Dear President Ahtisaari,
I had the pleasure of meeting you on a number of occasions over the years, including when I was British Ambassador to Uzbekistan, and I recall your genuine concern for democracy and human rights in a region where they are sadly neglected.
Like a great many people in Scotland I was shocked that CMI is employing Jim Murphy. Of course, in a democracy there are always losers as well as winners in elections, and both are genuine and valid participants in public life. It is not the fact that CMI employs a politician who has been so recently, comprehensively and humiliatingly rejected by his national electorate that will do any damage to CMI. In a sense I think it does you credit.
What shocks many people here is that Mr Murphy is by any standards a dedicated warmonger. He was a major and important proponent of the invasion of Iraq, and is the strongest of supporters of the massive increase of Britain’s nuclear arsenal, in breach of the Non Proliferation Treaty.
Mr Murphy is a member of the Henry Jackson Society, which as you know is a body which exists to promote United States neo-conservative foreign policy in its most aggressive sense, and openly and actively supports and condones extraordinary rendition and the use of torture by the CIA. It has supported every single military action by the USA since its formation, and defends United States exceptionalism in international law, including US non-membership of the International Criminal Court.
Mr Murphy’s belief set is therefore fundamentally at odds with the stated aims of CMI. Indeed, his employment by you can only lead to the suspicion that CMI’s stated objectives are not its real objectives, and that like Mr Murphy and the Henry Jackson Society your overriding goal in the regions where you operate is to promote the interests of the United States.
As you are funded by charitable donations and by governments, I think some explanation of your employment of Mr Murphy is in order, particularly when you have employed him as a conflict resolution expert in the Caucasus and Central Asia when he has no relevant experience of conflict resolution at all, virtually none of the Caucasus, and absolutely none of Central Asia.
I was the Head of the UK Delegation that negotiated the Sierra Leone Peace Treaty, and certainly under no circumstances would I let Jim Murphy anywhere near that kind of negotiation.
With All Best Wishes,
Amb (rtd.) Craig Murray
“If I google “caithness” + crime/poverty/incompetence/rapist/corruption/sheep-shagger/etc/etc, I can access a never-ending supply of stories which cast Caithness in a negative light.”
Yes Caithness Council is incompetent. We know that and we do our best to rectify that.
It’s a better approach than blaming somebody else and letting them continue being incompetent.
Guardian
Thank goodness that a senior experienced manager has at last spoken out about the funding crisis in the NHS.
Wendy Savage, president of the Keep Our NHS Public campaign, writes:
Thank goodness that a senior experienced manager has at last spoken out about the funding crisis in the NHS. It is not surprising that hospitals are running a deficit as the tariff has been cut and they are not fully reimbursed for emergency work over target, a situation over which they have no control, despite which they are fined for not meeting targets.
Staff cuts in order to balance the budget lead to demoralised staff which in turn increases sickness absence and increases use of more expensive agency staff. Mr Smallwood suggests that ministers are in denial but there is an alternative explanation, which is that this government is deliberately underfunding the NHS to drive it into failure.
Over the last three financial years the NHS has retuned £7.5bn to the Treasury, £3.2bn in the last year which if used correctly by the NHS to pay hospitals for the work they have done would have prevented so many of them going into deficit.
For years managers and clinicians have worked miracles to provide a good service despite cuts (often misleadingly called “efficiency savings”) and it is time that senior NHS staff stood up to the bullying tactics of the present secretary of state for health and demanded that no more money is returned to the Treasury and that the money returned this year is reclaimed and is used for its proper purpose.
http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/nov/11/crisis-of-funding-in-the-nhs-will-be-felt-far-and-wide
“Another old toy with present resonance…”
———–
Great vid Baal, I’ve know quite a few parking metres and food and drinks machines, that could stick you for a few bob, without blushing.
My favourite though has to be the Claw/Crane machine, which shoots away the second you touch it towards the weight laden cuddly toys….ah childhood memories.
Fred, you didn’t answer my questions :
Would [only posting negative stories] create a fair impression of Caithness?
Would it say more about [the poster] than Caithness?
Chunky in full flow on the Torygraph’s report on Jeremy Corbyn going to the palace.
Astonishing Daily Telegraph mocks Jeremy Corbyn in the Most Outrageous article Yet!!!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgZ3yDQXU2w#t=97
RoS As Leader of the Opposition he would have been made incommunicado on matters of state. ‘Protocol you know, old boy’ they told him.
‘Opposition leaders can receive confidential briefings from the security services through their membership of the group.’ BiBiCee
“RoS As Leader of the Opposition he would have been made incommunicado on matters of state.”
———-
Thank for that Mary, I wasn’t sure just how much info would be revealed to Corbyn as a member of the council.
Meanwhile here is the Privy Council oath, it highlights the grip the monarchy has.
You do swear by Almighty God to be a true and faithful Servant unto the Queen’s Majesty, as one of Her Majesty’s Privy Council.
You will not know or understand of any manner of thing to be attempted, done, or spoken against Her Majesty’s Person, Honour, Crown, or Dignity Royal, but you will lett and withstand the same to the uttermost of your Power, and either cause it to be revealed to Her Majesty Herself, or to such of Her Privy Council as shall advertise Her Majesty of the same.
You will, in all things to be moved, treated, and debated in Council, faithfully and truly declare your Mind and Opinion,
According to your Heart and Conscience; and will keep secret all Matters committed and revealed unto you, or that shall be treated of secretly in Council.
And if any of the said Treaties or Counsels shall touch any of the Counsellors, you will not reveal it unto him, but will keep the same until such time as, by the Consent of Her Majesty, or of the Council, Publication shall be made thereof.
You will to your uttermost bear Faith and Allegiance unto the Queen’s Majesty; and will assist and defend all Jurisdictions, Pre-eminences, and Authorities, granted to Her Majesty, and annexed to the Crown by Acts of Parliament, or otherwise, against all Foreign Princes, Persons, Prelates, States, or Potentates.
And generally in all things you will do as a faithful and true Servant ought to do to Her Majesty. So help you God.
“Scotland doesn’t have control over it’s economy, budget or spending Westminster does. £
From the Scottish Government publication on expenditure and revenues in Scotland.
http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2015/03/1422
£54 billion received, £66.6 billion given back.
“Fred, you didn’t answer my questions ”
You mean I didn’t give the answer you wanted.
A SCOTTISH activist who travelled to Israel on a parliamentary fact-finding mission has been banned from the country for 10 years over his campaign for Palestinian rights.
Convener of the SNP Friends of Palestine group formed earlier this year, Andy Murray arrived at Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv on Monday.
He was detained at passport control, interrogated, strip-searched and swabbed for explosives before being taken to a cell and later deported back to the UK.
http://www.thenational.scot/news/scots-activist-held-strip-searched-and-deported-by-israel.9911
Hope all you Scots and yours stay safe today, tonight and tomorrow if the Met Office forecasts are correct.
Storm Abigail: Schools to be closed and ferries cancelled
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-34794583
We now have names for UK storms just like hurricanes in the US and elsewhere. Upping the fear factor for us, the citizens? Just like the war on terrrrr in fact.
We have also been told that there is a risk of severe flooding on high ground.
Yes Caithness Council is incompetent. We know that and we do our best to rectify that.
By bitching on a Caithness councillor’s mate’s blog, perhaps?
“We now have names for UK storms just like hurricanes in the US and elsewhere. Upping the fear factor for us, the citizens? Just like the war on terrrrr in fact.”
It’s just a little joke.
“We have also been told that there is a risk of severe flooding on high ground.”
Not looking good for us poor buggers on low ground then.
RoS Thanks. Wonder that they don’t have to sign it in blood. It is archaic nonsense to keep the establishment propped up and everyone in line. It needs abolishing and Jacqui Jackboots Smith ex Home Sec said as much yesterday.
~~~
Full welly being given to Modi’s welcome by HMG at the FCO, a visit to Gandhi’s statue and now an appearance in the ‘Royal Gallery’ in the HofP. Would love to know the cost to the taxpayer for the troughers to return for this from their constituencies. They were in recess and have an away day tomorrow too.
Node, I think Fred needs help. These are the answers to your questions. Credit: Mystic Ba’al’s Spirit Guide (The Duke of Cumberland).
Would [only posting negative stories] create a fair impression of Caithness?
“Of course not. I’m not remotely interested in creating a fair impression. On the contrary.”
Would it say more about [the poster] than Caithness?
“Sure. Fair? Bwahahaha! Ingerland, Ingerland, Ingerland!”
Israel is angry,very, very, very, angry!!!!!!!!!!
The EU has approved new guidelines that state all produce from Israeli settlements must be marked with a label explaining that.
The EU’s position is that the lands Israel has occupied since the 1967 Middle East war, including the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights are not part of internationally recognised borders of Israel.
There for products produced on these illegal settlements, such as grapes, dates, wine, honey and cosmetics must be marked so.
Instead of explaing why the illegal settlements are there in the first place, a Israeli spokesperson waffled on about Morocco, and the Western Sahara, deflection Habb would’ve been proud of.
Israel’s economy minister said, Israeli sales will be impacted, it will affect the economy to the tune of $50 million.
Don’t worry I’m sure the US taxpayer will make up the short fall.
http://www.thenational.scot/world/israel-new-eu-labelling-move-provokes-israeli-anger.9894
“Not looking good for us poor buggers on low ground then.”
——————
Fred, think yourself lucky that you’re not living on South Uist or North Uist tonight, the Western Isles are to be battered with 100mph winds tonight.
I lived on South Uist Fred there are no trees to act as wind breakers, you’ve got it easy compared to them.
“Node, I think Fred needs help. These are the answers to your questions. Credit: Mystic Ba’al’s Spirit Guide (The Duke of Cumberland).”
It seems to me Node’s comment would apply equally to others here.
Like the ones who post all the negative comments about Tony Blair, Israel, Westminster, Conservatives…
Seems it’s only negative comments about the SNP which will not be tolerated.
http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/149106/israeli-justice-minister-talks-michael-gove
Having already changed UK Domestic legislation on Universal Jurisdiction under then Israel pressure , one wonders what exactly were the ‘ demands ‘ of the new Israeli Justice Minister when she met Michael Gove [ Justice Minister ] in London this week ?
“Seems it’s only negative comments about the SNP which will not be tolerated.”
————
Not so Fred check my 1.42pm comment where I give it to Salmond and Sturgeon for kneeling and kissing old saddlebag face’s hand.
As I said earlier, RoS – though no-one can be expected to backtrack through piles of spam for my unique insights –
It is antisemitic to label goods not made in Israel as not being made in Israel, because the goods are not made by Jews.
I hope you understand that the EU’s actions are inspired by the holocaust and thus an affront to the funders of political parties in the democratic ho ho west…
I admit to not favouring Blair, fair enough. But at least I try to be entertaining about it, and I have yet to see a good word in his defence. Further, I don’t do it on the Progress site, which would be the rough equivalent of you monstering the SNP on every possible occasion here.
“Fred, think yourself lucky that you’re not living on South Uist or North Uist tonight, the Western Isles are to be battered with 100mph winds tonight.
I lived on South Uist Fred there are no trees to act as wind breakers, you’ve got it easy compared to them.”
Hundred mile an hour winds aren’t uncommon in these parts, the people of South Uist can handle it even without trees just the same as we can. Only thing different about this storm is it has a name, apart from that it’s just the same as all the other storms we get several of every year.
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/nov/11/eu-sets-guidelines-on-labelling-products-from-israeli-settlements
Re EU Labelling of settlement products . From yesterday’s Guardian .
What is meant by this quote from above article :
” On some products like fruit and vegetables the labelling referring to settlements would be mandatory , while on others it would be voluntary ” ??
Has the EU secretly caved in to the Zionist lobby and is the elaborate pantomime of Zionist outrage for domestic Israeli consumption ?
“I admit to not favouring Blair, fair enough. But at least I try to be entertaining about it, and I have yet to see a good word in his defence. Further, I don’t do it on the Progress site, which would be the rough equivalent of you monstering the SNP on every possible occasion here.”
You should try it, at least it would be on topic there.
Disguised Troops Kill Man As They Arrest Stabbing Suspect
12 November 2015
Video emerges of Israeli forces disguised as a family with a woman in labour entering a hospital to arrest a suspect in the stabbing of an Israeli civilian. One of the suspect’s relatives was shot dead.
http://news.sky.com/video/1586415/israel-forces-in-hospital-raid
Thanks, Ba’al at 3.55.
At 4.10, Fred confirmed the accuracy of your answers.
Theresa May and other racists must pay a visit.
Muslim Burial Ground Peace Garden in Woking opened
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-surrey-34792865
It is very beautiful.
‘The burial ground was built in 1917, originally for Indian Army soldiers who were wounded on the battlefields in France and were treated for their injuries at the Indian Army Hospital set up in Brighton’s Royal Pavilion.
Muslim Indian soldiers who died during WWI while in the Indian military hospital at Brighton’s Royal Pavilion are now buried at Brookwood
Indian soldiers were laid to rest in accordance with Islamic tradition.
Those buried there died in both world wars, and were laid to rest in accordance with Islamic tradition.’
The site’s original distinctive arches, minarets and the domed gateway reflect the architectural style of the nearby Shah Jahan Mosque, the first purpose-built mosque in the UK, completed in 1889.
Disguised Troops Kill Man As They Arrest Stabbing Suspect
If it was a legal arrest, they wouldn’t have needed to disguise themselves. So they murdered a man in a hospital while abducting his relative.
Q Are sinkholes a modern phenomenon in the UK? I know of mining subsidence but I don’t think that applies in Herts and Bucks.
Newcastle
Shock As 20ft Sinkhole Opens Up Near Houses
One resident described how she heard “something rumbling and saw the ground collapse” as the ground caved in
http://news.sky.com/story/1586505/shock-as-20ft-sinkhole-opens-up-near-houses
Hemel Hempstead
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/weather/10643787/More-sinkholes-expected-to-swallow-up-Britain.html
Bucks
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-26013121
Many more examples shown on Google images.
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/nov/12/palestinian-shot-dead-in-israeli-undercover-raid-on-west-bank-hospital
Re@ Mary 4.37pm .
In Britain C-Diff and MRSA infect Hospitals Wards causing death . In Palestine the viruses of Shin Bet and the deadly virus IDF infect both Hospitals and local communities causing death , neither by fate or accident but design .