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International Day of Protest for Leonard Peltier * Alliance Between China and N. Korea

The following issue of Flyby News contains three items. Two is on the relentless struggle for justice and human rights in the case of Leonard Peltier. Next Tuesday marks the day of the 25th year of his unjust imprisonment. The third item was written by Cheong Wooksik, a representative of the Civil Network for a Peaceful Korea, a nonprofit peace organization in South Korea. Cheong's perspective confirms the reality that Missile Defense threatens an expansion of the arms race. Please lobby your Congressional Representatives to make sure that the U.S. honors the ABM Treaty and cans Missile Defense for a more effective and healthier approach to peace, security and the disarmament of weapons of mass destruction. During the same call ask how your Representative can support Congressional Hearings on the case of Leoanrd Peltier. You can call your Representative using the Congressional Switchboard (202)224-3121.

1) International Day of Protest for the Arrest of Leonard Peltier

2) Statement of Fedelia Cross, of the Oglala Lakota Nation

3) Missile Defense and the Alliance Between China and North Korea


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1) International Day of Protest for the Arrest of Leonard Peltier

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

This February 6 marks the 25th year of the unjust imprisonment of Leonard Peltier. Human rights leaders and organizations around the world have denounced the recent denial of Executive Clemency by President Clinton. Many supporters are calling for the U.S. Congress to hold investigative hearings regarding violations of Leonard Peltier's Human and Constitutional Rights.

Documented FBI and prosecution misconduct includes terrorizing Myrtle Poor Bear to sign a false affidavit, then committing fraud to the Canadian government by presenting her statement in the Extradition process. They also terrorized and coerced three teenaged boys into giving false testimonies to the grand jury and at the trial. They concealed a ballistics test reflecting Peltier's innocence from the defense, and the FBI expert witness gave distorted testimony to the jury. Yet, they denied Leonard Peltier a new trial on a technicality, with the Judge admitting that a strong doubt was cast on the prosecution's case. Most disturbing is that Leonard Peltier's highly controversial conviction was deeply rooted in one of the most grim chapters of recent American civil rights history, specifically the Pine Ridge Reign of Terror. Between 1973 and 1976 FBI-supported vigilantes terrorized, battered and assaulted scores of Lakota Traditionalists and AIM supporters throughout the Reservation. They burned houses and entire families were wounded by drive-by shootings. With high FBI presence during 1973 to 1976, not one of more than sixty murders was investigated. Why?

In his book, Prison Writings: My Life Is My Sun Dance, Leonard Peltier wrote, "Someday the true reasons for their ill-conceived assault, what really was going on, will come out. The answer or answers, if they haven't already been shredded, may lie in those 6,000+ FBI documents they admit having withheld to this day, both from us and from the American public, on grounds of "national security." Lately, I understand, they claim those documents have been "lost." Certainly it was no accident that the day before the gunfight at Oglala, the head of the nontraditional tribal government was signing over to the federal government one-eighth of the Pine Ridge reservation, an area reputedly rich in uranium deposits. Many of us believe that the shoot-out at Oglala was specifically intended as a diversion to conceal that illegal deal, which wasn't revealed to the public for nearly a year. The public furor over the death of the two agents also scotched a planned Congressional investigation of what had happened at Wounded Knee Two in 1973 and the subsequent Reign of Terror on Pine Ridge that led to the Oglala firefight on June 26, 1975."

On this International Day of Protest for the Arrest of Leonard Peltier, February 6, supporters are demonstrating around the world. The Boston Area Leonard Peltier Support Group will hold a rally at Government Center from 3:00 to 6:00 P.M. In Springfield, MA, supporters will be holding a peaceful demonstration at the Federal Building on Main Street from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. Speakers and special guests include Harvey Arden, editor of Leonard Peltier's book, and Chief Arvol Looking Horse. Everyone is invited to join this effort for truth and reconciliation with Native Americans and for the freedom of Leonard Peltier. Supporters are encouraged to call Representatives in Congress (202) 224-3121 in support of investigative hearings. For more information contact the Leonard Peltier Defense Committee Tel. (785)842-5774 P.O. Box 583; Lawrence, KS 66044

http://www.freepeltier.org

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2) Statement of Fedelia Cross, Citizen of the Oglala Lakota Nation

I cannot express the sadness and anger that I felt when I heard that my brother, Leonard Peltier was not given a presidential pardon from Clinton. At first I could not believe Clinton's lack of courage, but now I know that he is not an honorable man. Freedom for Leonard would have been freedom for all of us Indigenous People here on our own home land. I would like to know why Clinton did not give him his freedom. Clinton came here to Pine Ridge in July of 1999. I thought he had a little compassion for the Lakota People and all Native Peoples of this land. Clinton broke our hearts and made us cry on January 20, 2001. We also cried for all of our ancestors whose lives were taken by the white man who came to this continent over 500 years ago.

We as Lakota People have four values that we live by every day of our lives. They are bravery, wisdom, generosity, and fortitude. Although Clinton didn't give my brother Leonard his life back, we must continue to be brave and continue the battle to bring him home. We must educate Clinton and all the U.S. government officials about our culture. We as Lakota people have a form of government ruled by our sacred pipe and our laws are all natural. We must remind the federal government that we still have treaties with them. We must be kind and compassionate to the US government officials because we were born with the gift of kindness, love and generosity. Clinton witnessed this when he was here on our homeland in July of 1999.

Our forefathers were all honorable men just like my brother Leonard Peltier. One of our greatest leaders was Crazy Horse. He protected and loved his people until he was killed in jail by the federal government. Crazy Horse asked us to remember him when we look toward our sacred Black Hills. We also remember our brother Leonard Peltier when we see the Black Hills. Some day Leonard will be singing Crazy Horse's praise song while looking toward the Black Hills. That's what keeps us going. We are all very resilient. Although Clinton broke our hearts, through our prayers and our spirituality, we will survive.

When we thought Clinton was going to give our brother Leonard his life back we had plans to build a Lakota school here in Oglala. Through Leonard's demonstration of our Lakota values, we plan to develop his dream and plans for the betterment of our people even though he is not here with us.

I heard one of our respected elders of our tribe talk on KILI radio about Leonard the other morning. He said although Clinton slapped our faces, we must remain strong and show them how to forgive and pray for them so they will understand us. He also stated that we should educate our children so they could become lawyers and help us in the future. At Leonard's school we hope to accomplish this. I would like to thank all of you for loving and supporting him. All he wants is to be is a terrific grandpa and a good relative. May God bless all of you.

Mitakuye Oyasin
All my relations,

Fedelia Cross


*Fedelia Cross is the niece of Roselyn Jumping Bull and a survivor of the Pine Ridge Reign of Terror. She is a school teacher, a mother and a grand mother.

Received from the
Leonard Peltier Defense Committee (LPDC)
PO Box 583
Lawrence, KS 66044
785-842-5774
www.freepeltier.org
To subscribe, send a blank message to < lpdc-on@mail-list.com >

Reminder: You can help expose the injustices and support Investigative Hearings by helping to distribute the Peltier May 2000 Congressional Briefing video for community access TV. If anyone wants to contribute dollars for this purpose, the LPSG/GNE will make sure a video will find a host station, but please hurry. February 6 is a prime time to respond to a quarter of a Century of unfair imprisonment. Send $15 per tape to the LPDC:

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3) Missile Defense and the Alliance Between China and North Korea

Inauguration of President Bush and alliance between China and North Korea

written by Cheong Wooksik
translated by You Sanghee(Volunteer of CNPK)

North Korea's reclusive leader Kim Jong-il's surprise visit to China, in the very first month of 2001, has provoked keen interest of the international community. The fact that the visit took place only days before the inauguration of President Bush allows for a possibility of the two leaders, Mr. Kim and his old ally Chinese Premier Jiang Zemin, looking into a comprehensive structure of dynamics on the Korean peninsula as well as in the Northeast Asian region.

On the surface, Mr. Kim's visit to China strongly hints at his intentions toward China-style opening and reform. In fact, North Korea is currently faced with almost no choice at all, to revive its 20-year recession economy, than to open up and introduce reforms through improving ties with the outside world. In addition, the communist regime finds enough merits in the new Chinese system, where socialist political regime coexists with capitalist economy, resulting in a huge economic success.

However, there is something more to the visit than what it seems. The two leaders are expected to devise a joint strategy toward the US, which still regards China as its "strategic rival" and North Korea as "a rogue state". At the present point, it is rather difficult to imagine what kind of strategy they will be making.

For North Korea, normalizing relations with the South, the US, and Japan is essential for its economic reforms and opening. Indeed, the US has both legal and institutional keys to lifting off of sanctions against the "rogue state", as well as to advancing into the international market. As for Japan, it is the only country that can provide financial assistance, which North Korea desperately needs for economic revival - whether it be in the form of compensation for the colonial brutality, or of economic development fund.

North Korea is now facing a serious dilemma between economic needs and security reality. The Bush administration appears to be moving towards a hardline stance against Pyongyang, and there is also a sign of growing militarism in Japan. These two countries, it seems, will forge a stronger military alliance in the future.

What is certain for North Korea is that it will not give up on the mid-range missile development programme, the most controversial issue so far with the US and Japan, unless security threats from the US and Japan are completely eased.

In fact, Theater Missile Defense (TMD) and National Missile Defense (NMD), which symbolize strong military ambitions of the US and Japan, are enough to make North Korea feel threatened. Worse yet, the Bush administration is expected to urge Pyongyang to give up its development and export of missiles without adequate compensation, exposing North Korea to severe security threats, regardless of its giving up of the missile programs.

As William Perry, former US Defense Secretary and writer of guidelines toward North Korea under the Clinton administration, admitted, North Korea's missiles are more of a means to deter the US and Japan, rather than to provoke war. In other words, for North Korea, giving up on missile development without full guarantee of security would be losing all means of war deterrence.

However, it does not mean that boosting missile development would save North Korea from its current dilemma. If TMD, scheduled to be located starting 2003, deactivates North Korea's missiles, the US would be able to attack the communist regime under the cause of stopping the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. As for Japan, it may join hands with the US in attacking North Korea if Pyongyang resumes development of missiles or nuclear weapons.

In retrospect, a considerable part of normalization of relations between the US and North Korea should have taken place after the signing of the Agreed Framework in 1994. However, the US has not kept its part of the bargain, and this is basically why North Korea finds it difficult to feel secure about the "positive prospect", where it stops missile development in return for full political security and normalized relations with the US and Japan.

North Korea is not alone in its dilemma - China is in similar situation, with the inauguration of the Bush administration. For China, NMD may debilitate its nuclear deterrence against the US. If the US proceeds to deploy 100 interjector missiles by 2006 as planned, all of 15 or so nuclear war heads in China will be debilitated, each of which by 3-4 interjector missiles.

In this regard, China can never downplay the impact of TMD. With Japan's militarism growing in the 90s, and with its own airforce and marine capability weakness compared with Japan's military power, deployment of TMD seriously threatens the strategic advantage that China has maintained so far. Worse yet, if Taiwan is included in the US East-Asian missile defense network, further in the US security umbrella, China's dream of unification with Taiwan may forever be shattered.

Taking into account the current dilemma both North Korea and China are in, main purpose of the meeting between Mr. Kim and Premier Jiang would be to seek a joint strategy against the US hegemony in the region. However, since the US is both a potential threat and source of assistance for the two countries, it is all the more difficult to predict how they would respond to the superpower in the future.

What is rather certain here is that the two leaders must have shared concerns over, and seek joint strategy against NMD and TMD, which are sure to be deployed under the new Bush administration. In addition, they could have exchanged ideas on solutions to Pyongyang's mid and long-range missile development, which is an alleged cause, as well as a target of the proposed NMD.

What is interesting is that the two leaders met again on January 20, two day after the senate confirmation hearing of Colin Powell, appointed as Secretary of State. In the hearing, Powell disclosed his East Asian strategy, in which he emphasized an overall review of the existing North Korean policy, strengthened alliance among the US, South Korea, and Japan, forward stationed military forces, and deployment of missile defence.

East Asian policy of the Bush administration indeed sounds like a story right off of the Cold War era. Then how will Mr. Kim and Premier Jiang respond to this new circumstances? Will they partly restore a socialist system? Or will they pursue a "peace" strategy so as to "warm up" the "cold" stance of the Bush administration?

From a short-term perspective, such dilemma surrounding China and North Korea will be firstly resolved by how the US and North Korea settle the so-called "Star Wars project" (deployment of NMD/TMD) and missile development programs.

President George W. Bush, following the steps of Reagan, Bush, and Clinton, has repeatedly expressed his commitment to the "Star Wars project". Such strong intentions of the new president fans global concerns that the international community will be mired in yet another Cold War, and that the hard-won thawing mood on the Korean peninsula will be disrupted.

The North Korean regime is likely to interpret the deployment of NMD as lack of willingness, on the US part, to resolve nuclear and missile issues through dialogue. The US, for its part, is likely to focus more on strengthening its deterrence and attack capability, through NMD and TMD, than on negotiations with Pyongyang.

Republicans believe that 1994 Geneva Accord and 1999 Berlin Agreement, regarded as the most outstanding accomplishments of former President Clinton, had been nothing more than compensation for vice. In this regard, the Bush administration will be rather reluctant to provide compensation to North Korea in return for giving up the missile development programs. This will naturally lead to another long deadlock over Pyongyang's nuclear and missile issues, raising a possibility of yet another war on the peninsula.

For China, it will have less reasons to dissuade North Korea from developing missiles if the US continues to develop and deploy NMD and TMD. It would then be obvious to China that the US is in fact targeting China on the pretext of deterring North Korea. Russia, for its part, would be in no different position than China.

Many experts predict that the US would not give up its "Star Wars project" even if Pyongyang renounces its missile programs. They believe the ultimate reason behind the development of NMD/TMD is not deterring North Korea, but China.

However, if North Korea gives up its mid/long range missile ambitions, the US would have less convincing rationales for developing NMD/TMD, because the superpower has always argued that its project is aimed at deterring the rogue states, including North Korea.

In this case, the US would have to find itself another convincing rationale for NMD development - which will not be so easy. "Threats from Iran or Iraq" is not convincing enough, since their missile capability does not even equal North Korea. However, the US cannot directly mention China or Russia, because it would be admitting its past deceptions, therefore imposing on itself a huge political burden. The US media may not leave the administration in peace in those circumstances.

In this regard, it is convincing enough to argue that the Bush administration would not resolve the North Korean missile issues through negotiations - indeed, for the US, resolving the North Korean issue would mean losing a good rationale for NMD/TMD development.

Due to deep-rooted mistrust and conflicting strategical interests, it would be difficult for the US, China, and North Korea to resolve the issues by themselves. In current circumstances, a good idea would be a mediation of South Korean President Kim Dae-jung.

President Kim Dae-jung, though not from all, has earned a considerable support from many leaders across the world. He probably is the least hostile person at present point. In addition, as a winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, President Kim obtained the least authority needed to mediate between North Korea and the US, whose conflict will indeed determine the much delicate security circumstances surrounding the Korean peninsula.

In this regard, it is important to note that President Kim said, in an interview with (International Herald Tribune) on January 6, that he intended to ask the North to stop the production of long range missiles. He declined to comment directly on the development of NMD and TMD.

President Kim's remark is important, because he seems to have recognized the possibility of the hard-won security on the Korean peninsula being wrecked by the political instability caused by NMD and TMD. South Korean President also seems willing to mediate North Korea and the US in resolving the hottest issue- Pyongyang's missile development.

Although exact date is not set, leaders of the countries involved will be making state visits to and fro one another during the next 3 months: North Korean leader Kim Jong-il's visit to Seoul and Russia, President Kim Dae-jung's visit to Washington, Russia President Putin's visit to Seoul, etc. The series of state visits, main agenda of which will be security on the Korean peninsula and NMD/TMD development, will make a favorable environment for President Kim to act as a mediator between the US and North Korea.

In this regard, North Korean National Defense Commissioner Kim Jong-il's visit to Seoul would be an important milestone in determining stability on the Korean peninsula. Whether the two Korean leaders will decide to coordinate their policies in the face of new security threats remains to be seen.

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This above article was forwarded to Flyby News by the
Global Network Against Weapons & Nuclear Power in Space
Coordinator: Bruce Gagnon
PO Box 90083
Gainesville, FL. 32607
(352) 337-9274
http://www.space4peace.org
globalnet@mindspring.com

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