Geneva Journal #4 from Leisa Faulkner Barnes

Geneva Journal Four June 17, 2005 Geneva,
Switzerland

Yesterday, as announced, our small intrepid band planned a press
conference at the gate of the United Nations here in Geneva. Local
friends, especially Pascal Longchamp, Geneva and Babak joined in and
we were prepared for a good response. Though we still had no permit,
what we lacked we made up for with enthusiasm.

We set out in the brisk Swiss morning air, heavy laden with leaflets
and banners ready to unfurl, water bottles (our only nutrition)
strapped to every shoulder as we went marching off through
the "short-cut" field of wet morning grass.

The UN police, though not on the invited list, were the first
guests. All eyes pushed me to the front, as designated defender. My
ally in crime, (or so it felt) Rita Jankowska Bradley stalled until
I stepped up. Politely postponing our removal, they retreated to
regroup after being strategically out maneuvered with warm
handshakes and smiles. The conflict was soon over when our first two-
day pass came through. For the moment we were acceptable.

Reuters, Li Monde Bleau Television, Li Courrier and Asharq Alawsat
carried the story. The lead head line became: EX-UN BOSS IN IRAQ
SEEKS END TO GULF WAR PAYOUTS.

Our very own "Ex-UN Boss", Hans von Sponeck, strode onto the scene.
Illiterate as I am, I had not heard of this true gentleman. Mr. Von
Sponeck, a former top UN humanitarian was the career official in
charge of the U.N. oil-for-food program which allowed Iraq to trade
oil for basic supplies. He resigned saying the program failed to
meet the humanitarian needs of the Iraqi people.

He shared that he was in "total solidarity" with our fast to
influence the U.N.C.C. (UN Compensation Commission) to relieve
odious debt and reparation claims against the Iraqi people. After
all, we can end our fast, others have no choice. Should those
families still under siege now be forced to live for countless
generations in hock to finance Saddam's murderous spending sprees
owed not to individuals but to corporations who knowingly financed
his atrocities?

Von Sponeck said "these people", (referring to we from Voices in the
Wilderness, Jubilee USA, and Progressive Democrats of America) "are
a better representation of the international conscience than is the
U.N."

He used as an example of poor policy the fact that as a result of
U.N. those policies inflicted in Iraq, the infant mortality rate
according to UNICEF rose from 56 infant deaths per 1,000 in 1990 to
132 per 1,000 by 1999. "Who really paid the price?" queried Hans von
Sponeck.

"The U.N.C.C. has no legitimacy for one day longer" he said, "it is
not a colonial master...You can't push honesty in the corner for too
long, the people will find out."

He came back to check on us today with Naji Haraja, UNCC officer
liason in Iraq from 1999-October 2002. They were again supportive
and charming. They offered to take Jeff Leys and me through the
United Nations for a private tour he had arranged. I felt honoured
just to walk with these two men of conscience. Then, in this place
where all the voices of the world are proposed free to be heard, we
were kicked out of the U.N.

Mr. Von Sponeck was not pleased, to say the least. Jeff and I were
told that we would not even be allowed in for a regular tour because
they knew of our "manifestation" (with permit!) out in front. So
much for free speech...

This is not the last they will hear from Hans von Sponeck, author of
the upcoming new book, Iraq Autopsy (out in August in ARABIC). He
assured me he would write an article about our adventure today. I
say we give this gentleman our full attention and support, as he so
graciously did for us. By the way, he still needs a publisher for
the English version, if any are listening.

Peace, leisa

The Arabic article can be found at:

http://www.aawsat.com/details.asp?
section=4&article=306152&issue=9698

The Reuters article can be found at:

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L16666400.htm



"If you let your fear of consequence prevent you from following your
deepest instinct, your life will be safe, expedient and
thin." Katharine Butler Hathaway