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Archive for November, 2018

APEC Wars: No communique of idiocy

  • November 26th, 2018
  • Posted by EU Australia

People of the Pacific states got money out of this month’s summit of the APEC organisation – Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation – but might have felt walked-over in the scrum for power.

Lee Duffield reports the Pacific is a new discovery of the 21-member inter-governmental free trade forum, set up on the initiative of Australia’s Hawke – Keating government in 1989. … Read More »

The Armistice: “Ancient demons coming to the surface”

  • November 13th, 2018
  • Posted by EU Australia

It came to France, scene of the epic battles of the Great War (1914-18), to host the celebration of its centenary on 11 November.

Lee Duffield says it also fell to the French President, Emmanuel Macron, to post a reminder about the ideal of civilisation which the savagery of that war had jeopardised. … Read More »

New Caledonia: Referendum signals start of a new campaign

  • November 5th, 2018
  • Posted by EU Australia

The no vote on Sunday’s independence referendum in New Caledonia came close enough for Kanak independence leaders to say they can fight again.

Lee Duffield says that result might also be sweet enough both to damp down anger in the Kanak community, and cut down bravado and cockiness on the other side. … Read More »

New Caledonia: “Vivre Ensemble” versus “Chez Nous”

  • November 3rd, 2018
  • Posted by EU Australia

Voters in this weekend’s independence referendum in New Caledonia are choosing between two radically different ideas of the future, despite decades of negotiation intended to create one common ground.

Lee Duffield reports that among strong indications of a resounding “no” vote the territory is approaching the poll with fears of a violent aftermath. … Read More »