El Salvador and the Region - Burke Stansbury

Burke Stansbury of CISPES (Committee in Solidarity with the People of El Salvador) talks with 2NimFM from Washington about the general swing to the left in the Central American region, which could impact upon the elections in El Salvador next year.

9.9Mb. 128kbps mono 10:45mins

Popout

Original audio source

El Salvador Pt.1 - FMLN challenges impunity law; Lara Pullin

Lara Pullin, Latin American solidarity activist has breaking news from El Salvador. The FMLN opposition party is confident enough of its popular support, and its chances of winning next years election, that they have tabled legislation repealing the 'amnesty law', granting impunity to those accused of gross human rights violations and war crimes, during the 12 year civil war. The law was passed in 1993 as part of the 1992 'Accord' that marked the end of the civil war.
Repeal of the amnesty law will will impinge heavily on the ARENA party (that leads the current governing coalition) and the military. The founder of the ARENA party, Roberto D'Aubuisson was widely believed to have ordered the assassination of Archbishop Romero and other Death Squad murders, while certain army units were responsible for the elimination of entire villages, including children and infants.
As the elections next year draw nearer tensions are mounting, with FMLN leaders calling on their supporters not to react to increasing incidents of anti-FMLN violence.

16.7 Mb 128kbps mono 17:49mins

Popout

Original audio source

Venezuelan Solidarity - Coral Winter, Brigade Veteran

Coral Winter has seen nine Australian brigades going over to Venezuela for the last four years, and will soon be going again. She spent over a year in Venezuela as a regular correspondent. In this interview she explains what the next brigade (leaving in November) can look forward to - a very interesting Venezuelan election, as well as meetings with key community organisations and leaders. She tells us what attracts her to Venezuela and why Australian brigades have an international reputation, with people of other nationalities coming on board.

12.5Mb. 128kbps mono 13:45mins

Popout

Original audio source

Timor's Guest Workers? - Damien Kingsbury

Professor Damien Kingsbury comments on possible reasons for Australia's procrastination in allowing Timorese guest workers to come to Australia on temporary work visas. The Australian government has recently passed legislation allowing temporary work visas to Pacific Islanders, but it appears the Timorese are lower on the list of the Rudd government's priorities. The state visit by Timorese Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao provided him with the opportunity to raise the matter, but Australian PM Kevin Rudd deferred a decision until early next year.

7.5 Mb. 128kbps mono 7:56mins.

Popout

Original audio source

See also other interviews in this series with human rights activist Jim Dunn and Federal Labor MHR Janelle Saffin

Timor's Guest Workers? - Jim Dunn

Jim Dunn, human rights observer and author of numerous articles several histories of Timor Leste puts the attitude of this and other Australian governments under close scrutiny, when he comments on Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao's recent state visit to Australia and his meeting with Australian PM Kevin Rudd. Rudd politely declined to commit Australia to accepting Timorese guest workers, when Xanana raised the question.

13mb. 128kbps mono 14 mins

Popout

Original audio source

Timor's Guest Workers? - Janelle Saffin MHR

Janelle Saffin MHR spent several years working in Timor Leste with the now President, Jose Ramos Horta. During Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao's recent state visit to Australia and his meeting with Australian PM Kevin Rudd, Rudd politely declined to commit Australia to accepting Timorese guest workers, when Xanana raised the question. The issue will come under consideration. Janelle explains some of the reasons for the Australian Prime Minister's response, some of the more complex issues, and other aspects of the government's position on Timor Leste.
10Mb. 128kbps 10:30mins

Other posts in this series: Jose Texeira , Jim Dunn , Damien Kingsbury

Popout

Original audio source