World Bank criticizes Singapore; Sg breached an agreement
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I'm indeed surprised that so many people, including your good self, have little or no faith in the capabilities of our Home Forces to deal with and or prevent any kind of rioting resulting from the allowance of demonstartions and or protests.Originally posted by the Bear:NOT IN MY COUNTRY!
i'm not fricken happy about the goddamned IMF coming here and fouling this place as it is...
any "activist" coming in here to riot can all go to hell..
NOT IN MY COUNTRY!
shutterbug, if you want to get burnt to be called a fireman, go be a demonstrator somewhere else and get your head bashed in by the riot police there first...
THEN FRICKIN' COME AND TELL US
until then, NOT IN MY COUNTRY!
you asswipe!
I just feel that if our gov has done NO WRONG (in terms of their policies), they needn't be afraid to let international voices speak. And if indeed the Home Forces are well equipped and trained, and that our country is by and largely safe, there shouldn't be any risk of rioting.
Unless all these attributes of international acclaim are all but a brittle facade of sugar icing? -
some updates..
Singapore reconsiders ban on activists attending IMF/WB meeting
Last Updated 15/09/2006, 10:19:21
Singapore says it may admit some of the 27 civil rights activists it has barred from an IMF-World Bank meeting, a move the World Bank says is an insufficient response.
Singapore originally blocked the activists from attending the September meetings on the grounds they posed a threat to security and public order.
In an apparent attempt to placate the monetary chiefs, who along with the European Union have criticised the city-state's tight security, Singapore said it was willing to reconsider the ban on the activists.
"The IMF/WB have asked the government to allow in the 27 activists," the Singapore 2006 Organising Committee said in a statement.
"The government has responded that if these activists travel to Singapore, we will assess at the point of entry whether they pose a security or safety risk.
"If we judge the risk to be acceptable for that particular activist, we are prepared to allow him or her in. However, we cannot guarantee that all 27 activists will be admitted to Singapore."
The statement was issued shortly after World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz met with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
A World Bank official said the statement was not a sufficient response to give the individuals in question the assurance that they would be granted access.
"We have accredited these individuals based on clearance by their respective governments and we believe they should be able to participate in our meetings," he said.
Mr Wolfowitz said earlier that he hoped the ban on the activists was not a case of censorship, adding that it might be in breach of a 2003 agreement with the city-state.
But the Singapore 2006 committee said the memorandum of understanding signed between IMF/WB and the Singapore government "obliges Singapore to take all necessary measures for the safe passage of all persons in and out of Singapore".
Earlier, Singapore police said they had detained three Singaporeans who were planning to distribute flyers criticising the IMF and World Bank and had seized their computers.
Police spokesman Mohamed Razif said they were investigating the men under legislation stating that anyone possessing materials which contain "any incitement to violence or counselling disobedience to the law" would be jailed for up to three years or fined, or both.
On Wednesday, Singapore deported two Filipino activists who had been planning to join anti-IMF protests.
http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/news/stories/s1741554.htm -
In an apparent attempt to placate the monetary chiefs, who along with the European Union have criticised the city-state's tight security, Singapore said it was willing to reconsider the ban on the activists.
after all the hardwork they made themselves look silly. -
Aiya... might as well DON'T hold the friggin IMF meeting here if they are so Kiasi and Kiasu....Originally posted by LazerLordz:some updates..
Singapore reconsiders ban on activists attending IMF/WB meeting
Last Updated 15/09/2006, 10:19:21
Singapore says it may admit some of the 27 civil rights activists it has barred from an IMF-World Bank meeting, a move the World Bank says is an insufficient response.
Singapore originally blocked the activists from attending the September meetings on the grounds they posed a threat to security and public order.
In an apparent attempt to placate the monetary chiefs, who along with the European Union have criticised the city-state's tight security, Singapore said it was willing to reconsider the ban on the activists.
"The IMF/WB have asked the government to allow in the 27 activists," the Singapore 2006 Organising Committee said in a statement.
"The government has responded that if these activists travel to Singapore, we will assess at the point of entry whether they pose a security or safety risk.
"If we judge the risk to be acceptable for that particular activist, we are prepared to allow him or her in. However, we cannot guarantee that all 27 activists will be admitted to Singapore."
The statement was issued shortly after World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz met with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
A World Bank official said the statement was not a sufficient response to give the individuals in question the assurance that they would be granted access.
"We have accredited these individuals based on clearance by their respective governments and we believe they should be able to participate in our meetings," he said.
Mr Wolfowitz said earlier that he hoped the ban on the activists was not a case of censorship, adding that it might be in breach of a 2003 agreement with the city-state.
But the Singapore 2006 committee said the memorandum of understanding signed between IMF/WB and the Singapore government "obliges Singapore to take all necessary measures for the safe passage of all persons in and out of Singapore".
Earlier, Singapore police said they had detained three Singaporeans who were planning to distribute flyers criticising the IMF and World Bank and had seized their computers.
Police spokesman Mohamed Razif said they were investigating the men under legislation stating that anyone possessing materials which contain "any incitement to violence or counselling disobedience to the law" would be jailed for up to three years or fined, or both.
On Wednesday, Singapore deported two Filipino activists who had been planning to join anti-IMF protests.
http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/news/stories/s1741554.htm
Their actions and high handedness only embarrasses us all...
Our gov should have fully understood what they signed 3 years ago.... now, start playing with words about ensuring their safe passage... is Singapore so UNSAFE? Or have they taken the Agreement lightly? -
By the time singapore lets them through, the IMF would have already ended.
Then I will laugh my head off. Just imagine by the time the activists get their passes for the IMF event, its already 18th september. -
Precisely, I mean, what the hell for trying to squeeze their square-shaped policies into a round hole?
..there will be helluva lot of gaps on the sides to beprodded at!
dumb! & dumber & dumber! -
if that were the case i believe we wont have a chance to host the event a 2nd time.Originally posted by ditzy:By the time singapore lets them through, the IMF would have already ended. Then I will laugh my head off. Just imagine by the time the activists get their passes for the IMF event, its already 18th september. -
I believe singapore is already out of WB's IMF accreditation list.Originally posted by dragg:if that were the case i believe we wont have a chance to host the event a 2nd time. -
ohh.. this is just so HILARIOUS!
They've made a laughing stock of themselves! -
i wonder who is the overall-in-charge?
it is really a big screw-up. -
End of the event, ST will report its a success with the minor hiccups, and we'll be looking forward to hosting more events in the future. Thank singaporeans for their support.
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self pawnz, overkill, limit breakOriginally posted by dragg:i wonder who is the overall-in-charge?
it is really a big screw-up. -
The powers that be just want the money and not the crap that comes along...
BUT THEN AGAIN...look from the common shopowner's point of view. If the protestors really go on a rampage and loot the shops then how? Or let's say u parked ur car innocently by the side of the road only to have it overturned. Will you just go "sigh, oh well, all in the name of free speech."?
And the government should really stick to it's guns. If want to ban, then don't bow to pressure lah! Now they want to re-consider. Means what? Government not firm? They thought it can be a strategy to their advantage, "show our friendliness yet show that we can be no-nonsense" in the end backfire into their pharking phaces... -
It's ok la
Very standard PR reply - "We will think about it"
Unspoken - "but no promises k " ?
LOL -
they can control 4 mil citizens but cant control 27 activists?Originally posted by Hellraiza:The powers that be just want the money and not the crap that comes along...
BUT THEN AGAIN...look from the common shopowner's point of view. If the protestors really go on a rampage and loot the shops then how? Or let's say u parked ur car innocently by the side of the road only to have it overturned. Will you just go "sigh, oh well, all in the name of free speech."?
And the government should really stick to it's guns. If want to ban, then don't bow to pressure lah! Now they want to re-consider. Means what? Government not firm? They thought it can be a strategy to their advantage, "show our friendliness yet show that we can be no-nonsense" in the end backfire into their pharking phaces... -
LOL!!!! Was that shot of real people? Or people posing for your pic?Originally posted by ditzy:
Anyways, the paternalisitc SG government now met the real world. All this while, they can always control the local population. But with this ban, what are they showing? Can control locals, but not foreigners? No confidence with the security that's already in place?
And to reconsider the ban, why take the backstep? Showing the world we have to give in to pressure? -
that picture originated frm HWZOriginally posted by Croaking_Toad:LOL!!!! Was that shot of real people? Or people posing for your pic? -
ELITISM, finally the word I long to hear!
And indeed they just want the money but not the risks that comes with it...
Hokkien saying;"Ai sng, mai kia. Ai Kia, mai sng"
English;"Want to play, don't be afraid. Afraid, then don't play."
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Singapore Assailed for Barring Activists
By CHRISTOPHER TORCHIA
Associated Press Writer
SINGAPORE (AP) -- Singapore breached an agreement by barring at least two dozen activists from entering the country to attend the annual meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, the institutions said Thursday.
"We're very displeased with the current state of affairs," said Kevin Shaw Kellems, senior adviser to World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz. "There was not an indication until late in the game that there was going to be a problem."
The dispute highlighted tension between Singapore's strict controls on politics and expression, and efforts by the IMF and the World Bank to be more open to the views of grassroots groups that have accused them of elitism. It also threatened to taint Singapore's efforts as host of the Washington-based groups to showcase its economy and hospitality on a global stage.
Singaporean authorities said the city-state was "aware of its obligations under the MOU (memorandum of understanding) and would continue to honor them."
"However, the MOU also obliges Singapore to take all necessary measures for the safe passage of all persons in and out of Singapore and for their personal security and the safety of their property and the property of the organizations and delegations," a government statement said.
Singaporean police had earlier said 28 activists would not be allowed entry for the IMF and World Bank meetings on Monday and Tuesday, but the government said Thursday the number was 27.
Singapore said the activists had been involved in "disruptive activities" in other nations. They did not identify the activists, but said some had participated in anti-globalization protests that turned violent in Seattle, Italy and Mexico.
Kellems said the IMF and the World Bank had accredited the activists, and that Singapore's rationale for denying entry was unclear.
Latest News
Singapore Assailed for Barring Activists
"I see on-the-record comments from various (Singaporean) officials on various days," he said at a news conference.
"You may have seen some of the flavor of those comments; words like 'security,' words like 'undesirable,' words like 'troublemaker,' that sort of general characterization, but never have I seen a consistent coherent explanation," Kellems said.
He read a statement accusing Singapore of violating a Sept. 23, 2003, agreement on the attendance of accredited activists at the meetings, and he urged Singapore to let them come.
"We work with these representatives of civil societies, and we value their role - even when we disagree with what they say," the statement said.
Some foreign activists already in Singapore for the meetings said they planned to boycott some official events in protest.
"It's such a shame that Singapore hasn't opened its arms to everyday people who just want to talk about the World Bank meetings and state their cases," said Sandy Krawitz, spokeswoman for South Africa-based ActionAid International.
Singapore banned outdoor demonstrations during the IMF-World Bank meetings, saying they could lead to violence and damage to property. It set aside an indoor area where activists can gather to express their views.
In Indonesia, media said the government will allow activists to gather on Batam island, a short ferry ride from Singapore.
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because, shutterbug, you are an ass...
you wish for the demonstrations to happen... you wish for the violence to happen.. you wish for the "home forces" to crack down on them...
the home forces CAN come down hard on them.. i know a few of them personally...
BUT.. NOT IN MY COUNTRY!!!
you wish all that will happen so that you can go on another rant against how oppressive and all that...
failing to recognise or even admit the social costs of the demonstrations..
volunteer YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD, YOUR HOUSE, YOUR PARENT'S HOUSE, YOUR LOVED ONE'S HOUSE, YOUR SHOP, YOUR STORE, to be smashed and turned upside-down...
and i'll still say.. NOT IN MY COUNTRY!! -
if our govt cannot accept this they shouldnt hold the event.Originally posted by the Bear:because, shutterbug, you are an ass...
you wish for the demonstrations to happen... you wish for the violence to happen.. you wish for the "home forces" to crack down on them...
the home forces CAN come down hard on them.. i know a few of them personally...
BUT.. NOT IN MY COUNTRY!!!
you wish all that will happen so that you can go on another rant against how oppressive and all that...
failing to recognise or even admit the social costs of the demonstrations..
volunteer YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD, YOUR HOUSE, YOUR PARENT'S HOUSE, YOUR LOVED ONE'S HOUSE, YOUR SHOP, YOUR STORE, to be smashed and turned upside-down...
and i'll still say.. NOT IN MY COUNTRY!! -
Originally posted by SingaporeApology:
You moron !! ! what is there to say sorry about !
This story pissed me off enough that I decided to stop talking about it, and start doing something about it...
If you believe that there should be public debate and assembly around the IMF meetings (or in general) then check out this open letter to the World Bank & IMF...
[b]http://20six.co.uk/singaporeapology
If you agree, then sign the petition and tell all your friends about it.
Together we can make a difference and change this policy in Singapore!
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So what if we did not let in a few idiots, if the IMF very sincere about it, they would have make those folks official memebers of IMF ....and they get official invitation. !
You sorry asshole ! One thing PAP may have try to please theIMF but they did it to a certain extend only, you ..... going down on all four to carry their balls !!! See you no up !!! -
Cool...Originally posted by dragg:if our govt cannot accept this they shouldnt hold the event.
Nice sweet and sharp...
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.... righhht.....Originally posted by the Bear:because, shutterbug, you are an ass...
you wish for the demonstrations to happen... you wish for the violence to happen.. you wish for the "home forces" to crack down on them...
the home forces CAN come down hard on them.. i know a few of them personally...
BUT.. NOT IN MY COUNTRY!!!
you wish all that will happen so that you can go on another rant against how oppressive and all that...
failing to recognise or even admit the social costs of the demonstrations..
volunteer YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD, YOUR HOUSE, YOUR PARENT'S HOUSE, YOUR LOVED ONE'S HOUSE, YOUR SHOP, YOUR STORE, to be smashed and turned upside-down...
and i'll still say.. NOT IN MY COUNTRY!!
And no social costs for all those PDMMs and PRC FTs here plying the flesh-trades???
Come out of it already....
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WB very smart hor, act like they're really supportive of the protestors and let sg take the blame for breaching agreement. they know only too well that they'll have an undisrupted meeting here hence the choice of destination
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You are right !!! Dragd.Originally posted by dragg:if our govt cannot accept this they shouldnt hold the event.
Bear is so naive....
We all know that singapore's soldiers are trained on paper and field training...never encountered with real situation.
All our soldiers are of paper qualification only. Right from the lowest ranking to the highest ranking.
Everything on paper sounded so advance and professional as if like real from big mouth of our high ranking people . (no practical experiences and talk so big)
Even if riot were to happen this time. Don't you think that it is good to put our defence force in good experience for handling riot?
In war, no body can predict and execute accordingly to plan...especially our country is so small.
We cannot compare with USA or England in term of strategy in war. USA is able to excute its plan accordingly...it is because they the real super power and enemies would not dare to counter attack.
Simple logic