Lapang Islanders in Indonesia

"A Summary" – Apr 2, 2011 (Kryon channelled by Lee Carroll) (Subjects: Religion, Shift of Human Consciousness, 2012, Intelligent/Benevolent Design, EU, South America, 5 Currencies, Water Cycle (Heat up, Mini Ice Ace, Oceans, Fish, Earthquakes ..), Middle East, Internet, Israel, Dictators, Palestine, US, Japan (Quake/Tsunami Disasters , People, Society ...), Nuclear Power Revealed, Hydro Power, Geothermal Power, Moon, Financial Institutes (Recession, Realign integrity values ..) , China, North Korea, Global Unity,..... etc.) -

“ … Here is another one. A change in what Human nature will allow for government. "Careful, Kryon, don't talk about politics. You'll get in trouble." I won't get in trouble. I'm going to tell you to watch for leadership that cares about you. "You mean politics is going to change?" It already has. It's beginning. Watch for it. You're going to see a total phase-out of old energy dictatorships eventually. The potential is that you're going to see that before 2013.

They're going to fall over, you know, because the energy of the population will not sustain an old energy leader ..."

(Live Kryon Channelings was given 7 times within the United Nations building.)


Question: Dear Kryon: I live in Spain. I am sorry if I will ask you a question you might have already answered, but the translations of your books are very slow and I might not have gathered all information you have already given. I am quite concerned about abandoned animals. It seems that many people buy animals for their children and as soon as they grow, they set them out somewhere. Recently I had the occasion to see a small kitten in the middle of the street. I did not immediately react, since I could have stopped and taken it, without getting out of the car. So, I went on and at the first occasion I could turn, I went back to see if I could take the kitten, but it was to late, somebody had already killed it. This happened some month ago, but I still feel very sorry for that kitten. I just would like to know, what kind of entity are these animals and how does this fit in our world. Are these entities which choose this kind of life, like we do choose our kind of Human life? I see so many abandoned animals and every time I see one, my heart aches... I would like to know more about them.

Answer: Dear one, indeed the answer has been given, but let us give it again so you all understand. Animals are here on earth for three (3) reasons.

(1) The balance of biological life. . . the circle of energy that is needed for you to exist in what you call "nature."

(2) To be harvested. Yes, it's true. Many exist for your sustenance, and this is appropriate. It is a harmony between Human and animal, and always has. Remember the buffalo that willingly came into the indigenous tribes to be sacrificed when called? These are stories that you should examine again. The inappropriateness of today's culture is how these precious creatures are treated. Did you know that if there was an honoring ceremony at their death, they would nourish you better? Did you know that there is ceremony that could benefit all of humanity in this way. Perhaps it's time you saw it.

(3) To be loved and to love. For many cultures, animals serve as surrogate children, loved and taken care of. It gives Humans a chance to show compassion when they need it, and to have unconditional love when they need it. This is extremely important to many, and provides balance and centering for many.

Do animals know all this? At a basic level, they do. Not in the way you "know," but in a cellular awareness they understand that they are here in service to planet earth. If you honor them in all three instances, then balance will be the result. Your feelings about their treatment is important. Temper your reactions with the spiritual logic of their appropriateness and their service to humanity. Honor them in all three cases.

Japan's Antarctic whaling hunt ruled 'not scientific'

Japan's Antarctic whaling hunt ruled 'not scientific'
Representatives of Japan and Australia shake hands at the court in The Hague. (NOS/ANP) - 31 March 2014
"Fast-Tracking" - Feb 8, 2014 (Kryon Channelling by Lee Carroll) - (Reference to Fukushima / H-bomb nuclear pollution and a warning about nuclear > 20 Min)

China calls for peaceful settlement of maritime disputes

China calls for peaceful settlement of maritime disputes
Wang Min, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, speaks during a meeting to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the enforcement of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, at the UN headquarters in New York, on June 9, 2014. The Chinese envoy on Monday called for a harmonious maritime order, saying that maritime disputes should be settled through negotiation between the parties directly involved. (Xinhua/Niu Xiaolei)

UNCLOS 200 nautical miles vs China claimed territorial waters

UNCLOS 200 nautical miles vs China claimed territorial waters

Saturday, November 30, 2013

US to destroy Syria chemical weapons stockpile at sea, says watchdog

Deutsche Welle, 30 November 2013

The United States will destroy some of Syria's chemical weapons arsenal at sea, after previously offering to do so. The hydrolysis operation targets the most lethal parts of the stockpile.


The announcement of the operation was made on Saturday by the world's chemical watchdog, the Hague-based Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

The weapons will be destroyed at sea by hydrolysis, when chemical compounds decompose due to their reaction with water. OPCW Director-General Ahmet Üzümcü said the US government had offered "destruction technology, full operational support and financing to neutralize Syria's priority chemicals".

The chemicals are due to be removed from Syria by December 31.

The operation is part of a joint OPCW-UN plan to completely eradicate Syria's chemical weapons by the middle of next year. It said on Saturday it will evaluate 35 expressions of interest from commercial companies that have applied to destroy the inventory.

Üzümcü said the organization was "at the preliminary stage of ascertaining the availability of suitable candidate companies," adding those making bids would need to comply with international regulations on safety and the environment.

Üzümcü called on member states to contribute to a special trust fund to finance the destruction of the weapons, or to provide in-kind contributions, including contracting companies to "conduct destruction activities."

jr/tj (Reuters, AP, AFP)

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Dutch shrimp firm and EU market leader fined €27m for cartel forming

DutchNews.nl, 27 November 2013
 
The companies agreed on the price
of North Sea shrimps (Nos/ANP)
Three Dutch and one German shrimp processing firms have been fined a total €28.7m for cartel forming, with the biggest fine - €27m – going to Heiploeg.

The European Commission investigation found the companies had for years fixed the prices of North Sea shrimps, leading to too-high prices for consumers.

In a statement, competition commissioner Joaquín Almunia said: 'It is astonishing to see in what kind of detail North Sea shrimp traders in their frequent contacts with each other discussed commercially sensitive information concerning their business.

'And it is even more astonishing taking into account the sector had already received a clear warning via the previous conviction of some traders by the Dutch competition authority.'

Between them, the four firms controlled some 80% of the European North Sea shrimp market. Heiploeg, based in the small town of Zoutkamp in Groningen, is European market leader.

Related Article:

Guinea threatened with EU sanctions for illegal fishing

Google – AFP, 26 November 2013

Children play on fishing boats in the harbour at Conakry, Guinea, on August 10, 
999 (AFP/File, Issouf Sanogo)

Brussels — The European Commission on Tuesday urged EU governments to hit Belize, Cambodia and Guinea with trade sanctions over illegal fishing, while warning South Korea, Ghana and Curacao they may be next.

The European Union executive called for action against the first three with no 'credible progress' made since hitting them with so-called 'yellow cards' last year along with five others.

Once placed on an official list of "non-cooperating countries" in the fight against illegal fishing, related products from those territories will find themselves all-but shut out of the EU market of half a billion consumers.

The Commission also flagged up a new round of 'yellow cards' which puts key free-trade partner South Korea, Ghana and Caribbean island Curacao under mounting pressure to meet international obligations.

"West Africa was identified as a major source of illegal fishing and my intention is now take the same thorough approach in the Pacific," said EU Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Maria Damanaki.

Damanaki told a press conference that for South Korea, Ghana and Curacao, "this is not about EU legislation -- we are implementing international rules."

"We are very much willing to give them more time."

She said the "right to fish as they want" had to be set against the EU's "right to protect consumers."

The EU says at least 15 percent of all landings around the world are done illegally, between 11 and 16 million tonnes each year, with international rules agreed in 2001 routinely flouted.

Five countries made sufficient progress this year to avoid being expelled from EU markets at least until March next year: Fiji, Panama, Sri Lanka, Togo and Vanuatu.

The EU imports 65 percent of its fishing consumption.

Campaigners Greenpeace said the decisions announced would "motivate all six countries to improve fisheries management and help create a better future for their seas and fishermen.?

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Philippines to plant more mangroves in wake of Typhoon Haiyan

Google – AFP, 26 November 2013

Mangrove trees are seen at Ulugan Bay shores in Puerto Princesa, Palawan
island, south of Manila, on April 25, 2012 (AFP, Ted Aljibe)

Manila — The Philippines said Sunday it will plant more mangrove areas to prevent a repeat of the deadly storm surges that claimed hundreds of lives during Super Typhoon Haiyan earlier this month.

President Benigno Aquino's spokesman Herminio Coloma said the move was among the measures that will be part of the "comprehensive programme of environmental protection", that is being forged in the wake of the killer typhoon.

Environment Secretary Ramon Paje is readying the programme which will include "no-build zones" in coastal areas, even if it means moving people who already live in such places, said Coloma.

A boy walks past Mangrove trees at
 Honda Bay in Puerto Princesa,
 Palawan island, south of Manila, on
April 24, 2012 (AFP, Ted Aljibe)
"Among the directives of the president is to restore the mangroves which are natural protection of coastal areas," he told reporters.

"We have already prepared mangrove plantations and we hope to begin planting soon because it takes five to seven years for these things to grow," he added.

Mangroves refers to trees and bushes that grow in marine coastal areas like marshlands with the plants standing out of the water during high tide.

Super Typhoon Haiyan left almost 7,000 people dead or missing when it swept through the central Philippine islands earlier this month, many of them killed by storm surges that hit coastal areas sending five-metre (16-feet)high, tsunami-like waves deep inland, destroying buildings.

Coloma said "geohazard mapping" by the environment department would identify which areas are vulnerable to natural disasters like storms and floods.

The Philippine government has been encouraging the protection of mangrove areas not only for protection against storm surges and waves but also because they prevent erosion of coastlines, act as nurseries for marine life and even serve as carbon sinks against global warming.

However the environment department has said many mangrove areas have already been lost due to conversion to other purposes like commercial fishponds and cutting of the plants for firewood and timber.

WTO backs EU in seal ban battle with Canada and Norway

Google – AFP, 25 November 2013

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) activists stage a demonstration
 against the seal hunting in front of the World Trade Organization (WTO) headquaters
on February 18, 2013 in Geneva (AFP, Fabrice Coffrini)

Geneva — The WTO on Monday ruled in favour of the European Union in its bitter battle with Canada and Norway over its ban on the import and sale of seal products.

In a statement, the Geneva-based World Trade Organization said its disputes panel recognised grounds for complaint because the EU did not grant seal product traders a level playing field.

But it said they were outweighed by the fact that the ban "fulfils the objective of addressing EU public moral concerns on seal welfare to a certain extent," and that no alternatives existed on that front.

The EU was hauled before the WTO's dispute settlement body by Ottawa and Oslo after imposing a ban in 2010 due to what it called inhumane hunting methods.

Brussels argued that the scientific evidence stacked up in favour of its claims that slaughter methods -- such as using a hakapik, a club with a metal spike on it, to stun seals before killing them -- were cruel.

It also underlined that the EU public was overwhelmingly in favour of the ban.

Canada and Norway insisted their seal-hunting methods were ethical, providing counter-arguments from scientists, and saying they are no worse than those used in commercial deer-hunting which is widespread in the EU.

They also called the ban trade discrimination because seal products from EU members Sweden and Finland enjoyed unimpeded market access within the bloc. The EU rejected that argument.

The WTO's 159 member economies set the rules for their mutual trade, and can bring disputes to Geneva in the hope that it will order rivals to fall into line.

Canada and Norway kill tens of thousands of seals per year, and say hunting is an age-old method allowing Atlantic fishing communities to earn an income, as well as to manage fish stocks and thereby the environment.

In its WTO complaint, Canada argued that it had introduced more humane hunting methods and taken steps to limited the number of seals that fishing boats can hunt per day.

Animal rights groups, however, say seal hunting is a barbaric ritual and have waged a robust campaign in recent years to stop it.

The Brigitte Bardot Foundation, set up by the French film star turned animal rights campaigner, hailed the ruling.

"The WTO has taken an historic decision by recognising that animal welfare is a moral public concern that can justify trade restrictions," it said in a statement.

Canada's indigenous Inuits, who have traditionally hunted seal for centuries, are exempt from the ban.

Canada and Norway have the right to appeal against the ruling.

Monday, November 25, 2013

Indonesia to Turn a Blind-Eye to Australia-Bound Boats

Jakarta Globe, Farouk Arnaz, November 25, 2013

Rescuers assist survivors arriving on fishing boat at the wharf of Cidaun, West Java
 on July 24, 2013 after an Australia-bound boat carrying asylum-seekers sank off the
 Indonesian coast, leaving at least nine dead as 189 were saved. According to authorities
 the asylum seekers were mostly from Iraq, Iran and Sri Lanka. (AFP Photo)

Indonesian police will ignore Australia-bound asylum seekers until President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono restores bilateral cooperation with Australia, the chief of the National Police said in a statement that threatens to further damage ties between the two nations following last week’s spy scandal.

“Surely we will investigate all violations that take place within Indonesia’s jurisdiction,” National Police chief Gen. Sutarman said on Monday. “But if anyone wants to head there [Australia]; it is not part of our authority. There is no more cooperation [in the area].”

Yudhoyono reacted to allegations that the Australian spying agency attempted to tap his phone and those of his inner circle in a press conference last week, shutting down intelligence and people-smuggling cooperation between Australia and Indonesia as local officials review the wiretapping claims. The suspension placed several key programs in limbo, including efforts to curb people-smuggling between the two nations, a hot-button issue in Australia, where Prime Minister Tony Abbott rode into office on the support of a conservative anti-immigration movement.

Canberra has attempted to minimize the impact of the blowback, emphasizing the importance of the Australian Federal Police and Navy’s efforts to combat people-smuggling, but still called Indonesia  ” a very, very important partner,” in the fight, according to reports by Agence France-Presse.

Indonesia is a popular way-point for Australia-bound asylum seekers.

Sunday, November 24, 2013

This Video Will Make You Never Want To Eat Lobster Again

Collective Evolution, Arjun Walia, November 12, 2013

It’s the age of information, and the internet has become an excellent tool for sharing and coming together to spread awareness to begin taking  necessary action towards global change. Collective Evolution recently received an email from PETA, showing their interest in working together to spread the word about animal cruelty worldwide. It’s just another example of alternative media outlets working together as a team. We all recognize that we are working towards a common goal, and the potential we have when we come together is unlimited and far-reaching. If you haven’t checked them out, please do so here.

PETA’s groundbreaking investigation of mass crustacean slaughter recorded animals who were ripped apart and boiled alive for Linda Bean’s Maine Lobster.

Lobsters and crabs feel pain. Lobsters do not have a centralized nervous system—but instead have ganglia, or masses of nervous tissue, spread throughout their bodies— so their deaths can be prolonged. A lobster’s nervous system continues to function even after the animal is dismembered.

Lobsters are like us in many ways; they have a long childhood and an awkward adolescence. They too carry their young for nine months and can live to be more than 100 years old.

Around 2.3 million lobsters and countless crabs will be killed at this slaughterhouse this year alone. Don’t let more animals suffer this fate.

Animals are conscious, and that’s something that is obvious if you’ve ever been around them. They are just like us in the sense that they are thinking, perceiving, and altruistic beings. Even mainstream media has recognized and reported on the consciousness of animals.

I understand that the consumption of animals has taken place throughout human history, but back when the human race was driven by spirit, not ego, animals were killed only out of necessity. They were thanked, and laid to rest in a very respectful way. Today, it’s nothing short of a worldwide genocide.

This video is extremely graphic, in some cases it shows the reaction after the animal is torn apart. It begins moving rapidly in response and is clearly feeling a tremendous amount of pain. Owe it to yourself to be aware. I’m not sure if showing this video is necessary, but if you don’t like what you see then maybe you can help do something about it.



Source
Related Articles:

"Current" Events –  Apr 10, 2005 (Kryon Channelling by Lee Carroll)

"..  Animals and Reincarnation

On a lighter note, we interrupt the life and death discussion of Humans to talk about animals. There are the questions not asked, but laying there, of which you are more than curious. "Dear Kryon," it has been asked, "do animals reincarnate?"...

Again, the Human Being looks at animals as one word that covers trillions of entities on the planet. You believe that all of them either do or don't reincarnate, and you want one answer for them all. What if I was from another planet and communicated to you this question: "What color are animals? I want one answer, please." You'd laugh, and wonder what kind of singular consciousness I might have in my reality to ask such a thing.

So I say to you regarding your reincarnation question: Which ones? "You mean there's a difference, Kryon?" Oh, yes! We've already gone over the purpose of animals on the planet. We've told you many things about animals. We've told you that some of them are actually designed to be eaten, and they come for this very purpose. We've indicated to you what's wrong with the way you're treating them, and that you don't honor them in their death, or even as you extract their resources while they're alive. And that, my dear friends, is the reason there's disease in the meat. When you start honoring these animals in their death so that they can create the food that's needed for you, then you'll see the disease disappear.

This is a factor that has yet to be named in your language or your culture - the idea that there's an energy that the Human creates even in the appropriate slaughter of animals for food, the results of which change these animals and the health of the Human who consumes them. Why is it that the indigenous knew about it and you don't? It's an energy that addresses the consciousness of Gaia and the animal kingdom. It addresses the way animals are honored in death.

Animals don't all reincarnate, but some do - if it's appropriate for the Humans around them. Most of the animals on the planet don't reincarnate, but there are a select group and individuals who do, and even a "rule of thumb" that you can apply to those who do and those who don't. When I tell you about the ones who do, you're going to understand a little bit more about the process of who you are. Blessed is the Human Being who walks this planet in lesson: Everything revolves around you! It may not look like it, but it does. Gaia knows who you are when you walk on the dirt! You have a light that you can strike [create] and carry with you that will change the very elements around you. Matter will respond to what you do because you are the angels disguised as Human Beings.

Some of you have selected various animals on earth to be your partners or friends, and you call them pets. Even some of the ones to be slaughtered, if they have a Human who loves them, are pets... if only for a while. These are the ones who reincarnate.

"Why should such a thing be, Kryon? How does that work? Do they have souls? What's the ‘rule' you speak of?" In a way, they do have souls, but not as your souls are structured - not with the lessons your souls carry, or the multiple aspects you have. They're not angels, but they're support entities to those who are [Humans]. When they reincarnate the reason is in honor of the Human Being, you see? Animals, in general, don't last that long on the planet. You might have this beautiful partner, this love essence that you have with an animal pet-friend. Then that animal-friend disappears in death, for again, they don't live that long. The rule of incarnations is, therefore, "If the Human needs it, it happens." So there is a scenario created within the system that helps Humans temper the loss of this love, and we'll give it to you.

When your precious animal-friend dies, go look for another one right away. Don't wait. Don't wait! I'll tell you why. Immediately go looking in places where animal babies are. Make no presuppositions about the kind of animal or the gender. Don't necessarily try to match the one you lost. Instead, go to the places where you intuitively believe the young animals are, and look into their eyes. One of them will be the one... because it - and the Universe - knows intuitively where you're going to look!

This is the system that honors you. Many know this and have said, "I know this is so because when I found this other animal to be my partner and my pet, it started doing the same things that my former animal did - it even responded the same way to me." It's a beautiful system in honor of you. It's an acknowledgment of a broken heart, you see? So you can pick up where you left off.

Some may now ask, "What size animal are we talking about, Kryon? Is there a limit?" We say, there you go again [Kryon smile]. What size do you want? An elephant or a mouse? It doesn't make a difference. If they're loved by you and part of your karmic energy, they'll reincarnate. However, it might be prudent of you to intuitively look for the size of animal that meets your living needs. God doesn't give you an elephant when your mouse dies [laughter].




.

Saturday, November 23, 2013

China creates 'air defense zone' to oversee disputed East China Sea

Deutsche Welle, 23 November 2013

China has announced the establishment of an air defense zone over the East China Sea, including islands also claimed by Japan. It is the latest incident in an escalating conflict over the disputed islands.


China laid claim to the block of airspace over the disputed islands in the East China Sea on Saturday, warning that "defensive emergency measures" would be taken should any aircraft refuse to comply with new identification rules.

A map with coordinates was published of the area it called "the East China Sea Air Defense Identification Zone." It encompasses the Japanese-administered Senkaku islands, known as Diaoyu in China. The islands, also claimed by Taiwan, are believed to be surrounded by oil and gas deposits.

According to Chinese state news agency Xinhua, aircraft will now have to report flight plans to China's Foreign Ministry or civil aviation administration, maintain radio contact when entering the area, reply promptly to identification inquiries, keep radar transponders turned on, and bear clear markings of their nationality and registration.

Should aircraft not comply with the new rules, "China's armed forces will adopt defensive emergency measures to respond to aircraft that do not cooperate in the identification or refuse to follow the instructions," Xinhua said.

The Defense Ministry, which is to act as the "administrative organ for the zone" said it was designed the "guard against potential air threats," the news agency added.

The zone became operational as of 10 a.m. local time on Saturday (0200 UTC).

The creation of the zone is likely to further heighten tensions in a bitter territorial row between the two countries, which were revived when Japan nationalized three of the archipelago's five islands in September last year.

ccp/mz (AFP, dpa, Reuters)

UN tribunal sides with Arctic Sunrise activists

Deutsche Welle, 23 November 2013

An international maritime court has called for the immediate release of the Arctic Sunrise activists and their vessel. The verdict was clear - but Russia's reaction to it remains to be seen.


The second session of the UN's International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea was held on Friday (22.11.2013) in Hamburg, following an appeal from the Netherlands against the detention of the Arctic Sunrise vessel and the 30 Greenpeace activists on board the ship. The activists had staged a protest at an oil rig owned by Russian oil giant Gazprom in mid September, before being arrested by Russian police.

The court proceedings didn't take long. Judge Shunji Yanai, president of the tribunal, read out the verdict in 35 minutes, pausing only to take a few sips of water. As he read, the four representatives from the Dutch Foreign Ministry, which had filed the appeal against the Russian Federation, exchanged glances several times and nodded in agreement.

Handshakes and hugs followed: the tribunal had met Dutch demands by calling on Russian authorities to immediately free the Arctic Sunrise vessel and all the detained activists in exchange for a 3.6 million euro ($4.9 million) bond from the Netherlands.

The Greenpeace activists face
charges of hooliganism
Not quite unanimous

The tribunal ruled that as soon as the Hague pays the agreed bail in the form of a performance bond, Russian authorities are legally bound to allow the vessel - which sailed under the Dutch flag - as well as the detained Greenpeace activists to leave Russian territory. The ruling was almost unanimous, with 19 out of 21 judges supporting it. Only two judges opposed the motion: the representatives from Russia and Ukraine.

The ruling stated that the Dutch arguments had been taken into consideration. During the case's first hearing, which took place on November 6, the Dutch side asserted, among other things, that the actions of the Russian authorities are contrary to international law and are a violation of human rights. Dutch representatives also stated that the long-term presence of the Arctic Sunrise - a fairly old icebreaker - in Russia's Arctic port of Murmansk without the necessary maintenance could pose a danger to the environment.

Following their protest on September 18 at an oil rig in the Barents Sea, the Greenpeace activists have spent two months in Russian pre-trial detention centers. The environmentalists, who claim their actions were peaceful, face charges of "hooliganism." According to Russian law, they could serve up to seven years in prison.

A chance for Russian authorities

Liesbeth Lijnzaad, a legal adviser for the Dutch Foreign Ministry, told journalists that the Hague would need some time to carefully study the verdict of the tribunal. "It is a statement that we need to reflect on, and we need to study it further and determine how to proceed with it. I think it's also important to note that it's quite clear that the decision of the court is binding on both parties of this case," she said.

Demonstrators in Russia and many other countries protested in
solidarity with the activists

Many observers present in the courtroom noted that adhering to the tribunal's demands would be a chance for the Russian authorities to show - with actions rather than with words - that abiding by international law is something they value.

Kumi Naidoo, executive director of Greenpeace International, called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to allow the stipulations of the tribunal to be carried out. "Given that [Putin] has always argued the importance of international law, he must now do whatever he can to ensure that there will be no further delays in our colleagues reuniting with their families as soon as possible," he announced after the verdict was read out.

"It is very important that the international court has decided what is right and what is wrong," Marieluise Beck, a Green party representative from the German Bundestag who had come to hear the verdict, told DW. "Everything else is going to be the next step. Russia has to understand that its actions didn't correspond with international law."

Final hope

The US captain of the Arctic Sunrise,
 Peter Willcox, was among 13 activists
freed on Friday
The UN tribunal was the only chance for the detained activists to be released, said Henning Jessen, a professor specializing in maritime law at the University of Hamburg, speaking with news agency dpa before the verdict. According to Jessen, if the tribunal had declared itself incapable of giving a verdict, it would have been unlikely that the Netherlands would have had another legal opportunity challenge Russia.

Just a few hours before the court went into session in Hamburg, another Greenpeace activist, the Russian citizen Roman Dolgov, was able to leave detention, along with other Arctic Sunrise crew members. Of the 30 activists arrested following the protest, all but one have now been released on bail.

Greenpeace's Naidoo said his Russian colleagues had already returned to their families, while the non-Russian activists are currently staying in a hotel in St. Petersburg. Earlier Friday, Russian authorities had announced that the foreigners will not be able to leave Russian territory until the case against them has drawn to a close. The majority of the detained Greenpeace activists are not Russian citizens.

Naidoo, however, was hopeful that Russia would comply with the tribunal's verdict and let the activists go home. "The Russian Federation previously respected the rulings of the tribunal and we hope it will do so this time as well," he said.

Related Article:

A protester holds a placard during a demonstration against the
detention of Greenpeace activists in Russia, outside the Russian
embassy in central London, on October 5, 2013 (AFP/File, Carl Court)

Friday, November 22, 2013

Indonesian researchers find 'German U-boat'

Google – AFP, 21 November 2013

Photo received on November 21, 2013 by the National Archaeology Centre and
 taken in Karimun Jawa, Central Java, shows markings on a plate found by Indonesian
 archaeologists at the site of a sunken German submarine from the World War II era
(National Archaeology Centre/AFP, National Archaeology Centre)

Jakarta — Indonesian researchers said Thursday they have discovered what is believed to be the wreck of a German submarine that was torpedoed off the main island of Java during World War II.

A team found the wreck -- which contained at least 17 human skeletons -- north of Java earlier this month after a tip-off from local divers.

Researchers believe it is submarine "U-168", which succeeded in sinking several allied vessels before itself being torpedoed by a Dutch submarine in 1944.

"This is the first time we have found a foreign submarine from the war in our waters," said Bambang Budi Utomo, head of the research team at the National Archaeology Centre that found the vessel.

"This is an extraordinary find that will certainly provide useful information about what took place in the Java Sea during World War II."

As well as the human skeletons, dinner plates bearing swastikas, batteries, binoculars and a bottle of hair oil were pulled from the wreck.

This undated handout photo received on November 21, 2013 by the National 
Archaeology Centre and taken in Karimun Jawa, Central Java, shows a skull
 found by Indonesian archaeologists at the site of a sunken German submarine from
the World War II era (National Archaeology Centre/AFP, National Archaeology Centre)

He said further tests were being carried out on the objects to confirm the submarine was "U-168".

"There could be more people in there. We are open to assistance from the German government to research this area of their history," he added.

Utomo said it was unlikely the wreck, some 60 miles (100 kilometres) northeast of Karimunjawa island, would be lifted from the seabed any time soon because of its sheer size and the cost involved.

Japan occupied Indonesia during World War II, which was then still known by its colonial name of the Dutch East Indies. Tokyo and Berlin were allies during the war.

Putin says Greenpeace had 'noble' motives as more crew freed

Google – AFP, 21 November 2013

A photo issued by Greenpeace on November 21, 2013 shows "Arctic 30"
 activist Gizem Akhan (R) from Turkey, in court in Saint Petersburg, Russia
(Greenpeace International/AFP, Vladimir Baryshev)

Saint Petersburg — Russia on Thursday released six Greenpeace activists on bail, bringing to seven the number freed from jail as President Vladimir Putin said the group had noble motives for their Arctic protest.

Photographer Denis Sinyakov, Greenpeace press secretary Andrei Allakhverdov, the ship's doctor Yekaterina Zaspa, David John Haussman from New Zealand, France's Francesco Pisanu and Italian Cristian D'Alessandro all left detention after being granted bail by Saint Petersburg courts, the group said.

Greenpeace International activist Andrey
 Allakhverdov (C), one of the "Arctic 30",
 is released on bail from a detention centre
 in Saint Petersburg, Russia, on
November 21, 2013 (AFP, Olga Maltseva)
On Thursday, courts also granted bail to Jon Beauchamp of New Zealand, British crewmembers Frank Hewetson and Iain Rogers, Ukrainian cook Ruslan Yakushev, Canadian bosun Alexandre Paul and Turkish activist Gizem Akhan, Greenpeace said. They have not yet been released.

Three are still awaiting court decisions. One activist from Australia has been refused bail.

Putin said he believed the Greenpeace activists were acting with good intentions, but that they were wrong to climb up the oil platform and ram boats of coastguards.

"Are they doing something noble? Yes, they are. Did they act rightly when they climbed the platform? No, it was not right," he said in televised comments at a meeting with writers.

"Some climbed onto the platform, while others attacked our coastguards, practically storming them with their boats," Putin said.

Putin quoted a catch phrase from a 1960s-era Soviet comedy film that refers to physical punishment: "Fedya, that's not our method."

After treating the crewmembers harshly on their arrest, the Russian authorities have gradually climbed down, reducing their charge from piracy to hooliganism and now sanctioning their release.

Russian photographer Denis Sinyakov, one
of the "Arctic 30," is released on bail from
detention centre in Saint Petersburg, on
November 21, 2013 (AFP, Olga Maltseva)
But the activists still face a possible jail sentence of up to seven years.

'An act of protest is not hooliganism'

Sinyakov's detention over the September protest at a state-owned oil rig was particularly controversial because he is a well-known press photographer who was working for Greenpeace as a freelancer.

The photographer, who has grown a beard in prison, raised a fist in triumph after stepping out of the notorious Kresty prison.

"An action of protest is not hooliganism," Sinyakov told TV Rain.

"My main task is to prove my innocence.I will be trying to achieve that."

He said that the conditions in the Murmansk prison where he was held until this month were much worse than in Saint Petersburg, but "they were bearable."

"The psychological situation itself is harder," he said.

On Wednesday evening, the first Greenpeace activist, Brazilian Anna Paula Maciel, walked out of her Saint Petersburg prison, smiling and holding a sign saying "Save the Arctic."

A photo released by Greenpeace shows the group's Arctic Sunrise ship docked
 in the port of Murmansk, Russia, on November 7, 2013 (GREENPEACE/AFP/File,
Dmitri Sharomov)

"Ana Paula's passport has now been given back to her and she has been given a special registration card stating that she legally arrived in the Russian Federation," Greenpeace said in a statement sent to AFP, adding that all the freed activists were staying in Saint Petersburg.

"There is no clarity on when the Arctic 30 will be able to return home."

Sinyakov told TV Rain that the investigators were still holding his international passport.

The jailing of the 30 prompted calls for their release from politicians including British Prime Minister David Cameron as well as stars such as Madonna and Paul McCartney.

This week, two courts in Saint Petersburg have ruled to release 26 crewmembers on condition that they pay bail of 2 million rubles ($60,750).

Brazilian Greenpeace International activist
 Ana Paula Maciel, one of the "Arctic 30," is
 released on bail from a detention centre in 
Saint Petersburg, Russia, on November 20,
2013 (AFP, Olga Maltseva)
But a court extended the detention of one crewmember of Greenpeace's Arctic Sunrise ship, 59-year-old Australian radio operator Colin Russell, until February 24.

Australia's ambassador to Russia, Paul Myler, wrote on Twitter that he visited Russell Thursday and the activist was "in good spirits and confident his appeal will be successful."

Myler said Russian officials had suggested to him that the different decision in Russell's case could simply have been due to the fact that he was the first activist in court.

"General consensus: the first pancake never works out," Myler wrote, a Russian proverb meaning that the first attempt at something is usually unsuccessful.

Those granted bail include the two activists who actually scaled the oil rig during the September 18 protest in the Barents Sea.

Greenpeace said Thursday that a court in Murmansk rejected the group's appeal against the confiscation of their ship.

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A protester holds a placard during a demonstration against the
detention of Greenpeace activists in Russia, outside the Russian
embassy in central London, on October 5, 2013 (AFP/File, Carl Court)