<HTML><PRE>Subj:	 RMD980206 Irish news for Friday 6 February
Date:	98-02-06 06:51:26 EST
From:	rmlist-reply@irlnet.com (RM_Distribution)
To:	rmlist-reply@irlnet.com (Multiple recipients of RM_Distribution - Sent by)

     IRISH NEWS ROUND-UP
     http://irlnet.com/rmlist/
     
     Friday, 6 February, 1998


1.   North Belfast Republicans threatened
2.   British Army may 'take killer soldiers back'
3.   Community empowerment for Limerick East
4.   Statement from prisoner Richard Johnson
5.   Analysis: Two kinds of traditions - two standards
6.   Writing campaign for Richard Johnson
7.   Events in the USA
     
______________________________________________________________
     
     
>>>> North Belfast Republicans threatened
     
     
     
     Several republicans from the Ardoyne area of north
     Belfast have received death threats from the Loyalist
     Volunteer Force (LVF) and other unstated loyalist
     sources.
     
     One of those targeted this week, Sinn Fein councillor Bobby
     Lavery, has called on the RUC to explain publicly what
     the links between the Ulster Freedom Fighters (UFF) and
     the LVF are.
     
     In the most recent threat a leaflet from the LVF was
     sent to a Sinn Fein centre. In a sectarian and menacing
     parody against one man, the leaflet says "why don't you
     get yourself a job? Your local LVF unit has already got
     your CV and your application is being vetted at this
     moment".
     
     Accompanying the leaflet is a photograph of a mural
     proclaiming "UFF 2nd Batt. 'C' Coy-Simply the Best".
     The coupling of LVF with UFF material is being viewed
     as significant by local republicans following the
     recent admission by the UFF,also known as the Ulster
     Defence Association (UDA) that they had been involved
     in sectarian killings under the flagship of the LVF.
     
     In their statement the UDA/UFF had claimed their
     association with the LVF had ended.
     
     Prior to receipt of the LVF/UDA death threat, the
     Republican targeted by the leaflet had been warned by
     the RUC that his personal details were in the hands of
     a loyalist death squad. "The RUC took obvious delight
     in the loyalist death threat against me," he said.
     
     In recent weeks the Ardoyne man has not only been
     targeted by loyalists but also for harassment by the
     RUC. "My name and details were recently leaked to the
     press," he said, "I suspect the RUC may have had some
     hand in this."
     
     Meanwhile another three republicans from Ardoyne have
     been informed by the RUC that their personal details
     are in the hands of loyalists exposing the increase in
     the attempts to cow the nationalist community.
     
     The three, all former republican POWs, have in the past
     been targeted and one of those warned reflected., "I
     was first warned in the early 1970s so loyalist
     messages relayed through the RUC are nothing new to me.
     However it is very disturbing that one of those warned
     had only recently moved house.
     
     He challenged the RUC to say exactly who was intent on
     killing him but they refused to disclose any
     information on the threat.
     
     "It's simply Catch 22, and an extension of the Pontius
     Pilate approach, 'No claim-No blame-No information-No
     name," he said.
     
     It is also emerged that Sinn Fein Councillor Danny
     Lavery was also warned last weekend that he was being
     targeted by loyalists. He also received an RUC warning
     before Christmas.
     
     Lavery, calling on nationalists to be vigilant, said,
     "The RUC visited my home last Saturday to tell me that
     I was in imminent risk of assassination.
     
     "The only information I have been able to glean is that
     the UFF ceasefire is bogus with several known death
     squad members seen in various nationalist areas,
     clearly on targeting missions.
     
     "They are still operating under a flag of convenience,
     namely the LVF. I am calling on RUC boss Ronnie
     Flanagan to immediately disclose all the relevant
     information his force has in relation to these threats.
     
     "If he is aware the UDA/UFF are behind them then he
     should come clean rather than sit on vital information
     as he clearly did just weeks ago, especially given the
     developing circumstances surrounding the Clifton Tavern
     killing and the hidden forensic history of the weapons
     used to kill two Catholics since the 'renewed' UDA/UFF
     'ceasefire'."
     
______________________________________________________________
     
     
>>>> British Army may 'take killer soldiers back'
     
     
     
     Relatives of a north Belfast teenager murdered by the
     British Army in 1992 have reacted angrily to comments
     that plans are afoot to put the two soldiers back in
     action.
     
     And the family of the 18-year-old Belfast man Peter
     McBride has also expressed concern at claims that the
     two Scots Guardsmen are still receiving wages and
     pensions despite being in jail for murder.
     
     A report in a Scottish newspaper on Wednesday quoted
     Major David Walter - as saying: "The regiment would be
     pleased to have them back. They are still serving
     soldiers."
     
     Peter's uncle Billy McBride, said the remarks were
     "disgraceful" as the soldiers - Scots guardsmen Jim 
     Fisher and Mark Wright - were murderers and should be 
     treated as such.
     
     Mr McBride said the family was angry at the major's
     comments as the soldiers should have been thrown out of
     the regiment.
     
     Mr McBride said they had made enquiries in recent
     months regarding the status of the two jailed soldiers
     and Labour MP Kevin McNamara - former shadow Northern
     Ireland spokesman - was told that if the men were still
     serving soldiers they wouldn't be for long.
     
     But it follows a pattern whereby killers British
     soldiers are quickly put back on duty following an
     early release.
     
     Mr McBride said he wouldn't be surprised if the
     soldiers were released early. "The precedent was set
     with Lee Clegg and Ian Thain who were both admitted
     back and it makes me angry. This special treatment is
     getting out of hand."
     
     He said the Scots Guardsmen were "getting more and more
     preferential treatment compared to other prisoners" and
     said it looked as if it was acceptable to "shoot a
     Catholic in the back and get out of jail early."
     
     
______________________________________________________________
     
     
>>>> Community empowerment for Limerick East
     
     
     
     Though no date has yet been set for the Limerick East
     by-election, the Sinn Fein candidate in the
     constituency has emphasised the need for more community
     empowerment.
     
     Criticising the way community funding has been used in
     the past, Jenny Shapland.called for more openess and
     for people in disadvantaged areas of the constituency
     to be consulted with a view to tackling
     marginalisation.
     
     A mother of two teenage boys, Jenny has been selected
     to represent Sinn Fein in the forthcoming by-election
     which was caused by the death of Labour TD, Jim Kemmy
     in September.
     
     Born in England to Irish parents, she came to live in
     Limerick in 1989. Her mother, Mary Monaghan, was born
     and raised in Garryowen. Her road to politics began in
     Abington, England where, bearing an Irish name, she was
     the focus of much anti-Irish racial abuse.
     
     She joined Limerick Sinn Fein seven years ago and
     quickly became a driving force in the party locally,
     focusing activists on community issues.
     
     Living in the sprawling Moyross estate, she has
     campaigned for improved housing conditions, resources
     for the unemployed and facilities for the youth.
     
     Particularly concerned about the growing drugs problem
     in the city, she comments: "Though harder drugs such as
     heroin are not yet especially prevalent in Limerick, it
     can only be a matter of time before they become more
     easily available.
     
     "Part of the problem is that dealers can operate with
     obvious immunity from the Gardai, while political and
     community activists in Sinn Fein have found themselves
     victim to constant surveillance and harassment."
     
     "Everyone knows who the main drug dealers are, but no
     action is taken against them. And we have a system that
     allows the Corporation to evict people from Corporation
     houses who are supposed to be involved in anti-social
     behaviour.
     
     "The irony is that the main dealers in the Limerick
     area are operating from their cosy private houses in
     cosy private estates.
     
     She continued: "Unfortunately there is an inextricable
     link between drugs and crime. The biggest problem
     facing the youth of large estates like Moyross or South
     Hill is unemployment and boredom. It is estimated that
     in these estates there is up to 70 percent
     unemployment.
     
     "While the problem is not strictly a working class one,
     I believe this backgound provides a breeding ground for
     drug abuse and anti-social behaviour."
     
     Jenny continued: "A compehensive strategy to tackle the
     problem should involve a dialogue with the youth of
     Limerick themselves, addressing their needs. We must
     work with teenagers and not against them.
     
     "In each youth club in Limerick there should be a drugs
     counsellor who can effectively communicate with the
     youth on this pressing issue.
     
     "Training facilities, involving the multi-national
     companies and major employers in the area should also
     be developed which can help ensure that the cycle of
     unemployment and poverty is broken."
     
     
______________________________________________________________
     
     
>>>> Statement from prisoner Richard Johnson
     
     
     For over two years, there has been a valiant and
     concerted effort to secure my release from federal
     prison. Many persons from all over the United States
     have taken part by writing letters, circulating
     petitions, making telephone calls, and performing a
     host of other tasks. The spirit was unequaled and the
     cause just.
     
     Word from the US Government has now been received:
     "After careful consideration by the Justice Department
     and White House, it has been determined that clemency
     is not warranted in this case." In other words, the
     petition is denied and justice is not warranted.
     
     The message is: Richard Clark Johnson will not receive
     justice from the United States of America. The ruling
     is a slap in your face as much as it is in mine.
     
     Needless to say, we are all disappointed. This negative
     action runs contrary to what we were led to believe and
     more significantly, to the spirit of
     confidence-building for the peace process in Ireland.
     
     At present, I am consulting with my lawyers to develop
     a new strategy. It is not promising at this time.
     
     For my part and on behalf of my family, I thank all of
     you personally for everything you have done to effect
     my release. Your concern, kindness, and prayers
     continue to be gratifying. They always will be.
     
     All the best to you.
     
     Richard Johnson
     
     Political Prisoner
     
     
______________________________________________________________
     
     
     
>>>> Analysis: Two kinds of traditions - two standards
     
     by Walter Stolp
     
     Just prior to the 26th anniversary of Bloody Sunday,
     the Irish Congress of Trade Unions organized rallies
     for peace.
     
     While the occasion of Bloody Sunday is certainly a
     fitting reminder, I couldn,t help the feeling that the
     rally was not overly critical of the role of the
     British troops. In fact, it looked like anybody who
     wanted to remind people of the fact that it is the
     British, and their loyal subjects, who are the original
     reason for violence in Ireland, was guilty of the
     "political hijacking" of this rally. (As David Ervine
     put it)
     
     So what he is actually saying is that a) the killings
     of Bloody Sunday and the "measured military response"
     we witnessed during the last weeks are non-political
     and b) that the people who undertake this hijacking are
     guilty, i. e. they are not the "innocent catholics" who
     will profit from the generous adjustment of targets the
     loyalist death squads have announced.
     
     The British state is taking the same approach. Mo
     Mowlam found it appropriate to publicly apologize for
     meeting a Member of Parliament, Gerry Adams, after
     meeting Loyalist representatives to the Stormont talks
     the week before, apparently without any worries. True,
     Gerry Adams has been to prison. (So have some of the
     loyalists) His heinous crime? He tried to escape from a
     prison compound where he was interned without trial.
     Probably damaging Crown property in the course. While
     the loyalists had only killed some Catholics. Maybe
     they were even "known Republicans".
     
     The same state that blatantly ignored the outcome of an
     election, undertaken by it's own civil servants in
     1918, that sent a very clear message to Whitehall, is
     now saying that nothing will change in Northern Ireland
     without consent of the majority.
     
     Nobody was given a chance to vote in the six counties
     that were ripped from Irish Ulster to form "Northern
     Ireland". Who defines to which entity the principle of
     content has to extend? Britain, of course. On what
     grounds? Well, easy: predicted outcome.
     
     If they could be sure of the six counties staying out
     of Ireland they'd favour 32 county elections, of
     course. If they could be sure that all six counties are
     willing to stay out of Ireland they would cast a county
     based vote.
     
     If they were unsure of the outcome on a six county
     basis they would probably bring up the idea of the rest
     of Britain having to consent to the loss of some of
     their territory.
     
     The list of double standards goes on and on. What was
     the stand of the British Government on decomissioning
     of IRA arms prior to talks with Sinn Fein in 1921?
     
     Who refused to sit down with Begin or Rabin, terrorist
     commanders who directed or perpetrated  bomb attacks
     against British troops in Palestine? Who refused to
     shake hands with Nelson Mandela, who lost all remission
     of sentence because he refused to forswear the armed
     struggle?
     
     Well, all these examples are different, of course: none
     of the people mentioned are Irish.
     
     Who accused Germany (West) of meddling in the affairs
     of Germany (East), when the German (West) Constitution
     was published? It contained a claim to extend to all
     Germans and to speak for them as long as they couldn't
     all vote freely.
     
     Well, the Germans have succeeded.
     
     
______________________________________________________________
     
          NOTICES
          
______________________________________________________________
     
       
     
>>>> Writing campaign for Richard Johnson
     
     
     Richard Clark Johnson's appeal against his unjust trial
     was denied the second week of January. Another Irish
     political prisoner (in the U.S.), Mr. Johnson, faces
     continued violations of his rights. Serving the last
     part of a ten-year sentence for "possession of property
     in aid of foreign insurgents," (the IRA), a violation
     of a statute which had never been used in court in its
     eighty years of existence. Mr. Johnson's trial has been
     widely criticized, as the judge struck most observers
     as being openly favorable to the prosecution, admitting
     in evidence such materials as history books and
     newspapers concerning the conflict in the North of
     Ireland. In addition, Judge Mazzone DOUBLED the Federal
     sentencing guidelines, which called for a five year
     sentence. Now, the US Dept. of Justice wants an
     in-camera hearing into how the evidence used to convict
     Mr. Johnson may have been tainted. In this secret
     hearing, neither the defendant nor his representatives
     may be present.
     
     The forensic evidence used to convict Richard and his
     co-defendants was presented by FBI Special Richard
     Hahn.  Hahn has been totaled discredited and appeals in
     all cases that he presented scientific evidence in are
     in the works. It should also be noted that RUC gave
     flawed forensic evidence against Richard.
     
     A new writing campaign is afoot to persuade Clinton to
     overrule the Acting US Pardon Attorney to grant Richard
     clemency.  It is believed Clinton has not been made
     aware of the rejection of Richard's clemency request
     referred to in his statement above.
     
     Please write or Fax today.
     
     President Bill Clinton
     1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
     Washington, DC 20500
     Fax: 202- 456-2461
     email: president@whitehouse.gov
     Tel: 202-456-1111
     
______________________________________________________________
     
     
>>>> Events in the USA
     
     
     Friday, February 6th
     
     Queens, NY: Queens Unit INA is holding a Benefit for
     the families of Irish POWs at 9:00pm at the Starting
     Gate, 59-10 Woodside Ave., Woodside, Queens. Guest of
     Honor Maureen McCullagh, veteran activist for An
     Phoblacht/Republican News and native of Tyrone. Music
     by Gael Force. Free Buffet. Suggested donation $10. For
     information call (212) 736-1916
     
     Saturday, February 7th
     
     Philadelphia, PA: INA is holding a benefit at 8:00pm at
     Pilsudski Hall, Belgrade St. & Ontario St. Music will
     be by "Irish" Billy Briggs. Open bar and buffet.
     Suggested donation $20. For ticket information call Ed
     Blaney (215) 423-1203 or Dennis McKee (215) 742-4632.
     New York City: The Irish Lesbian and Gay Organization
     is hosting a Free Video Night at VOID, 16 Mercer St,
     just above Canal St from 8:00-10:00pm. They will be
     screeing 3Rock the Sham2, 3Patty Rocks the Blocks2, a
     compilation video by Cecelia Dougherty and a new video
     zine by Margaret O1Flanagan and Judith Kinsella. Free
     and open to everyone. There will be a no-host bar from
     8:00pm to 3:00am. For information contact ILGO at (212)
     967-7711x3078. Albany, NY: Capital District INA and
     Albany AOH will be hosting an evening of Irish music
     and information at AOH Hall, 91 Quail Street at 8:00pm.
     Music by Murphy Brothers, singing duo Barltey, and
     Sherburn from Ireland along with a performance by
     Farrell School of Dance. Prior to the concert, a video
     will be shown about the Bloody Sunday Massacre and a
     speaker will discuss aspects of British oppression.
     Noel Gaynor is an invited speaker. For information
     contact Mike O1Brien at 434-3347.
     
     Sunday, February 8th
     
     Brooklyn, NY: Elections for the Brooklyn Unit of INA
     will be held at the next meeting at 2:00pm at Kitty
     Kiernan's, 9715 Third Ave (betwn. 97th & 98th Sts.),
     Bayridge, Brooklyn. In addition, there will be a report
     on the social held on January 18th. Mineola, NY: The
     Irish American Society of Nassau, Suffolk and Queens is
     holding a Ceili with music by Pete Kelly and Pat Murray
     at 8:00pm at The Irish American Center, 297 Willis Ave
     in Mineola, NY. Immediately following will be a variety
     show. Donation $15. For information please call (516)
     746-9392. February 13, 14 & 15th
     
     Ft. Lauderdale, FL: The Desmond Grew/South Florida Unit
     of INA will have a mmerchandise and information booth
     at the Irish Festival in Fort Lauderdale. For
     information on meetings and upcoming events phone
     954-964-9542 or e-mail bpfau1@juno.com.
     



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Subject: RMD980206 Irish news for Friday 6 February

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