9th September: A tale of two Cancuns9 September 2003
The full moon is shining bright over the lagoon, but it seems that the historic closeness of Mars is having more of an effect here in Mexico.
Inside the conference centre...
While WTO Ministerials are often characterised by difficulties at the end or after the talks, there is already trouble brewing here.
The lack of democracy is the biggest problem - with agricultural policy a particular concern.
One of the many banners appearing on the streets of Cancun
Two large groups of developing countries are taking strong stands against current WTO proposals. One - composed of countries like Brazil and India - is attacking subsidies in the developed world.
The other group believes - like Friends of the Earth - ending northern subsidies will not bring sustainability. They think domestic agriculture should be protected as well.
Both are demanding a fair hearing. This could be an explosive issue for the first day of the meeting tomorrow.
In another development, hundreds of ID card holders printed with a multilingual call for democracy have begun to appear - courtesy of Friends of the Earth campaigners.
Ferrying essential supplies
...and outside
Preparing to bury
the WTO
the WTO
Security forces are in full riot gear at checkpoints today.
The main road of the Zona Hotelera was closed at one end, forcing traffic queues for miles. Banners are being dropped from buildings in the city centre, and demonstrations are popping up to further frustrate drivers.
Thousands of people have converged on the area organising indigenous people protests and the peasants' movement. Most are sleeping rough - in tents or on gym floors.
We hope that if tensions run high enough it will force a comprehensive review of the WTO, its operating procedures and its underlying assumptions.
Tony (and
your Tonys)
your Tonys)
Back in London, Friends of the Earth Director - Tony Juniper - handed in a photo album of all of your Pocket PM entries to the Prime Minister's residence.
All the best,
Eve
Eve Mitchell, our Corporate Globalisation Campaigner is sending daily updates direct from WTO Ministerial.
© Friends of the Earth
