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Urgent Call to the Diplomatic Community: Israel Must Stop Coercing Deportations to Eritrea and Sudan
Urgent Call to the Diplomatic Community: Israel Must Stop Coercing Deportations to Eritrea and Sudan By Workers Hotline, Aid Organization for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Israel, Hotline for Migrant Workers, Amenty International Israel, Physicians for Human Rights - Israel, and The Association for Civil Rights in Israel. only alternative offered is prolonged detention in Israel. Deportations under such a procedure constitute a violation of the principle of non-refoulement under international law. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Israeli human rights groups have repeatedly stressed that agreements to return to Eritrea and Sudan in the face of an ultimatum of unlimited jail time cannot be considered voluntary. One Saharonim prisoner, who chose to remain anonymous, stated that every day theyre pressuring us to sign, and more and more people are signing. Many people have just lost hope. Some of the group deported on Sunday told UNHCR, we would do anything to get out of prison. What can you do to help? In your contacts with the Israeli authorities, we encourage you to ask them for further information on the decision to use this procedure, to request them to immediately halt this practice and release these individuals from detention. The Is-

10

On Sunday, 14 July 2013, fourteen Eritreans detained at the Saharonim Detention Center in Israel, voluntarily returned to Eritrea. Israeli authorities had put pressure on these asylum seekers by confronting them with the following two options: years of imprisonment or voluntarily return. Pressured, these refugees signed consenting papers to return, flying from Tel Aviv to Asmara via Istanbul. Israel plans to repatriate dozens of individuals using the same procedure over the coming weeks. The undersigned Israeli human rights organizations believe that such voluntary deportations do not constitute free and informed consent when the

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Meftih August 2013 Volume 8 Issue 11: page 6

Christian students in Eritrea beaten, threatened for their faith

Eritrean authorities are punishing 39 high school students for their Christian faith, excluding them from a graduation ceremony and subjecting them to beatings and hard labour, according to Christian support organization Open Doors. After completing a fourmonth military training required in Eritrea, the students, including 11 girls, have been arrested for their Christian beliefs and for their commitment to Christ, sources told Open Doors. The youths are now enduring beating, forced hard labour and insufficient food and water at the SAWA military training centre, the organization reported in a press statement. Sources said authorities are also threatening the students with long imprisonment and exclusion from university should they fail to renounce Christ. according to Open Doors. Graduating students then continue to Senior Secondary School to complete grade 12. Since 2002, worship outside the governmentsanctioned Sunni Muslim, Eritrean Orthodox Church (EOC), Roman Catholic and Evangelical Lutheran Church of Eritrea has been forbidden, with Protestant worship a criminal offence. In 2005, authorities also began persecuting the EOC, particularly those in the churchs renewal movement. The government began a widespread crackdown on Christians outside the state-approved churches early this year, according to Open Doors, detaining them in harsh conditions. Christians make up 47 percent of Eritreas population of 5.2 million, and Muslims 50 percent, according to Operation World.

Urgent Call to the Diplomatic . . .

From page 4
raeli Prime Ministers Office (PMO) is deeply involved in organizing the deportation of asylum seekers and refugees; you may also wish to discuss this issue with your relevant contacts at the Ministries of Justice, Interior, Foreign Affairs, and Internal Security. External monitoring of Israels detention facilities is an important tool to promote the respect of the rights of detained refugees and asylum seekers. While the Saharonim detention facility is often closed to outsiders, they do accept requests from foreign diplomats and so we encourage you to request a visit to the facility. Israel has ratified the 1951 UN Refugee Convention and its 1967 Optional Protocol as well as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Under these and additional international obligations, Israel is required to individually assess claims for international protection in a fair and transparent manner and provide asylum for those deserving of such status. Detention should only be used as a last resort; all individuals detained must undergo an individualized assessment justifying their detention and adhering to standards of necessity and proportionality. Asylum seekers detained under the Prevention of Infiltration Law do not have access to fair and transparent asylum proceedings and their detention is automatic and without trial. The government of Israel must release asylum seekers from prison and assess their claims for protection in accordance with international standards. Background

The Israeli Attorney General, Yehuda Weinstein, approved the use of the procedure at the end of June. In a meeting at Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahus Office on 14 July, Interior Minister Gideon Saar and Internal Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovich affirmed their intention to focus on returning infiltrators still in Israel via the voluntary returns process. In a public letter, an Eritrean prisoner held in Ward 3 of Saharonim prison said: Many among us were tortured and raped in Sinai. When we reached this democratic state of Israel, we didnt expect such harsh punishment in prison We lost all hope and became frustrated by this situation so that we ask you to either provide us with a solution or send us to our country, no matter what will happen to us, even if we have to endure death penalty by the Eritrean regime. Similarly, Israeli immigration authorities continue to pressure Sudanese asylum seekers in prison to consent to deportation to Sudan via Jordan. Over the last year, over 500 Sudanese nationals detained under the Prevention of Infiltration Law and more than 1,500 additional non-detained Sudanese nationals were deported from Israel to Sudan via a third

country under the voluntary return procedure. Also Sudanese prisoners expressed their loss of hope: I would rather die in my own country than be in prison forever in Israel. To protest prolonged and indefinite detention, more than 300 prisoners in Saharonim Detention Center went on hunger strike for up to 10 days last June. Some detainees needed to be transferred to hospitals due to their deteriorating health conditions. We, the undersigned human rights organizations are gravely concerned about the lives and well-being of asylum seekers returned to Eritrea or Sudan. The Israeli government must begin respecting international obligations towards refugees and asylum seekers including releasing refugees from detention. For additional information, please be in contact with: Sara Robinson, Amnesty International Israel, sara@amnesty.org.il, 054-9430620 Sigal Rozen, Hotline for Migrant Workers, rozen. sigal@gmail.com, 0548177845 Shahar Shoham, Physicians for Human Rights-Israel, shahar@phr.org.il, 0549431847

After completing school, all Eritreans are required to participate in national service. The 39 students were selected out from 17,000 students of the 26th national service intake who graduated on July 13,

The Marxist-leaning architect of repression of religion and free speech in Eritrea, President Isaias Afewerki, has been in power since Eritreas liberation from Ethiopia in 1991; the

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Meftih August 2013 Volume 8 Issue 11: page 7

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Christian students . . .
From page 6
National Assembly elected him as president 1993. In 2001, in the wake of a two-year border war with Ethiopia (1998-2000), Afewerki began cracking down hard on anything that could be viewed as a threat to national unity, Elizabeth Kendal wrote in the Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin on Nov. 13, 2012. He cancelled elections and closed all independent media. Opposition figures politicians, activists and journalists were removed, mostly to underground secret prisons for the disappeared. An estimated 3,000 mostly Protestant Christians were incarcerated for their faith by the end of 2010. That number fell to about 1,500 as of November 2012, according to Kendal, and Open Doors estimates the figure is now about 1,200. The prisoners are held in shipping containers in desert camps, with some kept in underground cells, Kendal noted. The conditions are inhumane: Children and the elderly are amongst the prisoners sharing skin diseases, dysentery and other horrors in confined, unventilated spaces, Kendal reported. Torture is routine . . . Several Christians have died in custody, and others have perished in the desert trying to escape. The Eritrean military has reportedly made a business of Christians refugees, kidnapping them out of refugee camps in Sudan and selling them to traffickers in Egypts Sinai. There they are sold to Bedouin gangs who ransom them for tens of thousands of dollars, electrocuting, raping, starving and murdering the Christians as they threaten their relatives.

Congratulations Saron Ghebreslasie

Editor-in-chief

Editors:

Grace Cherian

Aaron Berhane
260 Adelaide St. E. Toronto, ON. M5A 1N1 # 192 Tel: 416-824-8124 Fax: 416-783-7850 info@meftih.ca www.meftih.ca

Photographer: Mulugeta Zergaber

Contributors: Mohamed Edris Naza Hasebenebi

Subscription Costs in Canada $39 for a year and $59 for two years. In USA, it costs $45 for a year and $69 for two years. Articles appearing in assorted columns of Meftih newspaper are intended to generate civil & informed public discussions. You dont have to agree with opinions expressed by the writers. However, that should push you to express your own views. Through that way we generate lively & civil discussions in the community. Rejoinders are not forums for personal insults & we want readers to adhere to these principles.

Medhin Ghebreslasie, Amleset Tesfay, Bode Odetoyinbo, Mimi Chandy, Ken Ntiamoa

Law Graduate of 2013

Meftih August 2013 Volume 8 Issue 11:

page 9

Eritrea pays warlord to influence Somalia - U.N. experts

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - Eritrea is undermining stability in conflict-ravaged Somalia by paying political agents and a warlord linked to Islamist militants to influence the Mogadishu government, U.N. sanctions experts said in a confidential report. The Eritrean government has long denied playing any negative role in Somalia, saying it has no links to Islamist al Shabaab militants fighting to overthrow the Somali government. It says the U.N. sanctions imposed on it in 2009 for supporting al Shabaab were based on lies and has called for the sanctions to be lifted. The latest annual report by the U.N. Monitoring Group on Somalia and Eritrea to the Security Councils Somalia/Eritrea sanctions committee casts fresh doubt on Asmaras denials, undermining its case for lifting the sanctions against it. The Monitoring Group has received numerous reports about the warming of relations between Asmara and Mogadishu, and has obtained evidence of Asmaras control of political agents close to the Somali presidency and some of the individual spoilers, the group said in the report, seen by Reuters. One such operative, the monitors said, is Eritrean agent of influence Abdi Nur Siad Abdi Wal, ... who is reported to have a close relationship with a senior al Shabaab commander. The monitors describe Abdi Wal as a warlord. Abdi Wal is now a close ally of former ARS-Asmara (a Somali Islamist network in Eritrea) leader Zakaria Mohamed Haji Abdi, for whom he provides security in Mogadishu, the monitors said. He is known to command the allegiance of about 100 fighters in Mogadishu and is involved in contract killings. The monitors said in their report that they have obtained direct testimonies and concrete evidence of Eritrean support to Abdi Wal and Mohamed Wali Sheikh Ahmed Nuur. The Monitoring Group has reported on Ahmed Nuur in the past, describing him as a political coordinator for al Shabaab and a recipient of funds from Eritrea. A source on the Eritrean payroll in direct contact with Abdi Wal has confirmed that Abdi Wal has admitted in closeddoor meetings that he is acting as an agent for the Eritrean government, the group said in its latest report. Eritreas U.N. mission did not respond to a request for comment. RUSSIAN AND ITALIAN COMPLAINTS The latest report said that Ahmed Nuur, also known as Ugas Mohamed Wali Sheikh, has repeatedly held meetings in Khartoum with Mohamed Mantai, Eritreas ambassador to Sudan and, since December, Iran. During these meetings, options for Eritrean financial support to Ahmed Nuur were discussed, the report said. Mantai, a former military intelligence officer, has a history of operating in Somalia and was expelled from Kenya in 2009 after he returned from Somalia following meetings
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NDP CALLS ON CONSERVATIVES TO RESTORE HEALTH CARE FOR VULNERABLE REFUGEES

dian doctors, lawyers and former refugees to condemn this cruel and short-sighted decision, and urge the Conservative government to end its attack on some of societys most vulnerable people, said NDP Immigration critic Jinny Sims (Newton North Delta). being denied treatment include asthmatic children who can no longer access medication and pregnant women with potentially life-threatening diabetes. Quebec and Manitoba are already absorbing the added costs, and in Ontario, Toronto-area hospitals are facing a bill of over $800,000 this year alone, as a result of the Conservative cuts. The Conservatives continue to play politics with peoples lives, and jeopardize the health of all Canadians. Enough is enough. Its time to reverse the cuts, said NDP deputy Immigration critic Sadia Groguh (Saint-Lambert).

OTTAWA New Democrats are calling on the new Minister of Citizenship and Immigration to reverse his predecessors meanspirited cuts to the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP). Since these cuts were announced, the NDP has been standing with Cana-

We said from the beginning, these costs would be unfairly downloaded to the provinces and that is exactly what is happening. Cuts to the IFHP took effect in July 2012 and impact legitimate refugee claimants while their applications are being processed. Those

Eritrea pays warlord . . .

From page 9

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with al Shabaab agents, the monitors said. In addition to their nearly 500-page report on Somalia and Eritrea, the Monitoring Group produced a separate report of around 80 pages focusing solely on Eritrea. Council diplomats said the longer Somalia/Eritrea report will be made public soon, but the shorter Eritrea report will not be published because of Russian objections. According to a letter the Russian delegation sent to Ambassador Kim Sook, chairman of the Somalia/Eritrea sanctions committee, Russia objects to the publication of the (Eritrea) report due to the biased

and groundless conclusions and recommendations contained in it. Italian Ambassador Cesare Maria Ragaglini also wrote to Kim complaining about the report because of misleading information and undocumented implications of violations of the arms embargo. Reuters has obtained both letters. According to diplomats familiar with the U.N. monitors shorter Eritrea report, an Italian helicopter exported to Eritrea for mining survey purposes was seen at a military facility there, raising the possibility of a sanctions breach. The monitors said Italian authorities failed to provide additional infor-

mation as requested, the diplomats added. Ragaglini dismissed that allegation, saying we did provide the information they requested (e.g. on financial flows), but there is no evidence whatsoever of military assistance from Italy to sustain the undocumented claims of the experts. China, diplomats say, is annoyed about references in the Eritrea report to Chinese machine tools procured for a large government depot in Eritrea that houses tanks, missiles and dual-use civilian trucks. But the envoys said there was no suggestion the Chinese government was violating U.N. sanctions.

Louis Charbonneau

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Meftih August 2013 Volume 8 Issue 11:

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In Sinai, I saw hell: Refugees are easy prey for brutal human traffickers
By Ashish Kumar Sen The Washington Times Sunday, July 21, 2013 In December, he fled to Sudan in search of a better life but became trapped in Egypts lawless Sinai a vicious network of exPeninsula is a living hell tortionists. for thousands of refugees from sub-Saharan Africa Sudanese soldiers arrestwho are being kidnapped ed him and sold him to and tortured by a network members of the Rashaida, of rapacious human traf- an Arab tribe, which in turn drove him to the Sifickers. nai, where they sold him Most of the refugees are to Bedouin traffickers. Eritrean Christians; others are from Ethiopia and Many of the refugees fleeing into Sudan do not Sudan. get very far before they We have an idea about are taken by the Rashaihell from the Bible, said da, said John Stauffer, Yonas Habte, a 32-year- president of the America old Eritrean Pentecos- Team for Displaced Erital Christian who was treans. trapped by the traffickers. Eritrean forces turn them In Sinai, I saw hell. over to the Rashaida, or The traffickers chain to- they are sitting prey, kidgether groups of men and napped while walking to women; pour molten plas- the nearest town in Sutic on their bodies; deprive dan. them of food, water and sleep; subject them to vi- Once in the Sinai, the kidcious beatings and electric nappers give their capshocks; and force them to tives mobile phones and smoke hashish and rape demand that they call one another, according to their families to beg for survivors interviewed by large ransoms. The Washington Times. These people are torThey forced us to behave tured while their families like animals, Mr. Habte are listening on the other said in a phone interview end, said Stockholmfrom Cairo, where he was based Meron Estefanos, released in May after his co-founder of the Intersister in Australia paid a national Commission on Eritrean Refugees. $40,000 ransom. In Eritrea, Mr. Habte was Security in the Sinai has persecuted because of his worsened since Egyptian President Mohammed religion. Morsi was ousted by the Our church was locked. military July 3, after four We couldnt even pray to days of massive protests against the Islamist leader. our own God, he said. Bedouins have attacked Egyptian military personnel. Christians, too, have Rashaida and then to Bed- The huge ransoms that been assaulted. ouin traffickers in Egypt. the traffickers demand devastate families. ComA 1979 Egyptian-Israeli Mr. Berhanes captors de- munities in the diaspora, peace treaty limits the manded that each person including in the U.S., ofnumber of Egyptian forc- in his group pay a $50,000 ten pool their resources to collect the money. es that can be deployed ransom. in the Sinai. This month, in an acknowledgment of When we told them this As of May, more than the grave situation there, is too much money they 54,000 asylum seekers Israel permitted the Egyp- started to beat us with had migrated to Israel tian army to deploy two sticks, metal pipes and through the Egyptian Simore infantry battalions chains, Mr. Berhane said nai border, according to to the peninsula. in a phone interview from Physicians for Human Cairo, where he arrived Rights-Israel. The flow of asylum seek- two months ago. They ers into Israel from the asked if we had family It is the responsibility of Sinai slowed to a trickle in America or any other the Egyptian government last year after Israel con- Western countries. If we to stop the torture in the structed a fence on the told them we did, they Sinai, but Israel is also reborder with Egypt to keep wanted even more mon- sponsible for taking care out African migrants. of the victims, said Shaey. har Shoham, a project diAs the refugee flow Their captor, a Bedouin rector with Physicians for to Israel decreased, the named Abu Omar, had Human Rights-Israel. Rashaida started to lose four henchmen who were money, so they began eager to please their boss Israel this week started to kidnap refugees from by carrying out his bar- repatriating Eritreans in a camps inside Sudan, Ms. baric orders. move criticized by rights Estefanos said. groups concerned about They did very bad things the safety of these miSudanese soldiers guard- to us on his orders, Mr. grants. The Interior Mining the United Nations Habte said. istry said all such returns Shagarab refugee camp in are voluntary. eastern Sudan often work Many of the migrants are with the kidnappers. forced into sexual servi- The situation in Israel tude or forced labor dur- is very bad for refugees A large proportion of ref- ing their captivity in the and asylum seekers, said ugees are abducted from Sinai, the State Depart- a 24-year-old Eritrean the camps, said Mirjam ment said in its annual Christian who identified van Reisen, a professor at report on human traffick- himself only as Daniel out Tilburg University in the ing. Reports of physical of concern for his familys Netherlands who co-au- and sexual abuse continue safety. thored a report on human to increase. Daniel, who was held in trafficking in the Sinai with Ms. Estefanos. Even children are not the Sinai, was left by his captors at the Israel borspared. der a year ago. In Israel, Girmay Berhane, a 23year-old Eritrean Chris- Ms. van Reisen heard he was held at a detention tian, was a refugee at the from survivors about a camp in the Negev DesShagarab camp when he 6-month-old baby who ert for 2 months and then was arrested by local po- was beaten in an attempt transferred to a governlice because he did not to force its parents to beg ment shelter in Petah Tikva, a city about 7 miles have the proper papers. for ransom money. He later was sold to the
please see page 17

Meftih August 2013 Volume 8 Issue 11:

CONSEQUENCES OF YOUTHFUL MAGNETIC FINGERS IN CANADA

they recovered all their merchandise? Here is why the stores prosecute. Shoplifting is theft and most Canadian retailers are now making it a policy to arrest and press charges against anyone who steals from their stores in any way shape Unfortunately for them, of form. They now press a humourless Wal-Mart loss prevention officer ob- Did i hear you say that this charges for taking without serves them as they conceal does not happen often? The paying, changing price tags, a mere $50 worth of Wal- sad truth is that it happens or making false returns. The Mart merchandise in their thousands of times a week in message the stores are sendpockets. As they walk out stores all over Canada. You ing out is one of deterrence of the store without pay- see, when a person takes and denunciation irrespecing, the officer arranges a and removes the property of tive of the item value. If welcome party for the boys. another without consent and enough people know that They are promptly escorted with the intention of perma- they will press charges reto Wal-Marts interview nently depriving the owner gardless of value, they may room, where both boys give of interest in it, the law re- deter a few people who may have heard of their reputaup the goods after being gards that as theft. tion for prosecution regardpromised that all they have to do is confess. Their Is this treatment harsh espe- less of item value. pleas that this just a joke fall cially as the store appears to on deaf ears. To their hor- have suffered no loss since What they happens to the boys? Toronto Police will either caution the boys or more typically charge them with this offence. Like all persons charged with a criminal offence, they must attend at the Police station on a given date to have their finger prints and photographs taken. They will also be given a date to appear before a youth court. Their parents will be informed and they will be interviewed by the Police. Once the Police have their fingerprints and photographs this information is stored in a database that does not distinguish between the boys and hardened criminals. In terms of consequences, an arrest for shoplifting is embarrassing and stigmatizing. If the boys are convicted of this offence, they will have a youth criminal record. This can be very turn the next day and do the same thing. This is fun. No one is looking. Wal-Mart will not miss it. Just look around, they have thousands more where that came from. This is really fun. ror, once they confess and hand over the goods, Mr. humourless places a choice call to Toronto Police. They rest as they say is history. Both boys are charged with one count each of the criminal offence of theft under $5,000! Yikes!

page 15

Bode Odetoyinbo
Here is a typical scenario. It is the summer school holidays. Dad and Mum are at work. Kids are bored. Roy and Bob both 14 years old visit Wal-Mart. While they are inside Wal-Mart, they develop an interesting propensity. Merchandise just seems to stick to their fingers. And sometimes this merchandise finds its way into their pockets. Even before the checkout cashier. Merchandise they have no intention of paying for. The first day they walk out and no one stops them. They re-

future career limiting since certain employers will ask questions about any criminal records. Potential employers also can specify that all hires must undergo a police background check. This indiscretion may come back to haunt the boys many years later on. A conviction for theft or other crimes of dishonesty will bar access to certain professions like Law. To make matters worse, a criminal conviction can lead to a significant reduction of income over a lifetime. As if these consequences are not bad enough, a criminal conviction even for a $50 theft can result in American border guards denying entry to these kids if they try to visit America. They have instant access to Canadian police information that lists all persons with Canadian criminal convictions! The bottom line: Call it youthful exuberance, call it lack appreciation of consequences, call it magnetic fingers even call it theft. A conviction by any name is a conviction. Convictions have meaningful possibly life altering consequences. Though the boys may be dealt with more leniently by the criminal justice system by virtue of their age, the overriding consideration is that their parents must move mountains to ensure that they seek competent effective legal assistance for the boys immediately. Bode Odetoyinbo is Lawyer practicing in Mississauga Ontario at Lawyer4me. com www.lawyer4me.com 905.487.6333

Meftih August 2013 Volume 8 Issue 11:

page 16

OPINION
There is over 1 billion dollar missing from the revenue of the Bisha gold mine since 2011. Where did all that money go? Who is managing the nations finance and how? It is public finance but it seems its on the hands of few. Who is benefiting from the revenues of Eritrean mining boom apart from the few parasites? Couple of years ago we were bamboozled by the PFDJ ruling party how life will change in Eritrea with the mining boom and how prosperous Eritrea will become. In fact the regime was bragging about how Eritrea became one of the fastest growing economies of the world with 11 to 17 % growth showing since 2011. According to figures published by the Canada-based mining company, Nevsun recorded revenues of $548 million from its Eritrean gold heist operations in 2011 and around $400 million for the year of 2012 (Gold was slightly down). The total revenues accruing to the Government of Eritrea are unknown. However, under the terms of Nevsuns contract, an estimated 14.1 tons of ore were transferred to the Eritrean authorities in 2011 and 2012, potentially representing over $900 million on sales alone. Its all opaque but lets takes Nevsuns figures at face value for the sake examination. The Government of Eritreas share The GoE earned over $900 million in cash flow from the Bisha gold mining in the last two years alone. It is a lot of money for any country live alone poor little Eritrea, where did it go? Who is responsible for managing of public fi-

ERITREAS MISSING $1 BILLION

nances? Where on earth is all that money? There is almost 1billion dollar missing so far, so where did it go, on which bank is the cash stashed and by whom? The GoE never released any financial report regarding the mining revenues; if it wasnt for Nevsuns reports we would have no clue regarding the mining revenues. By the way stakeholders and investors of Nevsun demand mandatory and regular release of reports regarding the companys operations. After all without rigorous enforcement of transparency and checks there would not be any viable business to talk about. Absolute power corrupts absolutely So again the GoE said Eritrea is registering 11% to 17% growth each year since 2011, the question is who is benefiting from the double digit economic growth? Poverty and hardship has been worsening in Eritrea while the economy was and is seemingly growing by huge double digit percentages. IT IS ABSURED! All we hear and see now days is lack of everything in Eritrea; lack of food and water, lack of health services and supply of medicine, lack of energy, lack of information and education Almost every essential and nonessential item is under rationing in Eritrea; with birthing air as the only exception that is not rationed yet, may be even that will be rationed in the future, the way the country is going nothing would surprise me anymore. ration or in poverty in Eritrea; the majority are under extreme poverty line but few blood sucking parasitic individuals or cliques are living life of riches and extravaganza, you may not see it with your own eyes for now but trust me they are living lavish life style at the expense the rest of us. While our children, brother and sisters work slavishly with no pay and zero human right, those parasites are living on the blood and sweet of our people. Inherently corrupt system cannot fight corruption it is impossible. Corrupt systems fighting corruption is like criminals enforcing laws that will put them in jail, its unheard of. Our people are considered resource that can be exploited at any given time for any purpose. They work for free; they have no rights what so ever, they are treated like slaves because they are slaves according to the head slave master and parasite Isaias Afewerki. To oppose corruption in government is the highest obligation of patriotism. It is duty of the youth to challenge corruption, to fight corruption and eradicate corruption. There is no legal government in Eritrea but an illegal mafia organisation sucking the blood out of our nation. Just because they claim to be authority and dressed like authority does not make them an authority. They have no legal bases to be authority; they are simply bunch of parasitic criminals dressed in smart closing for the sole purpose of power.

Supporting foreign causes There are many individuals and groups under the Government of Eritreas payroll. One of them is off course Dr. Berhanu Nega the chairman of the Ethiopian opposition group Ginbot 7 who recently admitted on record to have over $500,000 budget allocated to his organisation by the so called government of Eritrea. The UN monitoring group on Eritrea and Somalia has also documented many groups and individual directly or indirectly supported by Eritrea. Please check references 1, 2 and 3. How low can Eritrea stoop? Well our corrupt rulers just showed us how low they are prepared to stoop; very, very low indeed. Just look at the smuggling and trafficking business orchestrated by non-other than the so called GoE. The evidence is overwhelming and undeniable. In unprecedented scale, they are in the business of kidnapping and smuggling of Eritreans with all their limbs tainted in blood. The complete takeover If you check all those PFDJ companies are licensed with individuals name which allows them have complete grip of the

finance and monopoly of every firm in the country. So whether you name it Seghen Construction Company, Red sea, Bisha, Shipping, GEDEC, Harena boat assembly, and many more to about 78 in number. Each manager is allowed to deal with their companies in full authority to personalize their power and even to level of putting their money abroad.So the collection of Eritrean resources by PFDJ appointed individuals has been going on for decades and its impact will be crystal clear when DIA is removed. Wed Fayd Parasite Isaias Afewerki (PIA) did work hard; he worked hard not for you or anybody else but for himself. Whatever his motivations are he is an evil genius and we have to recognize that reality. Currently as I write this article PIA is the self-made head of the nation, head of the church, mosque, and chief justice. He literally controls all the companies that somehow are still running as well as off course every soul living inside his state. So that is an absolute corruption for you, it can NOT get any worse than this, its a complete takeover and absolute power and corruption. Not everybody is under

Meftih August 2013 Volume 8 Issue 11:

page 17

In Sinai, I saw hell . . .

From page 14

east of Tel Aviv. Israel doesnt accept them as refugees, he said in a telephone interview from the shelter. They call us infiltrators. We face up to three years in detention. This is the reality here in Israel, he said. Authorities in Europe, meanwhile, have started to investigate the flow of ransom money from the diaspora communities to the traffickers. In the first case of its kind in Europe, two Swedish men were convicted last month of extortion after they demanded $33,000 from Ms.

Estefanos to secure the release of a hostage held in the Sinai. One of the men was sentenced to a month in prison and probation, while the other got probation. The hostage was tortured to death by his captors. Ashish Kumar Sen is a reporter covering foreign policy and international developments for The Washington Times. Prior to joining The Times, Mr. Sen worked for publications in Asia and the Middle East. His work has appeared in a number of publications and online news sites including the British Broadcasting Corp., Asia Times Online and Outlook magazine.

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Meftih August 2013 Volume 8 Issue 11:

page 18

Barcelona reaches 2-year deal with coach Gerardo Martino

Barcelona has agreed terms with a relatively unknown Argentine league coach, Gerardo Martino, to follow in the footsteps of two of European footballs most successful coaches. According to a club statement on Tuesday, Martino will be given a two-year contract. He will replace Tito Vilanova, who in turn succeeded Pep Guardiola. Vilanova began as Guardiolas assistant, providing the tactical knowhow that helped his then boss forge one of the best teams in the history of the sport winning 14 of a possible 19 titles from 2008-2012, including two Champions League trophies. During Vilanovas single season in charge, he led Barcelona to the Spanish league title with a record-tying 100 points. He stepped down as Barcelona coach last week following a recurrence of throat cancer. Despite having no experience coaching a European club, the 50-year-old Martino received backing from Barcelona star Lionel Messi before the clubs sporting director travelled to Buenos Aires to negotiate the deal. Messi spoke glowingly of Martino, better known in Argentina by the nickname Tata. I like Tata Martino, Messi said recently. He is a great coach, adding that his teams play well and we all respect him. Martino acknowledged Messis influence in landing the job. I have no doubt that Jorge [Messis father] and Lionel have had importance, Martino said at a news conference in Rosario, Argentina. They surely have spoken with the club officials. Surely they were asked their opinion. The club praised Martino on its website for his clear commitment to the passing game and the attacking style that have become Barcelonas on-field trademark. However, in a poll published Tuesday by the Catalan regions leading newspaper, La Vanguardia, under the banner Do you approve of Tata Martino signing? 58 per cent of readers answered no and only 32 per cent approved. Ten per cent of the 1,000 people polled had no opinion. Barcelona said it will specify plans for the Argentines arrival in Barcelona in the coming hours. Martino is expected to travel from Argentina to sign a contract and be presented officially to the club. Martino played as a midfielder from 1980-1996, including a short spell in 1991 at Spanish club Tenerife in the Canary Islands. He also led Paraguay to the quarterfinals of the World Cup for the first time, in 2010. Martino is due to arrive with his assistant from coaching Newells Old Boys last season, Jorge Pautasso, fitness coach Elvio Paulo Rosso and coach Adrian Coria, who once was in charge of Messi at the Argentine club. Barcelona says Martino will become the fourth Argentine to coach the club, after Helenio Herrera (1958-60, 1980 and 1980-81), Roque Olsen (1965-67), and Cesar Luis Menotti (1983-84). Barcelona is due to travel to Germany on Wednesday for a preseason friendly match against Bayern Munich which is now coached by Guardiola but Martino is not going to be able to accompany the squad, the club said. In what he called an open letter released Tuesday, Vilanova said his doctors had advised him to give up coaching, but said he would not be leaving the club altogether. I will continue to be very close and will carry on working at this club that I love so much on other tasks within the area of sports, said Vilanova without specifying any further.

Red Bulls, Toronto FC finish in scoreless draw

TORONTO (AP) Toronto FC and the New York Red Bulls finished in a 0-0 tie Saturday. Toronto pressed in the second half, but was unable to score. Joe Bendik had a quiet second half in the Toronto goal. With top strikers Danny Koevermans and Robert Earnshaw out injured, Toronto started Jeremy Brockie and Justin Braun up front. Toronto (2-10-8) has been shut out in its past three road games, a goalless drought that has reached 319 minutes. And Toronto has been blanked in eight of its game. But this game is not played on paper, this game is played with heart, effort, logic and Toronto had all of those categories today, so in a way I feel fortunate we got a point. Both teams had early goals called off because of offside: first Brockies tap-in in the 13th minute and then Tim Cahills header. Torontos nongoal came courtesy of a nice cross from Ashtone Morgan. Toronto had several chances in the first half, but failed to produce a quality chance. Were slightly disap-

Source: Press

The

Associated

past 12 outings home or away, with just seven goals during that run. New York (9-7-5) managed just one shot on target in the first half - a low shot by Thierry Henry that was stopped by Bendik. New York coach Mike Petke was not happy with his teams performance. Not impressive, not impressive at all, he said. Toronto had the right mentality, we didnt. We play this game on paper we win this

pointed not to win the game, obviously, Toronto captain Steven Caldwell said. We felt we were the better team. Without creating lots of great chances, we felt we had the one or two that we could have took and we kept their chances to a minimum. They had a little flurry at the end but we held strong. Toronto had a shot on target in the second half,
please see page 21

Meftih August 2013 Volume 8 Issue 11:

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Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario slams Double Diamond Acres for racial harassment of a migrant farm worker
(TORONTO, CANADA) - The H u m a n Rights Tribunal of Ontario has delivered a decision finding that a major greenhouse operator in Leamington, Ontario, did in fact engage in racial harassment of a St. Lucian national who was employed there as a migrant farm worker. In Monrose v. Double Diamond (citation: 2012 HRTO 1273) Adrian Monrose, a St. Lucian who came to Canada as a migrant farm worker, was subjected to racist slurs by his employer during his second season working at the Double Diamond greenhouse. When he tried to report and challenge this mistreatment his employment was terminated and he was immediately sent home to St. Lucia. He eventually made his way back to Canada and filed a human rights complaint with the assistance of the Justicia for Migrant Workers group and human rights lawyer Shane Martinez. The matter was heard by the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario this past March, and a decision was released on July 23, in which Vice Chair David Muir held that Mr. Monrose had indeed been subjected to racist abuse in the workplace. He was awarded $5,500 for lost wages, $3,000 for damages to his feelings, dignity, and selfrespect, and $15,000 for violation of his right to be free from reprisal (e.g. the termination of his employment and repatriation to St. Lucia). Monrose v. Double Diamond represents the first ever decision issued by the Tribunal in favour of a migrant farm worker. Mr. Martinez, who represented Mr. Monrose pro bono throughout the case, stated This decision reaffirms the dignity and great worth of a hardworking man who left his family in St. Lucia to come to Canada as a migrant farm worker. Unfortunately, there are others whose stories are never told after they are repatriated and banned from the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program. The Tribunals findings signal an urgent need for all levels of government to safeguard the human rights of migrant farm workers. One of the first steps towards doing this is to replace the outdated and unfair contracts that allow employers to commit abuses like those which occurred in this case. The Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (SAWP) has been in operation since 1966. Countries that participate in the SAWP include Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Mexico, Montserrat, St. Kitts-Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago. Migrant workers employed under this program are tied to an employer, do not have equal access to social entitlements, are denied labour and social mobility and do not have the ability to apply for permanent residency to Canada. The SAWP is one of several migration programs that comprise the Temporary Foreign Workers program which employs over 400,000 migrants under its numerous schemes. Justicia for Migrant Workers (J4MW) is a volunteer, political nonprofit collective comprised of activists from communities across Canada. J4MW workers with migrant workers, labour and community allies to advocate for strengthening labour and social protections for all workers irrespective of status.

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Subscription Costs in Canada $39 for a year and $59 for two years. In USA, it costs $45 for a year and $69 for two years. Articles appearing in assorted columns of Meftih newspaper are intended to generate civil & informed public discussions. You dont have to agree with opinions expressed by the writers. However, that should push you to express your own views. Through that way we generate lively & civil discussions in the community. Rejoinders are not forums for personal insults & we want readers to adhere to these principles.

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Meftih August 2013 Volume 8 Issue 11: page 21

Red Bulls, Toronto FC . . .

From page 18

Meteorite reveals that Mars . . .

From page 22
of their implications were published in the journal Nature Thursday. The space rock analyzed in the study, which was led by Desmond Moser, a planetary scientist at Western University in London, Ont., is one of about 60 meteorites around the world known to have come from Mars. Scientists in the past had tried to figure out how old the meteorite was in order to learn more about the geological history of Mars. In order to do that, they made chemical measurements of the ratio of uranium to lead over time, uranium decays into lead at a constant rate, and the

but New York goalkeeper Luis Robles handled Bobby Conveys free kick. Torontos best chance came minutes later after Matias Laba, taking advantage of a Red Bulls turnover, dribbled into the New York penalty box. He twisted and turned, eventually finding Jonathan Osorio, who could not get a shot off in traffic. The Red Bulls goalie had to be sharp in the 74th minute, twisting in the air to claw the ball away after a deflected chance from Richard Eckersley. It was a great save, Petke said. He made a couple key saves, especially that one. The reac-

tion save was great. Toronto, which last won a league game at BMO Field on July 18, 2012, came into the game winless in its past five games. Toronto did earn a home victory earlier this season over Sporting Kansas City, but it came indoors at Rogers Centre. The Red Bulls were riding an eight-game undefeated streak (6-0-2) against Toronto FC dating back to June 24, 2009. New York, which had a 2-2 draw with Frances Olympique Lyonnais in a friendly Tuesday, was coming off a 4-0 home league win over the Montreal Impact. Source: CBC

amount of lead increases relative to the uranium. However, using this technique, age estimates for the meteorite had varied wildly from four billion years old (nearly as old as the solar system) to 200 million years old (young enough for it to have formed when the first mammals and dinosaurs roamed the Earth).

Moser and his team suspected that was because scientists were analyzing different parts of the rock and that the age they determined could refer to when the rock formed, when it was ejected from the volcano or when it was hit by the asteroid that launched it toward Earth.

Meftih August 2013 Volume 8 Issue 11:

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Technology & Science

Electric vehicles may put "disruptive load" on grid

changes to the distribution grid, utilities could also use other means to prevent electric vehicles from charging during periods of peak electricity usage, such as: Offering a lower rate very late at night to make electric car owners charge their vehicles later than they do now. Using technology to directly control when certain vehicles are charging. Cara Clairman, president and CEO of Plugn Drive, a non-profit organization dedicated to speeding up the adoption of electric vehicles, said most electric vehicle owners already charge at night, when there may even be a surplus of electricity that presents an opportunity. Clairman estimates that there are currently about 1400 to 1500 electric vehicles in Ontario, about half of them in the Greater Toronto Area. Theres no problem at this point, she said, adding that she doesnt think utilities are very concerned at the moment. She acknowledged that electric vehicles may be a local concern in some municipalities where the transformers werent built to accommodate modern power loads. Certainly, therell be issues to manage the grid, she said, but it certainly can be managed if we learn as we grow. Source: CBC

Utilities such as Toronto Hydro are scrambling to ensure the aging grid can cope with the extra load from a growing fleet of electric vehicles. Few public charging stations are available in cities like Toronto, so most electric vehicle owners such as Mel Ydreos charge their vehicles at home something that Ydreos considers to be very convenient and a real big plus of owning a car like his Nissan Leaf. Its worked beautifully that I can come in at night at home, simply plug it in and by the morning when I get up, its all charged up and Im ready to go, he said. The problem is that many of Torontos older residential neighbourhoods, such as Bloor West Village and the Beaches, had their distribution put in decades ago before big-screen TVs and air conditioners became typical household appliances. At that time, homes had relatively low electrical loads and neighbourhood transformers were designed accordingly, said Tom Odell, manager of capital projects and electric vehicles for Toronto Hydro. When an EV moves into

that space, its really a disruptive load, he said. Charging EV uses 3 to 5 times power of typical home Thats because an electric vehicle can represent three to five times the power requirement of a typical inner city home while its charging, Odell said. Partly, thats because owners typically charge their vehicles at night, when the typical home isnt drawing much power. But its also because, unlike other appliances such as stoves and dryers that are typically on for just a short time, electric vehicles may be charging for up to eight hours. That has an impact on the distribution grid, Odell added. That means existing transformers in some neighbourhoods may need to be replaced earlier than anticipated or upgraded to a larger transformer. Odell noted that the utility is willing to do what it takes to accommodate more electric vehicles. Were very supportive of the electric vehicle program. The problem is that Toronto Hydro has no way of

knowing which neighbourhoods could be affected. We need an effective way to know where all of these electric vehicles are, he said. We just want to know where these are landing so we can plan. Is the grid ready for electric cars? Read more In addition to making

Meteorite reveals that Mars volcanoes erupted recently A meteorite from

Mars at Torontos Royal Ontario Museum has changed the way scientists view the seemingly cold, dormant Red Planet, revealing that it was still hot and bubbly in places when the first mammals scampered on Earth. This paints a picture of a more geologically active planet lots of volcanoes, lots of lava, said Brendt Hyde, a mineralogy research technician at the museum who helped analyze the meteorite, in an interview with The Nationals Ron Charles.

It just paints a picture of a nice, vibrant planet, not a cold dead planet like we often envision other planets in the solar system. Hyde said that adds to our changing vision of Mars, which has also been influ-

enced by the ample evidence uncovered by rovers such as Curiosity that lots of water once flowed there. The results of the meteorite analysis and a discussion

Please see page 21

Meftih August 2013 Volume 8 Issue 11:

page 23

Grieving town of Lac-MganCanada made history on July 21, 1988, tic consoled by memorial mass

said Honourable Jim Karygiannis

da. Canada is a proud multicultural nation that embraces a wide variety of cultures and heritages. Canadians of innumerable heritages help foster this identity and strengthen the fabric of our society. Members of the many Diasporas in Canada have made, and continue to make, significant contributions in a number of areas including sports, business, the arts, medicine and public service. Canada has attracted, and continues to attract, people from all over the world to her shores. We will continue to work together to build our nation and enhance our international reputation. As the Liberal Critic for Multiculturalism, I look forward to our ongoing work in building a stronger Canada.

Stephen Harper: Canada stands in solidarity

More than 1,000 people packed into a church in Lac-Mgantic, Que., this morning, to watch a memorial service for the victims killed by the July 6 train derailment. The crowd, which spread outside the church for several blocks, looked on as Msgr. Luc Cyr, the archbishop of Sherbrooke, Que., began the ceremony, which was held in French. He welcomed the friends and families of the victims to the Ste-Agns Church, as well as the many dignitaries that joined the ceremony, including Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Gov. Gen. David Johnston, and Quebec Premier Pauline Marois. The Catholic mass opened with a reading of the names of all 47 victims, followed by a excerpt from Isaiah: I will not forget you, I have your names etched upon the palms of my hands. After the service came to an end, Prime Minister Stephen Harper briefly addressed media. This has been a very emotional day, he said. Its still very difficult to absorb this when you see all of these families that have been affected, he said. Harper added that he was also there to express the solidarity of all Canadians with the people of Lac-Mgantic. Through choked-back tears, Marois shared her best wishes with the community. I am certain that I can speak on behalf of all Quebecers to say to those that have lost a child, a husband, a wife, someone they loved, that all of Quebecs hearts are with them, she said.

On July 21, 1988, Canada made history when the Canadian Multiculturalism Act became law the first country to pass a law with respect to national multiculturalism. The purpose of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act is to ensure the preservation and enhancement of multiculturalism in this country. It is a profound document that: acknowledges the contributions of all Canadians and their communities to the building of Canada; reminds us of the rights and responsibilities of citizenship; and, encourages all of us to work together to build a society based on the principles of multiculturalism. The preservation of culture and language; promotion of cultural awareness; and, the ability of Canadians, regardless of community, to participate fully in Canadian society are at the forefront of what makes Canada such a unique country the envy of the world. We must all work to ensure that the objectives set out in the Canadian Multiculturalism Act apply to all Canadians. As Canadians, we are proud of our citizenships and value our rights and freedoms. Canadas strength

stems from the four pillars on which it stands. These four pillars are: the First Nations, the English, the French and the Immigrants who choose to make Canada their home. We live harmoniously under one flag, the Maple Leaf, and are able to practice and share our culture, religion, heritage and ethnicity within the multicultural framework of Cana-

Alberta leaks prompt questions over oilsands extraction

Bitumen emulsion continues to leak into a section of Boreal forest in northeast Alberta owned by Canadas military, raising concerns about huff and puff extraction technology as industry experts attempt to determine the cause of the ongoing spill. There have been four leaks at Canadian Natural Resources Ltds Primrose Lake site on the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range since May 20. The site is near the Saskatchewan border but is restricted to CNRL staff, contractors, and government investigators, meaning the extent of the damage isnt widely known. Alberta Energy Regulator spokesman Bob Curran said figuring out the cause of the leaks and how to stop them has presented a challenge.

Basically [theyre] cracks in the ground and bitumen emulsion is seeping out of these cracks, Curran told CBC News. The bitumen is extracted using cyclic steam stimulation, also known as huff and puff, which is a process commonly used by energy companies operating in the oilsands region. It involves injecting steam into a well and soaking the extracted crude. Protesters holding a giant banner that read Six Weeks, Still Spilling paraded outside of CNRL headquarters in Calgary this week. The company has been silent about the environmental damage and denied an interview request from CBCs Terry Reith. Source: CBC

Meftih August 2013 Volume 8 Issue 11:

page 24

Obama disputes job projections for Keystone XL pipeline

Gas prices The project was first proposed in 2008 but is still making its way through a State Department study process. The Times said Obama disputed an argument that the pipeline would bring down gasoline prices. He said it might actually increase prices somewhat in the U.S. Midwest, which would be able to ship more of its oil elsewhere in the world, the paper reported. Obama said in June the project would serve U.S. interests only if it did not significantly exacerbate carbon pollution. The Times quoted him as saying that Canada could potentially be doing more to mitigate carbon release. The administrations final decision is expected later this year or early in 2014.

Security Council extends mandate of UN monitoring group

The UN Security Council on Wednesday extended the mandate of the UN panel of experts monitoring compliance with the embargoes on the delivery of weapons and military equipment to Somalia and Eritrea. In a resolution adopted here, the Council decided to extend until November 25 2014 the mandate of the Monitoring Group on Eritrea and Somalia, which also investigates all activities, including in the financial and maritime sectors, which generate revenue that is then used to break the arms embargoes. The Group is also tasked with examining any means of transport, routes, seaports, airports and other facilities used in connection with violations of the embargoes. By the resolution, the 15member council decided that the arms embargo on Somalia shall not apply to supplies of weapons and military equipment or the provision of advice, assistance or training, intended solely for the development of the Security Forces of the Federal Government of Somalia, to provide security for the Somali people. The resolution also emphasizes the importance of engagement between the Government of Eritrea and the Monitoring Group, and underlines its expectation that the Government of Eritrea will facilitate the entry of the Monitoring Group to Eritrea without any further delay.

U.S. President Barack Obama called into question the number of jobs that would be created from the controversial Keystone XL pipeline in an interview with the New York Times released on Saturday. Republicans have said that this would be a big jobs generator, Obama said, according to the newspaper. There is no evidence that thats true. The most realistic estimates are this might create maybe 2,000 jobs during the construction of the pipeline, which might take a year or two, and then after that were talking about somewhere between 50 and 100 jobs in an economy of 150 million working people. TransCanada Corps proposed pipeline is designed to carry 830,000 barrels of crude oil per day from the Canadian oil sands and the Bakken shale in North Dakota and Montana south to refineries on the U.S. Gulf Coast. It would cost about $5.3 billion US to build. Obamas administration is under pressure from Republicans and business groups to approve the proj-

ect because of the economic benefits they say it will bring. Environmentalists oppose the project because of the carbon pollution they say it would generate. Carbon emissions are blamed for contributing to global warming.

Nuclear power plant puts radioactive shipping plans on hold

A plan to ship 16 radioactive steam generators through the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River for recycling in Sweden has been cancelled after delays caused by public opposition. An agreement was reached in 2009 between Bruce Power in Tiverton, Ont., and Swedish company Studsvik, but Bruce Power president Duncan Hawthorne said the plans have been put on hold to allow further discussion with First Nations, Mtis and other groups. The move has been strongly opposed by aboriginal groups, the Bloc Quebecois, the NDP and a number of community and environmental organizations over the past two years. Emma Lui of the Council of Canadians said there are many concerns, but the big one is the possible threat to the Great Lakes if something went wrong with the shipment. Kahnawake Mohawk Council spokesman Joe Delaronde said the change in plans shows that public pressure can keep companies like Bruce Power in check. Were pretty happy that theyve done the right thing here. And, when they come up with other options, Im sure theyll be publicized as well, Delaronde said. You cant keep this kind of thing secret and try to sneak it through. James Scongack, a spokesman for Bruce Power, said the company didnt actually bow to pressure. Rather, he said a one-year transport licence and certificate from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission expired in February 2012 and the company simply didnt renew it. Scongack said Bruce Power hasnt abandoned the option of having its steam generators recycled in Sweden. We still believe reducing our waste [and]... solid international principles of waste management is the thing to do, he said. He said the company is planning more public outreach and consultation on the issue.