Re: [meteorite-list] A Message Concerning Oman
I don't get it. Why didn't John B. take the time to understand the law in the first place? The thrill of the hunt took precedence? If you consider all the ill will between Muslim fundamentalists and the rest of the planet why bother exploring that region. Should we call it greed, stupidity, disregard, overzealousness or what. Bill -- Original message -- From: JKGwilliam [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hello List Members, Fellow list member, John Blennert, has been experiencing problems posting to this list so he has asked me to forward this message to you. Best, John Gwilliam * John Blennerts wrote: Hello List Members, Recently, there have been some rumors and speculation about a recent event involving some meteorite hunters being detained in Oman. To set the record straight, there were nine (9) of us involved in the recent incident that resulted in our arrest and detention in Oman . Included were six (6)Russians , one (1) Latvian , one (1) German and one American (me) . I don't understand the laws under which we were held and deported . We are working on getting copies of the laws and translations listed on the deportation documents we were given before leaving the country. It is my opinion and understanding that Oman currently does not have any laws specifically prohibiting meteorite hunting and exporting, or at least its a very grey area in their current laws . But, certain recent events made a few individuals there very aware of the practices . We were arrested, briefly jailed, then released without passports . All of our gear, including items having nothing to do with meteorite hunting, was stolen and or confiscated. While there, our respective embassies (Russian, German and United States) assured us the Omani judicial system is fair and just and we will have our day in court there. Apparently instead of charging us and going to court, the prosecution deemed us guilty, closed the case and deported us. It is our opinion that this was done in an attempt to not create negative publicity about their treatment of tourist which might injure their attempts to increase tourism. This event has been a major financial and emotional hardship for my friends and myself, and we believe there may be grounds for litigation. We are currently exploring what options we might have and are proceeding very carefully. Having said that, we do not want to publicly discuss or post any additional information on the subject . I don't recommend visiting or hunting in Oman until this issue is settled and/or we have clarity of the current laws in Oman . If there are any attorneys on the Meteorite List that are familiar with aspects of international laws or treaties who might consider giving us pointers or guidance, we could really use the help! If you would like to offer your services pro bono or for a reasonable fee or possibly work on a percentage basis, I can be reached off list at mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED][EMAIL PROTECTED] or you can call collect in the evening (520)325-8585 . Warmest Regards John Blennert __ Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list __ Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Re: [meteorite-list] A Message Concerning Oman
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I don't get it. Why didn't John B. take the time to understand the law in the first place? What law? Could you cite it or send us an URL about this law for us? The thrill of the hunt took precedence? Everyone and their dog (but myself) has been there many times with no incident. (Including this group of people). I'm guessing by your post that you don't subscribe to Meteorite Magazine? If you consider all the ill will between Muslim fundamentalists and the rest of the planet why bother exploring that region. Should we call it greed, stupidity, disregard, overzealousness or what. This is Oman, not Iraq, Iran or Afghanistan. Their troubles had nothing to do with Muslim fundamentalists or extremists. Know the facts before you call someone greedy or stupid. I believe the correct term should be adventurous. __ Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Re: [meteorite-list] A Message Concerning Oman
He Maybe its a warning to all . Dont go there for meteorite hunting becouse we put You all in jail. They now know what they have on their deserts and what value this material have (vide Omani + Swiss hunting). But from the other side, there is something that I dont understand. Some time ago someone sell on ebay Dhofar sample WITH oryginal Oman perission (for recover or export). So whate the hell. They know in the past that there are meteorite hunters who exporting Oman meteoites. So there must be another reason why this group of hunters was arrested and removed from Oman. Not becouse they try to steal some black desert stones. If Im wrong there must be any Oman meteorite expert (while they capture them) who decided that this group have real meteorites (not black desert stones for aquarium), so they try to steal them without permission, and thats why they was put in jail. I thinking correctly or I should make again test for stupidity ? -[ MARCIN CIMALA ]-[ I.M.C.A.#3667 ]- http://www.Meteoryt.net [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.PolandMET.com [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.Gao-Guenie.com GSM +48(607)535 195 [ Member of Polish Meteoritical Society ] __ Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Re: [meteorite-list] A Message Concerning Oman
Hi Marcin and List I would suspect that it actually has nothing to do with meteorites or rocks at all. It may have to do with whats going on over there and they do not want to be accused of not being able to protect tourists. They might not be able to protect their own people and so foreigners become an international liability. So, to discourage hunters and adventurers, they arrest some, toss them in jail, confiscate their belongings and deport them without much diplomacy (you read what the embassy's are reputed to have said, so it may be that the embassy's were aware of what was going to happen, or at least the outcome before the hunters were even arrested) knowing that (hoping that?) word would spread within the meteorite community. Within the major cities, they could protect maybe, but out in the open desert, there isn't much civil presence. Just a thought Mark F - Original Message - From: Meteoryt.net [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com Sent: Sunday, May 15, 2005 6:04 AM Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] A Message Concerning Oman He Maybe its a warning to all . Dont go there for meteorite hunting becouse we put You all in jail. They now know what they have on their deserts and what value this material have (vide Omani + Swiss hunting). But from the other side, there is something that I dont understand. Some time ago someone sell on ebay Dhofar sample WITH oryginal Oman perission (for recover or export). So whate the hell. They know in the past that there are meteorite hunters who exporting Oman meteoites. So there must be another reason why this group of hunters was arrested and removed from Oman. Not becouse they try to steal some black desert stones. If Im wrong there must be any Oman meteorite expert (while they capture them) who decided that this group have real meteorites (not black desert stones for aquarium), so they try to steal them without permission, and thats why they was put in jail. I thinking correctly or I should make again test for stupidity ? -[ MARCIN CIMALA ]-[ I.M.C.A.#3667 ]- http://www.Meteoryt.net [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.PolandMET.com [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.Gao-Guenie.com GSM +48(607)535 195 [ Member of Polish Meteoritical Society ] __ Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list __ Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Re: [meteorite-list] A Message Concerning Oman
Hi Bill, I guess you didn't read the complete email from John. He said there is a grey area concerning the meteorite hunting laws in Oman. There have been many hunting/adventure trips to Oman by list members recovering meteorites. I understand this is the first time this has happened and it was nice of John to make everyone aware of the safety concerns etc. for fellow hunters, adventurers and meteorite enthusiasts. Unless you have spent time in the field hunting, discovering, and carefully documenting your finds then it may be hard for you to understand the passion of meteorite hunting that many of the list members enjoy. Sonny -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: JKGwilliam [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com Sent: Sun, 15 May 2005 07:29:47 + Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] A Message Concerning Oman I don't get it. Why didn't John B. take the time to understand the law in the first place? The thrill of the hunt took precedence? If you consider all the ill will between Muslim fundamentalists and the rest of the planet why bother exploring that region. Should we call it greed, stupidity, disregard, overzealousness or what. Bill -- Original message -- From: JKGwilliam [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hello List Members, Fellow list member, John Blennert, has been experiencing problems posting to this list so he has asked me to forward this message to you. Best, John Gwilliam * John Blennerts wrote: Hello List Members, Recently, there have been some rumors and speculation about a recent event involving some meteorite hunters being detained in Oman. To set the record straight, there were nine (9) of us involved in the recent incident that resulted in our arrest and detention in Oman . Included were six (6)Russians , one (1) Latvian , one (1) German and one American (me) . I don't understand the laws under which we were held and deported . We are working on getting copies of the laws and translations listed on the deportation documents we were given before leaving the country. It is my opinion and understanding that Oman currently does not have any laws specifically prohibiting meteorite hunting and exporting, or at least its a very grey area in their current laws . But, certain recent events made a few individuals there very aware of the practices . We were arrested, briefly jailed, then released without passports . All of our gear, including items having nothing to do with meteorite hunting, was stolen and or confiscated. While there, our respective embassies (Russian, German and United States) assured us the Omani judicial system is fair and just and we will have our day in court there. Apparently instead of charging us and going to court, the prosecution deemed us guilty, closed the case and deported us. It is our opinion that this was done in an attempt to not create negative publicity about their treatment of tourist which might injure their attempts to increase tourism. This event has been a major financial and emotional hardship for my friends and myself, and we believe there may be grounds for litigation. We are currently exploring what options we might have and are proceeding very carefully. Having said that, we do not want to publicly discuss or post any additional information on the subject . I don't recommend visiting or hunting in Oman until this issue is settled and/or we have clarity of the current laws in Oman . If there are any attorneys on the Meteorite List that are familiar with aspects of international laws or treaties who might consider giving us pointers or guidance, we could really use the help! If you would like to offer your services pro bono or for a reasonable fee or possibly work on a percentage basis, I can be reached off list at mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED][EMAIL PROTECTED] or you can call collect in the evening (520)325-8585 . Warmest Regards John Blennert __ Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list __ Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list __ Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Re: [meteorite-list] A Message Concerning Oman
On Sun, 15 May 2005 12:04:22 +0200, Meteoryt.net [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: But from the other side, there is something that I dont understand. Some time ago someone sell on ebay Dhofar sample WITH oryginal Oman perission (for recover or export). So whate the hell. They know in the past that there are meteorite hunters who exporting Oman meteoites. Just venturing my guess here, but maybe The Powers That Be in Oman hadn't really looked into the commercial value of meteorites in the past. Maybe they thought the meteorites collected were mainly of interest as trinkets or for scientific study. Think about like beach resorts-- they make no complaint about tourists collecting seashells from the beach and taking them home with them. But what if someone suddenly found something (I don't know, a cure for cancer or something, use your imagination) that made seashells worth $50 each. You can bet that the resorts and host states/countries would change their rules quickly, as collecting the shells on their own would outprofit any lost tourst dollars for disgruntled shell collectors. So how about the possibility that TPTB in Oman suddenly realized that hey, these stupid rocks that those crazy Westerners are picking up are worth lots of money!? After all, what government would officially allow tourists to come in, pick up 40 kilograms of gold nuggets from the desert, and leave without paying anything for it? I'd say that exactly none of them would. So why officially allow something worth potentially MORE per unit weight than gold to be taken that way? __ Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
Re: [meteorite-list] A Message Concerning Oman
So how about the possibility that TPTB in Oman suddenly realized that hey, these stupid rocks that those crazy Westerners are picking up are worth lots of money!? After all, what government would officially allow tourists to come in, pick up 40 kilograms of gold nuggets from the desert, and leave without paying anything for it? I'd say that exactly none of them would. So why officially allow something worth potentially MORE per unit weight than gold to be taken that way? = You right And from now, only few West scientists will be permited to explore a WHOLE Oman desert. Can You imagine what a luck ? (not for us ofcourse) -[ MARCIN CIMALA ]-[ I.M.C.A.#3667 ]- http://www.Meteoryt.net [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.PolandMET.com [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.Gao-Guenie.com GSM +48(607)535 195 [ Member of Polish Meteoritical Society ] __ Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
[meteorite-list] A Message Concerning Oman
Hello List Members, Fellow list member, John Blennert, has been experiencing problems posting to this list so he has asked me to forward this message to you. Best, John Gwilliam * John Blennerts wrote: Hello List Members, Recently, there have been some rumors and speculation about a recent event involving some meteorite hunters being detained in Oman. To set the record straight, there were nine (9) of us involved in the recent incident that resulted in our arrest and detention in Oman . Included were six (6)Russians , one (1) Latvian , one (1) German and one American (me) . I don't understand the laws under which we were held and deported . We are working on getting copies of the laws and translations listed on the deportation documents we were given before leaving the country. It is my opinion and understanding that Oman currently does not have any laws specifically prohibiting meteorite hunting and exporting, or at least its a very grey area in their current laws . But, certain recent events made a few individuals there very aware of the practices . We were arrested, briefly jailed, then released without passports . All of our gear, including items having nothing to do with meteorite hunting, was stolen and or confiscated. While there, our respective embassies (Russian, German and United States) assured us the Omani judicial system is fair and just and we will have our day in court there. Apparently instead of charging us and going to court, the prosecution deemed us guilty, closed the case and deported us. It is our opinion that this was done in an attempt to not create negative publicity about their treatment of tourist which might injure their attempts to increase tourism. This event has been a major financial and emotional hardship for my friends and myself, and we believe there may be grounds for litigation. We are currently exploring what options we might have and are proceeding very carefully. Having said that, we do not want to publicly discuss or post any additional information on the subject . I don't recommend visiting or hunting in Oman until this issue is settled and/or we have clarity of the current laws in Oman . If there are any attorneys on the Meteorite List that are familiar with aspects of international laws or treaties who might consider giving us pointers or guidance, we could really use the help! If you would like to offer your services pro bono or for a reasonable fee or possibly work on a percentage basis, I can be reached off list at mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED][EMAIL PROTECTED] or you can call collect in the evening (520)325-8585 . Warmest Regards John Blennert __ Meteorite-list mailing list Meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
