cafes and tavernas are within a few minutes walk. Otherwise the beautiful area to the north of Skopelos island is also within easy reach with many walks and trails accessible. The west facing aspect delivers the most breathtaking sunsets from the garden, whilst the sun traverses from the south giving all-day sunshine – the terrace and trees giving shade and cool when required.Glossa is situated on the northwest coast of Skopelos, 10 minutes from the port of Loutraki where the ferry docks from the neighboring island of Skiathos and the nearest airport. The ferry journey is about 25 minutes.
Accommodation description:
Bedrooms:
Bedroom. King sized bed and open traditional beamed ceiling and wooden floors. Air conditioned with dressing area and double access to large balcony. Ample storage, hairdryer, full length mirror, sofa-bed or cot if required. Quality bed linen from M&S
Bathrooms:
Located on the ground floor, with shower cabinet, washbasin and wc. Quality towels and locally made olive oil soap, complimentary gels from L'Occitane and Body Shop provided.
Kitchen:
Whirlpool appliances. Oven and ceramic hob, microwave, fridge freezer. Ample kitchen storage with quality pans, crockery and cutlery. Fully equipped. Laundry machine (detergent provided). Complimentary welcome pack. Tea, coffee, bread, cheese, wine etc.
Living Rooms:
Wooden floor, fold down dining table, open fire place. TV, DVD, iPod dock, WiFi, satellite TV, comfortable furniture. Most living is outdoors and there is a patio table and 6 chairs under a shady verandah, as well as a morning coffee set on the balcony.
Cleaning/Towels/Linen/Maid service:
All towels/beach towels/pool towels and linen provided. The house is cleaned and
changed twice each week. Outside BBQ, pool shower, sunbeds. Don't use valuable luggage space with towels as they are all provided.
Amenities/Facilities:
Barbecue, Private Pool, Garden.
Fridge/Freezer, Hob/Stove, Iron, Microwave, Oven, Washing Machine.
Air Conditioning, Cot, High Chair, Internet Access, Room Fans, Satellite, TV.
Location Type:
Beach, Village.
Important notes on accommodation
This former ‘kalivi’ was painstakingly restored in the traditional village style and is finished to a high standard of craftsmanship. The private garden, pool area and planted terraces provide a ‘home from home’ feel.
We make sure that we provide most kitchen essentials that many rental house lack such as condiments, some spices , sugar, coffee and tea together with our own olive oil for the kitchen. Soap powder, washing up liquid, in fact most kitchen comforts that we feel you shouldn't have to worry about on your holidays.
We also provide all towels including beach towels and pool towels. There are even beach mats and an umbrella available for that inevitable visit to one of Skopelos’s enviable beaches.
If you visit in June / July / August, as a highlight to your stay your holiday price will include dinner for two on one night at the acclaimed Agnanti restaurant (5 minutes walk away). Please ask us for details.
About the area
Accessibility
Glossa is unfortunately not wheelchair friendly due to the steps. However, it is possible to walk (within 10 minutes) from the main road to Villa Yiali with only 1 or 2 inclines and no steps. Parking can be arranged close by. Pets accepted by prior arrangement.
Outside
There is a private garden area approx 400 sq. mtrs. with a swimming pool of 7m by 4m, gently sloping to a depth of 1.6m. Along two sides of the pool are underwater seating areas allowing relaxation and refreshment at the same time. The private gardens are not overlooked and offer stunning views over the Aegean to Skiathos, Pilion, towards Mount Olympus in the north and even towards Athens.
Coast/Beach
The closest beach is at Loutraki, with a few tavernas / cafe’s. This is 10 minutes drive or a pleasant 25 minute downhill walk. Within 20 minutes drive are the beaches on Armenopetra, Elios, Milia, Kastani and Panormos. Glossa enjoys a unique position between both sides of the island, and the famous Mamma Mia church at Aghios Ioanni is only 15 minutes drive, as is the beach at Perivoliou. Buses run about every 2 hours in the high season. Skopelos town and the south of the island are 35 mins away
Special Interest Holidays
We have friends on the island who are running sea kayaking tours for all levels of experience and there are mountain bikes to hire to explore the beautiful deserted tracks that lead through the mountains. With a license and an off-road motorbike you can take a guided trail ride up the mountains, jeep, 4x4 or quad bike, or you can rent a motor boat or yacht or go on a sea fishing trip. Walking, birdwatching, painting and local crafts are all available. Also at the villa we have a telescope for stargazing, which on a balmy summer evening opens up the whole universe.
How to get there
Nearest airport is Skiathos which is 25 minutes by boat from the local port of Loutraki (Glossa). Volos airport is on the mainland then its 2hrs 20 by boat to Glossa. Athens and Thessaloniki both connect through. Out of season there is an air connection from Athens to Skiathos which takes only 25 minutes with Olympic Air. We can advise you on flights and also book you a car at discount rates from a small family company on the island (the car will be waiting for you next to the boat as it docks)
Distances
Glossa town is a traditional hill village with shops, cafe’s, bakeries and tavernas. Villa Yiali is on the edge of the village and all amenities are within 10 minutes walk.
Skopelos Town, the main center of the island is about 35 minutes drive away, from where day trips to Alonissos and the World Marine Park are available. Loutraki (10 mins) has much of archaeological interest, including remains of Roman baths and a hill fort. Ancient ruins remain on Mount Delphi and surrounding areas.
Further Details
Glossa has a selection of tavernas,cafe’s and restaurants including one regarded as the best in the Aegean, a number of local supermarkets, bakeries and butchers. Fish is sold from vans or straight from the port of Glossa (known as Loutraki).
Loutraki also has a number of tavernas on the waterfront, and cafes. We will be happy to help you with recommendations and advise on travel arrangements. We will collect you from the port and lead you to the house, introducing you to the wonderful wood fired bakery and friendly little supermarket on the way and demonstrate all the features of the house before leaving you to relax in this beautiful environment. As the English owners, we live next door! Unlike some villa owners, we do not charge commissions or receive payments from restaurants, car hire companies and the like. Our advice is impartial and geared to the needs of the holidaymaker. During June, July and August we offer an included meal for two at the renowned Agnanti restaurant for one night of your stay. Otherwise we have arrangements to have quality restaurant food delivered to your holiday villa so that you can enjoy the local cuisine without the trouble of leaving your comfortable surroundings.
Booking notes
Please contact us for booking details. A deposit of 20% is required to confirm booking. Deposits received will confirm booking and remainder to be payed 6 weeks in advance of arrival. If you wish to pay in € that isn't a problem we use the National Bank of Greece rates on the day of
booking confirmation and set that as your personal rate so there are no surprises with rate fluctuations. Cancellation will forfeit 10% of the booking cost if it is more than 6 weeks, otherwise the full is payable.
Villa Yiali Glossa
Property description
Villa Yiali has one air-conditioned bedroom (with extra fold-down bed or cot), and is fully self-contained with kitchen, one bathroom, sitting area, large balcony and private outside space. Enjoying stunning views over the adjacent islands of Skiathos and Evia, the gardens and pool area are a haven of relaxation. In addition, the location at the edge of the village of Glossa means that shops, bakery, cafes and tavernas are within a few minutes walk. Otherwise the beautiful area to the north of Skopelos island is also within easy reach with many walks and trails accessible. The west facing aspect delivers the most breathtaking sunsets from the garden, whilst the sun traverses from the south giving all-day sunshine – the terrace and trees giving shade and cool when required.Glossa is situated on the northwest coast of Skopelos, 10 minutes from the port of Loutraki where the ferry docks from the neighboring island of Skiathos and the nearest airport. The ferry journey is about 25 minutes.
Accommodation description:
Bedrooms:
Bedroom. King sized bed and open traditional beamed ceiling and wooden floors. Air conditioned with dressing area and double access to large balcony. Ample storage, hairdryer, full length mirror, sofa-bed or cot if required. Quality bed linen from M&S
Bathrooms:
Located on the ground floor, with shower cabinet, washbasin and wc. Quality towels and locally made olive oil soap, complimentary gels from L'Occitane and Body Shop provided.
Kitchen:
Whirlpool appliances. Oven and ceramic hob, microwave, fridge freezer. Ample kitchen storage with quality pans, crockery and cutlery. Fully equipped. Laundry machine (detergent provided). Complimentary welcome pack. Tea, coffee, bread, cheese, wine etc.
Living Rooms:
Wooden floor, fold down dining table, open fire place. TV, DVD, iPod dock, WiFi, satellite TV, comfortable furniture. Most living is outdoors and there is a patio table and 6 chairs under a shady verandah, as well as a morning coffee set on the balcony.
Cleaning/Towels/Linen/Maid service:
All towels/beach towels/pool towels and linen provided. The house is cleaned and
changed twice each week. Outside BBQ, pool shower, sunbeds. Don't use valuable luggage space with towels as they are all provided.
Amenities/Facilities:
Barbecue, Private Pool, Garden.
Fridge/Freezer, Hob/Stove, Iron, Microwave, Oven, Washing Machine.
Air Conditioning, Cot, High Chair, Internet Access, Room Fans, Satellite, TV.
Location Type:
Beach, Village.
Important notes on accommodation
This former ‘kalivi’ was painstakingly restored in the traditional village style and is finished to a high standard of craftsmanship. The private garden, pool area and planted terraces provide a ‘home from home’ feel.
We make sure that we provide most kitchen essentials that many rental house lack such as condiments, some spices , sugar, coffee and tea together with our own olive oil for the kitchen. Soap powder, washing up liquid, in fact most kitchen comforts that we feel you shouldn't have to worry about on your holidays.
We also provide all towels including beach towels and pool towels. There are even beach mats and an umbrella available for that inevitable visit to one of Skopelos’s enviable beaches.
If you visit in June / July / August, as a highlight to your stay your holiday price will include dinner for two on one night at the acclaimed Agnanti restaurant (5 minutes walk away). Please ask us for details.
About the area
Accessibility
Glossa is unfortunately not wheelchair friendly due to the steps. However, it is possible to walk (within 10 minutes) from the main road to Villa Yiali with only 1 or 2 inclines and no steps. Parking can be arranged close by. Pets accepted by prior arrangement.
Outside
There is a private garden area approx 400 sq. mtrs. with a swimming pool of 7m by 4m, gently sloping to a depth of 1.6m. Along two sides of the pool are underwater seating areas allowing relaxation and refreshment at the same time. The private gardens are not overlooked and offer stunning views over the Aegean to Skiathos, Pilion, towards Mount Olympus in the north and even towards Athens.
Coast/Beach
The closest beach is at Loutraki, with a few tavernas / cafe’s. This is 10 minutes drive or a pleasant 25 minute downhill walk. Within 20 minutes drive are the beaches on Armenopetra, Elios, Milia, Kastani and Panormos. Glossa enjoys a unique position between both sides of the island, and the famous Mamma Mia church at Aghios Ioanni is only 15 minutes drive, as is the beach at Perivoliou. Buses run about every 2 hours in the high season. Skopelos town and the south of the island are 35 mins away
Special Interest Holidays
We have friends on the island who are running sea kayaking tours for all levels of experience and there are mountain bikes to hire to explore the beautiful deserted tracks that lead through the mountains. With a license and an off-road motorbike you can take a guided trail ride up the mountains, jeep, 4x4 or quad bike, or you can rent a motor boat or yacht or go on a sea fishing trip. Walking, birdwatching, painting and local crafts are all available. Also at the villa we have a telescope for stargazing, which on a balmy summer evening opens up the whole universe.
How to get there
Nearest airport is Skiathos which is 25 minutes by boat from the local port of Loutraki (Glossa). Volos airport is on the mainland then its 2hrs 20 by boat to Glossa. Athens and Thessaloniki both connect through. Out of season there is an air connection from Athens to Skiathos which takes only 25 minutes with Olympic Air. We can advise you on flights and also book you a car at discount rates from a small family company on the island (the car will be waiting for you next to the boat as it docks)
Distances
Glossa town is a traditional hill village with shops, cafe’s, bakeries and tavernas. Villa Yiali is on the edge of the village and all amenities are within 10 minutes walk.
Skopelos Town, the main center of the island is about 35 minutes drive away, from where day trips to Alonissos and the World Marine Park are available. Loutraki (10 mins) has much of archaeological interest, including remains of Roman baths and a hill fort. Ancient ruins remain on Mount Delphi and surrounding areas.
Further Details
Glossa has a selection of tavernas,cafe’s and restaurants including one regarded as the best in the Aegean, a number of local supermarkets, bakeries and butchers. Fish is sold from vans or straight from the port of Glossa (known as Loutraki).
Loutraki also has a number of tavernas on the waterfront, and cafes. We will be happy to help you with recommendations and advise on travel arrangements. We will collect you from the port and lead you to the house, introducing you to the wonderful wood fired bakery and friendly little supermarket on the way and demonstrate all the features of the house before leaving you to relax in this beautiful environment. As the English owners, we live next door! Unlike some villa owners, we do not charge commissions or receive payments from restaurants, car hire companies and the like. Our advice is impartial and geared to the needs of the holidaymaker. During June, July and August we offer an included meal for two at the renowned Agnanti restaurant for one night of your stay. Otherwise we have arrangements to have quality restaurant food delivered to your holiday villa so that you can enjoy the local cuisine without the trouble of leaving your comfortable surroundings.
Booking notes
Please contact us for booking details. A deposit of 20% is required to confirm booking. Deposits received will confirm booking and remainder to be payed 6 weeks in advance of arrival. If you wish to pay in € that isn't a problem we use the National Bank of Greece rates on the day of
booking confirmation and set that as your personal rate so there are no surprises with rate fluctuations. Cancellation will forfeit 10% of the booking cost if it is more than 6 weeks, otherwise the full is payable.
Villa Yiali Glossa
Property description
Villa Yiali has one air-conditioned bedroom (with extra fold-down bed or cot), and is fully self-contained with kitchen, one bathroom, sitting area, large balcony and private outside space. Enjoying stunning views over the adjacent islands of Skiathos and Evia, the gardens and pool area are a haven of relaxation. In addition, the location at the edge of the village of Glossa means that shops, bakery, cafes and tavernas are within a few minutes walk. Otherwise the beautiful area to the north of Skopelos island is also within easy reach with many walks and trails accessible. The west facing aspect delivers the most breathtaking sunsets from the garden, whilst the sun traverses from the south giving all-day sunshine – the terrace and trees giving shade and cool when required.Glossa is situated on the northwest coast of Skopelos, 10 minutes from the port of Loutraki where the ferry docks from the neighboring island of Skiathos and the nearest airport. The ferry journey is about 25 minutes.
Accommodation description:
Bedrooms:
Bedroom. King sized bed and open traditional beamed ceiling and wooden floors. Air conditioned with dressing area and double access to large balcony. Ample storage, hairdryer, full length mirror, sofa-bed or cot if required. Quality bed linen from M&S
Bathrooms:
Located on the ground floor, with shower cabinet, washbasin and wc. Quality towels and locally made olive oil soap, complimentary gels from L'Occitane and Body Shop provided.
Kitchen:
Whirlpool appliances. Oven and ceramic hob, microwave, fridge freezer. Ample kitchen storage with quality pans, crockery and cutlery. Fully equipped. Laundry machine (detergent provided). Complimentary welcome pack. Tea, coffee, bread, cheese, wine etc.
Living Rooms:
Wooden floor, fold down dining table, open fire place. TV, DVD, iPod dock, WiFi, satellite TV, comfortable furniture. Most living is outdoors and there is a patio table and 6 chairs under a shady verandah, as well as a morning coffee set on the balcony.
Cleaning/Towels/Linen/Maid service:
All towels/beach towels/pool towels and linen provided. The house is cleaned and
changed twice each week. Outside BBQ, pool shower, sunbeds. Don't use valuable luggage space with towels as they are all provided.
Amenities/Facilities:
Barbecue, Private Pool, Garden.
Fridge/Freezer, Hob/Stove, Iron, Microwave, Oven, Washing Machine.
Air Conditioning, Cot, High Chair, Internet Access, Room Fans, Satellite, TV.
Location Type:
Beach, Village.
Important notes on accommodation
This former ‘kalivi’ was painstakingly restored in the traditional village style and is finished to a high standard of craftsmanship. The private garden, pool area and planted terraces provide a ‘home from home’ feel.
We make sure that we provide most kitchen essentials that many rental house lack such as condiments, some spices , sugar, coffee and tea together with our own olive oil for the kitchen. Soap powder, washing up liquid, in fact most kitchen comforts that we feel you shouldn't have to worry about on your holidays.
We also provide all towels including beach towels and pool towels. There are even beach mats and an umbrella available for that inevitable visit to one of Skopelos’s enviable beaches.
If you visit in June / July / August, as a highlight to your stay your holiday price will include dinner for two on one night at the acclaimed Agnanti restaurant (5 minutes walk away). Please ask us for details.
About the area
Accessibility
Glossa is unfortunately not wheelchair friendly due to the steps. However, it is possible to walk (within 10 minutes) from the main road to Villa Yiali with only 1 or 2 inclines and no steps. Parking can be arranged close by. Pets accepted by prior arrangement.
Outside
There is a private garden area approx 400 sq. mtrs. with a swimming pool of 7m by 4m, gently sloping to a depth of 1.6m. Along two sides of the pool are underwater seating areas allowing relaxation and refreshment at the same time. The private gardens are not overlooked and offer stunning views over the Aegean to Skiathos, Pilion, towards Mount Olympus in the north and even towards Athens.
Coast/Beach
The closest beach is at Loutraki, with a few tavernas / cafe’s. This is 10 minutes drive or a pleasant 25 minute downhill walk. Within 20 minutes drive are the beaches on Armenopetra, Elios, Milia, Kastani and Panormos. Glossa enjoys a unique position between both sides of the island, and the famous Mamma Mia church at Aghios Ioanni is only 15 minutes drive, as is the beach at Perivoliou. Buses run about every 2 hours in the high season. Skopelos town and the south of the island are 35 mins away
Special Interest Holidays
We have friends on the island who are running sea kayaking tours for all levels of experience and there are mountain bikes to hire to explore the beautiful deserted tracks that lead through the mountains. With a license and an off-road motorbike you can take a guided trail ride up the mountains, jeep, 4x4 or quad bike, or you can rent a motor boat or yacht or go on a sea fishing trip. Walking, birdwatching, painting and local crafts are all available. Also at the villa we have a telescope for stargazing, which on a balmy summer evening opens up the whole universe.
How to get there
Nearest airport is Skiathos which is 25 minutes by boat from the local port of Loutraki (Glossa). Volos airport is on the mainland then its 2hrs 20 by boat to Glossa. Athens and Thessaloniki both connect through. Out of season there is an air connection from Athens to Skiathos which takes only 25 minutes with Olympic Air. We can advise you on flights and also book you a car at discount rates from a small family company on the island (the car will be waiting for you next to the boat as it docks)
Distances
Glossa town is a traditional hill village with shops, cafe’s, bakeries and tavernas. Villa Yiali is on the edge of the village and all amenities are within 10 minutes walk.
Skopelos Town, the main center of the island is about 35 minutes drive away, from where day trips to Alonissos and the World Marine Park are available. Loutraki (10 mins) has much of archaeological interest, including remains of Roman baths and a hill fort. Ancient ruins remain on Mount Delphi and surrounding areas.
Further Details
Glossa has a selection of tavernas,cafe’s and restaurants including one regarded as the best in the Aegean, a number of local supermarkets, bakeries and butchers. Fish is sold from vans or straight from the port of Glossa (known as Loutraki).
Loutraki also has a number of tavernas on the waterfront, and cafes. We will be happy to help you with recommendations and advise on travel arrangements. We will collect you from the port and lead you to the house, introducing you to the wonderful wood fired bakery and friendly little supermarket on the way and demonstrate all the features of the house before leaving you to relax in this beautiful environment. As the English owners, we live next door! Unlike some villa owners, we do not charge commissions or receive payments from restaurants, car hire companies and the like. Our advice is impartial and geared to the needs of the holidaymaker. During June, July and August we offer an included meal for two at the renowned Agnanti restaurant for one night of your stay. Otherwise we have arrangements to have quality restaurant food delivered to your holiday villa so that you can enjoy the local cuisine without the trouble of leaving your comfortable surroundings.
Booking notes
Please contact us for booking details. A deposit of 20% is required to confirm booking. Deposits received will confirm booking and remainder to be payed 6 weeks in advance of arrival. If you wish to pay in € that isn't a problem we use the National Bank of Greece rates on the day of
booking confirmation and set that as your personal rate so there are no surprises with rate fluctuations. Cancellation will forfeit 10% of the booking cost if it is more than 6 weeks, otherwise the full is payable.
From the autumn 2016 trip to Vietnam:
If ever there were a good way to finish up a trip, this particular Sunday in October would be it. Before arriving in Hanoi, I honestly had exceptionally low expectations. A bit like Saigon, if you are to go online and try to look up a list of places to visit – basically a tourist’s stock photography checklist, as it may be – you don’t find much that’s appealing. Well…I didn’t, anyway, and as a result, I had pretty low expectations for Hanoi.
The charm and beauty of Hanoi, however, isn’t in any one particular place. It’s in the experience of the entire city. (I’d say the same for Saigon, but multiply that a few times for Hanoi.) On this day in the Old Quarter in particular, I kept finding myself thinking, “Oh, my God, I shouldn’t be this lucky as a photographer…” Today ended up being mostly about people, with a little food and historical locations mixed in.
As I mentioned in the last set of posting, today would start off a bit sad with Junebug leaving for China a day before I would. So, we were checked out of our room by 6:00 in the morning or so. The breakfast at the Art Trendy was wonderful. Buffet with a mix of made-to-order omelets mixed in. Strong work, Art Trendy, strong work…
When June left, I really had nothing to do since it was still six in the morning and I was temporarily homeless as I had to switch hotels. So…I sat around the lobby for about two hours (possibly slightly awkward for the poor girls working there, but oh, well; I had to sit somewhere).
Around 8:00, I finally dragged my old bones out of the hotel and walked the five to ten minutes down the street to the Aquarius, where I politely asked them to hold my non-camera bag until I come back around 1:00 in the afternoon to check in.
After that, I was finally off with my cameras to enjoy an early Sunday morning in the bustling Old Quarter. On the street where the hotel is situated are a number of restaurants where locals were jammed in to enjoy noodles, steamed buns, and the like. It was wonderful to be among that crowd (though someone tried to scold me ever so slightly for taking pictures of people eating).
Since this was right next to St. Joseph’s Cathedral – and it was Sunday morning – I found my way back into the church where we crashed the wedding the afternoon before and realized that I almost got locked into Sunday mass while walking around taking pictures. So…I stayed. I prayed. And my prayer was answered when I realized the side doors and even the back door were open. (Ok…I didn’t really think I was locked in a church, but it did feel like it a little bit.)
Upon exiting the church, a handful of frames under my belt, I walked along the lovely streets photographing shops and people. At Caphe, I piggybacked on someone else’s photo shoot – it looked like they were doing a promo for the place, or possibly just a personal shoot for five women, though I have a feeling it was the former. At any rate, I was quite pleased with that little set and am presenting quite a few of those here, even if they’re a little redundant.
My ultimate goal with this wandering was to find my way to the Hanoi Hilton. Now, I’m not taking about the hotel chain, of course, but rather the prison that U.S. prisoners of war sarcastically called the Hanoi Hilton during the Vietnam War. (This is the prison where Senator John McCain was interred while a POW, and there are one or two pictures to that effect here.)
This prison has a particularly interesting history (and morbid since…well…it’s a prison). It’s about a hundred years old and was founded by the French colonialists around the turn of the 20th century. During the first 50 years of its history, the French imprisoned Vietnamese insurgents and those who wanted independence. In the eyes of the French…renegades (hence the imprisonment). In the eyes of the Vietnamese – especially the current government – patriots and national heroes. If they were truly freedom fighters, then I would probably side with the current government on that one.
The French even had a guillotine installed here and overcrowding was a major problem. There were plenty of escape attempts, and more were successful than you may think, which is a little peculiar.
After the battle of Bien Dien Phu and the ejection of the French from the north (and before the U.S. got involved in the south), the prison changed hands and was under control of Ho Chi Minh. During the Vietnam War, it became one of the main prisons for U.S. POWs, as I alluded to above.
The propaganda claims that the Vietcong were absolutely humane and decent with U.S. prisoners, allowing them to observe their religious rites (Christmas celebrations, etc.), allowed prisoners to smoke and enjoy leisure (board games, basketball, etc.), and claimed they were well-fed.
This is certainly how it’s presented in the prison/museum currently. If you were to go online, though, and try to find a contrary report, you would find that this was all coerced and staged to make it appear as if things were on the up and up. (For anyone curious, per my Vietnamese friends, the general education in Vietnam today is how terrible the French and U.S. were for colonizing and torturing the country and keeping it from its independence.)
So, what’s the truth of what really happened? Who knows? Outside of firsthand accounts, it’s impossible to know for certain and even then, memory can be a tricky thing. I tend to like to say the truth is always somewhere between two opposing viewpoints, no matter what the topic may be.
From an impartial and purely photographic point of view, the prison, currently a museum/memorial, is an interesting place to spend an hour or two. Some of the exhibits seem a bit cheesy, but some are quite tasteful and well done. There’s also an informational video. You’ll have to see this with a bit of imagination (the prison, that is), as at least half of it has been leveled for high rise buildings. At least there’s some tangible piece of it left to visit, including the main gate (Maison Centrale).
After about two hours here at the Hanoi Hilton, I walked over towards the Opera House to get a few daytime shots but, really, to get lunch at El Gaucho. I was looking forward to a proper steak. The prices were astronomical (though justifiable based on what I ate), though I just opted for a steak salad. It was so good I contemplated going back for dinner, but had other plans.
With a happy stomach, I went back to finally check in at the Aquarius Hotel and got my workout huffing up six flights of stairs each time I went out. I relaxed here for a few hours until 4:00 when a dear friend of mine came to town to see me.
Ngan and I had an ice cream at Baskin Robbins right in front of St. Joe’s before heading over to the Temple of Literature. This is a temple dedicated to education and, bless my soul, it’s a place where university graduates come for graduation pictures.
On this particular day – a warm, sunny, late Sunday afternoon – it was packed with college students. And it was beautiful to see that many people happy, full of hopes and dreams, and dressed in either cap and gown or traditional Vietnamese clothes. In short…I had a field day shooting for an hour here.
Around 5:00, Ngan had to head back to school, and I went back to my hotel. I had one more meeting. Hoa, who traveled around Thailand & Cambodia with me in May, flew back to see me this evening. She picked me up at 6:00 on her scooter and rode me all around Hanoi by evening.
She started by taking me to Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (which I consider a lot more photogenic in its setting than the Great Gangster’s Mausoleum on Tiananmen Square). This one, at least, was in a parklike setting. At evening, it’s well-lit and you can find people relaxing in the grass in front of it. During the day, you can visit and there are quite a few buildings behind the mausoleum that you can also see.
After a few minutes here, Hoa took me by West Lake – the largest lake in Hanoi, as I mentioned yesterday – and just drove me around for over an hour, it seemed. My impressions that Hanoi (even out of the Old Quarter) seemed to be a good place to live – though I’d be concerned about the air pollution – and people here seemed to be happy. Also…Vietnamese really love their coffee.
We finally returned to the Old Quarter for dinner at one of the famous restaurants she recommended and she treated me to a wonderful dinner. I can’t recall what we ate (the Vietnamese names of it, anyway), but it was nice.
After dinner, she drove me over towards the Opera House and then, finally, we stopped by Hoan Kiem Lake in the heart of the Quarter and walked around the lake. It was getting close to 10:00 by this time, and I wanted to get back to the hotel to get a few hours sleep before waking up for my early flight in the morning. Hoa came to the airport with me to see me off.
If ever there were a great way to finish a great trip, this was it. I absolutely loved Vietnam – honestly, a lot more than I imagined I would, even with every single person I know who’d ever come here saying what a fantastic country this is – and would gladly come back. This seems to be one of the kinds of countries that you would never get tired of or, if you did, it would sure take a long time. With that, I’ll bid goodbye to Vietnam for now with the hopes that I’ll someday return to this land of amazing food, landscapes, and people.
As always, thanks for dropping by and viewing these pictures. Please feel free to leave any questions or comments and I’ll answer as I have time.
I took this series of photos on the 10th of December 2008, which marked the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights*.
Amnesty International's annual Report on the State of the World's Human Rights**.
UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS*
Preamble:
Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,
Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people,
Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law,
Whereas it is essential to promote the development of friendly relations between nations,
Whereas the peoples of the United Nations have in the Charter reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women and have determined to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,
Whereas Member States have pledged themselves to achieve, in cooperation with the United Nations, the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms,
Whereas a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest importance for the full realization of this pledge,
Now, therefore,
The General Assembly,
Proclaims this Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance, both among the peoples of Member States themselves and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction.
Article 1.
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.
Article 2.
Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty.
Article 3.
Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.
Article 4.
No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.
Article 5.
No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
Article 6.
Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.
Article 7.
All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.
Article 8.
Everyone has the right to an effective remedy by the competent national tribunals for acts violating the fundamental rights granted him by the constitution or by law.
Article 9.
No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.
Article 10.
Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal, in the determination of his rights and obligations and of any criminal charge against him.
Article 11.
(1) Everyone charged with a penal offence has the right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law in a public trial at which he has had all the guarantees necessary for his defence.
(2) No one shall be held guilty of any penal offence on account of any act or omission which did not constitute a penal offence, under national or international law, at the time when it was committed. Nor shall a heavier penalty be imposed than the one that was applicable at the time the penal offence was committed.
Article 12.
No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.
Article 13.
(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state.
(2) Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country.
Article 14.
(1) Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution.
(2) This right may not be invoked in the case of prosecutions genuinely arising from non-political crimes or from acts contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.
Article 15.
(1) Everyone has the right to a nationality.
(2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality nor denied the right to change his nationality.
Article 16.
(1) Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race, nationality or religion, have the right to marry and to found a family. They are entitled to equal rights as to marriage, during marriage and at its dissolution.
(2) Marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full consent of the intending spouses.
(3) The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State.
Article 17.
(1) Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in association with others.
(2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property.
Article 18.
Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.
Article 19.
Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.
Article 20.
(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
(2) No one may be compelled to belong to an association.
Article 21.
(1) Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives.
(2) Everyone has the right of equal access to public service in his country.
(3) The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.
Article 22.
Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security and is entitled to realization, through national effort and international co-operation and in accordance with the organization and resources of each State, of the economic, social and cultural rights indispensable for his dignity and the free development of his personality.
Article 23.
(1) Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment.
(2) Everyone, without any discrimination, has the right to equal pay for equal work.
(3) Everyone who works has the right to just and favourable remuneration ensuring for himself and his family an existence worthy of human dignity, and supplemented, if necessary, by other means of social protection.
(4) Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his interests.
Article 24.
Everyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of working hours and periodic holidays with pay.
Article 25.
(1) Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control.
(2) Motherhood and childhood are entitled to special care and assistance. All children, whether born in or out of wedlock, shall enjoy the same social protection.
Article 26.
(1) Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit.
(2) Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace.
(3) Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children.
Article 27.
(1) Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits.
(2) Everyone has the right to the protection of the moral and material interests resulting from any scientific, literary or artistic production of which he is the author.
Article 28.
Everyone is entitled to a social and international order in which the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration can be fully realized.
Article 29.
(1) Everyone has duties to the community in which alone the free and full development of his personality is possible.
(2) In the exercise of his rights and freedoms, everyone shall be subject only to such limitations as are determined by law solely for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just requirements of morality, public order and the general welfare in a democratic society.
(3) These rights and freedoms may in no case be exercised contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.
Article 30.
Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying for any State, group or person any right to engage in any activity or to perform any act aimed at the destruction of any of the rights and freedoms set forth herein.
*Adopted and proclaimed by United Nations General Assembly resolution 217 A (III) of 10 December 1948.
Link to full translation of the UDHR in 335 languages: www.unhchr.ch/udhr/navigate/alpha.htm#E
Link to a PDF version of the UDHR in English:
www.unhchr.ch/udhr/lang/eng.pdf
**Link to Amnesty International's page on 6Oth anniversary of the UDHR:
www.amnesty.org/en/universal-declaration-human-rights-ann...
**Link to consult & download the Amnesty International Report 2008 - The State of the World's Human Rights:
A Sikh is a follower of Sikhism, a monotheistic religion which originated during the 15th century in the Punjab region. The term "Sikh" has its origin in the Sanskrit words शिष्य (śiṣya; disciple, student) or शिक्ष (śikṣa; instruction). A Sikh is a disciple of a guru. According to Article I of the Sikh Rehat Maryada (the Sikh code of conduct), a Sikh is "any human being who faithfully believes in One Immortal Being; ten Gurus, from Guru Nanak to Guru Gobind Singh; Guru Granth Sahib; the teachings of the ten Gurus and the baptism bequeathed by the tenth Guru". "Sikh" properly refers to adherents of Sikhism as a religion, not an ethnic group. However, because Sikhs often share strong ethno-religious ties, many countries, such as the U.K., recognize Sikh as a designated ethnicity on their censuses. The American non-profit organization United Sikhs has fought to have Sikh included on the U.S. census as well, arguing that Sikhs "self-identify as an 'ethnic minority'" and believe "that they are more than just a religion".
Male Sikhs usually have "Singh" (Lion), and female Sikhs have "Kaur" (Princess) as their middle or last name. Sikhs who have undergone the khanḍe-kī-pahul (the Sikh initiation ceremony) may also be recognized by the five Ks: uncut hair (kesh); an iron or steel bracelet (kara); a kirpan (a sword tucked into a gatra strap); kachehra, a cotton undergarment, and kanga, a small wooden comb. Baptized male Sikhs must cover their hair with a turban, which is optional for baptized female Sikhs. The greater Punjab region is the historic homeland of the Sikhs, although significant communities exist around the world.
HISTORY
Sikh political history may be said to begin with the death of the fifth Sikh guru, Guru Arjan Dev, in 1606. Guru Nanak was a religious leader and social reformer in the 15th-century Punjab. Religious practices were formalized by Guru Gobind Singh on 30 March 1699. Singh baptized five people from a variety of social backgrounds, known as the Panj Piare (the five beloved ones) to form the Khalsa, or collective body of initiated Sikhs. Sikhism has generally had amicable relations with other religions, except for the period of Mughal rule in India (1556–1707). Several Sikh gurus were killed by the Mughals for opposing their persecution of minority religious communities including Sikhs. Sikhs subsequently militarized to oppose Mughal rule. The emergence of the Sikh Confederacy under Ranjit Singh was characterized by religious tolerance and pluralism, with Christians, Muslims and Hindus in positions of power. The confederacy is considered the zenith of political Sikhism, encompassing Kashmir, Ladakh and Peshawar. Hari Singh Nalwa, the commander-in-chief of the Sikh army in the North West Frontier, expanded the confederacy to the Khyber Pass. Its secular administration implemented military, economic and governmental reforms. The months leading up to the partition of India in 1947 were marked by conflict in the Punjab between Sikhs and Muslims. This caused the religious migration of Punjabi Sikhs and Hindus from West Punjab, mirroring a similar religious migration of Punjabi Muslims from East Punjab.
The 1960s saw growing animosity between Sikhs and Hindus in India, with the Sikhs demanding the creation of a Punjab state on a linguistic basis similar to other states in India. This was promised to Sikh leader Master Tara Singh by Jawaharlal Nehru, in return for Sikh political support during negotiations for Indian independence. Although the Sikhs obtained the Punjab, they lost Hindi-speaking areas to Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan. Chandigarh was made a union territory and the capital of Haryana and Punjab on 1 November 1966.
Tensions arose again during the late 1970s, fueled by Sikh claims of discrimination and marginalisation by the Hindu-dominated Indian National Congress party and tactics adopted by the Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
According to Katherine Frank, Indira Gandhi's assumption of emergency powers in 1975 resulted in the weakening of the "legitimate and impartial machinery of government", and her increasing "paranoia" about opposing political groups led her to institute a "despotic policy of playing castes, religions and political groups against each other for political advantage". Sikh leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale articulated Sikh demands for justice, and this triggered violence in the Punjab. The prime minister's 1984 defeat of Bhindranwale led to an attack on the Golden Temple in Operation Blue Star and to her assassination by her Sikh bodyguards. Gandhi's assassination resulted in an explosion of violence against Sikh communities and the killing of thousands of Sikhs throughout India. Khushwant Singh described the riots as a Sikh pogrom; he "felt like a refugee in my country. In fact, I felt like a Jew in Nazi Germany". Since 1984, relations between Sikhs and Hindus have moved toward a rapprochement aided by economic prosperity. However, a 2002 claim by the Hindu right-wing Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) that "Sikhs are Hindus" disturbed Sikh sensibilities. The Khalistan movement campaigns for justice for the victims of the violence, and for the political and economic needs of the Punjab.
In 1996, United Nations Commission on Human Rights Freedom of Religion or Belief Special Rapporteur Abdelfattah Amor (Tunisia, 1993–2004) visited India to report on religious discrimination. The following year Amor concluded, "In India it appears that the situation of the Sikhs in the religious field is satisfactory, but that difficulties are arising in the political (foreign interference, terrorism, etc.), economic (in particular with regard to sharing of water supplies) and even occupational fields. Information received from nongovernment (sic) sources indicates that discrimination does exist in certain sectors of the public administration; examples include the decline in the number of Sikhs in the police force and the military, and the absence of Sikhs in personal bodyguard units since the murder of Indira Gandhi".
Although Sikhs comprise 10 to 15 percent of all ranks of the Indian Army and 20 percent of its officers, they make up 1.87 percent of the Indian population.
During the 1999 Vaisakhi, Sikhs worldwide celebrated the 300th anniversary of the creation of the Khalsa. Canada Post honoured Sikh Canadians with a commemorative stamp in conjunction with the 300th anniversary of Vaisakhi. On April 9, 1999, Indian president K.R. Narayanan issued a stamp commemorating the 300th anniversary of the Khalsa.
DEFINITION
According to Guru Granth Sahib:
One who calls himself a Sikh of the Guru, the True Guru, shall rise in the early morning hours and meditate on the Lord's Name. Upon arising early in the morning, the Sikh is to bathe, and cleanse himself in the pool of nectar. Following the Instructions of the Guru, the Sikh is to chant the Name of the Lord, Har. All sins, misdeeds and negativity shall be erased. Then, at the rising of the sun, the Sikh is to sing Gurbani; whether sitting down or standing up, the Sikh is to meditate on the Lord's Name. One who meditates on my Lord, Har, with every breath and every morsel of food – that Gursikh becomes pleasing to the Guru's Mind. That person, unto whom my Lord and Master is kind and compassionate – upon that Gursikh, the Guru's Teachings are bestowed. Servant Nanak begs for the dust of the feet of that Gursikh, who himself chants the Naam, and inspires others to chant it.
Simran of the Lord's name is a recurring theme of Guru Granth Sahib, and Sukhmani Sahib were composed to allow a devotee to recite Nam throughout the day. Rising at Amrit Velā (before sunrise) is a common Sikh practice. Sikhism considers the spiritual and secular lives to be intertwined: "In the Sikh Weltanschauung ... the temporal world is part of the Infinite and partakes of its characteristics." According to Guru Nanak, living an "active, creative, and practical life" of "truthfulness, fidelity, self-control and purity" is superior to a purely contemplative life.
FIVE Ks
The five Ks (panj kakaar) are five articles of faith which all baptized Sikhs (Amritdhari Sikhs) are obliged to wear. The symbols represent the ideals of Sikhism: honesty, equality, fidelity, meditating on God and never bowing to tyranny. The five symbols are:
- Kesh: Uncut hair, usually tied and wrapped in a Dastar
- Kanga: A wooden comb, usually worn under a Dastar
- Katchera: Cotton undergarments, historically appropriate in battle due to increased mobility when compared to a dhoti. Worn by both sexes, the katchera is a symbol of chastity.
- Kara: An iron bracelet, a weapon and a symbol of eternity
- Kirpan: An iron dagger in different sizes. In the UK Sikhs can wear a small dagger, but in the Punjab they might wear a traditional curved sword from one to three feet in length.
MUSIC & INSTRUMENTS
The Sikhs have a number of musical instruments: the rebab, dilruba, taus, jori and sarinda. Playing the sarangi was encouraged in Guru Har Gobind. The rubab was first played by Bhai Mardana as he accompanied Guru Nanak on his journeys. The jori and sarinda were designed by Guru Arjan. The taus was made by Guru Hargobind, who supposedly heard a peacock singing and wanted to create an instrument mimicking its sounds (taus is the Persian word for peacock). The dilruba was made by Guru Gobind Singh at the request of his followers, who wanted a smaller instrument than the taus. After Japji Sahib, all of the shabda in the Guru Granth Sahib were composed as ragas. This type of singing is known as Gurmat Sangeet.
When they marched into battle, the Sikhs would play a Ranjit Nagara (victory drum) to boost morale. Nagaras (usually two to three feet in diameter, although some were up to five feet in diameter) are played with two sticks. The beat of the large drums, and the raising of the Nishan Sahib, meant that the singhs were on their way.
DISTRIBUTION
Numbering about 27 million worldwide, Sikhs make up 0.39 percent of the world population; approximately 83 percent live in India. About 76 percent of all Sikhs live in the north Indian State of Punjab, where they form a majority (about two-thirds) of the population. Substantial communities of Sikhs (more than 200,000) live in the Indian states or union territories of Haryana (more than 1.1 million), Rajasthan, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh Assam and Jammu and Kashmir.
Sikh migration from British India began in earnest during the second half of the 19th century, when the British completed their annexation of the Punjab. The British Raj recruited Sikhs for the Indian Civil Service (particularly the British Indian Army), which led to Sikh migration throughout India and the British Empire. During the Raj, semiskilled Sikh artisans were transported from the Punjab to British East Africa to help build railroads. Sikhs emigrated from India and Pakistan after World War II, most going to the United Kingdom but many to North America. Some Sikhs who had settled in eastern Africa were expelled by Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in 1972. Economics is a major factor in Sikh migration, and significant communities exist in the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Malaysia, East Africa, Australia and Thailand.
Although the rate of Sikh migration from the Punjab has remained high, traditional patterns of Sikh migration favouring English-speaking countries (particularly the United Kingdom) have changed during the past decade due to stricter immigration laws. Moliner (2006) wrote that as a consequence of Sikh migration to the UK "becom[ing] virtually impossible since the late 1970s", migration patterns evolved to continental Europe. Italy is a rapidly growing destination for Sikh migration, with Reggio Emilia and Vicenza having significant Sikh population clusters. Italian Sikhs are generally involved in agriculture, agricultural processing, the manufacture of machine tools and horticulture.
Primarily for socio-economic reasons, Indian Sikhs have the lowest adjusted growth rate of any major religious group in India, at 16.9 percent per decade (estimated from 1991 to 2001). Johnson and Barrett (2004) estimate that the global Sikh population increases annually by 392,633 (1.7 percent per year, based on 2004 figures); this percentage includes births, deaths and conversions.
REPRESENTATION
Sikhs have been represented in Indian politics by former Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh and the deputy chairman of the Indian Planning Commission, Montek Singh Ahluwalia. Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal is also a Sikh. Past Sikh politicians in India include former president Giani Zail Singh, Sardar Swaran Singh (India's first foreign minister), Speaker of Parliament Gurdial Singh Dhillon and former Chief Minister of Punjab Pratap Singh Kairon.
Politicians from the Sikh diaspora include the first Asian American member of the United States Congress, Dalip Singh Saund, British MPs Piara Khabra, Parmjit Dhanda and Paul Uppal, the first couple to sit together in a Commonwealth parliament (Gurmant Grewal and Nina Grewal, who requested a Canadian government apology for the Komagata Maru incident), former Canadian Shadow Social Development Minister Ruby Dhalla, Canadian Minister of State for Sport Baljit Singh Gosal and Legislative Assembly of Ontario members Vic Dhillon and Jagmeet Singh. Ujjal Dosanjh was the New Democratic Party Premier of British Columbia from July 2004 to February 2005, and was later a Liberal frontbench MP in Ottawa. In Malaysia, two Sikhs were elected MPs in the 2008 general elections: Karpal Singh (Bukit Gelugor) and his son, Gobind Singh Deo (Puchong). Two Sikhs were elected assemblymen: Jagdeep Singh Deo (Datuk Keramat) and Keshvinder Singh (Malim Nawar).
Sikhs comprise 10 to 15 percent of all ranks in the Indian Army and 20 percent of its officers, while making up 1.87 percent of the Indian population. The Sikh Regiment is one of the most-decorated regiments in the army, with 73 Battle Honours, 14 Victoria Crosses, 21 first-class Indian Orders of Merit (equivalent to the Victoria Cross), 15 Theatre Honours, five COAS Unit Citations, two Param Vir Chakras, 14 Maha Vir Chakras, five Kirti Chakras, 67 Vir Chakras and 1,596 other awards. The highest-ranking general in the history of the Indian Air Force is a Punjabi Sikh, Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh. Plans by the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence for a Sikh infantry regiment were scrapped in June 2007.
Historically, most Indians have been farmers and 66 percent of the Indian population are engaged in agriculture. Indian Sikhs are employed in agriculture to a lesser extent; India's 2001 census found 39 percent of the working population of the Punjab employed in this sector. The success of the 1960s Green Revolution, in which India went from "famine to plenty, from humiliation to dignity", was based in the Punjab (which became known as "the breadbasket of India"). The Punjab is the wealthiest Indian state per capita, with the average Punjabi income three times the national average. The Green Revolution centred on Indian farmers adopting more intensive and mechanised agricultural methods, aided by the electrification of the Punjab, cooperative credit, consolidation of small holdings and the existing, British Raj-developed canal system. According to Swedish political scientist Ishtiaq Ahmad, a factor in the success of the Indian green revolution was the "Sikh cultivator, often the Jat, whose courage, perseverance, spirit of enterprise and muscle prowess proved crucial". However, not all aspects of the green revolution were beneficial. Indian physicist Vandana Shiva wrote that the green revolution made the "negative and destructive impacts of science [i.e. the green revolution] on nature and society" invisible, and was a catalyst for Punjabi Sikh and Hindu tensions despite a growth in material wealth.
Punjabi Sikhs are engaged in a number of professions which include science, engineering and medicine. Notable examples are nuclear scientist Piara Singh Gill (who worked on the Manhattan Project), fibre-optics pioneer Narinder Singh Kapany and physicist, science writer and broadcaster Simon Singh.
In business, the UK-based clothing retailers New Look and the Thai-based Jaspal were founded by Sikhs. India's largest pharmaceutical company, Ranbaxy Laboratories, is headed by Sikhs. UK Sikhs have the highest percentage of home ownership (82 percent) of any religious community. UK Sikhs are the second-wealthiest (after the Jewish community) religious group in the UK, with a median total household wealth of £229,000. In Singapore Kartar Singh Thakral expanded his family's trading business, Thakral Holdings, into total assets of almost $1.4 billion and is Singapore's 25th-richest person. Sikh Bob Singh Dhillon is the first Indo-Canadian billionaire. The Sikh diaspora has been most successful in North America, especially in California’s fertile Central Valley. American Sikh farmers such as Harbhajan Singh Samra and Didar Singh Bains dominate California agriculture, with Samra specialising in okra and Bains in peaches.
Sikh intellectuals, sportsmen and artists include writer Khushwant Singh, England cricketer Monty Panesar, former 400m runner Milkha Singh, Indian wrestler and actor Dara Singh, former Indian hockey team captains Ajitpal Singh and Balbir Singh Sr., former Indian cricket captain Bishen Singh Bedi, Harbhajan Singh (India's most successful off spin cricket bowler), Bollywood actress Neetu Singh, Sunny Leone, actors Parminder Nagra, Neha Dhupia, Gul Panag, Mona Singh, Namrata Singh Gujral, Archie Panjabi and director Gurinder Chadha.
Sikhs have migrated worldwide, with a variety of occupations. The Sikh Gurus preached ethnic and social harmony, and Sikhs comprise a number of ethnic groups. Those with over 1,000 members include the Ahluwalia, Arain, Arora, Bhatra, Bairagi, Bania, Basith, Bawaria, Bazigar, Bhabra, Chamar, Chhimba, Darzi, Dhobi, Gujar, Jatt, Jhinwar, Kahar, Kalal, Kamboj, Khatri, Kumhar, Labana, Lohar, Mahtam, Mazhabi, Megh, Mirasi, Mochi, Nai, Rajput, Ramgarhia, Saini, Sarera, Sikligar, Sunar, Sudh, Tarkhan and Zargar.
An order of Punjabi Sikhs, the Nihang or the Akalis, was formed during Ranjit Singh's time. Under their leader, Akali Phula Singh, they won many battles for the Sikh Confederacy during the early 19th century.
IN THE INDIAN & BRITISH ARMIES
Sikhs supported the British during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. By the beginning of World War I, Sikhs in the British Indian Army totaled over 100,000 (20 percent of the force). Until 1945 fourteen Victoria Crosses were awarded to Sikhs, a per-capita regimental record. In 2002 the names of all Sikh VC and George Cross recipients were inscribed on the monument of the Memorial Gates on Constitution Hill, next to Buckingham Palace. Chanan Singh Dhillon was instrumental in campaigning for the memorial.
During World War I, Sikh battalions fought in Egypt, Palestine, Mesopotamia, Gallipoli and France. Six battalions of the Sikh Regiment were raised during World War II, serving in the Second Battle of El Alamein, the Burma and Italian campaigns and in Iraq and receiving 27 battle honours. Around the world, Sikhs are commemorated in Commonwealth cemeteries.
In the last two world wars 83,005 turban wearing Sikh soldiers were killed and 109,045 were wounded. They all died or were wounded for the freedom of Britain and the world, and during shell fire, with no other protection but the turban, the symbol of their faith.
—General Sir Frank Messervy
British people are highly indebted and obliged to Sikhs for a long time. I know that within this century we needed their help twice [in two world wars] and they did help us very well. As a result of their timely help, we are today able to live with honour, dignity, and independence. In the war, they fought and died for us, wearing the turbans.
—Sir Winston Churchill
IN THE WEST
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Sikhs began to emigrate to East Africa, the Far East, Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. In 1907 the Khalsa Diwan Society was established in Vancouver, and four years later the first gurdwara was established in London. In 1912 the first gurdwara in the United States was founded in Stockton, California.
Since Sikhs (like Middle Eastern men) wear turbans, some in Western countries have been mistaken for Muslim or Arabic men since the September 11 attacks and the Iraq War. Several days after the 9/11 attacks Sikh Balbir Singh Sodhi was murdered by Frank Roque, who thought Sodhi was connected with al-Qaeda. CNN suggested an increase in hate crimes against Sikh men in the United States and the UK after the 9/11 attacks.
Since Sikhism has never actively sought converts, the Sikhs have remained a relatively homogeneous ethnic group. The Kundalini Yoga-based activities of Harbhajan Singh Yogi in his 3HO (Happy, Healthy, Holy) organisation claim to have inspired a moderate growth in non-Indian adherents of Sikhism. In 1998 an estimated 7,800 3HO Sikhs, known colloquially as ‘gora’ (ਗੋਰਾ) or ‘white’ Sikhs, were mainly centred around Española, New Mexico and Los Angeles, California. Sikhs and the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund overturned a 1925 Oregon law banning the wearing of turbans by teachers and government officials.
In an attempt to foster Sikh leaders in the Western world, youth initiatives by a number of organisations have begun. The Sikh Youth Alliance of North America sponsors an annual Sikh Youth Symposium, a public-speaking and debate competition held in gurdwaras throughout the U.S. and Canada.
ART & CULTURE
Sikh art and culture are nearly synonymous with that of the Punjab, and Sikhs are easily recognised by their distinctive turban (Dastar). The Punjab has been called India’s melting pot, due to the confluence of invading cultures (Greek, Mughal and Persian) from the rivers from which the region gets its name. Sikh culture is therefore a synthesis of cultures. Sikhism has forged a unique architecture, which S. S. Bhatti described as "inspired by Guru Nanak’s creative mysticism" and "is a mute harbinger of holistic humanism based on pragmatic spirituality".
During the Mughal and Afghan persecution of the Sikhs during the 17th and 18th centuries, the latter were concerned with preserving their religion and gave little thought to art and culture. With the rise of Ranjit Singh and the Sikh Raj in Lahore and Delhi, there was a change in the landscape of art and culture in the Punjab; Hindus and Sikhs could build decorated shrines without the fear of destruction or looting.
The Sikh Confederacy was the catalyst for a uniquely Sikh form of expression, with Ranjit Singh commissioning forts, palaces, bungas (residential places) and colleges in a Sikh style. Sikh architecture is characterised by gilded fluted domes, cupolas, kiosks, stone lanterns, ornate balusters and square roofs. A pinnacle of Sikh style is Harmandir Sahib (also known as the Golden Temple) in Amritsar.
Sikh culture is influenced by militaristic motifs (with the Khanda the most obvious), and most Sikh artifacts - except for the relics of the Gurus - have a military theme. This theme is evident in the Sikh festivals of Hola Mohalla and Vaisakhi, which feature marching and displays of valor.
Although the art and culture of the Sikh diaspora have merged with that of other Indo-immigrant groups into categories like "British Asian", "Indo-Canadian" and "Desi-Culture", a minor cultural phenomenon which can be described as "political Sikh" has arisen. The art of diaspora Sikhs like Amarjeet Kaur Nandhra and Amrit and Rabindra Kaur Singh (the "Singh Twins") is influenced by their Sikhism and current affairs in the Punjab.
Bhangra and Giddha are two forms of Punjabi folk dancing which have been adapted and pioneered by Sikhs. Punjabi Sikhs have championed these forms of expression worldwide, resulting in Sikh culture becoming linked to Bhangra (although "Bhangra is not a Sikh institution but a Punjabi one").
PAINTING
Sikh painting is a direct offshoot of the Kangra school of painting. In 1810, Ranjeet Singh (1780–1839) occupied Kangra Fort and appointed Sardar Desa Singh Majithia his governor of the Punjab hills. In 1813 the Sikh army occupied Guler State, and Raja Bhup Singh became a vassal of the Sikhs. With the Sikh kingdom of Lahore becoming the paramount power, some of the Pahari painters from Guler migrated to Lahore for the patronage of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh and his Sardars.
The Sikh school adapted Kangra painting to Sikh needs and ideals. Its main subjects are the ten Sikh gurus and stories from Guru Nanak's Janamsakhis. The tenth Guru, Gobind Singh, left a deep impression on the followers of the new faith because of his courage and sacrifices. Hunting scenes and portraits are also common in Sikh painting.
WIKIPEDIA
NASA Social media followers, media and others look on during a news conference between NASA and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to highlight the accomplishments of the world's longest-running Earth-observing satellite program, Landsat, at the Newseum, Monday, July 23, 2012, in Washington. In cooperation with the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and its science agency, USGS, NASA launched the first Landsat satellite July 23, 1972. The resulting 40-year archive of Earth observations from the Landsat fleet forms an impartial, comprehensive, and easily accessed register of human and natural changes on the land. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
Interventions publiques extérieures sur 14 panneaux rétroéclairés le long du boulevard Monk, entre le métro Monk et la rue St-Patrick.
Présenté par MAP - Mouvement Art Public
Jon Rafman fait partie d’un noyau d’artistes qui créent à partir d’archives de Google Street View et de fonds d’images. Le titre de sa série The Nine Eyes of Google Street View (2008- ) fait directement allusion aux neuf caméras installées sur chaque véhicule hybride envoyé par Google Maps pour répertorier le monde. Rafman choisit des images d’évènements bizarres captés en cours de route par l’appareil automatique soi-disant impartial. Les résultats ainsi obtenus donnent des photographies troublantes qui défient toute compréhension rationnelle du monde.
Villa Yiali Glossa
Property description
Villa Yiali has one air-conditioned bedroom (with extra fold-down bed or cot), and is fully self-contained with kitchen, one bathroom, sitting area, large balcony and private outside space. Enjoying stunning views over the adjacent islands of Skiathos and Evia, the gardens and pool area are a haven of relaxation. In addition, the location at the edge of the village of Glossa means that shops, bakery, cafes and tavernas are within a few minutes walk. Otherwise the beautiful area to the north of Skopelos island is also within easy reach with many walks and trails accessible. The west facing aspect delivers the most breathtaking sunsets from the garden, whilst the sun traverses from the south giving all-day sunshine – the terrace and trees giving shade and cool when required.Glossa is situated on the northwest coast of Skopelos, 10 minutes from the port of Loutraki where the ferry docks from the neighboring island of Skiathos and the nearest airport. The ferry journey is about 25 minutes.
Accommodation description:
Bedrooms:
Bedroom. King sized bed and open traditional beamed ceiling and wooden floors. Air conditioned with dressing area and double access to large balcony. Ample storage, hairdryer, full length mirror, sofa-bed or cot if required. Quality bed linen from M&S
Bathrooms:
Located on the ground floor, with shower cabinet, washbasin and wc. Quality towels and locally made olive oil soap, complimentary gels from L'Occitane and Body Shop provided.
Kitchen:
Whirlpool appliances. Oven and ceramic hob, microwave, fridge freezer. Ample kitchen storage with quality pans, crockery and cutlery. Fully equipped. Laundry machine (detergent provided). Complimentary welcome pack. Tea, coffee, bread, cheese, wine etc.
Living Rooms:
Wooden floor, fold down dining table, open fire place. TV, DVD, iPod dock, WiFi, satellite TV, comfortable furniture. Most living is outdoors and there is a patio table and 6 chairs under a shady verandah, as well as a morning coffee set on the balcony.
Cleaning/Towels/Linen/Maid service:
All towels/beach towels/pool towels and linen provided. The house is cleaned and
changed twice each week. Outside BBQ, pool shower, sunbeds. Don't use valuable luggage space with towels as they are all provided.
Amenities/Facilities:
Barbecue, Private Pool, Garden.
Fridge/Freezer, Hob/Stove, Iron, Microwave, Oven, Washing Machine.
Air Conditioning, Cot, High Chair, Internet Access, Room Fans, Satellite, TV.
Location Type:
Beach, Village.
Important notes on accommodation
This former ‘kalivi’ was painstakingly restored in the traditional village style and is finished to a high standard of craftsmanship. The private garden, pool area and planted terraces provide a ‘home from home’ feel.
We make sure that we provide most kitchen essentials that many rental house lack such as condiments, some spices , sugar, coffee and tea together with our own olive oil for the kitchen. Soap powder, washing up liquid, in fact most kitchen comforts that we feel you shouldn't have to worry about on your holidays.
We also provide all towels including beach towels and pool towels. There are even beach mats and an umbrella available for that inevitable visit to one of Skopelos’s enviable beaches.
If you visit in June / July / August, as a highlight to your stay your holiday price will include dinner for two on one night at the acclaimed Agnanti restaurant (5 minutes walk away). Please ask us for details.
About the area
Accessibility
Glossa is unfortunately not wheelchair friendly due to the steps. However, it is possible to walk (within 10 minutes) from the main road to Villa Yiali with only 1 or 2 inclines and no steps. Parking can be arranged close by. Pets accepted by prior arrangement.
Outside
There is a private garden area approx 400 sq. mtrs. with a swimming pool of 7m by 4m, gently sloping to a depth of 1.6m. Along two sides of the pool are underwater seating areas allowing relaxation and refreshment at the same time. The private gardens are not overlooked and offer stunning views over the Aegean to Skiathos, Pilion, towards Mount Olympus in the north and even towards Athens.
Coast/Beach
The closest beach is at Loutraki, with a few tavernas / cafe’s. This is 10 minutes drive or a pleasant 25 minute downhill walk. Within 20 minutes drive are the beaches on Armenopetra, Elios, Milia, Kastani and Panormos. Glossa enjoys a unique position between both sides of the island, and the famous Mamma Mia church at Aghios Ioanni is only 15 minutes drive, as is the beach at Perivoliou. Buses run about every 2 hours in the high season. Skopelos town and the south of the island are 35 mins away
Special Interest Holidays
We have friends on the island who are running sea kayaking tours for all levels of experience and there are mountain bikes to hire to explore the beautiful deserted tracks that lead through the mountains. With a license and an off-road motorbike you can take a guided trail ride up the mountains, jeep, 4x4 or quad bike, or you can rent a motor boat or yacht or go on a sea fishing trip. Walking, birdwatching, painting and local crafts are all available. Also at the villa we have a telescope for stargazing, which on a balmy summer evening opens up the whole universe.
How to get there
Nearest airport is Skiathos which is 25 minutes by boat from the local port of Loutraki (Glossa). Volos airport is on the mainland then its 2hrs 20 by boat to Glossa. Athens and Thessaloniki both connect through. Out of season there is an air connection from Athens to Skiathos which takes only 25 minutes with Olympic Air. We can advise you on flights and also book you a car at discount rates from a small family company on the island (the car will be waiting for you next to the boat as it docks)
Distances
Glossa town is a traditional hill village with shops, cafe’s, bakeries and tavernas. Villa Yiali is on the edge of the village and all amenities are within 10 minutes walk.
Skopelos Town, the main center of the island is about 35 minutes drive away, from where day trips to Alonissos and the World Marine Park are available. Loutraki (10 mins) has much of archaeological interest, including remains of Roman baths and a hill fort. Ancient ruins remain on Mount Delphi and surrounding areas.
Further Details
Glossa has a selection of tavernas,cafe’s and restaurants including one regarded as the best in the Aegean, a number of local supermarkets, bakeries and butchers. Fish is sold from vans or straight from the port of Glossa (known as Loutraki).
Loutraki also has a number of tavernas on the waterfront, and cafes. We will be happy to help you with recommendations and advise on travel arrangements. We will collect you from the port and lead you to the house, introducing you to the wonderful wood fired bakery and friendly little supermarket on the way and demonstrate all the features of the house before leaving you to relax in this beautiful environment. As the English owners, we live next door! Unlike some villa owners, we do not charge commissions or receive payments from restaurants, car hire companies and the like. Our advice is impartial and geared to the needs of the holidaymaker. During June, July and August we offer an included meal for two at the renowned Agnanti restaurant for one night of your stay. Otherwise we have arrangements to have quality restaurant food delivered to your holiday villa so that you can enjoy the local cuisine without the trouble of leaving your comfortable surroundings.
Booking notes
Please contact us for booking details. A deposit of 20% is required to confirm booking. Deposits received will confirm booking and remainder to be payed 6 weeks in advance of arrival. If you wish to pay in € that isn't a problem we use the National Bank of Greece rates on the day of
booking confirmation and set that as your personal rate so there are no surprises with rate fluctuations. Cancellation will forfeit 10% of the booking cost if it is more than 6 weeks, otherwise the full is payable.
Villa Yiali Glossa
Property description
Villa Yiali has one air-conditioned bedroom (with extra fold-down bed or cot), and is fully self-contained with kitchen, one bathroom, sitting area, large balcony and private outside space. Enjoying stunning views over the adjacent islands of Skiathos and Evia, the gardens and pool area are a haven of relaxation. In addition, the location at the edge of the village of Glossa means that shops, bakery, cafes and tavernas are within a few minutes walk. Otherwise the beautiful area to the north of Skopelos island is also within easy reach with many walks and trails accessible. The west facing aspect delivers the most breathtaking sunsets from the garden, whilst the sun traverses from the south giving all-day sunshine – the terrace and trees giving shade and cool when required.Glossa is situated on the northwest coast of Skopelos, 10 minutes from the port of Loutraki where the ferry docks from the neighboring island of Skiathos and the nearest airport. The ferry journey is about 25 minutes.
Accommodation description:
Bedrooms:
Bedroom. King sized bed and open traditional beamed ceiling and wooden floors. Air conditioned with dressing area and double access to large balcony. Ample storage, hairdryer, full length mirror, sofa-bed or cot if required. Quality bed linen from M&S
Bathrooms:
Located on the ground floor, with shower cabinet, washbasin and wc. Quality towels and locally made olive oil soap, complimentary gels from L'Occitane and Body Shop provided.
Kitchen:
Whirlpool appliances. Oven and ceramic hob, microwave, fridge freezer. Ample kitchen storage with quality pans, crockery and cutlery. Fully equipped. Laundry machine (detergent provided). Complimentary welcome pack. Tea, coffee, bread, cheese, wine etc.
Living Rooms:
Wooden floor, fold down dining table, open fire place. TV, DVD, iPod dock, WiFi, satellite TV, comfortable furniture. Most living is outdoors and there is a patio table and 6 chairs under a shady verandah, as well as a morning coffee set on the balcony.
Cleaning/Towels/Linen/Maid service:
All towels/beach towels/pool towels and linen provided. The house is cleaned and
changed twice each week. Outside BBQ, pool shower, sunbeds. Don't use valuable luggage space with towels as they are all provided.
Amenities/Facilities:
Barbecue, Private Pool, Garden.
Fridge/Freezer, Hob/Stove, Iron, Microwave, Oven, Washing Machine.
Air Conditioning, Cot, High Chair, Internet Access, Room Fans, Satellite, TV.
Location Type:
Beach, Village.
Important notes on accommodation
This former ‘kalivi’ was painstakingly restored in the traditional village style and is finished to a high standard of craftsmanship. The private garden, pool area and planted terraces provide a ‘home from home’ feel.
We make sure that we provide most kitchen essentials that many rental house lack such as condiments, some spices , sugar, coffee and tea together with our own olive oil for the kitchen. Soap powder, washing up liquid, in fact most kitchen comforts that we feel you shouldn't have to worry about on your holidays.
We also provide all towels including beach towels and pool towels. There are even beach mats and an umbrella available for that inevitable visit to one of Skopelos’s enviable beaches.
If you visit in June / July / August, as a highlight to your stay your holiday price will include dinner for two on one night at the acclaimed Agnanti restaurant (5 minutes walk away). Please ask us for details.
About the area
Accessibility
Glossa is unfortunately not wheelchair friendly due to the steps. However, it is possible to walk (within 10 minutes) from the main road to Villa Yiali with only 1 or 2 inclines and no steps. Parking can be arranged close by. Pets accepted by prior arrangement.
Outside
There is a private garden area approx 400 sq. mtrs. with a swimming pool of 7m by 4m, gently sloping to a depth of 1.6m. Along two sides of the pool are underwater seating areas allowing relaxation and refreshment at the same time. The private gardens are not overlooked and offer stunning views over the Aegean to Skiathos, Pilion, towards Mount Olympus in the north and even towards Athens.
Coast/Beach
The closest beach is at Loutraki, with a few tavernas / cafe’s. This is 10 minutes drive or a pleasant 25 minute downhill walk. Within 20 minutes drive are the beaches on Armenopetra, Elios, Milia, Kastani and Panormos. Glossa enjoys a unique position between both sides of the island, and the famous Mamma Mia church at Aghios Ioanni is only 15 minutes drive, as is the beach at Perivoliou. Buses run about every 2 hours in the high season. Skopelos town and the south of the island are 35 mins away
Special Interest Holidays
We have friends on the island who are running sea kayaking tours for all levels of experience and there are mountain bikes to hire to explore the beautiful deserted tracks that lead through the mountains. With a license and an off-road motorbike you can take a guided trail ride up the mountains, jeep, 4x4 or quad bike, or you can rent a motor boat or yacht or go on a sea fishing trip. Walking, birdwatching, painting and local crafts are all available. Also at the villa we have a telescope for stargazing, which on a balmy summer evening opens up the whole universe.
How to get there
Nearest airport is Skiathos which is 25 minutes by boat from the local port of Loutraki (Glossa). Volos airport is on the mainland then its 2hrs 20 by boat to Glossa. Athens and Thessaloniki both connect through. Out of season there is an air connection from Athens to Skiathos which takes only 25 minutes with Olympic Air. We can advise you on flights and also book you a car at discount rates from a small family company on the island (the car will be waiting for you next to the boat as it docks)
Distances
Glossa town is a traditional hill village with shops, cafe’s, bakeries and tavernas. Villa Yiali is on the edge of the village and all amenities are within 10 minutes walk.
Skopelos Town, the main center of the island is about 35 minutes drive away, from where day trips to Alonissos and the World Marine Park are available. Loutraki (10 mins) has much of archaeological interest, including remains of Roman baths and a hill fort. Ancient ruins remain on Mount Delphi and surrounding areas.
Further Details
Glossa has a selection of tavernas,cafe’s and restaurants including one regarded as the best in the Aegean, a number of local supermarkets, bakeries and butchers. Fish is sold from vans or straight from the port of Glossa (known as Loutraki).
Loutraki also has a number of tavernas on the waterfront, and cafes. We will be happy to help you with recommendations and advise on travel arrangements. We will collect you from the port and lead you to the house, introducing you to the wonderful wood fired bakery and friendly little supermarket on the way and demonstrate all the features of the house before leaving you to relax in this beautiful environment. As the English owners, we live next door! Unlike some villa owners, we do not charge commissions or receive payments from restaurants, car hire companies and the like. Our advice is impartial and geared to the needs of the holidaymaker. During June, July and August we offer an included meal for two at the renowned Agnanti restaurant for one night of your stay. Otherwise we have arrangements to have quality restaurant food delivered to your holiday villa so that you can enjoy the local cuisine without the trouble of leaving your comfortable surroundings.
Booking notes
Please contact us for booking details. A deposit of 20% is required to confirm booking. Deposits received will confirm booking and remainder to be payed 6 weeks in advance of arrival. If you wish to pay in € that isn't a problem we use the National Bank of Greece rates on the day of
booking confirmation and set that as your personal rate so there are no surprises with rate fluctuations. Cancellation will forfeit 10% of the booking cost if it is more than 6 weeks, otherwise the full is payable.
Villa Yiali Glossa
Property description
Villa Yiali has one air-conditioned bedroom (with extra fold-down bed or cot), and is fully self-contained with kitchen, one bathroom, sitting area, large balcony and private outside space. Enjoying stunning views over the adjacent islands of Skiathos and Evia, the gardens and pool area are a haven of relaxation. In addition, the location at the edge of the village of Glossa means that shops, bakery, cafes and tavernas are within a few minutes walk. Otherwise the beautiful area to the north of Skopelos island is also within easy reach with many walks and trails accessible. The west facing aspect delivers the most breathtaking sunsets from the garden, whilst the sun traverses from the south giving all-day sunshine – the terrace and trees giving shade and cool when required.Glossa is situated on the northwest coast of Skopelos, 10 minutes from the port of Loutraki where the ferry docks from the neighboring island of Skiathos and the nearest airport. The ferry journey is about 25 minutes.
Accommodation description:
Bedrooms:
Bedroom. King sized bed and open traditional beamed ceiling and wooden floors. Air conditioned with dressing area and double access to large balcony. Ample storage, hairdryer, full length mirror, sofa-bed or cot if required. Quality bed linen from M&S
Bathrooms:
Located on the ground floor, with shower cabinet, washbasin and wc. Quality towels and locally made olive oil soap, complimentary gels from L'Occitane and Body Shop provided.
Kitchen:
Whirlpool appliances. Oven and ceramic hob, microwave, fridge freezer. Ample kitchen storage with quality pans, crockery and cutlery. Fully equipped. Laundry machine (detergent provided). Complimentary welcome pack. Tea, coffee, bread, cheese, wine etc.
Living Rooms:
Wooden floor, fold down dining table, open fire place. TV, DVD, iPod dock, WiFi, satellite TV, comfortable furniture. Most living is outdoors and there is a patio table and 6 chairs under a shady verandah, as well as a morning coffee set on the balcony.
Cleaning/Towels/Linen/Maid service:
All towels/beach towels/pool towels and linen provided. The house is cleaned and
changed twice each week. Outside BBQ, pool shower, sunbeds. Don't use valuable luggage space with towels as they are all provided.
Amenities/Facilities:
Barbecue, Private Pool, Garden.
Fridge/Freezer, Hob/Stove, Iron, Microwave, Oven, Washing Machine.
Air Conditioning, Cot, High Chair, Internet Access, Room Fans, Satellite, TV.
Location Type:
Beach, Village.
Important notes on accommodation
This former ‘kalivi’ was painstakingly restored in the traditional village style and is finished to a high standard of craftsmanship. The private garden, pool area and planted terraces provide a ‘home from home’ feel.
We make sure that we provide most kitchen essentials that many rental house lack such as condiments, some spices , sugar, coffee and tea together with our own olive oil for the kitchen. Soap powder, washing up liquid, in fact most kitchen comforts that we feel you shouldn't have to worry about on your holidays.
We also provide all towels including beach towels and pool towels. There are even beach mats and an umbrella available for that inevitable visit to one of Skopelos’s enviable beaches.
If you visit in June / July / August, as a highlight to your stay your holiday price will include dinner for two on one night at the acclaimed Agnanti restaurant (5 minutes walk away). Please ask us for details.
About the area
Accessibility
Glossa is unfortunately not wheelchair friendly due to the steps. However, it is possible to walk (within 10 minutes) from the main road to Villa Yiali with only 1 or 2 inclines and no steps. Parking can be arranged close by. Pets accepted by prior arrangement.
Outside
There is a private garden area approx 400 sq. mtrs. with a swimming pool of 7m by 4m, gently sloping to a depth of 1.6m. Along two sides of the pool are underwater seating areas allowing relaxation and refreshment at the same time. The private gardens are not overlooked and offer stunning views over the Aegean to Skiathos, Pilion, towards Mount Olympus in the north and even towards Athens.
Coast/Beach
The closest beach is at Loutraki, with a few tavernas / cafe’s. This is 10 minutes drive or a pleasant 25 minute downhill walk. Within 20 minutes drive are the beaches on Armenopetra, Elios, Milia, Kastani and Panormos. Glossa enjoys a unique position between both sides of the island, and the famous Mamma Mia church at Aghios Ioanni is only 15 minutes drive, as is the beach at Perivoliou. Buses run about every 2 hours in the high season. Skopelos town and the south of the island are 35 mins away
Special Interest Holidays
We have friends on the island who are running sea kayaking tours for all levels of experience and there are mountain bikes to hire to explore the beautiful deserted tracks that lead through the mountains. With a license and an off-road motorbike you can take a guided trail ride up the mountains, jeep, 4x4 or quad bike, or you can rent a motor boat or yacht or go on a sea fishing trip. Walking, birdwatching, painting and local crafts are all available. Also at the villa we have a telescope for stargazing, which on a balmy summer evening opens up the whole universe.
How to get there
Nearest airport is Skiathos which is 25 minutes by boat from the local port of Loutraki (Glossa). Volos airport is on the mainland then its 2hrs 20 by boat to Glossa. Athens and Thessaloniki both connect through. Out of season there is an air connection from Athens to Skiathos which takes only 25 minutes with Olympic Air. We can advise you on flights and also book you a car at discount rates from a small family company on the island (the car will be waiting for you next to the boat as it docks)
Distances
Glossa town is a traditional hill village with shops, cafe’s, bakeries and tavernas. Villa Yiali is on the edge of the village and all amenities are within 10 minutes walk.
Skopelos Town, the main center of the island is about 35 minutes drive away, from where day trips to Alonissos and the World Marine Park are available. Loutraki (10 mins) has much of archaeological interest, including remains of Roman baths and a hill fort. Ancient ruins remain on Mount Delphi and surrounding areas.
Further Details
Glossa has a selection of tavernas,cafe’s and restaurants including one regarded as the best in the Aegean, a number of local supermarkets, bakeries and butchers. Fish is sold from vans or straight from the port of Glossa (known as Loutraki).
Loutraki also has a number of tavernas on the waterfront, and cafes. We will be happy to help you with recommendations and advise on travel arrangements. We will collect you from the port and lead you to the house, introducing you to the wonderful wood fired bakery and friendly little supermarket on the way and demonstrate all the features of the house before leaving you to relax in this beautiful environment. As the English owners, we live next door! Unlike some villa owners, we do not charge commissions or receive payments from restaurants, car hire companies and the like. Our advice is impartial and geared to the needs of the holidaymaker. During June, July and August we offer an included meal for two at the renowned Agnanti restaurant for one night of your stay. Otherwise we have arrangements to have quality restaurant food delivered to your holiday villa so that you can enjoy the local cuisine without the trouble of leaving your comfortable surroundings.
Booking notes
Please contact us for booking details. A deposit of 20% is required to confirm booking. Deposits received will confirm booking and remainder to be payed 6 weeks in advance of arrival. If you wish to pay in € that isn't a problem we use the National Bank of Greece rates on the day of
booking confirmation and set that as your personal rate so there are no surprises with rate fluctuations. Cancellation will forfeit 10% of the booking cost if it is more than 6 weeks, otherwise the full is payable.
Villa Yiali Glossa
Property description
Villa Yiali has one air-conditioned bedroom (with extra fold-down bed or cot), and is fully self-contained with kitchen, one bathroom, sitting area, large balcony and private outside space. Enjoying stunning views over the adjacent islands of Skiathos and Evia, the gardens and pool area are a haven of relaxation. In addition, the location at the edge of the village of Glossa means that shops, bakery, cafes and tavernas are within a few minutes walk. Otherwise the beautiful area to the north of Skopelos island is also within easy reach with many walks and trails accessible. The west facing aspect delivers the most breathtaking sunsets from the garden, whilst the sun traverses from the south giving all-day sunshine – the terrace and trees giving shade and cool when required.Glossa is situated on the northwest coast of Skopelos, 10 minutes from the port of Loutraki where the ferry docks from the neighboring island of Skiathos and the nearest airport. The ferry journey is about 25 minutes.
Accommodation description:
Bedrooms:
Bedroom. King sized bed and open traditional beamed ceiling and wooden floors. Air conditioned with dressing area and double access to large balcony. Ample storage, hairdryer, full length mirror, sofa-bed or cot if required. Quality bed linen from M&S
Bathrooms:
Located on the ground floor, with shower cabinet, washbasin and wc. Quality towels and locally made olive oil soap, complimentary gels from L'Occitane and Body Shop provided.
Kitchen:
Whirlpool appliances. Oven and ceramic hob, microwave, fridge freezer. Ample kitchen storage with quality pans, crockery and cutlery. Fully equipped. Laundry machine (detergent provided). Complimentary welcome pack. Tea, coffee, bread, cheese, wine etc.
Living Rooms:
Wooden floor, fold down dining table, open fire place. TV, DVD, iPod dock, WiFi, satellite TV, comfortable furniture. Most living is outdoors and there is a patio table and 6 chairs under a shady verandah, as well as a morning coffee set on the balcony.
Cleaning/Towels/Linen/Maid service:
All towels/beach towels/pool towels and linen provided. The house is cleaned and
changed twice each week. Outside BBQ, pool shower, sunbeds. Don't use valuable luggage space with towels as they are all provided.
Amenities/Facilities:
Barbecue, Private Pool, Garden.
Fridge/Freezer, Hob/Stove, Iron, Microwave, Oven, Washing Machine.
Air Conditioning, Cot, High Chair, Internet Access, Room Fans, Satellite, TV.
Location Type:
Beach, Village.
Important notes on accommodation
This former ‘kalivi’ was painstakingly restored in the traditional village style and is finished to a high standard of craftsmanship. The private garden, pool area and planted terraces provide a ‘home from home’ feel.
We make sure that we provide most kitchen essentials that many rental house lack such as condiments, some spices , sugar, coffee and tea together with our own olive oil for the kitchen. Soap powder, washing up liquid, in fact most kitchen comforts that we feel you shouldn't have to worry about on your holidays.
We also provide all towels including beach towels and pool towels. There are even beach mats and an umbrella available for that inevitable visit to one of Skopelos’s enviable beaches.
If you visit in June / July / August, as a highlight to your stay your holiday price will include dinner for two on one night at the acclaimed Agnanti restaurant (5 minutes walk away). Please ask us for details.
About the area
Accessibility
Glossa is unfortunately not wheelchair friendly due to the steps. However, it is possible to walk (within 10 minutes) from the main road to Villa Yiali with only 1 or 2 inclines and no steps. Parking can be arranged close by. Pets accepted by prior arrangement.
Outside
There is a private garden area approx 400 sq. mtrs. with a swimming pool of 7m by 4m, gently sloping to a depth of 1.6m. Along two sides of the pool are underwater seating areas allowing relaxation and refreshment at the same time. The private gardens are not overlooked and offer stunning views over the Aegean to Skiathos, Pilion, towards Mount Olympus in the north and even towards Athens.
Coast/Beach
The closest beach is at Loutraki, with a few tavernas / cafe’s. This is 10 minutes drive or a pleasant 25 minute downhill walk. Within 20 minutes drive are the beaches on Armenopetra, Elios, Milia, Kastani and Panormos. Glossa enjoys a unique position between both sides of the island, and the famous Mamma Mia church at Aghios Ioanni is only 15 minutes drive, as is the beach at Perivoliou. Buses run about every 2 hours in the high season. Skopelos town and the south of the island are 35 mins away
Special Interest Holidays
We have friends on the island who are running sea kayaking tours for all levels of experience and there are mountain bikes to hire to explore the beautiful deserted tracks that lead through the mountains. With a license and an off-road motorbike you can take a guided trail ride up the mountains, jeep, 4x4 or quad bike, or you can rent a motor boat or yacht or go on a sea fishing trip. Walking, birdwatching, painting and local crafts are all available. Also at the villa we have a telescope for stargazing, which on a balmy summer evening opens up the whole universe.
How to get there
Nearest airport is Skiathos which is 25 minutes by boat from the local port of Loutraki (Glossa). Volos airport is on the mainland then its 2hrs 20 by boat to Glossa. Athens and Thessaloniki both connect through. Out of season there is an air connection from Athens to Skiathos which takes only 25 minutes with Olympic Air. We can advise you on flights and also book you a car at discount rates from a small family company on the island (the car will be waiting for you next to the boat as it docks)
Distances
Glossa town is a traditional hill village with shops, cafe’s, bakeries and tavernas. Villa Yiali is on the edge of the village and all amenities are within 10 minutes walk.
Skopelos Town, the main center of the island is about 35 minutes drive away, from where day trips to Alonissos and the World Marine Park are available. Loutraki (10 mins) has much of archaeological interest, including remains of Roman baths and a hill fort. Ancient ruins remain on Mount Delphi and surrounding areas.
Further Details
Glossa has a selection of tavernas,cafe’s and restaurants including one regarded as the best in the Aegean, a number of local supermarkets, bakeries and butchers. Fish is sold from vans or straight from the port of Glossa (known as Loutraki).
Loutraki also has a number of tavernas on the waterfront, and cafes. We will be happy to help you with recommendations and advise on travel arrangements. We will collect you from the port and lead you to the house, introducing you to the wonderful wood fired bakery and friendly little supermarket on the way and demonstrate all the features of the house before leaving you to relax in this beautiful environment. As the English owners, we live next door! Unlike some villa owners, we do not charge commissions or receive payments from restaurants, car hire companies and the like. Our advice is impartial and geared to the needs of the holidaymaker. During June, July and August we offer an included meal for two at the renowned Agnanti restaurant for one night of your stay. Otherwise we have arrangements to have quality restaurant food delivered to your holiday villa so that you can enjoy the local cuisine without the trouble of leaving your comfortable surroundings.
Booking notes
Please contact us for booking details. A deposit of 20% is required to confirm booking. Deposits received will confirm booking and remainder to be payed 6 weeks in advance of arrival. If you wish to pay in € that isn't a problem we use the National Bank of Greece rates on the day of
booking confirmation and set that as your personal rate so there are no surprises with rate fluctuations. Cancellation will forfeit 10% of the booking cost if it is more than 6 weeks, otherwise the full is payable.
Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee (or Syama Prasad Mukherjee, Bengali: শ্যামাপ্রসাদ মুখোপাধ্যায় Shêmproshad Mukhopaddhae) (July 6, 1901 – June 23, 1953) was a minister in Jawaharlal Nehru's Cabinet as a Minister for Industry and Supply. Mookerjee founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in 1951, after the differences with Pandit Nehru.
Early life
Mookerjee was born on July 6, 1901 in Kolkata. His father was Sir Ashutosh Mukherjee, a well-respected advocate in Bengal, who became the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calcutta, and his mother was Lady Jogmaya Devi Mookerjee.
Mookerjee obtained his degrees from the University of Calcutta. He graduated in English securing the first position in first class in 1921 and also did MA in 1923 and BL in 1924. He became a fellow of the Senate in 1923. He enrolled as an advocate in Calcutta High Court in 1924 after his father had died shortly after losing to Syed Hasan Imam at Patna high court. Subsequently he left for England in 1926 to study at Lincoln's Inn and became a barrister in 1927. At the age of 33, he became the youngest Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calcutta (1934), and held the office till 1938.
Political career
He was elected as member of the Legislative Council of Bengal, as an Indian National Congress candidate representing Calcutta University but resigned next year when Congress decided to boycott the legislature. Subsequently, he contested the election as an independent candidate and got elected. He was the Finance minister of Bengal Province during 1941-42.
He emerged as a spokesman for Hindus and shortly joined Hindu Mahasabha and in 1944, he became the President. Dr. Mookerjee was political leader who felt the need to counteract the communalist and separatist Muslim League of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who were demanding either exaggerated Muslim rights or a Muslim state of Pakistan.
Dr.Mookerjee adopted causes to protect Hindus against what he believed to be the communal propaganda and the divisive agenda of the Muslim League. Mookerjee and his future followers would always cite inherent Hindu practices of tolerance and communal respect as the reason for a healthy, prosperous and safe Muslim population in the country in the first place.
Dr.Mookerjee was initially a strong opponent of the Partition of India, but following the communal riots of 1946-47, Mookerjee strongly disfavored Hindus continuing to live in a Muslim-dominated state and under a government controlled by the Muslim League.
On 11 February 1941 S P Mookerjee told a Hindu rally that if Muslims wanted to live in Pakistan they should "pack their bag and baggage and leave India... (to) wherever they like".[1]
Dr.Mookerjee supported the partition of Bengal in 1946 to prevent the inclusion of its Hindu-majority areas in a Muslim-dominated East Pakistan;[2] he also opposed a failed bid for a united but independent Bengal made in 1947 by Sarat Bose, the brother of Subhas Chandra Bose and Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, a Bengali Muslim politician.
He wanted the Hindu Mahasabha not to be restricted to Hindus alone or work as apolitical body for the service of masses. Following the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi by a Hindu fanatic, the Mahasabha was blamed chiefly for the heinous act and became deeply unpopular. Mookerjee himself condemned the murder.
Post-independence
Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru inducted him in the Interim Central Government as a Minister for Industry and Supply. Mookerjee was widely respected by many Indians and also by members of the Indian National Congress, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, one of its chief leaders.
But on issue of the 1950 Delhi Pact with Pakistani Prime Minister Liaqat Ali Khan, Dr.Mookerjee resigned from the Cabinet on April 6, 1950. Mookerjee was firmly against Nehru's invitation to the Pakistani PM, and their joint pact to establish minority commissions and guarantee minority rights in both countries. He wanted to hold Pakistan directly responsible for the terrible influx of millions of Hindu refugees from East Pakistan, who had left the state fearing religious suppression and violence aided by the state. Mookerjee considered Nehru's actions as appeasement, and was hailed as a hero by the people of West Bengal.[citation needed]
Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS) on October 21, 1951, following his parting ways with Nehru.[3] The BJS was ideologically close to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and widely considered the political arm of Hindu Nationalism. It was opposed to appeasement of India's Muslims, and favoured free-market economics as opposed to the socialist policies pursued by Nehru. The BJS also favored a uniform civil code governing personal law matters for both Hindus and Muslims, wanted to ban cow slaughter and end the special status given to the Muslim-majority state of Jammu and Kashmir. The BJS founded the Hindutva agenda which became the wider political expression of India's Hindu majority. He was also influential with the more conservative members within the Congress.
In the 1952 general elections to the Parliament of India, Dr. Mookerjee and the BJS won three seats.
Dr.Shyama Prasad Mookerjee opposed the Indian National Congress's decision to grant Kashmir a special status with its own flag and Prime Minister. According to Congress's decision, no one, including the President of India could enter into Kashmir without the permission of Kashmir's Prime Minister. In opposition to this decision, he once said "Ek desh mein do Vidhan, do Pradhan and Do Nishan nahi challenge" (A single country can't have two constitutions, two prime ministers, and two National Emblems).
Dr. Mookerjee went to visit Kashmir in 1953, and observed a hunger strike to protest the law that prohibited Indian citizens from settling in a state within their own country and mandated that they carry ID cards. He was arrested on May 11 while crossing border into Kashmir. Although the ID card rule was revoked owing to his efforts, he died as detenu on June 23, 1953 under mysterious circumstances.
Shaheed...........
Dr. Shyama Prasad was arrested on entering Kashmir on May 11, 1953. Thereafter, he was jailed in a dilapidated house.[4] Dr. Shyama Prasad had suffered from dry pleurisy and coronary troubles, and was taken to hospital one and a half months after his arrest due to complications arising from the same.[citation needed] He was administered penicillin despite having informed the doctor-in-charge of his allergy to penicillin, and he died on June 23, 1953.
It was strongly rumored that he was poisoned in custody and Sheikh Abdullah and Nehru had conspired to do the same.No post-mortem was ordered in total disregard of the rule. Maulana Azad, who was acting Prime Minister ( in absence of Nehru, who was away in London ), did not allow body to be brought to Delhi and dead body was directly flown to Calcutta.[4]
His death in custody raised wide suspicion across the country and demands for independent enquiry were raised, including earnest requests from his mother, Jogmaya Devi, to Jawaharlal Nehru. Nehru declared that he had enquired from a number of persons who were privy to the facts and, according to him, there was no mystery behind Dr. Mookerjee's death. Jogmaya Devi did not accept Nehru's reply and requested the setting up of an impartial enquiry. Nehru however ignored the letter and no enquiry commission was set up. Mookerjee's death therefore remains a matter of some controversy.[5] Atal Behari Vajpayee claimed in 2004 that the death of Mookherjee was a "Nehru conspiracy".[6]
However, it was Mookherjee's martyrdom, which later compelled, Nehru to remove Permit system, post of Sadar-e-Riayasat and of Prime Minister of Jammu & Kashmir.[7]
Legacy
Along with Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Dr. Mookerjee is considered the godfather of Hindu nationalism in India, especially the Hindutva movement.Though Dr.Mookerjee was not associated with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, he is widely revered by members and supporters of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad.
On April 22, 2010, Municipal Corporation of Delhi's newly constructed Rs. 650-crore building (the tallest building in Delhi) was named "Doctor Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Civic Centre".[8] The Civic Centre was inaugurated by Home Minister P Chidambaram. The building, which will cater to an estimated 20,000 visitors per day, will also house different wings and offices of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). Delhi also has a major road named after Dr. S.P. Mukherjee.
On August 27, 1998, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation named a bridge after Mookerjee.[9]
A BEST bus junction near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum (formerly the Prince of Wales Museum) and Regal Cinema in Mumbai is named as "Shyamaprasad Mukherjee Chowk" in his honour.
In 2001, the main research funding institute of the Government of India, CSIR instituted a new fellowship named after him. The Shyama Prasad Mukhejee Fellowship is the most prestigious fellowship given in India for doing PhD. Only the top 20% students who clear the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF CSIR/UGC) are eligible to sit for this examination.
From the autumn 2016 trip to Vietnam:
If ever there were a good way to finish up a trip, this particular Sunday in October would be it. Before arriving in Hanoi, I honestly had exceptionally low expectations. A bit like Saigon, if you are to go online and try to look up a list of places to visit – basically a tourist’s stock photography checklist, as it may be – you don’t find much that’s appealing. Well…I didn’t, anyway, and as a result, I had pretty low expectations for Hanoi.
The charm and beauty of Hanoi, however, isn’t in any one particular place. It’s in the experience of the entire city. (I’d say the same for Saigon, but multiply that a few times for Hanoi.) On this day in the Old Quarter in particular, I kept finding myself thinking, “Oh, my God, I shouldn’t be this lucky as a photographer…” Today ended up being mostly about people, with a little food and historical locations mixed in.
As I mentioned in the last set of posting, today would start off a bit sad with Junebug leaving for China a day before I would. So, we were checked out of our room by 6:00 in the morning or so. The breakfast at the Art Trendy was wonderful. Buffet with a mix of made-to-order omelets mixed in. Strong work, Art Trendy, strong work…
When June left, I really had nothing to do since it was still six in the morning and I was temporarily homeless as I had to switch hotels. So…I sat around the lobby for about two hours (possibly slightly awkward for the poor girls working there, but oh, well; I had to sit somewhere).
Around 8:00, I finally dragged my old bones out of the hotel and walked the five to ten minutes down the street to the Aquarius, where I politely asked them to hold my non-camera bag until I come back around 1:00 in the afternoon to check in.
After that, I was finally off with my cameras to enjoy an early Sunday morning in the bustling Old Quarter. On the street where the hotel is situated are a number of restaurants where locals were jammed in to enjoy noodles, steamed buns, and the like. It was wonderful to be among that crowd (though someone tried to scold me ever so slightly for taking pictures of people eating).
Since this was right next to St. Joseph’s Cathedral – and it was Sunday morning – I found my way back into the church where we crashed the wedding the afternoon before and realized that I almost got locked into Sunday mass while walking around taking pictures. So…I stayed. I prayed. And my prayer was answered when I realized the side doors and even the back door were open. (Ok…I didn’t really think I was locked in a church, but it did feel like it a little bit.)
Upon exiting the church, a handful of frames under my belt, I walked along the lovely streets photographing shops and people. At Caphe, I piggybacked on someone else’s photo shoot – it looked like they were doing a promo for the place, or possibly just a personal shoot for five women, though I have a feeling it was the former. At any rate, I was quite pleased with that little set and am presenting quite a few of those here, even if they’re a little redundant.
My ultimate goal with this wandering was to find my way to the Hanoi Hilton. Now, I’m not taking about the hotel chain, of course, but rather the prison that U.S. prisoners of war sarcastically called the Hanoi Hilton during the Vietnam War. (This is the prison where Senator John McCain was interred while a POW, and there are one or two pictures to that effect here.)
This prison has a particularly interesting history (and morbid since…well…it’s a prison). It’s about a hundred years old and was founded by the French colonialists around the turn of the 20th century. During the first 50 years of its history, the French imprisoned Vietnamese insurgents and those who wanted independence. In the eyes of the French…renegades (hence the imprisonment). In the eyes of the Vietnamese – especially the current government – patriots and national heroes. If they were truly freedom fighters, then I would probably side with the current government on that one.
The French even had a guillotine installed here and overcrowding was a major problem. There were plenty of escape attempts, and more were successful than you may think, which is a little peculiar.
After the battle of Bien Dien Phu and the ejection of the French from the north (and before the U.S. got involved in the south), the prison changed hands and was under control of Ho Chi Minh. During the Vietnam War, it became one of the main prisons for U.S. POWs, as I alluded to above.
The propaganda claims that the Vietcong were absolutely humane and decent with U.S. prisoners, allowing them to observe their religious rites (Christmas celebrations, etc.), allowed prisoners to smoke and enjoy leisure (board games, basketball, etc.), and claimed they were well-fed.
This is certainly how it’s presented in the prison/museum currently. If you were to go online, though, and try to find a contrary report, you would find that this was all coerced and staged to make it appear as if things were on the up and up. (For anyone curious, per my Vietnamese friends, the general education in Vietnam today is how terrible the French and U.S. were for colonizing and torturing the country and keeping it from its independence.)
So, what’s the truth of what really happened? Who knows? Outside of firsthand accounts, it’s impossible to know for certain and even then, memory can be a tricky thing. I tend to like to say the truth is always somewhere between two opposing viewpoints, no matter what the topic may be.
From an impartial and purely photographic point of view, the prison, currently a museum/memorial, is an interesting place to spend an hour or two. Some of the exhibits seem a bit cheesy, but some are quite tasteful and well done. There’s also an informational video. You’ll have to see this with a bit of imagination (the prison, that is), as at least half of it has been leveled for high rise buildings. At least there’s some tangible piece of it left to visit, including the main gate (Maison Centrale).
After about two hours here at the Hanoi Hilton, I walked over towards the Opera House to get a few daytime shots but, really, to get lunch at El Gaucho. I was looking forward to a proper steak. The prices were astronomical (though justifiable based on what I ate), though I just opted for a steak salad. It was so good I contemplated going back for dinner, but had other plans.
With a happy stomach, I went back to finally check in at the Aquarius Hotel and got my workout huffing up six flights of stairs each time I went out. I relaxed here for a few hours until 4:00 when a dear friend of mine came to town to see me.
Ngan and I had an ice cream at Baskin Robbins right in front of St. Joe’s before heading over to the Temple of Literature. This is a temple dedicated to education and, bless my soul, it’s a place where university graduates come for graduation pictures.
On this particular day – a warm, sunny, late Sunday afternoon – it was packed with college students. And it was beautiful to see that many people happy, full of hopes and dreams, and dressed in either cap and gown or traditional Vietnamese clothes. In short…I had a field day shooting for an hour here.
Around 5:00, Ngan had to head back to school, and I went back to my hotel. I had one more meeting. Hoa, who traveled around Thailand & Cambodia with me in May, flew back to see me this evening. She picked me up at 6:00 on her scooter and rode me all around Hanoi by evening.
She started by taking me to Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (which I consider a lot more photogenic in its setting than the Great Gangster’s Mausoleum on Tiananmen Square). This one, at least, was in a parklike setting. At evening, it’s well-lit and you can find people relaxing in the grass in front of it. During the day, you can visit and there are quite a few buildings behind the mausoleum that you can also see.
After a few minutes here, Hoa took me by West Lake – the largest lake in Hanoi, as I mentioned yesterday – and just drove me around for over an hour, it seemed. My impressions that Hanoi (even out of the Old Quarter) seemed to be a good place to live – though I’d be concerned about the air pollution – and people here seemed to be happy. Also…Vietnamese really love their coffee.
We finally returned to the Old Quarter for dinner at one of the famous restaurants she recommended and she treated me to a wonderful dinner. I can’t recall what we ate (the Vietnamese names of it, anyway), but it was nice.
After dinner, she drove me over towards the Opera House and then, finally, we stopped by Hoan Kiem Lake in the heart of the Quarter and walked around the lake. It was getting close to 10:00 by this time, and I wanted to get back to the hotel to get a few hours sleep before waking up for my early flight in the morning. Hoa came to the airport with me to see me off.
If ever there were a great way to finish a great trip, this was it. I absolutely loved Vietnam – honestly, a lot more than I imagined I would, even with every single person I know who’d ever come here saying what a fantastic country this is – and would gladly come back. This seems to be one of the kinds of countries that you would never get tired of or, if you did, it would sure take a long time. With that, I’ll bid goodbye to Vietnam for now with the hopes that I’ll someday return to this land of amazing food, landscapes, and people.
As always, thanks for dropping by and viewing these pictures. Please feel free to leave any questions or comments and I’ll answer as I have time.
From the autumn 2016 trip to Vietnam:
If ever there were a good way to finish up a trip, this particular Sunday in October would be it. Before arriving in Hanoi, I honestly had exceptionally low expectations. A bit like Saigon, if you are to go online and try to look up a list of places to visit – basically a tourist’s stock photography checklist, as it may be – you don’t find much that’s appealing. Well…I didn’t, anyway, and as a result, I had pretty low expectations for Hanoi.
The charm and beauty of Hanoi, however, isn’t in any one particular place. It’s in the experience of the entire city. (I’d say the same for Saigon, but multiply that a few times for Hanoi.) On this day in the Old Quarter in particular, I kept finding myself thinking, “Oh, my God, I shouldn’t be this lucky as a photographer…” Today ended up being mostly about people, with a little food and historical locations mixed in.
As I mentioned in the last set of posting, today would start off a bit sad with Junebug leaving for China a day before I would. So, we were checked out of our room by 6:00 in the morning or so. The breakfast at the Art Trendy was wonderful. Buffet with a mix of made-to-order omelets mixed in. Strong work, Art Trendy, strong work…
When June left, I really had nothing to do since it was still six in the morning and I was temporarily homeless as I had to switch hotels. So…I sat around the lobby for about two hours (possibly slightly awkward for the poor girls working there, but oh, well; I had to sit somewhere).
Around 8:00, I finally dragged my old bones out of the hotel and walked the five to ten minutes down the street to the Aquarius, where I politely asked them to hold my non-camera bag until I come back around 1:00 in the afternoon to check in.
After that, I was finally off with my cameras to enjoy an early Sunday morning in the bustling Old Quarter. On the street where the hotel is situated are a number of restaurants where locals were jammed in to enjoy noodles, steamed buns, and the like. It was wonderful to be among that crowd (though someone tried to scold me ever so slightly for taking pictures of people eating).
Since this was right next to St. Joseph’s Cathedral – and it was Sunday morning – I found my way back into the church where we crashed the wedding the afternoon before and realized that I almost got locked into Sunday mass while walking around taking pictures. So…I stayed. I prayed. And my prayer was answered when I realized the side doors and even the back door were open. (Ok…I didn’t really think I was locked in a church, but it did feel like it a little bit.)
Upon exiting the church, a handful of frames under my belt, I walked along the lovely streets photographing shops and people. At Caphe, I piggybacked on someone else’s photo shoot – it looked like they were doing a promo for the place, or possibly just a personal shoot for five women, though I have a feeling it was the former. At any rate, I was quite pleased with that little set and am presenting quite a few of those here, even if they’re a little redundant.
My ultimate goal with this wandering was to find my way to the Hanoi Hilton. Now, I’m not taking about the hotel chain, of course, but rather the prison that U.S. prisoners of war sarcastically called the Hanoi Hilton during the Vietnam War. (This is the prison where Senator John McCain was interred while a POW, and there are one or two pictures to that effect here.)
This prison has a particularly interesting history (and morbid since…well…it’s a prison). It’s about a hundred years old and was founded by the French colonialists around the turn of the 20th century. During the first 50 years of its history, the French imprisoned Vietnamese insurgents and those who wanted independence. In the eyes of the French…renegades (hence the imprisonment). In the eyes of the Vietnamese – especially the current government – patriots and national heroes. If they were truly freedom fighters, then I would probably side with the current government on that one.
The French even had a guillotine installed here and overcrowding was a major problem. There were plenty of escape attempts, and more were successful than you may think, which is a little peculiar.
After the battle of Bien Dien Phu and the ejection of the French from the north (and before the U.S. got involved in the south), the prison changed hands and was under control of Ho Chi Minh. During the Vietnam War, it became one of the main prisons for U.S. POWs, as I alluded to above.
The propaganda claims that the Vietcong were absolutely humane and decent with U.S. prisoners, allowing them to observe their religious rites (Christmas celebrations, etc.), allowed prisoners to smoke and enjoy leisure (board games, basketball, etc.), and claimed they were well-fed.
This is certainly how it’s presented in the prison/museum currently. If you were to go online, though, and try to find a contrary report, you would find that this was all coerced and staged to make it appear as if things were on the up and up. (For anyone curious, per my Vietnamese friends, the general education in Vietnam today is how terrible the French and U.S. were for colonizing and torturing the country and keeping it from its independence.)
So, what’s the truth of what really happened? Who knows? Outside of firsthand accounts, it’s impossible to know for certain and even then, memory can be a tricky thing. I tend to like to say the truth is always somewhere between two opposing viewpoints, no matter what the topic may be.
From an impartial and purely photographic point of view, the prison, currently a museum/memorial, is an interesting place to spend an hour or two. Some of the exhibits seem a bit cheesy, but some are quite tasteful and well done. There’s also an informational video. You’ll have to see this with a bit of imagination (the prison, that is), as at least half of it has been leveled for high rise buildings. At least there’s some tangible piece of it left to visit, including the main gate (Maison Centrale).
After about two hours here at the Hanoi Hilton, I walked over towards the Opera House to get a few daytime shots but, really, to get lunch at El Gaucho. I was looking forward to a proper steak. The prices were astronomical (though justifiable based on what I ate), though I just opted for a steak salad. It was so good I contemplated going back for dinner, but had other plans.
With a happy stomach, I went back to finally check in at the Aquarius Hotel and got my workout huffing up six flights of stairs each time I went out. I relaxed here for a few hours until 4:00 when a dear friend of mine came to town to see me.
Ngan and I had an ice cream at Baskin Robbins right in front of St. Joe’s before heading over to the Temple of Literature. This is a temple dedicated to education and, bless my soul, it’s a place where university graduates come for graduation pictures.
On this particular day – a warm, sunny, late Sunday afternoon – it was packed with college students. And it was beautiful to see that many people happy, full of hopes and dreams, and dressed in either cap and gown or traditional Vietnamese clothes. In short…I had a field day shooting for an hour here.
Around 5:00, Ngan had to head back to school, and I went back to my hotel. I had one more meeting. Hoa, who traveled around Thailand & Cambodia with me in May, flew back to see me this evening. She picked me up at 6:00 on her scooter and rode me all around Hanoi by evening.
She started by taking me to Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (which I consider a lot more photogenic in its setting than the Great Gangster’s Mausoleum on Tiananmen Square). This one, at least, was in a parklike setting. At evening, it’s well-lit and you can find people relaxing in the grass in front of it. During the day, you can visit and there are quite a few buildings behind the mausoleum that you can also see.
After a few minutes here, Hoa took me by West Lake – the largest lake in Hanoi, as I mentioned yesterday – and just drove me around for over an hour, it seemed. My impressions that Hanoi (even out of the Old Quarter) seemed to be a good place to live – though I’d be concerned about the air pollution – and people here seemed to be happy. Also…Vietnamese really love their coffee.
We finally returned to the Old Quarter for dinner at one of the famous restaurants she recommended and she treated me to a wonderful dinner. I can’t recall what we ate (the Vietnamese names of it, anyway), but it was nice.
After dinner, she drove me over towards the Opera House and then, finally, we stopped by Hoan Kiem Lake in the heart of the Quarter and walked around the lake. It was getting close to 10:00 by this time, and I wanted to get back to the hotel to get a few hours sleep before waking up for my early flight in the morning. Hoa came to the airport with me to see me off.
If ever there were a great way to finish a great trip, this was it. I absolutely loved Vietnam – honestly, a lot more than I imagined I would, even with every single person I know who’d ever come here saying what a fantastic country this is – and would gladly come back. This seems to be one of the kinds of countries that you would never get tired of or, if you did, it would sure take a long time. With that, I’ll bid goodbye to Vietnam for now with the hopes that I’ll someday return to this land of amazing food, landscapes, and people.
As always, thanks for dropping by and viewing these pictures. Please feel free to leave any questions or comments and I’ll answer as I have time.
Maryam Rajavi:
www.ncr-iran.org/fr/content/view/4795/1/
Il y a cinq jours, le mouvement de la résistance pour la liberté a écrit une page glorieuse dans l’histoire : l’adoption à l’unanimité et par consensus du décret retirant les Moudjahidine du peuple de la liste du terrorisme par les deux chambres du parlement britannique. Réveil des consciences, révolution étonnante du droit dans le monde qui tourne la page noire du passé. C’est ainsi que les remparts de la tyrannie religieuse se sont effondrés et qu’un véritable séisme a secoué le régime des mollahs.Les débats à la Chambre des Communes et la Chambre des Lords lors de l’adoption de ce décret, n’ont pas de précédent dans les événements concernant l’Iran. Le peuple iranien a vu de ses propres yeux comment au parlement d’une des cinq grandes puissances mondiales, on a défendu avec ardeur la Résistance au fascisme religieux.Un grand nombre de parlementaires, motivés par un sens des responsabilités admirable, imprégnés d’une noble humanité, de l’amour de la liberté et de la justice ont parlé de la nécessité de mettre fin à la politique catastrophique de complaisance et aux souffrances du peuple opprimé d’Iran.
Accuser injustement l’OMPI de terrorisme, nous a apporté une multitude de difficultés à nous et à notre peuple, ainsi qu’au peuple irakien et à ceux du Moyen-Orient. Depuis les grues pour pendre dans les rues en Iran jusqu’au terrorisme effréné, aux bains de sang au Liban, en Palestine et en Afghanistan.
Malgré tout, nous avons fait de cette injustice contre la résistance un sujet de lutte internationale en défense du droit du peuple iranien à la liberté et la démocratie.Dans une bataille de sept ans, nous avons montré aux peuples occidentaux, que ces gouvernements, contrairement à ce qu’ils prétendent, apportent la plus grande aide au développement du premier parrain du terrorisme d’Etat dans le monde. Durant des années, c’est justement de cette manière qu’ils ont barré la route au mouvement de la Résistance iranienne. Mais nous avons prouvé que cette résistance est légitime, juste et soutenue par le peuple iranien. Le tribunal britannique, d’après les parlementaires anglais, a souligné que les activités militaires de l’OMPI contre le régime iranien étaient le seul moyen de s’opposer à la dictature et à la répression en place. Le gouvernement prétendait qu’il avait en main des documents confidentiels contre la résistance. Mais nous, dans cette campagne, nous avons mis à mal les documents secrets des officines obscures et finalement, la justice britannique a déclaré que les documents secrets l’avaient davantage convaincue de l’innocence de l’OMPI. Nous avons déchiré le rideau épais du mensonge, de la tromperie et de la diabolisation. Aujourd’hui, nous sommes fiers que l’expérience de la résistance et ce qu’a enduré notre peuple aient permis à la communauté internationale de prendre conscience et d’y voir clair.Ceux qui pensent en occident que l’intégrisme islamiste ne menace que les peuples du Moyen-Orient et des pays musulmans, n’ont qu’à regarder le processus de cette inscription et la fabrication des dossiers pour voir comment les mollahs au pouvoir en Iran, armés du terrorisme, ont pris en otage le droit, la justice et la démocratie dans les plus grands pays européens. Et ceux qui s’inclinent devant une dictature sanguinaire intégriste, quelle compétence ont-ils pour défendre la justice et la loi ?C’est pourquoi nous disons que le retrait de l’OMPI de la liste, n’ouvre pas uniquement la voie à un changement démocratique en Iran. En plus de cela, il éloigne les gouvernements occidentaux de la trahison à la démocratie, à la justice et aux droits de l’homme. La suppression de cette étiquette peut mettre un point final à la stupidité chronique dont souffre la politique occidentale. Oui, après le décret du parlement britannique, on voit s’ouvrir de nouvelles perspectives.A présent il faut agir pour ramener l’Iran dans la communauté des nations. Le premier pas sera de faire passer l’Iran du stade de banque centrale du terrorisme à celui de banque centrale de la démocratie et de la paix dans cette région du monde et ce ne sera possible qu’avec un changement de régime. Désormais, un Iran non nucléaire est à portée de la main, mais en rejetant le fascisme religieux, c’est-à-dire le régime du guide suprême. A présent, un Iran désireux de paix, aspirant à la coexistence pacifique avec ses voisins qui remplacera l’ingérence et le terrorisme est possible mais en luttant pour nous débarrasser de la tyrannie religieuse. Oui, ce temps est venu.
Clore le dossier du 17 juin 2003 ;
Ces dernières semaines, le régime des mollahs a essayé à coups de chantage et de tromperie de pousser la France à soutenir le maintien de l’OMPI sur la liste noire. Le prétexte derrière cette tentative illégale, c’est l’affaire du 17 juin 2003. Tout le monde se souvient de cette affaire, de la vaste rafle dans les bureaux du Conseil national de la Résistance iranienne en 2003 qui était le fruit d’un accord direct entre le gouvernement Chirac-Villepin et le régime des mollahs. Le dossier qui a été ouvert à la suite, est un dossier vide et sans fondement qui à cause de l’absence de documents probants, a été constitué sur la base de la liste noire de l’Union européenne. Une liste qui d’un point de vue juridique, est aujourd’hui caduque et s’en servir comme justification est illégal.Nous disons que si, comme vous le prétendez, ce dossier n’est pas vide et infondé, eh bien, après cinq années d’esquive, il est temps de le régler. Et si comme votre attitude en témoigne, ce dossier est sans valeur, alors pourquoi en faire un prétexte pour maintenir l’étiquette du terrorisme ? C’est pourquoi je préviens que toute tentative pour soutenir le maintien de l’OMPI dans la liste est un énorme scandale qui éclaboussera la politique française qui va à l’encontre de son engagement international dans la lutte contre le terrorisme et l’intégrisme. D’autant plus que dans deux jours, la France prendra la présidence tournante de l’Union européenne.Je préviens qu’en vous pliant aux demandes du régime, vous commettrez la plus grande trahison des lois de la République française et des lois de l’Union européenne. De plus, vous rendrez les ayatollahs de Téhéran, ces ennemis de l’islam, encore plus arrogants. J’appelle ici le Conseil des ministres de l’UE à respecter le décret du Parlement britannique et à retirer l’OMPI de la liste noire. Le gouvernement qui est à l’origine de l’inscription de l’OMPI, s’est à présent écarté sur ordre de la justice et du parlement de son propre pays. Le Conseil des ministres n’a plus de prétexte pour maintenir l’OMPI sur sa liste. Mettez fin à cette inscription. La force de la justice obligera votre conscience à renoncer à cette inscription injuste. La force de la justice obligera votre conscience à vous résigner au droit du peuple iranien à la liberté et à renoncer à alimenter la machine de terreur des mollahs.
La liste noire américaine;j
Tout le monde sait que depuis le premier jour, qu’aux Etats-Unis, l’inscription de l’OMPI dans la liste noire du Département d’Etat visait à graisser la patte au mollah Khatami et aux charlatans intégristes. A cette époque, un haut responsable du gouvernement américain a déclaré : « cette inscription était un geste de bonne volonté à l’égard du nouveau président de la république iranienne Mohammad Khatami. » Ils pensaient qu’en donnant des gages et en montrant leur bonne volonté aux responsables du massacre des prisonniers politiques, ils pourraient modérer la dictature religieuse. Ils faisaient croire qu’une vipère pouvait accoucher d’une colombe. Mais c’est Ahmadinejad qui est venu au monde à sa place. Est-ce que la bonne volonté vis-à-vis des mollahs et du fascisme religieux ne signifie pas le plus haut degré de mauvaise volonté vis-à-vis du peuple iranien, des peuples du Moyen-Orient et des forces démocrates dans cette région du monde ? Au fait, pourquoi après toutes ces expériences, faut-il poursuivre la tradition de donner des gages aux mollahs ? Alors que les gardiens de la révolution et la force Qods du régime des mollahs sont sur la liste du terrorisme, pourquoi devez-vous continuer à exaucer les demandes des mollahs pour maintenir l’OMPI sur la liste noire ? Pourquoi les restrictions insupportables imposées aux « personnes protégées » de la Cité d’Achraf à la demande de ces mollahs et de leurs agents en Irak, doivent-elles durer ?
Ce mois-ci, 3 millions de chi’ites irakiens ont demandé l’expulsion d’Irak du régime iranien et de ses agents ainsi que la levée des restrictions de l’OMPI.La majorité du congrès américain par le passé, a soutenu à cinq reprises l’OMPI et le CNRI et a déclaré que cette solution était la seule manière de faire face à l’intégrisme.Une enquête de seize mois par neuf organes officiels américains sur chacun des Moudjahidine a montré qu’il n’existe aucun fondement pour accuser de terrorisme ne serait-ce qu’un seul membre de ce mouvement. Et si vous dites vous tenir aux côtés du peuple iranien pour la liberté, mettez fin à cette étiquette de terrorisme. Voilà, c’est la Résistance du peuple iranien avec ses 120.000 martyrs tombés pour la liberté. Par conséquent, ne privez pas le monde du levier le plus efficace pour affronter le fascisme religieux et le terrorisme.Thomas Jefferson, le troisième président des Etats-Unis et auteur de la déclaration d’indépendance américaine a parfaitement décrit la situation du peuple iranien et de sa résistance, quand il disait : «Quand on interprète mal les motifs de la patience, quand l’injustice persévère parce qu’on pense qu’elle sera supportée, alors la résistance devient moralité. » Et aussi, une citation tirée de la déclaration d’indépendance américaine : « chaque fois qu'une forme de pouvoir va à l'encontre de ces objectifs humains, les peuples ont le droit de changer ou d'abolir leur gouvernement et d'instituer un nouveau régime. » Or aujourd’hui, nombreux sont les chercheurs, les parlementaires et les personnalités aux Etats-Unis qui reconnaissent que la politique de rapprochement avec le régime des mollahs a porté énormément de tort à la sécurité nationale des Etats-Unis.Certes, nous l’avons toujours dit : allez-y, négociez autant que vous le voudrez avec ce régime
Mais aujourd’hui, beaucoup aux Etats-Unis et en Europe ont compris que se fixer sur le dialogue avec ce régime est une perte de temps, comme si on faisait cuire des pierres. Je dois vous rappeler que la résistance iranienne n’a jamais demandé aux Etats-Unis ni à aucun autre pays d’envoyer sa jeunesse à la guerre contre les mollahs. Nous leur disons juste de retirer l’obstacle de la marque du terrorisme et d’enlever les chaines de la liste terroriste des mains et des pieds de la Résistance du peuple iranien pour la liberté. Nous vous disons : après avoir parcouru un long chemin rempli d’erreurs à la recherche de modération, de réforme et de transformation de la dictature religieuse, il est temps de vous mettre dans le sens de l’histoire. Placez-vous du côté qui apporte la liberté au peuple iranien. Regardez l’expérience du gouvernement britannique : si la résistance et le sacrifice pour la liberté contre le fascisme religieux est un juste droit et si c’est le chemin par où passe l’histoire, il faut en tirer deux grandes leçons :La première leçon : l’étiquette terroriste collée à la juste résistance luttant contre la dictature et le fascisme religieux pour qui le suffrage universel n’a aucune valeur et qui est hostile aux élections libres, n’est source d’aucune fierté et ne fait que couvrir d’opprobre.La seconde leçon : qu’on le veuille ou non, les forces de la justice et de la conscience avec leur porte-parole, remporteront la victoire. Oui la liberté est à portée de la main et nous atteindrons notre destination glorieuse, la liberté.
Le soutien de 3 millions d’Irakiens
Au milieu des crimes et des événements terribles qui touchent de plein fouet chaque jour un Irak meurtri, il y a deux semaines, nous avons assisté à l’épanouissement d’un mouvement spectaculaire politique, social et culturel contre le régime des mollahs dans ce pays, qui s’est manifesté dans la déclaration de trois millions de chi’ites courageux. Trois millions de chi’ites irakiens qui souffrent demandent la fin de l’ingérence et des crimes du régime des mollahs ainsi que son expulsion d’Irak. Ils demandent aussi la fin de l’injustice et la levée des restrictions imposées aux Moudjahidine du peuple d’Iran qui sont eux aussi des chi’ites. Ils demandent que cessent certains actes, comme l’assassinat des ouvriers de la Cité d’Achraf par des bombes posées dans leurs autobus. Ils demandent la fin du dynamitage de la station de pompage d’eau d’Achraf qui approvisionne aussi en eau 20.000 villageois des environs dans une chaleur infernale de 60 à 70 degrés. Ils demandent que cessent les enlèvements des Moudjahidine, comme deux de leurs membres qui avaient été enlevés à Bagdad. Ils demandent que cessent les attaques aux missiles contre Achraf, comme celle du 26 mai. Les mollahs au pouvoir prétendaient à coups de mensonges que les Moudjahidine avaient massacré les chi’ites irakiens.
Voilà que 3 millions de chi’ites soulignent dans leur déclaration : « L’OMPI se tient aux côtés du peuple irakien comme un contrepoids face au régime iranien et un barrage solide contre l’ingérence de ce régime. »
Le régime des mollahs a tremblé à Téhéran. Son socle d’infiltration, d’ingérence et de crime en Irak chancelle à l’extrême. On ne pouvait pas mieux repousser les mollahs qui font commerce des imams fondateurs du chi’isme. Avec sa politique de divisions et d’hostilités, le régime a reçu un coup stratégique majeur de la part des chi’ites. Manifestement, le Guide suprême des mollahs a vu tout son capital fondre en Irak. D’autant plus que les inspirateurs de cette déclaration historique ont préféré la rendre publique à la Cité d’Achraf.
Les agents salariés de la Force Qods en Irak qui répètent les paroles des mollahs de Téhéran ont criminalisé des millions d’Irakiens pour leur soutien à l’OMPI. Les mollahs étaient si furieux qu’ils n’ont pas caché leur intention d’exporter leurs châtiments inhumains en Irak. Ecoutez ce qu’ils ont annoncé : « Toute personne ou tout parti, organisation ou institution, irakien ou non, qui coopère en Irak avec l’organisation terroriste des Moudjahidine du peuple, tombe sous le coup de la lutte contre le terrorisme et sera livré à la justice. »
Ainsi, trois millions de chi’ites irakiens qui ont signé cette déclaration seraient tous des criminels. 135 partis, groupes et associations qui ont proposé cette déclaration seraient criminels. Toute institution qui fournit aux Moudjahidine d’Achraf des médicaments, de la nourriture ou des vêtements, serait coupable d’un délit. De plus, les nobles représentants et les porte-parole libres du peuple irakien qui sont présents parmi nous seraient coupables. De même pour les hommes courageux et héroïques qui au parlement irakien ont dit être fiers, quel qu’en soit le prix, de se tenir aux côtés des opprimés et même Paulo Casaca qui au moment où la déclaration a été rendue publique, était sur place, sont eux aussi coupables et devraient être livrés à la justice. Il faut aussi ajouter Lord Slynn et de nombreux avocats et personnalités européennes et américaines, ainsi que les parlementaires qui se sont rendus à Achraf. Ils sont coupables. Oui, même Struan Stevenson, vice président du groupe PPE DE au Parlement européen, ou M. Vidal Quadras, le vice-président du Parlement européen, qui a envoyé de nombreux messages vidéo à Achraf, ils sont également coupables. Lord Corbett qui commence ses messages en saluant Achraf est donc lui aussi coupable. Tout comme nos voisins d’Auvers-sur-Oise qui se sont rendus à Achraf. Et nos compatriotes que j’ai vu scander : « nous sommes tous d’Achraf ». Alors nous sommes tous d’une certaine façon coupables. Car nous sommes tous des d’Achraf et nous en sommes fiers !
Oui c’est cela le fascisme religieux. Il condamne tout le monde, sauf lui-même. Il doit être livré à sa propre justice pour qu’elle lui troue la tête avec une perceuse et que son corps mutilé de manière à le rendre méconnaissable, soit jeté dans une fosse commune.
Et ceci se passe alors que le Comité international des juristes pour la défense d’Achraf (CIJDA) a adressé des lettres officielles aux autorités américaines et irakiennes pour annoncer à plusieurs reprises que l’OMPI et les résidents de la Cité d’Achraf accueillent favorablement leur comparution devant tout tribunal international en Europe ou en Amérique du nord afin que les accusations portées par le régime et ses agents à leur encontre en Irak, fassent l’objet d’une enquête. Le CIJDA a demandé avec insistance qu’une commission d’enquête internationale, un organisme crédible lié à l’ONU, soit l’organe compétent pour examiner de manière impartiale toute accusation contre l’OMPI. Le CIJDA acceptera son jugement pour barrer la route à la désinformation et aux campagnes de diabolisation du régime des mollahs.
Je reviens aux trois millions de chi’ites irakiens et à leur déclaration. Les réactions hystériques du régime iranien et de ses agents en Irak montrent avant toute chose, l’importance de cet événement.
Oui, c’est un tournant dans la lutte du peuple irakien pour bouter hors de son pays le fascisme religieux.
C’est un tournant dans l’émergence du soutien des Irakiens à l’OMPI comme un rempart solide face au fascisme religieux sous couvert de l’islam. Et c’est un tournant pour laver la tache noire du khomeynisme du front des chi’ites et de l’islam authentique. La dictature religieuse, qui est dans une impasse en Iran, voulait en dominant l’Irak trouver une voie pour sa survie. Mais aujourd’hui on voit que le mur de la politique d’ingérence et de terrorisme en Irak s’effondre tout entier sur le régime. On voit que le front des mollahs qui se brise en Irak avec son lot de défections, entraîne dans sa chute le siège de la dictature religieuse à Téhéran.
La Cité d’Achraf ;
Pendant que la justice britannique annulait l’étiquette de terroriste de l’OMPI, la Cité d’Achraf a été la cible d’une attaque au missile des mollahs. A présent que les chi’ites irakiens se sont levés contre ce régime, Achraf est à nouveau la cible de sa vengeance.
La voix de la Cité d’Achraf retentit dans le cœur des Iraniens comme le cri de la liberté et résonne aux oreilles des mollahs comme le tocsin de leur renversement inéluctable. Car Achraf est un sommet de la résistance dont les versants et la base s’étendent dans tout l’Iran. C’est Achraf qui bat au cœur des protestations incessantes de la jeunesse iranienne et des émeutes ouvrières et des grèves étudiantes.
Rendons hommage aux héros de la Cité d’Achraf et comme le dit Massoud Radjavi « heureux les résidents de la ville la plus limpide au monde, symbole d’une belle patience et d’une victoire inéluctable. »
Le dossier nucléaire
Aujourd’hui, le peuple iranien et les peuples de tous les pays victimes du terrorisme et de l’intégrisme souffrent de la politique des pays occidentaux qui encourage le fascisme religieux. Leur politique, pour reprendre les termes de la justice britannique, est perverse et revient à une trahison parce qu’elle porte tort à la paix et à la sécurité dans le monde.Regardons le dossier nucléaire. La Résistance iranienne a révélé en 2002 les sites atomiques du régime. Ces six dernières années, la Résistance a procédé à au moins 80 révélations de divers éléments relatifs à la fabrication de la bombe atomique par le régime. Elle a été le principal facteur de la prise de conscience du monde sur le danger nucléaire du fascisme religieux. Mais les gouvernements occidentaux ont seulement fait perdre du temps au monde, et fait gagner du temps aux mollahs.Oui, quatre années de négociations et deux années de politique de mesures incitatives, soit en tout, six années de reculs successifs ; Quand les mollahs ont brisé le silence sur leurs installations nucléaires et entamé l’enrichissement de l’uranium, les gouvernements occidentaux ont reculé en adoptant la politique des paquets de mesures incitatives.
- Quand le régime a refusé la suspension permanente de l’enrichissement, le groupe des 5+1 a reculé en proposant de limiter la suspension à la période des négociations.
- Quand les mollahs ont refusé, les gouvernements occidentaux ont accepté que les mollahs ne suspendent qu’en apparence.
- Ensuite, les 5+1ont encore reculé sur l’enrichissement en demandant qu’ils n’ajoutent pas de centrifugeuses. C’est ce que M. Solana a demandé il y a deux semaines à Téhéran.
- A un moment, ils ont souligné qu’ils n’étaient pas prêts à donner de garantie sur la sécurité au régime iranien, mais après ils ont même reculé là-dessus.
L’ironie c’est que, si comme le disait Ahmadinejad son engin nucléaire n’a ni boite de vitesses ni frein, l’engin de ces messieurs, lui, n’est équipé que d’une marche arrière.
Même pour les résolutions que le Conseil de sécurité adopte, le régime dispose d’un délai de deux à trois mois.
- Tout au long de ces années, les pays occidentaux ont accepté toutes les demandes des mollahs pour réprimer l’OMPI. Selon les diplomates impliqués dans ce dossier, c’était une priorité constante du régime.
- Et finalement, après avoir parcouru un long chemin de négociations et d’encouragement, ils ont tellement permis aux mollahs d’abuser de la tromperie et d’agir dans la clandestinité, que tout à coup aux Etats-Unis, ils ont découvert que les mollahs avaient arrêté leurs activités sur la bombe atomique il y a cinq ans. En fait, s’agissait-il d’un rapport d’enquête ou d’un tour de passe-passe et d’une arnaque ?
Ces mesures incitatives et ces concessions ont rendu les mollahs tellement arrogants, qu’il y a trois jours, le général des pasdaran Laridjani, le président du parlement des mollahs, a clairement menacé que son régime allait se doter de la bombe atomique. Il a dit que si l’occident ne s’entendait pas avec le régime des mollahs, il pourrait se retrouver devant le fait accompli. El Baradei, au début du mois, avait rapporté le message des dirigeants de l’Iran comme quoi s’ils ne recevaient pas suffisamment de mesures incitatives, ils pourraient dans un proche avenir fabriquer une bombe atomique.
A propos, est-ce que plus vous graissez la patte des mollahs, plus leur appétit pour la bombe atomique grandit ?
Non, ne croyez pas que les offres de mesures incitatives soient quelque chose de nouveau !
La stratégie des mesures incitatives a été également choisie pour l’Irak. D’abord avec le britannique Jack Straw comme intermédiaire, les bases de l’opposition iranienne en Irak ont été bombardées. Puis, les frontières ont été laissées sans surveillance et sans défense devant ce régime. Ensuite, les mollahs ont massacré hommes, femmes et enfants avec leurs bombes et détruit le pays. Ils n’ont même pas épargné les mosquées ni les mausolées sacrés. Mais les autorités n’ont pas voulu reconnaître cette simple vérité que tous ces attentats et tous ces massacres se sont faits sur ordre des dirigeants de l’Iran et de son guide suprême. Quant au Liban, à la Palestine et à l’Afghanistan, il y a partout cette politique d’encouragement et de complaisance qui ouvre la voie à l’infiltration et l’ingérence des mollahs. Les mollahs font la promotion de cette cruauté pour dissimuler la faiblesse de leur régime face au peuple iranien. Avec arrogance, ils disent avoir islamisé le Moyen-Orient. Mais qui ne sait que le cavalier seul de Khamenei et d’Ahmadinejad, sur le train de la complaisance a été rendu possible par la faiblesse et l’infamie. Oui, le monstre de l’intégrisme, grâce aux apologistes de la complaisance, s’est étendu d’un point à l’autre de la Terre.
Comme il est étonnant que certains n’aient pas encore compris que le fascisme religieux fuit tout changement, parce que cela l’entraînerait immédiatement vers son renversement. Aujourd’hui ces derniers donnent moins de prix à leur opinion mais imposent au monde une guerre et une catastrophe.
A ceux qui ont accepté le marchandage et la complaisance avec ce régime, ou qui ont peur et s’inquiètent de le voir changer, nous disons ceci : Vous avez fait quatre erreurs de calcul fondamentales.
La première c’est que vous avez cru aux illusions propagées par les mollahs. Ils mettent en avant leur terrorisme et leur sauvagerie comme un signe de la puissance de leur régime décrépit et vous avez peur de lui.
Votre deuxième grossière erreur, c’est que vous ne savez pas à quel point le peuple iranien hait ce régime, ou bien vous feignez de ne pas le savoir. Les lobbies du régime propagent l’idée que face à la fermeté de la communauté internationale, comme un boycott, la population soutiendrait les mollahs et vous, vous répétez cette contre-vérité. Ne savez-vous donc pas que le peuple iranien vit un enfer aux mains de ces pilleurs, de ces bourreaux qui manient le fouet et les grues de pendaison ?
Votre troisième grande erreur, c’est de ne pas voir la situation explosive de la société en Iran. Le régime et ses partisans veulent occulter le désir ardent des Iraniens pour un changement démocratique. Ils veulent utiliser le mouvement international pour la paix au service de la complaisance et de la paix avec le fascisme religieux.
Votre quatrième erreur, c’est de n’avoir pas pris en compte la véritable solution de la crise iranienne.
Avec leur campagne de diabolisation contre la résistance, les mollahs essaient de faire croire l’inverse sur sa crédibilité, sa légitimité et ses racines profondes dans la société, comme s’il n’existait pas de force capable de les renverser.Certes, la crise iranienne est un problème de taille. Mais il y a une main qui délie les nœuds et c’est la Résistance iranienne. C’est une résistance qui allume le moteur des mouvements sociaux et des grandes révoltes en Iran. C’est une résistance qui, en s’appuyant sur ces Moudjahidine du peuple, est considérée comme l’antithèse du fascisme sous le couvert de l’islam et du chi’isme, qui ces trente dernières années a anéanti les bases soi-disant islamiques de ce régime aux yeux du peuple iranien et qui a dénoncé sa démagogie. C’est une résistance qui porte l’étendard de la troisième voie et ce sont le combat et le dévouement de ses membres et sympathisants qui feront triompher la Troisième Voie.Une résistance dirigée par Massoud Radjavi qui a cristallisé l’idéal de la liberté du peuple iranien dans un mouvement puissant aux racines profondes et qui l’a renforcé au fil des tempêtes et des épreuves. De sorte qu’il a pu faire jaillir du cœur du fléau et des malheurs successifs de grands acquis, et qu’il a pu dans les circonstances les plus complexes des trente dernières années, faire avancer une ligne fondée sur des principes. Avec une patience remplie de souffrances, au prix du plus grand tribut, il a fait apparaître l’horizon de la victoire. Oui, il est vrai que dans le ciel du désespoir, il a fait briller l’étoile de l’espérance.
Permettez-moi ici de m’adresser à nos amis étrangers et particulièrement à nos chers amis français qui se trouvent à nos côtés dans le vaste front de la lutte contre l’intégrisme.
La situation en Iran ;
Cela fait trois ans que le fascisme religieux, avec l’arrivée d’Ahmadinejad a accentué de manière sans précédent la répression, les pendaisons et les amputations. La vie et l’état d’esprit de nos compatriotes sont rythmés nuit et jour par les rafles, les exécutions et les coups de fouet.
Cependant, il y a quatre jours, le mollah Chahroudi, chef du judiciaire du régime, qui se présentait lui-même auparavant comme un Irakien et président du Conseil suprême de la révolution islamique en Irak, a cruellement appelé à davantage de peines de fouet, en déclarant avec cynisme à la télévision d’Etat : « nous pouvons utiliser le fouet en de nombreuses occasions, malheureusement nos juges se laissent influencer par une certaine propagande formaliste et superficielle dans le monde contre ce châtiment. Il y en a beaucoup qui n’apprécient pas la méthode du fouet, mais je pense qu’un des meilleurs châtiments, un des châtiments les plus juridiques, les plus juste c’est le fouet… Il est dissuasif… une des options sur laquelle nous insistons dans le code pénal islamique, c’est le fouet et même de transformer les peines de prisons en équivalent de coups de fouet. »
Malgré tout, jamais la société iranienne n’a autant protesté. Ces trois dernières années, en moyenne, chaque année, il y a eu 4700 mouvements de protestation. Je rends hommage à tous ces soulèvements glorieux et à tous leurs martyrs, leurs prisonniers dans tout l’Iran.
Ces trois dernières années, le nombre de manifestants tués dans les rues et le nombre d’opposants politiques qui ont été pendus se montent à au mois 200. Les mollahs voient dans chaque adolescent et chaque jeune révolté un combattant dans la bataille pour renverser leur régime. L’an dernier, environ 300 personnes ont été victimes d’assassinats arbitraires commis par les agents de sécurité dans la rue.
Le nombre de ceux qui ont été emprisonnés pour cause de « troubles à l’ordre public », se monte, selon les autorités du régime, « entre 10 et 15.000 personnes ». Et le nombre de prisons clandestines se monte à plus d’une centaine. Oui, des milliers de prison, des milliers de salles de torture et des milliers de centres d’exécution sont le prix pour préserver leur pouvoir. La semaine dernière le mollah Dori Najaf Abadi, procureur général du régime a annoncé : « le pays est exposé au danger des tempêtes internationales. » Il a évoqué les « longues frontières de l’est et de l’ouest du pays » et a déclaré que « les responsables du pays doivent adopter des mesures afin de prévenir les incidents et les sources de préoccupations sociales » car « les ennemis de la république islamique ne veulent pas que l’Iran islamique connaisse la sécurité ». Mais nous disons aux tyrans au pouvoir : Attendez ! Le décret de l’histoire et la volonté des combattants du peuple iranien traverseront chaque prison, chaque mur et chaque rempart pour fondre sur vous.
Une crise économique aigüe:
Les mollahs sont en situation de renversement et sont dépourvus de toute légitimité politique et religieuse. Et ils sont encerclés par la colère populaire. Aujourd’hui, ils ne s’appuient que sur une infime minorité. Dans la farce électorale, selon les propres chiffres du régime, le plus grand nombre de voix remportées dans les grandes villes par ceux qui sont entrés au parlement, ne s’élevait qu’à 6 ou 14 %.
Mais la véritable base du régime, ce sont les gardiens de la révolution, les miliciens du Bassidj et les services de renseignements. Ce nombre constitue à peine 3 % de la population iranienne.
Voilà la réalité de la dictature religieuse. Une minorité de 3% !
Alors nous disons aux mollahs : Mais ne prétendez-vous pas que votre régime est soutenu par le peuple ? Alors, pourquoi refusez-vous les élections libres ? Et maintenant une journée, juste une journée, posez les fouets à terre et enlevez les grues à pendaison, pour que l’on voie clairement face au soulèvement de la population excédée combien de temps vous pourrez durer. Face à la vague de la colère populaire, vos gardiens de la révolution fuiront à toute vitesse. En moins d’heure qu’il n’en a fallu aux soldats du dernier chah d’Iran pour enlever leurs uniformes et s’enfuir en courant.
Cette situation, c’est-à-dire la phase terminale du régime, se manifeste aussi dans la crise économique actuelle. Cette année, sur les 100 milliards de dollars de budget public, environ 13 milliards ont été consacrés aux affaires militaires et 4 milliards à la sécurité et au terrorisme. Dans le budget de l’année en cours, 33 milliards de dollars, sous le nom de budget divers, ont été alloués au cabinet d’Ahmadinejad. Ce qui signifie qu’annuellement, un tiers du budget public part dans des affaires secrètes. Aux dires d’un ancien député du régime, sur les revenus de ces trois dernières années, la somme de 63 milliards de dollars a été perdue et nul ne sait où elle est passée. De 2006 jusqu’à présent, 32 milliards de tomans des revenus pétroliers ne sont pas rentrés au trésor public.
Le résultat de cette situation, c’est la faillite des secteurs industriel, agricole et des services. Le ministre du pétrole d’Ahmadinejad a déclaré : La situation du pétrole iranien aujourd’hui ressemble à celle de l’armée du chah en 1978 à la veille de la révolution. Le pain depuis l’année dernière est devenu deux fois plus cher.
Le prix du riz a triplé. 120 villes et 6000 villages ont des problèmes d’eau potables. Les ouvriers se font licencier par fournées entières, les femmes opprimées se suicident et s’immolent par le feu les unes après les autres, chaque soir 6 millions de personnes s’endorment le ventre tenaillé par la faim et 60 millions d’Iraniens vivent sous le seuil de la pauvreté. Une grave crise économique qui menace aussi gravement l’existence du régime. 10 millions de chômeurs, 8 millions d’habitants des banlieues des grandes villes et des millions de jeunes révoltés, forment la force pour renverser ce régime.
Le programme du CNRI pour l’Iran de demain:
Les mollahs crient qu’ils maintiendront pour l’éternité le fascisme religieux absolu au pouvoir. Les tenants de la complaisance nous disent que la liberté est un rêve qu’il faut oublier. Les apologistes du régime disent que le peuple ne veut pas s’engager à nouveau dans un changement de régime. Ils ironisent en nous disant que le sacrifice et la quête de la liberté sont des antiquités qui appartiennent l’histoire et disent que ces fleurs dispersées par le vent se sont sacrifiées pour rien. Mais nous disons qu’il existe une ferveur et une force au cœur de la société et de l’histoire de l’Iran et qu’il existe une soif ardente de liberté parmi les opprimés que la conception basée sur l’humiliation et la reddition ne comprend absolument pas. C’est ce flot d’énergie retenu et d’espoirs enchaînés, et cet amour infini de la liberté qui arrachera sur son passage toutes les chaînes comme un torrent.
Nous sommes convaincus de l’émergence d’une force que rien au monde ne pourra retenir.
Oui, C’est un soleil qui se lève, le ciel s’illumine lentement, et le soleil de la liberté pointe à l’horizon
Le jour viendra où chaque Iranien bénéficiera du droit à la vie, du droit à la liberté et du droit à la sécurité et où tous seront égaux face à la justice.
Le jour viendra où l’aube joyeuse de la liberté illuminera la vie du peuple iranien. La liberté d’expression, la liberté de pensée, la liberté de culte, la liberté de la presse, la liberté de vêtements.
Le jour viendra où la vie dans l’enfer du fascisme religieux deviendra la vie dans une société démocratique. Pour que chaque personne ait le droit de participer aux décisions concernant les affaires politiques les plus importantes de sa propre société et le droit de changer de régime.
Le jour viendra où à la place de ce désert brûlant, on verra éclore cent fleurs dans chaque coin d’Iran ; avec la liberté de chaque opinion, chaque parti, chaque assemblée et chaque formation et syndicat.
Le jour viendra où les gouffres sombres de l’obscurantisme se transformeront en vastes plaines verdoyantes de modération et de tolérance, où aucune religion n’aura de droit ni de privilège spéciaux et où personne pour sa croyance ou sa non croyance en une religion ne sera privé de ses droits et où la religion sera séparée de l’Etat.
Le jour viendra où les ténèbres de la répression et de la discrimination contre les femmes iraniennes disparaitront et où l’égalité des femmes et des hommes conduira la société iranienne vers un autre monde, et ce jour est très proche.
Ainsi donc, « Au nom du bonheur de la nation iranienne et dans le but de contribuer à la paix mondiale » et pour réaliser l’idéal du 20 juin 1981 et de la bataille de Lumière éternelle en 1988, j’appelle à développer la lutte pour le renversement du fascisme religieux.
jeudi, 03 juillet 2008
Maryam Rajavi:
www.ncr-iran.org/fr/content/view/4795/1/
Il y a cinq jours, le mouvement de la résistance pour la liberté a écrit une page glorieuse dans l’histoire : l’adoption à l’unanimité et par consensus du décret retirant les Moudjahidine du peuple de la liste du terrorisme par les deux chambres du parlement britannique. Réveil des consciences, révolution étonnante du droit dans le monde qui tourne la page noire du passé. C’est ainsi que les remparts de la tyrannie religieuse se sont effondrés et qu’un véritable séisme a secoué le régime des mollahs.Les débats à la Chambre des Communes et la Chambre des Lords lors de l’adoption de ce décret, n’ont pas de précédent dans les événements concernant l’Iran. Le peuple iranien a vu de ses propres yeux comment au parlement d’une des cinq grandes puissances mondiales, on a défendu avec ardeur la Résistance au fascisme religieux.Un grand nombre de parlementaires, motivés par un sens des responsabilités admirable, imprégnés d’une noble humanité, de l’amour de la liberté et de la justice ont parlé de la nécessité de mettre fin à la politique catastrophique de complaisance et aux souffrances du peuple opprimé d’Iran.
Accuser injustement l’OMPI de terrorisme, nous a apporté une multitude de difficultés à nous et à notre peuple, ainsi qu’au peuple irakien et à ceux du Moyen-Orient. Depuis les grues pour pendre dans les rues en Iran jusqu’au terrorisme effréné, aux bains de sang au Liban, en Palestine et en Afghanistan.
Malgré tout, nous avons fait de cette injustice contre la résistance un sujet de lutte internationale en défense du droit du peuple iranien à la liberté et la démocratie.Dans une bataille de sept ans, nous avons montré aux peuples occidentaux, que ces gouvernements, contrairement à ce qu’ils prétendent, apportent la plus grande aide au développement du premier parrain du terrorisme d’Etat dans le monde. Durant des années, c’est justement de cette manière qu’ils ont barré la route au mouvement de la Résistance iranienne. Mais nous avons prouvé que cette résistance est légitime, juste et soutenue par le peuple iranien. Le tribunal britannique, d’après les parlementaires anglais, a souligné que les activités militaires de l’OMPI contre le régime iranien étaient le seul moyen de s’opposer à la dictature et à la répression en place. Le gouvernement prétendait qu’il avait en main des documents confidentiels contre la résistance. Mais nous, dans cette campagne, nous avons mis à mal les documents secrets des officines obscures et finalement, la justice britannique a déclaré que les documents secrets l’avaient davantage convaincue de l’innocence de l’OMPI. Nous avons déchiré le rideau épais du mensonge, de la tromperie et de la diabolisation. Aujourd’hui, nous sommes fiers que l’expérience de la résistance et ce qu’a enduré notre peuple aient permis à la communauté internationale de prendre conscience et d’y voir clair.Ceux qui pensent en occident que l’intégrisme islamiste ne menace que les peuples du Moyen-Orient et des pays musulmans, n’ont qu’à regarder le processus de cette inscription et la fabrication des dossiers pour voir comment les mollahs au pouvoir en Iran, armés du terrorisme, ont pris en otage le droit, la justice et la démocratie dans les plus grands pays européens. Et ceux qui s’inclinent devant une dictature sanguinaire intégriste, quelle compétence ont-ils pour défendre la justice et la loi ?C’est pourquoi nous disons que le retrait de l’OMPI de la liste, n’ouvre pas uniquement la voie à un changement démocratique en Iran. En plus de cela, il éloigne les gouvernements occidentaux de la trahison à la démocratie, à la justice et aux droits de l’homme. La suppression de cette étiquette peut mettre un point final à la stupidité chronique dont souffre la politique occidentale. Oui, après le décret du parlement britannique, on voit s’ouvrir de nouvelles perspectives.A présent il faut agir pour ramener l’Iran dans la communauté des nations. Le premier pas sera de faire passer l’Iran du stade de banque centrale du terrorisme à celui de banque centrale de la démocratie et de la paix dans cette région du monde et ce ne sera possible qu’avec un changement de régime. Désormais, un Iran non nucléaire est à portée de la main, mais en rejetant le fascisme religieux, c’est-à-dire le régime du guide suprême. A présent, un Iran désireux de paix, aspirant à la coexistence pacifique avec ses voisins qui remplacera l’ingérence et le terrorisme est possible mais en luttant pour nous débarrasser de la tyrannie religieuse. Oui, ce temps est venu.
Clore le dossier du 17 juin 2003 ;
Ces dernières semaines, le régime des mollahs a essayé à coups de chantage et de tromperie de pousser la France à soutenir le maintien de l’OMPI sur la liste noire. Le prétexte derrière cette tentative illégale, c’est l’affaire du 17 juin 2003. Tout le monde se souvient de cette affaire, de la vaste rafle dans les bureaux du Conseil national de la Résistance iranienne en 2003 qui était le fruit d’un accord direct entre le gouvernement Chirac-Villepin et le régime des mollahs. Le dossier qui a été ouvert à la suite, est un dossier vide et sans fondement qui à cause de l’absence de documents probants, a été constitué sur la base de la liste noire de l’Union européenne. Une liste qui d’un point de vue juridique, est aujourd’hui caduque et s’en servir comme justification est illégal.Nous disons que si, comme vous le prétendez, ce dossier n’est pas vide et infondé, eh bien, après cinq années d’esquive, il est temps de le régler. Et si comme votre attitude en témoigne, ce dossier est sans valeur, alors pourquoi en faire un prétexte pour maintenir l’étiquette du terrorisme ? C’est pourquoi je préviens que toute tentative pour soutenir le maintien de l’OMPI dans la liste est un énorme scandale qui éclaboussera la politique française qui va à l’encontre de son engagement international dans la lutte contre le terrorisme et l’intégrisme. D’autant plus que dans deux jours, la France prendra la présidence tournante de l’Union européenne.Je préviens qu’en vous pliant aux demandes du régime, vous commettrez la plus grande trahison des lois de la République française et des lois de l’Union européenne. De plus, vous rendrez les ayatollahs de Téhéran, ces ennemis de l’islam, encore plus arrogants. J’appelle ici le Conseil des ministres de l’UE à respecter le décret du Parlement britannique et à retirer l’OMPI de la liste noire. Le gouvernement qui est à l’origine de l’inscription de l’OMPI, s’est à présent écarté sur ordre de la justice et du parlement de son propre pays. Le Conseil des ministres n’a plus de prétexte pour maintenir l’OMPI sur sa liste. Mettez fin à cette inscription. La force de la justice obligera votre conscience à renoncer à cette inscription injuste. La force de la justice obligera votre conscience à vous résigner au droit du peuple iranien à la liberté et à renoncer à alimenter la machine de terreur des mollahs.
La liste noire américaine;j
Tout le monde sait que depuis le premier jour, qu’aux Etats-Unis, l’inscription de l’OMPI dans la liste noire du Département d’Etat visait à graisser la patte au mollah Khatami et aux charlatans intégristes. A cette époque, un haut responsable du gouvernement américain a déclaré : « cette inscription était un geste de bonne volonté à l’égard du nouveau président de la république iranienne Mohammad Khatami. » Ils pensaient qu’en donnant des gages et en montrant leur bonne volonté aux responsables du massacre des prisonniers politiques, ils pourraient modérer la dictature religieuse. Ils faisaient croire qu’une vipère pouvait accoucher d’une colombe. Mais c’est Ahmadinejad qui est venu au monde à sa place. Est-ce que la bonne volonté vis-à-vis des mollahs et du fascisme religieux ne signifie pas le plus haut degré de mauvaise volonté vis-à-vis du peuple iranien, des peuples du Moyen-Orient et des forces démocrates dans cette région du monde ? Au fait, pourquoi après toutes ces expériences, faut-il poursuivre la tradition de donner des gages aux mollahs ? Alors que les gardiens de la révolution et la force Qods du régime des mollahs sont sur la liste du terrorisme, pourquoi devez-vous continuer à exaucer les demandes des mollahs pour maintenir l’OMPI sur la liste noire ? Pourquoi les restrictions insupportables imposées aux « personnes protégées » de la Cité d’Achraf à la demande de ces mollahs et de leurs agents en Irak, doivent-elles durer ?
Ce mois-ci, 3 millions de chi’ites irakiens ont demandé l’expulsion d’Irak du régime iranien et de ses agents ainsi que la levée des restrictions de l’OMPI.La majorité du congrès américain par le passé, a soutenu à cinq reprises l’OMPI et le CNRI et a déclaré que cette solution était la seule manière de faire face à l’intégrisme.Une enquête de seize mois par neuf organes officiels américains sur chacun des Moudjahidine a montré qu’il n’existe aucun fondement pour accuser de terrorisme ne serait-ce qu’un seul membre de ce mouvement. Et si vous dites vous tenir aux côtés du peuple iranien pour la liberté, mettez fin à cette étiquette de terrorisme. Voilà, c’est la Résistance du peuple iranien avec ses 120.000 martyrs tombés pour la liberté. Par conséquent, ne privez pas le monde du levier le plus efficace pour affronter le fascisme religieux et le terrorisme.Thomas Jefferson, le troisième président des Etats-Unis et auteur de la déclaration d’indépendance américaine a parfaitement décrit la situation du peuple iranien et de sa résistance, quand il disait : «Quand on interprète mal les motifs de la patience, quand l’injustice persévère parce qu’on pense qu’elle sera supportée, alors la résistance devient moralité. » Et aussi, une citation tirée de la déclaration d’indépendance américaine : « chaque fois qu'une forme de pouvoir va à l'encontre de ces objectifs humains, les peuples ont le droit de changer ou d'abolir leur gouvernement et d'instituer un nouveau régime. » Or aujourd’hui, nombreux sont les chercheurs, les parlementaires et les personnalités aux Etats-Unis qui reconnaissent que la politique de rapprochement avec le régime des mollahs a porté énormément de tort à la sécurité nationale des Etats-Unis.Certes, nous l’avons toujours dit : allez-y, négociez autant que vous le voudrez avec ce régime
Mais aujourd’hui, beaucoup aux Etats-Unis et en Europe ont compris que se fixer sur le dialogue avec ce régime est une perte de temps, comme si on faisait cuire des pierres. Je dois vous rappeler que la résistance iranienne n’a jamais demandé aux Etats-Unis ni à aucun autre pays d’envoyer sa jeunesse à la guerre contre les mollahs. Nous leur disons juste de retirer l’obstacle de la marque du terrorisme et d’enlever les chaines de la liste terroriste des mains et des pieds de la Résistance du peuple iranien pour la liberté. Nous vous disons : après avoir parcouru un long chemin rempli d’erreurs à la recherche de modération, de réforme et de transformation de la dictature religieuse, il est temps de vous mettre dans le sens de l’histoire. Placez-vous du côté qui apporte la liberté au peuple iranien. Regardez l’expérience du gouvernement britannique : si la résistance et le sacrifice pour la liberté contre le fascisme religieux est un juste droit et si c’est le chemin par où passe l’histoire, il faut en tirer deux grandes leçons :La première leçon : l’étiquette terroriste collée à la juste résistance luttant contre la dictature et le fascisme religieux pour qui le suffrage universel n’a aucune valeur et qui est hostile aux élections libres, n’est source d’aucune fierté et ne fait que couvrir d’opprobre.La seconde leçon : qu’on le veuille ou non, les forces de la justice et de la conscience avec leur porte-parole, remporteront la victoire. Oui la liberté est à portée de la main et nous atteindrons notre destination glorieuse, la liberté.
Le soutien de 3 millions d’Irakiens
Au milieu des crimes et des événements terribles qui touchent de plein fouet chaque jour un Irak meurtri, il y a deux semaines, nous avons assisté à l’épanouissement d’un mouvement spectaculaire politique, social et culturel contre le régime des mollahs dans ce pays, qui s’est manifesté dans la déclaration de trois millions de chi’ites courageux. Trois millions de chi’ites irakiens qui souffrent demandent la fin de l’ingérence et des crimes du régime des mollahs ainsi que son expulsion d’Irak. Ils demandent aussi la fin de l’injustice et la levée des restrictions imposées aux Moudjahidine du peuple d’Iran qui sont eux aussi des chi’ites. Ils demandent que cessent certains actes, comme l’assassinat des ouvriers de la Cité d’Achraf par des bombes posées dans leurs autobus. Ils demandent la fin du dynamitage de la station de pompage d’eau d’Achraf qui approvisionne aussi en eau 20.000 villageois des environs dans une chaleur infernale de 60 à 70 degrés. Ils demandent que cessent les enlèvements des Moudjahidine, comme deux de leurs membres qui avaient été enlevés à Bagdad. Ils demandent que cessent les attaques aux missiles contre Achraf, comme celle du 26 mai. Les mollahs au pouvoir prétendaient à coups de mensonges que les Moudjahidine avaient massacré les chi’ites irakiens.
Voilà que 3 millions de chi’ites soulignent dans leur déclaration : « L’OMPI se tient aux côtés du peuple irakien comme un contrepoids face au régime iranien et un barrage solide contre l’ingérence de ce régime. »
Le régime des mollahs a tremblé à Téhéran. Son socle d’infiltration, d’ingérence et de crime en Irak chancelle à l’extrême. On ne pouvait pas mieux repousser les mollahs qui font commerce des imams fondateurs du chi’isme. Avec sa politique de divisions et d’hostilités, le régime a reçu un coup stratégique majeur de la part des chi’ites. Manifestement, le Guide suprême des mollahs a vu tout son capital fondre en Irak. D’autant plus que les inspirateurs de cette déclaration historique ont préféré la rendre publique à la Cité d’Achraf.
Les agents salariés de la Force Qods en Irak qui répètent les paroles des mollahs de Téhéran ont criminalisé des millions d’Irakiens pour leur soutien à l’OMPI. Les mollahs étaient si furieux qu’ils n’ont pas caché leur intention d’exporter leurs châtiments inhumains en Irak. Ecoutez ce qu’ils ont annoncé : « Toute personne ou tout parti, organisation ou institution, irakien ou non, qui coopère en Irak avec l’organisation terroriste des Moudjahidine du peuple, tombe sous le coup de la lutte contre le terrorisme et sera livré à la justice. »
Ainsi, trois millions de chi’ites irakiens qui ont signé cette déclaration seraient tous des criminels. 135 partis, groupes et associations qui ont proposé cette déclaration seraient criminels. Toute institution qui fournit aux Moudjahidine d’Achraf des médicaments, de la nourriture ou des vêtements, serait coupable d’un délit. De plus, les nobles représentants et les porte-parole libres du peuple irakien qui sont présents parmi nous seraient coupables. De même pour les hommes courageux et héroïques qui au parlement irakien ont dit être fiers, quel qu’en soit le prix, de se tenir aux côtés des opprimés et même Paulo Casaca qui au moment où la déclaration a été rendue publique, était sur place, sont eux aussi coupables et devraient être livrés à la justice. Il faut aussi ajouter Lord Slynn et de nombreux avocats et personnalités européennes et américaines, ainsi que les parlementaires qui se sont rendus à Achraf. Ils sont coupables. Oui, même Struan Stevenson, vice président du groupe PPE DE au Parlement européen, ou M. Vidal Quadras, le vice-président du Parlement européen, qui a envoyé de nombreux messages vidéo à Achraf, ils sont également coupables. Lord Corbett qui commence ses messages en saluant Achraf est donc lui aussi coupable. Tout comme nos voisins d’Auvers-sur-Oise qui se sont rendus à Achraf. Et nos compatriotes que j’ai vu scander : « nous sommes tous d’Achraf ». Alors nous sommes tous d’une certaine façon coupables. Car nous sommes tous des d’Achraf et nous en sommes fiers !
Oui c’est cela le fascisme religieux. Il condamne tout le monde, sauf lui-même. Il doit être livré à sa propre justice pour qu’elle lui troue la tête avec une perceuse et que son corps mutilé de manière à le rendre méconnaissable, soit jeté dans une fosse commune.
Et ceci se passe alors que le Comité international des juristes pour la défense d’Achraf (CIJDA) a adressé des lettres officielles aux autorités américaines et irakiennes pour annoncer à plusieurs reprises que l’OMPI et les résidents de la Cité d’Achraf accueillent favorablement leur comparution devant tout tribunal international en Europe ou en Amérique du nord afin que les accusations portées par le régime et ses agents à leur encontre en Irak, fassent l’objet d’une enquête. Le CIJDA a demandé avec insistance qu’une commission d’enquête internationale, un organisme crédible lié à l’ONU, soit l’organe compétent pour examiner de manière impartiale toute accusation contre l’OMPI. Le CIJDA acceptera son jugement pour barrer la route à la désinformation et aux campagnes de diabolisation du régime des mollahs.
Je reviens aux trois millions de chi’ites irakiens et à leur déclaration. Les réactions hystériques du régime iranien et de ses agents en Irak montrent avant toute chose, l’importance de cet événement.
Oui, c’est un tournant dans la lutte du peuple irakien pour bouter hors de son pays le fascisme religieux.
C’est un tournant dans l’émergence du soutien des Irakiens à l’OMPI comme un rempart solide face au fascisme religieux sous couvert de l’islam. Et c’est un tournant pour laver la tache noire du khomeynisme du front des chi’ites et de l’islam authentique. La dictature religieuse, qui est dans une impasse en Iran, voulait en dominant l’Irak trouver une voie pour sa survie. Mais aujourd’hui on voit que le mur de la politique d’ingérence et de terrorisme en Irak s’effondre tout entier sur le régime. On voit que le front des mollahs qui se brise en Irak avec son lot de défections, entraîne dans sa chute le siège de la dictature religieuse à Téhéran.
La Cité d’Achraf ;
Pendant que la justice britannique annulait l’étiquette de terroriste de l’OMPI, la Cité d’Achraf a été la cible d’une attaque au missile des mollahs. A présent que les chi’ites irakiens se sont levés contre ce régime, Achraf est à nouveau la cible de sa vengeance.
La voix de la Cité d’Achraf retentit dans le cœur des Iraniens comme le cri de la liberté et résonne aux oreilles des mollahs comme le tocsin de leur renversement inéluctable. Car Achraf est un sommet de la résistance dont les versants et la base s’étendent dans tout l’Iran. C’est Achraf qui bat au cœur des protestations incessantes de la jeunesse iranienne et des émeutes ouvrières et des grèves étudiantes.
Rendons hommage aux héros de la Cité d’Achraf et comme le dit Massoud Radjavi « heureux les résidents de la ville la plus limpide au monde, symbole d’une belle patience et d’une victoire inéluctable. »
Le dossier nucléaire
Aujourd’hui, le peuple iranien et les peuples de tous les pays victimes du terrorisme et de l’intégrisme souffrent de la politique des pays occidentaux qui encourage le fascisme religieux. Leur politique, pour reprendre les termes de la justice britannique, est perverse et revient à une trahison parce qu’elle porte tort à la paix et à la sécurité dans le monde.Regardons le dossier nucléaire. La Résistance iranienne a révélé en 2002 les sites atomiques du régime. Ces six dernières années, la Résistance a procédé à au moins 80 révélations de divers éléments relatifs à la fabrication de la bombe atomique par le régime. Elle a été le principal facteur de la prise de conscience du monde sur le danger nucléaire du fascisme religieux. Mais les gouvernements occidentaux ont seulement fait perdre du temps au monde, et fait gagner du temps aux mollahs.Oui, quatre années de négociations et deux années de politique de mesures incitatives, soit en tout, six années de reculs successifs ; Quand les mollahs ont brisé le silence sur leurs installations nucléaires et entamé l’enrichissement de l’uranium, les gouvernements occidentaux ont reculé en adoptant la politique des paquets de mesures incitatives.
- Quand le régime a refusé la suspension permanente de l’enrichissement, le groupe des 5+1 a reculé en proposant de limiter la suspension à la période des négociations.
- Quand les mollahs ont refusé, les gouvernements occidentaux ont accepté que les mollahs ne suspendent qu’en apparence.
- Ensuite, les 5+1ont encore reculé sur l’enrichissement en demandant qu’ils n’ajoutent pas de centrifugeuses. C’est ce que M. Solana a demandé il y a deux semaines à Téhéran.
- A un moment, ils ont souligné qu’ils n’étaient pas prêts à donner de garantie sur la sécurité au régime iranien, mais après ils ont même reculé là-dessus.
L’ironie c’est que, si comme le disait Ahmadinejad son engin nucléaire n’a ni boite de vitesses ni frein, l’engin de ces messieurs, lui, n’est équipé que d’une marche arrière.
Même pour les résolutions que le Conseil de sécurité adopte, le régime dispose d’un délai de deux à trois mois.
- Tout au long de ces années, les pays occidentaux ont accepté toutes les demandes des mollahs pour réprimer l’OMPI. Selon les diplomates impliqués dans ce dossier, c’était une priorité constante du régime.
- Et finalement, après avoir parcouru un long chemin de négociations et d’encouragement, ils ont tellement permis aux mollahs d’abuser de la tromperie et d’agir dans la clandestinité, que tout à coup aux Etats-Unis, ils ont découvert que les mollahs avaient arrêté leurs activités sur la bombe atomique il y a cinq ans. En fait, s’agissait-il d’un rapport d’enquête ou d’un tour de passe-passe et d’une arnaque ?
Ces mesures incitatives et ces concessions ont rendu les mollahs tellement arrogants, qu’il y a trois jours, le général des pasdaran Laridjani, le président du parlement des mollahs, a clairement menacé que son régime allait se doter de la bombe atomique. Il a dit que si l’occident ne s’entendait pas avec le régime des mollahs, il pourrait se retrouver devant le fait accompli. El Baradei, au début du mois, avait rapporté le message des dirigeants de l’Iran comme quoi s’ils ne recevaient pas suffisamment de mesures incitatives, ils pourraient dans un proche avenir fabriquer une bombe atomique.
A propos, est-ce que plus vous graissez la patte des mollahs, plus leur appétit pour la bombe atomique grandit ?
Non, ne croyez pas que les offres de mesures incitatives soient quelque chose de nouveau !
La stratégie des mesures incitatives a été également choisie pour l’Irak. D’abord avec le britannique Jack Straw comme intermédiaire, les bases de l’opposition iranienne en Irak ont été bombardées. Puis, les frontières ont été laissées sans surveillance et sans défense devant ce régime. Ensuite, les mollahs ont massacré hommes, femmes et enfants avec leurs bombes et détruit le pays. Ils n’ont même pas épargné les mosquées ni les mausolées sacrés. Mais les autorités n’ont pas voulu reconnaître cette simple vérité que tous ces attentats et tous ces massacres se sont faits sur ordre des dirigeants de l’Iran et de son guide suprême. Quant au Liban, à la Palestine et à l’Afghanistan, il y a partout cette politique d’encouragement et de complaisance qui ouvre la voie à l’infiltration et l’ingérence des mollahs. Les mollahs font la promotion de cette cruauté pour dissimuler la faiblesse de leur régime face au peuple iranien. Avec arrogance, ils disent avoir islamisé le Moyen-Orient. Mais qui ne sait que le cavalier seul de Khamenei et d’Ahmadinejad, sur le train de la complaisance a été rendu possible par la faiblesse et l’infamie. Oui, le monstre de l’intégrisme, grâce aux apologistes de la complaisance, s’est étendu d’un point à l’autre de la Terre.
Comme il est étonnant que certains n’aient pas encore compris que le fascisme religieux fuit tout changement, parce que cela l’entraînerait immédiatement vers son renversement. Aujourd’hui ces derniers donnent moins de prix à leur opinion mais imposent au monde une guerre et une catastrophe.
A ceux qui ont accepté le marchandage et la complaisance avec ce régime, ou qui ont peur et s’inquiètent de le voir changer, nous disons ceci : Vous avez fait quatre erreurs de calcul fondamentales.
La première c’est que vous avez cru aux illusions propagées par les mollahs. Ils mettent en avant leur terrorisme et leur sauvagerie comme un signe de la puissance de leur régime décrépit et vous avez peur de lui.
Votre deuxième grossière erreur, c’est que vous ne savez pas à quel point le peuple iranien hait ce régime, ou bien vous feignez de ne pas le savoir. Les lobbies du régime propagent l’idée que face à la fermeté de la communauté internationale, comme un boycott, la population soutiendrait les mollahs et vous, vous répétez cette contre-vérité. Ne savez-vous donc pas que le peuple iranien vit un enfer aux mains de ces pilleurs, de ces bourreaux qui manient le fouet et les grues de pendaison ?
Votre troisième grande erreur, c’est de ne pas voir la situation explosive de la société en Iran. Le régime et ses partisans veulent occulter le désir ardent des Iraniens pour un changement démocratique. Ils veulent utiliser le mouvement international pour la paix au service de la complaisance et de la paix avec le fascisme religieux.
Votre quatrième erreur, c’est de n’avoir pas pris en compte la véritable solution de la crise iranienne.
Avec leur campagne de diabolisation contre la résistance, les mollahs essaient de faire croire l’inverse sur sa crédibilité, sa légitimité et ses racines profondes dans la société, comme s’il n’existait pas de force capable de les renverser.Certes, la crise iranienne est un problème de taille. Mais il y a une main qui délie les nœuds et c’est la Résistance iranienne. C’est une résistance qui allume le moteur des mouvements sociaux et des grandes révoltes en Iran. C’est une résistance qui, en s’appuyant sur ces Moudjahidine du peuple, est considérée comme l’antithèse du fascisme sous le couvert de l’islam et du chi’isme, qui ces trente dernières années a anéanti les bases soi-disant islamiques de ce régime aux yeux du peuple iranien et qui a dénoncé sa démagogie. C’est une résistance qui porte l’étendard de la troisième voie et ce sont le combat et le dévouement de ses membres et sympathisants qui feront triompher la Troisième Voie.Une résistance dirigée par Massoud Radjavi qui a cristallisé l’idéal de la liberté du peuple iranien dans un mouvement puissant aux racines profondes et qui l’a renforcé au fil des tempêtes et des épreuves. De sorte qu’il a pu faire jaillir du cœur du fléau et des malheurs successifs de grands acquis, et qu’il a pu dans les circonstances les plus complexes des trente dernières années, faire avancer une ligne fondée sur des principes. Avec une patience remplie de souffrances, au prix du plus grand tribut, il a fait apparaître l’horizon de la victoire. Oui, il est vrai que dans le ciel du désespoir, il a fait briller l’étoile de l’espérance.
Permettez-moi ici de m’adresser à nos amis étrangers et particulièrement à nos chers amis français qui se trouvent à nos côtés dans le vaste front de la lutte contre l’intégrisme.
La situation en Iran ;
Cela fait trois ans que le fascisme religieux, avec l’arrivée d’Ahmadinejad a accentué de manière sans précédent la répression, les pendaisons et les amputations. La vie et l’état d’esprit de nos compatriotes sont rythmés nuit et jour par les rafles, les exécutions et les coups de fouet.
Cependant, il y a quatre jours, le mollah Chahroudi, chef du judiciaire du régime, qui se présentait lui-même auparavant comme un Irakien et président du Conseil suprême de la révolution islamique en Irak, a cruellement appelé à davantage de peines de fouet, en déclarant avec cynisme à la télévision d’Etat : « nous pouvons utiliser le fouet en de nombreuses occasions, malheureusement nos juges se laissent influencer par une certaine propagande formaliste et superficielle dans le monde contre ce châtiment. Il y en a beaucoup qui n’apprécient pas la méthode du fouet, mais je pense qu’un des meilleurs châtiments, un des châtiments les plus juridiques, les plus juste c’est le fouet… Il est dissuasif… une des options sur laquelle nous insistons dans le code pénal islamique, c’est le fouet et même de transformer les peines de prisons en équivalent de coups de fouet. »
Malgré tout, jamais la société iranienne n’a autant protesté. Ces trois dernières années, en moyenne, chaque année, il y a eu 4700 mouvements de protestation. Je rends hommage à tous ces soulèvements glorieux et à tous leurs martyrs, leurs prisonniers dans tout l’Iran.
Ces trois dernières années, le nombre de manifestants tués dans les rues et le nombre d’opposants politiques qui ont été pendus se montent à au mois 200. Les mollahs voient dans chaque adolescent et chaque jeune révolté un combattant dans la bataille pour renverser leur régime. L’an dernier, environ 300 personnes ont été victimes d’assassinats arbitraires commis par les agents de sécurité dans la rue.
Le nombre de ceux qui ont été emprisonnés pour cause de « troubles à l’ordre public », se monte, selon les autorités du régime, « entre 10 et 15.000 personnes ». Et le nombre de prisons clandestines se monte à plus d’une centaine. Oui, des milliers de prison, des milliers de salles de torture et des milliers de centres d’exécution sont le prix pour préserver leur pouvoir. La semaine dernière le mollah Dori Najaf Abadi, procureur général du régime a annoncé : « le pays est exposé au danger des tempêtes internationales. » Il a évoqué les « longues frontières de l’est et de l’ouest du pays » et a déclaré que « les responsables du pays doivent adopter des mesures afin de prévenir les incidents et les sources de préoccupations sociales » car « les ennemis de la république islamique ne veulent pas que l’Iran islamique connaisse la sécurité ». Mais nous disons aux tyrans au pouvoir : Attendez ! Le décret de l’histoire et la volonté des combattants du peuple iranien traverseront chaque prison, chaque mur et chaque rempart pour fondre sur vous.
Une crise économique aigüe:
Les mollahs sont en situation de renversement et sont dépourvus de toute légitimité politique et religieuse. Et ils sont encerclés par la colère populaire. Aujourd’hui, ils ne s’appuient que sur une infime minorité. Dans la farce électorale, selon les propres chiffres du régime, le plus grand nombre de voix remportées dans les grandes villes par ceux qui sont entrés au parlement, ne s’élevait qu’à 6 ou 14 %.
Mais la véritable base du régime, ce sont les gardiens de la révolution, les miliciens du Bassidj et les services de renseignements. Ce nombre constitue à peine 3 % de la population iranienne.
Voilà la réalité de la dictature religieuse. Une minorité de 3% !
Alors nous disons aux mollahs : Mais ne prétendez-vous pas que votre régime est soutenu par le peuple ? Alors, pourquoi refusez-vous les élections libres ? Et maintenant une journée, juste une journée, posez les fouets à terre et enlevez les grues à pendaison, pour que l’on voie clairement face au soulèvement de la population excédée combien de temps vous pourrez durer. Face à la vague de la colère populaire, vos gardiens de la révolution fuiront à toute vitesse. En moins d’heure qu’il n’en a fallu aux soldats du dernier chah d’Iran pour enlever leurs uniformes et s’enfuir en courant.
Cette situation, c’est-à-dire la phase terminale du régime, se manifeste aussi dans la crise économique actuelle. Cette année, sur les 100 milliards de dollars de budget public, environ 13 milliards ont été consacrés aux affaires militaires et 4 milliards à la sécurité et au terrorisme. Dans le budget de l’année en cours, 33 milliards de dollars, sous le nom de budget divers, ont été alloués au cabinet d’Ahmadinejad. Ce qui signifie qu’annuellement, un tiers du budget public part dans des affaires secrètes. Aux dires d’un ancien député du régime, sur les revenus de ces trois dernières années, la somme de 63 milliards de dollars a été perdue et nul ne sait où elle est passée. De 2006 jusqu’à présent, 32 milliards de tomans des revenus pétroliers ne sont pas rentrés au trésor public.
Le résultat de cette situation, c’est la faillite des secteurs industriel, agricole et des services. Le ministre du pétrole d’Ahmadinejad a déclaré : La situation du pétrole iranien aujourd’hui ressemble à celle de l’armée du chah en 1978 à la veille de la révolution. Le pain depuis l’année dernière est devenu deux fois plus cher.
Le prix du riz a triplé. 120 villes et 6000 villages ont des problèmes d’eau potables. Les ouvriers se font licencier par fournées entières, les femmes opprimées se suicident et s’immolent par le feu les unes après les autres, chaque soir 6 millions de personnes s’endorment le ventre tenaillé par la faim et 60 millions d’Iraniens vivent sous le seuil de la pauvreté. Une grave crise économique qui menace aussi gravement l’existence du régime. 10 millions de chômeurs, 8 millions d’habitants des banlieues des grandes villes et des millions de jeunes révoltés, forment la force pour renverser ce régime.
Le programme du CNRI pour l’Iran de demain:
Les mollahs crient qu’ils maintiendront pour l’éternité le fascisme religieux absolu au pouvoir. Les tenants de la complaisance nous disent que la liberté est un rêve qu’il faut oublier. Les apologistes du régime disent que le peuple ne veut pas s’engager à nouveau dans un changement de régime. Ils ironisent en nous disant que le sacrifice et la quête de la liberté sont des antiquités qui appartiennent l’histoire et disent que ces fleurs dispersées par le vent se sont sacrifiées pour rien. Mais nous disons qu’il existe une ferveur et une force au cœur de la société et de l’histoire de l’Iran et qu’il existe une soif ardente de liberté parmi les opprimés que la conception basée sur l’humiliation et la reddition ne comprend absolument pas. C’est ce flot d’énergie retenu et d’espoirs enchaînés, et cet amour infini de la liberté qui arrachera sur son passage toutes les chaînes comme un torrent.
Nous sommes convaincus de l’émergence d’une force que rien au monde ne pourra retenir.
Oui, C’est un soleil qui se lève, le ciel s’illumine lentement, et le soleil de la liberté pointe à l’horizon
Le jour viendra où chaque Iranien bénéficiera du droit à la vie, du droit à la liberté et du droit à la sécurité et où tous seront égaux face à la justice.
Le jour viendra où l’aube joyeuse de la liberté illuminera la vie du peuple iranien. La liberté d’expression, la liberté de pensée, la liberté de culte, la liberté de la presse, la liberté de vêtements.
Le jour viendra où la vie dans l’enfer du fascisme religieux deviendra la vie dans une société démocratique. Pour que chaque personne ait le droit de participer aux décisions concernant les affaires politiques les plus importantes de sa propre société et le droit de changer de régime.
Le jour viendra où à la place de ce désert brûlant, on verra éclore cent fleurs dans chaque coin d’Iran ; avec la liberté de chaque opinion, chaque parti, chaque assemblée et chaque formation et syndicat.
Le jour viendra où les gouffres sombres de l’obscurantisme se transformeront en vastes plaines verdoyantes de modération et de tolérance, où aucune religion n’aura de droit ni de privilège spéciaux et où personne pour sa croyance ou sa non croyance en une religion ne sera privé de ses droits et où la religion sera séparée de l’Etat.
Le jour viendra où les ténèbres de la répression et de la discrimination contre les femmes iraniennes disparaitront et où l’égalité des femmes et des hommes conduira la société iranienne vers un autre monde, et ce jour est très proche.
Ainsi donc, « Au nom du bonheur de la nation iranienne et dans le but de contribuer à la paix mondiale » et pour réaliser l’idéal du 20 juin 1981 et de la bataille de Lumière éternelle en 1988, j’appelle à développer la lutte pour le renversement du fascisme religieux.
jeudi, 03 juillet 2008
Collection Peggy Guggenheim
[Bibliography]
Peggy Guggenheim's career belongs in the history of 20th century art. Peggy used to say that it was her duty to protect the art of her own time, and she dedicated half of her life to this mission, as well as to the creation of the museum that still carries her name.
Peggy Guggenheim was born in New York on 26 August 1898, the daughter of Benjamin Guggenheim and Florette Seligman. Benjamin Guggenheim was one of seven brothers who, with their father, Meyer (of Swiss origin), created a family fortune in the late 19th century from the mining and smelting of metals, especially silver, copper and lead. The Seligmans were a leading banking family. Peggy grew up in New York. In April 1912 her father died heroically on the SS Titanic.
In her early 20s, Peggy volunteered for work at a bookshop, the Sunwise Turn, in New York and thanks to this began making friends in intellectual and artistic circles, including the man who was to become her first husband in Paris in 1922, Laurence Vail. Vail was a writer and Dada collagist of great talent. He chronicled his tempestuous life with Peggy in a novel, Murder! Murder! of which Peggy wrote: "It was a sort of satire of our life together and, although it was extremely funny, I took offense at several things he said about me."
In 1921 Peggy Guggenheim traveled to Europe. Thanks to Laurence Vail (the father of her two children Sindbad and Pegeen, the painter), Peggy soon found herself at the heart of Parisian bohème and American ex-patriate society. Many of her acquaintances of the time, such as Constantin Brancusi, Djuna Barnes and Marcel Duchamp, were to become lifelong friends. Though she remained on good terms with Vail for the rest of his life, she left him in 1928 for an English intellectual, John Holms, who was the greatest love of her life. There is a lengthy description of John Holms, a war hero with writer's block, in chapter five of Edwin Muir's An Autobiography. Muir wrote: "Holms was the most remarkable man I ever met." Unfortunately, Holms died tragically young in 1934.
In 1937, encouraged by her friend Peggy Waldman, Peggy decided to open an art gallery in London. When she opened her Guggenheim Jeune gallery in January 1938, she was beginning, at 39 years old, a career which would significantly affect the course of post-war art. Her friend Samuel Beckett urged her to dedicate herself to contemporary art as it was âa living thing,â and Marcel Duchamp introduced her to the artists and taught her, as she put it, âthe difference between abstract and Surrealist art.â The first show presented works by Jean Cocteau, while the second was the first one-man show of Vasily Kandinsky in England.
In 1939, tired of her gallery, Peggy conceived âthe idea of opening a modern museum in London,â with her friend Herbert Read as its director (2). From the start the museum was to be formed on historical principles, and a list of all the artists that should be represented, drawn up by Read and later revised by Marcel Duchamp and Nellie van Doesburg, was to become the basis of her collection.
In 1939-40, apparently oblivious of the war, Peggy busily acquired works for the future museum, keeping to her resolve to âbuy a picture a day.â Some of the masterpieces of her collection, such as works by Francis Picabia, Georges Braque, Salvador DalÃ- and Piet Mondrian, were bought at that time. She astonished Fernand Léger by buying his Men in the City on the day that Hitler invaded Norway. She acquired Brancusiâs Bird in Space as the Germans approached Paris, and only then decided to flee the city.
In July 1941, Peggy fled Nazi-occupied France and returned to her native New York, together with Max Ernst, who was to become her second husband a few months later (they separated in 1943).
Peggy immediately began looking for a location for her modern art museum, while she continued to acquire works for her collection. In October 1942 she opened her museum/gallery Art of This Century. Designed by the Rumanian-Austrian architect Frederick Kiesler, the gallery was composed of extraordinarily innovative exhibition rooms and soon became the most stimulating venue for contemporary art in New York City.
Of the opening night, she wrote: âI wore one of my Tanguy earrings and one made by Calder in order to show my impartiality between Surrealist and Abstract Art" . There Peggy exhibited her collection of Cubist, abstract and Surrealist art, which was already substantially that which we see today in Venice. Peggy produced a remarkable catalogue, edited by André Breton, with a cover design by Max Ernst. She held temporary exhibitions of leading European artists, and of several then unknown young Americans such as Robert Motherwell, William Baziotes, Mark Rothko, David Hare, Janet Sobel, Robert de Niro Sr, Clyfford Still, and Jackson Pollock, the âstarâ of the gallery, who was given his first show by Peggy late in 1943. From July 1943 Peggy supported Pollock with a monthly stipend and actively promoted and sold his paintings. She commissioned his largest painting, a Mural, which she later gave to the University of Iowa.
Pollock and the others pioneered American Abstract Expressionism. One of the principal sources of this was Surrealism, which the artists encountered at Art of This Century. More important, however, was the encouragement and support that Peggy, together with her friend and assistant Howard Putzel, gave to the members of this nascent New York avant-garde. Peggy and her collection thus played a vital intermediary role in the development of Americaâs first art movement of international importance.
In 1947 Peggy decided to return in Europe, where her collection was shown for the first time at the 1948 Venice Biennale, in the Greek pavilion. In this way the works of artists such as Arshile Gorky, Jackson Pollock, and Mark Rothko were exhibited for the first time in Europe. The presence of Cubist, abstract, and Surrealist art made the pavilion the most coherent survey of Modernism yet to have been presented in Italy.
Soon after Peggy bought Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, on the Grand Canal in Venice, where she came to live. In 1949 she held an exhibition of sculptures in the garden curated by Giuseppe Marchiori, and from 1951 she opened her collection to the public.
In 1950 Peggy organized the first exhibition of Jackson Pollock in Italy, in the Ala Napoleonica of the Museo Correr in Venice. Her collection was in the meantime exhibited in Florence and Milan, and later in Amsterdam, Brussels, and Zurich. From 1951 Peggy opened her house and her collection to the public annually in the summer months. During her 30-year Venetian life, Peggy Guggenheim continued to collect works of art and to support artists, such as Edmondo Bacci and Tancredi Parmeggiani, whom she met in 1951. In 1962 Peggy Guggenheim was nominated Honorary Citizen of Venice.
In 1969 the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York invited Peggy Guggenheim to show her collection there. In 1976 she donated her palace and works of art to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation. The Foundation had been created in 1937 by Peggy Guggenheimâs uncle Solomon, in order to operate his collection and museum which, since 1959, has been housed in Frank Lloyd Wrightâs famous spiral structure on 5th Avenue.
Peggy died aged 81 on 23 December 1979. Her ashes are placed in a corner of the garden of Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, next to the place where she customarily buried her beloved dogs. Since this time, the Guggenheim Foundation has converted and expanded Peggy Guggenheim's private house into one of the finest small museums of modern art in the world.
[Info]
Address
Peggy Guggenheim Collection
Palazzo Venier dei Leoni
Dorsoduro 701
I-30123 Venezia
Opening hours
Daily 10 am - 6 pm
Closed Tuesdays and December 25
General information
tel: +39.041.2405.411
fax: +39.041.520.6885
e-mail: info@guggenheim-venice.it
Visitor services
tel: +39.041.2405.440/419
fax: +39.041.520.9083
e-mail: visitorinfo@guggenheim-venice.it
Photography
Photography is permitted without flash. You may not use tripods or monopods.
Animals
Animals of all sizes are not allowed in the galleries and in the gardens.
For information and assistance please contact "Sporting Dog Club".
Call Tel. +39 347 6242550 (Marie) or +39 347 4161321 (Roberto)
or write to sportingdoginvenice@gmail.com
Venice Art for All
The Peggy Guggenheim Collection joins the Venice Art for All project and becomes accessible to all, including people with limited mobility.
Palazzo Venier dei Leoni was probably begun in the 1750s by architect Lorenzo Boschetti, whose only other known building in Venice is the church of San Barnaba.
It is an unfinished palace. A model exists in the Museo Correr, Venice. Its magnificent classical façade would have matched that of Palazzo Corner, opposite, with the triple arch of the ground floor (which is the explanation of the ivy-covered pillars visible today) extended through both the piani nobili above. We do not know precisely why this Venier palace was left unfinished. Money may have run out, or some say that the powerful Corner family living opposite blocked the completion of a building that would have been grander than their own. Another explanation may rest with the unhappy fate of the next door Gothic palace which was demolished in the early 19th century: structural damage to this was blamed in part on the deep foundations of Palazzo Venier dei Leoni.
Nor is it known how the palace came to be associated with "leoni," lions. Although it is said that a lion was once kept in the garden, the name is more likely to have arisen from the yawning lion's heads of Istrian stone which decorate the façade at water level. The Venier family, who claimed descent from the gens Aurelia of ancient Rome (the Emperor Valerian and Gallienus were from this family), were among the oldest Venetian noble families. Over the centuries they provided eighteen Procurators of St Markâs and three Doges. Antonio Venier (Doge, 1382-1400) had such a strong sense of justice that he allowed his own son to languish and die in prison for his crimes. Francesco Venier (Doge, 1553-56) was the subject of a superb portrait by Titian (Madrid, Fundaciòn Thyssen-Bornemisza). Sebastiano Venier was a commander of the Venetian fleet at the Battle of Lepanto (1571) and later became Doge (1577-78). A lively strutting statue of him, by Antonio dal Zotto (1907), can be seen today in the church of Ss. Giovanni e Paolo, Venice.
From 1910 to c. 1924 the house was owned by the flamboyant Marchesa Luisa Casati, hostess to the Ballets Russes, and the subject of numerous portraits by artists as various as Boldini, Troubetzkoy, Man Ray and Augustus John. In 1949, Peggy Guggenheim purchased Palazzo Venier from the heirs of Viscountes Castlerosse and made it her home for the following thirty years. Early in 1951, Peggy Guggenheim opened her home and collection to the public and continued to do so every year until her death in 1979.
In 1980, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection opened for the first time under the management of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, to which Peggy Guggenheim had given her palazzo and collection during her lifetime.
Palazzo Venier dei Leoni's long low façade, made of Istrian stone and set off against the trees in the garden behind that soften its lines, forms a welcome "caesura" in the stately march of Grand Canal palaces from the Accademia to the Salute.
[Permanent collection]
The core mission of the museum is to present the personal collection of Peggy Guggenheim. The collection holds major works of Cubism, Futurism, Metaphysical painting, European abstraction, avant-garde sculpture, Surrealism, and American Abstract Expressionism, by some of the greatest artists of the 20th century. These include Picasso (The Poet, On the Beach), Braque (The Clarinet), Duchamp (Sad Young Man on a Train), Léger, Brancusi (Maiastra, Bird in Space), Severini (Sea=Dancer), Picabia (Very Rare Picture on Earth), de Chirico (The Red Tower, The Nostalgia of the Poet), Mondrian (Composition No. 1 with Grey and Red 1938 / Composition with Red 1939), Kandinsky (Landscape with Red Spots, No. 2, White Cross), Miro (Seated Woman II), Giacometti Woman with Her Throat Cut, Woman Walking), Klee (Magic Garden), Ernst (The Kiss, Attirement of the Bride), Magritte (Empire of Light), DalÃ- (Birth of Liquid Desires), Pollock (The Moon Woman, Alchemy), Gorky (Untitled), Calder (Arc of Petals) and Marini (Angel of the City).
The museum also exhibits works of art given to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation for its Venetian museum since Peggy Guggenheim's death, as well as long-term loans from private collections.
Hannelore B. and Rudolph B. Schulhof Collection
In October 2012 eighty works of Italian, European and American art of the decades after 1945 were added to the collections of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation in Venice. They were the bequest of Hannelore B. Schulhof, who collected the works with her late husband Rudolph B. Schulhof. They include paintings by Burri, Dubuffet, Fontana, Hofmann, Kelly, Kiefer, Noland, Rothko, and Twombly, as well as sculptures by Calder, Caro, Holzer, Judd and Hepworth. The Hannelore B. and Rudolph B. Schulhof Garden exhibits works from this collection.
Gianni Mattioli Collection
The museum exhibits twenty six masterpieces on long-term loan from the renowned Gianni Mattioli Collection, including famous images of Italian Futurism, such as Materia and Dynamism of a Cyclist by Boccioni, Interventionist Demonstration by Carrà , The Solidity of Fog by Russolo, works by Balla, Severini (Blue Dancer), Sironi, Soffici, Rosai, Depero. The collection includes important early paintings by Morandi and a rare portrait by Modigliani.
Patsy R. and Raymond D. Nasher Sculpture Garden
The Patsy R. and Raymond D. Nasher Sculpture Garden and other outdoor spaces at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection presents works from the permanent collections (by Arp, Duchamp-Villon, Ernst, Flanagan, Giacometti, Gilardi, Goldsworthy, Holzer, Marini, Minguzzi, Mirko, Merz, Moore, Ono, Paladino, Richier, Takis), as well as sculptures on temporary loan from foundations and private collections (by Calder, König , Marini, Nannucci, Smith).
by Malcolm Ferdinands
UN is pointing the accusing finger at Sri Lanka with NGOs trying to suck the blood out of Sri Lanka . But, the outgoing foreign minister of Sri Lanka Bogollagama who everything is foreign is only committed to bring shame on Sri Lanka with his personal needs and deeds
It is reported in the media that a journalist had even questioned the UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon about the infamous letter sent by Bogollagama to high UN official begging for a job at the UN. The journalist has asked Moon, “And also the Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka, also over the weekend, confirmed that he sought a job for his son with the UN. I wonder if you think that is appropriate, and is such a job going to be given?
When Moon tried to side step the question he had persisted and questioned “Do you think that it’s appropriate for the Foreign Minister of a country with which you are dealing with on possible war crimes to be seeking a job for his son with the UN?”
Ban Ki Moon had responded as follows “First of all, I am not aware of that particular case of job application of the Foreign Minister’s son. As a matter of fact, any recruitment process will have to be dealt with in a most transparent and objective manner by the selection committee members. That is what the United Nations has been [using] as a principle”
What do you make out of it? Here is a man who is displaying huge banners and cutouts using poor taxpayers money saying he ‘won’ the world for Sri Lanka, begging for a job for his son in the UN.
A member of the Foreign Services Association said “This man got no shame. He once sent us a circular asking if any of our family members worked for NGO’s. See what he is doing? We are not surprised if he had sold Sri Lanka to the UN.
Sri Lanka ’s biggest tragedy today is Bogollagama, a retired senior diplomat said.
Shame on you Bogollagama. But, do not shame our country. Even beggars in Lanka wont do what you did.
Excerpts from transcript of the UN press conference, Mar 8, 2010:
Q:Mr. Secretary-General, late last week you spoke with the President of Sri Lanka, and said that you are going to name a panel, to advise yourself, on accountability. Over the weekend, the President said that you had no right to do it and had a very different read-out of the call than we received, at least the way I hear it. Can you explain what the purpose of the Panel is and when you think you're going to name it? And also the Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka, also over the weekend, confirmed that he sought a job for his son with the UN. I wonder if you think that is appropriate, and is such a job going to be given?
SG: As you said, I had a frank and honest exchange of views with President [Mahinda] Rajapaksa, Thursday night, last week, over issues that were of concern to both of us. This included moving forward on political reconciliation, further movement on the condition of internally displaced persons, and the establishment of an accountability process. I am concerned with the lack of progress of the joint statement which both I and President Rajapaksa had agreed during my visit last year. I raised this issue and discussed [it]. I made clear to President Rajapaksa that I intend to move forward on a Group of Experts which will advise me on setting the broad parameters and standards on the way ahead on establishing accountability concerning Sri Lanka. For that purpose, we have agreed that I dispatch [Under-Secretary-General of Political Affairs] Lynn Pascoe in the very near future.
Q: Do you think that it's appropriate for the Foreign Minister of a country with which you are dealing with on possible war crimes to be seeking a job for his son with the UN?
SG: First of all, I am not aware of that particular case of job application of the Foreign Minister's son. As a matter of fact, any recruitment process will have to be dealt with in a most transparent and objective manner by the selection committee members. That is what the United Nations has been [using] as a principle.
24 Comments
Not only Bogollagama, every minister is a sucker in SL, sucking the blood of people with their personal needs.
Why is this guy not yet fired from his post?
If done, all the cabinet ministers and the president should be fired !!!
We must decide to vote for any party that will come forward aggressively to eliminate the cancer of corruption and nepotism in the country.
Posted by: Justin | March 9, 2010 06:47 AM
There are three ministers in this govt who should not see the light of the day in the next parliament.
They are Mervyn Silva, Jeevan Kumaratunga and Rohitha Bogollagama.
Intelligent Betal voters should take note of.
Posted by: Channa | March 9, 2010 07:02 AM
The country has been made to stand half naked in front
of its friendly world.It's not yet fully naked because
of its past performances, thanks to disciplined leaders.And also we must not forget that bowl carrying
habit is not new for our many professionals and the
rulers.Just one word "corrupt" will fit them all.It's
hard to find a clean one because they are not allowed
to be clean.Buying using and discarding is the order
of the day.Before getting discarded,milk as much as
possible.
To my knowledge,UN rcruitments are carried out on a
country-quota basis.It's this process that this man
might have tried to abuse,if it didn't go through proper channels.
Posted by: muzammil | March 9, 2010 09:17 AM
In one of elections propaganda materials he claims to have never been accused of ANY wrong doing, mismanagement misuse, corruption of any form. In fact I concede to this statement because people have not bothered to make specific accusations because they have lost count of the number and variety of crimes he and others have committed. It would be futile anyway to make accusations in a lawless land like this, where judiciary of the country and the law enforcing arms have been seriously undermined.
Posted by: Kingsley | March 9, 2010 09:40 AM
In one of elections propaganda materials he claims to have never been accused of ANY wrong doing, mismanagement misuse, corruption of any form. In fact I concede to this statement because people have not bothered to make specific accusations because they have lost count of the number and variety of crimes he and others have committed. It would be futile anyway to make accusations in a lawless land like this, where judiciary of the country and the law enforcing arms have been seriously undermined.
Posted by: Kingsley | March 9, 2010 09:51 AM
Boggles has always put family ahead country. When travelling executive class on Sri Lankan he would book the entire row. His children and family would accompany him on offical business to the UN. Yet he was one of the select few of the MR regime and has been given a wide tolerance by the president??
Posted by: Citizen | March 9, 2010 10:01 AM
I would like to be a Devil's Advocate here: May be F.M Bogollagama was trying to act strategically ( like Lakshaman Kadirgamr used his net work to ban LTTE as a terrorist organisation ) to plant his son in the UN so that there will be " insider trading " type of job the son can do to benefit the regime his father belongs to back home. This way moves by people like Ban Kee Moon and Navee... Pillay to investigate war crimes even in the futre can be nipped in the bud with the help of friendly countries.
Therefore Bogollogama's act is a patriotic act. The Sinhalese nationalists will be proud of his strategic thinking as F.M, though his attempt has come to open.
Look at Palitha Kohana, he is making use of all his net work from the UN days to the full advantage of his mother land not Australia.Same with many others in the MR regime. Patriots do not beg. The create wealth for the masses to survive and elites to thrive.
Posted by: anonymous | March 9, 2010 10:20 AM
I am not sure whether Mr Ferdinades is a professional journalist.
UN jobs are mostly for politicians who have been in power.All most all UN heads are ex politicians. Various ambassadors are ex polllies shoved on to the stage by their mates in government.
Who ever is lucky enough to get a job there, always put their kith and kin as well. It is a big family corporation. If Ferdenades is a journalist he should know this.
There is nothing wrong in Bogollagama asking his friends help to get a job for his son if the son has the bsic qualifications.Most parents do that irrespective of their positions.
To make a big deal out of it appears to be nothing but for personal grudges against the man.
Posted by: Kukul Charlie | March 9, 2010 03:14 PM
Agree with comments by 'anonymous'. Rohitha Bogollagama is trying as a parent to kick start the career of his son. Every parent desires this towards their kids. It so happens that Bogollagama is a high flying FM of Sri Lanka and hence has connections in high places. As a parent, I do believe he has the right to give a kick-start to his son's career.
The Indian Vijay Nambiar owes the Sri Lankan Govt and its FM many favors for his actions in the concluding stages of Ealam War IV. So why not help? After all, the UN is not a pargon of virtue; it is riddled with corruption, nepotism, favouritism, lobbyist pressure and what not. The UN ceased to be an impartial organisation many decades ago.
If I were Bogollagama's son, I will tell my dad that I wouldn't like to work in an organisation such as the UN which is a big burden on the World community. The current UN leadership, Banjee Moon, Vijay Nambiar, Naveena Pillai have all contributed towards accelarating the UN's downfall.
Posted by: Guru Satyadasa | March 9, 2010 05:51 PM
Well Mr.Ferdinands, Do you think its very ethical on journalistic point to use demeaning words just because you dont like the FM, I aint a fan of the FM, but if you do some research, many a diplomats/FM's children are infact work for the UN, and its anybody's guess as to how they got in there, I mean not only SriLankan diplomats and FM's but for all over the world. Its no secret.
So pls dont try make a mountain out of a mole hill, Boggols has done far worst things....
Posted by: Man of the Match | March 9, 2010 06:31 PM
Hey Anonymous,
you just dispalyed your level of IQ !!
Posted by: Happyman | March 9, 2010 06:33 PM
Anonymous!!
You are smart! let me know if you are looking for a job. Because I am looking for a Donkey.!
Posted by: Siripala | March 9, 2010 06:36 PM
Question is: Is he a Traitor or Patriot?
Posted by: Chandapala | March 9, 2010 06:49 PM
This Borukollagamayo has nothing in his head. So If he speaks
Posted by: Anonymous | March 9, 2010 06:55 PM
Anonymous, you are the person of the year, in the best comedian category.
Posted by: Jothi | March 9, 2010 07:13 PM
Hey Funnyman Anonymous!
Did any of your friends mention that you need to go to school again? You are a Clown! I hope your generation ends after you.
Posted by: Happyman | March 9, 2010 07:19 PM
Bogols is a Sri Lankan 100% and therefore his attitude cannot be faulted.The country is in this state because we Sri Lankans think that anything could be done with political influence, money and power. This applies only to Sri Lanka so Bogols must have thought that this happens outside of it as well.I dont think his travels abroad has in anyway broadened his mind.His is a typical frog in the well Sri Lankan attitude.What a treat of a foreign minister he will be more suited for Indigenous medicine or the Like.
Posted by: Jazzy | March 9, 2010 07:36 PM
The leadership is not in the write way so other people are doing the same need a big change in sri Lanka
Posted by: Lalith Abeyratne | March 9, 2010 07:48 PM
This is not only the image of the FM-but the entire bunch of 112-they have come into Politics to make the best out of it-imagine the others who have their Children in Foriegn countries incase the Govt. fails to win the elections they have to get their children back-what about those who are apying something like a Rs.150,000/ monthly for their mortgages for luxury properties in Colombo!So they are making every endeavour to win hook or by crook!
The FM wants to find a solution to keep his sion abroad permanently-best is join the UN-For these thinga thety use their brains-
Posted by: Anonymous | March 9, 2010 07:56 PM
Not only Bogols. Many past Ministers, Chief Justices and Ambassadors got their kith & kin through UN's backdoor while the most qualified were given vague excuses.
Even the current Lankan Ambassador (an Australian citizen) begged for Lankan Ministers interventions to get a UN promotion to Director level. Having failed, he quit the UN and went after MR. That is how the sytem works. "Who knows who" still works both in Sri Lanka and at the UN.
Bogol is another highway robber who travelled the world wasting our poor peoples money. We idiots vote for them. That is what we get.
John
Posted by: Anonymous | March 9, 2010 08:49 PM
I totally disagree the way Minister Bogollagama attmepted to secure job in the UN for his son. As a Foreign minister he should not have done it. If he begs a job for his son how could he stand in front of the UN for the interests of Sri Lanka.
Posted by: Hemantha Warnakulasuriya | March 9, 2010 08:55 PM
There is nothing wrong in Bollagama's wish to get his son a job. If he is qualified whats wrong?. I can say most UN recruits are related to past and present politicians in all countries in the world.Its good to have more Sinhalese and there are women like Navar Pillai there too, hell bent on charging our country of war crimes? .What about Fonseka? Mahinda helped his daughters to go to US? What about Hi Corp?
Didnt Chandrika write to Mahinda canvessing her brother Anura for the PM'S Job? Have any of you not try to get your kids a job if you had the influence?
Posted by: Ray | March 9, 2010 09:58 PM
There is nothing wrong in Bollagama's wish to get his son a job. If he is qualified whats wrong?. I can say most UN recruits are related to past and present politicians in all countries in the world.Its good to have more Sinhalese and there are women like Navar Pillai there too, hell bent on charging our country of war crimes? .What about Fonseka? Mahinda helped his daughters to go to US? What about Hi Corp?
Didnt Chandrika write to Mahinda canvessing her brother Anura for the PM'S Job? Have any of you not try to get your kids a job if you had the influence?
Posted by: Ray | March 9, 2010 09:58 PM
Bogollagama: You are one most corrupted ministers ever went to the parliament. You are not second to murderer Mervin Silva or serial-killer Anurudha Ratwatte. You are shame to the country. You waste public money as a foreign minister in large scale. Your drunken wife went all the tours with you and wasted a lot of public money. People like you are curse for mother Sri Lanka. Your inefficiency during the last phase of war opens the door to raise the voice of western countries against Sri Lanka. You are one of person in Rajapaksha regime try to erase Sri Lanker from world map. You are curse for the country and please reject this guy from the Parliament election 2010.
Posted by: Puran | March 9, 2010 10:50 PM
Post a comment
(The comment may need to be approved by transcurrents.com. Until then, it won't appear on the entry. Thanks for waiting; generally approved/posted if they are not abusive of the topic as well as the author and/or another commenter.)
Name:
Email Address: This will not be displayed publicly if you enter it. It is for the Editor to contact you privately, and only used under certain special circumstances.
Maryam Rajavi:
www.ncr-iran.org/fr/content/view/4795/1/
Il y a cinq jours, le mouvement de la résistance pour la liberté a écrit une page glorieuse dans l’histoire : l’adoption à l’unanimité et par consensus du décret retirant les Moudjahidine du peuple de la liste du terrorisme par les deux chambres du parlement britannique. Réveil des consciences, révolution étonnante du droit dans le monde qui tourne la page noire du passé. C’est ainsi que les remparts de la tyrannie religieuse se sont effondrés et qu’un véritable séisme a secoué le régime des mollahs.Les débats à la Chambre des Communes et la Chambre des Lords lors de l’adoption de ce décret, n’ont pas de précédent dans les événements concernant l’Iran. Le peuple iranien a vu de ses propres yeux comment au parlement d’une des cinq grandes puissances mondiales, on a défendu avec ardeur la Résistance au fascisme religieux.Un grand nombre de parlementaires, motivés par un sens des responsabilités admirable, imprégnés d’une noble humanité, de l’amour de la liberté et de la justice ont parlé de la nécessité de mettre fin à la politique catastrophique de complaisance et aux souffrances du peuple opprimé d’Iran.
Accuser injustement l’OMPI de terrorisme, nous a apporté une multitude de difficultés à nous et à notre peuple, ainsi qu’au peuple irakien et à ceux du Moyen-Orient. Depuis les grues pour pendre dans les rues en Iran jusqu’au terrorisme effréné, aux bains de sang au Liban, en Palestine et en Afghanistan.
Malgré tout, nous avons fait de cette injustice contre la résistance un sujet de lutte internationale en défense du droit du peuple iranien à la liberté et la démocratie.Dans une bataille de sept ans, nous avons montré aux peuples occidentaux, que ces gouvernements, contrairement à ce qu’ils prétendent, apportent la plus grande aide au développement du premier parrain du terrorisme d’Etat dans le monde. Durant des années, c’est justement de cette manière qu’ils ont barré la route au mouvement de la Résistance iranienne. Mais nous avons prouvé que cette résistance est légitime, juste et soutenue par le peuple iranien. Le tribunal britannique, d’après les parlementaires anglais, a souligné que les activités militaires de l’OMPI contre le régime iranien étaient le seul moyen de s’opposer à la dictature et à la répression en place. Le gouvernement prétendait qu’il avait en main des documents confidentiels contre la résistance. Mais nous, dans cette campagne, nous avons mis à mal les documents secrets des officines obscures et finalement, la justice britannique a déclaré que les documents secrets l’avaient davantage convaincue de l’innocence de l’OMPI. Nous avons déchiré le rideau épais du mensonge, de la tromperie et de la diabolisation. Aujourd’hui, nous sommes fiers que l’expérience de la résistance et ce qu’a enduré notre peuple aient permis à la communauté internationale de prendre conscience et d’y voir clair.Ceux qui pensent en occident que l’intégrisme islamiste ne menace que les peuples du Moyen-Orient et des pays musulmans, n’ont qu’à regarder le processus de cette inscription et la fabrication des dossiers pour voir comment les mollahs au pouvoir en Iran, armés du terrorisme, ont pris en otage le droit, la justice et la démocratie dans les plus grands pays européens. Et ceux qui s’inclinent devant une dictature sanguinaire intégriste, quelle compétence ont-ils pour défendre la justice et la loi ?C’est pourquoi nous disons que le retrait de l’OMPI de la liste, n’ouvre pas uniquement la voie à un changement démocratique en Iran. En plus de cela, il éloigne les gouvernements occidentaux de la trahison à la démocratie, à la justice et aux droits de l’homme. La suppression de cette étiquette peut mettre un point final à la stupidité chronique dont souffre la politique occidentale. Oui, après le décret du parlement britannique, on voit s’ouvrir de nouvelles perspectives.A présent il faut agir pour ramener l’Iran dans la communauté des nations. Le premier pas sera de faire passer l’Iran du stade de banque centrale du terrorisme à celui de banque centrale de la démocratie et de la paix dans cette région du monde et ce ne sera possible qu’avec un changement de régime. Désormais, un Iran non nucléaire est à portée de la main, mais en rejetant le fascisme religieux, c’est-à-dire le régime du guide suprême. A présent, un Iran désireux de paix, aspirant à la coexistence pacifique avec ses voisins qui remplacera l’ingérence et le terrorisme est possible mais en luttant pour nous débarrasser de la tyrannie religieuse. Oui, ce temps est venu.
Clore le dossier du 17 juin 2003 ;
Ces dernières semaines, le régime des mollahs a essayé à coups de chantage et de tromperie de pousser la France à soutenir le maintien de l’OMPI sur la liste noire. Le prétexte derrière cette tentative illégale, c’est l’affaire du 17 juin 2003. Tout le monde se souvient de cette affaire, de la vaste rafle dans les bureaux du Conseil national de la Résistance iranienne en 2003 qui était le fruit d’un accord direct entre le gouvernement Chirac-Villepin et le régime des mollahs. Le dossier qui a été ouvert à la suite, est un dossier vide et sans fondement qui à cause de l’absence de documents probants, a été constitué sur la base de la liste noire de l’Union européenne. Une liste qui d’un point de vue juridique, est aujourd’hui caduque et s’en servir comme justification est illégal.Nous disons que si, comme vous le prétendez, ce dossier n’est pas vide et infondé, eh bien, après cinq années d’esquive, il est temps de le régler. Et si comme votre attitude en témoigne, ce dossier est sans valeur, alors pourquoi en faire un prétexte pour maintenir l’étiquette du terrorisme ? C’est pourquoi je préviens que toute tentative pour soutenir le maintien de l’OMPI dans la liste est un énorme scandale qui éclaboussera la politique française qui va à l’encontre de son engagement international dans la lutte contre le terrorisme et l’intégrisme. D’autant plus que dans deux jours, la France prendra la présidence tournante de l’Union européenne.Je préviens qu’en vous pliant aux demandes du régime, vous commettrez la plus grande trahison des lois de la République française et des lois de l’Union européenne. De plus, vous rendrez les ayatollahs de Téhéran, ces ennemis de l’islam, encore plus arrogants. J’appelle ici le Conseil des ministres de l’UE à respecter le décret du Parlement britannique et à retirer l’OMPI de la liste noire. Le gouvernement qui est à l’origine de l’inscription de l’OMPI, s’est à présent écarté sur ordre de la justice et du parlement de son propre pays. Le Conseil des ministres n’a plus de prétexte pour maintenir l’OMPI sur sa liste. Mettez fin à cette inscription. La force de la justice obligera votre conscience à renoncer à cette inscription injuste. La force de la justice obligera votre conscience à vous résigner au droit du peuple iranien à la liberté et à renoncer à alimenter la machine de terreur des mollahs.
La liste noire américaine;j
Tout le monde sait que depuis le premier jour, qu’aux Etats-Unis, l’inscription de l’OMPI dans la liste noire du Département d’Etat visait à graisser la patte au mollah Khatami et aux charlatans intégristes. A cette époque, un haut responsable du gouvernement américain a déclaré : « cette inscription était un geste de bonne volonté à l’égard du nouveau président de la république iranienne Mohammad Khatami. » Ils pensaient qu’en donnant des gages et en montrant leur bonne volonté aux responsables du massacre des prisonniers politiques, ils pourraient modérer la dictature religieuse. Ils faisaient croire qu’une vipère pouvait accoucher d’une colombe. Mais c’est Ahmadinejad qui est venu au monde à sa place. Est-ce que la bonne volonté vis-à-vis des mollahs et du fascisme religieux ne signifie pas le plus haut degré de mauvaise volonté vis-à-vis du peuple iranien, des peuples du Moyen-Orient et des forces démocrates dans cette région du monde ? Au fait, pourquoi après toutes ces expériences, faut-il poursuivre la tradition de donner des gages aux mollahs ? Alors que les gardiens de la révolution et la force Qods du régime des mollahs sont sur la liste du terrorisme, pourquoi devez-vous continuer à exaucer les demandes des mollahs pour maintenir l’OMPI sur la liste noire ? Pourquoi les restrictions insupportables imposées aux « personnes protégées » de la Cité d’Achraf à la demande de ces mollahs et de leurs agents en Irak, doivent-elles durer ?
Ce mois-ci, 3 millions de chi’ites irakiens ont demandé l’expulsion d’Irak du régime iranien et de ses agents ainsi que la levée des restrictions de l’OMPI.La majorité du congrès américain par le passé, a soutenu à cinq reprises l’OMPI et le CNRI et a déclaré que cette solution était la seule manière de faire face à l’intégrisme.Une enquête de seize mois par neuf organes officiels américains sur chacun des Moudjahidine a montré qu’il n’existe aucun fondement pour accuser de terrorisme ne serait-ce qu’un seul membre de ce mouvement. Et si vous dites vous tenir aux côtés du peuple iranien pour la liberté, mettez fin à cette étiquette de terrorisme. Voilà, c’est la Résistance du peuple iranien avec ses 120.000 martyrs tombés pour la liberté. Par conséquent, ne privez pas le monde du levier le plus efficace pour affronter le fascisme religieux et le terrorisme.Thomas Jefferson, le troisième président des Etats-Unis et auteur de la déclaration d’indépendance américaine a parfaitement décrit la situation du peuple iranien et de sa résistance, quand il disait : «Quand on interprète mal les motifs de la patience, quand l’injustice persévère parce qu’on pense qu’elle sera supportée, alors la résistance devient moralité. » Et aussi, une citation tirée de la déclaration d’indépendance américaine : « chaque fois qu'une forme de pouvoir va à l'encontre de ces objectifs humains, les peuples ont le droit de changer ou d'abolir leur gouvernement et d'instituer un nouveau régime. » Or aujourd’hui, nombreux sont les chercheurs, les parlementaires et les personnalités aux Etats-Unis qui reconnaissent que la politique de rapprochement avec le régime des mollahs a porté énormément de tort à la sécurité nationale des Etats-Unis.Certes, nous l’avons toujours dit : allez-y, négociez autant que vous le voudrez avec ce régime
Mais aujourd’hui, beaucoup aux Etats-Unis et en Europe ont compris que se fixer sur le dialogue avec ce régime est une perte de temps, comme si on faisait cuire des pierres. Je dois vous rappeler que la résistance iranienne n’a jamais demandé aux Etats-Unis ni à aucun autre pays d’envoyer sa jeunesse à la guerre contre les mollahs. Nous leur disons juste de retirer l’obstacle de la marque du terrorisme et d’enlever les chaines de la liste terroriste des mains et des pieds de la Résistance du peuple iranien pour la liberté. Nous vous disons : après avoir parcouru un long chemin rempli d’erreurs à la recherche de modération, de réforme et de transformation de la dictature religieuse, il est temps de vous mettre dans le sens de l’histoire. Placez-vous du côté qui apporte la liberté au peuple iranien. Regardez l’expérience du gouvernement britannique : si la résistance et le sacrifice pour la liberté contre le fascisme religieux est un juste droit et si c’est le chemin par où passe l’histoire, il faut en tirer deux grandes leçons :La première leçon : l’étiquette terroriste collée à la juste résistance luttant contre la dictature et le fascisme religieux pour qui le suffrage universel n’a aucune valeur et qui est hostile aux élections libres, n’est source d’aucune fierté et ne fait que couvrir d’opprobre.La seconde leçon : qu’on le veuille ou non, les forces de la justice et de la conscience avec leur porte-parole, remporteront la victoire. Oui la liberté est à portée de la main et nous atteindrons notre destination glorieuse, la liberté.
Le soutien de 3 millions d’Irakiens
Au milieu des crimes et des événements terribles qui touchent de plein fouet chaque jour un Irak meurtri, il y a deux semaines, nous avons assisté à l’épanouissement d’un mouvement spectaculaire politique, social et culturel contre le régime des mollahs dans ce pays, qui s’est manifesté dans la déclaration de trois millions de chi’ites courageux. Trois millions de chi’ites irakiens qui souffrent demandent la fin de l’ingérence et des crimes du régime des mollahs ainsi que son expulsion d’Irak. Ils demandent aussi la fin de l’injustice et la levée des restrictions imposées aux Moudjahidine du peuple d’Iran qui sont eux aussi des chi’ites. Ils demandent que cessent certains actes, comme l’assassinat des ouvriers de la Cité d’Achraf par des bombes posées dans leurs autobus. Ils demandent la fin du dynamitage de la station de pompage d’eau d’Achraf qui approvisionne aussi en eau 20.000 villageois des environs dans une chaleur infernale de 60 à 70 degrés. Ils demandent que cessent les enlèvements des Moudjahidine, comme deux de leurs membres qui avaient été enlevés à Bagdad. Ils demandent que cessent les attaques aux missiles contre Achraf, comme celle du 26 mai. Les mollahs au pouvoir prétendaient à coups de mensonges que les Moudjahidine avaient massacré les chi’ites irakiens.
Voilà que 3 millions de chi’ites soulignent dans leur déclaration : « L’OMPI se tient aux côtés du peuple irakien comme un contrepoids face au régime iranien et un barrage solide contre l’ingérence de ce régime. »
Le régime des mollahs a tremblé à Téhéran. Son socle d’infiltration, d’ingérence et de crime en Irak chancelle à l’extrême. On ne pouvait pas mieux repousser les mollahs qui font commerce des imams fondateurs du chi’isme. Avec sa politique de divisions et d’hostilités, le régime a reçu un coup stratégique majeur de la part des chi’ites. Manifestement, le Guide suprême des mollahs a vu tout son capital fondre en Irak. D’autant plus que les inspirateurs de cette déclaration historique ont préféré la rendre publique à la Cité d’Achraf.
Les agents salariés de la Force Qods en Irak qui répètent les paroles des mollahs de Téhéran ont criminalisé des millions d’Irakiens pour leur soutien à l’OMPI. Les mollahs étaient si furieux qu’ils n’ont pas caché leur intention d’exporter leurs châtiments inhumains en Irak. Ecoutez ce qu’ils ont annoncé : « Toute personne ou tout parti, organisation ou institution, irakien ou non, qui coopère en Irak avec l’organisation terroriste des Moudjahidine du peuple, tombe sous le coup de la lutte contre le terrorisme et sera livré à la justice. »
Ainsi, trois millions de chi’ites irakiens qui ont signé cette déclaration seraient tous des criminels. 135 partis, groupes et associations qui ont proposé cette déclaration seraient criminels. Toute institution qui fournit aux Moudjahidine d’Achraf des médicaments, de la nourriture ou des vêtements, serait coupable d’un délit. De plus, les nobles représentants et les porte-parole libres du peuple irakien qui sont présents parmi nous seraient coupables. De même pour les hommes courageux et héroïques qui au parlement irakien ont dit être fiers, quel qu’en soit le prix, de se tenir aux côtés des opprimés et même Paulo Casaca qui au moment où la déclaration a été rendue publique, était sur place, sont eux aussi coupables et devraient être livrés à la justice. Il faut aussi ajouter Lord Slynn et de nombreux avocats et personnalités européennes et américaines, ainsi que les parlementaires qui se sont rendus à Achraf. Ils sont coupables. Oui, même Struan Stevenson, vice président du groupe PPE DE au Parlement européen, ou M. Vidal Quadras, le vice-président du Parlement européen, qui a envoyé de nombreux messages vidéo à Achraf, ils sont également coupables. Lord Corbett qui commence ses messages en saluant Achraf est donc lui aussi coupable. Tout comme nos voisins d’Auvers-sur-Oise qui se sont rendus à Achraf. Et nos compatriotes que j’ai vu scander : « nous sommes tous d’Achraf ». Alors nous sommes tous d’une certaine façon coupables. Car nous sommes tous des d’Achraf et nous en sommes fiers !
Oui c’est cela le fascisme religieux. Il condamne tout le monde, sauf lui-même. Il doit être livré à sa propre justice pour qu’elle lui troue la tête avec une perceuse et que son corps mutilé de manière à le rendre méconnaissable, soit jeté dans une fosse commune.
Et ceci se passe alors que le Comité international des juristes pour la défense d’Achraf (CIJDA) a adressé des lettres officielles aux autorités américaines et irakiennes pour annoncer à plusieurs reprises que l’OMPI et les résidents de la Cité d’Achraf accueillent favorablement leur comparution devant tout tribunal international en Europe ou en Amérique du nord afin que les accusations portées par le régime et ses agents à leur encontre en Irak, fassent l’objet d’une enquête. Le CIJDA a demandé avec insistance qu’une commission d’enquête internationale, un organisme crédible lié à l’ONU, soit l’organe compétent pour examiner de manière impartiale toute accusation contre l’OMPI. Le CIJDA acceptera son jugement pour barrer la route à la désinformation et aux campagnes de diabolisation du régime des mollahs.
Je reviens aux trois millions de chi’ites irakiens et à leur déclaration. Les réactions hystériques du régime iranien et de ses agents en Irak montrent avant toute chose, l’importance de cet événement.
Oui, c’est un tournant dans la lutte du peuple irakien pour bouter hors de son pays le fascisme religieux.
C’est un tournant dans l’émergence du soutien des Irakiens à l’OMPI comme un rempart solide face au fascisme religieux sous couvert de l’islam. Et c’est un tournant pour laver la tache noire du khomeynisme du front des chi’ites et de l’islam authentique. La dictature religieuse, qui est dans une impasse en Iran, voulait en dominant l’Irak trouver une voie pour sa survie. Mais aujourd’hui on voit que le mur de la politique d’ingérence et de terrorisme en Irak s’effondre tout entier sur le régime. On voit que le front des mollahs qui se brise en Irak avec son lot de défections, entraîne dans sa chute le siège de la dictature religieuse à Téhéran.
La Cité d’Achraf ;
Pendant que la justice britannique annulait l’étiquette de terroriste de l’OMPI, la Cité d’Achraf a été la cible d’une attaque au missile des mollahs. A présent que les chi’ites irakiens se sont levés contre ce régime, Achraf est à nouveau la cible de sa vengeance.
La voix de la Cité d’Achraf retentit dans le cœur des Iraniens comme le cri de la liberté et résonne aux oreilles des mollahs comme le tocsin de leur renversement inéluctable. Car Achraf est un sommet de la résistance dont les versants et la base s’étendent dans tout l’Iran. C’est Achraf qui bat au cœur des protestations incessantes de la jeunesse iranienne et des émeutes ouvrières et des grèves étudiantes.
Rendons hommage aux héros de la Cité d’Achraf et comme le dit Massoud Radjavi « heureux les résidents de la ville la plus limpide au monde, symbole d’une belle patience et d’une victoire inéluctable. »
Le dossier nucléaire
Aujourd’hui, le peuple iranien et les peuples de tous les pays victimes du terrorisme et de l’intégrisme souffrent de la politique des pays occidentaux qui encourage le fascisme religieux. Leur politique, pour reprendre les termes de la justice britannique, est perverse et revient à une trahison parce qu’elle porte tort à la paix et à la sécurité dans le monde.Regardons le dossier nucléaire. La Résistance iranienne a révélé en 2002 les sites atomiques du régime. Ces six dernières années, la Résistance a procédé à au moins 80 révélations de divers éléments relatifs à la fabrication de la bombe atomique par le régime. Elle a été le principal facteur de la prise de conscience du monde sur le danger nucléaire du fascisme religieux. Mais les gouvernements occidentaux ont seulement fait perdre du temps au monde, et fait gagner du temps aux mollahs.Oui, quatre années de négociations et deux années de politique de mesures incitatives, soit en tout, six années de reculs successifs ; Quand les mollahs ont brisé le silence sur leurs installations nucléaires et entamé l’enrichissement de l’uranium, les gouvernements occidentaux ont reculé en adoptant la politique des paquets de mesures incitatives.
- Quand le régime a refusé la suspension permanente de l’enrichissement, le groupe des 5+1 a reculé en proposant de limiter la suspension à la période des négociations.
- Quand les mollahs ont refusé, les gouvernements occidentaux ont accepté que les mollahs ne suspendent qu’en apparence.
- Ensuite, les 5+1ont encore reculé sur l’enrichissement en demandant qu’ils n’ajoutent pas de centrifugeuses. C’est ce que M. Solana a demandé il y a deux semaines à Téhéran.
- A un moment, ils ont souligné qu’ils n’étaient pas prêts à donner de garantie sur la sécurité au régime iranien, mais après ils ont même reculé là-dessus.
L’ironie c’est que, si comme le disait Ahmadinejad son engin nucléaire n’a ni boite de vitesses ni frein, l’engin de ces messieurs, lui, n’est équipé que d’une marche arrière.
Même pour les résolutions que le Conseil de sécurité adopte, le régime dispose d’un délai de deux à trois mois.
- Tout au long de ces années, les pays occidentaux ont accepté toutes les demandes des mollahs pour réprimer l’OMPI. Selon les diplomates impliqués dans ce dossier, c’était une priorité constante du régime.
- Et finalement, après avoir parcouru un long chemin de négociations et d’encouragement, ils ont tellement permis aux mollahs d’abuser de la tromperie et d’agir dans la clandestinité, que tout à coup aux Etats-Unis, ils ont découvert que les mollahs avaient arrêté leurs activités sur la bombe atomique il y a cinq ans. En fait, s’agissait-il d’un rapport d’enquête ou d’un tour de passe-passe et d’une arnaque ?
Ces mesures incitatives et ces concessions ont rendu les mollahs tellement arrogants, qu’il y a trois jours, le général des pasdaran Laridjani, le président du parlement des mollahs, a clairement menacé que son régime allait se doter de la bombe atomique. Il a dit que si l’occident ne s’entendait pas avec le régime des mollahs, il pourrait se retrouver devant le fait accompli. El Baradei, au début du mois, avait rapporté le message des dirigeants de l’Iran comme quoi s’ils ne recevaient pas suffisamment de mesures incitatives, ils pourraient dans un proche avenir fabriquer une bombe atomique.
A propos, est-ce que plus vous graissez la patte des mollahs, plus leur appétit pour la bombe atomique grandit ?
Non, ne croyez pas que les offres de mesures incitatives soient quelque chose de nouveau !
La stratégie des mesures incitatives a été également choisie pour l’Irak. D’abord avec le britannique Jack Straw comme intermédiaire, les bases de l’opposition iranienne en Irak ont été bombardées. Puis, les frontières ont été laissées sans surveillance et sans défense devant ce régime. Ensuite, les mollahs ont massacré hommes, femmes et enfants avec leurs bombes et détruit le pays. Ils n’ont même pas épargné les mosquées ni les mausolées sacrés. Mais les autorités n’ont pas voulu reconnaître cette simple vérité que tous ces attentats et tous ces massacres se sont faits sur ordre des dirigeants de l’Iran et de son guide suprême. Quant au Liban, à la Palestine et à l’Afghanistan, il y a partout cette politique d’encouragement et de complaisance qui ouvre la voie à l’infiltration et l’ingérence des mollahs. Les mollahs font la promotion de cette cruauté pour dissimuler la faiblesse de leur régime face au peuple iranien. Avec arrogance, ils disent avoir islamisé le Moyen-Orient. Mais qui ne sait que le cavalier seul de Khamenei et d’Ahmadinejad, sur le train de la complaisance a été rendu possible par la faiblesse et l’infamie. Oui, le monstre de l’intégrisme, grâce aux apologistes de la complaisance, s’est étendu d’un point à l’autre de la Terre.
Comme il est étonnant que certains n’aient pas encore compris que le fascisme religieux fuit tout changement, parce que cela l’entraînerait immédiatement vers son renversement. Aujourd’hui ces derniers donnent moins de prix à leur opinion mais imposent au monde une guerre et une catastrophe.
A ceux qui ont accepté le marchandage et la complaisance avec ce régime, ou qui ont peur et s’inquiètent de le voir changer, nous disons ceci : Vous avez fait quatre erreurs de calcul fondamentales.
La première c’est que vous avez cru aux illusions propagées par les mollahs. Ils mettent en avant leur terrorisme et leur sauvagerie comme un signe de la puissance de leur régime décrépit et vous avez peur de lui.
Votre deuxième grossière erreur, c’est que vous ne savez pas à quel point le peuple iranien hait ce régime, ou bien vous feignez de ne pas le savoir. Les lobbies du régime propagent l’idée que face à la fermeté de la communauté internationale, comme un boycott, la population soutiendrait les mollahs et vous, vous répétez cette contre-vérité. Ne savez-vous donc pas que le peuple iranien vit un enfer aux mains de ces pilleurs, de ces bourreaux qui manient le fouet et les grues de pendaison ?
Votre troisième grande erreur, c’est de ne pas voir la situation explosive de la société en Iran. Le régime et ses partisans veulent occulter le désir ardent des Iraniens pour un changement démocratique. Ils veulent utiliser le mouvement international pour la paix au service de la complaisance et de la paix avec le fascisme religieux.
Votre quatrième erreur, c’est de n’avoir pas pris en compte la véritable solution de la crise iranienne.
Avec leur campagne de diabolisation contre la résistance, les mollahs essaient de faire croire l’inverse sur sa crédibilité, sa légitimité et ses racines profondes dans la société, comme s’il n’existait pas de force capable de les renverser.Certes, la crise iranienne est un problème de taille. Mais il y a une main qui délie les nœuds et c’est la Résistance iranienne. C’est une résistance qui allume le moteur des mouvements sociaux et des grandes révoltes en Iran. C’est une résistance qui, en s’appuyant sur ces Moudjahidine du peuple, est considérée comme l’antithèse du fascisme sous le couvert de l’islam et du chi’isme, qui ces trente dernières années a anéanti les bases soi-disant islamiques de ce régime aux yeux du peuple iranien et qui a dénoncé sa démagogie. C’est une résistance qui porte l’étendard de la troisième voie et ce sont le combat et le dévouement de ses membres et sympathisants qui feront triompher la Troisième Voie.Une résistance dirigée par Massoud Radjavi qui a cristallisé l’idéal de la liberté du peuple iranien dans un mouvement puissant aux racines profondes et qui l’a renforcé au fil des tempêtes et des épreuves. De sorte qu’il a pu faire jaillir du cœur du fléau et des malheurs successifs de grands acquis, et qu’il a pu dans les circonstances les plus complexes des trente dernières années, faire avancer une ligne fondée sur des principes. Avec une patience remplie de souffrances, au prix du plus grand tribut, il a fait apparaître l’horizon de la victoire. Oui, il est vrai que dans le ciel du désespoir, il a fait briller l’étoile de l’espérance.
Permettez-moi ici de m’adresser à nos amis étrangers et particulièrement à nos chers amis français qui se trouvent à nos côtés dans le vaste front de la lutte contre l’intégrisme.
La situation en Iran ;
Cela fait trois ans que le fascisme religieux, avec l’arrivée d’Ahmadinejad a accentué de manière sans précédent la répression, les pendaisons et les amputations. La vie et l’état d’esprit de nos compatriotes sont rythmés nuit et jour par les rafles, les exécutions et les coups de fouet.
Cependant, il y a quatre jours, le mollah Chahroudi, chef du judiciaire du régime, qui se présentait lui-même auparavant comme un Irakien et président du Conseil suprême de la révolution islamique en Irak, a cruellement appelé à davantage de peines de fouet, en déclarant avec cynisme à la télévision d’Etat : « nous pouvons utiliser le fouet en de nombreuses occasions, malheureusement nos juges se laissent influencer par une certaine propagande formaliste et superficielle dans le monde contre ce châtiment. Il y en a beaucoup qui n’apprécient pas la méthode du fouet, mais je pense qu’un des meilleurs châtiments, un des châtiments les plus juridiques, les plus juste c’est le fouet… Il est dissuasif… une des options sur laquelle nous insistons dans le code pénal islamique, c’est le fouet et même de transformer les peines de prisons en équivalent de coups de fouet. »
Malgré tout, jamais la société iranienne n’a autant protesté. Ces trois dernières années, en moyenne, chaque année, il y a eu 4700 mouvements de protestation. Je rends hommage à tous ces soulèvements glorieux et à tous leurs martyrs, leurs prisonniers dans tout l’Iran.
Ces trois dernières années, le nombre de manifestants tués dans les rues et le nombre d’opposants politiques qui ont été pendus se montent à au mois 200. Les mollahs voient dans chaque adolescent et chaque jeune révolté un combattant dans la bataille pour renverser leur régime. L’an dernier, environ 300 personnes ont été victimes d’assassinats arbitraires commis par les agents de sécurité dans la rue.
Le nombre de ceux qui ont été emprisonnés pour cause de « troubles à l’ordre public », se monte, selon les autorités du régime, « entre 10 et 15.000 personnes ». Et le nombre de prisons clandestines se monte à plus d’une centaine. Oui, des milliers de prison, des milliers de salles de torture et des milliers de centres d’exécution sont le prix pour préserver leur pouvoir. La semaine dernière le mollah Dori Najaf Abadi, procureur général du régime a annoncé : « le pays est exposé au danger des tempêtes internationales. » Il a évoqué les « longues frontières de l’est et de l’ouest du pays » et a déclaré que « les responsables du pays doivent adopter des mesures afin de prévenir les incidents et les sources de préoccupations sociales » car « les ennemis de la république islamique ne veulent pas que l’Iran islamique connaisse la sécurité ». Mais nous disons aux tyrans au pouvoir : Attendez ! Le décret de l’histoire et la volonté des combattants du peuple iranien traverseront chaque prison, chaque mur et chaque rempart pour fondre sur vous.
Une crise économique aigüe:
Les mollahs sont en situation de renversement et sont dépourvus de toute légitimité politique et religieuse. Et ils sont encerclés par la colère populaire. Aujourd’hui, ils ne s’appuient que sur une infime minorité. Dans la farce électorale, selon les propres chiffres du régime, le plus grand nombre de voix remportées dans les grandes villes par ceux qui sont entrés au parlement, ne s’élevait qu’à 6 ou 14 %.
Mais la véritable base du régime, ce sont les gardiens de la révolution, les miliciens du Bassidj et les services de renseignements. Ce nombre constitue à peine 3 % de la population iranienne.
Voilà la réalité de la dictature religieuse. Une minorité de 3% !
Alors nous disons aux mollahs : Mais ne prétendez-vous pas que votre régime est soutenu par le peuple ? Alors, pourquoi refusez-vous les élections libres ? Et maintenant une journée, juste une journée, posez les fouets à terre et enlevez les grues à pendaison, pour que l’on voie clairement face au soulèvement de la population excédée combien de temps vous pourrez durer. Face à la vague de la colère populaire, vos gardiens de la révolution fuiront à toute vitesse. En moins d’heure qu’il n’en a fallu aux soldats du dernier chah d’Iran pour enlever leurs uniformes et s’enfuir en courant.
Cette situation, c’est-à-dire la phase terminale du régime, se manifeste aussi dans la crise économique actuelle. Cette année, sur les 100 milliards de dollars de budget public, environ 13 milliards ont été consacrés aux affaires militaires et 4 milliards à la sécurité et au terrorisme. Dans le budget de l’année en cours, 33 milliards de dollars, sous le nom de budget divers, ont été alloués au cabinet d’Ahmadinejad. Ce qui signifie qu’annuellement, un tiers du budget public part dans des affaires secrètes. Aux dires d’un ancien député du régime, sur les revenus de ces trois dernières années, la somme de 63 milliards de dollars a été perdue et nul ne sait où elle est passée. De 2006 jusqu’à présent, 32 milliards de tomans des revenus pétroliers ne sont pas rentrés au trésor public.
Le résultat de cette situation, c’est la faillite des secteurs industriel, agricole et des services. Le ministre du pétrole d’Ahmadinejad a déclaré : La situation du pétrole iranien aujourd’hui ressemble à celle de l’armée du chah en 1978 à la veille de la révolution. Le pain depuis l’année dernière est devenu deux fois plus cher.
Le prix du riz a triplé. 120 villes et 6000 villages ont des problèmes d’eau potables. Les ouvriers se font licencier par fournées entières, les femmes opprimées se suicident et s’immolent par le feu les unes après les autres, chaque soir 6 millions de personnes s’endorment le ventre tenaillé par la faim et 60 millions d’Iraniens vivent sous le seuil de la pauvreté. Une grave crise économique qui menace aussi gravement l’existence du régime. 10 millions de chômeurs, 8 millions d’habitants des banlieues des grandes villes et des millions de jeunes révoltés, forment la force pour renverser ce régime.
Le programme du CNRI pour l’Iran de demain:
Les mollahs crient qu’ils maintiendront pour l’éternité le fascisme religieux absolu au pouvoir. Les tenants de la complaisance nous disent que la liberté est un rêve qu’il faut oublier. Les apologistes du régime disent que le peuple ne veut pas s’engager à nouveau dans un changement de régime. Ils ironisent en nous disant que le sacrifice et la quête de la liberté sont des antiquités qui appartiennent l’histoire et disent que ces fleurs dispersées par le vent se sont sacrifiées pour rien. Mais nous disons qu’il existe une ferveur et une force au cœur de la société et de l’histoire de l’Iran et qu’il existe une soif ardente de liberté parmi les opprimés que la conception basée sur l’humiliation et la reddition ne comprend absolument pas. C’est ce flot d’énergie retenu et d’espoirs enchaînés, et cet amour infini de la liberté qui arrachera sur son passage toutes les chaînes comme un torrent.
Nous sommes convaincus de l’émergence d’une force que rien au monde ne pourra retenir.
Oui, C’est un soleil qui se lève, le ciel s’illumine lentement, et le soleil de la liberté pointe à l’horizon
Le jour viendra où chaque Iranien bénéficiera du droit à la vie, du droit à la liberté et du droit à la sécurité et où tous seront égaux face à la justice.
Le jour viendra où l’aube joyeuse de la liberté illuminera la vie du peuple iranien. La liberté d’expression, la liberté de pensée, la liberté de culte, la liberté de la presse, la liberté de vêtements.
Le jour viendra où la vie dans l’enfer du fascisme religieux deviendra la vie dans une société démocratique. Pour que chaque personne ait le droit de participer aux décisions concernant les affaires politiques les plus importantes de sa propre société et le droit de changer de régime.
Le jour viendra où à la place de ce désert brûlant, on verra éclore cent fleurs dans chaque coin d’Iran ; avec la liberté de chaque opinion, chaque parti, chaque assemblée et chaque formation et syndicat.
Le jour viendra où les gouffres sombres de l’obscurantisme se transformeront en vastes plaines verdoyantes de modération et de tolérance, où aucune religion n’aura de droit ni de privilège spéciaux et où personne pour sa croyance ou sa non croyance en une religion ne sera privé de ses droits et où la religion sera séparée de l’Etat.
Le jour viendra où les ténèbres de la répression et de la discrimination contre les femmes iraniennes disparaitront et où l’égalité des femmes et des hommes conduira la société iranienne vers un autre monde, et ce jour est très proche.
Ainsi donc, « Au nom du bonheur de la nation iranienne et dans le but de contribuer à la paix mondiale » et pour réaliser l’idéal du 20 juin 1981 et de la bataille de Lumière éternelle en 1988, j’appelle à développer la lutte pour le renversement du fascisme religieux.
jeudi, 03 juillet 2008
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has welcomed 113 new police officers to the ranks.
The new recruits were sworn in at an attestation ceremony at Bolton Town Hall last night, Tuesday 24 October 2017.
Chief Constable Ian Hopkins, Police and Magistrate Peter Rogerson were in attendance at the legally binding event.
Family and friends of the new officers watched on proudly as each of them made an oath to uphold the office of constable with fairness, integrity, diligence and impartiality.
To find out more about Greater Manchester Police please visit our website. www.gmp.police.uk
You should call 101, the national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.
Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.
You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.
Property description
Villa Yiali has one air-conditioned bedroom (with extra fold-down bed or cot), and is fully self-contained with kitchen, one bathroom, sitting area, large balcony and private outside space. Enjoying stunning views over the adjacent islands of Skiathos and Evia, the gardens and pool area are a haven of relaxation. In addition, the location at the edge of the village of Glossa means that shops, bakery, cafes and tavernas are within a few minutes walk. Otherwise the beautiful area to the north of Skopelos island is also within easy reach with many walks and trails accessible. The west facing aspect delivers the most breathtaking sunsets from the garden, whilst the sun traverses from the south giving all-day sunshine – the terrace and trees giving shade and cool when required.Glossa is situated on the northwest coast of Skopelos, 10 minutes from the port of Loutraki where the ferry docks from the neighboring island of Skiathos and the nearest airport. The ferry journey is about 25 minutes.
Accommodation description:
Bedrooms:
Bedroom. King sized bed and open traditional beamed ceiling and wooden floors. Air conditioned with dressing area and double access to large balcony. Ample storage, hairdryer, full length mirror, sofa-bed or cot if required. Quality bed linen from M&S
Bathrooms:
Located on the ground floor, with shower cabinet, washbasin and wc. Quality towels and locally made olive oil soap, complimentary gels from L'Occitane and Body Shop provided.
Kitchen:
Whirlpool appliances. Oven and ceramic hob, microwave, fridge freezer. Ample kitchen storage with quality pans, crockery and cutlery. Fully equipped. Laundry machine (detergent provided). Complimentary welcome pack. Tea, coffee, bread, cheese, wine etc.
Living Rooms:
Wooden floor, fold down dining table, open fire place. TV, DVD, iPod dock, WiFi, satellite TV, comfortable furniture. Most living is outdoors and there is a patio table and 6 chairs under a shady verandah, as well as a morning coffee set on the balcony.
Cleaning/Towels/Linen/Maid service:
All towels/beach towels/pool towels and linen provided. The house is cleaned and
changed twice each week. Outside BBQ, pool shower, sunbeds. Don't use valuable luggage space with towels as they are all provided.
Amenities/Facilities:
Barbecue, Private Pool, Garden.
Fridge/Freezer, Hob/Stove, Iron, Microwave, Oven, Washing Machine.
Air Conditioning, Cot, High Chair, Internet Access, Room Fans, Satellite, TV.
Location Type:
Beach, Village.
Important notes on accommodation
This former ‘kalivi’ was painstakingly restored in the traditional village style and is finished to a high standard of craftsmanship. The private garden, pool area and planted terraces provide a ‘home from home’ feel.
We make sure that we provide most kitchen essentials that many rental house lack such as condiments, some spices , sugar, coffee and tea together with our own olive oil for the kitchen. Soap powder, washing up liquid, in fact most kitchen comforts that we feel you shouldn't have to worry about on your holidays.
We also provide all towels including beach towels and pool towels. There are even beach mats and an umbrella available for that inevitable visit to one of Skopelos’s enviable beaches.
If you visit in June / July / August, as a highlight to your stay your holiday price will include dinner for two on one night at the acclaimed Agnanti restaurant (5 minutes walk away). Please ask us for details.
About the area
Accessibility
Glossa is unfortunately not wheelchair friendly due to the steps. However, it is possible to walk (within 10 minutes) from the main road to Villa Yiali with only 1 or 2 inclines and no steps. Parking can be arranged close by. Pets accepted by prior arrangement.
Outside
There is a private garden area approx 400 sq. mtrs. with a swimming pool of 7m by 4m, gently sloping to a depth of 1.6m. Along two sides of the pool are underwater seating areas allowing relaxation and refreshment at the same time. The private gardens are not overlooked and offer stunning views over the Aegean to Skiathos, Pilion, towards Mount Olympus in the north and even towards Athens.
Coast/Beach
The closest beach is at Loutraki, with a few tavernas / cafe’s. This is 10 minutes drive or a pleasant 25 minute downhill walk. Within 20 minutes drive are the beaches on Armenopetra, Elios, Milia, Kastani and Panormos. Glossa enjoys a unique position between both sides of the island, and the famous Mamma Mia church at Aghios Ioanni is only 15 minutes drive, as is the beach at Perivoliou. Buses run about every 2 hours in the high season. Skopelos town and the south of the island are 35 mins away
Special Interest Holidays
We have friends on the island who are running sea kayaking tours for all levels of experience and there are mountain bikes to hire to explore the beautiful deserted tracks that lead through the mountains. With a license and an off-road motorbike you can take a guided trail ride up the mountains, jeep, 4x4 or quad bike, or you can rent a motor boat or yacht or go on a sea fishing trip. Walking, birdwatching, painting and local crafts are all available. Also at the villa we have a telescope for stargazing, which on a balmy summer evening opens up the whole universe.
How to get there
Nearest airport is Skiathos which is 25 minutes by boat from the local port of Loutraki (Glossa). Volos airport is on the mainland then its 2hrs 20 by boat to Glossa. Athens and Thessaloniki both connect through. Out of season there is an air connection from Athens to Skiathos which takes only 25 minutes with Olympic Air. We can advise you on flights and also book you a car at discount rates from a small family company on the island (the car will be waiting for you next to the boat as it docks)
Distances
Glossa town is a traditional hill village with shops, cafe’s, bakeries and tavernas. Villa Yiali is on the edge of the village and all amenities are within 10 minutes walk.
Skopelos Town, the main center of the island is about 35 minutes drive away, from where day trips to Alonissos and the World Marine Park are available. Loutraki (10 mins) has much of archaeological interest, including remains of Roman baths and a hill fort. Ancient ruins remain on Mount Delphi and surrounding areas.
Further Details
Glossa has a selection of tavernas,cafe’s and restaurants including one regarded as the best in the Aegean, a number of local supermarkets, bakeries and butchers. Fish is sold from vans or straight from the port of Glossa (known as Loutraki).
Loutraki also has a number of tavernas on the waterfront, and cafes. We will be happy to help you with recommendations and advise on travel arrangements. We will collect you from the port and lead you to the house, introducing you to the wonderful wood fired bakery and friendly little supermarket on the way and demonstrate all the features of the house before leaving you to relax in this beautiful environment. As the English owners, we live next door! Unlike some villa owners, we do not charge commissions or receive payments from restaurants, car hire companies and the like. Our advice is impartial and geared to the needs of the holidaymaker. During June, July and August we offer an included meal for two at the renowned Agnanti restaurant for one night of your stay. Otherwise we have arrangements to have quality restaurant food delivered to your holiday villa so that you can enjoy the local cuisine without the trouble of leaving your comfortable surroundings.
Booking notes
Please contact us for booking details. A deposit of 20% is required to confirm booking. Deposits received will confirm booking and remainder to be payed 6 weeks in advance of arrival. If you wish to pay in € that isn't a problem we use the National Bank of Greece rates on the day of
booking confirmation and set that as your personal rate so there are no surprises with rate fluctuations. Cancellation will forfeit 10% of the booking cost if it is more than 6 weeks, otherwise the full is payable.
The Peggy Guggenheim Collection;
[Bibliography]
Peggy Guggenheim's career belongs in the history of 20th century art. Peggy used to say that it was her duty to protect the art of her own time, and she dedicated half of her life to this mission, as well as to the creation of the museum that still carries her name.
Peggy Guggenheim was born in New York on 26 August 1898, the daughter of Benjamin Guggenheim and Florette Seligman. Benjamin Guggenheim was one of seven brothers who, with their father, Meyer (of Swiss origin), created a family fortune in the late 19th century from the mining and smelting of metals, especially silver, copper and lead. The Seligmans were a leading banking family. Peggy grew up in New York. In April 1912 her father died heroically on the SS Titanic. (1)
In her early 20s, Peggy volunteered for work at a bookshop, the Sunwise Turn, in New York and thanks to this began making friends in intellectual and artistic circles, including the man who was to become her first husband in Paris in 1922, Laurence Vail. Vail was a writer and Dada collagist of great talent. He chronicled his tempestuous life with Peggy in a novel, Murder! Murder! of which Peggy wrote: "It was a sort of satire of our life together and, although it was extremely funny, I took offense at several things he said about me."
In 1921 Peggy Guggenheim traveled to Europe. Thanks to Laurence Vail (the father of her two children Sindbad and Pegeen, the painter), Peggy soon found herself at the heart of Parisian bohème and American ex-patriate society. Many of her acquaintances of the time, such as Constantin Brancusi, Djuna Barnes and Marcel Duchamp, were to become lifelong friends. Though she remained on good terms with Vail for the rest of his life, she left him in 1928 for an English intellectual, John Holms, who was the greatest love of her life. There is a lengthy description of John Holms, a war hero with writer's block, in chapter five of Edwin Muir's An Autobiography. Muir wrote: "Holms was the most remarkable man I ever met." Unfortunately, Holms died tragically young in 1934.
In 1937, encouraged by her friend Peggy Waldman, Peggy decided to open an art gallery in London. When she opened her Guggenheim Jeune gallery in January 1938, she was beginning, at 39 years old, a career which would significantly affect the course of post-war art. Her friend Samuel Beckett urged her to dedicate herself to contemporary art as it was âa living thing,â and Marcel Duchamp introduced her to the artists and taught her, as she put it, âthe difference between abstract and Surrealist art.â The first show presented works by Jean Cocteau, while the second was the first one-man show of Vasily Kandinsky in England.
In 1939, tired of her gallery, Peggy conceived âthe idea of opening a modern museum in London,â with her friend Herbert Read as its director (2). From the start the museum was to be formed on historical principles, and a list of all the artists that should be represented, drawn up by Read and later revised by Marcel Duchamp and Nellie van Doesburg, was to become the basis of her collection.
In 1939-40, apparently oblivious of the war, Peggy busily acquired works for the future museum, keeping to her resolve to âbuy a picture a day.â Some of the masterpieces of her collection, such as works by Francis Picabia, Georges Braque, Salvador DalÃ- and Piet Mondrian, were bought at that time. She astonished Fernand Léger by buying his Men in the City on the day that Hitler invaded Norway. She acquired Brancusiâs Bird in Space as the Germans approached Paris, and only then decided to flee the city.
In July 1941, Peggy fled Nazi-occupied France and returned to her native New York, together with Max Ernst, who was to become her second husband a few months later (they separated in 1943).
Peggy immediately began looking for a location for her modern art museum, while she continued to acquire works for her collection. In October 1942 she opened her museum/gallery Art of This Century. Designed by the Rumanian-Austrian architect Frederick Kiesler, the gallery was composed of extraordinarily innovative exhibition rooms and soon became the most stimulating venue for contemporary art in New York City. (3)
Of the opening night, she wrote: âI wore one of my Tanguy earrings and one made by Calder in order to show my impartiality between Surrealist and Abstract Art" (4). There Peggy exhibited her collection of Cubist, abstract and Surrealist art, which was already substantially that which we see today in Venice. Peggy produced a remarkable catalogue, edited by André Breton, with a cover design by Max Ernst. She held temporary exhibitions of leading European artists, and of several then unknown young Americans such as Robert Motherwell, William Baziotes, Mark Rothko, David Hare, Janet Sobel, Robert de Niro Sr, Clyfford Still, and Jackson Pollock, the âstarâ of the gallery, who was given his first show by Peggy late in 1943. From July 1943 Peggy supported Pollock with a monthly stipend and actively promoted and sold his paintings. She commissioned his largest painting, a Mural, which she later gave to the University of Iowa.
Pollock and the others pioneered American Abstract Expressionism. One of the principal sources of this was Surrealism, which the artists encountered at Art of This Century. More important, however, was the encouragement and support that Peggy, together with her friend and assistant Howard Putzel, gave to the members of this nascent New York avant-garde. Peggy and her collection thus played a vital intermediary role in the development of Americaâs first art movement of international importance.
In 1947 Peggy decided to return in Europe, where her collection was shown for the first time at the 1948 Venice Biennale, in the Greek pavilion (5). In this way the works of artists such as Arshile Gorky, Jackson Pollock, and Mark Rothko were exhibited for the first time in Europe. The presence of Cubist, abstract, and Surrealist art made the pavilion the most coherent survey of Modernism yet to have been presented in Italy.
Soon after Peggy bought Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, on the Grand Canal in Venice, where she came to live. In 1949 she held an exhibition of sculptures in the garden (6) curated by Giuseppe Marchiori, and from 1951 she opened her collection to the public.
In 1950 Peggy organized the first exhibition of Jackson Pollock in Italy, in the Ala Napoleonica of the Museo Correr in Venice. Her collection was in the meantime exhibited in Florence and Milan, and later in Amsterdam, Brussels, and Zurich. From 1951 Peggy opened her house and her collection to the public annually in the summer months. During her 30-year Venetian life, Peggy Guggenheim continued to collect works of art and to support artists, such as Edmondo Bacci and Tancredi Parmeggiani, whom she met in 1951. In 1962 Peggy Guggenheim was nominated Honorary Citizen of Venice.
In 1969 the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York invited Peggy Guggenheim to show her collection there. In 1976 she donated her palace and works of art to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation. The Foundation had been created in 1937 by Peggy Guggenheimâs uncle Solomon, in order to operate his collection and museum which, since 1959, has been housed in Frank Lloyd Wrightâs famous spiral structure on 5th Avenue.
Peggy died aged 81 on 23 December 1979. Her ashes are placed in a corner of the garden of Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, next to the place where she customarily buried her beloved dogs. Since this time, the Guggenheim Foundation has converted and expanded Peggy Guggenheim's private house into one of the finest small museums of modern art in the world.
[Info]
Address
Peggy Guggenheim Collection
Palazzo Venier dei Leoni
Dorsoduro 701
I-30123 Venezia
Opening hours
Daily 10 am - 6 pm
Closed Tuesdays and December 25
General information
tel: +39.041.2405.411
fax: +39.041.520.6885
e-mail: info@guggenheim-venice.it
Visitor services
tel: +39.041.2405.440/419
fax: +39.041.520.9083
e-mail: visitorinfo@guggenheim-venice.it
Photography
Photography is permitted without flash. You may not use tripods or monopods.
Animals
Animals of all sizes are not allowed in the galleries and in the gardens.
For information and assistance please contact "Sporting Dog Club".
Call Tel. +39 347 6242550 (Marie) or +39 347 4161321 (Roberto)
or write to sportingdoginvenice@gmail.com
Venice Art for All
The Peggy Guggenheim Collection joins the Venice Art for All project and becomes accessible to all, including people with limited mobility.
Palazzo Venier dei Leoni was probably begun in the 1750s by architect Lorenzo Boschetti, whose only other known building in Venice is the church of San Barnaba.
It is an unfinished palace. A model exists in the Museo Correr, Venice (1). Its magnificent classical façade would have matched that of Palazzo Corner, opposite, with the triple arch of the ground floor (which is the explanation of the ivy-covered pillars visible today) extended through both the piani nobili above. We do not know precisely why this Venier palace was left unfinished. Money may have run out, or some say that the powerful Corner family living opposite blocked the completion of a building that would have been grander than their own. Another explanation may rest with the unhappy fate of the next door Gothic palace which was demolished in the early 19th century: structural damage to this was blamed in part on the deep foundations of Palazzo Venier dei Leoni.
Nor is it known how the palace came to be associated with "leoni," lions. Although it is said that a lion was once kept in the garden, the name is more likely to have arisen from the yawning lion's heads of Istrian stone which decorate the façade at water level (2). The Venier family, who claimed descent from the gens Aurelia of ancient Rome (the Emperor Valerian and Gallienus were from this family), were among the oldest Venetian noble families. Over the centuries they provided eighteen Procurators of St Markâs and three Doges. Antonio Venier (Doge, 1382-1400) had such a strong sense of justice that he allowed his own son to languish and die in prison for his crimes. Francesco Venier (Doge, 1553-56) was the subject of a superb portrait by Titian (Madrid, Fundaciòn Thyssen-Bornemisza). Sebastiano Venier was a commander of the Venetian fleet at the Battle of Lepanto (1571) and later became Doge (1577-78). A lively strutting statue of him, by Antonio dal Zotto (1907), can be seen today in the church of Ss. Giovanni e Paolo, Venice.
From 1910 to c. 1924 the house was owned by the flamboyant Marchesa Luisa Casati, hostess to the Ballets Russes, and the subject of numerous portraits by artists as various as Boldini, Troubetzkoy, Man Ray and Augustus John. In 1949, Peggy Guggenheim purchased Palazzo Venier from the heirs of Viscountes Castlerosse and made it her home for the following thirty years. Early in 1951, Peggy Guggenheim opened her home and collection to the public and continued to do so every year until her death in 1979. (3) (4)
In 1980, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection opened for the first time under the management of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, to which Peggy Guggenheim had given her palazzo and collection during her lifetime.
Palazzo Venier dei Leoni's long low façade, made of Istrian stone and set off against the trees in the garden behind that soften its lines, forms a welcome "caesura" in the stately march of Grand Canal palaces from the Accademia to the Salute.
[Permanent collection]
The core mission of the museum is to present the personal collection of Peggy Guggenheim. The collection holds major works of Cubism, Futurism, Metaphysical painting, European abstraction, avant-garde sculpture, Surrealism, and American Abstract Expressionism, by some of the greatest artists of the 20th century. These include Picasso (The Poet, On the Beach), Braque (The Clarinet), Duchamp (Sad Young Man on a Train), Léger, Brancusi (Maiastra, Bird in Space), Severini (Sea=Dancer), Picabia (Very Rare Picture on Earth), de Chirico (The Red Tower, The Nostalgia of the Poet), Mondrian (Composition No. 1 with Grey and Red 1938 / Composition with Red 1939), Kandinsky (Landscape with Red Spots, No. 2, White Cross), Miró (Seated Woman II), Giacometti Woman with Her Throat Cut, Woman Walking), Klee (Magic Garden), Ernst (The Kiss, Attirement of the Bride), Magritte (Empire of Light), DalÃ- (Birth of Liquid Desires), Pollock (The Moon Woman, Alchemy), Gorky (Untitled), Calder (Arc of Petals) and Marini (Angel of the City).
The museum also exhibits works of art given to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation for its Venetian museum since Peggy Guggenheim's death, as well as long-term loans from private collections.
Hannelore B. and Rudolph B. Schulhof Collection
In October 2012 eighty works of Italian, European and American art of the decades after 1945 were added to the collections of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation in Venice. They were the bequest of Hannelore B. Schulhof, who collected the works with her late husband Rudolph B. Schulhof. They include paintings by Burri, Dubuffet, Fontana, Hofmann, Kelly, Kiefer, Noland, Rothko, and Twombly, as well as sculptures by Calder, Caro, Holzer, Judd and Hepworth. The Hannelore B. and Rudolph B. Schulhof Garden exhibits works from this collection.
Gianni Mattioli Collection
The museum exhibits twenty six masterpieces on long-term loan from the renowned Gianni Mattioli Collection, including famous images of Italian Futurism, such as Materia and Dynamism of a Cyclist by Boccioni, Interventionist Demonstration by Carrà , The Solidity of Fog by Russolo, works by Balla, Severini (Blue Dancer), Sironi, Soffici, Rosai, Depero. The collection includes important early paintings by Morandi and a rare portrait by Modigliani.
Patsy R. and Raymond D. Nasher Sculpture Garden
The Patsy R. and Raymond D. Nasher Sculpture Garden and other outdoor spaces at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection presents works from the permanent collections (by Arp, Duchamp-Villon, Ernst, Flanagan, Giacometti, Gilardi, Goldsworthy, Holzer, Marini, Minguzzi, Mirko, Merz, Moore, Ono, Paladino, Richier, Takis), as well as sculptures on temporary loan from foundations and private collections (by Calder, König , Marini, Nannucci, Smith).
www.ncr-iran.org/fr/content/view/4795/1/
Il y a cinq jours, le mouvement de la résistance pour la liberté a écrit une page glorieuse dans l’histoire : l’adoption à l’unanimité et par consensus du décret retirant les Moudjahidine du peuple de la liste du terrorisme par les deux chambres du parlement britannique. Réveil des consciences, révolution étonnante du droit dans le monde qui tourne la page noire du passé. C’est ainsi que les remparts de la tyrannie religieuse se sont effondrés et qu’un véritable séisme a secoué le régime des mollahs.Les débats à la Chambre des Communes et la Chambre des Lords lors de l’adoption de ce décret, n’ont pas de précédent dans les événements concernant l’Iran. Le peuple iranien a vu de ses propres yeux comment au parlement d’une des cinq grandes puissances mondiales, on a défendu avec ardeur la Résistance au fascisme religieux.Un grand nombre de parlementaires, motivés par un sens des responsabilités admirable, imprégnés d’une noble humanité, de l’amour de la liberté et de la justice ont parlé de la nécessité de mettre fin à la politique catastrophique de complaisance et aux souffrances du peuple opprimé d’Iran.
Accuser injustement l’OMPI de terrorisme, nous a apporté une multitude de difficultés à nous et à notre peuple, ainsi qu’au peuple irakien et à ceux du Moyen-Orient. Depuis les grues pour pendre dans les rues en Iran jusqu’au terrorisme effréné, aux bains de sang au Liban, en Palestine et en Afghanistan.
Malgré tout, nous avons fait de cette injustice contre la résistance un sujet de lutte internationale en défense du droit du peuple iranien à la liberté et la démocratie.Dans une bataille de sept ans, nous avons montré aux peuples occidentaux, que ces gouvernements, contrairement à ce qu’ils prétendent, apportent la plus grande aide au développement du premier parrain du terrorisme d’Etat dans le monde. Durant des années, c’est justement de cette manière qu’ils ont barré la route au mouvement de la Résistance iranienne. Mais nous avons prouvé que cette résistance est légitime, juste et soutenue par le peuple iranien. Le tribunal britannique, d’après les parlementaires anglais, a souligné que les activités militaires de l’OMPI contre le régime iranien étaient le seul moyen de s’opposer à la dictature et à la répression en place. Le gouvernement prétendait qu’il avait en main des documents confidentiels contre la résistance. Mais nous, dans cette campagne, nous avons mis à mal les documents secrets des officines obscures et finalement, la justice britannique a déclaré que les documents secrets l’avaient davantage convaincue de l’innocence de l’OMPI. Nous avons déchiré le rideau épais du mensonge, de la tromperie et de la diabolisation. Aujourd’hui, nous sommes fiers que l’expérience de la résistance et ce qu’a enduré notre peuple aient permis à la communauté internationale de prendre conscience et d’y voir clair.Ceux qui pensent en occident que l’intégrisme islamiste ne menace que les peuples du Moyen-Orient et des pays musulmans, n’ont qu’à regarder le processus de cette inscription et la fabrication des dossiers pour voir comment les mollahs au pouvoir en Iran, armés du terrorisme, ont pris en otage le droit, la justice et la démocratie dans les plus grands pays européens. Et ceux qui s’inclinent devant une dictature sanguinaire intégriste, quelle compétence ont-ils pour défendre la justice et la loi ?C’est pourquoi nous disons que le retrait de l’OMPI de la liste, n’ouvre pas uniquement la voie à un changement démocratique en Iran. En plus de cela, il éloigne les gouvernements occidentaux de la trahison à la démocratie, à la justice et aux droits de l’homme. La suppression de cette étiquette peut mettre un point final à la stupidité chronique dont souffre la politique occidentale. Oui, après le décret du parlement britannique, on voit s’ouvrir de nouvelles perspectives.A présent il faut agir pour ramener l’Iran dans la communauté des nations. Le premier pas sera de faire passer l’Iran du stade de banque centrale du terrorisme à celui de banque centrale de la démocratie et de la paix dans cette région du monde et ce ne sera possible qu’avec un changement de régime. Désormais, un Iran non nucléaire est à portée de la main, mais en rejetant le fascisme religieux, c’est-à-dire le régime du guide suprême. A présent, un Iran désireux de paix, aspirant à la coexistence pacifique avec ses voisins qui remplacera l’ingérence et le terrorisme est possible mais en luttant pour nous débarrasser de la tyrannie religieuse. Oui, ce temps est venu.
Clore le dossier du 17 juin 2003 ;
Ces dernières semaines, le régime des mollahs a essayé à coups de chantage et de tromperie de pousser la France à soutenir le maintien de l’OMPI sur la liste noire. Le prétexte derrière cette tentative illégale, c’est l’affaire du 17 juin 2003. Tout le monde se souvient de cette affaire, de la vaste rafle dans les bureaux du Conseil national de la Résistance iranienne en 2003 qui était le fruit d’un accord direct entre le gouvernement Chirac-Villepin et le régime des mollahs. Le dossier qui a été ouvert à la suite, est un dossier vide et sans fondement qui à cause de l’absence de documents probants, a été constitué sur la base de la liste noire de l’Union européenne. Une liste qui d’un point de vue juridique, est aujourd’hui caduque et s’en servir comme justification est illégal.Nous disons que si, comme vous le prétendez, ce dossier n’est pas vide et infondé, eh bien, après cinq années d’esquive, il est temps de le régler. Et si comme votre attitude en témoigne, ce dossier est sans valeur, alors pourquoi en faire un prétexte pour maintenir l’étiquette du terrorisme ? C’est pourquoi je préviens que toute tentative pour soutenir le maintien de l’OMPI dans la liste est un énorme scandale qui éclaboussera la politique française qui va à l’encontre de son engagement international dans la lutte contre le terrorisme et l’intégrisme. D’autant plus que dans deux jours, la France prendra la présidence tournante de l’Union européenne.Je préviens qu’en vous pliant aux demandes du régime, vous commettrez la plus grande trahison des lois de la République française et des lois de l’Union européenne. De plus, vous rendrez les ayatollahs de Téhéran, ces ennemis de l’islam, encore plus arrogants. J’appelle ici le Conseil des ministres de l’UE à respecter le décret du Parlement britannique et à retirer l’OMPI de la liste noire. Le gouvernement qui est à l’origine de l’inscription de l’OMPI, s’est à présent écarté sur ordre de la justice et du parlement de son propre pays. Le Conseil des ministres n’a plus de prétexte pour maintenir l’OMPI sur sa liste. Mettez fin à cette inscription. La force de la justice obligera votre conscience à renoncer à cette inscription injuste. La force de la justice obligera votre conscience à vous résigner au droit du peuple iranien à la liberté et à renoncer à alimenter la machine de terreur des mollahs.
La liste noire américaine;j
Tout le monde sait que depuis le premier jour, qu’aux Etats-Unis, l’inscription de l’OMPI dans la liste noire du Département d’Etat visait à graisser la patte au mollah Khatami et aux charlatans intégristes. A cette époque, un haut responsable du gouvernement américain a déclaré : « cette inscription était un geste de bonne volonté à l’égard du nouveau président de la république iranienne Mohammad Khatami. » Ils pensaient qu’en donnant des gages et en montrant leur bonne volonté aux responsables du massacre des prisonniers politiques, ils pourraient modérer la dictature religieuse. Ils faisaient croire qu’une vipère pouvait accoucher d’une colombe. Mais c’est Ahmadinejad qui est venu au monde à sa place. Est-ce que la bonne volonté vis-à-vis des mollahs et du fascisme religieux ne signifie pas le plus haut degré de mauvaise volonté vis-à-vis du peuple iranien, des peuples du Moyen-Orient et des forces démocrates dans cette région du monde ? Au fait, pourquoi après toutes ces expériences, faut-il poursuivre la tradition de donner des gages aux mollahs ? Alors que les gardiens de la révolution et la force Qods du régime des mollahs sont sur la liste du terrorisme, pourquoi devez-vous continuer à exaucer les demandes des mollahs pour maintenir l’OMPI sur la liste noire ? Pourquoi les restrictions insupportables imposées aux « personnes protégées » de la Cité d’Achraf à la demande de ces mollahs et de leurs agents en Irak, doivent-elles durer ?
Ce mois-ci, 3 millions de chi’ites irakiens ont demandé l’expulsion d’Irak du régime iranien et de ses agents ainsi que la levée des restrictions de l’OMPI.La majorité du congrès américain par le passé, a soutenu à cinq reprises l’OMPI et le CNRI et a déclaré que cette solution était la seule manière de faire face à l’intégrisme.Une enquête de seize mois par neuf organes officiels américains sur chacun des Moudjahidine a montré qu’il n’existe aucun fondement pour accuser de terrorisme ne serait-ce qu’un seul membre de ce mouvement. Et si vous dites vous tenir aux côtés du peuple iranien pour la liberté, mettez fin à cette étiquette de terrorisme. Voilà, c’est la Résistance du peuple iranien avec ses 120.000 martyrs tombés pour la liberté. Par conséquent, ne privez pas le monde du levier le plus efficace pour affronter le fascisme religieux et le terrorisme.Thomas Jefferson, le troisième président des Etats-Unis et auteur de la déclaration d’indépendance américaine a parfaitement décrit la situation du peuple iranien et de sa résistance, quand il disait : «Quand on interprète mal les motifs de la patience, quand l’injustice persévère parce qu’on pense qu’elle sera supportée, alors la résistance devient moralité. » Et aussi, une citation tirée de la déclaration d’indépendance américaine : « chaque fois qu'une forme de pouvoir va à l'encontre de ces objectifs humains, les peuples ont le droit de changer ou d'abolir leur gouvernement et d'instituer un nouveau régime. » Or aujourd’hui, nombreux sont les chercheurs, les parlementaires et les personnalités aux Etats-Unis qui reconnaissent que la politique de rapprochement avec le régime des mollahs a porté énormément de tort à la sécurité nationale des Etats-Unis.Certes, nous l’avons toujours dit : allez-y, négociez autant que vous le voudrez avec ce régime
Mais aujourd’hui, beaucoup aux Etats-Unis et en Europe ont compris que se fixer sur le dialogue avec ce régime est une perte de temps, comme si on faisait cuire des pierres. Je dois vous rappeler que la résistance iranienne n’a jamais demandé aux Etats-Unis ni à aucun autre pays d’envoyer sa jeunesse à la guerre contre les mollahs. Nous leur disons juste de retirer l’obstacle de la marque du terrorisme et d’enlever les chaines de la liste terroriste des mains et des pieds de la Résistance du peuple iranien pour la liberté. Nous vous disons : après avoir parcouru un long chemin rempli d’erreurs à la recherche de modération, de réforme et de transformation de la dictature religieuse, il est temps de vous mettre dans le sens de l’histoire. Placez-vous du côté qui apporte la liberté au peuple iranien. Regardez l’expérience du gouvernement britannique : si la résistance et le sacrifice pour la liberté contre le fascisme religieux est un juste droit et si c’est le chemin par où passe l’histoire, il faut en tirer deux grandes leçons :La première leçon : l’étiquette terroriste collée à la juste résistance luttant contre la dictature et le fascisme religieux pour qui le suffrage universel n’a aucune valeur et qui est hostile aux élections libres, n’est source d’aucune fierté et ne fait que couvrir d’opprobre.La seconde leçon : qu’on le veuille ou non, les forces de la justice et de la conscience avec leur porte-parole, remporteront la victoire. Oui la liberté est à portée de la main et nous atteindrons notre destination glorieuse, la liberté.
Le soutien de 3 millions d’Irakiens
Au milieu des crimes et des événements terribles qui touchent de plein fouet chaque jour un Irak meurtri, il y a deux semaines, nous avons assisté à l’épanouissement d’un mouvement spectaculaire politique, social et culturel contre le régime des mollahs dans ce pays, qui s’est manifesté dans la déclaration de trois millions de chi’ites courageux. Trois millions de chi’ites irakiens qui souffrent demandent la fin de l’ingérence et des crimes du régime des mollahs ainsi que son expulsion d’Irak. Ils demandent aussi la fin de l’injustice et la levée des restrictions imposées aux Moudjahidine du peuple d’Iran qui sont eux aussi des chi’ites. Ils demandent que cessent certains actes, comme l’assassinat des ouvriers de la Cité d’Achraf par des bombes posées dans leurs autobus. Ils demandent la fin du dynamitage de la station de pompage d’eau d’Achraf qui approvisionne aussi en eau 20.000 villageois des environs dans une chaleur infernale de 60 à 70 degrés. Ils demandent que cessent les enlèvements des Moudjahidine, comme deux de leurs membres qui avaient été enlevés à Bagdad. Ils demandent que cessent les attaques aux missiles contre Achraf, comme celle du 26 mai. Les mollahs au pouvoir prétendaient à coups de mensonges que les Moudjahidine avaient massacré les chi’ites irakiens.
Voilà que 3 millions de chi’ites soulignent dans leur déclaration : « L’OMPI se tient aux côtés du peuple irakien comme un contrepoids face au régime iranien et un barrage solide contre l’ingérence de ce régime. »
Le régime des mollahs a tremblé à Téhéran. Son socle d’infiltration, d’ingérence et de crime en Irak chancelle à l’extrême. On ne pouvait pas mieux repousser les mollahs qui font commerce des imams fondateurs du chi’isme. Avec sa politique de divisions et d’hostilités, le régime a reçu un coup stratégique majeur de la part des chi’ites. Manifestement, le Guide suprême des mollahs a vu tout son capital fondre en Irak. D’autant plus que les inspirateurs de cette déclaration historique ont préféré la rendre publique à la Cité d’Achraf.
Les agents salariés de la Force Qods en Irak qui répètent les paroles des mollahs de Téhéran ont criminalisé des millions d’Irakiens pour leur soutien à l’OMPI. Les mollahs étaient si furieux qu’ils n’ont pas caché leur intention d’exporter leurs châtiments inhumains en Irak. Ecoutez ce qu’ils ont annoncé : « Toute personne ou tout parti, organisation ou institution, irakien ou non, qui coopère en Irak avec l’organisation terroriste des Moudjahidine du peuple, tombe sous le coup de la lutte contre le terrorisme et sera livré à la justice. »
Ainsi, trois millions de chi’ites irakiens qui ont signé cette déclaration seraient tous des criminels. 135 partis, groupes et associations qui ont proposé cette déclaration seraient criminels. Toute institution qui fournit aux Moudjahidine d’Achraf des médicaments, de la nourriture ou des vêtements, serait coupable d’un délit. De plus, les nobles représentants et les porte-parole libres du peuple irakien qui sont présents parmi nous seraient coupables. De même pour les hommes courageux et héroïques qui au parlement irakien ont dit être fiers, quel qu’en soit le prix, de se tenir aux côtés des opprimés et même Paulo Casaca qui au moment où la déclaration a été rendue publique, était sur place, sont eux aussi coupables et devraient être livrés à la justice. Il faut aussi ajouter Lord Slynn et de nombreux avocats et personnalités européennes et américaines, ainsi que les parlementaires qui se sont rendus à Achraf. Ils sont coupables. Oui, même Struan Stevenson, vice président du groupe PPE DE au Parlement européen, ou M. Vidal Quadras, le vice-président du Parlement européen, qui a envoyé de nombreux messages vidéo à Achraf, ils sont également coupables. Lord Corbett qui commence ses messages en saluant Achraf est donc lui aussi coupable. Tout comme nos voisins d’Auvers-sur-Oise qui se sont rendus à Achraf. Et nos compatriotes que j’ai vu scander : « nous sommes tous d’Achraf ». Alors nous sommes tous d’une certaine façon coupables. Car nous sommes tous des d’Achraf et nous en sommes fiers !
Oui c’est cela le fascisme religieux. Il condamne tout le monde, sauf lui-même. Il doit être livré à sa propre justice pour qu’elle lui troue la tête avec une perceuse et que son corps mutilé de manière à le rendre méconnaissable, soit jeté dans une fosse commune.
Et ceci se passe alors que le Comité international des juristes pour la défense d’Achraf (CIJDA) a adressé des lettres officielles aux autorités américaines et irakiennes pour annoncer à plusieurs reprises que l’OMPI et les résidents de la Cité d’Achraf accueillent favorablement leur comparution devant tout tribunal international en Europe ou en Amérique du nord afin que les accusations portées par le régime et ses agents à leur encontre en Irak, fassent l’objet d’une enquête. Le CIJDA a demandé avec insistance qu’une commission d’enquête internationale, un organisme crédible lié à l’ONU, soit l’organe compétent pour examiner de manière impartiale toute accusation contre l’OMPI. Le CIJDA acceptera son jugement pour barrer la route à la désinformation et aux campagnes de diabolisation du régime des mollahs.
Je reviens aux trois millions de chi’ites irakiens et à leur déclaration. Les réactions hystériques du régime iranien et de ses agents en Irak montrent avant toute chose, l’importance de cet événement.
Oui, c’est un tournant dans la lutte du peuple irakien pour bouter hors de son pays le fascisme religieux.
C’est un tournant dans l’émergence du soutien des Irakiens à l’OMPI comme un rempart solide face au fascisme religieux sous couvert de l’islam. Et c’est un tournant pour laver la tache noire du khomeynisme du front des chi’ites et de l’islam authentique. La dictature religieuse, qui est dans une impasse en Iran, voulait en dominant l’Irak trouver une voie pour sa survie. Mais aujourd’hui on voit que le mur de la politique d’ingérence et de terrorisme en Irak s’effondre tout entier sur le régime. On voit que le front des mollahs qui se brise en Irak avec son lot de défections, entraîne dans sa chute le siège de la dictature religieuse à Téhéran.
La Cité d’Achraf ;
Pendant que la justice britannique annulait l’étiquette de terroriste de l’OMPI, la Cité d’Achraf a été la cible d’une attaque au missile des mollahs. A présent que les chi’ites irakiens se sont levés contre ce régime, Achraf est à nouveau la cible de sa vengeance.
La voix de la Cité d’Achraf retentit dans le cœur des Iraniens comme le cri de la liberté et résonne aux oreilles des mollahs comme le tocsin de leur renversement inéluctable. Car Achraf est un sommet de la résistance dont les versants et la base s’étendent dans tout l’Iran. C’est Achraf qui bat au cœur des protestations incessantes de la jeunesse iranienne et des émeutes ouvrières et des grèves étudiantes.
Rendons hommage aux héros de la Cité d’Achraf et comme le dit Massoud Radjavi « heureux les résidents de la ville la plus limpide au monde, symbole d’une belle patience et d’une victoire inéluctable. »
Le dossier nucléaire
Aujourd’hui, le peuple iranien et les peuples de tous les pays victimes du terrorisme et de l’intégrisme souffrent de la politique des pays occidentaux qui encourage le fascisme religieux. Leur politique, pour reprendre les termes de la justice britannique, est perverse et revient à une trahison parce qu’elle porte tort à la paix et à la sécurité dans le monde.Regardons le dossier nucléaire. La Résistance iranienne a révélé en 2002 les sites atomiques du régime. Ces six dernières années, la Résistance a procédé à au moins 80 révélations de divers éléments relatifs à la fabrication de la bombe atomique par le régime. Elle a été le principal facteur de la prise de conscience du monde sur le danger nucléaire du fascisme religieux. Mais les gouvernements occidentaux ont seulement fait perdre du temps au monde, et fait gagner du temps aux mollahs.Oui, quatre années de négociations et deux années de politique de mesures incitatives, soit en tout, six années de reculs successifs ; Quand les mollahs ont brisé le silence sur leurs installations nucléaires et entamé l’enrichissement de l’uranium, les gouvernements occidentaux ont reculé en adoptant la politique des paquets de mesures incitatives.
- Quand le régime a refusé la suspension permanente de l’enrichissement, le groupe des 5+1 a reculé en proposant de limiter la suspension à la période des négociations.
- Quand les mollahs ont refusé, les gouvernements occidentaux ont accepté que les mollahs ne suspendent qu’en apparence.
- Ensuite, les 5+1ont encore reculé sur l’enrichissement en demandant qu’ils n’ajoutent pas de centrifugeuses. C’est ce que M. Solana a demandé il y a deux semaines à Téhéran.
- A un moment, ils ont souligné qu’ils n’étaient pas prêts à donner de garantie sur la sécurité au régime iranien, mais après ils ont même reculé là-dessus.
L’ironie c’est que, si comme le disait Ahmadinejad son engin nucléaire n’a ni boite de vitesses ni frein, l’engin de ces messieurs, lui, n’est équipé que d’une marche arrière.
Même pour les résolutions que le Conseil de sécurité adopte, le régime dispose d’un délai de deux à trois mois.
- Tout au long de ces années, les pays occidentaux ont accepté toutes les demandes des mollahs pour réprimer l’OMPI. Selon les diplomates impliqués dans ce dossier, c’était une priorité constante du régime.
- Et finalement, après avoir parcouru un long chemin de négociations et d’encouragement, ils ont tellement permis aux mollahs d’abuser de la tromperie et d’agir dans la clandestinité, que tout à coup aux Etats-Unis, ils ont découvert que les mollahs avaient arrêté leurs activités sur la bombe atomique il y a cinq ans. En fait, s’agissait-il d’un rapport d’enquête ou d’un tour de passe-passe et d’une arnaque ?
Ces mesures incitatives et ces concessions ont rendu les mollahs tellement arrogants, qu’il y a trois jours, le général des pasdaran Laridjani, le président du parlement des mollahs, a clairement menacé que son régime allait se doter de la bombe atomique. Il a dit que si l’occident ne s’entendait pas avec le régime des mollahs, il pourrait se retrouver devant le fait accompli. El Baradei, au début du mois, avait rapporté le message des dirigeants de l’Iran comme quoi s’ils ne recevaient pas suffisamment de mesures incitatives, ils pourraient dans un proche avenir fabriquer une bombe atomique.
A propos, est-ce que plus vous graissez la patte des mollahs, plus leur appétit pour la bombe atomique grandit ?
Non, ne croyez pas que les offres de mesures incitatives soient quelque chose de nouveau !
La stratégie des mesures incitatives a été également choisie pour l’Irak. D’abord avec le britannique Jack Straw comme intermédiaire, les bases de l’opposition iranienne en Irak ont été bombardées. Puis, les frontières ont été laissées sans surveillance et sans défense devant ce régime. Ensuite, les mollahs ont massacré hommes, femmes et enfants avec leurs bombes et détruit le pays. Ils n’ont même pas épargné les mosquées ni les mausolées sacrés. Mais les autorités n’ont pas voulu reconnaître cette simple vérité que tous ces attentats et tous ces massacres se sont faits sur ordre des dirigeants de l’Iran et de son guide suprême. Quant au Liban, à la Palestine et à l’Afghanistan, il y a partout cette politique d’encouragement et de complaisance qui ouvre la voie à l’infiltration et l’ingérence des mollahs. Les mollahs font la promotion de cette cruauté pour dissimuler la faiblesse de leur régime face au peuple iranien. Avec arrogance, ils disent avoir islamisé le Moyen-Orient. Mais qui ne sait que le cavalier seul de Khamenei et d’Ahmadinejad, sur le train de la complaisance a été rendu possible par la faiblesse et l’infamie. Oui, le monstre de l’intégrisme, grâce aux apologistes de la complaisance, s’est étendu d’un point à l’autre de la Terre.
Comme il est étonnant que certains n’aient pas encore compris que le fascisme religieux fuit tout changement, parce que cela l’entraînerait immédiatement vers son renversement. Aujourd’hui ces derniers donnent moins de prix à leur opinion mais imposent au monde une guerre et une catastrophe.
A ceux qui ont accepté le marchandage et la complaisance avec ce régime, ou qui ont peur et s’inquiètent de le voir changer, nous disons ceci : Vous avez fait quatre erreurs de calcul fondamentales.
La première c’est que vous avez cru aux illusions propagées par les mollahs. Ils mettent en avant leur terrorisme et leur sauvagerie comme un signe de la puissance de leur régime décrépit et vous avez peur de lui.
Votre deuxième grossière erreur, c’est que vous ne savez pas à quel point le peuple iranien hait ce régime, ou bien vous feignez de ne pas le savoir. Les lobbies du régime propagent l’idée que face à la fermeté de la communauté internationale, comme un boycott, la population soutiendrait les mollahs et vous, vous répétez cette contre-vérité. Ne savez-vous donc pas que le peuple iranien vit un enfer aux mains de ces pilleurs, de ces bourreaux qui manient le fouet et les grues de pendaison ?
Votre troisième grande erreur, c’est de ne pas voir la situation explosive de la société en Iran. Le régime et ses partisans veulent occulter le désir ardent des Iraniens pour un changement démocratique. Ils veulent utiliser le mouvement international pour la paix au service de la complaisance et de la paix avec le fascisme religieux.
Votre quatrième erreur, c’est de n’avoir pas pris en compte la véritable solution de la crise iranienne.
Avec leur campagne de diabolisation contre la résistance, les mollahs essaient de faire croire l’inverse sur sa crédibilité, sa légitimité et ses racines profondes dans la société, comme s’il n’existait pas de force capable de les renverser.Certes, la crise iranienne est un problème de taille. Mais il y a une main qui délie les nœuds et c’est la Résistance iranienne. C’est une résistance qui allume le moteur des mouvements sociaux et des grandes révoltes en Iran. C’est une résistance qui, en s’appuyant sur ces Moudjahidine du peuple, est considérée comme l’antithèse du fascisme sous le couvert de l’islam et du chi’isme, qui ces trente dernières années a anéanti les bases soi-disant islamiques de ce régime aux yeux du peuple iranien et qui a dénoncé sa démagogie. C’est une résistance qui porte l’étendard de la troisième voie et ce sont le combat et le dévouement de ses membres et sympathisants qui feront triompher la Troisième Voie.Une résistance dirigée par Massoud Radjavi qui a cristallisé l’idéal de la liberté du peuple iranien dans un mouvement puissant aux racines profondes et qui l’a renforcé au fil des tempêtes et des épreuves. De sorte qu’il a pu faire jaillir du cœur du fléau et des malheurs successifs de grands acquis, et qu’il a pu dans les circonstances les plus complexes des trente dernières années, faire avancer une ligne fondée sur des principes. Avec une patience remplie de souffrances, au prix du plus grand tribut, il a fait apparaître l’horizon de la victoire. Oui, il est vrai que dans le ciel du désespoir, il a fait briller l’étoile de l’espérance.
Permettez-moi ici de m’adresser à nos amis étrangers et particulièrement à nos chers amis français qui se trouvent à nos côtés dans le vaste front de la lutte contre l’intégrisme.
La situation en Iran ;
Cela fait trois ans que le fascisme religieux, avec l’arrivée d’Ahmadinejad a accentué de manière sans précédent la répression, les pendaisons et les amputations. La vie et l’état d’esprit de nos compatriotes sont rythmés nuit et jour par les rafles, les exécutions et les coups de fouet.
Cependant, il y a quatre jours, le mollah Chahroudi, chef du judiciaire du régime, qui se présentait lui-même auparavant comme un Irakien et président du Conseil suprême de la révolution islamique en Irak, a cruellement appelé à davantage de peines de fouet, en déclarant avec cynisme à la télévision d’Etat : « nous pouvons utiliser le fouet en de nombreuses occasions, malheureusement nos juges se laissent influencer par une certaine propagande formaliste et superficielle dans le monde contre ce châtiment. Il y en a beaucoup qui n’apprécient pas la méthode du fouet, mais je pense qu’un des meilleurs châtiments, un des châtiments les plus juridiques, les plus juste c’est le fouet… Il est dissuasif… une des options sur laquelle nous insistons dans le code pénal islamique, c’est le fouet et même de transformer les peines de prisons en équivalent de coups de fouet. »
Malgré tout, jamais la société iranienne n’a autant protesté. Ces trois dernières années, en moyenne, chaque année, il y a eu 4700 mouvements de protestation. Je rends hommage à tous ces soulèvements glorieux et à tous leurs martyrs, leurs prisonniers dans tout l’Iran.
Ces trois dernières années, le nombre de manifestants tués dans les rues et le nombre d’opposants politiques qui ont été pendus se montent à au mois 200. Les mollahs voient dans chaque adolescent et chaque jeune révolté un combattant dans la bataille pour renverser leur régime. L’an dernier, environ 300 personnes ont été victimes d’assassinats arbitraires commis par les agents de sécurité dans la rue.
Le nombre de ceux qui ont été emprisonnés pour cause de « troubles à l’ordre public », se monte, selon les autorités du régime, « entre 10 et 15.000 personnes ». Et le nombre de prisons clandestines se monte à plus d’une centaine. Oui, des milliers de prison, des milliers de salles de torture et des milliers de centres d’exécution sont le prix pour préserver leur pouvoir. La semaine dernière le mollah Dori Najaf Abadi, procureur général du régime a annoncé : « le pays est exposé au danger des tempêtes internationales. » Il a évoqué les « longues frontières de l’est et de l’ouest du pays » et a déclaré que « les responsables du pays doivent adopter des mesures afin de prévenir les incidents et les sources de préoccupations sociales » car « les ennemis de la république islamique ne veulent pas que l’Iran islamique connaisse la sécurité ». Mais nous disons aux tyrans au pouvoir : Attendez ! Le décret de l’histoire et la volonté des combattants du peuple iranien traverseront chaque prison, chaque mur et chaque rempart pour fondre sur vous.
Une crise économique aigüe:
Les mollahs sont en situation de renversement et sont dépourvus de toute légitimité politique et religieuse. Et ils sont encerclés par la colère populaire. Aujourd’hui, ils ne s’appuient que sur une infime minorité. Dans la farce électorale, selon les propres chiffres du régime, le plus grand nombre de voix remportées dans les grandes villes par ceux qui sont entrés au parlement, ne s’élevait qu’à 6 ou 14 %.
Mais la véritable base du régime, ce sont les gardiens de la révolution, les miliciens du Bassidj et les services de renseignements. Ce nombre constitue à peine 3 % de la population iranienne.
Voilà la réalité de la dictature religieuse. Une minorité de 3% !
Alors nous disons aux mollahs : Mais ne prétendez-vous pas que votre régime est soutenu par le peuple ? Alors, pourquoi refusez-vous les élections libres ? Et maintenant une journée, juste une journée, posez les fouets à terre et enlevez les grues à pendaison, pour que l’on voie clairement face au soulèvement de la population excédée combien de temps vous pourrez durer. Face à la vague de la colère populaire, vos gardiens de la révolution fuiront à toute vitesse. En moins d’heure qu’il n’en a fallu aux soldats du dernier chah d’Iran pour enlever leurs uniformes et s’enfuir en courant.
Cette situation, c’est-à-dire la phase terminale du régime, se manifeste aussi dans la crise économique actuelle. Cette année, sur les 100 milliards de dollars de budget public, environ 13 milliards ont été consacrés aux affaires militaires et 4 milliards à la sécurité et au terrorisme. Dans le budget de l’année en cours, 33 milliards de dollars, sous le nom de budget divers, ont été alloués au cabinet d’Ahmadinejad. Ce qui signifie qu’annuellement, un tiers du budget public part dans des affaires secrètes. Aux dires d’un ancien député du régime, sur les revenus de ces trois dernières années, la somme de 63 milliards de dollars a été perdue et nul ne sait où elle est passée. De 2006 jusqu’à présent, 32 milliards de tomans des revenus pétroliers ne sont pas rentrés au trésor public.
Le résultat de cette situation, c’est la faillite des secteurs industriel, agricole et des services. Le ministre du pétrole d’Ahmadinejad a déclaré : La situation du pétrole iranien aujourd’hui ressemble à celle de l’armée du chah en 1978 à la veille de la révolution. Le pain depuis l’année dernière est devenu deux fois plus cher.
Le prix du riz a triplé. 120 villes et 6000 villages ont des problèmes d’eau potables. Les ouvriers se font licencier par fournées entières, les femmes opprimées se suicident et s’immolent par le feu les unes après les autres, chaque soir 6 millions de personnes s’endorment le ventre tenaillé par la faim et 60 millions d’Iraniens vivent sous le seuil de la pauvreté. Une grave crise économique qui menace aussi gravement l’existence du régime. 10 millions de chômeurs, 8 millions d’habitants des banlieues des grandes villes et des millions de jeunes révoltés, forment la force pour renverser ce régime.
Le programme du CNRI pour l’Iran de demain:
Les mollahs crient qu’ils maintiendront pour l’éternité le fascisme religieux absolu au pouvoir. Les tenants de la complaisance nous disent que la liberté est un rêve qu’il faut oublier. Les apologistes du régime disent que le peuple ne veut pas s’engager à nouveau dans un changement de régime. Ils ironisent en nous disant que le sacrifice et la quête de la liberté sont des antiquités qui appartiennent l’histoire et disent que ces fleurs dispersées par le vent se sont sacrifiées pour rien. Mais nous disons qu’il existe une ferveur et une force au cœur de la société et de l’histoire de l’Iran et qu’il existe une soif ardente de liberté parmi les opprimés que la conception basée sur l’humiliation et la reddition ne comprend absolument pas. C’est ce flot d’énergie retenu et d’espoirs enchaînés, et cet amour infini de la liberté qui arrachera sur son passage toutes les chaînes comme un torrent.
Nous sommes convaincus de l’émergence d’une force que rien au monde ne pourra retenir.
Oui, C’est un soleil qui se lève, le ciel s’illumine lentement, et le soleil de la liberté pointe à l’horizon
Le jour viendra où chaque Iranien bénéficiera du droit à la vie, du droit à la liberté et du droit à la sécurité et où tous seront égaux face à la justice.
Le jour viendra où l’aube joyeuse de la liberté illuminera la vie du peuple iranien. La liberté d’expression, la liberté de pensée, la liberté de culte, la liberté de la presse, la liberté de vêtements.
Le jour viendra où la vie dans l’enfer du fascisme religieux deviendra la vie dans une société démocratique. Pour que chaque personne ait le droit de participer aux décisions concernant les affaires politiques les plus importantes de sa propre société et le droit de changer de régime.
Le jour viendra où à la place de ce désert brûlant, on verra éclore cent fleurs dans chaque coin d’Iran ; avec la liberté de chaque opinion, chaque parti, chaque assemblée et chaque formation et syndicat.
Le jour viendra où les gouffres sombres de l’obscurantisme se transformeront en vastes plaines verdoyantes de modération et de tolérance, où aucune religion n’aura de droit ni de privilège spéciaux et où personne pour sa croyance ou sa non croyance en une religion ne sera privé de ses droits et où la religion sera séparée de l’Etat.
Le jour viendra où les ténèbres de la répression et de la discrimination contre les femmes iraniennes disparaitront et où l’égalité des femmes et des hommes conduira la société iranienne vers un autre monde, et ce jour est très proche.
Ainsi donc, « Au nom du bonheur de la nation iranienne et dans le but de contribuer à la paix mondiale » et pour réaliser l’idéal du 20 juin 1981 et de la bataille de Lumière éternelle en 1988, j’appelle à développer la lutte pour le renversement du fascisme religieux.
jeudi, 03 juillet 2008
Maryam Rajavi:
www.ncr-iran.org/fr/content/view/4795/1/
Il y a cinq jours, le mouvement de la résistance pour la liberté a écrit une page glorieuse dans l’histoire : l’adoption à l’unanimité et par consensus du décret retirant les Moudjahidine du peuple de la liste du terrorisme par les deux chambres du parlement britannique. Réveil des consciences, révolution étonnante du droit dans le monde qui tourne la page noire du passé. C’est ainsi que les remparts de la tyrannie religieuse se sont effondrés et qu’un véritable séisme a secoué le régime des mollahs.Les débats à la Chambre des Communes et la Chambre des Lords lors de l’adoption de ce décret, n’ont pas de précédent dans les événements concernant l’Iran. Le peuple iranien a vu de ses propres yeux comment au parlement d’une des cinq grandes puissances mondiales, on a défendu avec ardeur la Résistance au fascisme religieux.Un grand nombre de parlementaires, motivés par un sens des responsabilités admirable, imprégnés d’une noble humanité, de l’amour de la liberté et de la justice ont parlé de la nécessité de mettre fin à la politique catastrophique de complaisance et aux souffrances du peuple opprimé d’Iran.
Accuser injustement l’OMPI de terrorisme, nous a apporté une multitude de difficultés à nous et à notre peuple, ainsi qu’au peuple irakien et à ceux du Moyen-Orient. Depuis les grues pour pendre dans les rues en Iran jusqu’au terrorisme effréné, aux bains de sang au Liban, en Palestine et en Afghanistan.
Malgré tout, nous avons fait de cette injustice contre la résistance un sujet de lutte internationale en défense du droit du peuple iranien à la liberté et la démocratie.Dans une bataille de sept ans, nous avons montré aux peuples occidentaux, que ces gouvernements, contrairement à ce qu’ils prétendent, apportent la plus grande aide au développement du premier parrain du terrorisme d’Etat dans le monde. Durant des années, c’est justement de cette manière qu’ils ont barré la route au mouvement de la Résistance iranienne. Mais nous avons prouvé que cette résistance est légitime, juste et soutenue par le peuple iranien. Le tribunal britannique, d’après les parlementaires anglais, a souligné que les activités militaires de l’OMPI contre le régime iranien étaient le seul moyen de s’opposer à la dictature et à la répression en place. Le gouvernement prétendait qu’il avait en main des documents confidentiels contre la résistance. Mais nous, dans cette campagne, nous avons mis à mal les documents secrets des officines obscures et finalement, la justice britannique a déclaré que les documents secrets l’avaient davantage convaincue de l’innocence de l’OMPI. Nous avons déchiré le rideau épais du mensonge, de la tromperie et de la diabolisation. Aujourd’hui, nous sommes fiers que l’expérience de la résistance et ce qu’a enduré notre peuple aient permis à la communauté internationale de prendre conscience et d’y voir clair.Ceux qui pensent en occident que l’intégrisme islamiste ne menace que les peuples du Moyen-Orient et des pays musulmans, n’ont qu’à regarder le processus de cette inscription et la fabrication des dossiers pour voir comment les mollahs au pouvoir en Iran, armés du terrorisme, ont pris en otage le droit, la justice et la démocratie dans les plus grands pays européens. Et ceux qui s’inclinent devant une dictature sanguinaire intégriste, quelle compétence ont-ils pour défendre la justice et la loi ?C’est pourquoi nous disons que le retrait de l’OMPI de la liste, n’ouvre pas uniquement la voie à un changement démocratique en Iran. En plus de cela, il éloigne les gouvernements occidentaux de la trahison à la démocratie, à la justice et aux droits de l’homme. La suppression de cette étiquette peut mettre un point final à la stupidité chronique dont souffre la politique occidentale. Oui, après le décret du parlement britannique, on voit s’ouvrir de nouvelles perspectives.A présent il faut agir pour ramener l’Iran dans la communauté des nations. Le premier pas sera de faire passer l’Iran du stade de banque centrale du terrorisme à celui de banque centrale de la démocratie et de la paix dans cette région du monde et ce ne sera possible qu’avec un changement de régime. Désormais, un Iran non nucléaire est à portée de la main, mais en rejetant le fascisme religieux, c’est-à-dire le régime du guide suprême. A présent, un Iran désireux de paix, aspirant à la coexistence pacifique avec ses voisins qui remplacera l’ingérence et le terrorisme est possible mais en luttant pour nous débarrasser de la tyrannie religieuse. Oui, ce temps est venu.
Clore le dossier du 17 juin 2003 ;
Ces dernières semaines, le régime des mollahs a essayé à coups de chantage et de tromperie de pousser la France à soutenir le maintien de l’OMPI sur la liste noire. Le prétexte derrière cette tentative illégale, c’est l’affaire du 17 juin 2003. Tout le monde se souvient de cette affaire, de la vaste rafle dans les bureaux du Conseil national de la Résistance iranienne en 2003 qui était le fruit d’un accord direct entre le gouvernement Chirac-Villepin et le régime des mollahs. Le dossier qui a été ouvert à la suite, est un dossier vide et sans fondement qui à cause de l’absence de documents probants, a été constitué sur la base de la liste noire de l’Union européenne. Une liste qui d’un point de vue juridique, est aujourd’hui caduque et s’en servir comme justification est illégal.Nous disons que si, comme vous le prétendez, ce dossier n’est pas vide et infondé, eh bien, après cinq années d’esquive, il est temps de le régler. Et si comme votre attitude en témoigne, ce dossier est sans valeur, alors pourquoi en faire un prétexte pour maintenir l’étiquette du terrorisme ? C’est pourquoi je préviens que toute tentative pour soutenir le maintien de l’OMPI dans la liste est un énorme scandale qui éclaboussera la politique française qui va à l’encontre de son engagement international dans la lutte contre le terrorisme et l’intégrisme. D’autant plus que dans deux jours, la France prendra la présidence tournante de l’Union européenne.Je préviens qu’en vous pliant aux demandes du régime, vous commettrez la plus grande trahison des lois de la République française et des lois de l’Union européenne. De plus, vous rendrez les ayatollahs de Téhéran, ces ennemis de l’islam, encore plus arrogants. J’appelle ici le Conseil des ministres de l’UE à respecter le décret du Parlement britannique et à retirer l’OMPI de la liste noire. Le gouvernement qui est à l’origine de l’inscription de l’OMPI, s’est à présent écarté sur ordre de la justice et du parlement de son propre pays. Le Conseil des ministres n’a plus de prétexte pour maintenir l’OMPI sur sa liste. Mettez fin à cette inscription. La force de la justice obligera votre conscience à renoncer à cette inscription injuste. La force de la justice obligera votre conscience à vous résigner au droit du peuple iranien à la liberté et à renoncer à alimenter la machine de terreur des mollahs.
La liste noire américaine;j
Tout le monde sait que depuis le premier jour, qu’aux Etats-Unis, l’inscription de l’OMPI dans la liste noire du Département d’Etat visait à graisser la patte au mollah Khatami et aux charlatans intégristes. A cette époque, un haut responsable du gouvernement américain a déclaré : « cette inscription était un geste de bonne volonté à l’égard du nouveau président de la république iranienne Mohammad Khatami. » Ils pensaient qu’en donnant des gages et en montrant leur bonne volonté aux responsables du massacre des prisonniers politiques, ils pourraient modérer la dictature religieuse. Ils faisaient croire qu’une vipère pouvait accoucher d’une colombe. Mais c’est Ahmadinejad qui est venu au monde à sa place. Est-ce que la bonne volonté vis-à-vis des mollahs et du fascisme religieux ne signifie pas le plus haut degré de mauvaise volonté vis-à-vis du peuple iranien, des peuples du Moyen-Orient et des forces démocrates dans cette région du monde ? Au fait, pourquoi après toutes ces expériences, faut-il poursuivre la tradition de donner des gages aux mollahs ? Alors que les gardiens de la révolution et la force Qods du régime des mollahs sont sur la liste du terrorisme, pourquoi devez-vous continuer à exaucer les demandes des mollahs pour maintenir l’OMPI sur la liste noire ? Pourquoi les restrictions insupportables imposées aux « personnes protégées » de la Cité d’Achraf à la demande de ces mollahs et de leurs agents en Irak, doivent-elles durer ?
Ce mois-ci, 3 millions de chi’ites irakiens ont demandé l’expulsion d’Irak du régime iranien et de ses agents ainsi que la levée des restrictions de l’OMPI.La majorité du congrès américain par le passé, a soutenu à cinq reprises l’OMPI et le CNRI et a déclaré que cette solution était la seule manière de faire face à l’intégrisme.Une enquête de seize mois par neuf organes officiels américains sur chacun des Moudjahidine a montré qu’il n’existe aucun fondement pour accuser de terrorisme ne serait-ce qu’un seul membre de ce mouvement. Et si vous dites vous tenir aux côtés du peuple iranien pour la liberté, mettez fin à cette étiquette de terrorisme. Voilà, c’est la Résistance du peuple iranien avec ses 120.000 martyrs tombés pour la liberté. Par conséquent, ne privez pas le monde du levier le plus efficace pour affronter le fascisme religieux et le terrorisme.Thomas Jefferson, le troisième président des Etats-Unis et auteur de la déclaration d’indépendance américaine a parfaitement décrit la situation du peuple iranien et de sa résistance, quand il disait : «Quand on interprète mal les motifs de la patience, quand l’injustice persévère parce qu’on pense qu’elle sera supportée, alors la résistance devient moralité. » Et aussi, une citation tirée de la déclaration d’indépendance américaine : « chaque fois qu'une forme de pouvoir va à l'encontre de ces objectifs humains, les peuples ont le droit de changer ou d'abolir leur gouvernement et d'instituer un nouveau régime. » Or aujourd’hui, nombreux sont les chercheurs, les parlementaires et les personnalités aux Etats-Unis qui reconnaissent que la politique de rapprochement avec le régime des mollahs a porté énormément de tort à la sécurité nationale des Etats-Unis.Certes, nous l’avons toujours dit : allez-y, négociez autant que vous le voudrez avec ce régime
Mais aujourd’hui, beaucoup aux Etats-Unis et en Europe ont compris que se fixer sur le dialogue avec ce régime est une perte de temps, comme si on faisait cuire des pierres. Je dois vous rappeler que la résistance iranienne n’a jamais demandé aux Etats-Unis ni à aucun autre pays d’envoyer sa jeunesse à la guerre contre les mollahs. Nous leur disons juste de retirer l’obstacle de la marque du terrorisme et d’enlever les chaines de la liste terroriste des mains et des pieds de la Résistance du peuple iranien pour la liberté. Nous vous disons : après avoir parcouru un long chemin rempli d’erreurs à la recherche de modération, de réforme et de transformation de la dictature religieuse, il est temps de vous mettre dans le sens de l’histoire. Placez-vous du côté qui apporte la liberté au peuple iranien. Regardez l’expérience du gouvernement britannique : si la résistance et le sacrifice pour la liberté contre le fascisme religieux est un juste droit et si c’est le chemin par où passe l’histoire, il faut en tirer deux grandes leçons :La première leçon : l’étiquette terroriste collée à la juste résistance luttant contre la dictature et le fascisme religieux pour qui le suffrage universel n’a aucune valeur et qui est hostile aux élections libres, n’est source d’aucune fierté et ne fait que couvrir d’opprobre.La seconde leçon : qu’on le veuille ou non, les forces de la justice et de la conscience avec leur porte-parole, remporteront la victoire. Oui la liberté est à portée de la main et nous atteindrons notre destination glorieuse, la liberté.
Le soutien de 3 millions d’Irakiens
Au milieu des crimes et des événements terribles qui touchent de plein fouet chaque jour un Irak meurtri, il y a deux semaines, nous avons assisté à l’épanouissement d’un mouvement spectaculaire politique, social et culturel contre le régime des mollahs dans ce pays, qui s’est manifesté dans la déclaration de trois millions de chi’ites courageux. Trois millions de chi’ites irakiens qui souffrent demandent la fin de l’ingérence et des crimes du régime des mollahs ainsi que son expulsion d’Irak. Ils demandent aussi la fin de l’injustice et la levée des restrictions imposées aux Moudjahidine du peuple d’Iran qui sont eux aussi des chi’ites. Ils demandent que cessent certains actes, comme l’assassinat des ouvriers de la Cité d’Achraf par des bombes posées dans leurs autobus. Ils demandent la fin du dynamitage de la station de pompage d’eau d’Achraf qui approvisionne aussi en eau 20.000 villageois des environs dans une chaleur infernale de 60 à 70 degrés. Ils demandent que cessent les enlèvements des Moudjahidine, comme deux de leurs membres qui avaient été enlevés à Bagdad. Ils demandent que cessent les attaques aux missiles contre Achraf, comme celle du 26 mai. Les mollahs au pouvoir prétendaient à coups de mensonges que les Moudjahidine avaient massacré les chi’ites irakiens.
Voilà que 3 millions de chi’ites soulignent dans leur déclaration : « L’OMPI se tient aux côtés du peuple irakien comme un contrepoids face au régime iranien et un barrage solide contre l’ingérence de ce régime. »
Le régime des mollahs a tremblé à Téhéran. Son socle d’infiltration, d’ingérence et de crime en Irak chancelle à l’extrême. On ne pouvait pas mieux repousser les mollahs qui font commerce des imams fondateurs du chi’isme. Avec sa politique de divisions et d’hostilités, le régime a reçu un coup stratégique majeur de la part des chi’ites. Manifestement, le Guide suprême des mollahs a vu tout son capital fondre en Irak. D’autant plus que les inspirateurs de cette déclaration historique ont préféré la rendre publique à la Cité d’Achraf.
Les agents salariés de la Force Qods en Irak qui répètent les paroles des mollahs de Téhéran ont criminalisé des millions d’Irakiens pour leur soutien à l’OMPI. Les mollahs étaient si furieux qu’ils n’ont pas caché leur intention d’exporter leurs châtiments inhumains en Irak. Ecoutez ce qu’ils ont annoncé : « Toute personne ou tout parti, organisation ou institution, irakien ou non, qui coopère en Irak avec l’organisation terroriste des Moudjahidine du peuple, tombe sous le coup de la lutte contre le terrorisme et sera livré à la justice. »
Ainsi, trois millions de chi’ites irakiens qui ont signé cette déclaration seraient tous des criminels. 135 partis, groupes et associations qui ont proposé cette déclaration seraient criminels. Toute institution qui fournit aux Moudjahidine d’Achraf des médicaments, de la nourriture ou des vêtements, serait coupable d’un délit. De plus, les nobles représentants et les porte-parole libres du peuple irakien qui sont présents parmi nous seraient coupables. De même pour les hommes courageux et héroïques qui au parlement irakien ont dit être fiers, quel qu’en soit le prix, de se tenir aux côtés des opprimés et même Paulo Casaca qui au moment où la déclaration a été rendue publique, était sur place, sont eux aussi coupables et devraient être livrés à la justice. Il faut aussi ajouter Lord Slynn et de nombreux avocats et personnalités européennes et américaines, ainsi que les parlementaires qui se sont rendus à Achraf. Ils sont coupables. Oui, même Struan Stevenson, vice président du groupe PPE DE au Parlement européen, ou M. Vidal Quadras, le vice-président du Parlement européen, qui a envoyé de nombreux messages vidéo à Achraf, ils sont également coupables. Lord Corbett qui commence ses messages en saluant Achraf est donc lui aussi coupable. Tout comme nos voisins d’Auvers-sur-Oise qui se sont rendus à Achraf. Et nos compatriotes que j’ai vu scander : « nous sommes tous d’Achraf ». Alors nous sommes tous d’une certaine façon coupables. Car nous sommes tous des d’Achraf et nous en sommes fiers !
Oui c’est cela le fascisme religieux. Il condamne tout le monde, sauf lui-même. Il doit être livré à sa propre justice pour qu’elle lui troue la tête avec une perceuse et que son corps mutilé de manière à le rendre méconnaissable, soit jeté dans une fosse commune.
Et ceci se passe alors que le Comité international des juristes pour la défense d’Achraf (CIJDA) a adressé des lettres officielles aux autorités américaines et irakiennes pour annoncer à plusieurs reprises que l’OMPI et les résidents de la Cité d’Achraf accueillent favorablement leur comparution devant tout tribunal international en Europe ou en Amérique du nord afin que les accusations portées par le régime et ses agents à leur encontre en Irak, fassent l’objet d’une enquête. Le CIJDA a demandé avec insistance qu’une commission d’enquête internationale, un organisme crédible lié à l’ONU, soit l’organe compétent pour examiner de manière impartiale toute accusation contre l’OMPI. Le CIJDA acceptera son jugement pour barrer la route à la désinformation et aux campagnes de diabolisation du régime des mollahs.
Je reviens aux trois millions de chi’ites irakiens et à leur déclaration. Les réactions hystériques du régime iranien et de ses agents en Irak montrent avant toute chose, l’importance de cet événement.
Oui, c’est un tournant dans la lutte du peuple irakien pour bouter hors de son pays le fascisme religieux.
C’est un tournant dans l’émergence du soutien des Irakiens à l’OMPI comme un rempart solide face au fascisme religieux sous couvert de l’islam. Et c’est un tournant pour laver la tache noire du khomeynisme du front des chi’ites et de l’islam authentique. La dictature religieuse, qui est dans une impasse en Iran, voulait en dominant l’Irak trouver une voie pour sa survie. Mais aujourd’hui on voit que le mur de la politique d’ingérence et de terrorisme en Irak s’effondre tout entier sur le régime. On voit que le front des mollahs qui se brise en Irak avec son lot de défections, entraîne dans sa chute le siège de la dictature religieuse à Téhéran.
La Cité d’Achraf ;
Pendant que la justice britannique annulait l’étiquette de terroriste de l’OMPI, la Cité d’Achraf a été la cible d’une attaque au missile des mollahs. A présent que les chi’ites irakiens se sont levés contre ce régime, Achraf est à nouveau la cible de sa vengeance.
La voix de la Cité d’Achraf retentit dans le cœur des Iraniens comme le cri de la liberté et résonne aux oreilles des mollahs comme le tocsin de leur renversement inéluctable. Car Achraf est un sommet de la résistance dont les versants et la base s’étendent dans tout l’Iran. C’est Achraf qui bat au cœur des protestations incessantes de la jeunesse iranienne et des émeutes ouvrières et des grèves étudiantes.
Rendons hommage aux héros de la Cité d’Achraf et comme le dit Massoud Radjavi « heureux les résidents de la ville la plus limpide au monde, symbole d’une belle patience et d’une victoire inéluctable. »
Le dossier nucléaire
Aujourd’hui, le peuple iranien et les peuples de tous les pays victimes du terrorisme et de l’intégrisme souffrent de la politique des pays occidentaux qui encourage le fascisme religieux. Leur politique, pour reprendre les termes de la justice britannique, est perverse et revient à une trahison parce qu’elle porte tort à la paix et à la sécurité dans le monde.Regardons le dossier nucléaire. La Résistance iranienne a révélé en 2002 les sites atomiques du régime. Ces six dernières années, la Résistance a procédé à au moins 80 révélations de divers éléments relatifs à la fabrication de la bombe atomique par le régime. Elle a été le principal facteur de la prise de conscience du monde sur le danger nucléaire du fascisme religieux. Mais les gouvernements occidentaux ont seulement fait perdre du temps au monde, et fait gagner du temps aux mollahs.Oui, quatre années de négociations et deux années de politique de mesures incitatives, soit en tout, six années de reculs successifs ; Quand les mollahs ont brisé le silence sur leurs installations nucléaires et entamé l’enrichissement de l’uranium, les gouvernements occidentaux ont reculé en adoptant la politique des paquets de mesures incitatives.
- Quand le régime a refusé la suspension permanente de l’enrichissement, le groupe des 5+1 a reculé en proposant de limiter la suspension à la période des négociations.
- Quand les mollahs ont refusé, les gouvernements occidentaux ont accepté que les mollahs ne suspendent qu’en apparence.
- Ensuite, les 5+1ont encore reculé sur l’enrichissement en demandant qu’ils n’ajoutent pas de centrifugeuses. C’est ce que M. Solana a demandé il y a deux semaines à Téhéran.
- A un moment, ils ont souligné qu’ils n’étaient pas prêts à donner de garantie sur la sécurité au régime iranien, mais après ils ont même reculé là-dessus.
L’ironie c’est que, si comme le disait Ahmadinejad son engin nucléaire n’a ni boite de vitesses ni frein, l’engin de ces messieurs, lui, n’est équipé que d’une marche arrière.
Même pour les résolutions que le Conseil de sécurité adopte, le régime dispose d’un délai de deux à trois mois.
- Tout au long de ces années, les pays occidentaux ont accepté toutes les demandes des mollahs pour réprimer l’OMPI. Selon les diplomates impliqués dans ce dossier, c’était une priorité constante du régime.
- Et finalement, après avoir parcouru un long chemin de négociations et d’encouragement, ils ont tellement permis aux mollahs d’abuser de la tromperie et d’agir dans la clandestinité, que tout à coup aux Etats-Unis, ils ont découvert que les mollahs avaient arrêté leurs activités sur la bombe atomique il y a cinq ans. En fait, s’agissait-il d’un rapport d’enquête ou d’un tour de passe-passe et d’une arnaque ?
Ces mesures incitatives et ces concessions ont rendu les mollahs tellement arrogants, qu’il y a trois jours, le général des pasdaran Laridjani, le président du parlement des mollahs, a clairement menacé que son régime allait se doter de la bombe atomique. Il a dit que si l’occident ne s’entendait pas avec le régime des mollahs, il pourrait se retrouver devant le fait accompli. El Baradei, au début du mois, avait rapporté le message des dirigeants de l’Iran comme quoi s’ils ne recevaient pas suffisamment de mesures incitatives, ils pourraient dans un proche avenir fabriquer une bombe atomique.
A propos, est-ce que plus vous graissez la patte des mollahs, plus leur appétit pour la bombe atomique grandit ?
Non, ne croyez pas que les offres de mesures incitatives soient quelque chose de nouveau !
La stratégie des mesures incitatives a été également choisie pour l’Irak. D’abord avec le britannique Jack Straw comme intermédiaire, les bases de l’opposition iranienne en Irak ont été bombardées. Puis, les frontières ont été laissées sans surveillance et sans défense devant ce régime. Ensuite, les mollahs ont massacré hommes, femmes et enfants avec leurs bombes et détruit le pays. Ils n’ont même pas épargné les mosquées ni les mausolées sacrés. Mais les autorités n’ont pas voulu reconnaître cette simple vérité que tous ces attentats et tous ces massacres se sont faits sur ordre des dirigeants de l’Iran et de son guide suprême. Quant au Liban, à la Palestine et à l’Afghanistan, il y a partout cette politique d’encouragement et de complaisance qui ouvre la voie à l’infiltration et l’ingérence des mollahs. Les mollahs font la promotion de cette cruauté pour dissimuler la faiblesse de leur régime face au peuple iranien. Avec arrogance, ils disent avoir islamisé le Moyen-Orient. Mais qui ne sait que le cavalier seul de Khamenei et d’Ahmadinejad, sur le train de la complaisance a été rendu possible par la faiblesse et l’infamie. Oui, le monstre de l’intégrisme, grâce aux apologistes de la complaisance, s’est étendu d’un point à l’autre de la Terre.
Comme il est étonnant que certains n’aient pas encore compris que le fascisme religieux fuit tout changement, parce que cela l’entraînerait immédiatement vers son renversement. Aujourd’hui ces derniers donnent moins de prix à leur opinion mais imposent au monde une guerre et une catastrophe.
A ceux qui ont accepté le marchandage et la complaisance avec ce régime, ou qui ont peur et s’inquiètent de le voir changer, nous disons ceci : Vous avez fait quatre erreurs de calcul fondamentales.
La première c’est que vous avez cru aux illusions propagées par les mollahs. Ils mettent en avant leur terrorisme et leur sauvagerie comme un signe de la puissance de leur régime décrépit et vous avez peur de lui.
Votre deuxième grossière erreur, c’est que vous ne savez pas à quel point le peuple iranien hait ce régime, ou bien vous feignez de ne pas le savoir. Les lobbies du régime propagent l’idée que face à la fermeté de la communauté internationale, comme un boycott, la population soutiendrait les mollahs et vous, vous répétez cette contre-vérité. Ne savez-vous donc pas que le peuple iranien vit un enfer aux mains de ces pilleurs, de ces bourreaux qui manient le fouet et les grues de pendaison ?
Votre troisième grande erreur, c’est de ne pas voir la situation explosive de la société en Iran. Le régime et ses partisans veulent occulter le désir ardent des Iraniens pour un changement démocratique. Ils veulent utiliser le mouvement international pour la paix au service de la complaisance et de la paix avec le fascisme religieux.
Votre quatrième erreur, c’est de n’avoir pas pris en compte la véritable solution de la crise iranienne.
Avec leur campagne de diabolisation contre la résistance, les mollahs essaient de faire croire l’inverse sur sa crédibilité, sa légitimité et ses racines profondes dans la société, comme s’il n’existait pas de force capable de les renverser.Certes, la crise iranienne est un problème de taille. Mais il y a une main qui délie les nœuds et c’est la Résistance iranienne. C’est une résistance qui allume le moteur des mouvements sociaux et des grandes révoltes en Iran. C’est une résistance qui, en s’appuyant sur ces Moudjahidine du peuple, est considérée comme l’antithèse du fascisme sous le couvert de l’islam et du chi’isme, qui ces trente dernières années a anéanti les bases soi-disant islamiques de ce régime aux yeux du peuple iranien et qui a dénoncé sa démagogie. C’est une résistance qui porte l’étendard de la troisième voie et ce sont le combat et le dévouement de ses membres et sympathisants qui feront triompher la Troisième Voie.Une résistance dirigée par Massoud Radjavi qui a cristallisé l’idéal de la liberté du peuple iranien dans un mouvement puissant aux racines profondes et qui l’a renforcé au fil des tempêtes et des épreuves. De sorte qu’il a pu faire jaillir du cœur du fléau et des malheurs successifs de grands acquis, et qu’il a pu dans les circonstances les plus complexes des trente dernières années, faire avancer une ligne fondée sur des principes. Avec une patience remplie de souffrances, au prix du plus grand tribut, il a fait apparaître l’horizon de la victoire. Oui, il est vrai que dans le ciel du désespoir, il a fait briller l’étoile de l’espérance.
Permettez-moi ici de m’adresser à nos amis étrangers et particulièrement à nos chers amis français qui se trouvent à nos côtés dans le vaste front de la lutte contre l’intégrisme.
La situation en Iran ;
Cela fait trois ans que le fascisme religieux, avec l’arrivée d’Ahmadinejad a accentué de manière sans précédent la répression, les pendaisons et les amputations. La vie et l’état d’esprit de nos compatriotes sont rythmés nuit et jour par les rafles, les exécutions et les coups de fouet.
Cependant, il y a quatre jours, le mollah Chahroudi, chef du judiciaire du régime, qui se présentait lui-même auparavant comme un Irakien et président du Conseil suprême de la révolution islamique en Irak, a cruellement appelé à davantage de peines de fouet, en déclarant avec cynisme à la télévision d’Etat : « nous pouvons utiliser le fouet en de nombreuses occasions, malheureusement nos juges se laissent influencer par une certaine propagande formaliste et superficielle dans le monde contre ce châtiment. Il y en a beaucoup qui n’apprécient pas la méthode du fouet, mais je pense qu’un des meilleurs châtiments, un des châtiments les plus juridiques, les plus juste c’est le fouet… Il est dissuasif… une des options sur laquelle nous insistons dans le code pénal islamique, c’est le fouet et même de transformer les peines de prisons en équivalent de coups de fouet. »
Malgré tout, jamais la société iranienne n’a autant protesté. Ces trois dernières années, en moyenne, chaque année, il y a eu 4700 mouvements de protestation. Je rends hommage à tous ces soulèvements glorieux et à tous leurs martyrs, leurs prisonniers dans tout l’Iran.
Ces trois dernières années, le nombre de manifestants tués dans les rues et le nombre d’opposants politiques qui ont été pendus se montent à au mois 200. Les mollahs voient dans chaque adolescent et chaque jeune révolté un combattant dans la bataille pour renverser leur régime. L’an dernier, environ 300 personnes ont été victimes d’assassinats arbitraires commis par les agents de sécurité dans la rue.
Le nombre de ceux qui ont été emprisonnés pour cause de « troubles à l’ordre public », se monte, selon les autorités du régime, « entre 10 et 15.000 personnes ». Et le nombre de prisons clandestines se monte à plus d’une centaine. Oui, des milliers de prison, des milliers de salles de torture et des milliers de centres d’exécution sont le prix pour préserver leur pouvoir. La semaine dernière le mollah Dori Najaf Abadi, procureur général du régime a annoncé : « le pays est exposé au danger des tempêtes internationales. » Il a évoqué les « longues frontières de l’est et de l’ouest du pays » et a déclaré que « les responsables du pays doivent adopter des mesures afin de prévenir les incidents et les sources de préoccupations sociales » car « les ennemis de la république islamique ne veulent pas que l’Iran islamique connaisse la sécurité ». Mais nous disons aux tyrans au pouvoir : Attendez ! Le décret de l’histoire et la volonté des combattants du peuple iranien traverseront chaque prison, chaque mur et chaque rempart pour fondre sur vous.
Une crise économique aigüe:
Les mollahs sont en situation de renversement et sont dépourvus de toute légitimité politique et religieuse. Et ils sont encerclés par la colère populaire. Aujourd’hui, ils ne s’appuient que sur une infime minorité. Dans la farce électorale, selon les propres chiffres du régime, le plus grand nombre de voix remportées dans les grandes villes par ceux qui sont entrés au parlement, ne s’élevait qu’à 6 ou 14 %.
Mais la véritable base du régime, ce sont les gardiens de la révolution, les miliciens du Bassidj et les services de renseignements. Ce nombre constitue à peine 3 % de la population iranienne.
Voilà la réalité de la dictature religieuse. Une minorité de 3% !
Alors nous disons aux mollahs : Mais ne prétendez-vous pas que votre régime est soutenu par le peuple ? Alors, pourquoi refusez-vous les élections libres ? Et maintenant une journée, juste une journée, posez les fouets à terre et enlevez les grues à pendaison, pour que l’on voie clairement face au soulèvement de la population excédée combien de temps vous pourrez durer. Face à la vague de la colère populaire, vos gardiens de la révolution fuiront à toute vitesse. En moins d’heure qu’il n’en a fallu aux soldats du dernier chah d’Iran pour enlever leurs uniformes et s’enfuir en courant.
Cette situation, c’est-à-dire la phase terminale du régime, se manifeste aussi dans la crise économique actuelle. Cette année, sur les 100 milliards de dollars de budget public, environ 13 milliards ont été consacrés aux affaires militaires et 4 milliards à la sécurité et au terrorisme. Dans le budget de l’année en cours, 33 milliards de dollars, sous le nom de budget divers, ont été alloués au cabinet d’Ahmadinejad. Ce qui signifie qu’annuellement, un tiers du budget public part dans des affaires secrètes. Aux dires d’un ancien député du régime, sur les revenus de ces trois dernières années, la somme de 63 milliards de dollars a été perdue et nul ne sait où elle est passée. De 2006 jusqu’à présent, 32 milliards de tomans des revenus pétroliers ne sont pas rentrés au trésor public.
Le résultat de cette situation, c’est la faillite des secteurs industriel, agricole et des services. Le ministre du pétrole d’Ahmadinejad a déclaré : La situation du pétrole iranien aujourd’hui ressemble à celle de l’armée du chah en 1978 à la veille de la révolution. Le pain depuis l’année dernière est devenu deux fois plus cher.
Le prix du riz a triplé. 120 villes et 6000 villages ont des problèmes d’eau potables. Les ouvriers se font licencier par fournées entières, les femmes opprimées se suicident et s’immolent par le feu les unes après les autres, chaque soir 6 millions de personnes s’endorment le ventre tenaillé par la faim et 60 millions d’Iraniens vivent sous le seuil de la pauvreté. Une grave crise économique qui menace aussi gravement l’existence du régime. 10 millions de chômeurs, 8 millions d’habitants des banlieues des grandes villes et des millions de jeunes révoltés, forment la force pour renverser ce régime.
Le programme du CNRI pour l’Iran de demain:
Les mollahs crient qu’ils maintiendront pour l’éternité le fascisme religieux absolu au pouvoir. Les tenants de la complaisance nous disent que la liberté est un rêve qu’il faut oublier. Les apologistes du régime disent que le peuple ne veut pas s’engager à nouveau dans un changement de régime. Ils ironisent en nous disant que le sacrifice et la quête de la liberté sont des antiquités qui appartiennent l’histoire et disent que ces fleurs dispersées par le vent se sont sacrifiées pour rien. Mais nous disons qu’il existe une ferveur et une force au cœur de la société et de l’histoire de l’Iran et qu’il existe une soif ardente de liberté parmi les opprimés que la conception basée sur l’humiliation et la reddition ne comprend absolument pas. C’est ce flot d’énergie retenu et d’espoirs enchaînés, et cet amour infini de la liberté qui arrachera sur son passage toutes les chaînes comme un torrent.
Nous sommes convaincus de l’émergence d’une force que rien au monde ne pourra retenir.
Oui, C’est un soleil qui se lève, le ciel s’illumine lentement, et le soleil de la liberté pointe à l’horizon
Le jour viendra où chaque Iranien bénéficiera du droit à la vie, du droit à la liberté et du droit à la sécurité et où tous seront égaux face à la justice.
Le jour viendra où l’aube joyeuse de la liberté illuminera la vie du peuple iranien. La liberté d’expression, la liberté de pensée, la liberté de culte, la liberté de la presse, la liberté de vêtements.
Le jour viendra où la vie dans l’enfer du fascisme religieux deviendra la vie dans une société démocratique. Pour que chaque personne ait le droit de participer aux décisions concernant les affaires politiques les plus importantes de sa propre société et le droit de changer de régime.
Le jour viendra où à la place de ce désert brûlant, on verra éclore cent fleurs dans chaque coin d’Iran ; avec la liberté de chaque opinion, chaque parti, chaque assemblée et chaque formation et syndicat.
Le jour viendra où les gouffres sombres de l’obscurantisme se transformeront en vastes plaines verdoyantes de modération et de tolérance, où aucune religion n’aura de droit ni de privilège spéciaux et où personne pour sa croyance ou sa non croyance en une religion ne sera privé de ses droits et où la religion sera séparée de l’Etat.
Le jour viendra où les ténèbres de la répression et de la discrimination contre les femmes iraniennes disparaitront et où l’égalité des femmes et des hommes conduira la société iranienne vers un autre monde, et ce jour est très proche.
Ainsi donc, « Au nom du bonheur de la nation iranienne et dans le but de contribuer à la paix mondiale » et pour réaliser l’idéal du 20 juin 1981 et de la bataille de Lumière éternelle en 1988, j’appelle à développer la lutte pour le renversement du fascisme religieux.
jeudi, 03 juillet 2008