The eyes of the world are on Durban, South Africa, where high level delgations from around the world are attempting to fashion a new aggreement at the World Conference Against Racism (WCAR). The negotiations have been contentious. On Monday, the United States and Israel pulled out of WCAR in response to proposed language that equates Zionism with racism. Today, Wednesday, France's PM, Lionel Jospin has hinted that the fifteen nations of the European Union could pull out of WCAR unless the controversial language is changed. The language in the draft declaration reads as follows from the WCAR web site, linked below. "The World Conference recognizes with deep concern the increase of racist practices of Zionism and anti-Semitism in various parts of the world, as well as the emergence of racial and violent movements based on racism and discriminatory ideas, in particular the Zionist movement, which is based on racial superiority." The document includes criticism of "Islamophobia," a term I had not heard before. Several alternatives to the draft language have been made, but they have been all rejected outright by either Arab nations who want to highlight Palestinian suffering, or Western nations who want to prevent langauge that equates Zionism with racism. As if this weren't enough, the issue of reparations represents an enormous gulf between South and North. African nations are seeking reparations payments from nations that over 100 years ago profited in the slave trade of Africans. So far there has no reparations proposals have been made by European countries or the United States. Further stumbling blocks remain. A group of "Untouchables" from India have lobbied for language, but India opposes any language that mentions the Untouchables. WCAR will end Friday. Coordinator Mary Robinson remains optimistic that some kind of agreement can be hammered out. My view is to the contrary, however. What we have here is a wide and deep gulf between South and North, East and West. (Links below.) Andrew Hagen [EMAIL PROTECTED] The World Conference Against Racism http://www.un.org/WCAR/ The WCAR draft declaration (MS Word file. linked to from above web site, or direct li below) http://www.unhchr.ch/huridocda/huridoca.nsf/(Symbol)/A.conf.189.4.En/$fi le/0115581.doc?OpenElement France Warns EU Could Quit U.N. Race Conference http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/nm/20010905/ts/race_dc_67.html Africa in Slavery Showdown with Former Masters http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/nm/20010905/ts/race_reparations_dc_1.html At Race Talks, Delegates Cite Early Mistrust http://www.nytimes.com/2001/09/05/international/05RACE.html
