CILRECO’s Programme Proposal for 2003

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CILRECO’s Programme Proposal for 2003
Programme for the Year 2003

Joint Statement of the Communist Party of Ireland and the Iraqi Communist Party

Urgent Appeal of Solidarity

The annual enlarged meeting of the Presidency of the International Liaison Committee for Reunification and Peace in Korea (CILRECO) was held in Paris on March 8. CILRECO’s "Programme for the Year 2003", introduced at the enlarged meeting of its Presidency by Guy Dupré, Secretary General of CILRECO, was adopted unanimously after detailed discussion. CILRECO has now released the guidelines for the international movement of solidarity for 2003, in favour of the independent reunification of Korea.

The programme presents CILRECO’s assessment of the present state of the "Korean problem" for all the forces working in favour of reunification and peace in Korea to think over, and it also gives them a framework of activities of solidarity, whose objective is to further a positive solution of this problem that the Korean nation has been longing for.

In addition to CILRECO’s own initiatives, the goal of this framework of action is to direct towards common objectives the efforts of all these forces, in order to increase their efficiency on the international level, to contribute to the success of the cause of the independent reunification of Korea, which is also the cause of sovereignty, security and peace in the world.

At the time when the Bush administration is openly threatening the DPRK with a "pre-emptive" war, confirming the desire of the US to block, by fair means or foul, the process of reunification underway between the north and the south, to maintain their occupying forces in south Korea, a medium through which they exercise their neo-colonial domination, and to eliminate socialist Korea, in order to increase their imperialist hegemony in the region and in the world, it is more then ever extremely urgent to reinforce the international movement of solidarity of peoples with the cause of the Korean nation.

The tragic events in Iraq prove that the American threats should be taken very seriously, especially when we know that the US, through the intermediary of the IAEA, has referred the matter to the Security Council of the United Nations, in order to try to obtain the backing for their "pre-emptive attack" on the DPRK, accusing it, without any proof, of "possessing" or "wanting to equip itself" with nuclear weapons. It can be seen from the example of Iraq that the IAEA indeed does serve as an instrument of US policy: the IAEA insisted on disarmament, and once it was certified the US attacked Iraq!

Therefore, it is urgent for people to mobilise to foil the attempts of the US to launch, after Iraq, another attack on the DPRK, as part of their strategy to call into question the sovereignty of nations and peoples in order to increase their political, economic and military domination world-wide.

The people should speak up clearly and resolutely to demand: respect for the sovereignty of Korea; withdrawal of all American troops from south Korea; an end to the unacceptable interference in the internal affairs of the Korean nation; and dynamic continuation of the North-South reconciliation, co-operation and reunification process, actively supported by the international community.

The enlarged meeting of the Presidency of CILRECO in Paris on March 8, 2003, also launched an Appeal to "Help the Korean Nation Preserve its Independence and Accomplish its Reunification, an Issue of the Extreme Importance for Peace and Security". The "Appeal", which was adopted unanimously by the participants after amendments, is addressed to governments, political parties, social organisations, non-governmental organisations, international organisations and the peoples of the world.

The appeal to international public opinion was launched in order to make the year 2003 "the year of international solidarity with the independent reunification of Korea", with the objective of reinforcing the international movement of solidarity and its interventions, which should be at its height during the period from June to September 2003. This objective is closely akin to the one of all the movements that struggle for peace in the world and reject the use of military force as a way to eliminate international conflicts.

The participants of the enlarged meeting of CILRECO’s Presidency stressed that it is absolutely essential that governments, parties, non-governmental organisations, and international organisations throughout the world should pay special attention to the current situation on the Korean Peninsula and support the implementation of the North-South Accord of June 15, 2000, expressing the desire of the two parts of the Korean nation. They should also take appropriate action to put an end to interference, contrary to international law, in the matters that are the concern of the Korean nation, and to ensure the withdrawal of the American troops from South Korea.

CILRECO is inviting all organisations of friendship and solidarity, political and social organisations, and all personalities who support its work to widely distribute the "Appeal" of CILRECO’s Presidency.

The important changes on the Korean peninsula in 2002 confirm the historic impact of the joint North-South Accord of June 15, 2000, on the process of the independent reunification of Korea through joint efforts of all patriotic components of the Korean nation.

The remarkable development of the Korean national reunification movement, in the South, in the North, and within the Diaspora, in favour of this Accord and its dynamic implementation, proves the soundness of this novel agreement between the two parts of Korea.

The progress, without precedent in more than half a century long history of the divided country, of the process of reconciliation, co-operation and reunification in Korea, that was initiated by the North-South Accord, attests to its importance in satisfying the immense desire of the Korean nation to reunite.

While all the people world-wide, who long for independence, sovereignty, global security and peace, have been rejoicing over this progress, the USA, one is forced to admit, has been trying, by fair means or foul, to block this process of reconciliation between the two Koreas, that calls into question its policy of political, economic and military domination on the Korean peninsula and in Pacific Asia.

After repeated violations of the Agreed Framework that it signed with the DPRK in 1994, the USA considerably reinforced in all domains its anachronistic hostile policy towards the DPRK in order to strangle it economically, isolate it in the international arena and stifle it.

It is, therefore, quite clear that the USA expends a lot of effort to reactivate the climate of confrontation that had existed on the Korean peninsula prior to the adoption of the North-South Accord, and to destroy the current climate of détente, confidence and reconciliation created as a result of it.

As a result of this power policy of the USA, whose objective is to eliminate the DPRK by trying, with their fallacious campaign on the "nuclear problem", to drag the international community into a military adventure against it, there is a serious threat of war on the Korean peninsula.

Under these very complex circumstances, at the same time very promising for the future of the Korean nation in its country reunited sovereignly, but also extremely dangerous to its very existence as a result of this insane policy of the USA in Korea, CILRECO would like to reaffirm, now more than ever, its full support to the Korean nation in its struggle to reunite.

CILRECO, that has the honour to promote the international movement of solidarity with the cause of the independent and peaceful reunification of Korea, and has been working incessantly for more than 25 years to ensure its leadership and reinforcement, believes that, based on its analysis of the current situation, its work in 2003 should focus on these three main issues:

• consolidate and enlarge the movement of solidarity supporting the cause of the independent reunification of Korea, taking advantage of the favourable international circumstances created as a result of the progress of the reunification process underway and the DPRK’s firm policy of sovereignty and self-defence.
• Boost the world-wide support for the struggle of Koreans to preserve their independence and dignity of their country and their nation, by insisting that the USA puts an end to its interference in Korea, and withdraw its troops from South Korea.
• Reinforce the initiatives of the international movement of solidarity in all its diversity and on all levels to disclose and denounce the American power policy aimed at stifling the DPRK, to mobilise all progressive forces to work hand-in-hand in order to foil the insane manoeuvres of the USA against this country, against reunification and peace on the Korean peninsula, insisting that they accept without delay the DPRK’s proposal to conclude a "Non-Aggression Treaty".

With this goal in mind, CILRECO proposes:

1. to continue supporting and promoting actively the Three Point Charter and the Five Point Proposal for the great union of the Korean nation put forward by the DPRK’s late president Kim Il Sung and its leader Kim Jong Il, which are the foundation of a realistic and fair reunification process:

• by showing that these proposals have led to a conclusion of the historic North-South Accord of June 15, 2000, and that the success of the reunification process underway depends on the respect for their fundamental principles,
• by reinforcing the support for the proposal for reunification in the form of a confederation that would respect the existing differences, in particular from October 1 to 31, during the Month of Support for the Proposal for the Creation of the Democratic Confederal Republic of Coryo,

2. to launch an important public awareness campaign on the DPRK’s policy of sovereignty and self-defence, showing that it guarantees peace and security on the Korean peninsula, to encourage national reconciliation in Korea and ensure the success of the reunification process, and in particular:

• around July 27 (the Armistice Agreement was signed on July 27 1953), on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the victory of Koreans over the American imperialistic aggressor, when our campaign for the withdrawal of US troops from South Korea should reach its peak,
• on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the DPRK (founded on September 9, 1948), to show, through multiple initiatives, the support of people for its policy of sovereignty, reunification and peace,

3. to promote and generate support for the reunification policy implemented in Korea by the North and by the South, on the basis of the Accord of June 15, 2000, thanks to the incessant effort of the DPRK and the work of the national reunification movement, and in particular:

• on the occasion of the 3rd anniversary of the joint North-South accord in June,
• by reinforcing, throughout the year, the movement of support for this Accord, and denouncing the attempts of the anti-reunification forces to block its implementation,
• by heightening public awareness of the fact that the progress made in the North-South relations shows that it is possible to accomplish reunification in the form of a confederation, ensuring national coexistence in the interest of the nation.

4. to re-establish the truth about the "nuclear problem" in the face of the American fallacious campaign against the DPRK, and denounce the attempts of the Bush administration to strangle it, by mobilising all forces of solidarity with the struggle of the Korean nation to defend its sovereignty, and in particular:

• in the immediate future, faced with the threat of a "pre-emptive attack" of the USA on the DPRK, mobilise on the international level all pacifist, progressive and humanitarian forces to foil their attempts to internationalise the "nuclear problem" with this objective in mind,
• denounce recent American arms reinforcement operations in South Korea, and boost the movement in favour of the withdrawal of all American troops and mass destruction weapons from South Korea,
• intensify activities related to all these issues during the International Month of Solidarity with the Korean People (June 25 – July 27), and on the occasion of the 58th anniversary of the occupation of South Korea by US troops (September 8),
• send delegations of the international movement of solidarity and of the Presidency of CILRECO to an international meeting to denounce war crimes committed by US troops during the Korean War, which is scheduled to take place in Pyongyang on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the victory of Koreans in the War of Liberation of the Homeland,

5. in accordance with the evolution of the situation on the Korean peninsula, CILRECO will take the appropriate initiatives in inciting, if need be, the intervention of progressive and peace-loving forces, and it will continue making every effort to reinforce and enlarge the international movement of solidarity with the cause of the peaceful reunification of Korea, for example:

• reinforce the activities of the organisations of friendship and solidarity through the creation of new organisations and multiplication of "CILRECO’s correspondents", so as to establish the movement of solidarity in all the countries of the world,
• develop its co-operation with the largest possible number of political and social formations from different countries and international organisations that support the cause of the Korean people,
• strengthen its ties with the DPRK’s Korean Committee of Solidarity with the People of the World and the South Korean patriotic forces,
• continuously improve its public relations and information activities (monthly bilingual Bulletin, special issues, communiqués, official statements, press-conferences, interviews, etc.),
• ensure regular exchange of views between the members of its Presidency, and co-opt new members from different countries.

CILRECO ardently hopes that all the forces that value justice, independence, global security and peace would make their contribution to the independent and peaceful reunification of Korea, drawing their inspiration from this Programme.

CILRECO is particularly touched by and proud of the fact that the progressive forces of the Korean nation, from the North, the South and the Diaspora, on the occasion of its 25th anniversary, expressed their warmest thanks for "its great contribution to the cause of the independent reunification of Korea".

Through the intermediary of CILRECO, these expressions of gratitude of the Korean nation are addressed to all those who work hard in favour of this noble cause of our time, and they are a powerful encouragement to the entire movement of solidarity to reinforce its struggle so that "Korea Be One" in independence and peace.

Released by the Communist Party of Ireland, April 21, 2003

After concluding a successful speaking tour of Ireland by Ghanhem Hamdoun, a representative of the Iraqi Communist Party, both parties issued the following statement.

The Communist Parties of both Iraq and Ireland, who stood side by side against the war on Iraq as well as the dictatorial regime, called for an end to the military occupation by United States, Britain, and other foreign armed forces in Iraq as soon as possible. In the meantime, they hold these forces responsible for violation of the Geneva Convention, which has lead to further loss of life and property of the civilians in addition to the causalities and devastation of the war.

Both parties called for a central role for the United Nations in the process of stabilisation and transition towards democracy, guaranteeing Iraqi people the democratic right to decide their own future free of outside interference.

Both parties highly appreciated the unprecedented movement across the globe to avert the war. Although it did not succeed in stopping this war, it did have an impact on how the war was conducted, thereby saving the lives of additional thousands of ordinary Iraqis. It is important that world public opinion remains focused to ensure that the wishes of the Iraq people are paramount and that the Governments of the United States and Britain fully live up to their declared commitments about democracy and speedy end of military occupation.

Both parties supported the call for the building of a free united federal democratic Iraq

They agreed to continue to co-operate and strengthen the links between them.

Iraqi Communist Party

Communist Party of Ireland

Communist Party of Israel, Tuesday, April 22, 2003

The Central Committee of the Israeli Communist Party has decided recently to ask for your active solidarity with the struggle of Israeli conscientious objectors who refuse to serve in the Israeli army because of the occupation policy. Recently five of the objectors have been brought to trial before a military court, as detailed below. Their lawyer, Dr Dov Khenin, is a member of the political bureau of the Israeli Communist Party. The number of signatures on the High School Seniors' Letter – stating refusal to serve in the Israeli army – increased during last year from 50 to 300 young men and women; 21 are currently in prison.

We ask for your solidarity in whatever form you may find appropriate: petitions, demonstrations, letters to the embassies, etc., urging the Israeli authorities:

- To immediately and unconditionally release imprisoned conscientious objectors and drop charges against all conscientious objectors, since these charges are arbitrary;

- To recognise the right to conscientious objection to military service by establishing an independent and impartial committee in charge of examining the cases;

- To conform with the provisions of the ICCPR, in particular article 18 and all other human rights instruments ratified by Israel;

- To conform more generally with the provisions of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the UN Declaration on Human Rights defenders (1998). On March 11, a pacifist, Jonathan Ben Artzi, after refusing to join the army for the eighth time, was brought to court martial: it was the first time since the 1970s that a conscientious objector was court-martialled. On April 15, the Supreme Court rejected the petition to bring back the trial to a civil court arguing that there are no substantive differences between procedures of civil and military courts. We are very concerned with the court-martialling of objectors; indeed, they should not be considered as military as they precisely refuse to wear the uniform.

On April 15, five additional young conscientious objectors – Haggai Matar, Matan Kaminer, Shimri Zameret, Adam Maor, Noam Bahat – were brought to court martial. They all refuse to enlist because of their conscientious objection to the occupation of the Palestinian Territories, and to the actions by which the army enforces it. They are among the 300 signatories of the "High School Seniors" letter to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. These young men are all charged with the crime of refusing to obey orders that can be punished with up to three years in prison.

The Military Court in Jaffa has recently met for seven hours to begin hearing that unprecedented case brought against the five young men, who refuse to join the IDF for reasons of conscience. In distinction to their colleague, Jonathan Ben Artzi, who considers himself a pacifist and whose case was recently before the High Court of Justice, the five – Haggai Matar, Matan Kaminer, Noam Bahat, Shimri Tzemeret and Adam Maor – base their refusal to join the IDF on the occupation and IDF actions stemming from it. Due to the complexity of the argument presented by the five, the trial was devoted to a long discussion and an intense evaluation turning on the definition of the term conscience, and who exactly has the authority to decide what is a decision of conscience. The large crowd which filled the court included family members of the refuseniks, friends who co-signed the twelfth graders' letter with them (2001) and many activists from left-wing groups, created the atmosphere of a public political trial.

In his opening statement, the military prosecutor, Capt. Yaron Kostilitz, argued that though he recognises the defendants' sincerity, according to the decisions of the Supreme Court, conscience can be a basis. In contrast, argued Kostilitz: "Reasons of conscience are not recognised as a basis for exemption when conscientious objection is not total, but only selective and stems from political and ideological claims." The difficulty in defining conscience and setting its limits finds expression in the fact that out of four hundred requests processed by the "Conscience Committee" in the last eight years, the army has issued only seven exemptions.

In a preliminary plea, Dr Dov Khenin, the defendants' lawyer, argued that the military court has no jurisdiction is this matter; this because of errors in procedure and substance regarding the mobilisation process of the five.

"There is an internal contradiction. If the mobilisation procedures were never concluded, they are not soldiers and the military court has no jurisdiction over them."

Moreover, Khenin added an argument of substance, according to which putting the five on trial violates the principles of natural justice. In accordance with these arguments, Khenin claimed that the five had not perpetrated any military or civilian offence and he accordingly demanded that their case be referred back to a preliminary hearing in the Conscience Committee.

However, the discussion on the issue of conscience and its definition became even more complicated when Khenin presented a letter sent to the mobilisation authority requesting exemption on the basis of conscientious objection to service in an occupation army, arguments identical to those of the five draft resistors. This letter served as a basis for exemption from military service for reasons of conscience. The only difference between the two cases is that this letter was in answer to one sent by a woman, while the defendants are males. "There is not one conscience for men and another conscience for women," argued Khenin. "You cannot differentiate by gender one conscience from another."

The five, who were sent to "open detention" in different army units until the continuation of their trial, enjoy the unstinted support of their families. Kaminer's father, Noam Kaminer, served in the past in the Golani Scouts and was imprisoned twice for refusing to serve during the Lebanon war. "I was wrong when I thought that the role of Yesh G'vul ended after the war," Kaminer told Ha'aretz. "I refused to serve in Lebanon as a reservist but this is a totally different story." It is clear that what these youngsters are doing is more radical and more difficult, but in both instances it can be said that we see ourselves as part of Israeli society and we are standing up in order to draw a red line. This red line determines that any military service is a sign of personal approval for what the regime is doing to the Palestinians. Of further concern is the fairness of their trial. Indeed, all of them were first condemned by Israel Defence Forces (IDF) disciplinary courts without the assistance of a lawyer or the hearing of any testimony. Their prosecution before a Court martial now constitutes a "double jeopardy" violating a fundamental principle according to which one cannot be prosecuted twice for the same crime. For example, Jonathan Ben Artzi was requested to join the IDF on August 8, 2002: he read his statement, refused to wear the uniform and asked to carry out an alternative service instead. He was immediately sentenced by the IDF disciplinary courts to his first 28 days in military prison. After his release, he was brought again to the army induction centre where he repeated his objection and refused to serve. He was sentenced with a second 28 days term in prison. So far, he has been sentenced seven times to prison and has spent more than 200 days behind bars.

Yours,Yoram Gozansky, Head of the international department PCI