For the Peaceful Reunification of Korea!

Workers' Daily Internet Edition: Article Index :

For the Peaceful Reunification of Korea!
WFTU press release on Conference for Peace in Korean Peninsula

The DSEi terror operation:
Challenge the Anti-Terrorism Legislation and its Political Uses
Oppose the "Anti-Terrorist" Legislation! Police Use Terrorism Act 2000 to Suppress Opposition to Arms Fair

Youth & Students:
The Relaunch of Top-up Fees

September 9 marked the 55th anniversary of the founding of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). At this time, a major threat to peace and security on the Korean Peninsula comes from the aggressive warmongering and provocations of the United States. Meanwhile, the DPRK and the Korean people take a firm stand in favour of peace and the reunification of their country and nation, which has remained forcibly divided through the military intervention and imperialist machinations of the US. It was in this context, that the meeting, "For the Peaceful Reunification of Korea!", was organised jointly by the New Communist Party and the Revolutionary Communist Party of Britain (Marxist-Leninist) on September 4 at Marx House in London. The content of the meeting was the importance of defending the contribution of the DPRK’s stand of upholding the principle of sovereignty, independence and the right of nations to self-determination.

Ha Sin Guk, the Second Secretary of the recently opened embassy of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in London was the keynote speaker. Comrade Ha defended his country’s right to independence and sovereignty. Emphasising the present "army-first" policy of the DPRK, he described the country’s capability of defending itself politically, militarily and ideologically against the hostile intent of the US. This policy complemented the overriding ambition of the Korean people for the reunification of the nation.

The second secretary’s outline of recent Korean history described the nation’s anti-colonial struggle against Japanese domination, followed by the partition of the country in 1945, and subsequent aggression launched by US imperialism in 1950. This period had also seen the establishment of the DPRK, under the leadership of Kim Il Sung, the military domination of the south of Korea and the human tragedies that followed the partition of the country. Despite the many successes in the drive to build a strong country and to reunify the divided nation, Ha Sin Guk warned of the tense and difficult current situation, worsened since the demise of the Soviet Union, and other trading partners, which had coincided with natural causing the DPRK serious economic problems. He pointed out that without a continuing powerful defence capability, the DPRK would again become vulnerable to attack. Ha Sin Guk told the meeting about the recent six-party talks, which China hosted in Beijing on August 27 and 28, which involved delegations from the DPRK and the US, with the participation of representatives from China, Japan, the Republic of Korea and Russia. He said that the DPRK had made it clear that if the US dropped its hostile policies, and signed a non-aggression pact, the DPRK would dismantle its nuclear programme.

The meeting also listened to interventions from NCP General Secretary Andy Brooks, Michael Chant of RCPB(ML), and Keith Bennett, former editor of Asian Times.

Andy Brooks spoke on why Korea features so much in the world political agenda in that, he said, US imperialism is determined to hang on to its occupation of the south of Korea and seeks to crush the socialist society of the DPRK. He indicted successive US administrations as the source of tension in the Korean peninsula, pointing out that the nuclear issue could be resolved if the US abided by past agreements and signed and adhered to a mutual non-aggression pact, rather than pursuing a policy of nuclear blackmail to intimidate the DPRK.

Michael Chant pledged the support of RCPB(ML) and its Central Committee to the aim of Korean reunification. He paid tribute to the June 15, 2000, historic Joint Declaration as an important initiative paving the way for reunification, and that it is a requirement of modern democracy which it is the duty of the international community and world’s people to uphold that all nations have the right to independence and sovereignty free from outside interference.

As well as highlighting the need to expose the past and present crimes of the US imperialists against the Korean peoples he drew attention to the current aims of the US to control the Middle East as part of the intention of dominating Asia and thereby exercising hegemony over the entire world. He also stressed the importance of the British working class and people rejecting the disinformation about the DPRK, which has the aim of covering over the aggressive intentions of imperialism, blaming the DPRK for the "nuclear threat" and denying it its right to sovereignty and self-defence. In this respect, the disinformation and illusion-mongering also has the aim of sabotaging the people’s movement against war and diverting it from upholding the inalienable rights of the world’s people to their sovereignty and independence. Defending such principles would strengthen the people’s opposition to the aggressive military policy of the US and British governments.

The speaker saluted the DPRK on its positions at the recent 6-party talks and pledged RCPB(ML)’s commitment on behalf of the working class and people to stand as one with the DPRK in its struggle for Korean reunification, independence and opposition to superpower aggression.

Keith Bennett reminded the meeting of the 55^th anniversary, in the coming days, of the founding of the DPRK. This represented a symbolic victory he said for the Korean people, as well as for Asia and the Third World, during the period of colonialism, for majority rule and for independence.

He pointed out that in the light of the recent round of negotiations between the DPRK, the USA and four other countries, another form of struggle was being played out and that the US Administration was unlikely to accede to the just demands of the DPRK, given the importance of the region in world affairs. This strategic importance also had origins in the unfinished business of the Second World War, and the aim of a democratic world in the period following the defeat of German Nazi-Fascism and Japanese Militarism, of which the Koreans were the first victims.

The speeches were followed by a serious question and answer session and discussion, with vigorous contributions from the floor with responses from the platform.

In the speakers’ final remarks, the disinformation over the 6-way talks was again opposed, as well as the US plans for aggression and its provocations over the so-called nuclear issue. The hostile stand of the British government towards the DPRK was also vigorously condemned. The US must agree to the just demand to immediately sign a non-aggression pact with the DPRK. The struggles of the Korean people and the principled and resolute stand of the DPRK were upheld. The need for the people to keep vigilant was emphasised, but it was pointed out that it is the peoples, not the imperialists, which are the decisive force in history. The reunification of the Korean nation with this perspective is bound to be crowned with success. The meeting reiterated that it stood as one with the Korean people, not simply on the basis that their struggle was just and deserved support, but that the world’s people are one humanity engaged in one struggle for their emancipation and the common cause of a new society.

The meeting unanimously endorsed a message of congratulations on the anniversary of the DPRK to be sent to the Korean people and their leader, Kim Jong Il.

REPORT ON PARTICIPATION OF THE WFTU AT THE INTERNATIONALCONFERENCE ON PEACE IN THE KOREAN PENINSULA, ON THE OCCASION OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GREAT VICTORY IN THE WAR OF LIBERATION

From 23 to 28 July this year, various events of great importance took place in the city of Pyongyang, capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Among them were the International Conference for the Maintenance of Peace on the Korean Peninsula from the 23 to 25 July, and the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Great Victory of the War of Liberation. Participating in these events were democratic international organizations, trade unions, organizations for peace and against war, organizations for Solidarity and Friendship with the Korean people, and more than 58 organizations coming from the five continents.

Among the participants were the International Association of Democratic Lawyers (IADL), World Peace Council (WPC), Afro-Asian People’s Solidarity Organization (AAPSO); World Federation of Democratic Youth (WFDY), United States Committee for the Peace and Reunification of Korea, Arab Lawyers’ Union (alu), Women’s International Democratic Federation (WIDF), and Japanese Committee of Support for the Reunification of Korea. Also participating were more than 7 anti-war, peace and solidarity with the people of Korea organizations from the United States. Participating organisations centred their interventions and demands both on the significance of the 50th anniversary of the victory in the war of liberation of the Korean people and on the right of this people to live in peace and to defend itself if it is attacked again. At the same time, they called for the reunification of the Korea and denounced the war policies of the Bush Administration which have put all humanity in peril.

Speaking on behalf of the WFTU, Comrade Valentin Pacho, Deputy General Secretary, joined with the other representatives in declaring that the WFTU reiterates its full class solidarity with the working class and people of Korea for its reunification without foreign interference. It was emphasized that from its foundation, the WFTU has struggled for peace and against the expansionist policies and domination of imperialism. Secretary Pacho paid homage to the Korean heroes who defeated the North American invaders 50 years ago and condemned the resurgence of neo-fascism headed by the Bush government.

The 58 organizations, coming from the United States, Great Britain, Central Europe, Germany, Belgium, Russia, Eastern Europe, Asia, Latin America, the Arab countries, and international organizations, among them the WFTU, approved a Resolution and Final Document, the main points of which are the following:

1.) - To deploy energetic actions on a world scale to demand that the United States abandon the policies of hostility to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and agree to work towards a peaceful solution.

2.) - To expose before the international community the criminal actions committed by the USA in the past against the DPRK and to demand apology and indemnity.

3.) - To expose the illegitimacy of the occupation by US troops of South Korea and to demand their withdrawal.

4.) - To support actively the just cause of the Korean people to preserve peace and for the reunification of the country in an independent manner.

THE PEOPLE'S TRIBUNAL TO JUDGE THE CRIMES PERPETRATED BY THE UNITED STATES AGAINST THE KOREAN PEOPLE MET ON THE 26TH OF JULY.

In the framework of the activities of the 50th Anniversary of the Victory in the War of Liberation, for its great significance for humanity, a People's Tribunal was constituted to judge the crimes committed by the United States against the Korean people, whose painful consequences continue up to the present.

The members of the People's Tribunal were made up of the principal international organizations, among them the WFTU. The prosecutors and judges came from North American lawyers’ organizations as well as lawyers’ organisations from Europe and Arab countries.

Evidence of the crimes committed by US troops 50 years ago were presented, on the mass killing of millions of Korean citizens, including thousands of children, on the thousands who remain mutilated, and the trauma of those children. The prosecutors demanded justice and punishment for those responsible for these crimes committed by the United States who now again today threaten another war against the Korean people.

The members of the tribunal visited the sites of such crimes and tortures and heard the testimony of the witnesses and survivors. Finally, on July 27, the People’s Tribunal issued the verdict which condemns the United States for the crimes against humanity committed against the people of Korea.

JULY 28TH: CENTRAL ACT OF COMMEMORAION OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GREAT VICTORY OF THE WAR OF LIBERATION AND THE DEFEAT OF THE IMPERIALIST INVADERS

In the framework of the observance of the 50th Anniversary of the Great Victory of the War of Liberation, the participants of the international Conference visited the Memorial Palace of Kumsusan, to pay homage to the Great Leader Kim Il Sung, who died 10 years ago and who led the victory of the Korean people in defeating the imperialist invaders headed by the United States.

Also the central act of Demonstration of Solidarity with the participation of multitudes of people was carried out at the Monument for the Reunification of Korea, where the international delegations transmitted the solidarity of the peoples of the world to the heroic Korean people.

MEETING WITH LEADERS OF GENERAL FEDERATION OF TRADE UNIONS OF KOREA (GFTUK)

Comrade Valentin Pacho also had a meeting with leading comrades of the GFTUK in order to strengthen the actions of struggle for solidarity with the workers and people of Korea against the imperialist threat of military aggression by the Bush administration and on the forthcoming activities of the WFTU at the international level.

In conclusion, the WFTU considers that the International Conference for Peace on the Korean Peninsula in the framework of the 50th anniversary of the great victory of the War of Liberation, in the city of Pyongyang, was one of the definitely transcendental events for the strengthening of the struggle for Peace in the world, and the rejection of the belligerent and neo-fascist policies of the Bush government.

The Korean people have the right to live in Peace and build their future and to bring to reality the efforts they are making for their reunification without foreign interference. The World Federation of Trade Unions fully supports the Korean workers and people.

Statement of the Campaign Against Criminalising Communities (CAMPACC), 15 September 2003

The use of anti-terrorism powers to police a perfectly legitimate and peaceful protest at the DSEi arms last week comes as no surprise to those like CAMPACC who have been warning of the dangers of these draconian and antidemocratic powers since the introduction of the Terrorism Act 2000 and its use to ban 21 organisations in March 2001.

The police used section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000 because unlike the ordinary criminal law it allows them to stop and search individuals without the need for any suspicion of committing an actual criminal offence. It is a broadly drawn provision conferring unprecedented powers to the police which they have already used against peace protestors on their way to Fairford Air base to demonstrate against the bombing of Iraq.  The main problem however stems from the definition of terrorism in the act which extended the scope of anti-terrorism powers to potentially cover any form of political protest and civil resistance. To date the brunt of use of these powers had fallen on activists within ethnic minority and refugee communities many of whom fled persecution for their political beliefs by repressive regimes such as Turkey, India, and Israel. The lack of media response and public outrage about the use of these oppressive powers against these vulnerable and marginalized groups should now be a matter of concern for those who value the civil liberties and freedoms that are so plainly under threat by the availability and application use of these powers to mainstream political activity.

The High Court has given the go ahead for a challenge to the actions of the police at the Docklands demonstration following the application for judicial review from the campaign group "Liberty". Whilst we welcome scrutiny of these powers and anticipate that the Court will rule that they were unlawfully used and have breached fundamental rights, CAMPACC is not just concerned with their use in this particular case but the very existence of these laws that allow for the suppression of dissent and which protect those peddling weapons of violence and destruction and castigate those who campaign against their sale as the threat to democracy and freedom by labelling them and treating them as terrorist.  

We urge people to join our campaign in the attempt to challenge such legislation and its political uses. *

For further information contact Campaign Against Criminalising Communities (CAMPACC), Tel 020 7586 5892, e-mail: estella24@tiscali.co.uk, http://www.cacc.org.uk

*CAMPACC submission to the Privy Council review of the legislation (available at http://www.atcsact-review.org.uk/evidence.htm).

In a development long predicted by those who have consistently opposed the anti-democratic Terrorism Act 2000, it has emerged that the Metropolitan Police have invoked Section 44 of this Act to suppress peaceful protest against Europe's biggest arms fair. According to Scotland Yard, police arrested 23 people on the day of the protest and 102 altogether from the beginning of their operation. With these arrests, the Metropolitan Police aimed to disrupt the opposition to the Defence Systems and Equipment International (DSEi) arms fair, which is organised in association with the British Ministry of Defence and was officially opened by Geoff Hoon, the Defence Secretary.

The precise nature of this event was set out on its website by Bob Munton, its chairman who described it as "an influential event in the international defence calendar" where "the world's defence suppliers and their customers meet at DSEi to discuss and conduct business in a central London location" and where "many exhibitors plan the launch of new systems and equipment as well as the announcement of significant orders, alliances and joint ventures to coincide with the show". In other words, it is a major gathering of the military industry corporations which are such a major force in the present drive for international aggression and war.

It was therefore rather ironic that as part of the propaganda carried out to justify the £1 million spent by the police on the operation and their use of the Terrorism Act 2000 to harass protesters was the apparent police fear of "violent protests".

The use of the Terrorism Act 2000 to suppress the protests against the DSEi follows on from the use of the same legislation against the anti-war activists at Fairford RAF base in the lead up to the attack on Iraq. The programme for war and aggression abroad and attacks on democratic rights at home that goes by the name of the "war on terrorism" must be vigorously opposed, the attempt to criminalise political protest rejected and the so-called "anti-terrorism" legislation repealed.

Top up fees, or extra fees that individual universities can charge students above the basic national rate, have been in the news once more lately. Indeed, it appears that the government is making a final push for their implementation.

Time and again, we have heard the argument that graduates earn more and therefore should pay for what they receive. Just recently, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) survey was seized upon by Alan Johnson, minister for higher education, as evidence to justify students paying towards the cost of their degrees. The evidence was that, according to the survey, "men in the UK could expect a 17 per cent return on their investment of time and money while women could expect 15 per cent after the sums they paid for their education were taken into account", as quoted in the Financial Times. Maybe women should pay lower fees, then?

Education secretary Charles Clarke has meanwhile been declaring that there is "no alternative" to higher fees for students. According to reports, he told the Association of Commonwealth Universities meeting in Belfast that the days when higher education could be funded entirely from the public purse were gone.

Such arguments and assertions are typical of a status quo that does not recognise the right of all citizens to the highest education that society can provide. People are making their own bold assertion: Education is a Right. It is necessary to allow individuals to participate in a modern society to the full. Such a declaration is of an entirely different agenda than the arguments above. The enactment of that agenda would channel the social product into realising that right.

Faced with opposition, the government is twisting and manoeuvring. There has been a lot of speculation as to whether they will stand firm or back down: "Top-up fee climb down" (Express), "Top-up fees are fairest for the poor, says Blair" (Guardian), "Blair insists policies stay in spite of 'tough times'" (Independent). The government is clearly trying to keep people off-guard.

One area of "compromise" has been on the issue of bursaries. These are funds that universities are supposed to provide to poorer students out of the income they will receive from top-up fees, to "redistribute the wealth". As an example, according to the Financial Times, Alison Richard, vice-chancellor elect of Cambridge University, has pledged to find new ways of giving such financial "help". She is the former provost of Yale, part of the US Ivy League market-based system.

The issue here is that the government is giving up any responsibility to provide a fully funded education system for all people. Its "compromise" is that in place of a planned education system that meets the needs of the people, a situation in which individual universities are supposed to compete to fund a social need is being created. It is apparent that the government has not been moved on the issue at all: its "middle road" is really one of sticking to a hard line. A market-led system that serves big business is being further instituted.

Such ad hoc measures are symptomatic of the pragmatism of the British government. Students have rightly and consistently opposed such "compromises". It is not a question of expediency who "receives the benefits" of higher education. It is really a question of what education is all about. The government would like to reduce the issue of education to an individual choice on whether to be educated or to work now at a possibly lower rate of pay. Students should assess the risk – it is their responsibility according to the New Labour ideologues. The higher education system itself is becoming ever more vocational. Research is increasingly being geared to what can provide the university the greatest return.

What students should actually do is discuss the meaning of the right to an education. Why is the government cutting back on the social product it is putting towards education? Who will actually profit from the billions that will be owed in student debt? Universal higher education was an achievement of progressive humanity, and is part of the fabric of modern civilisation. The NUS is right to label top-up fees a "regressive policy". The struggle against these latest attacks, as against all attacks on education, must carry on, and is carrying on.