From: owner-bpr@philologos.org
Date: Sun, 01 Apr 2001 16:03:34 -0000
Reply-To: bprlist@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [bprlist] Human Remains Said Sold in Moldova
Saturday March 31 12:52 PM ET
Human Remains Said Sold in Moldova
By VASILE BOTNARU, Associated Press Writer
http://dailynews.yahoo.com/htx/ap/20010331/wl/moldova_human_meat_2.htm
l
CHISINAU, Moldova (AP) - Two women have been arrested in impoverished
Moldova for selling meat, which tests revealed to be human remains,
police and Interior Ministry officials reported Saturday.
A customer reported the women to police Friday after buying the meat,
which they were selling in plastic bags outside a butcher's shop in
downtown Chisinau, said the officials, who refused to be identified.
The women, whose names were not released, told police that they
acquired the meat from a state cancer clinic in Chisinau.
Police said they did not want to immediately make an official
statement because they did not want to create public panic.
Moldova, a former Soviet Republic, is among the poorest countries in
Europe, with an average monthly salary of just $30. Many of the 4.5
million inhabitants, especially in rural areas, are paid in crops and
other objects.
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From: owner-bpr@philologos.org
Date: Sun, 01 Apr 2001 16:07:53 -0000
Reply-To: bprlist@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [bprlist] New Virus That Could Wipe Out Pigs
About the Author: "Nicholas Regush produces medical features for
ABCNEWS. In his regularly featured column, he investigates medical
trouble spots, heralds innovative achievements and analyzes health
trends that may greatly influence our lives. His latest book is The
Virus Within."
New Virus That Could Wipe Out Pigs
Some pigs in the United States have been hit with AIDS-like symptoms.
Commentary
By Nicholas Regush
http://www.purefood.org/meat/prrs.cfm
March 30 - Forget about the current media spotlight on Mad Cow and
Foot and Mouth diseases for a moment. Our discovery today is about a
disease in pigs that in many ways is like AIDS.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Pigs are Dying No Virus Trace in People or Meat Some Similarities
to AIDS More Research Necessary
This horrendous disease, at one point called "swine mystery disease,"
"blue abortion," and "swine infertility," and now referred to as
"Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome," or PRRS, has infected
some pigs in about 75 percent of American pig herds, according to
experts. Vaccines have only partially been effective.
The disease also has been creating a nightmare for many other nations
since at least the mid-1980s.
Pigs Are Dying
The reproductive and respiratory syndrome, which often kills baby
pigs, is characterized by a variety of conditions and is causing
economic hardship for pig farmers. Affected mothers lose up to 10
percent of their pregnancies. Their babies are spontaneously aborted
or are stillborn. As many as 20 percent to 30 percent of survivors may
suffer and die from respiratory disease, such as pneumonia.
The PRRS virus is said to primarily attack a pig's immune system,
leaving the body open to a host of other infections, particularly in
the lungs. Some pigs develop a chronic infection and become carriers
but show no symptoms.
Research reveals that the virus is transmitted via semen, saliva and
blood. Those pigs herded closely together and transported at close
quarters by trucks may be more susceptible to infection.
To date, there is no evidence that the virus can infect humans from
any source, including via food. Researchers looking for signs of the
virus in pig meat haven't found any.
Scott Dee with the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary
medicine, a PRRS researcher, says the disease is the "most
economically devastating swine disease there is," and that the
"problem is getting bigger," but he bristles a little when I introduce
the term "AIDS" into the conversation.
I do so because the PRRS virus, while not a member of the family of
viruses to which HIV belongs, is also said to strike the immune system
and then cause some changes in the body that are similar to AIDS.
-- more --
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From: owner-bpr@philologos.org
Date: Sun, 01 Apr 2001 16:09:59 -0000
Reply-To: bprlist@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [bprlist] What Does 'Worship' Mean to You?
What Does 'Worship' Mean to You?
By Allie Martin and Jody Brown
March 30, 2001
http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/3/302001f.asp
(AgapePress) - A recent Barna survey shows that the term "worship"
means many different things to Christians -- and that more than 90%
of them believe worship is more important than evangelism, Bible
study, and helping the poor.
The Barna Research Group is a California-based marketing research
firm that studies cultural trends related to values, beliefs,
attitudes and behaviors. In a recent survey, the firm found that
nearly two out of three adults who attend church regularly said they
always "look forward to worshipping God." But only one-third of those
who attend church regularly said they always experience God's
presence or have an intimate encounter with Him during worship
services.
Dave Kinnaman is Vice President of BRG. He says the survey shows that
many Christians have different views of worship.
"One [view] is, I think, just the music element of it, but there's
also the whole experience from start to finish," Kinnaman says. "We
would contend that certainly ... the preaching is as much a part of
worship as is the music."
According to Kinnaman, the actual term "worship" means many things to
Christians.
"Americans and ... Christians nationwide ... have a fairly wide view
of what 'worship' means," he says, "and for them it means being able
to connect with God or being able to experience God on some level
during a church service or even in their own personal life."
The survey also found that many Christians believe their churches
could do more to enhance their worship experience by cutting down on
announcements during the service and by positioning preaching and
teaching as an extension of worship rather than a means of
instruction. In addition, the survey found that most churchgoers do
not prepare for worship before arriving at church. According to the
survey results, those most likely to ready themselves for worship are
women and residents in the northeastern United States.
More than 1,400 adults were part of the December 2000 survey, which
polled individuals within the 48 contiguous states.
From: "research-bpr" <research-bpr@philologos.org>
Date: Sun, 1 Apr 2001 17:46:30 -0400
Reply-To: bprlist@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [bprlist] (Fwd) THE BLOOD LIBEL AGAIN IN EGYPT'S GOVERNMENT PRESS
------- Forwarded message follows -------
Date sent: Sun, 01 Apr 2001 17:34:39 -0700
To: memri@erols.com
From: MEMRI <memri@erols.com>
Subject: THE BLOOD LIBEL AGAIN IN EGYPT'S GOVERNMENT PRESS
Special Dispatch - Egypt
April 2, 2001
No. 201
The Middle East Media Research Institute
P.O. Box 27837, Washington, DC 20038-7837
Phone: (202) 955-9070
Fax: (202) 955-9077
E-Mail: memri@erols.com
Search previous MEMRI publications at our website: www.memri.org
The Blood Libel Again in Egypt=92s Government Press
The criticism of the Egyptian government press, following racist remarks
against US Secretary of State Colin Powell, as well as the continuous
anti-Semitism has been only partially heeded. While the criticism of
Secretary Powell has been toned down, (1) anti-Semitic slander remains a
frequent feature in the writings of Egyptian columnists. Recently, the
issue of the blood libel has reemerged, this time in the government daily
Al-Akhbar. (2)
On the eve of the Arab summit in Amman, Dr. Mahmoud Al-Said Al-Kurdi, wrote=
an article titled =93The Last Scene in the Life of Father Toma!! - A
Tele-drama for the Arab Summit in Amman!=94
=93The Talmud, the second holiest book for the Jews, determines that the
=91matzahs=92 of Atonement Day [sic.] must be kneaded =91with blood=92 from=
a
non-Jew. The preference is for the blood of youths after raping them!! =
Rabbi Moshe Abu Al-Afiah revealed this during the investigation of the
disappearance of Father Toma in the Jewish quarter of Damascus in 1840. Th=
e
Governor of Damascus, Sharif Pasha ordered the execution of some of the
Rabbis of the Jewish Quarter once it was proved that they kidnapped and
murdered Father Toma. But, Muhammad Pasha, under pressure from =91the
French-Israelite Association [sic.],=92 pardoned them.=94
=93I published some of the investigation documents which are kept in the fi=
les
of Syria=92s Justice Ministry, in an article that Al-Akhbar was kind enough=
to
publish on October 20, 2000 [see translation below], on the eve of the
emergency summit summoned by Egypt at the time.=94
=93This article shocked millions of people who received a copy. Through th=
e
Al-Akhbar website, whose address is www.elakhaber.org.eg, people around the=
world learned that the insane myths of the Talmud are being implemented
against the non-Jews in the world. I called on the [Cairo] summit to take
action so that the day won=92t come when big bottles will be filled with Ar=
ab
blood=85=94
=93Since that day I have worked on re-writing this affair in the language o=
f
cinema, an international language whose message reaches people=85 and whose=
influence is much greater than that of the written language. I will publis=
h
the last lines of this historical event so Arab Foreign Ministers can revie=
w
it when they devise the final picture of the unified Arab strategy=85=94
=93[The teledrama begins with] a full shot of Syria=92s Terra Santa monasta=
ry on
the beach. Fishing boats can be seen in the distance and at the edge is a
small boat. Sitting in the boat are the four main characters of the drama:=
Father Toma, one of his followers Dalia Mizrahi, Menahem Farhi - also known=
as the Jewish Christian [sic.], who shows affection to the priest but deep=
inside has ill intentions - and Sheik Muhammad Al-Tijani the Imam of the bi=
g
mosque and Father Toma=92s friend. The only sounds are the murmur of the o=
ars
and a few short sentences:
=93Dalia: =91Will you visit us once again?=92
Father Toma: =91I=92m not going in order to return, my child. I will disapp=
ear
until the fire of hatred in the Jewish Quarter is extinguished.=92
Menahem (his evil reflected in his face): =91You will not escape this time,=
good priest; only your body will.=92=94
"Menahem Farhi draws a dagger that shines in the moonlight=85 and stabs Fat=
her
Toma in his shoulder with a quick thrust. He distances the rest of them,
threatening them with his cold weapon, as the camera moves from face to
face=85 Menahem puts down a white bottle to collect Father Toma=92s blood=
=85=94
=93Sheik Tijani knocks [Menahem], the bottle of blood, and the knife into t=
he
water with an oar. He wants to jump after him to kill him.=94
=93Father Toma (while reciting Koranic verses) [sic.]: =91Not with the knif=
e
Tijani.=92
Tijani: =91I know he only swims well in mud and swamps.=92=94
=93Menahem begins to sink and only his yarmulke floats on a layer of bright=
red blood=85=94
=93Tijani: =91We=92ll return to the monestary, so that you can treat yourse=
lf, oh
Father Toma.=92
Father Toma: =91There is no hope, the knife was poisoned. I feel the poison=
running through my body. (Looks at Dalia). Cry my child, the tears purge th=
e
sins. Take care of her Tijani, you are the last one left=85=92=94
=93The sun=92s golden threads reveal the widening blood stain [on the water=
] and
on it the Rabbi=92s yarmulke. Father Toma=92s head falls on Dalia=92s chest=
. She
screams and her screams are heard around the world. The closing titles
descend and read: =91The Death of Father Toma.=92=94
=93Mr. Amru Musa, star of Egypt=92s diplomacy, did you watch this last scen=
e in
the life of Father Toma with us? This Full Shot tells us, in the language o=
f
cinema, that treason and stupidity are fundamental characteristics of the
mental structure of the Israeli people. Peace for them is nothing but a
tactical move in the framework of a long-term plan whose goal is violence
and bloodshed. It is written in their holy scriptures!!=85=94 (3)
Previous Blood Libels Published by Dr. Al-Kurdi
As mentioned above, Dr. Al-Kurdi had previously published an article on the=
subject on the eve of the Arab summit in Cairo. Following are excerpts of
this article:
=93The murder of Father Toma and his servant, which took place in the Jewis=
h
Quarter of Damascus in 1840, came to my mind when I saw the horrible Al-Aqs=
a
massacres=85=94
=93Father Toma entered the Jewish Quarter to attend to a sick man, and ende=
d
up slaughtered without a drop of blood in him!=94
=93This abominable affair enraged the Syrian public who loved and respected=
Father Toma spiritually, [Toma] resembled physically Jesus, peace be upon
him. The authorities apprehended Rabbi Moshe Abu Al-Afiah who became a
Moslem and cooperated with the investigation.=94
=93In the official investigation file [it is written that] the investigator=
asked him: =91How was Father Toma murdered? What is the secret behind the
vanishing of this good man=92s blood?=92=94
=93Rabbi Moshe Abu Al-Afiah answered: =91A group of Jews kidnapped him and =
his
servant, after he finished a house-call with a Jewish patient. They
slaughtered him and collected his blood in a big bottle which was then left=
in the house=92s cellar.=92=94
=93Investigator: =91Do you know why the Jews committed this abominable act?=
=92
Rabbi Moshe Abu Al-Afiah: =91Yes. To use non-Jewish blood in the dough of t=
he
Matzahs for the celebration of the Atonment Day [sic.]=92=94
=93Investigator: =91Does your religion order you to commit this criminal ac=
t?=92
Rabbi Moshe Abu Al-Afiah: =91Yes.=92=94
=93[Rabbi Al-Afiah] took some papers out of his pocket and started translat=
ing
directly from Hebrew to Arabic. He read the Rabbis=92 instructions about th=
e
need to knead the Matzahs of the holy bread with the blood of non-Jews,
preferably with the blood of raped youths!!=94
=93Investigator: =91Is that read from the Torah?=92
Rabbi Moshe Abu Al-Afiah: =91No, from the Talmud, or from the verbal
instructions of the Rabbis. We call it =91The Second Torah=92, although it =
is
holier than Moses=92 Torah.=92=94
=93Investigator: =91Where is this cursed book?=92
Rabbi Moshe Abu Al-Afiah: =91Europe has burnt it, but we pass it secretly
from one to another. From the copies that were printed afterwords, the
parts cursing Jesus and his mother were omitted=85=92=94
=93In 1973 the Egyptian army managed to deny the bloodletter, Sharon, the
pleasure of celebrating the Day of Atonement. The Egyptian forces found in=
one of the [Israeli] strongholds bottles of frozen wine and slices of dry
black bread. Then, the Egyptian officer was told that these are the Matzahs=
of holy bread!! This officer probably does not know even today what blood
was used to knead the Matzahs of holy bread.=94
=93I ask myself: was the purpose of the Al-Aqsa massacres political=85? Or =
was
it for religious purposes, aiming at letting pure Arab blood for the Jewish=
holidays?...=94 (4)
Mubarak discusses Press Attacks on Powell
In a recent interview, Newsweek=92s Lally Weymouth asked Egyptian President=
Hosni Mubarak about the attacks on US Secretary of State Colin Powell in
Egypt=92s government press. Following are excerpts from the interview:
Weymouth: =93People in the United States are shocked by the way your media =
has
been describing our Secretary of State and Israel since the Intifada began.=
=94
Mubarak: =93When I read that article I apologized to the Secretary. He is =
a
friend. Your media is irresponsible also. What about Tom Friedman=92s ver=
y
bad articles.=94
Weymouth: =93There is one difference. Our president does not appoint the
editors of our papers.=94
Mubarak: =93A shura council, part of the parliament appoints them.=94 (5)
However, the Washington Times reports that when asked about the criticism o=
f
Powell in the Egyptian press, Egypt=92s Ambassador to the United States, Na=
bil
Fahmy =93said the reports do not reflect official policy, even though the
newspaper is owned by the government and President Hosni Mubarak appoints
its editor.=94 (6)
Endnotes:
(1) While the government press toned down its criticism of Powell and the
US, the opposition press continued these assaults. Al-Wafd Columnist, Salim=
=92Azuz, for example, wrote that if it wasn=92t for the custom of hospitali=
ty,
the members of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom who cam=
e
to investigate the conditions of the Christian Copt minority, =93would have=
been sent back in coffins.=94 =93If we were not restricted by the Emergenc=
y
Law,=94 =91Azuz continued, =93we would have called on the masses to come to=
the
airport and do only one thing: spit in the faces [of the committee members]=
=85
I=92m convinced that in such a case, the investigation delegation would hav=
e
drowned from all the spit.=94 Al-Wafd (Egypt), March 19, 2001.
(2) For other articles in the Arab media referencing the Blood Libel see:
- Special Dispatch No. 190, =93The Arab Answer to =91Schindler=92s List,=92=
=94 March
1, 2001
- Special Dispatch No. 150, =93Leading Egyptian Newspaper raises Blood Libe=
l,=94
November 6, 2000
(3) Al-Akbar (Egypt), March 25, 2001.
(4) Al-Akhbar (Egypt), October 20, 2000.
(5) Newsweek, March 31, 2001.
(6) Washington Times, March 20, 2001
The Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) is an independent, non-pro=
fit
organization providing translations of the Middle East media and original
analysis and research on developments in the region. Copies of articles an=
d
documents cited, as well as background information, are available on reques=
t.
------- End of forwarded message -------
From: "research-bpr" <research-bpr@philologos.org>
Date: Sun, 1 Apr 2001 17:54:36 -0400
Reply-To: bprlist@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [bprlist] (Fwd) Israel Radio: IDF forces arrest six Force 17 members
------- Forwarded message follows -------
Date sent: Sun, 1 Apr 2001 03:18:28 -0400
From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: Israel Radio: IDF forces arrest six Force 17 members
Israel Radio: IDF forces arrest six Force 17 members
1 April 2001 Dr. Aaron Lerner
Israel Radio reported this morning, based on reports from Palestinian
sources, that IDF special forces arrested 6 members of Palestinians
Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat's Force 17 Presidential Guard last night,
including a senior regional commander.
The group was reportedly taken from a Palestinian post located on the border
of Area A (full Palestinian control) by the village "Sanjil" north of
Ramallah.
Force 7 has been responsible for a series of terrorist attacks.
According to the Palestinians, the GSS is interrogating the detained Force
17 members.
--------------------------------------------
IMRA - Independent Media Review and Analysis
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------- End of forwarded message -------
From: "research-bpr" <research-bpr@philologos.org>
Date: Sun, 1 Apr 2001 17:55:26 -0400
Reply-To: bprlist@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [bprlist] (Fwd) Ha'aretz: Police quell Temple Mount violence
------- Forwarded message follows -------
Date sent: Sun, 1 Apr 2001 03:19:03 -0400
From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: Ha'aretz: Police quell Temple Mount violence
(IMRA: policy to allow Arabs one round
of attacks without punishment?)
Ha'aretz: Police quell Temple Mount violence (IMRA: policy to allow Arabs
one round of attacks without punishment?)
By Baruch Kra Ha'aretz Police Correspondent Ha'aretz 1 April 2001
[IMRA: If the measure of success is how long the violence continued, police
restraint appears to be a success. On the other hand, it appears that Israel
has fallen into a situation that the Palestinians have the "right" to shower
the Western Wall Plaza with rocks as long as they stop after a few minutes.
Hopefully, police and other Israeli intelligence groups took the necessary
measure to enable the identification of the rocks throwers and they will be
arrested and charged within an extremely short period so that it becomes
clear that one CANNOT attack Jews at the Western Wall with impunity.]
Police showed great restraint in quashing violent incidents over the weekend
in the Temple Mount area, mostly involving youths throwing stones and
firebombs.
Trouble began on Friday after midday prayers, as Palestinians threw stones
at Jews praying at the Western Wall. Security forces removed the Jewish
worshipers, and despite having firebombs thrown at them near the Lions'
Gate, police refrained from firing rubber-coated bullets.
Police had intelligence information that trouble was to be expected after
prayers, as Friday was also Land Day - when Palestinians commemorate the
confiscation of land by Israeli authorities. The security forces began
reinforcing their positions in the area, and stone throwing commenced around
12:30 near the Mughrabi Gate, which grants access to the Temple Mount
complex.
Palestinian youths used iron bars to block the gate from the inside, and
waqf Muslim religious trust officials were warned that, unless the
stone-throwing ceased in 10 minutes, the police would enter the complex. The
stone-throwing stopped, the gates were opened and the police did not enter.
"I decided that, in any case, we would not enter the complex," said Miki
Levy, commander of the Jerusalem District Police. "I knew if we entered,
there would be casualties."
Near the Lions' Gate, an undercover police unit arrested six Palestinian
youths who were taken in for interrogation. In most cases, police showed
great restraint, even when confronted with firebombs, which injured two of
their officers.
--------------------------------------------
IMRA - Independent Media Review and Analysis
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------- End of forwarded message -------
From: "research-bpr" <research-bpr@philologos.org>
Date: Sun, 1 Apr 2001 17:55:59 -0400
Reply-To: bprlist@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [bprlist] (Fwd) IDF Spokesperson: Summary of This Weekend's Events
------- Forwarded message follows -------
Date sent: Sun, 1 Apr 2001 08:20:41 -0400
From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: IDF Spokesperson: Summary of
This Weekend's Events in the West Bank
and Gaza Strip (until 20:00 31 March)
IDF Spokesperson: Summary of This Weekend's Events in the West Bank and Gaza
Strip (until 20:00 31 March)
1 April 2001
The West Bank:
Many shooting incidents were registered on Friday, at various spots
throughout the West Bank.
Recurring shooting incidents were registered towards the Jewish community in
Hebron, towards the IDF position in Givat Haharsinah, in Kiryat Arba,
towards the community of Pesagot north of Jerusalem and towards an IDF force
at the Ayosh Junction near Ramallah. In addition, shootings were registered
towards IDF position in Tel Aras and Mt. Eival, close to Nablus, towards a
military vehicle near the village of Kalil, which is in Samaria, and towards
an IDF post on Antennae Hill, near Ariel. Also, towards a military vehicle
on the Jenin bypass road, towards the "Bezeq" camp near Jenin, towards the
Nahal base Elishya in the Jordan Valley, towards the Border Police base in
Tul Karem, and towards the IDF post near the "Tapuah" Junction.
IDF forces returned fire towards the sources of the shootings.
Disturbances of the Peace (the throwing of rocks and fire bombs) were
registered in numerous focal points on Friday:
In the Shalalas in Hebron, at the Ayosh Junction near Ramallah, the "Perot"
checkpoint near Kalkiliya, in the village of Kalil, which is in Samaria, and
at the Al-Hadar Junction, near Gush Etzion. IDF forces responded with
crowd-dispersal measures. There were no casualties in any of the events.
On Saturday, there was shooting towards the IDF base of Shedma, east of
Bethlehem. Opening of fire towards the Jerusalem neighborhood of Gilo from
El Aydah towards and IDF force in Edorayim, in south Mt. Hebron, towards and
IDF post at the "Tapuach" Junction which is in Samaria and shootings toward
the IDF post at Rachel's Tomb. IDF soldiers returned fire towards the
sources of the shooting. In all of the events there were neither casualties
nor damage.
During the weekend 39 shooting incidents in the West Bank were reported.
The Gaza Strip:
Two IDF soldiers were lightly wounded from inhalation of smoke, when a fire
bomb thrown by Palestinians exploded near an IDF position on the border of
Israel and Egypt, near Rafiah. The soldiers were evacuated to a near IDF
post for medical treatment.
IDF soldiers identified an armed Palestinian near an IDF position near Neveh
Dekalim. The soldiers fired towards the Palestinian, who presumably was
injured in his leg.
Many shooting incidents were reported at a number of points in the Gaza
Strip on Friday:
Continuous shooting occurred towards IDF posts in Gush Katif. Additional
shots were fired at IDF forces next to an IDF post, near the Gadid
settlement.
Violent crowding (throwing of fire bombs and stones) were reported near an
IDF position at the 'Erez' roadblock and on the Karni - Netzarim route. An
additional crowding occurred near an IDF position on the border of Israel
and Egypt near Rafiah, that included throwing of gas grenades, detonators,
fire bombs and stones towards the position and burning of tires.
In all the incidents IDF soldiers returned fire towards the firing sources.
Many shooting incidents were registered on Saturday, at various spots
throughout the Gaza Strip.
Towards the Southern DCO, IDF positions and an IDF force along the
Israeli-Egyptian border and IDF positions near the communities of Gadid and
Neveh Dekalim.
An explosive charge that was placed yesterday by Palestinians was
neutralized during disturbances near an IDF post in the in the Erez
Industrial Zone. There were neither casualties nor damage. Three anti-tank
grenades were fired towards the IDF position near to the community of Neveh
Dekalim.
A violent gathering that included the throwing of fire bombs and throwing of
rocks was noted on Saturday the near the IDF position at the Erez checkpoint
and along the Karni-Netzarim route. An additional gathering also took place
near the IDF position along the Israeli-Egyptian border, near Rafiah, that
included 45 fire bombs and the throwing 5-6 gas grenades towards the
position, the throwing of rocks and the burning of tires.
In total, the number of incidents registered over the weekend is:
One explosive charge, three anti-tank grenade and 12 shooting incidents.
--------------------------------------------
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------- End of forwarded message -------
From: "research-bpr" <research-bpr@philologos.org>
Date: Sun, 1 Apr 2001 17:59:00 -0400
Reply-To: bprlist@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [bprlist] TNS News items (3/31/01)
BUSH DETERMINED TO APPOINT ANTI-ISRAEL AMBASSADOR: The
man the Bush
administration is seriously eyeing for the post of US ambassador to Israel
is not only the architect of President Clinton's failed Middle East peace
initiative, he is also the brains behind earlier failed peace efforts by
Bush's father. Daniel Kurtzer, now serving as US ambassador to Egypt, was
the key figure in the process of formulating the US decision to recognize
the Palestine Liberation Organization and Yasser Arafat as the legitimate
and sole representatives of the Palestinian people. Though he claims to be
an Orthodox Jew, Kurtzer has a long-standing antipathy toward Israel. In
his 1976 Ph.D. dissertation at Columbia University, Kurtzer blamed Israeli
responses to terrorist strikes for "the radicalization of those
Palestinians to violence." Interestingly, Kurtzer never characterized as
"terrorists" those who carried out massacres of civilians. In his thesis,
they were called "guerrillas." Probably more than any other State
Department official, Kurtzer has been instrumental in promoting the goals
of the Palestinians and in raising their grievances to the center of the
US policymaking agenda. It was Kurtzer who, as a speech writer for former
Secretary of State James Baker, coined the term "land for peace." Kurtzer
is credited as one of the authors of Baker's historic 1989 speech to
AIPAC, in which the US urged Israeli leaders to abandon the "unrealistic
vision of a Greater Israel" that includes Judea/Samaria and the Gaza
Strip. Bush is expected to announce the appointment in the coming days or
weeks, but Kurtzer would not take up the job until the summer, when US
Ambassador to Israel Martin Indyk completes his term.
ARMS BUILD-UP CONTINUES IN THE AREA: Alenia Marconi Systems has
been
awarded a contract by the Armament Authority of Egypt for the upgrade of
the Egyptian Navy=92s OTOMAT missiles, originally supplied in the early
1980s.
Following the signing of a contract last year, Eurocopter has begun
deliveries of a dozen AS 350 B3 helicopters intended for training duties
in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UAE is also proceeding with a
procurement of six missile patrol boats. A joint design by Abu Dhabi Ship
Building (ADSB) and CMN of France of about 60m in length has been chosen
as the platform. The contract which will be completed in approximately 65
months, is for the upgrade of the existing missiles to the Italian Navy
configuration - OTOMAT MK2. The Radar Systems Division of Alenia Marconi
systems(AMS) has been awarded a contract by the Arab Republic of Egypt
for
the refurbishment and upgrade of the radar systems fitted to the Egyptian
Navy's Ramadan Fast Attack Craft.
Iran's latest arms deal with Russia, underpinned by a surge in its oil
revenue, has troubling implications for its neighbors, almost all of whom
are embroiled in quarrels with Tehran that could turn violent. Moscow and
Tehran insist the deal is for defensive purposes only, but the United
States, itself a big weapons supplier to the region, has expressed alarm.
News of the latest agreement came during a four-day visit to Moscow this
month by Iranian President Mohammed Khatami. Russia agreed to supply $7
billion worth of weapons over the next few years and to complete Iran's
only nuclear reactor by 2003.
US ANTI-SEMITISM RISES DUE TO MIDEAST VIOLENCE: The outbreak of
Palestinian violence last fall sparked a surge in attacks on Jews in the
United States, particularly in New York, according to the Anti-Defamation
League=92s annual Audit of Anti-Semitic Incidents. Across the country,
anti-Semitic acts against individuals and institutions were 4 percent
higher in 2000 than in 1999, the report said. In New York, however, the
number of incidents soared by 50 percent, and college campuses saw a 15
percent rise, reversing a five-year decline in campus anti-Semitism. The
audit recorded 1,606 incidents =96 such as vandalism, intimidation and
assault =96 in 44 states and the District of Columbia, versus 1,547 in 1999=
.
Tzemach News Service - http://www.tzemach.org/fyi/
Week Ending: 31 March 2001 / 7 Nisan 5761
From: "research-bpr" <research-bpr@philologos.org>
Date: Sun, 1 Apr 2001 18:03:45 -0400
Reply-To: bprlist@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [bprlist] (Fwd) SHARM EL-SHEIKH FACT-FINDING COMMITTEE
------- Forwarded message follows -------
Date sent: Sun, 1 Apr 2001 12:02:39 -0400
From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: SHARM EL-SHEIKH FACT-FINDING
COMMITTEE SECOND STATEMENT OF
THE GOVERNMENT OF ISRAEL
Allegations of excessive use of force
SHARM EL-SHEIKH FACT-FINDING COMMITTEE SECOND STATEMENT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF
ISRAEL
http://www.mfa.gov.il/mfa/go.asp?MFAH0jrb0
20 March 2001 25 Adar 5761
...
D. Allegations of excessive use of force
41. Israel is accused of the excessive use of force against Palestinian
civilians.15 It is alleged that Israel is acting in violation of the Fourth
Geneva Convention in that it is acting against civilians protected by that
Convention. It is alleged that Israel has failed to comply with the Code of
Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials ("Law Enforcement Code") and the Basic
Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials
("Firearms Principles") in that Israeli forces are using firearms in
response to demonstrations and stone throwing. It is alleged that Israel has
failed to use alternative means to disperse demonstrations and that it has
been too quick to resort to force. It is alleged that Israel has been using
force indiscriminately.
42. The allegations trip easily off the page. Little attempt is made,
however, to address the essential underlying issues of substance. They do
not bear scrutiny.
1. The applicability of the Fourth Geneva Convention
43. The applicability of the Fourth Geneva Convention to events in the West
Bank and the Gaza Strip has been the subject of considerable debate over the
years. The position is complicated by the status of these territories prior
to the 1967 Middle East war. It is further complicated now by the reality of
progressive Israeli redeployment from significant parts of the West Bank and
virtually all of the Gaza Strip in favour of almost complete Palestinian
civil competence and extensive, and in some cases complete, Palestinian
security competence over these areas. Almost 100% of the Palestinian
population of these areas now come under the jurisdiction of the Palestinian
Authority. The Fourth Geneva Convention is, however, intended in large
measure to address circumstances in which civilians are subject to enemy
authority in times of armed conflict.
44. Issues relating to the applicability of the Convention notwithstanding,
Israel has long made it clear that it applies the Convention on a de facto
basis, affording such protection to the civilian population as is required
by its terms. The law relating to the conduct of hostilities more generally
also requires that civilians are immune from attack.
45. Those who take a direct part in hostilities forfeit the immunity that
attaches to civilians. This point is clear. There is, however, no
recognition of this principle in the Palestinian submissions. By way of
elaboration of the basic proposition, the character and status of civilians
in armed conflict is addressed in unambiguous terms in the Model Manual on
the Law of Armed Conflict for Armed Forces of 1999, prepared by the
International Committee of the Red Cross ("ICRC Model Manual"), as follows:
"Civilians are not permitted to take a direct part in hostilities and are
immune from attack. If they take a direct part in hostilities they forfeit
this immunity."16
46. "Taking a direct part in hostilities" is defined in the ICRC Model
Manual as "engaging in hostile action against enemy armed forces".17
Civilians who take a direct part in hostilities become combatants and become
the legitimate object of attack (subject to the relevant principles relating
to such action).18 It is furthermore equally clear that "[p]ersons cannot
acquire and divest themselves of combatant status at will. Once they have
become combatants, they remain combatants until the close of hostilities
..."19
47. In addition to these accepted principles relating to civilians in times
of armed conflict, it is also well established in the law of armed conflict
that combatants are required to distinguish themselves from the civilian
population.20 The commentary to this provision in the ICRC Model Manual
elaborates on this principle in the following terms:
"Since combatants are entitled to engage in hostilities and are subject to
attack they need to be distinguishable from the civilian population who are
protected from attack. Members of the armed forces distinguish themselves by
wearing military uniform...21
Combatants who take part in hostilities without distinguishing themselves
from civilians lose their combatant status ... That means that on capture
they may be tried for the war crime of unlawfully taking part in hostilities
..."
48. As was discussed in detail in Israel's First Statement, the reality of
the circumstances under consideration is that Israeli civilians and armed
forces have come under violent attack, frequently involving a live fire
dimension, by persons who do not wear uniforms or other distinguishing
insignia. Often, these attacks are initiated from within crowded civilian
areas. Often, they take place from behind or within groups of unarmed
participants. The perpetrators of such attacks are acting in violation of
accepted rules relating to the conduct of hostilities. They cannot claim to
be civilians. They are not entitled to the protection afforded to civilians
in time of armed conflict. Indeed, they may be prosecuted for the war crime
of unlawfully taking part in hostilities.
49. In this regard, it is worth recalling the Statement by the US Central
Command addressing the circumstances faced by UN peacekeeping troops in
Somalia in 1993:
"[The Somali] gunmen do not wear uniforms or distinctive insignia; they do
not carry arms openly; they are not led by accountable military leadership;
they are not subject to military discipline and they do not comply with
international law. It is they who initiated the firefight and who bear
ultimate responsibility for this tragic loss of life."22
50. As noted in Israel's First Statement, the United Nations Military
Spokesman at the time defended action by the UN forces in which "civilians"
had been killed and injured in the following terms:
"Everyone on the ground in the vicinity was a combatant, because they meant
to do us harm."23
51. Israel has been restrained in its response to Palestinian attacks.
Israeli troops have acted in self-defence and in the defence of others. In
doing so, they have responded to those who have initiated the attacks. The
attacks have had lethal intent. There have been around 3,500 such attacks
involving a live fire dimension against Israelis since the violence began
involving automatic weapons, assault rifles, pistols, hand grenades,
explosives and, most recently, mortars. Many more attacks have involved the
use of molotov cocktails. This is an armed conflict. Those perpetrating the
attacks against Israelis are not civilians. They cannot claim immunity from
Israeli response.
2. The Law Enforcement Code and the Firearms Principles
52. In support of the Palestinian claim that Israel has used excessive force
it is said that Israeli forces have acted in violation of the Law
Enforcement Code and the Firearms Principles. The same allegation surfaces
in other reports on the events in question. In no case, however, do the
allegations go beyond the bare reference to these instruments. There is no
examination of the relevance and application of these instruments to the
events in question. No attempt is made to interpret the provisions cited in
support of the allegations advanced. As with the easy willingness of the
Palestinian side to invoke the Fourth Geneva Convention in support of its
case, the reference to the Law Enforcement Code and the Firearms Principles
is another of the serious shortcomings of law that run through the
Palestinian submissions.
53. The Law Enforcement Code was adopted by the UN General Assembly in
Resolution 34/169 of 17 December 1979. It is not a binding instrument. It
grew out of a 1974 initiative of the Fifth United Nations Congress on the
Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders which was asked to draw
up a code of ethics for police and law enforcement agencies. It addresses
situations of civilian policing. It has no application in the field of armed
conflict in which the use of force is governed by a well developed and
widely accepted body of law.
54. The Firearms Principles were adopted by the Eighth United Nations
Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders and
welcomed by the UN General Assembly in Resolution 45/166 of 18 December
1990. It too is not a binding instrument. The principles were formulated to
provide more detailed guidelines on the use of force and firearms in
accordance with Article 3 of the Law Enforcement Code. They also set out
guidelines for the policing of unlawful assemblies and persons in custody or
detention. They do not address situations of armed conflict.
55. The Palestinian side also misjudges its reliance on these instruments
for other reasons. Following the adoption of the Firearms Principles, the UN
Economic and Social Council sought to obtain information from UN Members
concerning the use and application of the both the Law Enforcement Code and
the Firearms Principles. A detailed survey enquiring into government
practices was thus prepared and sent out. Sixty-five States responded to
that survey. Sixty-two of those responses are reproduced on the internet
site of the United Nations Crime and Justice Information Network.24 In
virtually every case, the States responding indicated that, under their
national laws, firearms could be used to disperse violent assemblies. In
many cases, States went further than this. In every case in which a response
was recorded, the State in question indicated that law enforcement officials
were permitted to use firearms in self-defence, in the defence of others
against the imminent threat of death, to prevent the perpetration of a
particularly serious crime, or to affect an arrest.25
56. The Law Enforcement Code and the Firearms Principles do not address the
circumstances with which the Committee is concerned. Even were they to be
applicable, however, they do not support the case for which they are
advanced by the Palestinian side. The attacks on Israeli civilians and armed
forces go far beyond any conception of what might be considered to be a
violent assembly. They are characterised by the use of weapons. They are
motivated by lethal intent. These is nothing in the instruments in question,
or in the practice of States more generally, that would constrain the use of
firearms by Israeli armed forces in self-defence and in the defence of
others.
3. Allegations concerning the failure to use non-lethal methods of dispersal
57. The Palestinian side alleges that Israel has failed to use non-lethal
methods to respond to "demonstrations" and that it has failed to adopt a
graduated approach to the use of force. This matter was addressed in detail
in Israel's First Statement and there is no need to go over it again. Three
points should, however, be emphasised. First, where possible - ie, in
circumstances in which Israeli troops have not been faced from the outset
with lethal attacks - Israel has in fact adopted graduated methods in an
attempt to control the violence. This, indeed, is evident from the second
clip on the Palestinian video referred to above which shows Israeli attempts
to control violent assemblies without the use of weapons, by the use of tear
gas and by the use of rubber bullets. Sadly, however, in a significant
number of cases the violent assemblies in question involve live fire attacks
by the Palestinians. In such cases, the use of graduated non-lethal methods
of containment is ineffective.
58. Second, these violent assemblies are not "demonstrations". They involve
live fire attacks of lethal intent against Israeli civilians and armed
forces. There is not a single instance of such an attack having stopped
short of its lethal objective in the absence of a resolute Israeli response.
Were Israel not to respond effectively to these attacks, the scale of dead
and injured on both sides would have escalated beyond all imagination.
59. Third, as was addressed in some detail in its First Statement, Israel
has undertaken an extensive enquiry in an attempt to find effective
non-lethal means for long distance containment of violent demonstrations. It
has been unable to procure such means. The shortcomings of available,
traditional non-lethal methods of containment in live fire situations was
addressed in detail in Israel First Statement. Israel has had no effective
alternatives available to it in its response to Palestinian attacks.
4.Allegations concerning the indiscriminate use of force
60. The Palestinian side alleges the indiscriminate use of force by Israeli
troops. The allegations are not, however, particularised. It is difficult
therefore to respond to them in any meaningful way. The issue nevertheless
warrants some comment of a general nature.
61. As a preliminary matter, Palestinian conduct over the past five months
should itself be recalled. As has already been noted, this conduct has been
characterised by automatic gunfire, bomb and other attacks of lethal intent
and effect on Israeli civilians and soldiers. These attacks have in large
measure been indiscriminate - the use of automatic weapons, bomb attacks in
Israeli towns and cities, the carnage caused by a bus driven into a crowd of
young people at a bus stop. They have not, however, just been
indiscriminate. They have been designed to create terror.
62. The Palestinians who have undertaken these attacks have not operated
within any framework of law. There has been no regard for the principles of
conduct that the PLO now cites in its allegations against Israel. Where, it
may be asked, are the Tanzim Rules of Engagement? What principles have
constrained the use of force by Palestinian Police and other members of the
Palestinian security apparatus in their attacks on Israeli civilians? There
is a base hypocrisy to the Palestinian allegations against Israel concerning
the indiscriminate use of force. It is propaganda of the worst kind. It is
wilfully blind to the conduct that is at the very core of the campaign of
violence that Palestinians have been pursuing against Israelis over the past
five-and-a-half months.
63. On the issue of Israel's use of force, as was noted in Israel's First
Statement,26 as a matter of general practice, due to their sensitive nature,
Rules of Engagement ("ROEs") are not published. The reason for this is that
detailed knowledge of the ROEs under which a force is operating is likely to
give an opposing force a significant advantage. ROEs are implemented through
detailed instructions to officers and soldiers in the field, including
through the use of training exercises. Commanding officers are under an
obligation to ensure that the troops under their command have a clear
understanding of the relevant ROE.
64. As a general practice, the use of weapons by Israeli armed forces in the
West Bank and the Gaza Strip is governed by ROEs based on principles
applicable to normal policing operations. These provide as a general
principle that weapons are only to be used as a last resort in the face of a
life-threatening situation that could not be effectively addressed without
the use of weapons. Other situations in which weapons may be used -
accompanied by clear instructions relating to the graduated use of force -
relate to circumstances in which there is a real and immediate perception of
threat.
65. Following the outbreak of the current violence, some modification of the
standard ROEs became necessary to address the significant increase in the
threat faced by Israeli civilians and troops from Palestinian attacks. The
principal modification to the ROE related to circumstances in which - given
the nature of the violence that had already taken place - a real and
immediate threat could reasonably be appreciated. Graduated responses to
evolving situations were addressed in detail. Indiscriminate firing was not
permitted.
66. The ROEs applicable to the conduct of Israeli armed forces in the West
Bank and the Gaza Strip are measured and detailed. They establish a
carefully considered and reasonable framework for meeting the threat faced
by Israeli civilians and armed forces. They are punctiliously consistent
with the relevant applicable law. There is no policy of indiscriminate or
excessive use of force. As was noted in Israel's First Statement, the IDF
and the Israeli political establishment do not condone and will not overlook
excessive and unreasonable use of force by its troops.
...
Moshe Kochanovsky
20 March 2001
25 Adar 5761
...
Notes
...
15. Palestinian Second Submission, at pp.19 et seq
16. ICRC Model Manual, at paragraph 610. The ICRC Model Manual is cited in
this Statement for illustrative purposes only as an example of an up-to-date
and neutral expression of the law of armed conflict. Reference for these
purposes to the Model Manual should not be taken as an indication that
particular principles expressed therein are opposable to Israel - some such
principles, for example, having been derived from treaties to which Israel
is not a party - or to imply that Israel accepts the application of any
given principle precisely in the terms expressed.
17. ICRC Model Manual, at paragraph 601.1.
18. ICRC Model Manual, at paragraphs 601 and 1106(c).
19. ICRC Model Manual, at paragraph 602.2.
20. ICRC Model Manual, at paragraph 603.
21. ICRC Model Manual, at paragraphs 603.1 - 603.2 (emphasis in the
original).
22. First Statement, at paragraph 303.
23. First Statement, at paragraph 302.
24. See http://www.uncjin.org/Standards/Conduct/ccl/reports.htm
25. These responses correspond to Principle 9 of the Firearms Principles.
26. First Statement, at paragraph 322.
27. Second Submission, at pp.29-30.
--------------------------------------------
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------- End of forwarded message -------
From: "research-bpr" <research-bpr@philologos.org>
Date: Sun, 1 Apr 2001 18:05:14 -0400
Reply-To: bprlist@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [bprlist] (Fwd) SHARM EL-SHEIKH FACT-FINDING COMMITTEE SECOND STATEMENT
------- Forwarded message follows -------
Date sent: Sun, 1 Apr 2001 12:07:55 -0400
From: imra@netvision.net.il
To: imra@imra.org.il
Subject: SHARM EL-SHEIKH FACT-FINDING
COMMITTEE SECOND STATEMENT OF
THE GOVERNMENT OF ISRAEL
Allegations of "assassination"
SHARM EL-SHEIKH FACT-FINDING COMMITTEE SECOND STATEMENT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF
ISRAEL
http://www.mfa.gov.il/mfa/go.asp?MFAH0jrb0
20 March 2001 25 Adar 5761
E. Allegations of "assassination"
67. The PLO alleges that Israel has a policy of "assassinations". The
allegation is made in passing in the Palestinian Second Submission.27 It is
addressed further in the Palestinian Assassinations Paper of 12 January
2001. Various other documents produced by the Palestinian side which have no
doubt found, or will find, their way to the Committee touch upon this matter
further. Elements of these allegations have already been addressed in the
preceding paragraphs. The issue nevertheless calls for further comment.
68. As with its references to the Fourth Geneva Convention, the Law
Enforcement Code and the Firearms Principles, the PLO endeavours to give its
allegations of assassinations credibility by citing various provisions of
law - notably Articles 27, 32 and 33 of the Fourth Geneva Convention,
Articles 51, 75 and 85 of the Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions
of 12 August 1949, and Relating to the Protection of Victims of
International Armed Conflicts (Protocol I) of 8 June 1977 ("Geneva Protocol
I), and Article 23(b) of the 1907 Hague Regulations respecting the laws and
customs of war on land ("Hague Regulations"). It does not, however, address
the interpretation of these provisions or their application to the factual
circumstances alleged. These shortcomings are fundamental.
69. The subject of "assassinations" is controversial within the law of armed
conflict. Some argue that there is no bar on "assassinations" per se. Others
argue that, while the law may at one point have prohibited "assassinations",
the nature of the threat posed by terrorist activities justifies the
targeting of such individuals in covert operations and that the law has
evolved to permit such action. Others still, and this is probably where
majority opinion coalesces, argue that the relevant issue is not whether a
particular act is characterised as an "assassination" or as some other type
of action but whether the attack comes within the bounds of permissible
military action under the law of armed conflict. In particular, it is argued
that the question of whether the targeting of any given individual is
permissible will depend on whether that individual is a combatant and the
methods and means of the attack.
70. Before addressing this issue further, it will be useful to recall a
number of basic and uncontroversial principles relating to the conduct of
hostilities:
* first, all combat activity must be justified on military grounds. Combat
activity which is not militarily necessary is prohibited;28
* second, attacks must not be indiscriminate and must be proportionate to
the military objective to be achieved;29
* third, a distinction must be made between combatants and non-combatants.
Combatants are permitted to take a direct part in hostilities;
non-combatants are not. Combatants may be attacked. Non-combatants are
protected from attack but lose their protection if they take part in
hostilities;30
* fourth, civilians who take a direct part in hostilities - including
engaging in hostile action against enemy forces - forfeit their immunity
from attack;31
* fifth, persons cannot acquire and divest themselves of combatant status
at will. Once they have become combatants, they remain combatants until the
close of hostilities;32
* sixth, combatants are required to distinguish themselves from the
civilian population. Combatants who do not so distinguish themselves may be
tried for the war crime of unlawfully taking a direct part in hostilities.33
Combatants who do not distinguish themselves from the civilian population
remain the legitimate target of attack.
71. Within this framework, there is further elaboration on what is
permissible by way of military action in pursuit of legitimate military
objectives. Thus, even if a person, object or location is the legitimate
target of attack, the means and method of that attack must come within the
bounds of legally permissible action.
72. The targeting of individual enemy combatants is permitted. The matter is
addressed in the ICRC Model Manual in the following terms:
"There is nothing in law to prevent the attacking of an enemy individual
provided he is a combatant, the attack is carried out by combatants, who
distinguish themselves as such, or at least carry their weapons openly, and
it is not done perfidiously."34
73. As this makes clear, the targeting of individual enemy combatants - ie,
those who take a direct part in hostilities - is permissible. Such action
also accords with the basic principle that military activity must not be
indiscriminate. The targeting of an individual combatant using permissible
means is thus lawful.
74. How does this apply to the facts as alleged in the Palestinian
submissions? A number of general observations are warranted.
75. First, persons who take, or have taken, a direct part in the hostilities
are, by reference to accepted principles of the law of armed conflict, to be
considered as combatants. They remain combatants until such time as the
hostilities come to an end. They cannot acquire and divest themselves of
combatant status at will. While Israel makes no comment here on the specific
Palestinian allegations of Israeli action, it may be observed that the
targeting of individual Palestinian combatants would come within the scope
of permissible means of response to on-going Palestinian attacks.
76. Second, as a matter of general proposition, Israel has only targeted
those Palestinians who, because they have taken a direct part in the
hostilities through the active planning and perpetration of attacks of
intended lethal effect against Israelis, are properly to be regarded as
combatants.
77. Third, on the question of the method and means of attack, it is evident,
simply on the basis of the facts as alleged in the Palestinian submissions,
that many of the cases cited would not in principle come within the scope of
acts prohibited by the law of armed conflict. This applies notably to
allegations of attacks by Israeli helicopter gunships, fire from Israeli
tanks, or actions involving exchanges of fire between Israeli troops and
Palestinian militia.
78. Fourth, as a matter of general proposition, Israel rejects the
allegation that it has a policy of "assassinations" of Palestinians.
Whatever action Israel has taken has been taken firmly within the bounds of
the relevant and accepted principles relating to the conduct of hostilities.
79. Fifth, it ought also to be observed that those Palestinians who take, or
have taken, a direct part in hostilities in circumstances in which they do
not distinguish, or have not distinguished, themselves from the civilian
population, have themselves acted in violation of the law of armed conflict
and may be tried for the war crime of unlawfully taking a direct part in the
hostilities.
80. For completeness, it should also be observed that none of the various
provisions of law cited in the Palestinian submissions in support of their
allegations on this matter prohibit the targeting of individual combatants
using permissible methods and means of attack.35
81. ...
Moshe Kochanovsky
20 March 2001
25 Adar 5761
...
Notes
...
27. Second Submission, at pp.29-30.
28. See ICRC Model Manual, at paragraph 203.
29. See ICRC Model Manual, at paragraphs 206 and 1108.
30. See ICRC Model Manual, at paragraphs 205(a) and 601.
31. See ICRC Model Manual, at paragraphs 610 and 601.1.
32. See ICRC Model Manual, at paragraph 602.2.
33. See ICRC Model Manual, at paragraphs 603 and 603.2.
34. ICRC Model Manual, at paragraph 1013.2. "Perfidy" is defined in the
Model Manual "as acts inviting the confidence of an adversary to lead him to
believe that he is entitled to, or is obliged to accord protection under the
law of armed conflict with the intent to betray that confidence." Examples
of perfidy are given as "the feigning on intent to negotiate under a flag of
truce or of being wounded or dead, or of civilian or United Nations status,
or simulation of protected status using the Red Cross or Red Crescent
emblems, to lure the enemy into the open so that he can be killed or
captured." (ICRC Model Manual, at paragraphs 1008 and 1009.1) In this
regard, Israel observes that the practice of Palestinian combatants in this
conflict of feigning civilian status while carrying out attacks on Israelis
comes within the definition of "perfidy".
35. For completeness, it should also be noted that Israel is not a party to
Geneva Protocol I.
--------------------------------------------
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From: "research-bpr" <research-bpr@philologos.org>
Date: Sun, 1 Apr 2001 18:08:05 -0400
Reply-To: bprlist@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [bprlist] (Fwd) Arutz-7 News: Sunday, April 1, 2001
------- Forwarded message follows -------
Date sent: Sun, 01 Apr 2001 19:24:01 +0200
To: arutz-7@israelnationalnews.com, arutz-7b@israelnationalnew=
s.com
From: Arutz-7 Editor <neteditor@israelnationalnews.com>
Subject: Arutz-7 News: Sunday, April 1, 2001
Send reply to: feedback@israelnationalnews.com
Arutz Sheva News Service
<http://www.IsraelNationalNews.com>
Sunday, Apr. 1, 2001 / Nissan 8, 5761
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ARUTZ SHEVA RADIO SHORTS -- below --
TODAY'S HEADLINES:
1. 1,500 AT SHALHEVET'S FUNERAL
2. NRP'S LEVY: TAKE BACK ABU SNEINEH!
3. VIOLENT WEEKEND
4. GANDI: BOMB ARAFAT'S HOUSE
5. SUPREME COURT JUDGE RIPS INTO HAR-SHEFI CONVICTION
6. ISRAELI FINGERED FOR MURDER OF MANARA SECURITY OFFICER
7. ISRAELIS ARREST TERRORISTS
8. KATZIR MUST CONSIDER ARAB FAMILY
9. CITY STRIKES BREAK OUT
10. BY BUS OR BY FOOT TO RACHEL'S TOMB
1. 1,500 AT SHALHEVET'S FUNERAL
The funeral of Shalhevet Pass - the 10-month-old murdered last Monday by a=
Palestinian sniper - left this morning from the Machpelah Cave towards the=
ancient Jewish cemetery in Hevron. The Jewish Community has asked
participants in the funeral - some 1,500 in number - to show "restraint,"
saying that retaliation to the murder of Shalhevet and the other
Palestinian attacks on Hevron Jews must come only from the IDF and the
Israeli government "in the form of the re-capture of the hills overlooking=
the Jewish community and the construction of thousands of Jewish homes in
Hevron."
The funeral procession passed peacefully, except for one incident of
rock-throwing by Arabs towards the procession; Israeli soldiers dispersed
the attackers by shooting rubber bullets. More seriously, after the
funeral, Palestinian snipers standing atop the disputed Abu Sneineh hills
shot towards Israeli soldiers and residents in Gross Square. No one was
hurt, and IDF soldiers returned fire. Pictures of the funeral and burial
can be seen on the Hevron Jewish Community's website at
<www.hebron.org.il/shalhevet/shalfuneral.htm>.
Kiryat Arba Rabbi Dov Lior eulogized the murdered baby:
"From this holy place, we call to the Government of Israel and he who
stands at its helm: The girl Shalhevet [lit., flame], who ignited the
fire, who lit the torch of strength and heroism, felt free to toddle around=
here without fear. The government, too, must also gird itself with
strength and wipe out the terrorism once and for all.... I would like to=
end by quoting the Lord of the Prophets [Moses] who said, hours before his=
death [Deut. 32,43], 'Rejoice O nations with His people, for He will avenge=
the blood of His servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries,
and will atone for His land and His people.' It is incumbent upon the
government of Israel to avenge Shalhevet's death, as well as the deaths of=
all of our brothers who were slaughtered by these contemptible and evil
people - the Nation of Israel *has* the strength to do it! I hope that the=
verse will come true, "Avenge before our very eyes the blood of your fallen=
servants..."
Rabbi Moshe Levinger, Kiryat Arba Mayor Tzvi Katzover, Yosef Mendelevich
and others also eulogized the baby Shalhevet Pass.
2. NRP'S LEVY: TAKE BACK ABU SNEINEH!
National Religious Party head Rabbi Yitzchak Levy calls upon Prime Minister=
Sharon to protect the Jewish Community in Hevron and take over the
Shalhevet (Abu Sneineh) hills. "There are two possibilities," he said
today. "Either evacuate all the Jews, or protect them by placing the
overlooking hills under IDF control=85 This must be part of a new policy
under which all areas used to launch attacks on Israelis, such as the hill=
opposite the Tunnels Highway connecting Jerusalem and Gush Etzion, are
taken over by the IDF."
3. VIOLENT WEEKEND
Palestinians shot at N'vei Dekalim in Gaza today, and IDF soldiers safely
neutralized an explosive device planted by terrorists near Shechem. Many
Palestinian shooting incidents were registered on Friday and yesterday
throughout Judea and Samaria. Locations included Hevron, Kiryat Arba,
Psagot, Ayosh Junction, sites near Shechem and Ariel, and IDF targets near=
Tapuach, Elisha, and more. Arabs threw rocks and firebombs at numerous
locations as well. Yesterday, Palestinians shot at the IDF Shedma base,
east of Bethlehem, as well as at the southern Jerusalem neighborhood of
Gilo, Rachel's Tomb, Adorayim, and elsewhere.
The IDF spokesman reported 39 shooting incidents in Judea and Samaria over=
the weekend, 12 such incidents in Gaza, and an explosive charge and three
anti-tank grenades in Gaza. Two soldiers were lightly wounded from smoke
inhalation during a firebomb attack. Violent Palestinian mobs gathered
near Erez, along the Karni-Netzarim route, and near Rafiach. The Arabs
threw dozens of firebombs and several gas grenades at Rafiach.
The Israeli-Arab city of Nazareth was again the site of rock-throwing last=
night. A bus passenger traveling from Nazareth to Migdal HaEmek, in the
southern Galilee, was hit in the face by glass shards after one of the
Arab-thrown rocks broke a bus window. Other Israeli cars were stoned in
the same area this morning.
*******************************************************
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2nd - April 16. Only $80 a night - for up to 4 people!! Contact
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4. GANDI: BOMB ARAFAT'S HOUSE
Today's government meeting was interrupted by an argument instigated by
Tourism Minister Rehavam (Gandi) Ze'evi's call for the destruction of
Arafat's "palace" in Gaza. "This will humiliate him, and make him rethink=
his strategy," said Ze'evi, a member of the security mini-Cabinet and a
former O.C. Central Command. Other ministers sharply criticized his
remarks; Industry and Trade Minister Dalia Itzik (Labor) called them
"populistic," while Minister Danny Naveh (Likud) said that the proper forum=
for proposals of that nature is only the security mini-Cabinet. It should=
be noted that Arafat's home in Gaza was lightly damaged in Wednesday
night's Israeli bomb raids.
The government voted unanimously today to extend the term of IDF Chief of
Staff Lt.-Gen. Sha=92ul Mofaz by an extra year. Chiefs of Staff normally
serve for three years.
5. SUPREME COURT JUDGE RIPS INTO HAR-SHEFI CONVICTION
NRP faction leader Sha'ul Yahalom has submitted a personal request for a
pardon for Margalit Har-Shefi. Yahalom asked President Moshe Katzav and
Justice Minister Meir Shetreet to release her from prison "even before the=
Passover holiday begins [this Saturday night], thus ending this personal
and public travesty of justice." Yahalom thus joins a long line of other
public figures making the same call. He specifically quoted former Supreme=
Court Justice Tzvi Tal [brother of the late Shlomo Tal, editor of Siddur
Rinat Yisrael], who wrote a stinging attack on the Supreme Court's
upholding of Har-Shefi's conviction of "not preventing the assassination of=
Yitzchak Rabin." Margalit, who has consistently maintained that she never=
believed that Yigal Amir would attempt to carry out his threats, began
serving her nine-month sentence eleven days ago.
Tal wrote, "It appears to me that the Supreme Court erred by convicting
Margalit=85 The Court did not deal at all with the question [of criminal
intent]. If it had done so, I am of the opinion that it would have
concluded that from the start there was no reason to bring her to trial=85"
Tal also noted that the crime of which she was convicted - not reporting or=
preventing a crime - is "itself problematic; the Court ruling states as
much, and many feel that it should not even be on our law books. Certainly=
it should not be broadly interpreted as including the non-purposeful
failure to report a crime. The correct interpretation should be that only=
one who purposely did nothing - i.e., he wished the crime to be committed,=
or, at worst, was impartial to it - should be convicted. Margalit
Har-Shefi, as the Court's ruling states, was not only not in favor of the
killing, but she tried to argue with Yigal Amir and convince him that Rabin=
[should not be killed]... It appears that there is no element at all of
criminal intent."
The judges ruled that Margalit "did not employ all reasonable means" to
prevent the crime, noting that in general, this would involve "reporting to=
the security forces responsible for law and order." Judge Tal
objects: "Yes, that is definitely a 'reasonable means' - but not the only=
one. Her attempt to convince Amir not to carry out his plans is also a
reasonable way. True, it is not always effective, but neither is reporting=
to the police always effective. How many times do we read about family
murder threats that were not prevented by reporting them to the
police? Especially in this case, where we know that the 'security forces'=
[already] knew about Amir's intentions!... A constant refrain in the
ruling is that Margalit tried to convince Amir - is it possible to say that=
she did not 'reasonably' try to prevent the crime?"
Judge Tal writes that the Court acknowledged that the only way to know what=
a person is thinking is to observe his actions. Thus, the Court brought
several examples that "proved" that Margalit in fact "knew" that Amir was
serious about his threats. For instance, Margalit knew that Amir always
walked around with a gun, that he had tried twice before to murder Rabin
but did not succeed, and more. Judge Tal again objects: "These [proofs]
are inconclusive. She only knew about his previous attempts because he
told her - but she thought that he was merely boasting! And the fact that=
he always walked around with a gun - this proves the opposite! If she knew=
that he only took a gun when he went out on a 'mission' - OK. But if
someone always walks around with a gun, how does this prove that he had
specific intentions to murder Rabin?..." After bringing two other such
examples, Judge Tal concludes, "The Court is charged with acquitting a
defendant if the circumstantial evidence against him is not conclusive."
Judge Tal concludes, "The maximum punishment for this crime is two years in=
prison. Yet Margalit Har-Shefi was given the full sentence - nine months
of actual prison time, and the rest as a suspended sentence... [The
reduction was given because of] her young age, her clean past... but in my=
opinion, the judges did not emphasize the fact that she did not want the
crime to be committed and that she attempted to prevent it via
argumentation. In short: In my opinion, the Court should have acquitted
her. But even given a conviction, the opinion of Judge Tirkel [one of the=
three Supreme Court judges deciding the case] should have been accepted to=
sentence her only to six months of public service."
Har-Shefi's family is still asking that faxes be sent to Justice Minister
Shetreet ((+972-2) 628-5438) and President Katzav ((+972-2) 561-1033).
6. ISRAELI FINGERED FOR MURDER OF MANARA SECURITY OFFICER
The solution to the mystery of the murder of Kibbutz Manara's security
officer Yitzchak Kvartach, and the accompanying theft of several dozen
weapons and much ammunition, was announced today. Kvartach, whose body was=
found two weeks ago four kilometers from his home, served as the security
coordinator the Lebanese-border Kibbutz. Police officials said that a
42-year-old Jewish contractor from the northern city of Kiryat Ata
kidnapped and murdered Kvartach with one shot to the back of his head, and=
that seven accomplices - Israeli-Arabs from the village of Salem - stole
the key to the armory, removed its 73 weapons, which they then sold to
Palestinian terrorist and criminal elements, via the Palestinian
Authority. Foreign currency to the tune of 600,000 shekels or dollars was=
found in the apartment of the alleged murderer, who was a good friend of
Kvartach. The police have recovered only about 10 of the 73 stolen
weapons, which included grenades and 60 M-16 rifles. The Jew and the Arabs=
have a criminal past, and conspired together for about a year to carry out=
what police officers called this "despicable" crime.
The police emphasized that there was no suspicion of any wrongdoing on the=
part of Kvartach or of any members of Kibbutz Manara.
7. ISRAELIS ARREST TERRORISTS
Israeli forces arrested five Force 17 terrorists last night, including the=
commander of the Sinjil area near Shilo. A Palestinian citizen was also
arrested. They are suspected of carrying out many terrorist and shooting
attacks against Israelis. Last night's raid included also the capture of
many weapons and much ammunition. The terrorists were arrested while in
Palestinian-controlled territory. Arutz-7 correspondent Haggai Huberman
reports that the Force 17 commander who was arrested was "heavily wanted,"=
and was responsible for the murder of more than one Jew.
The trial of Halil Abu Elba began this morning in the Tel Aviv District
Court. Abu Elba is the terrorist murderer from Gaza who killed eight Jews=
by ramming them with his Egged bus six weeks ago. Over 20 people were
wounded in the attack. Abu Elba, a 35-year-old father of five, said
recently that he is proud of what he did.
8. KATZIR MUST CONSIDER ARAB FAMILY
The precedent-setting Supreme Court decision to forbid exclusively-Jewish
towns has some qualifications. The original decision, one year ago,
allowed the Kadan family of the Arab village of Baka el-Garbiye to be
allocated land in the Jewish town of Katzir. The Supreme Court now says,
however, that the Arab family must first be accepted into the town after
undergoing the same acceptance procedure that every other family must. The=
Court ordered Katzir to complete the process within two months. If the
town rejects the Arab family, it will have to explain why to the Court.
9. CITY STRIKES BREAK OUT
Another municipal workers' strike began today, but was called off within a=
few hours in Israel's three largest cities - Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and
Haifa. In three other cities - Netanya, Rishon LeTzion, and Tiberias -
striking sanitation workers have received restraining orders forcing them
back to work. In Israel's other cities, however, the strike is in full
effect. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said that the government will not pay=
more than the 50% it originally promised of the workers' pay hikes. Police=
Commissioner Shlomo Aharonishki said that large uncollected piles of
garbage would "hamper the prevention of terrorist attacks" in that bombs
could easily be hidden there.
Chief Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau made an impassioned plea to end the
strike: "No matter how justified the strike may be, it is inconceivable
that anyone would take upon his conscience the responsibility for a
tragedy, Heaven forbid."
10. BY BUS OR BY FOOT TO RACHEL'S TOMB
A group of worshipers headed for Rachel's Tomb on Friday were not allowed
in with their bulletproof bus - so they walked in by foot instead. The
soldiers manning the nearby checkpoint originally told the group that
because of the Land Day demonstrations by Arabs, it was "too dangerous" to=
allow them to enter. The group did not accept this "explanation," and when=
they began walking in by foot, the soldiers had no choice but to accompany=
them.
The Eishet Chayil Foundation continues to sponsor daily bulletproof buses
to Rachel's Tomb. The buses leave from the Gilo junction leading to the
holy site from 9 AM until noon.
An emergency medical team from the town of Shavei Shomron, in central
Samaria, saved the life of a Palestinian baby this afternoon. An
unconscious eight-month-old Arab baby was brought to the entrance of the
town with high fever. A Magen David Adom team, working together with an
IDF doctor, resuscitated the baby, who was later taken by Palestinian
ambulance to a local hospital.
Hebrew News Editor: Haggai Seri
English News Editor: Hillel Fendel
ARUTZ SHEVA RADIO SHORTS
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ARUTZ-7 ANNOUNCEMENTS:
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From: "research-bpr" <research-bpr@philologos.org>
Date: Sun, 1 Apr 2001 18:10:33 -0400
Reply-To: bprlist@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [bprlist] GM fish trials funded in secret
April 1 2001 BRITAIN
GM fish trials funded in secret
THE development of genetically modified fish for human consumption is
being secretly funded by the government, it emerged last night, writes Davi=
d
Brown.
Figures from government departments show they have spent =A32.6m on
research to create fast-growing fish for commercial farming, much of it in=
Third World countries. A further =A3457,000 has been spent in Britain by th=
e
European commission.
Experts fear GM fish will breed with wild stocks, leading to unpredictable=
consequences for the affected species.
A recent survey carried out by Greenpeace suggested fish farmers are
opposed to GM fish because of the environmental risks and fears of rejectio=
n
by consumers. "It is totally unacceptable that we should be conducting tria=
ls
on GM fish," said a Greenpeace spokesman. "If there is a textbook case on
how GM can go wrong it is in fish farming, where one escaped fish will lead=
to rogue genes in the natural stock."
At least =A32m has been spent on the projects in India, Bangladesh, Vietnam=
,
Thailand, the Philippines and Africa. Clare Short, the international
development secretary, defended the projects, saying they helped poor
countries gain access to genetic technologies that could benefits their
populations.
Despite plunging stocks of popular fish such as cod and wild salmon,
demand continues to rise, fuelled by concern at the safety of meat after BS=
E
and the foot and mouth outbreak.
The GM techniques are initially being tested on species popular in Asia,
such as carp and tilapia, but are expected to be applied to British fish. =
Research on carp, salmon and goldfish at Southampton University is being
funded by the trade and industry department's biotechnology and biology
sciences research council.Other research into GM fish at Southampton is
funded by the EU and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
http://www.sunday-
times.co.uk/news/pages/sti/2001/04/01/stinwenws01038.html?
via: isml@yahoogroups.com
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From: "research-bpr" <research-bpr@philologos.org>
Date: Sun, 1 Apr 2001 18:11:41 -0400
Reply-To: bprlist@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [bprlist] 'Social robot' learns from humans
'Social robot' learns from humans
Source: UPI
Publication date: 2001-03-31
BOSTON, Mass. March 31 (UPI) -- Today's robots -- whether industrial or
military -- are designed to operate independently of humans, but researcher=
s
are designing social ones capable of responding to and learning from subtle
human interactions.
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are spearheading
the search for so-called social robots for use in health care or
entertainment.
That search is embodied in Kismet, a robotic head with eyes, eyebrows, ears
and a mouth. Kismet senses slight changes in human facial expressions,
posture, gazes, gestures and voice, and responds with its own changes..
"It's not enough to give it tasks," said Dr. Cynthia Breazeal, a
postdoctoral fellow at the MIT Artificial Intelligence Lab who heads the
project. "We want it to convey emotional qualities in socially intelligent
ways."
Breazeal and her research team drew on an integrated set of theories from
psychology, etiology and evolution to design the robot. She said artificial
intelligence programs allow Kismet to learn social behavior with the help o=
f
a caregiver, just as a child does.
"It's reminiscent of parent-infant exchanges," she said, adding that adults=
,
by treating the random, unintended gestures of children as if they are
meaningful, actually do give the gestures meaning.
"Like a child, Kismet is able to make utterances, essentially babble, and
there is no linguistic content," said Breazeal. "But every now and then it
says something that could be taken by a human caregiver as having
meaning.
The human then treats that utterance, which might have, say, sounded like a
question, as though it has meaning. Through such responses, the caretaker
constructs a causal relation between gestures and response."
Breazeal, who once worked in research and development for Walt Disney
Company, said it takes 15 computers to drive Kismet. "People treat it as
though it is smarter than a dog or maybe a small child, but not an adult,"
she said. "Some would argue that dogs are conscious, for example. If robots
will be successful and sophisticated, they must have their own kind of
consciousness."
"Having robots interact with humans is part of the history of science
fiction," said Dr. John Gardner, professor of mechanical engineering at
Boise State University in Boise. "What they are doing with Kismet is trying
to get it to interact with a non-technical person, which is a real
challenge."
Gardner said advances in artificial intelligence generally have expanded th=
e
capacity of robots. The real challenge, however, is not building higher
intelligence functions, but reproducing motor skills needed to sense change=
s
in an environment and physically respond, he said.
"The hard part is building the capability, say, to walk or tie shoelaces,"
he said. "The higher mental functions are relatively easy. The tough part i=
s
giving robots the capacity to see things and know what they are and then
respond. We've been running around perceiving prey and launching into actio=
n
for hundreds of millions of years, so nature has perfected those processes.
We've only been playing chess for about 1,000 years."
The Department of Defense has funded much of the "social robot" research.
(Reported by UPI Technology Writer Kelly Hearn in Washington.)
Copyright 2001 by United Press International.
Publication date: 2001-03-31
=A9 2001, YellowBrix, Inc
http://newsreal.yellowbrix.com/pages/newsreal/Story.nsp?story_id=3D19416517
&ID
=3Dnewsreal&scategory=3DInternet
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From: "research-bpr" <research-bpr@philologos.org>
Date: Sun, 1 Apr 2001 18:19:11 -0400
Reply-To: bprlist@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [bprlist] Daily World Affairs Report items (3/31/01)
VATICAN ACCUSED ON MODERN "INQUISITION"
The Vatican department responsible for maintaining orthodoxy in the
Catholic Church is coming under attack over its "inquisitional" methods. In a
strongly-worded editorial, a leading US Catholic magazine America says
the methods used by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith are out
of date and do not respect human rights. The magazine notes that "a long
list of eminent Catholic theologians" have been harrassed, including the
Brazilian exponent of liberation theology, Leonardo Boff. The magazine
calls on the Vatican to "dismantle without delay" the procedures it uses to
investigate theologians.
The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith was once known as the
Holy Inquisition. It is headed by [Bavarian] Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, one
of Pope John Paul II's closest advisers. He is known as "the Pope's
enforcer" because of his determination to uphold the traditional teachings of
the church.In performing that role, he has been accused of trying to silence
dissidents within the church.
"With such a track record, one would think the Congregation would learn
some humility and be more reticent to repeat the mistakes of the past," says
the editorial in America. "The Congregation, however, has gone full speed
ahead with its investigations of theologians around the world." America
acknowledges that the Congregation is entitled to examine the writings of
any author whose doctrine appears "erroneous" or "dangerous" but argues
that the terms are too broad and too vague for comfort. "Only totalitarian
states use such expressions,"says the editorial.
The magazine says the first stage of any examination takes place in total
secrecy, without giving the theologian an opportunity to defend himself. If
the Congregation finds a person's opinions to be in error, the writer is
instructed to correct their views or to "clarify" their texts to the
congregation's satisfaction. Often they would be told to keep silence and
not defend themselves publicly, even if the congregation's decision had
become public knowledge.
This attack comes just over a year after a British theologian, Dr Lavinia
Byrne, accused the same Vatican department of trying to intimidate her
over the publication of a book called "Woman at the Altar". She was not
allowed to defend herself, and decided "with great regret" to leave her
religious order. The editorial in America questions whether the church's
methods accord with modern legal principles of due process. "Giving the
functions of investigator, prosecutor, grand jury, judge and jury to one office
fails to provide the checks and balances modern society has learned to
value," says the magazine. (BBC)
ARCHBISHOP: DISASTERS CAN REVIVE FAITH
The floods, pestilence and disasters which have struck Britain in recent
months could lead to a spiritual revival, says the Archbishop of York. Dr
David Hope said he believed that the series of Old Testament-like disasters
would make people confront "profound and ultimate questions". The
Archbishop will describe his hopes for renewed faith at a memorial service
today for those killed in the train crash at Great Heck, North Yorks, on Feb
28. The service is being held in York Minster and will be attended by the
Prince of Wales and John Prescott, the Deputy Prime Minister.
Dr Hope will use words from the Gospel of St Paul to describe the last
months as "the groaning and travailing of the whole creation". The
Archbishop helped people in the aftermath of the train crash and has spent
recent months visiting those affected by flooding and the foot and mouth
epidemic. He said he felt like Noah when his home, Bishopthorpe Palace,
was flooded in October and he had to wade around in Wellington boots
rescuing valuable manuscripts from the cellars. This week he urged the
Government not to call an election until the autumn because of people's
"fear and anguish" during the F&M outbreak. (The London Telegraph)
E.U. MEETS IN AFTERMATH OF U.S. PULL-OUT
EU environment ministers, angered at the abrupt US pull-out from the
Kyoto protocol on global warming, are meeting in Sweden today and
tomorrow to take stock of the battered treaty and map an action plan.
President Bush irritated many countries this week when he abruptly
announced that his country would not ratify the 1997 Kyoto treaty. The EU
reacted with alarm to the announcement, saying it would send a delegation
to Washington next week for urgent talks with the US administration. The
EU Commission president, Romano Prodi, was particularly harsh in his
criticism, telling an Italian newspaper that "If one wants to be a world
leader, one must know how to look after the entire earth and not only
American industry." (The London Telegraph)
MILOSEVIC IS ARRESTED
Slobodan Milosevic, the former Yugoslav leader blamed for hundreds of
thousands of deaths in a series of wars in the Balkans, was arrested in
Belgrade last night, authorities said. Hundreds of his supporters gathered
outside his house in the suburb of Dedinje after one of his party
functionaries announced in parliament that he was about to be taken into
custody. A few hours later sources in the ruling coalition said that the long-
awaited move had finally happened.
But Milosevic's aides denied that he had been arrested and, amid chaotic
scenes at the house after midnight, Milosevic appeared briefly at the villa
gates, waving to the crowds. He told a Belgrade radio station: "I am very
well and drinking a cup of coffee." But it was believed that he was under
house arrest. He was held hours before an American deadline for the
Yugoslav authorities to co-operate with the international war crimes tribunal
in The Hague or risk losing £35mn in aid. It was not clear whether
Milosevic would be handed over to the tribunal.
The build-up to the arrest began late in the afternoon when one of
Milosevic's high-ranking party functionaries, Branislav Ivkovic, interrupted a
session of the Serbian parliament to announce that police vehicles and an
ambulance were at his house. Soon hundreds of supporters turned out
chanting "Slobo" and vowing to defend the deposed president. Vojislav
Seselj, the radical nationalist leader, said that blood would be spilled if
Milosevic were arrested.
During the evening, aconvoy of 4 jeeps with darkened windows sped away
from the house and drove to the justice department. Milosevic could not be
seen inside. The convoy later left the courthouse and afterwards Milosevic
appeared at his house. (The London Telegraph)
&: As tense negotiations continue, Mr Milosevic has insisted he will "not go
to jail alive". In a night of drama and confusion, Yugoslav special police
forces attempted to storm the residence, but are reported to have been
driven back by members of Mr Milosevic's bodyguard with support from
some members of the army. Shots were exchanged for 15 minutes after
commandos pushed through the crowd, but they were repelled.
Reporters said it was a scene of total chaos, with people running about in
different directions. At least one policeman was wounded in the clashes. A
stand-off has developed with the security forces saying they are ready to
launch another raid if necessary. Serbian Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic has
called on all armed civilians protecting Mr Milosevic to surrender their
weapons. The government has said force would be used if negotiations with
Mr Milosevic and his allies failed. (BBC)
&: Mr Milosevic may still have a trick or 2 up his sleeve. If he is tried in
The Hague the prosecutors will rely for compelling evidence exclusively on
American intelligence material. This may not be enough to convict. Mr
Milosevic knows many secrets that international diplomats would prefer to
keep quiet. He might yet decide to sing. (The London Times)
MICHAEL TURNER
(mykelturner@airmail.net)
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From: "research-bpr" <research-bpr@philologos.org>
Date: Sun, 1 Apr 2001 18:30:25 -0400
Reply-To: bprlist@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [bprlist] Weekend News Today items (4/1/01)
Water crises stirs new disputes
{HYPERLINK "http://216.219.160.226/cgi-bin/went.cgi"}Weekend News Today =0F
Lead: Kelly =0F
Source: {HYPERLINK "http://www.upway.com/cgi-bin/last.cgi?d=3Dhttp://kevxml=
.infospace.com/info/kevxml?kcfg=3Dupi-article&sin=3D200104010354080003762&o=
tmpl=3D/upi/story.htm&qcat=3Dnews&rn=3D10751&qk=3D10&passdate=3D04/01/2001"=
}UPI
Sun Apr 1,2001 -- An acute water shortage has forced two Muslim neighbors, =
Iran
and Afghanistan, to lock horns in an area already plagued by war, civil str=
ife and a
severe drought -- but they are far from the only countries where water cris=
es have
heightened border tensions. The region's old rivals, India and Pakistan, ha=
ve their
own water disputes that often flare into skirmishes between the world's two=
newest
nuclear-weapon states. Iran and Iraq, two old rivals of a nearby region, ha=
ve also
fought a war over the Shatt-el-Arab waterway.
The latest dispute revolves around the Helmand river that flows into Iran f=
rom
Afghanistan. Iran claims that Afghanistan has blocked the river, drying tho=
usands of
acres of rich agricultural land. But Afghanistan has rejected Iran's offici=
al complaint
to the United Nations of blocking the river. Responding to Iran's complaint=
,
Afghanistan's ruling Taliban militia said "The river has simply dried up be=
cause of
the unprecedented drought gripping the entire region."
China blames American plane for mid-air collision
{HYPERLINK "http://216.219.160.226/cgi-bin/went.cgi"}Weekend News Today =0F
Lead: Kelly =0F
Source: {HYPERLINK "http://www.upway.com/cgi-bin/last.cgi?d=3Dhttp://dailyn=
ews.yahoo.com/htx/nm/20010401/ts/crash_china_dc_10.html"}Reuters
Sun Apr 1,2001 -- China accused a U.S. surveillance plane of ramming one of=
its
fighters in mid-air over the South China Sea Sunday in a collision which th=
reatened
to blow up into a major diplomatic storm. The U.S. aircraft made an emergen=
cy
landing on China's southern island of Hainan. U.S. officials immediately sc=
rambled
to try to secure the release of the 24 crew, who were all reported safe, al=
ong with
the plane and its highly-sensitive surveillance equipment.
China said one of its fighter planes had crashed as a result of Sunday's in=
cident and
rescuers were searching for the pilot. An angry statement by the Chinese Fo=
reign
Ministry said Beijing had lodged a ``solemn representation and protest'' an=
d reserved
the right to seek damages. It threatened further ``representations'' over t=
he plane
entering Chinese air space and landing without permission.
According to the U.S. Navy version of the incident, one of its EP-3 maritim=
e patrol
aircraft was on a ``routine surveillance'' mission in international air spa=
ce when it
brushed one of two Chinese F-8 fighters on an interception mission.
Russian army launches spring call-up
{HYPERLINK "http://216.219.160.226/cgi-bin/went.cgi"}Weekend News Today =0F
Lead: Kelly =0F
Source: {HYPERLINK "http://www.upway.com/cgi-bin/last.cgi?d=3Dhttp://englis=
h.hk.dailynews.yahoo.com/headlines/world/afp/article.html?s=3Dhke/headlines=
/010402/world/afp/Russian_army_launches_spring_call-up.html"}AFP
Sun Apr 1,2001 -- Russia Sunday launched its spring military draft, warning=
that
police would go all out this time round to track down draft-dodgers fearing=
service
in the breakaway republic of Chechnya. Some 190,000 men aged between 18 and=
27 are expected to report between April 1 and June 30 to do two years' serv=
ice in
the ranks of Russia's 1.2 million-strong army. Plans to reduce and streamli=
ne the
forces, creating an all-professional army of regulars, have been put on hol=
d. A
presidential decree instructed the government and executive bodies "to ensu=
re
implementation of measures on calling up Russian citizens for military serv=
ice."
PA stepping up security around senior officials
{HYPERLINK "http://216.219.160.226/cgi-bin/went.cgi"}Weekend News Today =0F
Lead: Kelly =0F
Source: {HYPERLINK "http://www.upway.com/cgi-bin/last.cgi?d=3Dhttp://cgis.j=
post.com/cgi-bin/LinkLog/linklog.cgi?link=3Dwww.jpost.com/Editions/2001/04/=
01/LatestNews/LatestNews.23932.html&title=3D23932&source=3Dfrontpage"}Jerus=
alem Post
Sun Apr 1,2001 -- The Palestinians Authority is sharply increasing security=
around
senior PA officials. The steps are being taken under the assumption that Is=
rael is
planning a string of assassinations of key PA members as part of a new secu=
rity
policy. The Israeli government has drawn up plans to assassinate several of=
Yasser
Arafat's closest aides and arrest or deport hundreds of other leading Pales=
tinians,
security sources said this weekend. This according to a story in today's Su=
nday
Times of London.
EU coming down on Sharon government
{HYPERLINK "http://216.219.160.226/cgi-bin/went.cgi"}Weekend News Today =0F
Lead: Kelly =0F
Source: {HYPERLINK "http://www.upway.com/cgi-bin/last.cgi?d=3Dhttp://www.is=
raelnationalnews.com/news.php3?id=3D1737"}Israel National News
Sun Apr 1,2001 -- European Union leaders over the weekend expressed critici=
sm
over the policies of the Sharon administration. Following a meeting on Satu=
rday with
Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara, EU Ambassador to the region Miguel=
Moratinos expressed =93concerns=94 over the policies of Prime Minister Arie=
l Sharon=92s
government.
Moratinos, who met on Friday with PA Chairman Yasser Arafat, on Saturday
stated, =93We are very concerned. I met yesterday with Arafat and the curre=
nt
situation of Palestinians dieing cannot continue.=94 Moratinos is also sche=
duled to
meet with Israeli leaders.
Gun battle ongoing in Hevron
{HYPERLINK "http://216.219.160.226/cgi-bin/went.cgi"}Weekend News Today =0F
Lead: Kelly =0F
Source: {HYPERLINK "http://www.upway.com/cgi-bin/last.cgi?d=3Dhttp://www.is=
raelnationalnews.com/news.php3?id=3D1770"}Israel National News
Sun Apr 1,2001 -- IDF forces are exchanging fire with terrorists positioned=
on the
Shalhevet (Abu Sneineh) Hilltop in Hevron. Sniper fire was directed at the =
Jewish
Quarter from the hilltop which was met by IDF retaliatory fire. At this tim=
e,
sporadic exchanges of gunfire are ongoing. There are no reports of casualti=
es to
IDF forces.
Saudi Arabia, Iran to sign security agreement
{HYPERLINK "http://216.219.160.226/cgi-bin/went.cgi"}Weekend News Today =0F
Lead: Kelly =0F
Source: {HYPERLINK "http://www.upway.com/cgi-bin/last.cgi?d=3Dhttp://www2.h=
aaretz.co.il/breaking-news/MiddleEastNews/359396.stm"}Ha'aretz/DPA
Sun Apr 1,2001 -- Saudi Interior Minister Prince Nayef will visit Iran this=
month to
sign a joint security agreement between the two countries, the Saudi newspa=
per
Okaz reported Sunday. The visit was later confirmed by Iran. Prince Nayef t=
old the
paper he would visit Iran on April 15. He denied that the signing of the ag=
reement
had been delayed because of a dispute between the two countries, asserting =
that
relations between the two countries were good. The agreement will cover all=
matters for which the two interior ministries are responsible, such as figh=
ting crime,
terrorism and narcotics.
Sharon: Hebron Jewish community will remain 'forever'
{HYPERLINK "http://216.219.160.226/cgi-bin/went.cgi"}Weekend News Today =0F
Lead: Kelly =0F
Source: {HYPERLINK "http://www.upway.com/cgi-bin/last.cgi?d=3Dhttp://cgis.j=
post.com/cgi-bin/LinkLog/linklog.cgi?link=3Dwww.jpost.com/Editions/2001/04/=
01/LatestNews/LatestNews.23962.html&title=3D23962&source=3Dfrontpage"}Jerus=
alem Post
Sun Apr 1,2001 -- The Jewish community of Hebron will remain in place
"forever," according to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. Sharon made his remark=
s at
today's government Cabinet meeting. He chided Jewish residents for clashing=
with
IDF soldiers and policemen in recent days, Army Radio reported. Also at the=
Cabinet meeting, OC Military Intelligence Maj.-Gen. Amos Malka said most of=
the Hamas and Islamic Jihad security detainees held by Palestinian Authorit=
y
security forces have been released in the past six months.
Minnesota university accused of anti-Semitism
{HYPERLINK "http://216.219.160.226/cgi-bin/went.cgi"}Weekend News Today =0F
Lead: Leo =0F
Source: {HYPERLINK "http://www.upway.com/cgi-bin/last.cgi?d=3Dhttp://washin=
gtonpost.com/wp-dyn/nation/A18611-2001Mar30.html"}The Washington Post
Sun Apr 1,2001 -- Minnesota's second-largest university, St. Cloud State
University, is embroiled in a bitter controversy over allegations by Jewish=
professors that some gentile faculty members and administrators have engage=
d in
systematic anti-Semitism and have retaliated against those who have complai=
ned
about discrimination.
The complaints allege offensive behavior by non-Jewish professors toward Je=
wish
colleagues, ranging from ignorance of or insensitivity to Jewish culture an=
d history
to blatantly anti-Semitic remarks. The administration is also accused of fa=
iling to
discipline those guilty of anti-Semitism and of retaliating against profess=
ors who
complain about bias by recommending their "non-retention," which is tantamo=
unt
to dismissal. St. Cloud State has 15 Jewish faculty members out of 750 and =
about
a dozen Jewish students in an enrollment of more than 15,000.
Iraq, Syria to begin free trade on Sunday
{HYPERLINK "http://216.219.160.226/cgi-bin/went.cgi"}Weekend News Today =0F
Lead: Leo =0F
Source: {HYPERLINK "http://www.upway.com/cgi-bin/last.cgi?d=3Dhttp://www3.b=
ernama.com/web/world/wo0104_1.htm"}Bernama.com
Sun Apr 1,2001 -- Iraqi Trade Minister Muhammad Mahdi Salih said Saturday
that Iraq and Syria will implement their free trade agreement on Sunday,
according to the official Iraqi News Agency. "As of tomorrow goods and
commodities will be exchanged free of customs or other duties and without t=
he
need for the official import license," the agency quoted the minister as sa=
ying. The
two countries have already ratified the free trade accord signed on January=
31,
2001.
More Mormom temples promised
{HYPERLINK "http://216.219.160.226/cgi-bin/went.cgi"}Weekend News Today =0F
Lead: Leo =0F
Source: {HYPERLINK "http://www.upway.com/cgi-bin/last.cgi?d=3Dhttp://dailyn=
ews.yahoo.com/h/ap/20010331/us/mormon_conference_2.html"}Yahoo News/AP
Sun Apr 1,2001 -- Ninety-year-old Gordon B. Hinckley, who has overseen the=
most rapid expansion of the Mormon church, promised on Saturday to build mo=
re
temples around the world.
At the opening of the 171st semiannual General Conference, Hinckley said th=
e
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had dedicated its 103rd temple =
in
Uruguay, exceeding its goal of building 100 temples worldwide by the end of=
2000. "One of the bellwether marks of the growth and vitality of the church=
is the
construction of temples," said Hinckley, who has more than doubled the numb=
er
of temples since becoming president in 1995. Temples soon will be dedicated=
at
the former Mormon pioneer encampment at Winter Quarters, Neb., in
Guadalajara, Mexico, and Perth, Australia. Hinckley is the 15th president a=
nd
prophet of the church that now claims 11 million members worldwide
BC government introduces three pro-abortion
bills
{HYPERLINK "http://216.219.160.226/cgi-bin/went.cgi"}Weekend News Today =0F
Lead: Leo =0F
Source: {HYPERLINK "http://www.upway.com/cgi-bin/last.cgi?d=3Dhttp://www.li=
fesite.net/ldn/2001/mar/010330.html" \l "6"}LifeSite.net
Sun Apr 1,2001 -- The radical pro-abortion activist Government of British
Columbia has introduced three pro-abortion bills restricting information on=
abortion, mandating hospitals to commit abortions and giving pharmacists th=
e right
to prescribe abortifacient morning-after pills.
The bill restricting information is a direct result of successful access to=
information
requests by pro-lifers. The new law would forbid all abortion-performing
institutions from releasing information on abortions committed except for s=
tatistics
on the number of abortions by province or region. The second bill names 34=
hospitals in the province and mandates that they provide abortion services.=
The
bill also notes that the Lieutenant Governor may add to this list in Counci=
l.
http://216.219.160.226/cgi-bin/readnews.cgi?day=3D01_04_1&item=3D#986162863
=0F
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From: "research-bpr" <research-bpr@philologos.org>
Date: Sun, 1 Apr 2001 18:38:42 -0400
Reply-To: bprlist@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [bprlist] 'Peace camp' leaders call for separation from PA
April 1, 2001
(15:40) 'Peace camp' leaders call for separation from PA
By The Associated Press
For almost a decade, many Israelis assumed their fitful negotiations with the
Palestinians would ultimately produce a Palestinian state living in peace beside them - an agreed-on division of the Holy Land between its two rival peoples.
But the Palestinians' rejection of what was widely seen here as Israel's best
possible offer, and seven of deadly conflict, have led growing numbers of Israelis to conclude the country must regroup behind new borders that it draws itself.
The idea is problematic: The Palestinians say it will imprison them in impoverished ghettos. US officials warn against unilateral moves. Many people think the communities are too mixed together and the geography too complex to allow an enforceable border without an agreement.
But "separation" is becoming very popular among Israelis. Even some leading
peaceniks say it is the least offensive option.
Author Amos Oz, a pillar of Israel's peace camp, said Israel must wean itself from the view that the West Bank and Gaza, captured in 1967, are assets that should be traded for peace, not just given away.
"I think today that Israel should draw its own borders, withdraw to them, and if needed defend them," Oz told The Associated Press. "If we're going to fight,
Israel without Nablus and Gaza is stronger than with Nablus and Gaza. Stronger,
more unified, more just."
Yossi Sarid, head of the liberal Meretz Party, called Thursday for moving behind new borders "that are based on security needs and not settlement needs" -meaning many Jewish settlements in Palestinian areas would have to be
dismantled.
A poll published Friday by the newspaper Yediot Ahronot said 74 percent of
Jewish respondents favored "unilateral separation," with only 18 percent opposed. The poll of 444 Jews, which had a 4.5-point error margin, said 56 percent favored the evacuation of remote Jewish settlements that separation would require.
Skeptics - including Prime Minister Ariel Sharon - say a new border snaking for
hundreds of miles through hills and wadis, forests and desert could not possibly be defended and would still leave Israel at the mercy of suicide bombers and other attackers.
"How to defend it? Walls and hungry crocodiles in the water," scoffed Arnon
Soffer, a Haifa University geography professor who is one of the most passionate advocates of unilateral withdrawal.
For his part, Sharon, the former general who opposed the 1990s deals that
established a hodgepodge of Palestinian autonomous zones, now wants to
negotiate more.
His plan appears to be for Israelis to withdraw from little or no more land, and instead link the autonomous zones with a network of bridges and tunnels that would enable Jews and Palestinians to live their lives without much feeling each other's presence.
"Barak spoke of territorial separation - I speak of functional separation," said Pinhas Wallerstein, head of the Council of Jewish Communities of Judea, Samaria and Gaza and a leading Sharon supporter.
The Arabs "will live in some sort of autonomy with some sort of link to Jordan or some Arab state. I agree that Palestinians should be able to move around without encountering Israeli roadblocks," he said.
Palestinians reject the idea. And it's also not nearly good enough for many Israelis who fear the "demographic threat" involved in keeping - or having too close a relationship with - the West Bank and Gaza.
While today Jews account for just over half the 8 million people of Israel plus the West Bank and Gaza, by 2020 the numbers will be 6.5 million Jews and 8 million Arabs, said Soffer, who has spent years studying population trends.
"I want a clear line of division, hermetically sealed," said a former military
intelligence chief, Shlomo Gazit.
"If we don't do this, possibly the result will be that in 25 years we will bury the Jewish state."
Palestinian officials bitterly condemn the unilateral pullout idea.
"This is one of the most racist, punitive plans in history, and it's extremely
dangerous and must not even be contemplated in civilized society," said Hanan
Ashrawi, spokeswoman for the Palestinian Authority. "We don't want to be
relegated to our little bantustans ... with our economy totally dependent and
strangulated."
The search for new ideas has also given new life to a less popular notion that was once almost taboo. It says Israel, the West Bank and Gaza are a natural
geographical entity where Jews and Arabs are so intertwined that they are
condemned to live together forever in a single "binational" country from the
Mediterranean Sea to the Jordan River.
Meron Benvenisti, a former deputy mayor in Jerusalem, sees nothing wrong with
that.
He said a division might have been possible once had Israelis not been tempted to settle the West Bank and Gaza.
Some 200,000 Jews now live in the territories, with a similar number in the
disputed section of Jerusalem, which also was occupied in 1967.
"You cannot unscramble the egg," Benvenisti said. "This is a binational entity, a binational condition."
What about the Zionist dream of a Jewish state? "Why is Israel not allowed to
wake up from its dream?" he answered. "My dream is to live peacefully."
http://www.jpost.com/Editions/2001/04/01/LatestNews/LatestNews.23958.html
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From: "research-bpr" <research-bpr@philologos.org>
Date: Sun, 1 Apr 2001 19:02:00 -0400
Reply-To: bprlist@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [bprlist] Auschwitz
A group of Holocaust survivors filed a lawsuit seeking $40 billion in damages from
the United States for not bombing the Auschwitz concentration camp during World
War II, according to the French news agency Agence France-Presse. The
survivors are charging that the failure of the United States to bomb the camp
contributed to the deaths of millions of Jews.
http://forums.about.com/ab-judaism2/messages/?msg=130.1
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From: "Patt A."
Date: Sun, 1 Apr 2001 23:09:12 -0700 (PDT)
Reply-To: bprlist@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [bprlist] Fwd: (Fwd) AstroAlert: Comet LINEAR outburst
------- Forwarded message follows -------
Date sent: Sat, 31 Mar 2001 14:42:59 -0800
To: comet@skypub.com
From: "Roger W. Sinnott"
Subject: AstroAlert: Comet LINEAR outburst
Comet AstroAlert: Comet LINEAR (C/2001 A2)
A faint in-bound comet, discovered in January and due to become a nice
observing target in June, seems to have "turned on" much sooner than
expected. Following a major outburst this past week, the comet is already
within easy reach of small telescopes in the constellation Monoceros, low
in the southwestern sky at nightfall.
Back in mid-January, the MIT Lincoln Laboratory team in Socorro, New
Mexico, reported a 19th-magnitude object in Cancer that did not appear
to be moving like a typical main-belt asteroid. Follow-up CCD observations
at two observatories in the Czech Republic revealed a fuzzy rather than a
point-source image, and Daniel W. E. Green of the Central Bureau for
Astronomical Telegrams announced the discovery of Comet LINEAR (C/2001 A2)
on IAU Circular 7564. This was the 54th comet discovered or co-discovered
by the LINEAR team to date. (There have been a few more Comet LINEARs
since.)
The orbital elements calculated by Brian G. Marsden, and the brightness
observations available in January, suggested the comet would brighten
slowly to perhaps 13th or 12th magnitude by the start of April,
ultimately reaching about 9th magnitude in June.
But then, starting on March 26th, Michael Mattiazzo of Wallaroo, South
Australia, noticed the comet was much brighter than expected. With a
20-centimeter reflector on the 26th and 28th, he found it to be magnitude
10.7. On March 30th, using a 25 x 100 binocular, he called it 8.0. Other
observers around the world agree that something dramatic has happened to
this comet. Their reports are summarized on IAU Circular 7564, issued
March 30th ( http://cfa-www.harvard.edu/iau/cbat.html ).
The ephemeris below, calculated at Sky & Telescope from Marsden's elements,
gives the comet's position at 0h Universal Time on each day for the next
several weeks. Also given are its distances from the Earth (Delta) and
Sun (r) in astronomical units, elongation angle from the Sun, approximate
magnitude, and constellation.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The magnitude predictions given here are based on the
current outburst, which may not last. The comet could fade by several
magnitudes during this time.
Roger W. Sinnott
Sky & Telescope
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