No base stories of Korea

[Jeju Update: Sept. 6] A letter from imprisoned village representative Kang Dongkyun to Noam Chomsky

2011-09-13T19:36:00.004+09:00

* Image source: Click here
Mayor Kang's handwriting letter to Noam Chomsky

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강동균 마을회장이 노엄 촘스키 교수에게 옥중에서 보낸 편지
2011년 9월6일자(국문은 여기 클릭)
________________________________________

Gangjeong Village People's Council

Translation by dopehead zo

A letter from imprisoned village representative Kang Dongkyun to Noam Chomsky
Sept. 6, 2011

Dear Mr. Noam Chomsky!

How are you?

I am Kang Dongkyun, the Gangjeong village representative, from Jeju Island where the people have been suffering and fighting for 4 years and 4 months against an unjust construction of a naval base.

The decision making process was unjust because the vast majority of the villagers opposed the construction of a naval base. And geographically Gangjeong village is not an appropriate location for a naval base. Despite these problems, the South Korean government and the Ministry of Defence have been pushing forward the project while ignoring its people's will, which created all sorts of conflicts not only within the community but in the whole island. Neighbors are turning their backs on one another, and human relations used to be close but now it's all broken.

At this point, Jeju Island is trying hard to be selected as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, based on the 3 titles that Jeju Volcanic Island and Gangjeong village have won from the UNESCO; UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, UNESCO World Natural Heritage, and UNESCO Global Geoparks.

Our Gangjeong village is proud to meet the qualifications of the 3 UNESCO titles. I think that it is meaningless for the Jeju Island to try to be entitled as one of the new 7 wonders of nature if a naval base comes to Gangjeong village.

Jeju Island has two paths to take. One is a militarised Jeju Island that will increase tensions in the region. The other is a peaceful island where the breath-taking beauty of nature is well-preserved so all the peace-loving people from the world come to appreciate the environment.

Which one should be the right choice in terms of national interests and South Korea's status in the world community?

Dear Mr. Noam Chomsky!

I have read your writings and support messages. Thank you for helping us. I can't agree with you more when you say that a rule by force and violence will fall by the same force. The history proves that.

Dear Mr. Noam Chomsky!

We are trying everything we can to keep this small village on Jeju Island. We know and firmly believe that keeping the life and peace of the village ensures the peace on the island, in the country and the whole world.

We will never be shaken or surrender to any unjust state power. Peace maintained by force will be fallen by another big force.

Dear Mr. Noam Chomsky!

What we want is a small peace where people live their lives by helping and taking care of each other. We wish to make a true world where beautiful stories can be written by the people.

Please help us out and please let us keep the hope.

Thank you very much.

Sept. 6, 2011

On behalf of the Gangjeong villagers

Kang Dongkyun

[Jeju Update: Sept. 2 to 7] Some links for the latest news

2011-09-08T08:41:00.005+09:00

Due to high volume of works and unknown technical problems, blog has not been regularly updated.

For the latest news see:

FACEBOOK: No Naval Base on Jeju

Save Jeju Island

Gangjeong vIllage café site (Check the English section in the left of column)

Gangjeong village website (Korean)

News in the other blogs:

Bruce Gagnon's Organizing Notes

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 06, 2011
THEY CALL THIS PROGRESS & SECURITY - THE PRAYER OF LIBERATION

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 04, 2011
YESTERDAY IN GANGJEONG- PEACE PLANE ARRIVES

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 01, 2011
VIDEO FROM RAID ON VILLAGERS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 01, 2011
GANGJEONG RAIDED - MANY ARRESTS

Ten Thousand Things

Monday, September 5, 2011
Koohan Paik on the True Defenders of Jeju Island, Hawai'i, Guam, Okinawa, South Korea, & the rest of the Asia-Pacific

Saturday, September 3, 2011
Jeju Peace Concert & more from today's Nolja Nolja Ganjeong Nolja Festival

Solidarity & Prayers for All in Jeju & Their Peace Plane Supporters
Saturday, September 3, 2011

Friday, September 2, 2011
Interfaith Pilgrimage for Peace for Jeju island & the Korean Peninsula earlier this year

Friday, September 2, 2011
Has S. Korea reverted to quasi-military dictatorship? Police arrest Jeju Islanders protesting state seizure of farms, writers, artists, & priests

DMZ Hawai'i

Connecting the Aegis dots between Jeju, Okinawa, Guam, Hawai’i
September 5, 2011
Koohan Paik

Message from the International Women’s Network Against Militarism to the peoples movement for No Naval Base on Jeju!
September 5, 2011

[Jeju Update on Sept. 3] Despite oppression, peace plane flies to the Gangjeong village, today.

2011-09-03T10:25:00.011+09:00

Click images for larger view

Let's play in the Gangjeong village! (Source: Gangjeong village)

On Sept. 3, despite South Korean government's recent escalating oppression against people's peaceful and non-violent protests, people throughout nationwide are coming to the Gangjeong village to save it and Jeju Island, the Peace Island, from naval base construction. A peace plane carrying at least 170 people from Seoul is expected to come while people here expect about 2,000 people nationwide would gather to the village ro celebrate our strong will for peace with lots of cultural & religious events in which all the beings from voiceless creatures to human beings are welcome and invited.

A map of the Gangjeong village(Source: Gangjeong village)

A: A three-fork road: a key protest site where Hyun Ae-Ja, a former national assembly woman has been chaining herself in protest against naval base construction for 41 days as of Sept. 3, 2011. The site is the entrance of navy's planned naval base construction and has been one of the two main sites that police continuously aim to target.

B:Joongduk coast, one of the two absolute preservation areas in the village but the navy wants to reclaim here with cement by naval base construction.

C: Gangjeong Port

D: Gate of navy's construction site

E: Front gate of the naval base construction committee bldg. People have been holding candle light vigil here everyday in protest.

F: Village Courtesy Hall

G: Village Community Hall

H: Sports Park

[Jeju Update on Sept. 1 to 2] S.K. government's attack on its citizens:Who were the arrested on both days?

2011-09-03T08:00:00.016+09:00

Police violence on Sept. 2, 2011

Mr. Kim Jong-Il

Mr. Kim Min-Soo
(*Photos via thanks to Youngsil, FACEBOOK)

On Sept. 1, police arrested three people including Mr. Kim Jong-Il, SPARK, Mr. Kim Min-Soo, an artist in the Gangjeong village, and Ms. Kim Ah-Hyun, one of key Jeju activists. Mr. Kim Jong-Il was going to the Jeju local court to submit an appeal against the court decision of prohibition of on 37 people's (originally 76) access to the Jeju naval base construction area(The government had filed a provisional disposition suit against 76 people on July 12, this year). The police excuse was that he had not responded to police call. The two others were arrested when they were driving car to the prison to meet the restrained on Aug. 24.

Youngsil says, "Mr. Kim Jong-Il is a management team leader here in Gangjeong Village. He went to the court to file a suit, when he came out 10 of police surrounded him to arrest. Then they took him to Jeju Dongbu police station."

"Kim Minsoo is a documentary film director & cartoonist who moved to Gangjeong village three years ago."(via Facebook)

On Sept. 2, police arrested 38 people as of 2pm. They arrested three people in the village community hall: Mr. Go Yu-Gi, co-chairman of the Pan-Island committee to stop military base in the Jeju Island, Mr. Jung Kyung-Bo and Ms. Kim Mi-Ryang, two Gangjeong villagers. During their raid in the people's key protest site on the same day, they arrested 35 people. Among confirmed are: Three villagers, seven students, two fathers and one reverend. Also 10 activists from the Island Committee against naval base(including Mr. Hong Ki-Ryong, the other co-chairmen of the committe) and group for solidarity with migrant people.

During police raid on Sept. 2, several people were carried to hospital. One injured in legs, another on his skin around eyes. The latter case has to get x-ray as his skin around eyes was torn by police shield. See photos on police violence, see HERE(*photos by Dauri)

As of Aug. 26, 7 people have been restrained and three including Gangjeong village mayor Kang Dong-Kyun, Mr. Kim Jong-Hwan, Gangjeong villager, and Mr. Kim Dong-Won, photographer, who are arrested on Aug. 24) have been in jail., while the other four have gotten probation or bail from their being arrested since April 9.

The Lee Myung-Bak government is enforcing the Jeju naval base construction by driving the situation of security public state, escalating its oppression upon the moment of people's resistance on Aug. 24. Indiscrimating human rights violation is concerned very much in the strugle against the Jeju naval base construction. More update and photos comes later. For a while, see FACEBOOK: RELEASE Mayor Kang and others!

Please send the protest letters to:

http://www.embassyworld.com/embassy/South_Korea/South_Korea.html
(* Thanks to Benj D'Amour)

[Jeju emergency on Sept. 2] Collection of more media source

2011-09-02T18:00:00.014+09:00

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Source from Save Jeju Island (click)
See Immediate Press Release on Sept. 2
09.02.2011 Clashes erupt at South Korean base site. Protests continue MSNBC
09.02.2011 ROK Police Detain Island Activists Opposed to Base New York Times
09.02.2011 South Korea police break up protest against navy base AFP
09.01.2011 Inside the Gangjeong 'Peace Camp' Jeju Weekly
09.01.2011 Police deployed to fortify Jeju base construction site Hankyoreh
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Photo and video sources from various sites

See the Jeju Weekly on Sept. 2, 2011(*Thanks to Matt Hoey)

Hyun Ae-Ja, a former national assembly woman in sit-in vigil, chaining herself to a container box tears, She has sticked there nearly for a month.
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See Gagnon's organizing Notes
VIDEO FROM RAID ON VILLAGERS

(Video via Matt. Hoey)

육지토벌대3탄!! 무장경찰 앞세워 팬스작업 강행!!

People's protest against the government crack down on protestors in the Gangjeong village, held in Seoul around 1pm, Sept. 2

http://cafe.daum.net/peacekj/JWOn/78 (* video by Dungree)
Edition of what happened on Sept. 2 ( from 4:30am) when the navy installed fence

[Jeju emergency on Sept. 2] 2nd 4.3! Police invaded Gangjeong! Mass arrest and injuries are worried! Fighting, Gangjeong!

2011-09-02T06:40:00.012+09:00

To check the update news, please click the below links. The situation of Gangjeong is very very urgent now! We need all international solidarity for Gangjeong! No Jeju naval base!

See also Bruce Gagnon's Organizing Notes:
GANGJEONG RAIDED - MANY ARRESTS

See also Ten Thousand Things
Has S. Korea reverted to Quasi-Military Dictatorship? Riot Police arrest Jeju Islanders protesting state seizure of farms, priests, & other supporters

See below on a protest letter from Bruce Gagnon on Sept. 2, 2011

Photo resource:
http://kangjung.com/community/shop_community_view.html?boardNo=131011455937473000&field=&search=&category=131011455937473000&start=0&uid=1067&cstart=0
See FACEBOOKs!
Save Jeju Island
No Naval Base on Jeju
Release mayor Kang and others immediately
The Jeju Big Swim

Arrest started around 7pm. About 10 people are told to be arrested by 7:30pm. Police begins to build fence around the naval base-planned area.

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Stop attack on Gangjeong village on Jeju

Dear ROK Embassy Staff:

I am sad and angry to hear about the massive police and military attack on the non-violent people of Gangjeong village today on Jeju Island.

They are trying to protect their sacred lands, rocks, coral, fishing and farming culture. What could be wrong with them doing that?

It is criminal that the ROK government is attacking these villagers.

Our organization has been following this case and has been helping to build support for the villagers. This whole situation is making your government look very bad and giving the ROK a bad reputation as a military dictatorship.

We demand an end to this persecution of the Gangjeong villagers and end to the plans to build this Navy base. We know that US Navy Aegis destroyers, outfitted with so-called "missile defense" systems, will be ported there as part of the US strategy to surround and "manage" China.

ROK government is being drawn into a deadly and provocative US strategy that will only make the Asia-Pacific region more insecure.

Listen to your own citizens and stop this Navy base now.

In peace,

Bruce K. Gagnon
Coordinator
Global Network Against Weapons & Nuclear Power in Space
PO Box 652
Brunswick, ME 04011
(207) 443-9502
globalnet@mindspring.com
www.space4peace.org
http://space4peace.blogspot.com/ (blog)

[Jeju emergency on Aug. 31] State power crack-down against people today?:Please check the updates

2011-08-31T11:24:00.014+09:00

People's press are ready in a key spot of protest, in the Gangjeong village, Jeju Island in the morning of Aug. 31! World will watch any South Korean government violence against its people, if any, today! Go, people!
(photo resource: via FACEBOOK)
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RELATED UPDATE COLLECTION
[URGENT PLEA: In Update] EMERGENCY in GANGJEONG Since Aug. 24, 2011
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UPDATE ON Aug. 31

PLEASE CHECK the following TWITTER and FACEBOOK for more updates. The below are citations from the FACEBOOK this morning.

At 7: 30am, Aug. 31, 2011, a written message from the Gangjeong vilage reads reads state crack down is expected today.

2011년 8월 31일 7시 30분, 강정 마을로부터 오늘 공권력 탄압이 예상된다는 문자 메시지를 받았습니다.

We've noticed that in 10 c'clock am, policemen will enter to excute their official duty- set up 'warning boards' and extend the fence blocks the road to beach. All of us here are preparing this situation. please pray for us..

잠시 후 10시에 '해군기지 공사방해금지 가처분' 판결문에 따른 집행의 첫 시작으로, 중덕해안으로 가는 올레길 입구 삼거리에 경고팻말 설치 및 펜스연결을 위해 공권력 투입됩니다. 건설용역과 충돌을 막기 위한 경찰 및 법률집행관이 오겠네요. 현재 주민, 활동가가 삼거리에서 대비하고 있습니다. 현장 소식 기다려 주시고, 큰 충돌 없도록 기도해주세요.

Police are expected to invade people at 2 pm. But people are determined. Currently catholic missal is held at the gate of the construction spot and police are watching. Check photos at http://twitter.com/#!/thinkunit/media/grid
Top photos are most latest.

PlEASE CHECK FOR ANY UPDATES!
..............................

TWITTER 트위터 (한글)

The below twitters are Korean. But can be translated using Google translator.

https://twitter.com/#!/kimseriiii

http://twitter.com/#!/thinkunit

FACEBOOK (English, Korean) 페이스북(영, 한)

Save Jeju Island 생명 평화 강정 마을

No Naval Base on Jeju

Release Mayor Kang Dong-Kyun, Mr. Kim Jong-Hwan, and Mr. Kim Dong-Won immediately!

강정 마을회 (Gangjeong village website, mostly Korean)

http://cafe.daum.net/peacekj http://www.kangjung.com/

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LET"S EMBRACE TOGETHER GUREOMBEE, THE ROCKY COAST OF GANGJEONG VILLAGE
by Dircetor Cho (* Thanks for informing, Regina)

The police restrained three people since Aug. 24. The navy and construction companies such as Samsung are attempting to continue construction. The police even interrupted people's peaceful candle vigil since Aug. 28. But determined people will SAVE GANGJEONG and the Gureombee rocky coast, OUR MOTHER, OUR LOVE!

[Jeju Update: Aug. 29~30] Ten Thousand Things: Jeju District Court's Obstruction of Democracy

2011-08-31T06:19:00.017+09:00

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서울의 소리
강정마을 해군기지 건설의 문제점 (한국 진보 연대 정리) 강정마을회, 범도민대책위, 전국대책회의, 국회 진상조사단 조사 보고서 등을 참고하여 요약, 정리
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RELATED UPDATE COLLECTION
[URGENT PLEA: In Update] EMERGENCY in GANGJEONG Since Aug. 24, 2011
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See also
Who are the restrained after Aug. 24?
Words from mayor Kang Dong-Kyun in custody cell on Aug. 28
________________________
See also Ten Thousand Things
Iara Lee: "'Obstructing Business': South Koreans on the March"on Aug. 29, 2011
(Original source: Huffington post: an excellent article with powerful photos)
________________________
FACE BOOK
Release Mayor Kang Dong-Kyun, Mr. Kim Jong-Hwan, and Mr. Kim Dong-Won immediately!
Save Jeju Island 생명 평화 강정 마을
No Naval Base on Jeju
Save Prof. Yang and Sung-Hee Choi
_______________________________
See also articles (* Thanks to Mattew Hoey)
Joongang Daily: District court forbids anti-base protests on Jeju on Aug. 31, 2011
Korea Times : Clash brewing at Gangjeong village on Aug. 30, 2011
Korea Herald: Standoff escalates over Jeju naval base on Aug. 30, 2011
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Paco says on Aug. 30, 2011
"Today, 54 villagers and activists (that we know of) received court summons for their actions on August 24th. We expect this number to go higher."

Regina says on Aug 30
'Catholic priests in prayer. The navy and construction companies hired gangs for plastic barriers and police show no principles and responsibilities for that.' (video by Dungree)

Photo by Thinkunit on Aug. 30, 2011

Photo by Thinkunit on Aug. 29, 2011
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* Photo source: Joongang Daily
Roman Catholic priests say mass at the entrance of the naval base in Gangjeong Village on Jeju Island yesterday to protest the base’s construction. [NEWSIS]

Photo source: Korea Times on Aug. 30, 2011

'Lawmakers from five opposition parties hold a rally to demand President Lee Myung-bak come up with measures to peacefully resolve the dispute over the construction of a naval base in Gangjeong Village in Jeju Island, Monday. [Yonhap]

Korea Herald
Residents of the Gangjeong village scuffle with police to stop a police van from carrying protest leader Kang Dong-kyun, arrested for obstructing the naval base construction in Seogwipo, Jeju Province, last Wednesday, Aug. 24]. (Yonhap News)

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Ten Thousand Things

Jeju District Court's Obstruction of Democracy
Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Yesterday the Jeju District Court granted an injunction to the Navy and the central government to forbid resident demonstrations against the seizure of their homes and farms, and the destruction of one of Jeju Island's most beautiful coasts (South Korea's only natural dolphin habitat) to make way for a massive naval base to house warships meant to intimidate China.

The court rejected an application by residents challenging the state seizure, demolition of the coastline, and destruction of the soft coral habitat. The residents argued that the state did not follow democratic due process and and failed to adequately assessment of the environmental damage to the coastline. .

The court said the residents and their supporters must not return to the residents' homes and farms, now a state military construction site.

People who attempt to return to their property would be fined 2 million won ($1,863).

Local residents have been joined by democratic and environmentalist activists and religious leaders from all over Korea. They are supported by environmentalist, democratic, and religious supporters worldwide, including scholars and luminaries such as Gloria Steinem.

In a replay of South Korea's worst periods of military dictatorship, the state has sent in hundreds of riot police, who are mostly conscripted youth, most of whom appear confused, embarrassed, and unhappy about having to perpetrate threat of violence or violence upon their fellow citizens.

South Korea is similar to North Korea in the authoritarian attitude of the ruling elite; although South Korea is not totalitarian like North Korea. Although citizens have engaged in movements for democracy for decades, repressive governments intent on maintaining privileges for corporations, have thwarted these movements. South Korea is known for severe state violence against its citizens, including massacres. In April, 1948, one of the worst massacres in Korean history took place at Jeju Island. Many of the demonstrators are descendants of that massacre.

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*
Ann Wright talks about her visit to Jeju Island on August 28, Honolulu/
하와이 호놀룰루 강연회에서 제주강정마을 방문기를 전하는 앤 라이트
(* Informed thanks to Younsil and M. Hoey)

[Jeju Update] More photos and words on the three restrained: Free the three!

2011-08-30T08:23:00.030+09:00

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On Aug. 24, police illegally attacked the village and arrested five people. While two are released on that night, the below three are still in jail. On Aug. 25 when Fr. Moon Jung-Hyun tried to save the restrained by climbing up to a police car carrying the three, he was arrested, too. He was released the next night. The below is a short description of who the three are. These are innocent villagers who simply wanted to save their hometown and a young photographer who just wanted to live life according to justice and consciousness. Living in South Korea, you can be any time ‘criminal’ if you want to live life as real human being, which is paradoxically guaranteed in Constitution. By now, seven people have been restrained during the struggle against Jeju naval base and four have been released with the court judgment of probation or bail. Please read the urgent PLEA, here.
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RELATED UPDATE COLLECTION
[URGENT PLEA: In Update] EMERGENCY in GANGJEONG Since Aug. 24, 2011
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See also
Who are the restrained after Aug. 24?
Words from mayor Kang Dong-Kyun in custody cell on Aug. 28
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See also Bruce Gagnon's Organizing Notes
POWER OR POWERLESS(Aug. 29, 2011): about some latest update on Aug. 29.
See also Ten Thousand Things
Help save South Korea's only natural dolphin habitat in Jeju Island on Aug. 28, 2011
See also a French Citizen's letter to South Korean President Lee Myung-BaK on Aug. 29, 2011
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FACE BOOK
Release Mayor Kang Dong-Kyun, Mr. Kim Jong-Hwan, and Mr. Kim Dong-Won immediately!
Save Jeju Island 생명 평화 강정 마을
No Naval Base on Jeju
Save Prof. Yang and Sung-Hee Choi
_______________________________
See articles (via FACEBOOK, thanks to M. Hoey, Jean Downy and Corazon Valdez Fabros)

Jeju Weekly on Aug. 29, 2011
Islanders favor referendum on Jeju naval base project: poll

Huffingtonpost Aug. 29,2011
"Obstructing Business": South Koreans on the March by Iara Lee

The Kyunghyamg Shinmun, Aug. 29, 2011
Does Hard-line Jeju Response Signal New 'Public Safety' Crackdown?

Korea Times, Aug. 29, 2011
Jeju naval base: Government should ease, not foster, social conflicts

Yonhap News, Aug. 28, 2011
Parliamentary panel begins inspection on Jeju naval base

Jeju Weekly, Aug. 28, 2011
Gangjeong naval base is a genie we can't put back

US News Politics, Aug. 18, 2011
It's Time for the Pentagon to Get Realistic About Its Budget - Stephen Glain

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PHOTOS AND WORDS FROM 4 FACEBOOK SITES:

Free Gangjeong village Mayor, Kang Dong-Kyun(54)!

MacGregor Eddy says,
"Release, Mayor Kang immediately!"

MacGregor Eddy says,

'The Mayor of Gangjeong village, Jeju Island, South Korea was arrested violently while asking construction workers not to erect an illegal 250 ton crane to build a Naval base.'

Benj D'Amour says
'Mayor Kang's wife waiting in front of the police station for his husband to be released'

Sung-Hee Choi says
"They met when they were high school students. His wife was the one who has taken charge of all her family's livelihood while mayor has thoroughly devoted himself in struggle. They love each other very much. And it was always sad to see her tears"

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Free Kim Jong-Hwan, Gangjeong villager(54)!

Matt Hoey says,
'Uncle Kim Jong-hwan was arrested on August 24. This image was taken on July 31. He and the dog are inseparable - always together. When Uncle is not cooking for the peace camp and the young peace activists who visit Guromby Rock (site of the naval base) he sits under his tent as you see here. He is a living saint and should be freed from prison immediately.'

'I have not had a good meal since I last ate his cooking. One of the many reasons why I cannot wait to come back. It is amazing how he can pull a multicourse meal together for two dozen people, three times per day, everyday! Remarkable : )'

Regina Pyon says:
'Uncle Kim Jong-hwan who was arrested on August 24. This photo was taken on July 24 when he chained himself at the entrance road to Guromby to block police. He has endured so humid and hot summer days in a small tent kitchen cooking for us and visitors. Photo by director Cho.'

Kim Seong-Han says:
'I vividly remember that moment when Dr. Song was back to the village from the jail. That night at the front of community hall yard, when they hugs each other, I saw the most beautiful eyes of uncle Kim. I saw something like, admire, respect, trust, friendship, honest, and strong will. There were nothing harm, wrong or violent. They taken away good man from the Guromby.

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Free Kim Dong-Won, photographer(25)!

MacGregor Eddy says,
'Kim Dong-Won who is in jail with Uncle Jonghwan and the Mayor Kang'

Fly, Dong-Won. Free!
Photos by Dong-Won's 18year old friend, Dauri( Click here to see other beautiful pictures by him/Thanks, Director Cho for introducing Dauri's photos on Dong-Won and thanks, Regina for informing)

Dauri says,
" Dongwon has bowed 100 times every morning and night praying peace in the Joongduk coast."

The photographer of Hankyoreh 21, a weekly magazine, must have gotten the sense of his urgency. Dong-Won was the hero of the above Hankyoreh 21 cover in July, 2011.

Matt Hoey says,

"Kim Dong-won was arrested on August 24 for his role in a peaceful protest. On July 31st I was driving by the South Korean naval base construction headquarters and saw him praying while doing the 100 bows of peace. He had a radio playing spiritual music. A security guard was behind the gate occasionally watching him. Free Kim Dong-won!"

[Jeju Update] Words from mayor Kang Dong-Kyun in custody cell on Aug. 28

2011-08-30T05:39:00.010+09:00

* More updates com later. Please come by later on.
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RELATED UPDATE COLLECTION
[URGENT PLEA: In Update] EMERGENCY in GANGJEONG Since Aug. 24, 2011
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See also
Who are the restrained after Aug. 24?
________________________
See also FACE BOOK
Release Mayor Kang Dong-Kyun, Mr. Kim Jong-Hwan, and Mr. Kim Dong-Won immediately!
________________________
See also
Organizing Notes, Aug. 29, 2011, which says about some latest update on Aug. 29.
POWER OR POWERLESS
________________________
See articles (via FACEBOOK, thanks to M. Hoey)

The Kyunghyamg Shinmun, Aug. 29, 2011
Does Hard-line Jeju Response Signal New 'Public Safety' Crackdown?

Korea Times, Aug. 29, 2011
Jeju naval base: Government should ease, not foster, social conflicts

Yonhap News, Aug. 28, 2011
Parliamentary panel begins inspection on Jeju naval base

Jeju Weekly, Aug. 28, 2011
Gangjeong naval base is a genie we can't put back
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Source: Gangjeong village people's council(* Thanks to Mr. Kim Jong-Il and Ms. Kim Seri)

The below is the translation of his words in the above letter on Aug. 28

'The accident this time is of state power’s repression on local villagers, which is not only of naval base issue.
It is merely a beginning. I see the 2nd 4. 3
I see state power’s enormous conspiracy.
Fighting, villagers and activists!
And you should be tight in solidarity.
We can do. No, we should do.
That is the mission given to this era and to us.
That is the test that God has given to us so that our descendents can live in this beautiful world.
I emphasize again.
We can do! We can win! No, we have already won!
If we overcome a little more hardships and adversities, a permanent peace will wait for us in the future.
Fighting! Villagers! Activists!'

[Jeju Update] A French citizen's letter to President Lee Myung-Bak

2011-08-29T20:02:00.007+09:00

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RELATED UPDATE COLLECTION

[URGENT PLEA: In Update] EMERGENCY in GANGJEONG Since Aug. 24, 2011
________________________

Benj D'Amour wrote the below on July 25, 2011(Via FACEBOOK)

Dear readers, i post a letter addressed to President Lee, that letter has been already sent to many officials and leaders of the World obviously it is open to comments...

Mr President Lee,

As a French citizen, I know that you are in a close relationship with the government of my country, notably on the G20 issue and the development of your nuclear program.

I write to you on behalf of my activists friends, in Korea and around the world, who are peacefully and honestly involved in the Gangjeong issue in Jeju island. We are puzzled by the situation in Jeju.
I wish to awake your heart and your mind, as well as the hearts and minds of the members of your government. You and we activists belong to the same human community.
I wish you to look at the cruelty of the current action in Gangjeong.
Do you remember that President Roh, after his term and before his suicide, did regret to authorize US military expansion on Jeju island?
Are you going to be a President who would leave a legacy of ecological and cultural damage into your country's history?
Can't you feel that allowing to build that naval base will have, on Jeju Island as well as on Asian Peace Process, countless destructive consequences?

We urgently need to dialogue with you and your representatives. Please Mr President, allow us to come to your table and share with you.

From my point of view, it seems like you are allowing military expansion to oppress your citizens who have been living on this island for generations when trauma of 1948 massacre still remains in Jeju people's soul and has to be healed.
It seems that you are allowing military expansion to destroy Jeju Island.
It seems that you are allowing military expansion to open the way to the loss of precious Jeju's cultural and natural heritage.

Please Mr President Lee, come out and explain to us what are the real motivations for opening a military harbour in Jeju.

Your friend Mikhail Gorbatchev participated in 1991 to the nomination of Jeju as "The Island of World Peace". The project of opening a "United Nation's Peace University" on Jeju is intensely being discussed in Asia.
Now the "New7wonders" election result is approaching.
And next year Jeju will be the host of the IUCN World Conservation Congress which is the world largest and most important conservation event.

Then, I encourage you to think about how it will appear in the mind of the world's population that a military base is under construction on this South Korean Island.
And please consider that a countless number of organizations and people all over the world are aware of the non-democratic means that are used against villagers and activists to impose the construction of the naval base in Gangjeong.

In fact it is a serious sin to prevent future children from visiting and enjoying the pristine beauty of Gureombi rock, an inheritated jewel of our gentle creation.

Don't you think that empowering Jeju to become a model touristic island, as well as an "educative Island for World Peace" is a genius idea?Unfortunately the presence of a military base would ruin the essence of those genuine achievements.

Also I understand your concerns about the national security. However, please make efforts to re-engage a dialogue with North-Korean government on the basis of the 4th of October 2007 declaration. It would be a serious and brave way to drive back your country into a permanent peaceful, politically more independant and prosperous direction. Allowing a military base which cannot protect your country against North-Korea would only escalate provocative tensions, worsening diplomatic relations with your neighbors, and it would dangerously expose Jeju as a war target.

As a peace activist, as a concerned being about the future of humanity and planet Earth, it is with determination that I request you to consider to stop immediately the construction of the naval base in Gangjeong. Also I encourage you to make a clear public appearance stating what is your opinion about building another military base in your country and its consequences for Asian Peace Process.

With my sincere wish for a fairly outstanding course of the remaining 14 months of your fonction, hoping that your presidency will leave a memorable legacy to South-Korea and to the rest of the world.

Protecting life on Earth
Benjamin Monnet
"World Assembly member".
www.savejejuisland.org

PS: I ask you to forgive me if my English way of writting is "Frenchised".

________________________________

While some people enjoy life, some other people struggle to make life possibly enjoyable for longer times. Your help is essential, be parents, activists or simply compassionate people. Engage yourself against the militarization of our planet, against the loss of farming values, against the disappearance of our indigenous cultures, against the robotization of Humanity. NO FEAR, JUST LOVE, JUST ACT NOW (Benj D'Amour)

[Jeju Update: Aug. 24 compensation] Aug. 24 police violence on the protestors

2011-08-29T12:00:00.005+09:00

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RELATED UPDATE COLLECTION

[URGENT PLEA: In Update] EMERGENCY in GANGJEONG Since AUG. 24, 2011 _________________________

Source: Gangjeong village people's coucil (Photo collection by Dungree)

It is the collection of photos on the police violence for a day of Aug. 24.

The first photo of the image says somebody got crack in his shoulder bone.

The words in the bottom of the image read:

The police wielded violence to many citizens during the process of illegal arrest of the mayor Kang, Gangjeong village. However the police are asserting that they were rather gotten violence from the citizens to hide their wrongdoings and the prosecutors are driving the situation to the public security incident.

See also video of collection of navy & police violence on the citizens. Click HERE

Please spread!

[Jeju Update: Aug. 28] Police joining candle vigil?/ collection of the examples of navy & police violence against protesters!

2011-08-28T23:45:00.010+09:00

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RELATED UPDATE COLLECTION

[URGENT PLEA: In Update] EMERGENCY in GANGJEONG Since AUG. 24, 2011 _
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Police joining people's candle vigil?

Via Facebook, we got the below message with an image three hours ago. It said what happened in the village in the evening of Aug. 28.

It said,

'Padre Moon is speaking during candle vigil. In this moment 60 riot police are sitting together with protesters. We are sitting surrounding of them.'

Something sucking thing is happening in the village? Through the other channel, I also got the below photos (Photo by Dauri via Director Cho). What does police presence mean in people's sit-in? It is unpreccedent.

Fr. Moon speaking to people. Cho says he looks very tired.

Dora is there. I pray for you.
_____________________________

There is another excellent video(By Dungree) uploaded today: collection of the examples of navy & police violence against protesters!

MUST WATCH!

Source: Gangjeong village people's council

"본 영상은 서울 대책위 기자회견팀과 민주당국회의원 등의 요구로 만들어 졌습니다.

앞으로 이들의 직무유기, 직권남용, 불법, 폭행 행위에 대해서는 인권단체와, 민변,

국제사면위원회(엠네스티)등과의 협의를 통해서 단죄할 예정입니다.

아직도 해군과 경찰들은 자신들이 뭔 잘못을 했는지 모르고 오히려 큰소리를 치고 있는데,

정말 이런 자들 따끔한 맛을 보여줘야 합니다."

[Jeju Update: Aug. 27] Growing solidarity: Fr. Moon was released and appealed solidarity/ Return of Prof. Yang/ Peace Bus visited Gangjeong

2011-08-28T19:37:00.026+09:00

________________________
RELATED UPDATE COLLECTION

[URGENT PLEA: In Update] EMERGENCY in GANGJEONG Since AUG. 24, 2011 _________________________

Fr. Moon was released and appealed stronger nationwide concern with the struggle against Jeju naval base construction!!

Fr. Moon Jung-Hyun was released around 10pm, Aug. 26. He had been arrested on Aug. 25 when he tried to save the restrained three (Gangjeong village mayor, Kang Dong-Kyun, Mr. Kim Jong-Hwan, and Kim Dong-Won) by climbing up to the police car:

Via FACEBOOK (*Thanks Regina for info.):

'He announced to hold mass at 11 a.m. every day at the construction site where the 5 were violently arrested. This is today's mass, film edited by himself.'

Fr. Moon in the coast on Aug. 24, 2011
Photo resource: Gangjeong village people's council

Also see the below for his appealing speech for solidarity in Seoul on Aug. 27, 2011
_________________________

Return of Prof. Yang Yoon-Mo

Yang Yoon-Mo, movie critic, returned back to the Gangjeong village. He had been arrested under the charge of obstruction on the business and others when he attempted to block a molds-laid car to prevent naval base construction by laying down his body underneath it on April 9, this year. He was released on June 1 with 2 years’ probation and since then was in hospital to recover his health. His 76 days hunger strike including prison fast has brought enormous nationwide and international concern with & solidarity for the struggle against Jeju naval base construction. See the video here to watch his interview before arrest and his struggle & arrest on April 6. See also the video on others’ assessment of how the Seogwipo Police Station has violently and illegally arrested him HERE (Korean but helpful)

Photo by Dungree on Aug. 26, 2011

Prof. Yang was released on June 1, 2011. Mayor Kang Dong-Kyun and villager Kim Jong-Hwan, the two currently restrained helped him to walk. Yang had done near 70 days' prison fast. (Photo by Nocut News)
__________________________

Peace Bus visited Gangjeong

About 120 citizens of Ildo2-dong, Jeju City, carried in three buses visited the Gangjeong village amidst escalated tension since Aug. 24 when five people were arrested and three mentioned above were restrained. The 120 people expressed their solidarity with the Gangjeong villagers’ struggle saying that they wanted to spread the issues of wrongness of naval base construction in the Jeju Island.

There was some tension growing before their arrival in the village but the event went well and they remained the below beautiful banner.

People visiting Gangjeong village to express their solidarity with the village
* Photos by Kim Ho-Chun, Yonhap News
_________________________

Fr. Moon appeals solidarity in Seoul

There was people’s rally in front of Seoul Station to save Kim Jin-Sook and Hangin Heavy Industry workers in the evening of Seoul, on Aug 27 to 28. Kim Jin-Sook has held one-man protest on the top of a giant crane for more than 200days since the companies’ unjust lay-off of the 174 workers. About 5,000 people who gathered in Seoul also expressed their opposition against the Lee Myung-Bak government that is attempting to drive the nation toward the public security state. Fr. Moon Jung-Hyun came to the rally and delivered his speech to them appealing solidarity for the struggle against Jeju naval base construction. There were some citizens' signs for solidarity with the struggle against Jeju naval base construction.

* Photo source: Heo Jae-Hyun, Hankyoreh

Solidarity for Gangjeong, in Seoul, Aug. 27, 2011
Photo by Director Cho

Gangjeong's expression of solidarity to the Hanjin workers and Kim Jin-Sook
Photo resource: Gangjeong website(*original source: Yonhap News)

Fr. Moon's speech in Seoul, on Aug. 27, 2011(Korean)
Video by Dungree (Source: Gangjeong village people's council)
________________________

Dolphins' solidarity?
Dolphins appeared in the Gangjeong coast in the morning of Aug. 27, 2011

Photo resource: Gangjeong village people's council

Photo resource: Gangjeong village people's council
__________________________
See also

From the Gangjeong village people's council
[Jeju Domin] Military bases, Do they ensure our safety?
by 안혜경 Ahn Haekyung /Art Space, C : translated by Imok Cha

* Original Korean language source: Jeju Domin Ilbo, Aug. 22, 2011제주 도민 일보, 2011년 8월 22일

...The 12th Jeju Women's Film Festival (September 22 to 25), in War and Women section, will show ' Living Along the Fenceline'.

Lina Hoshino, Gwyn Kirk and Deborah Lee, three female directors, documented seven courageous women living in Texas, Puerto Rico, the Philippines, Okinawa, Korea, Guam, and Hawaii. Through their testimony we see how U.S. bases are spread all over the world and their impact on lives of these women and their neighbors.

[..]

These issues are specially important for Jeju.

A woman who lost her daughter to cancer, but she does not want to give this environment to her grand daughter. A woman who lost her uncle, aunt, and a cousin to cancer all within a year. The military culture that is pervasive in everyday lives of students in San Antonio, Texas. The sex industry hosting thousands of U.S. troops in the Philippines. The story of an Okinawan woman who was raped by US soldiers when she was a high school student. After listening to these women's stories one can not help but ask what is the security the military bases protect.

[..]

(* Thanks, Regina, to upload this)

[Jeju Update] Who are the three restrained after Aug. 24?

2011-08-28T05:05:00.024+09:00

_______________________________
RELATED UPDATE COLLECTION

[URGENT PLEA: In Update] EMERGENCY in GANGJEONG Since AUG. 24, 2011
_______________________________
FACE BOOK
Release Mayor Kang Dong-Kyun, Mr. Kim Jong-Hwan, and Mr. Kim Dong-Won immediately!
_______________________________
On Aug. 24, police illegally attacked the village and arrested five people. While two are released on that night, the below three are still in jail. On Aug. 25 when Fr. Moon Jung-Hyun tried to save the restrained by climbing up to a police car carrying the three, he was arrested, too. He was released the next night. The below is a short description of who the three are. These are innocent villagers who simply wanted to save their hometown and a young photographer who just wanted to live life according to justice and consciousness. Living in South Korea, you can be any time ‘criminal’ if you want to live life as real human being, which is paradoxically guaranteed in Constitution. Please read the urgent PLEA, here.
_______________________________

Mayor Kang Dong-Kyun, 54

Mayor Kang Dong-Kyun in July, 2010
Photo by Boreum Doraegi

Mayor Kang Dong-Kyun at the arrest moment on Aug. 24, 2011
Photo by Director Cho

Mayor Kang Dong-Kyun (54) has been elected as the mayor of Gangjeong village, in 2007 and has been a leading village figure against the naval base construction. If not a mayor, he is an innocent farmer who raises tangerines.

Since elected, he has thoroughly devoted himself to save the village from the building of war base, at the risk of his own health, his own family’s livelihood and his own imprisonment. That is why he is a still beloved and respected figure by most villagers after 4 years now. He did not mind his own sacrifice only if he could save his hometown.

When he was illegally arrested with false charge of ‘obstruction on the business’ on Aug. 24, 2011, many villagers laid their bodies in front of police car to save him. Which reminded many witness at that moment his through devotion for the village and the villagers’ love of him.

Since, he has been in three years’ probation because of his struggle against naval base during the struggle, people concern about heavy court decision against him this time. He is in fifth day’s prison fast to protest illegal arrest of him since Aug. 24.

Please watch his video interview this July (English subtitled).

_______________________________

Villager Kim Jong-Hwan, 54

Mr. Kim Jong-Hwan, with his dog, Joongduk
Photo by Director Cho, for more photos, click Here

Mr. Kim Jong-Hwan watching the coast while lying his body on the banners
Photo by Director Cho, for more photos, click Here

Mr. Kim Jong-Hwan(54) is one of the most dedicated villagers to save his hometown. Despite his shyness, people appreciate his kind heart and persistent will. Every morning in the coast, he would be the first one to watch the coast from any move of navy and company’s construction and begin to cook for his friends who would come to watch the coast along with him. He has always been with a dog, “Joongduk,’ which is named after the name of the coast. People love that sight and call him “Joongduk’s dad.” Now, where can Joongduk find his father as he is being imprisoned?

Nicole Erwin cites Mr.Kim Jong-Hwan's words in the Truthout. She has met him in July, this year:

Kim Jong Hwan, a local fisherman and protester, was among those named in the injunction.

"I'm not afraid because I didn't do anything wrong. I am a resident here. I have a right to be here. I live here and that is my right, as a resident and as a villager, so I am not afraid to be arrested. That is why I refuse the call from the Seogwipo stations," said Kim.

_______________________________

Photographer Kim Dong-Won, 25

Mr. Kim Dong-Won in the village courtesy hall
Photo resource unknown

Mr. Kim Dong-Won with friends in the village coast
Photo resource unknown

When people heard the news on the arrest of Mr. Kim Dong-Won, they were very shocked. He is common with Mr. Kim Jong-Hwan in very shyness and kindness. Further, he has mostly been a quiet witness in protest sites. Instead he would diligently take record of events with his camera. He would return back to computer and record the day’s event with his profound writings and beautiful pictures. But his insight is more shining in the moments of ordinary life that people easily pass by.

This time, he was charged under the name of ‘special obstruction of government affairs,’ while he just wanted to save mayor Kang when police attacked him like hyenas and dragged him to arrest.

When he has accidentally met an old and illiterate sea-diving woman this year, who said she was in favor of naval base in 2007 because she got indemnity from the navy, he left an essay after talk with her. Here are Kim’s words from that long essay:

I felt such pain in my heart… I wanted to say to her, “Grandma, You are never the one who destroyed the village. It is not just your fault.” It is the world where the beings that live most closely to nature become the weakest. Will there be any weaker beings than sea-diving women who throw their bodies under seawater?
________________________________

Mr. Kim Dong-Won(left) and Mr. Kim Jong-Hwan(right) in custody cell after being restrained on Aug. 25.
Photo resource unknown

Appeal Fwd: Dear Friends of Jeju Island – Island of World Peace,

2011-08-28T04:57:00.003+09:00

Fwd by Bruce Gagnon on Aug. 26, 2011

Save Jeju Island

Dear Friends of Jeju Island – Island of World Peace,

Last week, we heard reports that 700 police from the South Korean mainland arrived at Jeju Harbor with buses and trucks bearing three large water cannons. The villagers have been vigilantly waiting for the police to strike.

They did the morning of August 24th. Retired U.S. Army Colonel Ann Wright wrote to us from Gangjeong village, “The sirens are blaring for citizens to come to the main gate of the Naval Base where construction is about to begin in an area that will destroy pristine lava fields and endanger marine life. The siren sounds like a tsunami siren in Hawaii signaling an emergency. And that is what it is.”

At 2 pm that day, Gangjeong Village Mayor Kang Dong-kyun approached military contractors who started the operation of a 250-ton crane that had been smuggled into the village in the middle of the night years ago. In asking that the illegal crane be dismantled and removed, the Mayor was forcefully taken into a police van along with a villager, Mr. Kim Jong-Hwan, and other civil society activists. For 10 hard and long hours, 100 villagers and peace activists used their bodies and cars to prevent the police from taking away the Mayor and others. While two activists have been released, the Mayor, Mr. Kim, Dongwan and Father Moon are still detained.

The villagers at Gangjeong know that orders have been sent from the top. Their resistance must be dealt with once and for all.

Why now? Because we’re starting to win the battle of public opinion. In one week, The New York Times published an Op Ed and the International Herald Tribune published another, both supporting the peaceful four-year resistance of the villagers with facts showing that this naval base would destroy unique environments, provoke China by surrounding it with a US anti-ballistic system, but would be incapable of protecting South Korea from North Korea.

One was by Gloria Steinem, a women’s movement organizer and peace activist. The other was by Christine Ahn of the Korea Policy Institute. Their factual pleas have set off more voices, including an Op Ed in the conservative-leaning Korea Times entitled, “Save Jeju Island – Island of Peace,” and an Open Letter from South Korean opposition leader Chung Dong-young, who not only opposed the naval base but once it is defeated, pledged to make its site into a peace park.

And with more voices has come greater coverage, from a feature article in The New York Times to CNN and Al-Jazeera’s coverage of recent protests.

As the world learns more and more about the danger to its treasure of global environment and culture, Jeju Island, and also more about the heroic efforts by ordinary farmers, fishermen, the legendary women sea divers and children to preserve their home and way of life, all are inspired and emboldened to believe that the side of peace, the environment and democracy does have a chance of prevailing.

But with more visibility comes fear and greater repression for those who are accustomed to dictating from above. That’s what we are now witnessing as hundreds of police join forces with the 1,000 already on Jeju.

In order to stay one step ahead, we need the support of friends far away, just as the military has friends in the Pentagon.

All of us—the nearly 5,000 people from 50 countries who have signed the petition to President Lee urging him to stop the naval base – are building global awareness of the danger to our global natural and cultural heritage on Jeju Island.

This takes regularly communicating with the world on what is happening in Gangjeong village, sowing seeds of peace in the media and among allies in the peace, environmental, human rights and women’s rights communities, and regularly updating the www.savejejuisland.org website with bilingual and multi-lingual bulletins.

We have an urgent appeal to all of you to join us in our effort to Save Jeju Island.

Please go to this website to get more information on how you can act now:
http://savejejuisland.org/Save_Jeju_Island/Get_Involved.html

Just as no human being is an island, Jeju belongs to us all.

With hope,

Global Campaign to Save Jeju Island Advisory Board
Christine Ahn, Korea Policy Institute
Imok Cha, M.D.
Wooksik Cheong, Korea Peace Network
MacGregor Eddy, Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF)
Bruce Gagnon, Global Network Against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space
Matt Hoey, Save Jeju Island Campaign Coordinator
Gilchun Ko, Jeju artist
Iara Lee, filmmaker and founder of Cultures of Resistance
Regina Pyon, Solidarity for Peace and Reunification of Korea (SPARK)
Gloria Steinem, author and co-founder of Women’s Media Center
Ann Wright, retired U.S. Army Colonel

Event Fwd: Keep Space for Peace Week 2011

2011-08-28T04:48:00.005+09:00

http://www.space4peace.org/actions/ksfpw11.htm

International Days of Protest to Stop the Militarization of Space

October 1 - 8 2011
No Missile Defense
Stop the Drones
Convert the Military Industrial Complex!
Bring Our War $$ Home

FOR MORE, CLICK HERE

___________________________________________
See also

Raytheon, Missile Offense & Endless War
The GN's 19th Annual Space Organizing Conference,
North Andover, Massachusetts, June 17-19 2011

___________________________________________
See also

2010 Keep Space for Peace Week 2010 우주 평화주
2009 Keep Space for Peace Week 2009 우주 평화주

Site Fwd: Okinawa Outreach: Citizens’ Network for Biodiversity in Okinawa demands halt to construction of U.S helipads in Yanbaru Forest

2011-08-28T04:21:00.004+09:00

(Okinawa Defense Bureau and Peace Bamboo)

Ten Thousand Things
Okinawa Outreach: Citizens’ Network for Biodiversity in Okinawa demands halt to construction of U.S helipads in Yanbaru Forest
Aug. 26, 2011

Okinawa Outreach, a new blog edited by Okinawan scholars and activists, offers news, photos, & analysis directly from Okinawa.

Its July reports describe efforts by the Citizens’ Network for Biodiversity in Okinawa (Okinawa BD) to obtain answers from the Okinawan Defense Bureau (the Japan Defense Bureau's branch in Okinawa) regarding U.S. military plans for training accident-prone military Osprey aircraft in biodiverse Yanbaru Forest. The Citizens’ Network for Biodiversity in Okinawa demanded a halt to the construction of helipads which the U.S. wants to locate in one of the most well-preserved areas of the forest, a habitat for numerous endangered species unique to northern Okinawa.

Okinawa Outreach also provided updates to the Okinawan Defense Bureau's November 2008 legal action against 15 residents of the Takae community (including a child), who, since July 2007, had been conducting a peaceful sit-in protest against the helipad construction on the prefectural road near the construction sites. Many consider this frivolous litigation, a SLAPP (strategic lawsuit against public participation) action, intended to intimidate and silence critics. The next hearing is scheduled for the end of August:

READ MORE (information and photos)

[URGENT PLEA: In Update] EMERGENCY in GANGJEONG Since AUG. 24, 2011

2011-08-28T04:10:00.023+09:00

Photo resource unknown

As of Aug. 26, four people including Mayor Kang Dong-Kyun and Fr. Moon Jung-Hyun got prosecutors' decision of restraint against them(Update: Fr. Moon was released around 10pm, Aug. 26)/ The government has indicted 23 people and the others among 70 are under government investigation/ The government held a public security meeting on Aug. 26 in two years to talk about crackdown measure against the protesters in the village/ But people's resistance will be stronger. A peace plane for solidarity with Gangjeong village flies on Sept. 3/ Please come by the below blogs for continuous update! Please spread news and consider what you can do to help people in Gangjeong!
__________________________________________

URGENT PLEA

DEAR FRIENDS of JEJU ISLAND, ISLAND OF WORLD PEACE
__________________________________________

THE RESTRAINED

FREE
Kang Dong-Kyun(Gangjeong village mayor, 54),
Kim Jong-Hwan(villager, 54),
and Kim Dong-Won(photographer, 25)

Text Fwd: All missile defense programs are part of the same system

2011-08-28T04:10:00.008+09:00

DMZ Hawai'i
All missile defense programs are part of the same system
August 26, 2011 by kyle

Bruce Gagnon posted a link to this article about the U.S. missile defense program. As he points out, the article explains how all missile defense systems are “part of the same network of systems.” The proposed South Korean naval base in Jeju island, where islanders are waging a fierce struggle to oppose the base, is part of this network. Hereʻs a pertinent section:

In congressional testimony, you’ve highlighted the need for interoperability of all U.S. and allied interceptors and supporting sensors. Is this a realistic requirement?

Absolutely, and we’re not going for interoperability that’s achieved after the fact, but rather full integration from the get-go. MDA designs and manages the entire ballistic missile defense architecture — whether homeland or regional missile defense — from a single set of requirements and specifications. So they’re not separate systems, but literally one holistic network built to operate as a single system. It took us 10 years to get to the point where we have one systems engineering process and one set of specifications writ large for the entire globe. This allows us to do all the trades and provide the most low-risk, cost-effective means of meeting all our missile defense requirements.

Great rhetoric, but how can this be translated into the holistic system you speak of?

A good example is the Aegis ashore system. We saw this great capability on ships and saw the need to replicate this capability on land. By looking down from the top, it was a simple decision to take those [SM-3 Block 2A] missiles off the ship and build land variants of the same Aegis system. And now we have a brand new capability that never existed before, with a worldwide logistics sustainment and training program in place that costs tremendously less than had we developed a land system from scratch.

And what about systems deployed by the Israelis and those planned for NATO countries, Japan and other partners. Will they all work as a single system in combat?

The international partner program is part and parcel of our mainstream program. They’re not considered as adjuncts to U.S. missile defense, but part of the same network of systems. So with NATO, Israel or Japan, they’re all working from the same specifications that take into account all the required interfaces. We have a set process for all our partners. We typically start with studies, then move to simulations and assist in calibrating country-specific requirements from the very beginning to fit into the overall system. Today, we’re working with over 20 countries for the collective benefit of us all.

But each country has its own operational, cost and industrial base considerations. How does it all pull together?

First of all, I want to emphasize that we don’t control another country’s system or how a country chooses to develop its systems. But we put in place up-front agreements that drive genuine partnerships for designing systems that can be readily integrated. With Israel, for example — our oldest partner with whom we have an extremely mature relationship — we’ve actually replicated an Israeli command-and-control center here in the United States and similar interconnected laboratories are planned with NATO and other partners. Together we conduct many simulation excursions, hundreds of different scenarios to optimize and continually improve upon the design.

So when you ask about how we can have confidence in combat? The answer is we practice it, we exercise it, we’re full partners in flight tests to the point that beyond basic sharing of data, the links are in place to operate as a unit when we have to face actual threats.

[Jeju Update: Aug. 26] A Peace Plane will fly amidst the government’s threat of public security state! Solidarity is needed more than ever!

2011-08-27T00:12:00.030+09:00

Update: Fr. Moon was released last night! around 10pm, Aug. 26.
____________________________________

For more information beyond this blog, check the below

Related blogs
Organizing Notes: LOVE YOU FATHER MOON
Aug. 24 situation
Aug. 25 situation
Aug. 25 situation(Compensated)

Related articles
* [Hankyoreh Editorial] A Jeju naval base referendum, Aug. 27, 2011
* Korea Joongang Daily:Jeju base site protesters challenge law authority
August 27, 2011
* Truthout: Residents of Tourist Haven Fight Plans to Build Naval Base
Friday 26 August 2011 by Nicole Erwin
*Cathnews, India: Police arrest priest in Jeju protest, Aug. 26, 2011
*Japan Focus: Back to the Future: Korean Anti-Base Resistance from Jeju Island to Pyeongtaek by Andrew Yeo
(*via Facebook)

Facebook sites
See Release Mayor Kang and the others who tried to defend him!(Facebook)
(*Thanks to MacGregor Eddy)
See Save Jeju Island 생명 평화 강정 마을
See No Naval Base on Jeju
See Save Prof. Yang and Sung-Hee Choi
(*The last one is outdated and would be closed as the two were released. But some people are continuing to post recent news)

Twitter
Save the Jeju Island(Check the right column)

Chinese media on Gangjeong struggle on Aug. 24 (Click HERE)
Chinese media mentioning a U.S. media report: The Jeju naval base construction aims at China with sword! (Click Here)
____________________________________

* Image source: via Facebook

"Exclusive cartoon from LATUFF, our free-palestine cartoonist hero. he responded to my request and just sent me this exclusive cartoon in support of villagers resisting US Naval base construction in jeju island, korea. awesome to fortify intl solidarity network through creative resistance : by Iara Lee : activist & film maker."
__________________________________

People’s campaign and a peace plane on Sept.3

* Web poster on Peace Plane on Sept. 3 (*via Facebook, thanks to Youngsil)
"Peace Flight from Seoul to Gangjeong, make your voices aloud against military base"

The villagers and peace groups, five opposition parties in Jeju has announced people’s campaign called “save the Goorumbee (the rocky coast)” three hours before the arrest of 5people on Aug. 24. The people plan to concentrate on people’s campaign from Aug. 24 to the end of September. The slogan is “The people command! Provisional disposition on the stop of construction!” which is a parody of the governments’ July lawsuit for provisional disposition on the prohibition of access to the construction site by 76 personnel and peace groups.

* Source: Jeju domin Ilbo

The peace groups saying that, “the navy has left a big wound in the heart of the villagers through abuse of various indictments & charges and violation of human rights for last four years,” claimed that it is illogical that they say the Jeju naval base business is a national business while it is to use the worst measure.”

The groups demanded that “the naval base business should be fundamentally reconsidered because it threatens the villagers’ human rights & rights to live and damages the community and environment.”

The peace plane on Sept. 3 is part of that campaign.

Four people are restrained as of Aug. 26: Mayor Kang is in fast in custody cell, protesting against illegal arrest.

Image source: click HERE
Mayor Kang Dong-Kyun carried by police

It is heard that Mayor Kang Dong-Kyun is in fast for three days since his arrest, protesting against illegal arrest and violation of human rights carried against him (See photos by Director Cho Sung-Bong here.) Mayor Gang’s being hospitalized is told to have been turned down by hospital that detested police presence (more details should be known here. But I heard a woman activist who visited mayor Kang cried when she witnessed the moment.)

Mayor Kang at the moment of violent arrest by police on Aug. 24, 2011
(Photo by Director, Cho. For more photos, click here)

An article says the Seogwipo police station restrained three people, mayor Kang Dong-Kyun (54), villager Kim Jong-Hwan(54) and a young activist, Kim Dong-Won(25). The charges against them are obstruction of business (mayor Kang and Mr. Kim Jong-Hwan) and special obstruction of government affairs (Kim Dong-Won). The Jeju local court judge told that the there is a danger that the three might flee if not the restraint warrants. Nonsense!

Uncle Kim Jong-Hwan(54). He is called as the father of the dog, Joongduk which is named after the name of the coast. He has been one of the most, most dedicated lovers of his hometown and the dog.
(*photo by Director Cho, for more photos, click Here)

Nicole Erwin cites Mr.Kim Jong-Hwan's words in the Truthout. She has met him in July, this year:

Kim Jong Hwan, a local fisherman and protester, was among those named in the injunction.

"I'm not afraid because I didn't do anything wrong. I am a resident here. I have a right to be here. I live here and that is my right, as a resident and as a villager, so I am not afraid to be arrested. That is why I refuse the call from the Seogwipo stations," said Kim.

Kim Dong-Won(25, right) is a young man of very kind heart and artistic talent.
(Photo by unknown)

Kang Gi-Tak, lawyer of the three saying that, “It is unreasonable to say that such activities of simply climbing up and down crane for short moment are to display power. Therefore theirs should not be charged as of ‘obstruction of business,” claimed that, “Because the arrest itself against mayor Kang is illegal, the charge of ‘special obstruction of government affair’ against Mr. Kim Dong-Won should not be established neither.” (Mr. Kim Dong-Won was with Mayor Kang and had been held in police car with him nearly for 10 hours when the villagers were standoff with police on Aug. 24 & 25)

Lawyer Kang also saying that “ Since the navy was partly inducing their activities by enforcing illegal construction in the situation when it has publicly announced that it would wait for the court decision on the government’s filing for provisional disposition [against 76 personnel & groups], [the prosecutors’ claim that the three] might commit repeated crime is one-sided and unilateral,” added that he would file for a review on the legality of confinement of them.

It is known that Fr. Moon Jung-Hyun was also restrained.

"Interview with Fr. Moon just before transferred to Dongbu police station from Seogwipo: Villagers' voice : "public authority is arrogant. . .they ignore villagers. . .love you, father~" (*Via FaceBook, Informed thanks to Regina)

____________________________________
The government’s self-defeating measure of establishing public security situation

There is also news that the supreme prosecutors’ agency concluded with its opinion that it would strictly respond with measures of restraint against what they call habitual obstruction of business and of the similar against what they call obstruction of business and obstruction of government affairs, related to resistance against naval base in its public security meeting composed of personnel from the Minister of National Defense, Supreme Police Agency, Ministry of Employment and Labor and Defense Security Command at 3pm, Aug. 26. It also plans to charge those through civilian cases with the lawsuits on fines beside criminal cases. Such public security meetings were held in 2008 when more than million people gathered for the candle protest against the import of U. S. beef and in 2009 when there was Ssangyong workers' hard-fought resistance.

The government has already filed lawsuits against 14villagers for the fines of 280,000,000 won in the mid-July, this year, aiming to weaken the villagers’ fight will and to divide the villagers and activists.

There is also news (via Facebook) as below

[Emergency Update] Several Staffs from the Asia Wide Campaign Against U.S. and Japanese Aggression and Domination of Asia (AWC) were stopped at the Jeju International Airport(CJU). Those are the representatives from Japan. Mr. Sakuda (46),his son (6) and AWC Staff Nagaya(52) were given the decision of denial from the port of authority in Jeju. Officials said that Department of Justice delivered d...irect order to the Jeju Airport Office of Immigration and Custom to stop them. AWC and KCTU(Korean Confederation of Trade Unions) are scheduled to have the forum in Gangjeong village at Aug 27th. That forum is about having conference against naval base and the expansion of military forces in the southern asia area.

To what degree, the Lee government is displaying such shameful measure to dispel the international? Crazy.. It was not their first time to deny the entry of international peace activists. The Lee Myung-Bak government has also interrupted some key South Korean activists’ visits to other countries, sometimes forcing them to be turned back without being able to join the events in the visited countries. What a violation of human rights!

Paco has good words(Via Facebook on Aug. 27)

"Well, as you can see the good news is that because of the events of the 24th this has become a national issue. It's on all the main networks and press big and small are covering it. No one can pretend it doesn't exist any longer. Unfortunately, most of them are covering it badly. Surprisingly one major network, MBS, did a pretty good job. KBS on the other hand should be renamed "Navy TV". Their broadcast was the worst compilation of one sided naval propaganda. And the protests were barely show but mostly edited to make us look violent. In the future let's give more interviews to MBS and boycott and ignore KBS!"

Fr. Moon and mayor Kang
(photo by Director Cho in July, 2011. The banner reads 'no naval base!)

Mayor Kang Dong-Kyun(left) and Mr. Kim Jong-Hwan(right) help movie critic Yang Yoon-Mo to walk when Yang was released with the court decision of probation after nearly 70days' prison fast on June 1, 2011.

Villagers and activists: A man in the white jacket is Mr. Kim Jong-Hwan
Photo by Director Cho

[Jeju Update: More on Aug. 25] Oppression will bring more resistance

2011-08-26T07:22:00.019+09:00

___________________________
For more information beyond this blog, check the below

Facebook sites
See Release Mayor Kang and the others who tried to defend him!(Facebook)
(*Thanks to MacGregor Eddy)
See Save Jeju Island 생명 평화 강정 마을
See No Naval Base on Jeju
See Save Prof. Yang and Sung-Hee Choi
(*The last one is outdated and would be closed as the two were released. But some people are continuing to post recent news)

Twitter
Save the Jeju Island(Check the right column)

What mainstream media says?
See Hankyoreh, Aug. 26: Construction, protests and arrests intensify Jeju naval base standoff : With more police and civic involvement, stakes have risen for the base that is unpopular with local residents
See Kyunghyang Daily, Aug. 25: Alternative Plans Needed in Jeju Naval Base Conflict
See Korea Times, Aug. 25: 5 demonstrators taken into custody; senior police officer replaced (* via Matthew Hoey)
See UCA News, Aug. 25: Anglicans join opposition to naval base
See KBS video with narration on Aug. 25 (Sorry, Korean, but the video is worth to see.)
(*via Regina Pyon)
You may also see NewYork Times article on Aug. 25: Book on Samsung divides Korea
(*Samsung is the main construction company for the Jeju naval base construction: Thanks for the info. to M. Hoey and B. Gagnon)

Thanks for coverage on two days' resistance
Organizing Notes on Aug. 24 and Aug. 25
Ten Thousand Things on Aug. 24 &. 25 and on Catholic movement
DMZ Hawai'i on Aug. 24
No Rest for the Awake: Minagahet Chamorro on Aug. 24

________________________________

The detained or restrained in the custody cell now (source: Facebook)

Fr. Moon was arrested on Aug. 25(in invesigation)

"When we got to Dong Bu police station in Jeju City, we learned that Father Moon ...was also transfered there, so we met with him too. He was also arrested for "Obstruction of Justice" when he jumped on top of the police van that Village Leader Kang was in. It's amazing that he could get up there!"

"제주시에 있는 동부경찰서 근처에 다달았을 때 오늘 오후 서귀포 경찰서 앞에서 시위하던 중 연행되셨던 문정현 신부님 역시 동부서에서 뵐 수 있었습니다. 강회장님이 탄 경찰 차 위로 올라서면서 공무집행방해죄로 연행되셨지요. 연세 지긋하신 문신부님이 차 위로 올라서시다니... 대단하십니다!"

Kim Dong-Won and Kim Jong-Hwan were arrested on Aug. 24 (in restraint)

"We met Dongwon (Left) and Uncle Jonghwan (Right) who were arrested and are curre...ntly being held at the Dong Bu police station in Jeju City. We wanted to also meet Village Leader Kang but he was very tired and fell asleep. They are charged with "unlawful interference" or "obstruction of justice", but I'm pretty sure that the police were the ones obstructing justice."

어제 오후 서귀포 경찰서로 연행되어 현재 제주시 동부경찰서 유치장에 있는 동원(왼쪽)씨와 종환삼촌(오른쪽)을 뵙고 왔습니다. 강회장님도 뵙고 싶었지만 병원에서 막 돌아오셔서 깊이 잠드신 터라 뵙질 못했습니다. 세 분 모두 공무집행방해로 연행된 상태이지만, 이들을 연행해 간 경찰들이야말로 정의에 반하는 이들입니다."

Mayor Kang Dong-Kyun was arrested on Aug. 24 (in restraint)

Photo by Cho Sung-Bong 조성봉 감독님 사진들(See more poignant photos here)
He was in three years' probation and much worried for possible heavy imprisonment. A facebook site was created to save him and others. Check here. Thanks very much, MacGregor!
_____________________________

Resistance and solidarity will be stronger!

Ann Wright speaks in the Gangjeong village in the evening of Aug. 25
Photo by Lee Mi-Ri, Jeju Sori, Aug. 26, 2011 (* Via Regina Pyon)

photo by Lee Mi-Ri, Jeju Sori, Aug, 25, 2011

Villagers and peace activists having a press interview after the arrest of 5 people including Gangjeong village mayor, Kang Dong-Kyun on Aug. 24 and Fr. Moon on Aug. 25 in the key spot to stop naval base construction in the Gangjeong village, Jeju Island. You see Ann Wright and Hyun Ae-Ja, a former National Assembly woman, who has chained herself on the spot near a month to stop construction. You can see Ann Wright's interview with Newscham Here(Korean: * thanks to Regina Pyon for info. on it)

See the Pan-Island Committee's statement(Sorry, only Korean available, now)
범도민 대책위 성명서(여기 클릭)

See Bruce Gagnon's Organizing Notes on Aug. 25

'The South Korean police arrested renowned Catholic Father Moon Jung-Hyun as well yesterday after he climbed on top of the police car that was taking the mayor to jail. Mayor Kang of Gangjeong village is still in jail. At a press conference this afternoon villagers and supporters said, "The arrest of Mayor Kang will bring greater resistance, arrest of Fr. Moon will bring higher wave of peace. . ." This weekend an airplane full of Catholics (paid for by the Jeju Island Bishop) will come from the mainland to stand with the villagers.'

See also Catholic movement to save the Jeju here, thanks to Ten Thousand Things!

____________________________
See also Sung-Hee Choi's final testimony on Aug. 5

CAMPAIGN FOR THE ACCOUNTABILITY OF AMERICAN BASES - CAAB
(: Thanks very much, Lindis Percy and Okinawa Outreach blog)
(: Thanks very much, M.S., for Japanese translation)

[URGENT: Aug. 25] Three got the restaint warrant! Fr. Moon was arrested, too! The village needs help!

2011-08-25T10:27:00.022+09:00

In Update: Please spread news! See also Anne Wright's report at the bottom of this blog.

See Aug. 24 situation
See Facebook
See Twitter(Check the right column here)
See photos HERE(Thinkunit) and (Coconeck) and HERE(Director Cho)
See Jeju Naval Base and Security dilemma by Cheong Wooksik, Peace Network
________________________

http://cafe.daum.net/peacekj/JWOn/70

From the time of arrest of mayor Kang to the time of arrest of Fr. Moon (Aug. 24 to 25) by Doongree

In the beginning of the video, wife of mayor Kang cries against the policemen, "What has my husband done? He has just wanted to save his hometown!"

At 2pm: Three got the prosecutors' decision of restraint. Fr. Moon was arrested
(Based on the SPARK report in Korean language)

A peace activist and a villager were released but mayor Kang Dong-Kyun, a villager and an activist were carried to the Dongbou police station by the prosecutor decision of restraint against them. When Fr. Moon Jung-Hyun blocked the police car carrying the three, the police immediately arrested Fr. Moon. Fr. Moon is now investigated in the Seogwipo police station. It is told that his cloth was torn and cane was broken during forceful arrest! In the village, people are struggling hard to block the construction as well.

Fr. Moon blocking a police car that carried the three restrained
http://yfrog.com/user/thinkunit/photos

Fr. Moon with a peace activist, around 12pm, before his arrest
http://twitpic.com/photos/coconek

Otherwise, the Supreme Police Agency laid off the chief of the Seogwipo Police station reasoning he under-reacted such as doing negotiation with villagers regarding the matter on the release of five yesterday. It is expected that the police would react with more violent and oppressive measure in the future. It is pressing that all the peace power throughout the Jeju Island and nationwide should gather energy, stop the input of state power, and pressure the government to solve the naval base issue in reasonable and peaceful way. International help and solidarity would be more important than ever!

12:00pm (Based on the SPARK report in Korean language)

It is clear that the Seogwipo police have not kept the promise with Moon Dae-Rim, chairman of the Island Council, to release all the five last night. The police are saying they are in the position not being able to release them as the security dept. of the Supreme Public Prosecutors’ office has not ordered them to release them because he mattered the incident of the Seogwipo police chief being detained by villagers for a while last night. There is news that the Democratic Party is strongly demanding the lay-off of the chiefs of the Jeju National Police Agency and Seogwipo police, charging their excessive input of state power. In front of the Seogwipo Police station, about 100 people are continuing sit-in.

Otherwise, the navy started to assemble the crane for the purpose of resume construction to relocate tetra-pods and caisson covers that had been left in the construction site. Against this, about 20 people are protesting demanding stop of construction. The police troops have now been all withdrawn from the village.

Otherwise, the small committee for the investigation on the Jeju naval base business under the budget committee composed of the ruling and opposition parties on Aug. 24 bears a serious problem. Three among the Grand National Party (ruling party) members, including Gwon Kyung-Suk, chairman of the small committee, originate from military and it should not be silenced that a National Assembly man belonging to no party and originating as an army general is mentioned to play a role of non-bargaining body recommended by the chairman of the budget committee. It would be difficult to hold a fair investigation on the naval base if the small committee is composed primarily by military-affiliated. Not only that, it would be difficult to control or settle on the police input of state power that guarantees the navy’s forceful construction. The navy’s behavior to make propaganda on the naval base business drawing the national defense reporters and to resume construction despite bringing conflict with villagers yesterday might be related to the composition of the small investigation committee in which military-affiliated were primarily considered.

To have a small committee primarily composed of the military-originated members is nothing but to make the works by the National Assembly that had been made after hard efforts to be inactive. The military-originated personnel should be excluded from that small committee to be fair.

As of 10:00am, Aug. 25: The five were not released and people are in anger. In front of Seogwipo police station, more police were mobilized against people. It is worried that construction would be resumed in the village today while people are keeping the police station site. The village is also in watch.

http://yfrog.com/h3wdmuoj (All photos by Thinkunit)

As of 3:30am, Aug. 25, the five were not released yet, unlike police promise that they would be released before midnight. The police has delivered investigation result to a prosecutor in Jeju and the latter is told to decide the matter of release of five at 9am, after approval of chief of the Jeju Prosecutors' Office and security director of Supreme Public Prosecutors' Office . The prosecutor is told that he matters the process of arrest in which people resisted, as 'seriously damaging state power.' It is worried whether the prosecutors intend to expand the accident as 'security affair.'

People are angered because mayor was not doing any activities that the police call as ‘obstruction of business.’ Mayor was just talking with the construction company personnel when he saw they were building the power crane.

The people say the arrest was ‘intentional.’

About 50 villagers and activists are holding street protest in front of Seogwipo police station. see the below photos

(Source: Jeju Sori)

(source: Jeju Domin Ilbo)

(source: http://yfrog.com/kfufjnmj)

As of 12:00am, Aug. 25, the police have not released five yet. The villagers who could not wait for the release of five on the spot, went to the Seogwipo police station to protest . It is worried that the police might close a key spot farm road where Hyun Ae-Ja, a former national assembly woman chained herself from possible police attack and others have been keeping from construction, a SPARK peace activist says. It is known that the mayor was carried to the Seogwipo medical center to get the hospital cure because his ribs were hurt during forceful arrest.

__________________________

Ann Wright's report (Via Facebook)

Yesterday, August 24, 2011, sirens wailed for citizens to come to the main gate of the Naval Base in Kang Jeong Village on Jeju Island, South Korea where the Korean Navy wants to continue construction of a naval base for 18 ships and a 2 submarines in an area that will destroy a pristine shoreline and endanger marine life. Local villagers and activists from the mainland of South Korea have struggled for five years to prevent the construction of the base.

Sirens signal an emergency-the mayor and four activists are arrested

The siren sounds like a tsunami warning signaling an emergency. And that is what it is-an emergency with 5 activists arrested, including the mayor of the village of Kang Jeong at a huge construction crane on the base. The crane had been brought onto the naval base several years ago in the middle of the night in the Navy’s attempt to escape the wrath of the villagers. It is a huge crane weighing 250 tons and it was brought over a bridge that can hold only 50 tons. The mayor of the village is intent on not allowing the illegal crane to be operated. He wants it dismantled and taken away. The mayor, the peace camp cook and three activists who came racing to the aid of the mayor were also arrested.

Hearing the emergency siren, 60 people quickly arrived to block the main gate of the base with trucks, cars and their own bodies. Others raced to the back entrance to the base to block it. Many were local farmers who had come directly from their fields of tangerine trees and from hot houses where they grow vegetables. They had jumped on their motor scooters to answer the emergency call, not bothering to change from their farm work clothes and wide brimmed work hats and rubber boots. Text messages were flying explaining the situation and directing people to go to the gates of the base. Tweets were alerting solidarity activists around the world to the emergency. An international peace camp had been held here last week and those activists would want to know about the situation.

At the main gate, ten citizens locked chains around their necks and around each other and sat directly in front of a police line that had been placed in front of the gate. One citizen locked a chain around his neck and directly onto a truck that was blocking the entrance to the base.

Crowd stops police car and surround the police

Four of those arrested had been moved from the naval base to the local jail by the time the entrances were blocked. Only the mayor remained inside the base. After several hours, the crowd spotted a police car attempting to leave the base by another entrance and inside was the mayor. The crowd chased the police car on foot, caught it and put their bodies in the way so the driver could not move forward. Cars and trucks quickly followed successfully blocking the police car.

About 60 police reinforcements with batons and shields but no weapons pushed their way past the activists and formed a protective ring around the police car. The police appeared to be new recruits who were doing their obligatory government service. They were very young and looked very scared.

Very quickly the citizens encircled the police and the police car and sat down. From time to time, the police would attempt to move the crowd out of the way, but the citizens would stand up and move directly in front of the police shields. Women, old and young alike, were on the front lines refusing to let the police move and pushing back furiously.

Remarkably, the police did not use their batons on the demonstrators. One person told me that the police on the island are very aware of the history of Jeju Island in which over 30,000 persons, many of whom wanted their country unified after World War II, were massacred by the right wing government of Sighman Rhee that considered them communist sympathizers. Anyone found farther inland that 2 miles were considered guerillas and were hunted down in a scorched earth policy by military and right wing youth brought in from the mainland of Korea.

Many of the police who live on the island had relatives that were killed in what is called the April 3 massacre that lasted over 18 months (1947-48). The small island police force does not want to be seen as heavy handed. Because of this attitude, the national government last month heavy-handedly sent 1,500 mainland police to Jeju Island to use water cannons and tear gas against those challenging the construction of the naval base.

The stalemate of citizens encircling and trapping the police lasted for 5 hours and took on a community event atmosphere. The fiery wife of the mayor stood on the top of a vehicle urged the crowd to protect her husband and then dived into the police line from on top of the vehicle! A huge sound system on the top of another van blasted favorite protest songs including one that told the story of the April 3 massacre. The nightly 8pm candlelight vigil was held in the road with candles placed in front of the police line. Friends sat in small groups talking about the next steps in preventing further construction of the naval base.

Activists chain themselves to a van

Another scene was unfolding back at the main gate. As the police rushed from the main gate up the road to protect the police car carrying the mayor, the way was left open for a protest van to move onto the entrance of the bridge just past the main gate, blocking one of the main roads on the island. Citizens with chains surged to the vehicle and locked themselves onto the undercarriage of the van. A smaller group of police then surrounded the van, but after several hours of watching the group chained to the van, they got tired and sat down along the sides of the bridge.

Police Doublecross

By midnight a deal had been struck. The mayor and four others would be released after making an appearance at the Seogwipo Police Station/jail. The crowds slowly opened so the police and the police car could leave. Not all the citizens agreed to the deal thinking that once the mayor left in the police car, their leverage was gone.

And they were right. 50 citizens slept all the rest of the night on the sidewalk outside the jail waiting for the appearance of the Mayor and the other activists-to no avail! The police violated their agreement and at 2pm all are still in jail.

Another Emergency

In the meantime, another emergency siren blared this morning, calling people to the construction site again. A crane operator was moving some heavy equipment. Citizens raced to the site and laid down in front of the crain where they still are.

Here goes the siren again-another emergency in the lives of the citizens of Kang Jeong to save their lovely land.

Paco Michelson had a comment to Anne Wright's in the same site:

Just some minor points, I'm not good at estimating numbers really but I think there were about 200-300 riot police and then some extra plain clothes officers, maybe around 30. They were not all surrounding the car but most of them were. Also the struggle last about 10 hours if you count the first struggle to arrest Mayor Kang. ..Also another reason the police didn't attack us to much because there was lots of mainstream press. We may not be so lucky in the future.

[Urgent]Gangjeong is in attack! Five including Gangjeong mayor were arrested on Aug. 24!

2011-08-24T17:33:00.039+09:00

See Aug. 25 situation
See Facebook
See Twitter(Check the right column here)
See photos HERE and HERE
See photo and video HERE at the arrest moment of Gangjeong village mayor Kang Dong Kyun, around 2pm(Aug.24). The policemen were like hyenas, the filmmaker says.
See video of policemen attacking Fr. Moon Jung-Hyu n(Aug. 24)
See video on the people's cultural solidarity event while they are waiting for the release of five during the night (Facebook)(Aug. 24)
See Other videos(Facebook)(Aug.24)
See Jeju Naval Base and Security dilemma by Cheong Wooksik, Peace Network (Aug.22)
See Bruce Gagnon's Organizing Notes(Aug.24)
See DMZ Hawai'i (Aug. 24)

"Follow #gangjung on Twitter and try to relay as much information as possible. This is taking place at the moment. Contact media if possible. Repost pictures and videos as you find them."(M. Hoey)

From Ann Wright via Kyle Kajihiro on Aug. 24

"I’m in Kang Jeong Village on Jeju Island, South Korea and the sirens are blaring for citizens to come to the main gate of the Naval Base where construction is about to begin in an area that will destroy pristine lava fields and endanger marine life.

The siren sounds like a tsunami siren in Hawaii signaling an emergency. And that is what it is-4 activists were arrested two hours ago, including the Mayor of Kang Jeong, the cook at the camp and a member of SPARK and now 60 people have blocked front of the main gate of the base and many others at another gate.

Ten activists have locked chains around their necks and around each other and are sitting directly in front of a line of police at the gate. More arrests to follow no doubt.

will send more later.

Ann"
______________________________

UPDATE

As of 12:00am, Aug. 25, the police have not released five yet. The villagers who could not wait for the release of five on the spot, went to the Seogwipo police station to protest . It is worried that the police might close a key spot farm road where Hyun Ae-Ja, a former national assembly woman chained herself from possible police attack and others have been keeping from construction, a SPARK peace activist says. It is known that the mayor was carried to the Seogwipo medical center to get the hospital cure because his ribs were hurt during forceful arrest.

As of 10:30pm: after negotiation, Fr.Go Byung-Soo got the police promise that the police would release five after short investigation and they would carry mayor in general car not police car. There were villagers’ complaint that mayor should not be gotten with investigation but as the police promise was known to media and Fr. Go & other 10 villagers accompanied police car to make sure of it, the negotiation was carried.

http://yfrog.com/h8b1ahfj
The wife of mayor Kang cries on the top of police car, demanding release of five.

http://yfrog.com/z/khdjhbyj

http://yfrog.com/h8zuymnj

9pm: Villagers are raising candles and continue to keep the site. The standoff with police has been seven hours by now since the arrest of mayor Kang and other 4 people around 2pm.

8:20pm a village woman sitting in protest, "Release all the five!" The villagers and activists are still standoff with police

8pm More people are gathering
http://yfrog.com/gyv07uyyj

Injured by police violence
http://twitpic.com/6aixdp

6:50pm police is violently attacking people, Right Now!

Villagers blocking a police car when it attempted to escape to another road
http://yfrog.com/kj6rcqcj

6:10pm Fr. MoonJung-Hyun has once been in danger when he blocked police car on the top of it. The policemen was pushing away him on the top of car. In the above photo, Fr. Moon is sitting very tired after it.
http://yfrog.com/kjcggnmj

6:oo Gangjeong villagers blocking police car where mayor is held. Some people chained themselves with construction equipment
http://yfrog.com/kj6rcqcj

http://yfrog.com/kj6rcqcj

5: 29pm

전경병력 계속동원!! 본격연행 시작!!
5:20pm Police are continuously mobilized! More arrest started!
http://yfrog.com/kle5hnrj

5:10pm People chaining them selves strongly protest against the arrest of five including Gangjeong vilage mayor Kang Dong-Kyun
http://yfrog.com/gyg1yqlj

Right after arrest of five, some villagers and activists chained themselves to construction equipment (Source: Jeju Sori)

___________________________

Mayor Kang Dong-Kyun just before his arrest
http://twitpic.com/6ahpcj

제주 해군 기지 반대 자료들(2010년 12월~ 2011년 5월 18일)

2011-08-22T17:24:00.004+09:00

강정 마을 자원 봉사자 모집(클릭) 강정 마을 후원 계좌(클릭) 대국민 강정 마을 현수막 보내기 운동(클릭)
5월19일, 양윤모 영화 평론가, 감옥 단식 44일째(4월 7일 사진 및 단식 경위: 클릭)
면회에서 만난 양윤모 교수님(4월 10일: 클릭) (4월 14일: 클릭) (4월 15일: 클릭) (4월 16일: 클릭) (4월 29일: 클릭)(5월 4일: 클릭) (5월 6일: 클릭) (5월 13일 재판 및 5월 14일 면회: 클릭)
양윤모 교수님 5월 16일, 옥중 단식 41일째 유언(기록: 클릭)(소감: 클릭) (주민 소감: 클릭)
양윤모 교수님 약력(클릭)/양윤모 교수님 강정 모습 사진들(클릭)/양윤모를 위한 변명(사진: 클릭)
/강정 주민 민성 아빠 말(클릭)/ 도대체 뭘 하자는 건지요?(클릭)
서명하세요: 절대보전지역 지정 해제처분 직권취소 청원 서명 용지 (자필서명)(클릭)
서명하세요: 폭행경찰 징계 및 영화평론가 양윤모씨 석방! 제주 강정 마을 해군 기지 공사를 즉각 중단!(클릭)
제주 교도소 구치로로 이감된 양윤모 선생님께 편지를!(클릭)/ 인터넷 서신(클릭)
4월 6일 사진 및 비디오 증빙 자료들: 제주 해군 기지 반대 투쟁하던 양윤모 영화 평론가, 4월 6일 연행시 최소 3명이상의 경관에게 폭행 당함(클릭)/ 비디오: (클릭)/ 추가 충격 영상(클릭)
[4/15, 고발장] 양윤모 선생 폭행경찰에 대한 서울지검 고발장(클릭) / [5/11] 양윤모 선생 폭행경찰 고소고발사건 서울중앙지검 처분결과(클릭)
재판 관련 기사: (5/13 미란다 원칙 고지 이슈: 클릭)
4월 7일 기막힌 비디오 : 해군 이은국 대령과 강정주민들과의 대화 담긴 영상: (클릭)
[5월 28일: 예정] 강정 해군 기지 반대 예술인 선언(기자 회견) (클릭)
[5월 27일] 해군 엄포(?) 천막 철거일
[5월 20일] 공지: 양윤모 교수님 3차 재판(제주고등법원, 4시)
[5월 18일] 강정마을 절대보전지역 항소심 ‘기각’ (해설: 클릭)(관련 기사: 클릭, 클릭, 클릭) 깅동균 회장 항의인터뷰(클릭, 클릭, 클릭, 클릭)/ 시민 의견(클릭)
/ 진보 신당 (항의 성명서 전문: 클릭, 기사: 클릭)/ 민주 노동당(항의 성명서 전문: 클릭, 기사: 클릭)/ 평화통일주권연대(기사: 클릭)
[5월 18일] 기사: 국방부 "해군기지 공사 일시중단 어렵다": 정치적 판단' 결정만 남아...주변지역발전계획 수립 '속도'(클릭) (클릭) (클릭)(클릭)(클릭)(클릭)(클릭)(클릭)(클릭)
/ 도, ‘해군기지 지원’ 조례안 입법예고(클릭)
[5월 18일] 기사: 해군 ‘권력’ 자리한 강정마을 ‘화약고’: "시위하는 저것들 레미콘에 갈아버릴라” (클릭) (클릭)
/조영배 교수 인터뷰(클릭) (관련 보고: 사진 : 클릭, 클릭, 클릭) (비디오: 클릭, 클릭, 클릭, 클릭)
[5월 18일] 기사: 제주창조당: "우 지사의 해군기지 공사중단요청은 면피용 술책?" (클릭)(클릭)
[5월 18일] 기사: 야5당 "반대단체와 비공개면담? 말도 안된다"(성명서 전문: 클릭, 관련 기사: 클릭)
[5월 18일] 기사: ‘우 지사 망언, "해군기지 유치, 나도 화순항이 좋겠다 싶었어요" (클릭)
[5월 18일] 기사: 유엔사령부 대표단29명, 제주 제주특별자치도청 포함 관광 나서? (클릭)(사진: 클릭)
[5월 18일] 현문권 천주교 제주 교구 신부: 국책사업의 혼란스러움(클릭)
[5월 18일] [한겨레 세상읽기] 제주도 강정마을 / 한창훈(클릭)
[5월 18일] 한-중 FTA 대응 추진단 구성 ‘6월부터 본격 운영’(클릭)
[5/17] 정욱식: 제주도가 미군의 전초기지가 되면… 제주 해군기지, '유사시' 대비해 건설 중단해야(클릭)
[5/17] 의견: 해군기지 싸움에서 이기는 방법 3가지(클릭)
[중요: 다운받아요!]해군기지 건설반대 팜플렛!(클릭)
[중요핵심자료] 제주해군기지의 문제점] (클릭)
[5/14] 국회 진상 조사단 방문시 강정 주민 발언(클릭)
[5/11] 붉은발 말똥게를 약천사로 옯기려고 채집을 시작했습니다!! (클릭)/ 해군은 최대한 서식지 원형 보전 한다 뻥(클릭)
붉은 발말똥게 이주 담당 용역 회사는 에코 션(클릭)/ 강정 주민 분노(클릭)/투망에 잡힌 불쌍한 게들(사진: 클릭)
[5/10] 유네스코 지정 연산호 보호 군락 무시, 제주 해군 기지 사업단 조감도 2011. 2012(클릭, 클릭, 클릭)
[5/8] 강정 마을 경자생 추모비 강제 매입? (클릭) /쯧쯧.. 문화재 파괴 공사 현장?(클릭)
[5/3] 강정 마을 주민들의 국민 여러분께 드리는 간절한 호소문(클릭)
[5/3]강정 마을 자료: 제주해군기지건설현장.. 절대보전지역에다가 테트라포트,케이슨 만여개 투하?(클릭)
[5/2] 강정 마을 자료: 정당성이 없는 제주해군기지 건설(클릭)
[5/1] 주민들의 농지, 강제수용한 해군, 1600만원 변상금까지 물리겠답니다!! (클릭)
[5/1] 강정 마을 자료: 제주출신 학자가 본 ‘제주’(클릭)
[4/15] 고권일 대책위원장 님 전화인터뷰 동영상-15(금) 인터넷 진보언론 '주권방송'인터뷰(클릭)
[4/11] 강정마을의 대도민 호소문(클릭)
[2010/12/31] 매튜 라이스 기사: 한국의 군비 확충 ‘2차 냉전’ 부른다(클릭)
[2010/12/30] 신용인: 붉은발 말똥게의 권리는 누가 지켜줄 것인가: 부당한 공권력 행사를 고발한다(클릭)
[2009년] PD수첩 제주해군기지 전모를 알수 있는 영상(클릭)
제주 해군 기지 관련 일일 기사 및 글 (2011/3/25~ 4/30:클릭) (2011/5/1-10: 클릭) (2011/5/11-20: 클릭)
2010년 12월~2011년 3월 24일 일일 기사 및 주요 글(클릭)
제주 해군 기지 반대 상시 자료들: 강정 마을회, 생명 평화 결사, 개척자들, 비디오, 평화 뉴스, 평화 만들기 외 다수 자료 포함(클릭)

[Choi, Sung-Hee] 3 Aug 20111 Drawings from prison

2011-08-08T00:05:00.005+09:00

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[Choi,Sung-Hee] 27 July 2011 Drawings from prison

2011-08-01T12:58:00.005+09:00

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[Jeju update] 15~18 July 2011

2011-07-24T10:12:00.005+09:00

On July 15th, the arrest of the three leading Jeju Island resistance leaders by undercover police happened. Here's the video of that morning:

http://youtu.be/74SL1KPq0K0

July 18th, for the whole afternoon, the broadcasting in Gangjeong kept informing villagers that the press conference in front of the navy office would be started soon for against the naval base and for criticizing two more conscientious prisoners newly being in jail.

Village leader of Gangjeong said "if one thief come to your house, won't you try to arrest them? But now the thief tried to accusing back the owner of house under the name of business interruption, and the police surprisingly turn back to arrest the house owners. In the morning of 15th July, you send so many police men (around 70) to arrest me. Am I that much dangerous? "

In my eyes, their eyes are so pure, how can they be the people who need almost one hundred police men to arrest them?

In the press conference, Yune, The Frontiers staff, read Brother Song's letter which he wrote while lose freedom. One word by word, one sentence by sentence, she read. Hope the people who should listen really listen. We will never stop talking like this.

The Following is the letter from Brother Song:

Letter from Brother Song in Jeju East Regional Police Station Detention Cell_July 17

July 17, Sunday, 2011
Song Kang-ho from Jeju East Regional Police Station Detention Cell

Dear Navy, Samsung, Daelim People

I have met you starting from this early March. It is already 5th month. Personally I feel so sorry that I have caused you big trouble. I know you have been through hard time. We could be good friends if we not meet under the situation of Gangjeong Nave Base Construction. In my eyes, you look like good and kind uncles, friends and juniors. I am trying to understand you even though you have restrained me by force and abused me a lot. All things are because of your job. After all our evil destiny brought me into prison, now my freedom is taken as you wished.

I do not blame you, nor reproach you. I believe the wrong policy of Korean Government and Ministry of National Defense put me in prison. It was our Constitution Day when I was imprisoned a charge of business interruption against Navy Base Construction. All democratic procedure was ignored. Finally I was imprisoned because of the fighting against our Government to protect democracy, the foundation of Republic of Korea Constitutional Law, to save our country from the war, to preserve our beautiful sacred nature.

Personally I like you, even respect you. It is because of my absolute respect for the blue workers. Even though I am against war and hate militarism, it is true that I admire your dauntlessness, dignity and feel human affection at the same time. I ask you no more criminal making. 50 residents have punished disgracefully, tens of people are accused. Please deliberate why Gangjeong Villagers should go through these trials. Please think about the discords and distresses that you bring this peaceful fisherman and farmers village. Why you should work like this? Don't you recognize that it is inevitable to face with bigger opposition if you proceed the construction by force? I do believe that this mad Navy Base construction would be stopped someday. But what I am concerning most is that it will cause irrecoverable sacrifice, loss, pain and harm of villagers. Do not forget villagers even could lose their life. I beg a favor of you. Please stop the construction temporarily, resolve the conflicts with residents, first. This is all people's request, and most of residents pro Navy Base construction also agree with. There is no reason to be existed if the military ignore the people. Please respect residents, listen what they are requesting. Stop the war against residents and try to persuade them. You have your own logic, counterproposal and compensation plan. Why you could not persuade residents? Gangjeong residents love our country, respect military service same as other villagers. Please appeal to their patriotic sentiment, remind their national defense spirit. Please do your best to talk with residents.

The one thing I want to make clear is that you should give up Navy Base construction if you fail to persuade residents. You should not proceed construction by force. Oppressive construction will destroy our National Identity as democratic country. I sincerely beg of you. Declare construction stop, try to do unlimited talk with residents. It is the only way to resolve all the conflicts caused by Navy Base construction, not make pure heart residents becoming disgraceful criminal. Oppressive construction is like dragging an unrolled wheel car. Your car must be fallen down. Like a wheel could not win asphalt road, Navy could not win people, nor samgsung does. Please listen carefully what people saying before you get bigger losses and shame, before people go through bigger pain and sacrifice.

Mr. Ko and Brother Song walking out from the trial room.
Brother Song was holding a bible which a friend gave to him at that day before the trial.

Press conference in front of the Navy Office to protest the unjust arrest of peace activist on July 18.

Source: http://fromlospalos.blogspot.com/2011/07/am-i-that-much-dangerous.html

[Choi, Sung-Hee] A letter from prison 0703_Dear residents in Jagatsinghpur

2011-07-07T00:00:00.006+09:00

July 3, 2011

Dear residents in Jagatsinghpur,
I am a woman and activist living in South Korea, the country of the POSCO you oppose. I am currently being jailed in the Jeju prison, under the charge of 'interruption of business', because of my resistance against the enforcement of the naval base construction in the Jeju Island located in the south of South Korea. As of today, July 3, I met 46th day since my arrest and 44th day since my being restrained.
I accidently happened to see two of your struggle photos and a photo in the Korean Times, June 13, 2011 had a below caption underneath it;
'Anti POSCO action in India: A village sprays water to relieve children lying with other villages along the entry point to prevent policemen and officials from entering their area at Jagatsinghpur district, about 140 kilometers(87 miles) east of eastern Bhubareshwary India, Saturday. The villagers have been protesting against turning their farmland into an industrial developed area for a $12 billion steal plant of South Korean conglomerate POSCO (AP-Yonhap).'
The situation of the Gangjeong village, Jeju Island, when I, along with many others, wanted to prevent naval base, is very much like yours.
The Gangjeong villages who have fought for four years to save their village are keeping vigil day and night against sudden crackdown by the navy and construction companies (Samsung and Daerim etc.).
It is for not being robbed of their lands. If trucks come, they block them with their bodies and if ships come, they resist them by swimming to them. Recently, a movie critic named, Yang Yoon-Mo had total 76days' fast including 60days' prison fast, against naval base. The Gangjeong village itself is an ecology-excellent village while the Gangjeong Sea is when the UNESCO-protected soft corals inhibit. The naval base construction site in the Gangjeong village is the very habitat for the endangered species such as red feet crabs and small round frogs. But the navy has expropriated more than 51% of the villages' land and threatened them so that they could not but get the deposited money as indemnity.
Because the Jeju naval base would make the Jeju, 'the Peace Island' into 'the War Island', and would destroy peace in the northeast Asia, further in the whole Asia & world, not only the Gangjeong villages but many people are opposing it.
I could but feel great sadness and anger over the fact that a big South Korean conglomerate is to rob of and to destroy your lands. The POSCO is one of the big, infamous corporations, along with Samsung, which has oppressed its workers, with its no-labor union policy.
Since the POSCO would destroy not only the environment of your hometown but also your rights to live, your struggle is so just 'legitimate self-defense'. It is like my action should be called not as 'interruption of business', but as 'legitimate self-defense'.
Expression my anger to the POSCO and my apology to you, I also send my warm, comradeship, respect, consolence and encouragement. Your courage and urgency more me.
Wholeheartedly supporting your struggle to save your hometown and your rights to live from reckless developmentalism and imperialism hands. I pray for the success of your struggle.

In solidarity.

July 3, 2011
Sung-Hee Choi

Gangjeong Village Blogger_English contents

2011-06-30T14:11:00.002+09:00

cafe.daum.net/peacekj

I am sorry you can read articles only!

[Choi,Sung-Hee] Ending 10day's resumed prison fast, June 19, 2011

2011-06-24T23:41:00.001+09:00

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[Jeju update] 20 June 2011

2011-06-23T18:30:00.002+09:00

Korean Navy and naval base construction companies(Samsung, Daelim, Daewoo etc.) moved their huge dredge boat from Hwason to Gangjeong. Village people and activists tried to block their moving. Even though they had only 3 small boats, they demonstrate on the sea bravely. Village leader, Mr.Gang anda one peace activist, Mr.Song tried to board that dredge boat. But navies and workers beated them badly with bamboo stick, their hands and feet and water cannon. Mr.Song fell into small boat from dredge boat because they pushed him down. He moved to hospital.

A Letter from Choi, Sung-Hee: Resumed Fast 2nd Day)

2011-06-15T07:03:00.003+09:00

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[Jeju update] 11 June~13 June 2011

2011-06-13T22:40:00.005+09:00

11 June 2011
1. One caisson breakwater is on the verge of moving into special and huge barge in Hwasoon harbor.

2. Jung, Wook-Sik the leader of Peace Network gave a speech in Gangjeong.

12 June 2011
1. Life and Peace Society finished their 100days' pilgrimage in Gangjeong and had special party with village people and peace activists.

2. Tourists of Jeju hold a press conference insisting of conservation of Gangjeong.

13 June 2011
1. The chairman of anti-naval base construction blocked the assembly of huge crane with lying down under crane.

2. MacGragor Eddy, one member of Global Network met Choi, Sung Hee and got promise not to fast.

[Jeju update] 10 June 2011

2011-06-10T19:12:00.003+09:00

1. This message came from Corazon Fabros who works for Stop the War Coalition Philippines and No Bases Network.

Message for friends opposing the building of base in Gangeung Village/Jeju:
On behalf of The Stop the War Coalition Philippines and No Bases Network , I send our warm solidarity greetings and best wishes in your important struggle for peace and safe environment. We salute your determination and commitment as you peacefully and non-violently oppose the construction of the base.
My heart goes all out to you and especially to Sung-Hee who will stand trial today, June 10 and we wish and pray for he immediate release.
Today, together with some of my colleagues in the Philippines, we offer our day-long fast for Sung-Hee's release from detention and the success of your struggle. I will also remember my experience of walking the Olle Road which I was fortunate to walk last year (with Regina Pyon). I still hear in my head the soothing sound of the waves nearby as I sat on the beautiful rocks facing the sea. I have tears in my eyes as I write this because I remember how the Gangeung village peoples' strong determination to stop the construction. We wish for all of you continued good health, courage and commitment in the face of the challenges ahead.

For a peaceful and bases free Jeju,
Corazon Fabros
Stop the War Coalition Philippines and
No Bases Network

2. The first trial of Choi, Sung-Hee was open today. Prosecutor mentioned obstructions of work one by one. Next trial will be open on 22 June, am 11:30.

http://nenasili.cz/en/1145_support-to-hunger-strike-from-south-korea

[Jeju update] 9 June 2011

2011-06-10T12:49:00.003+09:00

1. MacGreor Eddy, Global Network's member arrived at Gangjeong village today. She will join in trial of Choi, Sung-Hee on 10 June and will stay in Gangjeong until 20 June.

2. Navy tried to dredge the Gangjeong sea bottom. Village people blocked that working and demonstrated on the sea with their boat.

[Jeju update] 8 June 2011

2011-06-10T12:30:00.003+09:00

INTERNATIONAL STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF GANGJEONG VILLAGE
[Global Network Against Weapons & Nuclear Power in Space]

We, the undersigned organizations, stand in complete solidarity with the Gangjeong villagers on Jeju Island, South Korea in their struggle to stop the construction of a Navy base.
As we can already see, the Navy base construction effort has begun the destruction of this fishing and farming community’s natural way of life. This construction process will irreparably harm the soft coral reefs, the fish, the rocks, the vegetation, the water, and other life forms.
When Gangjeong supporters have called the South Korean embassy in Washington DC they have been repeatedly told, “Call the U.S. government. They are pushing us to build this Navy base.”
It is evident that as the U.S. expands its military presence in the Asia-Pacific region it needs more ports of call for its naval arsenal. China transports 80 percent of its oil on ships that pass through the Yellow Sea alongside Jeju Island. A base on Jeju Island would give the U.S. Navy greater access, and thus, potential control, of those shipping lanes.
The people of Jeju Island wish to be an island of peace. The building of a Navy base for U.S. warships will only make Jeju Island a target and a zone of conflict.
We demand that construction of the Navy base at Gangjeong be halted and the village be left to its natural state.

endorsed by (111)
• Global Network Against Weapons & Nuclear Power in Space, Maine, U.S.
• Nebraskans for Peace, Nebraska, U.S.
• Citizens for Peace in Space, Colorado, U.S.
• American Friends Service Committee-Maine, U.S.
• Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, London, United Kingdom
• Yorkshire Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, Leeds, England
• Swedish Peace Council, Stockholm, Sweden
• Stop the War Machine, New Mexico, U.S.
• Campaign for the Accountability of American Bases, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
• Greater Brunswick PeaceWorks, Maine, U.S.
• The Taos Group, New Mexico, U.S.
• SS. Francis & Therese Catholic Worker of Worcester, Massachusetts, U.S.
• Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, New York City, U.S.
• Peace Action Maine, U.S.
• Maine Green Independent Party, U.S.
• Oakville Community Centre for Peace, Ecology and Human Rights, Ontario, Canada
• CodePink Maine, U.S.
• Atsushi Fujioka, Professor of Economics at Ritsumeikan University, Kyoto, Japan
• Peace Not War, Tokyo, Japan
• Australian Anti-Bases Campaign Coalition
• Lynda Williams, Physics Teacher, California, U.S.
• Makiko Sato, Global Network board member, Oita, Japan
• Granny Peace Brigade, New York City, U.S.
• CodePink National, U.S.
• OMNI Center for Peace, Justice & Ecology, Arkansas, U.S.
• Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, International, Geneva, Switzerland
• AFSC Peace & Economic Security Program, Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S.
• WarIsACrime.org, U.S.
• Bouny Andre, president of the International Committee of Support for Vietnamese victims of Agent Orange, Saint-Jean-Lespinasse, France
• Los Alamos Study Group, New Mexico, U.S.
• Tri-Valley Communities Against a Radioactive Environment, California, U.S.
• Radio Free Maine, U.S.
• Guadalupe Catholic Worker, California, U.S.
• Nashville Greenlands, Tennessee, US
• Brandywine Peace Community, Pennsylvania, U.S.
• Nuclear Resister newsletter, Arizona, U.S.
• Military Space Transparency Project, Massachusetts, U.S.
• Oxford Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, Oxford, United Kingdom
• Oxfordshire Peace Campaign, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
• Maine Veterans for Peace (Chapter 001), U.S.
• South Dakota Peace and Justice Center, U.S.
• Woodstock Peace Economy, New York, U.S.
• Darmstädter Friedensforum, Germany
• Greater Manchester & District Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, England
• Rochdale and Littleborough Peace Group, England
• Veterans For Peace, Chapter 9, Smedley Butler Brigade, Massachusetts, U.S.
• CamPeace, Cambridge, England
• Peace Philosophy Centre, Vancouver, Canada
• Seal Beach Senior Patriots Against the War, Seal Beach, California, U.S.
• Australian Peace Committee, Australia
• Network for Okinawa (closethebase.org)
• ACT for the Earth, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, Berkeley Branch, California, U.S.
• Holly Gwinn Graham, GN Board member, Olympia, Washington, U.S.
• Campaign for Peace and Democracy, New York City, U.S.
• NeedtoKnow
• Maine Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, U.S.
• John Rensenbrink, president of Green Horizon Foundation, Maine, U.S.
• Western States Legal Foundation, California, U.S.
• NO to Nukes and Missile Defense Campaign, Tokyo, Japan
• Gray Panthers of Greater Albuquerque, New Mexico, U. S.
• Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, Aberystwyth, Cymru
• Physicians for Social Responsibility, Kansas City, Kansas, U.S.
• Peace Action, Silver Spring, Maryland, U.S.
• Jennifer Kwon Dobbs, assistant professor of English and director of American Racial and Multicultural Studies at St. Olaf College, Minnesota, U.S.
• Blooming Lilac Sangha, New York, U.S.
• Midcoast Peace & Justice Group, Maine, U.S.
• LEPOCO Peace Center, Pennsylvania, U.S.
• Tom Neilson Music, Greenfield, Massachusetts, U.S.
• Kaua`i Alliance for Peace and Social Justice, Hawai`I
• Alaskans for Peace and Justice, Anchorage, Alaska, U.S.
• Malu ‘Aina Center for Non-violent Education & Action, Kurtistown, Hawai’I, U.S.
• Stop the War Coalition, Manila, Philippines
• Citizens Peace Watch, Manila, Philippines
• Kickapoo Peace Circle of Viroqua, Wisconsin, U.S.
• Green Party Peace Network, U.S.
• Canadian Branch of the Registry of World Citizens
• West Midlands Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, Birmingham, UK
• Union Pacifiste de France
• Green Party of the United States
• Fredericton Peace Coalition, New Brunswick, Canada
• Network of Oxford Women for Justice and Peace, England
• Orono Friends Meeting, Maine, U.S.
• Merrimack Valley People for Peace, Massachusetts, U.S.
• Green Party of Florida, U.S.
• Manchester Central CND, England
• Kalamazoo Non-violent Opponents to War, Michigan, U.S.
• Foreign Bases Project, New York, U.S.
• Trident Ploughshares, UK
• Pax Christi Metro New York, U.S.
• Veterans For Peace-Korea Peace Campaign, U.S.
• Pax Christi Long Island, New York, U.S.
• Peace Action New York State, U.S.
• Social Justice & Peace Commission of Sacred Heart/St. Dominic Catholic Church, Portland, Maine, U.S.
• Church Women United of New York State, U.S.
• Pax Christi Maine, U.S.
• Pax Christi Elmira, Elmira NY, USA
• Asia-Japan Women's Resource Center (AJWRC), Japan
• The Center for Nonviolent Solutions in Worcester, MA, U.S.
• New Zealand Peace Council
• Peace Philosophy Centre (Vancouver、 Canada)
• NO!to Nukes and Missile Defense Campaign (Tokyo、Japan)
• Network for Okinawa(global)
• Plutonium Action Hiroshima (Hiroshima、Japan)
• Consecutive Study Circle in Solidarity with Okinawa's struggle for independence and liberation, and in struggle against the Security Treaty (Kanagawa、Japan)
• United Coalition Council for dismantlement of military bases、central Kanagawa (Kanagawa、Japan)

[Jeju update] 7 June 2011

2011-06-08T13:40:00.005+09:00

1. One peace activist[She] got hurt by one remicon driver[he]. She was standing in front of the entrance to protest against construction. He stopped his car right behind her and grasped her right forearm and dragged on the ground. He ran away and she was moved to hospital. She had an injury which will take 2 weeks to heal completely.

2. Sesarma Intermedium, the endangered species are found in many construction sites. But navy denies the habit of Sesarma Intermedium covers wide ares.

[Jeju Update] 6 June 2011

2011-06-08T11:23:00.007+09:00

1. Samsung, Daewoo and Wouchang companies enforced construction in the wetland that endangered species 'Sesarma Intermedium' has lived. This area is also very special and meaningful to Gangjeong people because they started rice farming in this land for the first time.

2. Gangjeong people blocked the entrance for remicon not to pass.

3. Gangjeong people, their neighbors and peace activists plowed fields and planted seedlings in the land near 'Gureombi'. Navy threatened village people to demolish their farms and go out from this land for naval construction.

[Jeju Update] 21 May~28 May

2011-06-06T14:29:00.025+09:00

21 May
Some activists fixed banners, 'No Naval Base' on buoys that are floating on the Gangjeong sea.

22 May
Choi is asking 3 things
1. The governor of Jeju must use his authority to invalidate 'the cancellation of absolute conservation area'.
2. Navy must stop construction of naval base on Gangjeong.
3. Police must apologize their illegal arrest .

24 May
1. Gangjeong village people blocked the setting up metal pillar for door.

2. Peace Activist, Bruce Gagnon of Global Network participated in fasting with Prof. Yang and Choi against construction naval base on Gangjeong.
http://cafe.daum.net/peacekj/49kU/353
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_121656801250115
http://space4peace.blogspot.com/

25 May
1. There was 4th trial of Prof. Yang. Two witnesses tastified in court.
2. International Peace Activist Kathy Kelly send e-mail against construction of naval base on Gangjeong to the aide of national defence, South Korea.
http://cafe.daum.net/peacekj/49kU/365

26 May
1. Gangjeong village people and peace groups held a press conference so that they confirmed their strong will to block construction of naval base nonviolently.

2. People wrote diverse banners and put up them here and there.

27 May
1. Gangjeong village people and peace activists made a strong protest in front of Hotel Habich that opened '2011 Jeju Peace Forum'.

28 May
1. People stood around tetrapods with banners wroten numbers from 1 to 53 which means fasting days of Prof. Yang.

2. People scribbled on the wall of plannar tripods.

3. Many people visited Gangjeong and cheered up Gangjeong village people. They had special event for Gangjeong people. They flied beautiful light lamps in the air making wish for peaceful Gangjeong.

[Jeju Update] 5 June 2011

2011-06-06T14:00:00.003+09:00

1. Gangjeong participated in Sports Competition of Daecheondong and won the cup. They didn't join that competition for 3 years since the issue of naval base became serious.

2. British Peace activist, Jill Gough send e-mail against Gangjeong naval base to the Korean Ambassador to Great Britain.
http://cafe.daum.net/peacekj/5ort/286

[Jeju Update] 4 June 2011

2011-06-06T13:12:00.003+09:00

1. One Korean movie director wrote letter to Jean-Marie Gustave Le Clezio who won the Nobel Prize for Literature.

http://cafe.daum.net/peacekj/5ort/279

2. MacGragor Eddy of Global Network(U.S.A) will visit Gangjeong from 10 June to 20 June. He will join the trial of Choi on 10 June.

[Jeju Update] 3 June 2011

2011-06-06T12:03:00.004+09:00

1. Samsung is making caisson breakwaters in Hwasoon near Gangjeong. They have fininshed one caisson breakwater. They will move the caisson to Gangjeong in the middle of June. The total number of caisson breakwater will be 57.

2. Musicians who are interested in Gangjeong and peace have visited Gangjeong and played music.

[Jeju Update] 2 June 2011

2011-06-06T11:55:00.002+09:00

1. The Dioceses of Jeju decided to hold a mass in GangJeong on every Thursday.

2. GangJeong village people held a press conference because the governor of Jeju said that it was too late to stop naval base construction.

[Jeju Update] 1 June 2011

2011-06-02T05:45:00.003+09:00

1. There was final trial of Prof. Yang. He was sentenced to one and half year in prison with 2 years of probation. He moved to hospital right after trial. He continued fasting from 6 April to 1 Jun.(57days)

2. Choi delivered thanks so much to Bruce Gagnon and Jane Jin Kaison for their international solidarity and support. Her health is not good because of low blood sugar and low blood pressure. That's why she stopped her fasting today on 14th day.

[Jeju Update] 31 May 2011

2011-06-02T05:34:00.003+09:00

1. Gloria Marie Steinem visited GangJeong with members of Women Film Festival.

2. Village people blocked making fences in the entrance of travel's road 'Olle' on GangJung harbor.

[JeJu Update] 30 May 2011

2011-05-31T02:05:00.012+09:00

1. Village people blocked the surveying land.

One worker was surveying the land which is near 'GuRumBi'.
Village people resisted him not to survey the land but he asked navy to help him.
20 navies appeared together.

2. Village people set up tent for protecting 'MetBuRi' hill.

3. Prof. Seo gave a lecture 'East Asia's Peace and GangJeong' to people.

4. Association of Korean traditional arts issued a statement in front of 'GuRumBi'

[JeJu Update] 20 May 2011

2011-05-28T12:13:00.005+09:00

1. There was 3rd trial of Prof. Yang.

Public lowyer called a witness and Sung-Hee Choi joined in this court as a codefendent.

2. Many peace activists and NGOs are gathering on Jeju Island.

They lighted candles sitting around.

[JeJu Update] 19 May 2011 The original blogger Sung-Hee Choi was illegally arrested.

2011-05-28T11:00:00.009+09:00

When she was arrested, she was just holding a banner written 'Don't touch even though one stone and one flower'. We resisted nonviolently against workers who got rid of our banners and tents. Some of our members sat in front of tents silently. Policemen isolated us from village people and arrested 8 persons including Sung-Hee. On 9:00 pm, 7 persons were released but she moved to another detention center. She began a hunger strike.

From morning to afternoon on GuRumBi Rock

최성희님, 0519불법연행, 0521구속영장청구

2011-05-23T11:28:00.003+09:00

이 블로거의 운영자인 최성희님이 지난 5월 19일 제주 강정마을 해군기지 건설예정지에서 평화적인 비폭력 시위 도중 경찰에 의해 체포되었습니다.

당시 최성희님은 '돌멩이 하나, 꽃 한송이도 건드리지 마라!'의 메시지가 적힌 현수막을 들고 있었습니다.

5월 21일 구속영장이 청구되었고 현재(23일) 제주 동부 경찰서에 수감 중이십니다.

[Jeju Update] [May 17 to 18] Battles in the Gangjeong village/ Court's wrong decision again/ MND says the construction would be continued/

2011-05-19T06:50:00.007+09:00

_______________________
See also
Organizing Note 브루스 개그논 블로그 클릭
TUESDAY, MAY 17, 2011
PREPARING TO DIE FOR THE ROCKS, THE FISH, THE CORAL, THE WATER
_______________________
Hard to have time to narrate the situation in detail. Here is a short summary

Fierce protests against the construction in the Gangjeong village on May 17 and 18… villagers and activists ready to fight to the end.. as the Jeju high court made a court decision of dismissing the villagers’ appealed lawsuit on the issue of the absolute preservation area.. The MND says it would continue construction.. only people’s will could stop construction.. villagers and activists ready to fight to the end.. The Gangjeong village is in war.

Click the links for lots of photos
_________________________

Photos

http://www.seogwipo.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=69388
Seogwipo Daily Newspaper

http://cafe.daum.net/peacekj/49kU/332
[긴급소식] 공사 중지를 위한 투쟁 현장 / 5월18일 오전 7시 20분~10시 45분
[ Emergency] Protest site, Morning, May 18, 2011

http://cafe.daum.net/peacekj/49kU/331
콘크리트 펌프 위에서 공사를 막고 있습니다.

http://cafe.daum.net/peacekj/49kU/333
지금은 울지 못해 웃는 그들의 평화 / 5월 18일 그 뒷 이야기
After stories

Videos

http://cafe.daum.net/peacekj/GeUn/87
D 기업의 해군기지 공사 강행에 인권은 없다!
Companies trample down human rights: vilagers and activists preventing construction with their bodies

http://cafe.daum.net/peacekj/GeUn/88
해군기지 공사 중단되면 '행복의 나라로' 갑시다!

Protestors sing amidst protest

http://cafe.daum.net/peacekj/GeUn/86
2011년 5월 18일. 강정의 뜨거운 함성

Let's live like a rock: Hot protest in Gangjeong, May 18

http://cafe.daum.net/peacekj/GeUz/62
오키나와 헤노코에서 강정마을 주민들에게 보내는 연대메세지..
Solidarity message to the Gangjeong villagers: from Henoko, Okinawa

Photo Fwd: May 18 memories

2011-05-19T06:43:00.003+09:00

Hankyoreh
http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_entertainment/478530.html
May 18 memories
May.18,2011 　

From the top: An international resident looks at pictures taken during the May 18 Gwangju Uprising in 1980 on display in a photo exhibition opened at the Seoul Plaza one day before its 31st anniversary.

(Photo by Kim Myoung-jin)

　
In the event “May 18 Blood Donation Relay” held at the Geumnamno, Gwangju, in order to fulfill sharing spirits in the May 18 Gwangju Uprising, citizens participate in the blood donation, May 17. People in Gwangju shared all the things including bread, milk, rice, ice and blood during the uprising.

(Photo by Kim Jung-hyo)

Pungmul band, Korean traditional percussion band, representing Citizen Army at the uprising, and people carrying eleven portraits of those who died during democracy movement in 1991 arrive at the festival held on the eve of the holiday at the square in front of the former South Jeolla Province Government, May 17.

(Photo by Kim Jung-hyo)

Fwd: Poster for GN Space Organizing Conference - June 17-19

2011-05-19T06:40:00.003+09:00

* Fwd from Bruce Gagnon on May 18, 2011

Poster for GN Space Organizing Conference - June 17-19

Click the image for larger view

Text Fwd: Russia: US Missile Offense System Could Reach the Urals

2011-05-19T06:34:00.001+09:00

* Text fwd from Bruce Gaganon on May 18, 2011

http://rt.com/politics/nato-missile-defense-medvedev/
Moscow may quit START over US deploying missile shield in Europe
May 16, 2011
Russia Today

Further deployment of the US missile defense system in Europe gives Russia the right to withdraw from the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov has said.

"START may become a hostage of the so-called US European Phased Adaptive Approach (EPAA)," Ryabkov said at Monday’s meeting of the Expert Council on cooperation between Russia and NATO at the State Duma.

The official noted that Moscow has repeatedly warned its partners that if the scale of the US missile defense system creates a threat to Russia’s strategic nuclear forces, Russia has the right to withdraw from the agreement. That would be considered “an exceptional circumstance” mentioned in Article 14 of the New START.

He added that Russia will have to take responsive measures if the US and NATO develop their missile defense shield without taking Moscow’s opinion into account.

"In this situation, we will have to take the necessary measures to restore the disrupted balance of power," Ryabkov said, cites Interfax.

The official also observed that Moscow is disappointed over Washington’s denial to give legal guarantees that the US missile defense system will not be targeted against Russia.

"We are disappointed with the reaction of Washington; this is a negative reaction," he said.
The historic agreement – the New START – was signed by Presidents Barack Obama and Dmitry Medvedev on April 8, 2010, in Prague.

On Saturday, President Dmitry Medvedev sent letters to Russia-NATO Council members in which he reaffirmed Moscow’s readiness to contribute to maintaining strategic stability and security by creating a joint missile defense system in Europe.

“The Lisbon summit of the Russia-NATO Council on November 20, 2010, opened up opportunities for building strategic partnership based on the principles of equality, indivisible security, mutual trust, transparency, and predictability," the president’s letter reads, the Kremlin press service reported on Saturday.

Medvedev confirmed Russia’s readiness – voiced at the summit – to take a share of responsibility for maintaining strategic stability and security, including through the creation of a joint missile defense system in Europe. He underlined that the system could only be truly efficient and viable if Russia participates in the project as an equal member. The Russian President stressed the need for guarantees that the shield being deployed in Europe will not undermine strategic stability and will not be aimed against one of the sides.

Almost half-a-year on after Moscow was officially invited to participate in the missile defense program, the sides have not managed to iron out differences in their views on the planned system.

Moscow said it was ready to assume protection of its sector in Europe from a missile threat in the framework of the so-called “sectoral” approach put forward by Medvedev. The general idea is that Europe would be divided into sectors and each side – Russia and the Western partners – would defend their sector of responsibility. Moscow has also warned that if no compromise is found on missile defense and the West ends up building its own shield, Russia would have no choice but to respond with military measures.

On May 4, at the meeting of commanders of the general staffs of the Russia-NATO Council 29 member states in Brussels, Russia’s General Nikolay Makarov said that Moscow would insist that the alliance would guarantee that its European missile defense would not pose a threat to Russia’s strategic nuclear forces.

"We intend to seek firm guarantees on de-targeting missile defense against Russia's nuclear potential. We will wait for proposals from NATO. We hope that our European colleagues will understand us", Makarov said. "We cannot create the security situation in Europe depending on the Russian-US agreements as it was during the Cold War times," he added, cited Itar-Tass.
The gathering took place shortly after the US announced its plans to deploy interceptor missiles in Romania, which raised serious concerns in Moscow.

Russia’s Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov said on Friday that the Brussels talks brought no breakthrough.

“We cannot watch indifferently as the US is deploying near our borders elements of its missile defense system, which can reach as far as the Urals,” he told journalists in Moscow. Russia is being told that its security would only benefit from it as Americans would be able to intercept missiles over the Russian territory. However, Moscow is not happy with such an approach as it can provide its national security itself, he added.

Global Network Against Weapons & Nuclear Power in Space
PO Box 652
Brunswick, ME 04011
(207) 443-9502
globalnet@mindspring.com
www.space4peace.org
http://space4peace.blogspot.com/ (blog)

Thank God men cannot fly, and lay waste the sky as well as the earth. ~Henry David Thoreau