Irish folk in Evian

Thursday May 29, 2003 19:05

by Peace Fairy

Personal observations and news from the VAAAG village near Evian

Yes, I admit, I came on "the good bus" which happily transmogrified into ferries, trains and even buses as the need arose, but there's no need for anyone to comment on that- there are enough rants on the other thread.
The set-up at VAAAG is fantastic- there are probably over 2000 people camping here at this stage and more arriving hourly. In the days since we arrived there has been huge activity in getting the camp together: setting up kitchens, making furniture, digging compost toilets etc etc.
The village is divided into "barrios", each with its own kitchen, and each barrio works together to provide facilities such as food, sanitation, security, recetion/welcoming to the whole village.
Today, a few hundred people went into the local town, Annemasse, to introduce ourselves to the local people and show them that we come in peace and mean them no harm. A Samba band, anarcho-jazz group and various drummers provided the sounds, accompanied by a very colourful crowd.They're not back yet, so updates on how they were received will come tomorrow.
The countersummit offically started today with workshops and discussions on the effects of neo-liberalism in France, anarchist perspectives on the current political situation in France, loads of ecology stuff and practical planning sessions for the actions over the coming days. Tomorrow most of the Irish contingent, which is now over 20 people, will travel to the Swiss/French border to participate in a no-borders demo, protesting the European immigration laws. Big demos and other actions are planned for Saturday and Sunday. There are 10s of thousands of activists in the area now, and they just keep coming!!
Thanks to all the people who helped us out with donations of food and money and equipment. More tomorrow

save preference

Comments (16 of 16)

Well Done!!

by Anonymous

Thu May 29, 2003 19:30

Well done. It sounds great. MAKE THEM LISTEN. Keep up the great work!!

Nice one, and...

by Person

Thu May 29, 2003 19:32

...let's hope those who organised buses etc from Dublin to Evain will do the same on Saturday, 21st June, for the national demonstration at Shannon. Well done you lot!

thegood'bus'

by marianne

Thu May 29, 2003 22:36

yes it is fantastique ici, the two villages here in Annemasse are a hive of activity work and fun. We have met people from all over europe and there are a few americans aswell. The people in the town are amazing. everyone knows why we are here and they ask us about it, and have been hospitable to an extreme we never expected. The Irish contingent is growing all the time and we are taking part in all the meetings, organising and today did some first aid training then the reclaim the streets style party in the town and back here for more meetings.
we will put together a full report soon but until then I hope things are well in Ireland. au revoir.

have fun, but...

by redjade

Thu May 29, 2003 23:36

keep your head low there in Evian! :-)

i'm having flashbacks from Berlusconi's Mousetrap already :-/

but have fun and take lots of pictures!

Good stuff seya soon tommorrow

by Evil busser

Fri May 30, 2003 01:15

The scruffy one.

by caspian

Fri May 30, 2003 01:53

Is that eejit Bob Geldof there with you? I believe he was a guest of honour at the last Bilderberg meeting in Versaille!!!

Sounds good

by TJ

Fri May 30, 2003 09:55

Good luck also see you soon, the Belfast mob

good luck !

by conor (wsm personal capacity)

Fri May 30, 2003 11:35

Media reports here are of a massive security operation from the French cops

Gareth - from the SP was on News talk for maybe 30 seconds this Morning Mc Williams hardly let him get a word in !

good luck to everyone what ever bus yeese are on

Conor

Translation of the 'Order to Shoot' for the Swiss Army in Evian

by Joe

Fri May 30, 2003 12:18

This is the translation from (Swiss) German of the 'Order to Shoot' for the Swiss Army in the G8/Evian protests, as posted at http://www.indymedia.ch/de/2003/05/9551.shtml

SURVEILLANCE AND PROTECTION ORDER, TO BE FOLLOWED SELF-RELIANTLY

GENERAL ORDER
Your order is in the context of assisting the G8 meeting in Evian: "Surveillance of a space or an institution." Your commander bears the responsibility for the action.

ORDER TO THE TROOPS:
- You observe and listen for changes in a given space or object to protect the leadership from surprises;
- You immediately alarm your superior when you identify a concrete fact or direct threat;
- You can temporarily arrest, or prevent the escape of persons who are trying to invade into the surveyed space;
- You can use your gun in self-defence or in defence of others if attacked.

PRINCIPLES
Dialogue
De-escalation
Intervention

GENERAL RULES
1. Under no circumstances you give informations about your orders or your observations;
2. You behave politely at all times and obstain from any discriminatory comments (e.g. addressing people in 2nd person singular (doesn't exist in English), or in a dejective manner);
3. You only use the minimal force necessary to fulfil your orders.

USE OF GUN IS PREMITTED
1. In case of an illegal attack, or if such an attack is about to happen against you or third persons you have the right to combat that attack with appropriate measures to prevent danger;
2. If you or a third person are in danger of life or physical harm, you are permitted as a last resort to use your gun, in case other measures to prevent danger are insufficient;
3. Don't use more violence than is necessary to prevent danger or to fulfil your orders.

WARNING SHOUT
If possible the following warning is to be made: "Swiss army! Stop or I'll shoot!"

WARNING SHOT
A warning shot may only be used if the circumstances hinder the effect of a warning shout.

OPENING FIRE
- You are personally responsible for using your gun;
- You have the permission to use yor gun in the following circumstances:
a) Attacks with guns, knives or sharp objects, burning devices etc;
b) All other dangerous or violent attacks, as well without weapons, of a physical or numerical superior enemy (self-defence, defence of others)
- When having to open fire prevent heavy injuries if possible;
- After opening fire give first aid to the injured and inform your superior.

fuck you fuck you all

by path in residence

Fri May 30, 2003 14:37

Latest reports from Evian on whats happening.

http://www.indymedia.org/g8/en/

Its Joey The Trot

by Oi!

Fri May 30, 2003 15:02

Who is respnsible for those fucking samba bands. Shoot all samba drummers!

bad languages postings

by hopespringseternal

Fri May 30, 2003 16:02

Do we need to tolerate this abusive bad language? Surely there is enough justification for removing these trolling comments made by social misfits. I'd pity them only I can't be bothered.

oooh, get you

by phatpat

Fri May 30, 2003 16:21

...no one is 'responsible' for the samba bands. Who's responsible for you being a misery guts? Just asking, heh heh!

Luv from a samba drummer x x x

By the way, I'll stand next to you and play extra loud to cheer you up if u got the guts to identify yerself. Its good to know were doing something right.

clarification

Fri May 30, 2003 16:25

oops! I was of course referring to the person who dosent like samba (or life?) not to the one who couldnt be bothered pitying him.

I hope you all get shot

by Seanin

Sun Jun 01, 2003 16:23

A good massacre is what's needed to settle ye down, bunch of shitty druggy hippy wankers.

Ahhh, bless!

Tue Jun 03, 2003 14:18

sweetheart, why dont you have a nice cup of tea and try to calm down - youre not doing yourself any good you know!

Number of comments per page

Upcoming Events

New Events

Other Press

User Preferences

Feeds

Blog Feeds

Anti-Empire

The Saker

Public Inquiry

Voltaire Network

Irish folk in Evian

Comments (16 of 16)