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Newslist Messages for
July 2000
FISHING JOURNAL ECHOES LEAGUE CONCERNS The current issue (30/6/00) of the main fishing industry journal,Fishing News, has echoed the views of the Celtic League that moreshould be done to investigate fishing tragedies such as that whichovercame the Solway Harvester. In an editorial, which is fulsome in its praise for the action ofthe Manx government and authorities, the editor goes on to say that,whilst it is not always necessary or desirable to salvage sunken vesselsin the case of inexplicable sinking the vessels should be raised ifit is technically feasible. The article also observes that the UK can learn a lot from the exampleof the Manx government. Earlier this week the Celtic League criticised the UK government,and others, citing a number of examples of fishing boat sinkings inthe past two decades involving significant loss of life. We identifiedtwo British, one Belgian and a French trawler suggesting each sinkingshould have been more thoroughly probed by the relevant National authorities.One was the the Mhari L, also from the Kirkcudbright area which sankwith all hands in 1985 in the same area as the Solway Harvester. The Fishing News editorial also is critical of the MAIB in relationto the current fatality saying the speculative intervention by itshead Rear Admiral Lang last weekend coinciding wioth the salvage servedlittle purpose. The Celtic League have also been critical of the MAIBand its predecessor (the Marine Directorate of the Department of Transport).In February of this year we attacked the record of both bodies ininvestigating sea losses and re-iterate our concerns. Bernard Moffatt Secretary General Celtic League 1/7/00 ============================ Date: Sun Jul 2, 2000 4:20am Subject: McBRIDE KILLERS MOD PREVARICATE CELTIC LEAGUE - PRESS INFORMATION McBRIDE KILLERS ARMY PREVARICATION CONTINUES The Ministry of Defence are continuing to prevaricate over the caseof the two Scots guardsmen, Fisher and Wright, who murdered Belfastman Peter McBride in 1992. The Celtic League had written to the MOD questioning the contradictionbetween its hard line over drugs offences and its 'soft' line on murder. The move followed news, earlier this month, that almost thirty troopshad been discharged from the Army following drugs offences. Some ofthose discharged were serving in Ulster. In a reply the MOD pompously assert that "the misuse of drugs is unacceptable"but then goes on to reiterate the Army Boards contention that therewere "exceptional reasons" which led to the decision to retain thetwo guardsmen. That decision is currently being further reviewed butthe chances are, because of a powerful though misguided lobby of supportfor the two killers, that they will continue to serve in the Army. The Celtic League is once again writing to the Irish government torequest that it raises this issue at inter-governmental level withthe British. Irish PM, Bertie Ahern, has 'sat on his thumbs' for long enough onthis issue. Bernard Moffatt Secretary General 30/6/00 ============================ Date: Sun Jul 9, 2000 9:19am Subject: NATIONALISTS QUERY CRIME STATISTICS MEC VANNIN - THE MANX NATIONALIST PARTY LATEST CRIME STATISTICS Is it just Police Incompetence? Another depressing set of annual crime statistics? It really goesmuch deeper than that. For the past twenty years there has been asteady increase in the amount of money and resources poured into policeservices. The increased resources base has, unfortunately, been parallelledby a similar increase in levels of crime. One would think that such a situation would provoke a serious debatewithin society about both law and order strategy and social policy.However, despairingly, this is not the case. After twenty years of a downward spiral the question has to be posedare our police services competent? On present showing the answer hasgot to be no. Politicians, always sensitive not to upset their voter base, seemshy about asking some pointed questions about police resources andthe manner in which they are deployed. Generally in a democratic society the counterbalance to inert politiciansis of course a vibrant media. Look back to the editorials of twentyor thirty years ago in Manx newspapers and you would see that at thattime the papers, when circumstances demanded, set the agenda posingthe unpalatable questions the politicians chose to dodge. Today themedia seem to be engaged in some kind of "love in" with "the force"which has made them incapable of reasoned thought. Last years crime statistics showed a similar increase to the latestfigures. Intriguingly however it was not the figures but the way theywere delivered that indicated a deeper malaise. The outgoing ChiefConstable, admitting the rise in his final report, delivered a condemnationnot of criminals or standards in society but of his own force, alleging"disloyalty" within the ranks. More men, more money, new buildings, more vehicles and additionalresources had therefore, during the previous Chief Constables periodof Office, produced increased crime and a force that contained withinit "disloyal" elements. The new Chief Constable came in on a roll and the changes flew quickand fast. Restructuring and anti-crime initiatives rolled out on analmost weekly basis, including the somewhat ironically named "OperationSafe". Twelve months later things are looking anything but "safe"! Mec Vannin ============================ Date: Sun Jul 9, 2000 9:19am Subject: TUSKAR CRASH REPORT FLAWED CELTIC LEAGUE - PRESS INFORMATION TUSKAR CRASH REPORT FLAWED The new report into the Aer Lingus tragedy in 1968 seems to steeraway from the often advanced theory that a missile caused the crash.However, the Celtic League, after preliminary examination of its findings,have found a small but crucial inaccuracy in its conclusions. We havewritten to the Minister for Public Enterprise (attached). In the section of the report headed Missiles under the sub headingRecent Drone Finding the report examines the issue of a part froma US AQM-37A target drone. These were manufactured in the United Kingdomby Shorts as the SD.2 Stiletto. The report is dismissive of any relationshipbetween this drone, parts of which were washed up near the crash site,and the crash, saying: "Further research conducted by AAIU indicates that the UK did nothave the capability to launch this type of drone before July 1968" This is incorrect. In fact in 1967 an RAF Canberra P.R. 3 Bomber (SerialNumber WE146) was modified by Shorts as a launch vehicle for the SD.2. It is disappointing that the enquiry appears to have missed thispoint because a feature of modified machines such as WE146 and anearlier modified Canberra bomber (XH132 - modified to test fire RedTop missiles) was that they had distinctive day-glo markings appliedto their wings and fin. In fact either of these aircraft would appearto be very similar visually to that described by at least four separatewitnesses in the Fethard-on-sea area. Also, we have learned from research that missiles and drones wereused for tests sourced from the British research base at BoscombeDown. We have still to establish test schedules and dates for thisfacility but find it strange the enquiry does not seem to have lookedat missile trials which could have originated from bases other thanthe Aberporth complex. The Celtic League accepts that other causes cannot be ruled out andindeed last year we spelt this out quite clearly in a press release(see letter to the Minister attached). We remain of this view. However,the new report does not make it any less likely that mechanical failurerather than a missile caused the crash. The Ministry of Defence are still 'in the frame' as far as we areconcerned! J B Moffatt Secretary General 6/7/00 The Minister for Public Enterprise Mrs. Mary O'Rourke, TD., Department of Public Enterprise, 44 Kildare Street, Dublin 2, Ireland. Dear Minister Ref. Loss of Aer Lingus Airliner EI-712 You will be aware that the Celtic League had campaigned for some yearsto have the enquiry into this tragedy revisited and we therefore readwith interest the conclusions of the recent report. Given continuing ambiguity I would place on record that we welcomeyour decision to establish a further review. In 1999, when you met with the British Ambassador to explore a jointapproach to resolving the mystery, we issued a statement urging thatall options in relation to the crash should be examined includingpossible structural and mechanical matters. I set out two quotes fromour release below. The rogue missile scenario is an attractive "conspiracy theory" andwhilst so many questions remain unanswered cannot be ruled out. However,the Celtic League in the past few months have been examining all aspectsof the disaster and we believe that other factors should also be addressedby a full enquiry which the Irish government should urgently convene. Twenty years of examination, by the Celtic League, of the crash ofthe St. Phelim have taught us to keep an open mind as to its cause.One factor is however self evident and with each passing year becomesmore of an imperative. A full and detailed re-examination of thiscrash, and all the circumstances surrounding it, is urgently warranted. At that time the 'missile theory' was a widely asserted cause forthe crash and it involved our organisation in considerable correspondencewith the British authorities. The thrust of the current report however tends to dismiss the credibilityof possible missile involvement on the basis of exhaustive examinationof existing information, particularly that supplied by the Britishauthorities. Disturbingly though some of that information is inaccurate and ittherefore must call into question the thoroughness of the enquiryin reviewing this option. In the section of the report headed Missiles under the sub headingRecent Drone Finding the report examines the issue of a part froma US AQM-37A target drone. These were manufactured in the United Kingdomby Shorts as the SD.2 Stiletto. The report is dismissive of any relationshipbetween this drone and the crash saying: "Further research conducted by AAIU indicates that the UK did nothave the capability to launch this type of drone before July 1968" This is incorrect. In fact in 1967 an RAF Canberra P.R. 3 Bomber (SerialNumber WE146) was modified by Shorts as a launch vehicle for the SD.2. It is disappointing that the enquiry appears to have missed thispoint because a feature of modified machines such as WE146, and anearlier modified Canberra bomber (XH132 - modified to test fire RedTop missiles), was that they had distinctive day-glo markings appliedto their wings and fin. You will be aware that the original enquiryand the latest review has not been able to resolve was the identification,by at least four witnesses, of an aircraft over the Fethard-on-Seaarea, 28 miles from the crash site, which was described as havinga "very red colour on the wings and fin". Witnesses also describedthe loud noise it made. Attempts over the years have been made to link these sightings tothe operation in the area over two hours later of an Air Corps Dove,however the Dove, a piston engined machine, would not have been movingwith the speed and noise of the aircraft identified. There is alsothe very considerable time difference. Another point the enquiry does not seem to have examined in relationto both these air-launched drones and air-fired missiles is that thesewere not dependant on the operation of the Aberporth Range complex(which the British have always insisted was closed on the Sunday).We have established that some trials were sourced from the BritishResearch establishment at Boscombe Down, Wiltshire. Can we ask ifthe new enquiry looked at any records from that establishment? Despite the direction in which part of the new enquiry wish to leadthose concerned the options for the cause of the crash remain openand include possible military involvement. Yours sincerely, J B Moffatt Secretary General Celtic League 6/7/00 =========================== Date: Sun Jul 9, 2000 9:20am Subject: END OF EMPIRE CELTIC LEAGUE - PRESS INFORMATION END OF EMPIRE? Prince Charles may get a welcome on the Isle of Man today but thenew governor appointed by his 'mum' is not wanted The Manx Nationalist Party has issued a statement attacking the Islandscontinuing link to the UK. The statement coincides with a visit tothe Island of Prince Charles to preside over the open air sittingof the Manx parliament Tynwald held each July 5th. "In the middle of a period designated as our 'National Week' a memberof the Royal Family will arrive fleetingly and displace the Presidentof Tynwald from his role on our 'National Day'. Whilst the conceptof a 'Day' to celebrate our distinct cultural identity and uniquegovernmental system is one that all would share, the question mustbe posed are we mature enough as a people to claim such a right?" The Island and its residents cling to the United Kingdom as if tosome Imperial crutch unable, unwilling or afraid to take their placein the world as a free and independent nation. Until they can shakeoff that mind-set any celebration of a 'National Day', whilst no doubtenjoyable, gives little credence to the spirit of the occasion." Text of the (Mec Vannin) Nationalist Party statement. The linkage to the UK is already under strain and their is a perceptionon the Island that the United Kingdom is selling out the Island toprotect its own interest in International forums Additionally, British-Manx links are further stretched following theappointment of an outsider as new Governor of the Island. Air MarshalIan Macfadyen was appointed to replace the current incumbent Sir TimothyDaunt. Whilst former British Civil Servant Sir Timothy Daunt has enjoyeda cordial relationship with the Manx people during his term of Officethere was a growing conviction that he should be the last non Manxmanto hold the post. The appointment of Macfadyen has upset a broad swatheof public opinion. J B Moffatt Celtic League ============================= Date: Sun Jul 9, 2000 9:25am Subject: CHINOOK GEARBOX CRACKING UP CELTIC LEAGUE - PRESS INFORMATION CHINOOK GEARBOX CRACKING UP! The Ministry of Defence have confirmed, in correspondence to the CelticLeague, transmission problems with RAF Chinook helicopters, and thedifficulties appear to be ongoing. The type is already the centreof controversy over alleged systems failures said to have caused theKintyre crash in 1994 when 25 top security personnel from NorthernIreland and four aircrew died. However the MOD insist it was piloterror. The Celtic League had written querying a court case concerning thereliability of transmission gears fitted to the Chinook military helicopterdue to go to trial in June in the United States which has been deferredpending moves to settle the case out. The action would have focusedattention once again on the safety of the type. Although the MOD will not comment on the court case the issue involvesallegations that for several years, Boeing Co. knew one of its subcontractorswas supplying the Army with faulty gears for re-manufactured ChinookCH-47D helicopters. A type similar to the RAF model. It is allegedthat this led to a series of crashes. The identification of the RAF Chinook problem did not lead to thewithdrawal from service of the helicopter, rather a phased systemof overhaul was introduced. Although the MOD do not confirm it intheir letter we understand that in the US identification of the defectled to an order grounding all machines. (The moves parallels difficulties with another helicopter type themedium lift Lynx helicopter. In February of this year we assertedthat machines were being operated with a known defect because of operationalrequirements subsequently, following a series of incidents the machineswere grounded for repair). Much attention to date has focused on the June 1994 crash of an RAFKintyre crash and problems with on-board computer systems are alleged.However, it appears that a more deep-seated and credible reason forexamination of the machines operational record is its re-manufacturewith defective transmission parts now the subject of the US courtwrangle. The Chinook in addition to its operational role in N. Ireland andoverseas is used extensively on exercises over the Celtic countries. J B Moffatt Secretary General 5/7/00 (Copies of MOD Correspondence can be faxed on request) ============================== Date: Sat Jul 15, 2000 8:40am Subject: PRISON TRANSFER - FACIST PRECEDENT CELTIC LEAGUE - PRESS INFORMATION PRISONS TRANSFERS - OUR SHAME The question of the forced transfer of prisoners is once again deferred.Theappeal by an inmate of the Victoria Road Prison, in the Isle of ManHigh Court, against transfer was yesterday adjourned until August. Stephen Galloway opposes the decision to transfer him but the issuetranscends an individual case and raises serious questions about theapplication of penal policy on the Island at a time when the generalHuman rights position is more optimistic. Counsel for Galloway had difficulty yesterday in arguing the caseon precedent because there is no apparent precedent in modern times.However, if one looks back sixty years there was precedent duringworld war two. The rights of those detained, often with the spuriouslabel of criminal or undesirable, were ignored when they were forciblytransferred from one territory to another. Indeed it was because ofthe trauma of those years that from 1945 onwards a serious of Protocoland Conventions, at both International and Regional level, were devised. The European Convention of Human Rights was designed to protect individuals.However, pending its incorporation into Manx Law (fifty years afterit was enacted) it does not help in the Galloway case. The UniversalDeclaration of Human Rights, again designed to ensure respect forand the protection of the individual, is even more remote to the Gallowaycase. Interestingly, European Law proscribes, via the Fourth Protocol ofthe European Convention, forcible transfer from one territory to another.However, the limitations of the Convention are defined above and inany case an 'enlightened' UK government has not ratified the protocoland therefore its provisions by implication to not extend to the Isleof Man. Despite the legalistic banalities played out in the Appeal Court yesterdaythe matter is straightforward. The forcible transfer of prisonersbetween their own territory and another is shameful. The fact thatthe only precedent in modern times occurred during the dark days offascism half a century ago seems to reinforce that point. J B Moffatt Secretary General 15/7/00 ============================= Date: Sat Jul 15, 2000 8:40am Subject: SNP GAELIC MOVE CELTIC LEAGUE - PRESS INFORMATION The Celtic League endorses SNP moves to secure the status of the Gaeliclanguage (see below). RUSSELL TO PROPOSE SECURE STATUS BILL FOR GAELIC SNP Shadow Minister for Gaelic Mr Michael Russell MSP has today [Saturday]announced he will be tabling a Member's Bill in the Scottish Parliamentto give secure status to Gaelic. Mr Russell commented: "Centuries of being ignored by the state, particularly in education,have left the Gaelic language in urgent need of official help andofficial recognition. "Recent answers which I have received to parliamentary questionsstate that the Lab/Lib government have no intention of bringing forwardany legislation on secure status in the next twelve months. I nowhope that the Government will honour its manifesto pledges on Gaelic,either by getting behind my Bill, or by giving a firm date when theywill bring their own Bill forward. "Over the summer, I will be liasing with the Gaelic organisationsto draft the text of the Bill. Meanwhile, I have officially lodgedmy intention to introduce a Bill along the following lines: Michael Russell: Proposed Gaelic Language Bill Proposal for a Bill to establish the principle of equal validity forGaelic and English in Scotland, to create certain rights and dutiesin law with regard to the use of Gaelic including a right to Gaelic-mediumeducation, a duty on certain specified public bodies to prepare andimplement Gaelic policies, a right to use Gaelic in courts and tribunalsand before other judicial and quasi-judicial bodies and the rightto use Gaelic names and descriptions, and to create certain bodiesto assist in monitoring and enforcing these rights and duties andto ensure the monitoring and enforcement of these rights and duties. Mìcheal Russell: Tairgse airson Bile na Cànain Gàidhlig Tairgse airson Bile a stèidhicheadh am prionnsabal gu bheil a' Ghàidhligagus a' Bheurla co-ionnan ann an èifeachd an Albainn, a chruthaicheadhcòirichean agus dleasnasan sònraichte ann an lagh a thaobh cleachdadhna Gàidhlig, 'nam measg còir do dh' fhoghlam troimh mheadhan na Gàidhlig,dleasnas air buidhnean poblach comharraichte polasaidhean Gàidhligullachadh agus thoirt gu buil, còir Gàidhlig a chleachdadh ann ancùirtean-lagha agus mòdan-ceartais agus air beulaibh bhuidhnean eileaig a bheil cumhachdan breithneachaidh agus còir ainmean agus tuairisgeulanGàidhlig a chleachdadh, agus a dhèanadh cinnteach gum bidh na còiricheanagus na dleasnasan seo air an sgrùdadh agus air an toirt gu buil. Mr Russell concluded: "The Bill will take as its starting point the initial recommendationson secure status made by Comunn na Gàidhlig. It will also follow theprecedent set in by the late SNP MP Donnie Stewart, who tabled a far-sightedBill the House of Commons in 1981, seeking to give greater statusto the language. The Scottish Parliament now has a chance to achievein the next 12 months what Westminster has failed to do in the lasttwenty years." Contact: Michael Russell Dr Alasdair Allan, Parliamentary Assistant (Tel) 0131 348 5679 ============================== Date: Fri Jul 21, 2000 11:13am Subject: AMBER ROSE REPORT SOON CELTIC LEAGUE - PRESS INFORMATION AMBER ROSE REPORT SOON The long awaited report into the sinking of the Northern Ireland motorfishing vessel (MFV) Amber Rose off the south east of the Isle ofMan (15/10/98) should soon be released. In correspondence to the CelticLeague the Chief Inspector of accidents at the MAIB Rr. Admiral Langsays that the report should be published before the end of July. The loss of the Amber Rose became controversial when the British PM,Tony Blair, and his deputy John Prescott turned a deaf ear to callsfor the recovery of the body of the Skipper of the vessel, ThomasHughes, which was trapped in the wreck The other crew members wererescued. Eventually civilian divers recovered the body at great risk. The Labourgovernments mean-spirited response at the time led to calls for afund to be established for recovery purposes. (It was also put intosharp contrast this year when, following the Solway Harvester tragedy,the Manx government moved speedily to pledge money and resources torecover crew members bodies and also lift the vessel for examination). Rr. Admiral Lang has also commented in detail on his argument that'black box' safety devices similar to those in aircraft should befitted in ships including MFVs. When this was reported the CelticLeague were sceptical as to its practicality given costs and otherfactors. However, the Chief Inspector of Accidents advances a cogentand practical argument for the plans implementation. J B Moffatt Secretary General 20/7/00 =============================== Date: Fri Jul 21, 2000 11:22am Subject: BASQUE PEACE CALL CELTIC LEAGUE - PRESS INFORMATION CALL FOR BASQUE PEACE INITATIVE The Annual meeting of the Celtic League being held this weekend inthe Isle of Man will consider a resolution calling for a UN and EUjoint initiative to bring peace to the Basque country. The resolution (see below) recognises that the only lasting solutionmust include self determination for the Basque people in both thenorthern (French) and Southern (Spanish) Basque country. Violernce has returned to the Basque country because of the failureof the spanish authorities to develop a peace strategy similar tothat adopted for Northern Ireland. (Text of draft resolution) This AGM: Being concerned about the ongoing violent struggle between the Spanishgovernment and the Basque independence movement ETA a) Urges the United Nations and European Union to take the initiativesto end the current conflict within the Basque country b) Believes that resolution of the conflict must inevitably hingeon self determination for the Basque people. J B Moffatt Secretary General 20/7/00 ============================== Date: Fri Jul 21, 2000 11:32am Subject: NUCLEAR WASTE PLAN ATTACKED CELTIC LEAGUE - PRESS INFORMATION FRENCH NUCLEAR WASTE PLANS UNDER ATTACK Sellafield and the British nuclear industry are often a target forthe campaigns of the Celtic League however this weekend (22/23 July)at the Celtic League Annual meeting it is the French government thatcomes under attack. A wide range of resolutions will be moved by delegates from Brittanyincluding one attacking plans for a nuclear waste store in the country. (Text of draft resolution) This AGM: Views with concern the decision of the French government to authorisethe establishment of a so called 'research laboratory' in Brittanyto examine the feasibility of using site(s) in Brittany for the disposal(burying) of waste. Bearing in mind the well known opposition of the Breton people tothe French nuclear industry we support the campaign of oppositionto the setting up of long term nuclear storage facilities becauseof the risks posed both now and to future generations of Bretons. J B Moffatt Secretary General 21/7/00 ===================================== CELTIC LEAGUE - PRESS INFORMATION In addition to a wide range of resolutions dealing with the problemsof the Celtic countries the Celtic League Annual meeting, held thisweekend in the Isle of Man, will take time to consider messages ofsolidarity and support for other peoples. A resolution for consideration (see below) attacks British and Americantreatment of the people of Diego Garcia expelled from their homelandto make way for a military base thirty years ago. The Islanders are currently fighting for the right to return to theirhomeland (text of draft resolution) This AGM Condemns the forced removal, between 1966 and 1969 of the populationof the Island of Diego Garcia from their home by the British and Americangovernments as one of the most shameful examples of colonial exploitation. Supports the campaign of the Islanders to both return to their Islandhome and receive compensation from the British government for theirforced removal and exploitation. J B Moffatt Secretary General 21/7/00 ============================= Date: Fri Jul 21, 2000 11:45am Subject: CORNISH RIGHTS CALL CELTIC LEAGUE - PRESS INFORMATION CORNWALL HAS DEVOLUTION RIGHT Equal status for the Cornish people in respect of current devolutionmoves will be called for at this years Celtic League AGM. A draftresolution seeks endorsement for the Cornish National Minority Report. (Text of draft resolution) This AGM: Recalling the decision of the 1999 in respect of the failure to recognizethe status of Breizh and Kernow under the provisions of the EuropeanCharter for Regional and Minority languages. Endorses the conclusions of the "THE CORNISH NATIONAL MINORITY REPORT"and expresses its support for the campaign to have the United Kingdomgovernment recognise that the Cornish are a national minority forthe purposes of the Framework Convention for the Protection of NationalMinorities J B Moffatt Secretary General 21/7/00 =============================== Date: Fri Jul 21, 2000 11:53am Subject: IRISH RESOLUTIONS TO AGM CELTIC LEAGUE - PRESS INFORMATION POLITICS CULTURE & SPORT A range of Irish branch resolutions to the Celtic League Annual meetingheld this weekend (22/23) address political, cultural and sportingmatters. (text of draft resolutions below) 1) This AGM calls on the Irish Government to give TG4 a sound and secure basisin the Broadcasting Bill with adequate statutory and financial provisionfor broadcasting in the Irish language with the capacity to expandthis. 2) This AGM calls on the British and Irish governments to reconstitute the crossborder bodies and other institutions contained in the Good FridayAgreement and to pursue its complete implementation. 3) This AGM condemns the unilateral abrogation of the Northern Assembly by theSecretary of State, PM, and calls for measures [such as parallel legislationand joint guaranties] to prevent such a one sided action in future. 4) This AGM welcomes the continuing international meetings between hurling andshinty. We encourage the GAA and An Camanachd Association to maintainand expand, where possible, on the international fixtures and links. 5) This AGM objects strongly to biased formulation of the question of nationalityproposed for 2001 Census in the Republic. (This motion has to confirmedby the proposer, there may be no question framed like this) J B Moffatt Secretary General 21/7/00 ============================= Date: Sun Jul 23, 2000 7:53am Subject: PEACE PROCESS A MODEL CELTIC LEAGUE - PRESS INFORMATION PEACE PROCESS MODEL FOR CONFLICT RESOLUTION The level of militarisation of areas in Northern Ireland such as SouthArmagh is a continued concern and de-stabilising factor in the peaceprocess delegates at the AGM of the Celtic League held in the Isleof Man this weekend were told. The Leagues Secretary General, delivering his report to delegates,said the Northern Peace process was a model for conflict resolutionbut only if its intent was honoured on both sides. Continued militarisationwas unhelpful. The meeting went on to urge that lessons learned inN. Ireland should be translated to the violent struggle in the Basquecountry. A resolution adopted by the meeting called for United Nationsand EU initiatives to end the conflict and ensure self determinationfor the Basque people The meeting also considered a range of reports on other issues includingthe language and culture of the Celtic countries and social and environmentalissues. French plans to site a nuclear waste dump in Brittany were also condemnedin a resolution moved by Breton delegates. The meeting pledged tocontinue campaigns against both the British and French nuclear industrieswhich pose a threat to the Celtic countries. The Celtic League was founded almost forty years ago and brings togetheractivists from political & cultural movements in the six Celtic counties.This years meeting focused on communication and the enhanced opportunitiesoffered to the Celtic movement by Internet related developments. J B Moffatt Secretary General 22/7/00 Date: Sun Jul 23, 2000 7:54am Subject: GLYNDWR LETTERS CALL CELTIC LEAGUE - PRESS INFORMATION GLYNDWR LETTERS BELONG IN WALES The French government should be encouraged to return the Pennal letters,written by Owain Glyndwr to the French King Charles VI, to the peopleof Wales the AGM of the Celtic League held this weekend in the Isleof Man was told. A resolution of support for this principle was adopted. The meeting also considered a range of reports on other issues includingthe language and culture of the Celtic countries and social and environmentalissues. The Leagues Secretary General delivering his report to the meetingalso highlighted concerns raised in the past year about nuclear mattersincluding the accident prone Wylfa power station. In another Welshrelated issue the Secretary General reported that despite the recentreview of the crash of an Irish airliner near the Aberporth rangethirty years ago the "jury was still out on possible British militaryinvolvement". French plans to site a nuclear waste dump in Brittany were also condemnedin a resolution moved by Breton delegates. The meeting pledged tocontinue campaigns against both the British and French nuclear industrieswhich pose a threat to the Celtic countries. The Celtic League was founded almost forty years ago, at Rhos in NorthWales, and brings together activists from political & cultural movementsin the six Celtic counties. This years meeting focused on communicationand the enhanced opportunities offered to the Celtic movement by Internetrelated developments. J B Moffatt Secretary General 22/7/00 ============================= Date: Sun Jul 23, 2000 7:56am Subject: PACKED AGM AGENDA CELTIC LEAGUE - PRESS INFORMATION PACKED AGENDA FOR CELTS AGM The Peace process, nuclear issues and cultural matters compete inpacked agenda for Celts meeting The level of militarisation of areas in Northern Ireland such as SouthArmagh is a continued concern and de-stabilising factor in the peaceprocess delegates at the AGM of the Celtic League held in the Isleof Man this weekend were told. The Leagues Secretary General, delivering his report to delegates,said the Northern Peace process was a model for conflict resolutionbut only if its intent was honoured on both sides. Continued militarisationwas unhelpful. The meeting went on to urge that lessons learned inN. Ireland should be translated to the violent struggle in the Basquecountry. A resolution adopted by the meeting called for United Nationsand EU initiatives to end the conflict and ensure self determinationfor the Basque people The meeting also considered a range of reports on other issues includingthe language and culture of the Celtic countries and social and environmentalissues. Irish government initiatives, taken by enterprise Minister Joe Jacob,to address the problems of Sellafield and the elderly Magnox stations- such as the accident prone Wylfa power station - were praised. Meanwhile, French plans to site a nuclear waste dump in Brittany werecondemned in a resolution moved by Breton delegates. The meeting pledged to continue campaigns against both the Britishand French nuclear industries which pose a threat to the Celtic countries. The Celtic League was founded almost forty years ago and brings togetheractivists from political & cultural movements in the six Celtic counties.This years meeting focused on communication and the enhanced opportunitiesoffered to the Celtic movement by Internet related developments. J B Moffatt Secretary General 22/7/00 ============================= Date: Sun Jul 23, 2000 7:57am Subject: FRENCH 'NUKE' WASTE PLAN ATTACKED CELTIC LEAGUE - PRESS INFORMATION BRETON NUCLEAR WASTE SITE PLANS CONDEMNED French plans to site a nuclear waste dump in Brittany were stronglycondemned in a resolution moved by Breton delegates to the AGM ofthe Celtic League held in the isle of Man this weekend The meeting pledged to continue campaigns against both the Britishand French nuclear industries which pose a threat to the Celtic countries. The level continued British military presence in Northern Irelandwas also a concern and a threat to the peace process delegates weretold. The Leagues Secretary General, delivering his report to delegates,said the Northern Peace process was a model for conflict resolution.The meeting went on to urge that lessons learned in N. Ireland shouldbe translated to the violent struggle in the Basque country. A resolutionadopted by the meeting called for United Nations and EU initiativesto end the conflict and ensure self determination for the Basque people The meeting also considered a range of reports on other issues includingthe language and culture of the Celtic countries and social and environmentalissues. The Celtic League was founded almost forty years ago and brings togetheractivists from political & cultural movements in the six Celtic counties.This years meeting focused on communication and the enhanced opportunitiesoffered to the Celtic movement by Internet related developments. J B Moffatt Secretary General 22/7/00 =============================== Date: Sun Jul 23, 2000 9:08am Subject: TRAGEDY CEMENTED LINKS CELTIC LEAGUE - PRESS INFORMATION SCOTS - MANX LINKS WERE CEMENTED BY TRAGEDY MEETING TOLD The swift moves made by the Manx government following the Solway Harvestertragedy were praised by the Secretary General of the Celtic Leaguewhen he presented his report to the 39th Annual General Meeting ofthe League held in the Isle of Man this weekend. He said the moveshad cemented links between SW Scotland and the Isle of Man which sharemany common traditions. The meeting also adopted a resolution supporting efforts by PuertoRican anti-military groups to end the use of their country for militaryexercises and condemned the transfer of such exercises from PuertoRico to bases off Cape Wrath in N. Scotland last year. Secretary General also said the Northern Ireland Peace process wasa model for conflict resolution but continued militarisation was unhelpful.The meeting went on to urge that lessons learned in N. Ireland shouldbe translated to the violent struggle in the Basque country. A resolutionadopted by the meeting called for United Nations and EU initiativesto end that conflict . The meeting also considered a range of reports on other issues includingthe language and culture of the Celtic countries. Several resolutionsconcerning the Scottish, Manx and Breton languages were adjournedto the Leagues General Council due to a packed agenda. Social and environmental issues were also considered and. Irish governmentinitiatives, taken by enterprise Minister Joe Jacob, to address theproblems of Sellafield and the elderly Magnox nuclear stations werepraised. Meanwhile, French plans to site a nuclear waste dump in Brittanywere condemned in a resolution moved by Breton delegates. The meetingpledged to continue campaigns against both the British and Frenchnuclear industries which pose a threat to the Celtic countries. The Celtic League was founded almost forty years ago and brings togetheractivists from political & cultural movements in the six Celtic counties.This years meeting focused on communication and the enhanced opportunitiesoffered to the Celtic movement by Internet related developments. Bernard Moffatt, Secretary General 23/7/00 =========================== Date: Tue Jul 25, 2000 10:36am Subject: CELTIC LEAGUE AGM ADOPTED MOTIONS FULL TEXT OF ALL RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED AT THE CELTIC LEAGUE AGM HELDIN MANNIN (ISLE OF MAN) JULY 2000 These resolutions will be published in the next issue of CARN togetherwith a report on the AGM and also background on the work of the Leagueover the past twelve months. J B Moffatt Secretary General 25/7/00 ------------------------ This AGM proposes that moves be set in motion to bring together thethree groups of Celtic parliamentarians - the Tynwald, Oireachtasand the recently formed Scots - Irish inter-parliamentary body, providingthe nucleus of a Celtic Council type body. ------------------------ This AGM endorses the view conveyed by the Secretary General of theCeltic League to the French Ambassador to London that the “PennalLetter” should be returned to Wales permanently. ------------------------ This AGM calls on the Irish government to give TG4 a sound and securebasis in the Broadcasting Bill with adequate statutory and financialprovision for broadcasting in the Irish language with the capacityto expand this. ------------------------ This AGM: Recalling the decision of the 1999 AGM in respect of the failure torecognise the status of Breizh and Kernow under the provisions ofthe European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages. Endorses the conclusions of ” The Cornish National Minority Report”and expresses its support for the campaign to have the United Kingdomgovernment recognise that the Cornish are a national minority forthe purposes of the Framework Convention for the Protection of NationalMinorities. ------------------------ This AGM of the Celtic League calls upon the Isle of Man governmentto: a) Acknowledge that, remembering Mann is an island nation where thefrustrated home-seekers’ only option is emigration, the current housingcrisis is creating a social problem, namely an exodus of indigenousManx people in the face of the ‘financial clout’ wielded by a recentlyimmigrant, and relatively affluent, element of the population. Itis those home-seekers who are less financially advantaged (and thereforeless able to compete in the current housing market) i.e. the indigenousManx people, that are forced to leave. b) Formulate and immediately implement an action plan to relieve thepresent situation, caused by immigration, of demand having so badlyoutstripped supply of homes, both for rent and for purchase. c) Introduce legislation to curtail local and off-island corporateand private excesses in the field of property speculation on Mannin.Such speculation when excessive is not only, given the limited sizeof the IOM housing market, morally reprehensible but is also potentiallyan embarrassing money-laundering instrument. ------------------------ This AGM: Condemns and the forced removal, between 1966 and 1969 of the populationof the island of Diego Garcia from their home by the British and Americangovernments, as one of the most shameful examples of colonial expoloitation. Supports the campaign of the Islanders to both return to their islandhome and receive compensation from the British government for theirforced removal and exploitation. ------------------------ This AGM: Reiterates the concerns expressed five years ago by the Celtic League,in the pamphlet “Human Rights on the Celtic Fringe,” in respect ofthe British, French and Irish governments. Calls for greater adherence to the principles of International HumanRights Treaties via their incorporation, without amendment, into domesticlaw. ------------------------ This AGM of the Celtic League calls for equality between men and womenat work and especially in the farming industry (agro-alimentaire). ------------------------ This AGM of the Celtic League reaffirms its commitment to struggleonly by non-violent means. The Celtic League reaffirms once again that the first violence isperpetrated by the hyper-centralism of the State. ------------------------ This AGM welcomes the continuing international meetings between hurlingand shinty. We encourage the Gaelic Athletic Association and An CamanachdAssociation to maintain and expand , where possible on the internationalfixtures and links. We also call on the associations to ensure widespread media coverage.The example set by the GAA and An Camanachd Association should befollowed in the other Celtic countries. ------------------------ This AGM calls on the Scottish Executive to put measures of protectionin place to protect historic battle sites, this being as a resultof Stirling Castle giving permission to build a housing scheme onthe battle site of Bannockburn. ------------------------ This AGM, whilst recognising the progress made in certain areas ofsupport and promotion of the Manx language by the Manx government,calls upon the Minister for Education to reinstate the Manx languagemedium education facilities, withdrawn by him, to the growing numberof competent Manx speaking children over the age of seven. and further, urges the Department of Education to use the opportunity presentedby the forthcoming Education Bill to enshrine, in law, the right ofeach and every child in Mannin to learn its own language, cultureand history. ----------------------- This AGM, recognising the impact that military bases and exercisefacilities has had on the Celtic countries, supports the campaignby Peurto Rican anti-militarists to close training and excercise facilitiesused by the United States on the Peurto Rican off-shore island ofVieques ----------------------- This AGM: a) Being concerned about the ongoing violent struggle beteween theSpanish government and the Basque independence movement ETA, urgesthe United Nations and European Union to take intitiatives to endthe current conflict within the Basque Country. b) Believes that the resolution of conflict must inevitably hingeon self determination for the Basque people. ----------------------- This AGM of the Celtic League: recalling the concern of previous AGMs of the Celtic League aboutthe risks posed to the Celtic coastlines by oil tanker spillage andbeing aware of the devastating impact of the most recent oil Erikaspillage off Brittany, calls for the establishment of a European MarineEnvironment & Coastguard Agency. ----------------------- This AGM of the Celtic League: a) calls upon the Breton Regional Council to condemn the French ConstitutionalCouncil, which rejects all democratic aspirations (thereby encouragingextremism). b) requests that the Breton Regional Council accept the demands ofelected Breton representatives. ----------------------- This AGM of the Celtic League: reiterates its call to the Breton Regional Council and the DepartmentCouncil of Loire-Atlantique to demand that the French Government re-unifyhistoric Brittany in line with the wishes of the people made clearin recent opinion polls. ----------------------- This AGM of the Celtic League: calls upon those Breton politicians, especially of the French leftPS(F) and PCF, reported in the French mass media to cease their slanderouscampaign against the Breton Movement, as an isolated issue, usingtendenciously and viciously the position of part of the Breton Movementduring World War 2 as an isolated issue with no mention of the anti-Bretonand colonialistic policy of the French Third Republic. ----------------------- This AGM of the Celtic League: Concerned that restrictions and obstacles are continuously being putby the French Department of education on the progress being achievedin recent years in the teaching of the Breton language in schools. Wishes to express its rejection of the idea that the adoption andimplementation of the measures for the transmission of the Bretonlanguage to the younger and future generation is dependant on thegoodwill and decision of any authority other than that of the democraticallyelected assembly representing the people to whom that language belongs. Calls on the Regional Council for Brittany to demand, of the FrenchGovernment and Minister of Education, the delegation of the powersrequired to ensure that an effective and adequate system of teachingBreton be established. ----------------------- This AGM of the Celtic League: Condemns the UK and French Governments' decision not to recogniseKernow and Breizh respectively under the provisions of the "EuropeanCharter for National Minorities". we also call upon the European Commissionto re-examine the policy of allowing Members States to define whoshould be recognised as a National Minority. ----------------------- This AGM of the Celtic League: Demands that the Ministry of Defence increases the Flight avoidancezones around nuclear power stations from 2 to 10 miles Calls upon the Scottish Executive to support this demand This AGM of the Celtic League; calls for recognition of Kernow and Breizh in the Euro Soccer Championshipsand calls on the Soccer authorities in all the Celtic countries tosupport the bid to have the Euro Soccer Championships in 2008 hostedin the Celtic countries. ----------------------- This AGM: calls upon the Manx government, via the Department of Local Governmentand the Environment, to bring those Local authorities into line whohave ignored the Tynwald Resolution of 1985 in support of the ManxLanguage i.e. they have ignored the desire of Tynwald that all governmentbodies should use the Manx language where practical to do so on signs,stationary etc. ----------------------- This AGM: calls upon the Department of Education to institute an induction coursefor all new teachers in Mannin that ensures that they are familiarwith and will support our linguistic, cultural and political heritage. ----------------------- This AGM: reiterates its call for an end to the levying of broadcast licencefees in the Isle of Man on the grounds that programming directed bythe BBC into the Isle of Man makes no provision for the distinct culturalidentity of the Manx people. This AGM Condemns the forced transfer of convicted prisoners from the Isleof Man to jails in the United Kingdom on the basis that it is botha breach of the European Convention on Human Rights and the EuropeanPrison Rules. ----------------------- This AGM: Views with concern the resumption of the trade in reprocessed nuclearfuel between the United Kingdom (BNFL) and Japan (Kansai Electric). Supports the calls by Ireland, Mannin and the governments of Scandinaviafor an end to reprocessing at the Sellafield nuclear plant Condemns the disregard shown by the Japanese government and peopleto the threat which their nuclear trade with the United Kingdom posesto the environment and peoples of the Celtic countries. ----------------------- The AGM: endorses the moves announced by SNP Shadow Minister for Gàidhlig MichaelRussell MSP to introduce a Bill in the Scottish Parliament to givesecure status to Gàidhlig ----------------------- This AGM: notes that official Task Forces are about to report on the futureof Gàidhlig broadcasting and of the Gàidhlig development agenciesand; (a) expresses its concern at press reports that these Task Forcesare to suggest that most or all Government funded Gàidhlig developmentagencies, Gàidhlig television production and Gàidhlig related jobswhich currently exist on the Highland mainland, Glasgow and Aberdeenbe removed from the mainland and centralised in the Western Isles. (b) urges the Scottish Executive and the UK Government to recognisethe national status and changing demography of Gàidhlig and to recognisegood practice in language planning internationally by ensuring thatthe new Gàidhlig development infrastructure is not centralised inthe Western Isles but rather has strong and expanded representationin Scotland's capital, the main cities and the Highland mainland inaddition to the Western Isles. ============================== Date: Tue Jul 25, 2000 11:51am Subject: SELLAFIELD, GAELIC AND FOOTBALL! CELTIC LEAGUE - PRESS INFORMATION FOOTBALL SUPPORTERS IN 'SECOND HALF' OF CELTS MEETING Marine pollution, Japanese arrogance over nuclear reprocessing, theManx Language and Football! feature in the closing session of theCeltic League Annual General Meeting The Annual General Meeting of the Celtic League concluded last nightwith delegates from the various Celtic countries returning home todaywith a range of adopted resolutions for implementation. The meetinghas undoubtedly been a great success, addressing a substantial agendaof motions some of which had to adjourned from the main session ofthe meeting on Saturday 22 July. These were considered and adoptedyesterday by the Leagues General Council. A substantial portion of the concluding business was moved by theBreton delegation and related to cultural matters, political objectivesand environmental matters. The devastation wreaked by the Erika oil-spillcame in for scrutiny and was compared to similar incidents in northernScotland and off the Pembroke coast. A resolution called for the establishmentof a European Marine Environment and Coastguard Agency. There wasalso criticism of the opposition by some governments (including theIsle of Man which has a substantial Shipping Register) to more rigorousstandards including double-hulls for oil tankers. The British - Japanese deal to resume their reprocessing contractwas also condemned: text "This AGM: Views with concern the resumption of the trade in reprocessed nuclearfuel between the United Kingdom (BNFL) and Japan (Kansai Electric). Supports the calls by Ireland, Mannin and the governments of Scandinaviafor an end to reprocessing at the Sellafield nuclear plant Condemns the disregard shown by the Japanese government and peopleto the threat which their nuclear trade with the United Kingdom posesto the environment and peoples of the Celtic" The Manx government were asked to encourage local authorities to complywith a decision, taken over fifteen years ago, to promote the useof the Manx language. text "This AGM: calls upon the Manx government, via the Department of Local Governmentand the Environment, to bring those Local authorities into line whohave ignored the Tynwald Resolution of 1985 in support of the ManxLanguage i.e. they have ignored the desire of Tynwald that all governmentbodies should use the Manx language, where practical to do so on signs,stationary etc." Finally a suggestion that a proposal from Irish delegates that theLeague support calls for the Euro Soccer Championships in 2008 tobe hosted by the Celtic countries was supported despite opposition.Opponents thought that the promotion of Soccer might be to the detrimentof more traditional Celtic games but the motion was eventually carried. text "This AGM of the Celtic League; calls for recognition of Kernow and Breizh in the Euro Soccer Championshipsand calls on the Soccer authorities in all the Celtic countries tosupport the bid to have the Euro Soccer Championships in 2008 hostedin the Celtic countries." Next year's AGM will be the Fortieth and it was agreed by delegatesthat as mark of respect to League founder Alan Heusaff, a Breton,it would be held in Brittany. The Celtic League was founded almost forty years ago and brings togetheractivists from political & cultural movements in the six Celtic counties.This years meeting focused on communication and the enhanced opportunitiesoffered to the Celtic movement by Internet related developments. Bernard Moffatt Secretary General 25/7/00  Back to Celtic League News |