Media Release
For Immediate Release: Tuesday 30th November 1999
Civil Society Bites Back
Friends of the Earth International, the world’s largest environment network with groups
in more than 60 countries, has described today’s demonstration at the WTO talks in
Seattle as “proof that Governments cannot ignore the demands of civil society”.
Yesterday saw a token effort by WTO Director General Mike Moore and others to
“consult” NGOs over the talks on a new Millennium Round. But the most critical and
most of the largest NGOs were excluded from the platform, and negotiating positions
have not changed as a result of the event.
Today’s protests by environmentalists, labour unions and others, show the extent of
hostility to the Millennium Round. FOE US representative Andrea Durbin has been
present throughout the demonstrations, and comments:
“The great majority of protestors are here to show their peaceful opposition to the
WTO and the Gaderene rush to unregulated global free trade. Their presence in
Seattle shows how dangerous it will be for Governments that choose to go along
with the demands of Mike Moore and his allies. Those that do face retaliation
from their electors, from workers and from people around the world who care
about our environment.”
Andrea Durbin can be contacted for comment and eyewitness accounts during the demonstration
on mobile number 206 953 9517
ENDS
Contact:
Ian Willmore
(206) 953 3073