"GETTING TOUGH WITH THE PETRO-ELITES"
That's the title of the attached article, which my friend Luis, based in Lisbon, kindly sent to me during the week.
Inicially appeared four days ago in the International Herald Tribune, it has since been disseminated and quoted throughout other media.
I should perhaps note that one of its co-authors, Ricardo Soares de Oliveira, has contributed an article to the 2007 Norwegian Council for Africa Anthology, in which I've also participated (see here), making us the only two contributors from the lusophone world to that anthology. Hoping that some more will contribute in years to come.
Click here for some food for thought
8 comments:
G'Day from Sunny Lisbon, Portugal, Europe!...
Está um dia de sol magnífico, mas como estou a antibiótico desde Quinta-feira não posso apanhar Sol!!
Enfim... é a vida!!!!
Bom fim-de-semana!!!!
Hi there!
Interesting article. Read it a couple of days ago. Interesting but in my view as lacking in teeth as the EITI… Their key point is mobilization of consumer power and that’s precisely the weakest point of the entire strategy. They say, quote “If we treasure the security of supply and the price of oil more than good governance and development in the countries of origin, we should say so openly.” Well, that’s precisely what “we”, in Bush’s words, have been saying openly, loudly and clearly: “the west is addicted to oil”! And nothing will change that until we have reliable alternative energy sources. That’s my opinion.
Hi SG!
I feel sorry for you and hope you get well soon!!!
I spent most of the day out soaking up the sun at Primrose Hill, our local "beach" in the summer... Yep, it has been summer in sunny London town for the last couple of weeks. Just gorgeous!!!!
Hi Nick!
Hope you've also enjoyed your sunny London day!
Many thanks for your opinion on the article. Unfortunately, I still haven't had the time to read it with enough attention to form an opinion. I'll let you know when I do.
Rgds.
Nick,
Having re-read the article, I cannot but agree with the point you make.
Hence I would perhaps suggest that, without abandoning the other points of the strategy, they should put more emphasis on institutionalising the EITI and giving it effective enforcing and punishing mechanisms.
Rgds.
I can see your point, but trouble is who in the world has the authority, the power, the legitimacy and the jurisdiction to impose and enforce such mechanisms?
Certainly not the UN...
Again, Nick, I buy your point about the UN...
However, let's perhaps consider that if "consumer mobilisation" is geared toward demanding ALL members of EITI to create such mechanisms between themselves, it could possibly work out, couldn't it?
OK, Let's meet halfway of the argument... deal?
Deal!
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