Pierre Leblanc and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

The Guatemalan justice system sentenced Efrain Rios Montt of crimes against humanity and genocide against the Mayan Indians. His 80 year prison sentence effectively means that he will die in prison for his role in past crimes against Mayan Indians and other individuals in Guatemala. However, is Rios Montt being treated fairly given the longevity and brutal reality of what happened in Guatemala in the past?

Equally important, it is abundantly clear that America under many presidents supported the violation of human rights for many decades in countries which include El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua. This list can easily be extended to other nations like Chile. However, the point is that America and various paramilitaries on the right were involved in many brutal realities whereby the CIA played a powerful role.

Very few people will shed a tear for Rios Montt given the massacres that took place while he led this country briefly. Yet, massacres in Guatemala and other regional nations happened well before Rioss Montt came to power and likewise other brutal massacres took place after he was forced from power. Therefore, how can Rios Montt be separated and singled out to such a great extent given the role of so many individuals? Likewise, it is clear that many American administrations and CIA leaders were involved in arming, assisting and manipulating the United Nations (UN) in order to cover-up so many crimes.

Robert Parry covered many unfolding stories about Nicaragua and other important areas for AP and Newsweek. He comments that “Though many Latin American governments have practiced the dark arts of “disappearances” and “death squads,” the history of Guatemala’s security operations is perhaps the best documented because the Clinton administration declassified scores of the secret U.S. documents in the late 1990s.”

“The original Guatemalan death squads took shape in the mid-1960s under anti-terrorist training provided by a U.S. public safety adviser named John Longon, according to the documents. In January 1966, Longon reported to his superiors about both overt and covert components of his anti-terrorist strategies.”

The Guardian media group in 1999 stated that “Bill Clinton has made a dramatic break with the policy of previous presidents by expressing regret for the role the United States played in backing a brutal counter-terrorism campaign that caused the deaths of thousands of civilians in Guatemala’s civil war.”

“Mr Clinton made the apology in Guatemala City during his current four-nation visit to central America. It followed the publication last month of the findings of the independent Historical Clarification Commission which concluded that the US was responsible for most of the human rights abuses committed during the 36-year war in which 200,000 people died.”

This is the problem because Rios Montt was in power between March 1982 and August 1983. However, given the countless massacres that took place before this time period and that massacres continued after Rios Montt was forced from power; then how can he be held accountable if other powerful players within the America government and CIA escape similar judgments? Similarly, the same applies to past Guatemalan political and military individuals who were behind untold massacres for many decades – therefore, why is Rios Montt being singled out to such an extreme?

Bill Clinton stated “It is important that I state clearly that support for military forces or intelligence units which engaged in violent and widespread repression of the kind described in the report was wrong…And the United States must not repeat that mistake. We must and we will instead continue to support the peace and reconciliation process in Guatemala.”

Therefore, it means that while many commissions have firmly pinned the involvement of America and the CIA in countless massacres throughout many nations in South America in the past; that somehow one apology stating that the US “must not repeat that mistake” again is apparently good enough to escape prosecution. Ironically, Bill Clinton during his political office was also involved in murky dealings in Bosnia and Croatia whereby Islamic jihadists and Croatian paramilitaries were given covert support – and whereby the CIA held central links in the chain – during the Bill Clinton administration.

The US State Department’s Bureau of Intelligence and Research way back in 1967 noted the “accumulating evidence that the [Guatemalan] counterinsurgency machine is out of control…counter-terror units were carrying out abductions, bombings, torture and summary executions of real and alleged communists.”

Robert Parry reports that “In April 1981, a secret CIA cable described a massacre at Cocob, near Nebaj in the Ixil Indian territory. On April 17, 1981, government troops attacked the area believed to support leftist guerrillas, the cable said. According to a CIA source, “the social population appeared to fully support the guerrillas” and “the soldiers were forced to fire at anything that moved.” The CIA cable added that “the Guatemalan authorities admitted that ‘many civilians’ were killed in Cocob, many of whom undoubtedly were non-combatants.”

“Despite the CIA account and other similar reports, Reagan permitted Guatemala’s army to buy $3.2 million in military trucks and jeeps in June 1981. To permit the sale, Reagan removed the vehicles from a list of military equipment that was covered by the human rights embargo.”

If Rios Montt is guilty of crimes against humanity and genocide then what about the role of other powerful people in Guatemala; within the corridors of power in America over many decades; individuals within the CIA involved in murky dealings; and other ratlines which equally applies to private companies which benefitted from economic sales to the forces of torture in Guatemala? The issue isn’t the innocence or guilt of Rios Montt because very few people will doubt his role within the chains of command; it is about other more powerful individuals which assisted in these crimes against humanity.

Turning back to The Guardian article published in 1999 it states that “I have never seen anything like it,’ said Kate Doyle, the Guatemala project director at the National Security Archive, a private research body which has obtained the US documents. Ms Doyle said the documents tell the fullest story so far of our intimacy with the Guatemalan security forces.”

“A 1966 document reveals that US security forces set up a safe house inside the presidential palace in Guatemala City for use by Guatemalan security agents and their US contacts. It became the headquarters for the so-called dirty war.”

In this sense, if so many other people escape the net of justice then Rios Montt is “a collective scapegoat” for all the other powerful individuals in America and Guatemala who have escaped similar indictments. Therefore, it is essential that “the book isn’t closed” because many individuals were involved in the chain of events in America and Guatemala.

Sadly, many powerful modern nation states are still involved in supporting terrorist networks, mercenaries from a distance and supporting nations which don’t even provide the barest forms of human rights. The reason they can do this is because judgments are too limited towards individuals like Rios Montt. Given this reality, the same power mechanisms of covert and overt support towards forces of evil are still happening in the modern world. Likewise, destabilizing nations under the disguise of humanitarian ideals is the modern modus operandi whereby human rights organization, the mass media, special advisors and PR personnel collectively work together in order to overthrow governments. Rios Montt was just a cog in the machinery therefore until the entire machinery is brought to justice then nothing will prevent powerful governments from doing what they please.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/1999/mar/12/jeremylennard.martinkettle

http://www.consortiumnews.com/2005/011005.html

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

http://moderntokyotimes.com

Joachim de Villiers and James Jomo

Modern Tokyo Times

The late charismatic leader of Venezuela could easily brush aside self-doubts irrespective if this applied to the election process, internal discontent and a host of other important factors. In this sense, the late Hugo Chavez was unique irrespective if people supported his policies or were opposed to him. After all, he could openly defy internal opposition within Venezuela and major international condemnation because in the world of Chavez he was independent to the core. Therefore, his many attacks against the policies of America and other nations came “from the heart.”

However, the death of Chavez and the close presidential election points increasingly to a divided society whereby both major forces are at loggerheads. According to the election result the socialist candidate Nicolas Maduro emerged victorious with 50.7% of the vote against Henrique Capriles who obtained 49.1%. Immediately after the election result was announced Capriles rejected the outcome based on manipulating the final result.

It could well be that Maduro develops into a powerful new figure in Venezuela providing political upheaval doesn’t occur. Yet, with powerful forces opposed to the legacy of Chavez and with forces in Washington seeing new openings, then clearly the next few months will be watched closely by the international community.

In the short-term, Maduro and Capriles need to overcome their respective political rhetoric in order to accommodate the people of Venezuela; therefore, it is essential that confrontation doesn’t become the tool of either side. The next few days will witness many accusations from the Capriles camp in relation to underhanded political shenanigans. Likewise, Maduro will pull no punches in the other direction but this will not help the people of Venezuela because this nation needs to provide greater equality based on the rich resources of this nation.

Currently the Capriles camp is demanding a recount based on alleged irregularities of the election alongside other issues related to dominating the mass media. The National Electoral Council however made it clear that the results were “irreversible.” Therefore, either Capriles must accept the internal political electoral system – despite any possible flaws; or, he must think deeply before taking the issue further because it is very easy to open up a can-of-worms. Also, given the loathing of many powerful political forces in America towards the late Chavez; then Capriles is fully aware that outside meddling could create a very difficult situation for Venezuela if he decided to take his stance too strongly.

Maduro stated the electoral result was “just, legal and constitutional.” He further commented that the late Chavez “continues to be invincible, that he continues to win battles.” This may be the case currently but the margin of victory for Maduro highlights that this nation is deeply divided when it comes to politics. Of course, many nations are deeply divided but in Venezuela the political divide is based on two extremes. Also, America’s past meddling within the political corridors of many nations throughout the region highlights genuine internal fears within the body politic of Venezuela.

Capriles remains deviant because he states that “It is the government that has been defeated…The biggest loser today is you (Maduro). The people don’t love you.”

In the meantime, the people of Venezuela are caught between two extremes but for many people the real problems in this country relate to “bread and butter” issues. Overtly political postures irrespective if from the “left” or “right,” need to find political accommodation because this country is blessed with natural resources but many people still suffer from poverty and lack of opportunities.

Lee Jay Walker provided support to both main writers

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

http://moderntokyotimes.com

Kimberly Byrne

Modern Tokyo Times

Forests are considered to be one of the most highly valued and important eco-systems around the globe, containing approximately 60-plus percent of the globe’s biodiversity. As well for a number of indigenous groups, the forests contain their livelihood as it provides not only spiritual and cultural value but medicinal and edible plants, shelter, bush meat, fruits, firewood, and a number of other goods. Forests also play an extremely fundamental role in climate regulation and preventing a large increase in the current greenhouse gas effect.

All over the world forests are beginning to disappear. Since the 1980s, deforestation rates have been increasing and have not slowed since the 1990s. The biological and ecological effects of deforestation are numerous. Deforestation causes reduced plant biomass, loss of valuable plant and animal species, reduced biological diversity, reduced ecosystem stability, species habitats disturbed and even extinction of certain species. Deforestation also increases soil erosion, increased desertification and aridity, and increase in the global greenhouse effect.

The most well-known direct causes of deforestation include urbanization, logging, converting forested lands for purposes of cattle-raising and agriculture, oil and mining exploitation, fire, and acid rain. According to the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization an estimated 90 percent of total deforestation is the result of unsustainable agricultural practices.

In recent years, globalization has been a cause of deforestation in many areas. Forests are converted for cattle-raising throughout Central America, production of soy beans in Brazil, as well as pulpwood in Indonesia. In Indonesia, for example, the continued growth of global paper consumption depends on the high availability of cheap pulp used in paper mills. Therefore, a number of forests in Indonesia are being cleared for eucalyptus plantations to supply the global market with cheap raw material for paper.

Other causes related to deforestation include policies and inequalities regarding land tenure, production and consumption patterns, and even the military. With the military, the forests’ inaccessibility poses a strategic problem and is often “solved” by opening up the forest. This causes animals in the area to have to move as well as indigenous people who call the forest their home.

With massive deforestation going on today and its horrifying consequences, the nest question should be how to stop deforestation from continuing and restore the damaged ecosystems. Obviously, the first step in inhibiting deforestation is education. It is vital to instill environmental responsibility in children at a young age, as well as remind adults who may need reminding of preventative deforestation measures.

The next step is to create a number of new conservation policies that will prohibit deforestation from taking place. The policies need not to be just written, but strictly enforced as well. For example, in 2001, former United States President Bill Clinton proposed a new policy providing $150 million in funding that would aid developing countries in protecting their forests. The last step would be to restore and regrow the forests to restore their original ecosystem. Though it would take many years, it is not an impossible task.

http://moderntokyotimes.com

Murad Makhmudov and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

The Sunni Islamist terrorist angle in Iraq is being beefed up by the same nations involved in destabilizing Syria. It is clearly obvious that elements within Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar and other nations in the Gulf Region are behind the carnage in both nations. After all, where is the al-Qaeda and Islamist terrorist threat to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey and other Gulf states?

Clearly, it isn’t coincidental that nations which tacitly support terrorism and sectarianism are not being hit by the same forces. Also, nations deemed friendly towards America in the region, for example Israel and Jordan are also being bypassed. Therefore, it is clear that a covert policy is being installed by players which want a Sunni Islamist governed region whereby religious affiliation is the defining angle.

After the American led invasion of Iraq the power dynamics of this nation changed because suddenly the Shia had a voice within running the country. This infuriated many Gulf nations and the main powerhouse Saudi Arabia. Therefore, international Sunni Islamist terrorist groups moved into Iraq. Irrespective of the fact that many American and British soldiers were killed, and others from different nations, it is clear that the Saudi Arabia terrorist angle was ignored. The same applies to the intrigues of other forces within the Gulf which were funding the Sunni Islamist insurgency.

This covert support from Gulf nations and Saudi Arabia which played such a devastating role against Iraq is now destabilizing Syria today.  The government of Prime Minister Erdogan senses new opportunities for Turkey and clearly relations between Ankara and Baghdad have reached a new low. Given this reality, Turkey is now in league with the same sectarian based nations which are funding sectarianism, terrorism and other evil deeds against Syria.

Turkey’s policy remains different towards Syria because it is abundantly clear that the Free Syrian Army (FSA), various Islamist terrorist organizations, mercenaries, covert operatives and military hardware is being manipulated within the borders of this country. This means that all the above factors have a free reign to spread carnage in Syria by using Turkey to be a launching pad. Also, Turkey is trying to manipulate NATO in order to create a free zone in parts of the north of Syria and to entrap the Syrian armed forces.

In an another article by Modern Tokyo Times it was stated that “Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey is a bit of a maverick because he often creates negative tensions with regional nations based on petty nationalism and pandering to personal vanity. Therefore, since late 2011 relations between Iraq and Turkey have plummeted. The main cause of dispute is the demand by the leader of Iraq, Nouri al-Maliki, for Turkey to hand over Tareq al-Hashemi who was the Vice President of Iraq.  However, Erdogan refuses to abide by the Iraqi warrant despite the seriousness of the charges and this led to the leader of Iraq stating that Turkey was a “hostile nation.”

Another major bone of contention between Ankara and Baghdad is the fact that energy companies in Turkey often bypass the central government of Iraq. Therefore, just like American energy companies desire to sign contracts with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), the same applies to Turkey. This reality means that central forces in Iraq are being sidelined. The same can also be said about Turkey’s incursions into Iraq from time to time when they bombard Kurdish forces which oppose Ankara. Given the above realities, it is clear that the government of Erdogan doesn’t recognize the sovereignty of Iraq when it comes to energy, military issues and political factors.

Unlike Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states which have tacitly supported terrorism and sectarianism against Iraq covertly; the same can’t be said about Turkey. However, in the area of recognizing the sovereignty of Iraq, then it is clear that the Erdogan government bypasses the concerns of central forces in Baghdad.

When it comes to Syria then Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar and other Gulf nations are behind the many terrorist and sectarian ratlines which are destabilizing Syria. The role of nations like America, France and the United Kingdom are also very murky because they don’t want to be seen in the “shadows” of terrorism and sectarianism. Yet, media agencies within these nations, senior politicians, humanitarian organizations and many murky links are all combining to support terrorism and sectarianism against Syria. In this sense, all the above named nations in this paragraph have “opened the floodgates of international terrorism” against independent and secular Syria.

In The Long War Journal it was stated by Bill Roggio that “Al Qaeda in Iraq is increasing the tempo of attacks in Iraq even as it is devoting resources to fight President Bashir al Assad’s regime in Syria. The Al Nusrah Front for the People of the Levant, which is thought to have received support and personnel from al Qaeda in Iraq, has claimed credit for 31 suicide attacks in Syria since December 2011, and has executed complex suicide assaults on heavily defended Syrian security installations, with the help of the Free Syrian Army and Chechen fighters.”

In many images it can be seen that FSA terrorists are being paid openly by major backers. Likewise, it is clear that Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey are enabling terrorists, mercenaries and covert operatives to spread carnage and sectarianism. Another angle is that Salafi indoctrination is beginning to spread its sectarian hatred towards fellow Muslims from different sects and the same applies to persecuting Christians. The same patterns which emerged in Iraq are now happening in Syria. However, this time Turkey, America, France and the United Kingdom are on the same side of Islamist sponsored ratlines which are based in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and throughout the Gulf.

It is incumbent that Syria and Iraq share greater intelligence work and collectively try to form a bulwark against sectarianism and terrorism. Also, it is essential that the Russian Federation and Iran step up and help both nations against international terrorism – and the “failed state domino system” which often follows the meddling of outside nations. If these nations don’t work together then one by one they will all succumb to the same forces which will sponsor and support meddling internally. Of course, each nation is very different and the Russian Federation is blessed with powerful armed forces. Yet, in the past it is clear that Chechen Islamists were given special zones within Turkey and Georgia in order to destabilize parts of the southern Russian Federation. At the same time, Islamist indoctrination from Saudi Arabia and other hostile Gulf nations spread the Salafi doctrine which is causing mayhem within the Muslim community in the Caucasus region and Tatarstan.

Either nations work collectively to stop international terrorism and the “failed state domino system” which is being supported differently by Saudi Arabia, Gulf nations, Turkey and leading Western nations. Or one day the same forces may be used differently in order to undermine the national sovereignty of any nation deemed to be independent – and infringing on the geopolitical and religious designs of Saudi Arabia, Gulf nations, Turkey and leading Western nations. Also, for the Russian Federation the NATO angle and Missile Defense System is clearly aimed at this nation in the long-term unless the power dynamics of Moscow are transformed into being pro-Western. Therefore, the current crisis in Syria is linked to many factors and these important issues need to be challenged and addressed because the same nations keep on infringing on the sovereignty of others and creating failed states.

http://www.longwarjournal.org/threat-matrix/archives/2012/11/al_qaeda_in_iraq_suicide_bombe.php#ixzz2BXTbB8eh

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

http://moderntokyotimes.com

Manuel Pax and Horace C. White

Modern Tokyo Times

Native to the Andean region of Peru, Ecuador, Chile, and Bolivia, Quinoa is an ancient crop which has become highly popular in the last ten years. Quinoa seeds are rich in vitamins, minerals and even antioxidants. Quinoa is also a highly resistant crop. It can grow in dry climates, mountain altitudes and even locations with poor soil. Several countries are beginning to recognize its importance, so actually it’s a growing export commodity. Quinoa is a flat and oval shaped grain, and is the main ingredient in soups, salads and stews in Peruvian cuisine. However, Quinoa can also be eaten for breakfast combined with nuts, honey or fruits; or kneaded into bread, cookies, or pancakes. It is truly a versatile grain.

Delicious Quinoa Stew

In Peru, Quinoa is much more than a simple ingredient: it is part of the Peruvian Andean identity, especially in its cuisine. Salads, soups, desserts and stews made from Quinoa are part of a wide range of dishes that have traditionally been prepared for thousands of years using Quinoa as its main ingredient. So, whenever you have the chance to eat any of these dishes made from Quinoa, you’re actually tasting centuries of history and Andean tradition.

Having that said, it’s no wonder that the Quinoa stew is a very popular dish in the Andean region of Peru. The traditional way of preparing it begins with rinsing and removing any soil residues from the Quinoa using a strainer and water. Then, you boil the Quinoa in water for about 18 to 25 minutes, using the same amounts of Quinoa and water. In a separate pan, you fry onion slices, minced garlic, sliced tomatoes and bell pepper. Once the onions look caramelized, you can add any meat you’d like, such as chicken or pork. Ancient Peruvians used dried llama meat, called charqui. Once the Quinoa is done, add the contents of the pan into the pot. Stir for a few more minutes until done.

Cultural Origins

Referred by the Incas as the mother of all grains, tradition states that Quinoa seeds used to be sown by the Inca emperor using agricultural implements made out of gold. Nevertheless, there is archeological evidence of its existence for more than 6,000 years in the Andean regions of South America. Quinoa has also been part of several dishes prepared by the Aymara, Quechua and other indigenous tribes located throughout the Andes. Oral tradition tells us that Quinoa was the main food which sustained Incan soldiers when they would go to war, marching for several days through inhospitable environments. Despite its nutritious value, Spanish colonists suppressed its cultivation in the 15th and 16th centuries because the growing of Quinoa was considered a non-Christian activity.

Nutritional Value

When it comes to health, Quinoa has a lot of benefits. Rich in proteins and vitamins, Quinoa is the perfect dietary choice for people who want to lose weight, control their health, and also prevent illnesses. Quinoa itself is a healthy and delicious grain, which is also considered as a “superfood” by modern nutritionists and fad diet gurus.

This Andean grain contains all the nine necessary amino acid supplements; one of which is lysine, which is in charge of repairing your muscles tissues. Its antioxidants helps’ your body to fight the free radicals which are harmful to your health. Quinoa also has enough quantities of fiber to clean your colon. To top it off, this Andean food helps you keep low levels of bad cholesterol, and control your calories.

http://moderntokyotimes.com

Jay Doggett

Modern Tokyo Times

The recent market jitters and global gloom is not preventing Honda from focusing on the future.  Recent profits plunged by an astonishing 88% at Honda in the following months after the devastating March 11 earthquake and tsunami. Despite this, Honda, and other companies in the same sector, have moved on from this and began focusing on the future.

Therefore, like any company worth its salt the management structure at Honda are determined to move ahead and focus on the future.  The announcement made several months ago about the new $800 million dollar plant which will be built in Mexico is welcome news for all concerned. Also, since the announcement was made further details about future expansion plans have been forthcoming in the international press.

Mexico clearly needs major investment and Honda needs to restructure and focus on the changing car market in North America.  Labor costs, investment capital, future production lines, a changing market and other factors, meant that Mexico was deemed to be a perfect solution to meet future goals.

According to the announcement the new plant will employ approximately 3,200 workers. The plan is that by 2014 this car plant will produce around 200,000 cars a year in order to meet the demands of the North American car market.

At the same time it was also announced that production will be increased in some plants in both America and Canada. Some plants were reduced in North America after the earthquake and tsunami devastated parts of Japan.  However, a second-shift will come into effect at the Alliston plant which is located in Canada and shifts will be increased in plants in Indiana and Ohio in America.

Smaller vehicles will be built in the new plant in Mexico which will open for production by 2014 and emphasis is being put on fuel-efficient vehicles.  The plant will also help the local economy in the state of Guanajuato.

Honda is focused on future market projections and they are hoping that the new plant will maintain and enhance their strong presence in North America. If history is viewed about Honda then it appears that the new production line will reinvigorate their market competitiveness in this important part of the world.

Therefore, in a year which witnessed so much destruction and created major obstacles to overcome after the earthquake and tsunami struck Japan, it is clear that internal mechanisms at Honda were prepared and could adapt rapidly. Given this, Honda once more showed the world that dynamism applies to this company. Future projections in North America also highlight that Honda desires to remain one step ahead.

Latin America Report N°39

International Crisis Group

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Joachim de Villiers and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

The government of Japan decided on providing a $100 billion dollars lifeline to help Japanese companies during this difficult time. This was agreed in August and the main area is to fund exporters and help with foreign purchases in order to counteract the strong yen. 

Therefore, the three main banks have been allocated a $43 billion dollar credit line in order to help Japanese companies to expand overseas.  The high yen is putting a huge burden on exporters and this economic incentive is designed to sure up the business community, which is feeling the consequences of an unbalanced currency market.

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc. is being offered a $15 billion dollars credit line and Mizuho Financial Group Inc. and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc. are both being offered $14 billion dollars. The money is being channeled via the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) and the move is seen to be positive.

The weakness of the dollar is creating major problems and in the last 6 months alone the yen rose 11%. At the same time you have mass instability in the Eurozone and tensions are rising between America and China because of China’s manipulation of its currency. Therefore, the yen is seen to be a safe haven given the current economic instability which is infringing on all major economies.

Yoshihiko Noda, the Prime Minister of Japan, and senior figures in the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), are alarmed by the currency market because the high yen is not based on Japan’s economic reality. Therefore, a huge burden is being put on Japan at a time when funding is needed domestically because of the devastation caused by the March 11 tsunami and the ongoing consequences of Fukushima.

The logic behind the initiative is to help banks obtain dollars and then to utilize this credit line by offering loans to companies which are focused on obtaining acquisitions abroad.  This initiative will provide much needed capital and provide a cushion to the three megabanks and companies which seek to expand internationally.

Yoshinobu Yamada, an analyst for Deutsche Bank AG and who is based in Tokyo, commented that “This is a preparatory measure for any future event that may make it difficult for Japanese banks to procure the dollars in the market.” He continued by stating that “…Japan’s government needs to swiftly reconstruct the earthquake damaged nation and push domestic economic growth.”

Recent overseas acquisitions have totaled $56.7 billion dollars and this is the highest for three years and it is clear that despite all the mayhem that Japan seeks to counteract all these negatives.  Also, you have genuine fears that the yen will force some Japanese companies to relocate production abroad and the same applies to research and development.  Therefore, it is imperative that the government steps in and supports companies in Japan to weather the storm and to help in foreign acquisitions.

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

http://moderntokyotimes.com

Michel Lebon and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

Veronica Jullian (PuchysLOVE) is a stunning cosplayer from Mexico and her astonishing looks means that this talented lady can play various classy characters with ultimate ease.  Not only this, but Veronica clearly loves Japanese cosplay and international cosplay and this can be seen by her diverse and exquisite images.

Veronica is from Mexico City and this elegant young lady will turn 26 years old on September 19.  However, despite her young age it is apparent that cosplay runs through her veins because Veronica first started doing cosplay eleven years ago.

This charming lady is extremely busy and she is also a cosmaker and does cosplay commission when time permits.  Veronica prefers to wear cosplay in a natural environment rather than enter contests.  This is a blessing in disguise for cosplayers who enter contests because Veronica with her elegance and style would certainly be challenging for number one spot.

Veronica is extremely articulate and her Alice in Wonderland image shows her stunning beauty and this is matched by a beautiful pose which melts the heart.

Mexican magazines have highlighted Veronica and this enabled many people to see a glimpse of her world and clearly her lovely features hit a chord. Veronica who is also a cosmaker is a perfect example of cosplay and how this art form is gracing the world.

Victoria Centeno (Cosplay Girl) was recently highlighted on Modern Tokyo Times and both Victoria and Veronica are a cut above.  This applies to elegance, style, panache and both ladies ooze sophistication and open-up a world where cosplay, modeling, art and class come together.

Veronica is also invited to important cosplay conventions and for more than 5 years this graceful and stunning lady travelled all over Mexico and participated as a guest and luckily for the cosplay world she will continue to bless conventions in the future.

Cosplay appeals to Veronica because she can play and enter the world of her favourite characters. Also, Veronica loves cosplay because it increases self-confidence and natural skills like sewing, crafts, and learning about other cultures, is part of the cosplay world.

Veronica also gets great satisfaction when people recognize her cosplay and appreciate all the hard work put into the costume, make up, visual image, intricate designs and entering the world of the character on show.  This, to Veronica, is much more rewarding than trying to win competitions.

This fact, and the emphasis by Veronica on meeting new friends with similar interests, and being a cosmaker, is ample evidence that this lady is a true cosplayer.

Veronica hopes one day to visit Japan in order to experience the “culture, history, traditions, architecture, beliefs, and legends.” Also, with Veronica’s stunning looks and images which focus on “cuteness” then kawaii culture and fashion in Harajuku would surely interest this elegant lady.

Modelling and photography also appeals to Veronica and clearly both suit this talented lady.  Veronica also describes her style as “cute” because nearly all of her cosplay is based on characters which are cute.

The readership of Modern Tokyo Times will certainly support Veronica when she says her style is “cute” but add a little more by stating “amazingly cute and elegant.”

Hopefully one day this charming lady will grace Tokyo and Japan because “cosplay is in her heart” and her love of knowledge means that Veronica is a special lady.

http://puchyslove.blogspot.com/ – Please visit Veronica Jullian (PuchysLOVE)

http://puchys.deviantart.com/ Veronica Jullian (PuchysLOVE)

https://www.facebook.com/PuchysLOVECosplay Veronica Jullian (PuchysLOVE)

http://moderntokyotimes.com

International Crisis Group

OVERVIEW

Haiti’s porous land and sea borders remain susceptible to drug trafficking, smuggling and other illegal activities that weaken the rule of law and deprive the state of vital revenue. Post-quake insecurity underscores continued vulnerability to violent crime and political instability. Overcrowded urban slums, plagued by deep poverty, limited economic opportunities and the weakness of government institutions, particularly the Haitian National Police (HNP), breed armed groups and remain a source of broader instability. If the Martelly administration is to guarantee citizen safety successfully, it must remove tainted officers and expand the HNP’s institutional and operational capacity across the country by completing a reform that incorporates community policing and violence reduction programs.

The recent elections were only a first step toward determining the future of the country’s reconstruction and development. The real work now requires the political leadership – executive and legislative alike – to make meaningful efforts to address fundamental needs. Key to this is identification of common ground with the political opposition, grass roots communities and business elites, in order to reinforce a national consensus for transforming Haiti that prioritises jobs-based decentralisation, equal protection under the law and community security.

President Michel Martelly declared Haiti open for business in his 14 May inaugural address, but a functioning, professional HNP is a prerequisite to move the country forward. Police reform has made significant strides but is far from complete after nearly five years. HNP deficiencies, along with the desire of Martelly supporters to restore the army and nationalistic opposition to the continued presence of the UN peacekeepers (MINUSTAH), contribute to proposals for creating a second armed force. Serious questions surround that problematic notion. If it is pursued, there must be wide consultation with civil society, including grassroots and community-based organisations, and particularly with victims of the old army’s abuses. But first it is paramount to continue strengthening the HNP, by:

• completing recruitment, including of women, training and full deployment;
• building police integrity by expediting the vetting process for all active duty officers and staff, including creating an appeals structure, so as to rid the force of those who do not meet standards because of human rights violations or criminal activity and to certify those who do, and by taking immediate action to suspend and if appropriate prosecute officers found to be involved in any serious crimes;
• revising the reform plan to focus on clearly defined areas for improving the quality of security the HNP provides and building community confidence, such as the training and strengthening of specialised units, crime investigation, border patrol and community policing, while UN police (UNPOL) more actively mentor those efforts;
• adopting an organic law for the state secretariat for public security that clarifies its role and those of the other executive branch bodies with responsibilities for the HNP; and
• linking police reform with the reconstruction efforts currently coordinated by the Interim Haiti Recovery Commission (IHRC), by deploying better trained police to the provinces as economic decentralisation proceeds.

Port-au-Prince/Brussels

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http://www.crisisgroup.org/en/regions/latin-america-caribbean/haiti/b026-keeping-haiti-safe-police-reform.aspx

Latin America/Caribbean Briefing N°26 8 Sep 2011

International Crisis Group

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Every half hour, a person is killed in Venezuela. The presence of organised crime combined with an enormous number of firearms in civilian hands and impunity, as well as police corruption and brutality, have entrenched violence in society. While such problems did not begin with President Hugo Chávez, his government has to account for its ambiguity towards various armed groups, its inability or unwillingness to tackle corruption and criminal complicity in parts of the security forces, its policy to arm civilians “in defence of the revolution”, and – last but not least – the president’s own confrontational rhetoric. Positive steps such as constructive engagement with Colombia as well as some limited security reform do not compensate for these failures. While the prospect of presidential elections in 2012 could postpone social explosion, the deterioration of the president’s health has added considerable uncertainty. In any event, the degree of polarisation and militarisation in society is likely to undermine the chances for either a non-violent continuation of the current regime or a peaceful transition to a post-Chávez era.

A significant part of the problem was inherited from previous administrations. In 1999, the incoming President Chávez was faced with a country in which homicide rates had tripled in less than two decades, and many institutions were in the process of collapse, eroded by corruption and impunity. During the “Bolivarian revolution”, however, these problems have become substantially worse. Today, more than ten people are murdered on the streets of Caracas every day – the majority by individual criminals, members of street gangs or the police themselves – while kidnapping and robbery rates are soaring. By attributing the problem to “social perceptions of insecurity”, or structural causes, such as widespread poverty, inherited from past governments, the government is downplaying the magnitude and destructive extent of criminal violence. The massive, but temporary, deployment of security forces in highly visible operations, and even police reform and disarmament programs, will have little impact if they are not part of an integrated strategy to reduce crime, end impunity and protect citizens.

The presence of international organised crime groups is also nothing new, but there is evidence of increased activity during the past decade that in turn has contributed not only to the rise in homicides, kidnappings and extortion rates, but also to a growth in micro drug trafficking, making poor and urban neighbourhoods more violent. Venezuela has become a major drug trafficking corridor, and different groups, including Colombian guerrillas, paramilitaries and their successors, have been joined by mafia gangs from Mexico and elsewhere in benefiting from widespread corruption and complicity on the part of security forces, some of it seemingly tolerated by individuals in the highest spheres of government.

The government has displayed a particular ambiguity toward non-state armed groups that sympathise with its political project. Urban “colectivos” combining political and criminal activities, including armed actions against opposition targets, operate largely unchallenged and with broad impunity. The Bolivarian Liberation Forces have established control over parts of the border with Colombia, while the FARC and ELN guerrillas from the other side have long found shelter and aid on Venezuelan soil. In the context of the rapprochement between Presidents Chávez and Santos, the cost-benefit ratio behind the unacknowledged alliance between Colombian guerrillas and the Venezuelan government appears to have changed. However, it is still too early to be certain whether the government is willing and able to translate positive commitments and some initial promising steps into effective, sustainable action against such groups.

Violence and corruption have been facilitated by a steady process of institutional erosion that has become particularly manifest in the justice system and the security forces. While impunity levels soar, highly dysfunctional and abusive police have endangered citizen security. Heavily politicised, the armed forces are increasingly seen as part of the problem, enmeshed with organised crime and pressed by the president to commit themselves to the partisan defence of his “revolution”. The creation, arming and training of pro-governmental militias further increase the danger that political differences may ultimately be settled outside the constitutional framework, through deadly force.

In this highly charged environment, political violence has so far remained more a latent threat than a reality. However, as the country heads into what promises to be a fiercely contested presidential election, with very high stakes for both sides, this fragile equilibrium may not hold. Moreover, uncertainties provoked by the president’s illness have compounded short- and medium-term prospects. The greatest danger is likely to come after the election, regardless of who wins, since the entrenched levels of violence are prone to undermine either peaceful regime continuity, hand-over to a successor or any transitional arrangement. Moreover, whatever the political complexion of a future government, the extensive presence of organised crime networks is likely to seriously threaten medium- and long-term stability. The necessary actions to avoid that scenario must begin with a commitment by all sides to peaceful constitutional means of conflict resolution and with effective government measures to disarm and dismantle criminal structures, restore the rule of law and root out corruption in state institutions.

Bogotá/Brussels

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http://www.crisisgroup.org/en/regions/latin-america-caribbean/andes/venezuela/038-violence-and-politics-in-venezuela.aspx

Latin America Report N°38

Haga click aquí para leer este resumen en español. Traducción del informe en curso.

International Crisis Group 

Deeply entrenched connections between criminal and political actors are a major obstacle to conflict resolution in Colombia. Illegal armed groups seek to consolidate and expand their holds over local governments in the October 2011 governorship, mayoral, departmental assembly and municipal council elections. The national government appears more willing and better prepared than in the past to curb the influence of illegal actors on the elections, but the challenges remain huge. The high number of killed prospective candidates bodes ill for the campaign, suggesting that the decade-old trend of decreasing electoral violence could be reversed. There are substantial risks that a variety of additional means, including intimidation and illegal money, will be used to influence outcomes. The government must rigorously implement additional measures to protect candidates and shield the electoral process against criminal infiltration, corruption and fraud. Failure to mitigate these risks would mean in many places four more years of poor local governance, high levels of corruption and enduring violence.

Decentralisation in the 1980s and 1990s greatly increased the tasks and the resources of local government, but in many municipalities, capabilities failed to keep pace. This mismatch made local governments increasingly attractive targets for both guerrillas and paramilitaries. Violence against candidates, local office holders and political and social activists soared. With a largely hostile attitude to local governments, guerrillas have mainly concentrated on sabotaging and disturbing the electoral process. By contrast, paramilitary groups, particularly after the formation of a national structure under the United Self-Defence Forces of Colombia (AUC), used their links with economic and political elites to infiltrate local governments and capture public resources. That peaked in the 2003 local elections. Since then, and particularly after the official demobilisation of these groups in 2006, the influence politicians linked to paramilitaries enjoyed has weakened but not disappeared.

The October elections are the first test of how democratic institutions under the government of President Juan Manuel Santos cope with the growing power of new illegal armed groups and paramilitary successors (NIAGs), now acknowledged as the country’s biggest security threat. These organisations, which the government calls BACRIM (criminal gangs), are unlikely to have a unified stance towards the elections. Some will be content with minimal relations to local politics to guarantee their impunity, access to information and freedom of action. But NIAGs are rapidly evolving into larger, more robust criminal networks, so some could develop a more ambitious political agenda. Several advocates of land restitution for the victims of Colombia’s long-running armed conflict already have been assassinated, suggesting that this major Santos initiative is likely to be met by alliances between criminals and some segments of local economic elites, in defence of the status quo. Meanwhile, frequent attacks against prospective candidates and civilians suggest that the weakened FARC wants to prove it is not a spent force.

Colombia is better prepared than in the past to take on these challenges. Impunity is decreasing, as judicial investigations into links between politicians and paramilitaries have resulted in the conviction of some two dozen members of Congress. Investigations and indictments are now moving down to the local government level, albeit slowly and unevenly. In July 2011, the government signed into law a far-ranging political reform, paving the way for the imposition of penalties on parties that endorse candidates with links to illegal armed groups or face investigation for drug trafficking and crimes against humanity. Election financing rules and anti-corruption norms have also been stiffened, although shortcomings in the legal framework remain.

Over the long term, these changes should favour more competitive and cleaner local elections, but in the short term, their impact will, for a number of reasons, be limited. The approval of the political reform law less than four months ahead of the elections has heightened uncertainty, and time is running short to apply some of the innovations. More broadly, political parties remain weak, and there are doubts whether they can even effectively determine their own nominees in all cases. Meaningful competition is unlikely to emerge in regions where the political and economic environment is heavily biased towards elites formerly linked to paramilitaries. Clientelism continues to be a drag on local politics, while links between criminals and politicians are frequently difficult to expose because of deep-seated popular mistrust of unresponsive local authorities.

Guaranteeing the conditions for free, fair and competitive elections remains the dominant immediate challenge for the government. But more needs to be done to protect local government from the influence of illegal armed groups over the long term. The National Electoral Council (CNE) must be strengthened and become more independent. Congress needs to update and simplify Colombia’s diverse electoral rules. Political parties must establish stronger internal structures and develop a culture of accountability. These changes will ultimately be insufficient, however, if local government continues to lack the institutional capacities to guarantee democratic, clean and efficient management of its affairs.

RECOMMENDATIONS

To provide the conditions for safe and secure local elections

To the Government of Colombia:

1.  Review methods and criteria currently applied to identify security threats, link its risk assessments to those provided by civil society organisations and rigorously implement measures to provide security to candidates and political organisations, without discrimination.

2.  React in a timely manner to all threats to candidates or social activists, as well as to early warning reports from the ombudsman office, and ensure that officials who fail to act comprehensively on threats or early warning reports face legal consequences.

To reduce the influence of politicians linked to illegal armed actors

To Political Parties:

3.  Screen prospective candidates rigorously before endorsing them and reject all with a questionable past, including those who are close relatives of politicians linked to paramilitaries or who are put forward by politicians linked to illegal armed actors.

To prevent illicit campaign financing and electoral crimes and improve transparency

To the National Electoral Council (CNE):

4.  Direct Sectional Electoral Guarantee Tribunals to make more active use of their competence to audit campaign accounts during the electoral process.

To Political Parties and Candidates:

5.  Voluntarily and publicly report campaign contributions and campaign spending well ahead of the elections.

To the Government of Colombia:

6.  Launch a campaign immediately to increase awareness among political organisations, candidates, contributors, media and civil society of campaign finance rules and the changes introduced in the 2011 political reform.

7.  Provide additional resources to the National Civil Registry to ensure that the biometric voter identification system can be used in the 2011 elections, at least in the departments at highest risk of electoral fraud.

8.  Improve, through the interior and justice ministry, public access to the records of the Immediate Reaction Unit for Electoral Transparency (URIEL), making it easier for the electorate to hold institutions accountable for follow-up on complaints.

To the Government and Congress of Colombia:

9.  Provide additional resources to the attorney general’s office to ensure that a dedicated unit for electoral crimes becomes operational and produces concrete results as quickly as possible.

To maintain a level playing field for all candidates

To the Offices of the Attorney General, the Public Prosecutor and the Comptroller and to Courts:

10.  Prosecute and if applicable impose sanctions expeditiously against unlawful interventions of incumbents in the electoral campaign.

11.  Monitor closely the execution of public reconstruction works following the heavy rainstorms and follow-up rigorously on accusations of misuse of those resources by local incumbents for political purposes.

To guarantee that political rights of vulnerable populations are protected and promoted

To the Government of Colombia:

12.  Communicate clearly ahead of the elections that access to state subsidies and support programs such as Families in Action is a right, not a political favour.

To the Government and Congress of Colombia:

13.  Introduce instruments and mechanisms that more effectively protect political rights of internally displaced persons (IDPs), including considering the possibility to grant them the opportunity to cast absentee ballots away from their original residence, as well as introduction of seats reserved for them in local governments.

To strengthen scrutiny and reporting of the electoral process and confidence in the results

To the Government of Colombia, the Office of the Attorney General and Electoral Institutions:

14.  React in a timely way to threats to journalists, not only by providing protection, but also by swiftly investigating the origin of threats and prosecuting those responsible for them.

15.  Ensure that journalists and civil society organisations have equal and unhindered access to all official electoral information.

16.  The government should invite the Organisation of American States (OAS) to send an electoral observer mission, equipped with an extensive mandate, so as to ensure international scrutiny, including during the pre-electoral and the post-electoral stages, focusing on:

a) departments and municipalities exposed to high risks of violence and/or electoral fraud; and

b) ballot counting, in particular if the procedural changes in the political reform law are implemented for the October elections.

To Candidates and Campaign Officials:

17.  Pledge publicly to respect the work of journalists during the campaign and contribute to an informed electoral debate.

Bogotá/Brussels, 25 July 2011

Latin America Report N°37

http://www.crisisgroup.org/en/regions/latin-america-caribbean/andes/colombia/37-cutting-the-links-between-crime-and-local-politics-colombias-2011-elections.aspx

Please visit the International Crisis Group at http://www.crisisgroup.org for more in depth reports from this highly acclaimed think tank which seeks to find resolutions to complex issues.