10 September 2003
Today's opening of the fifth World Trade Organization
ministerial meeting in Cancun was upstaged by about 30 anti-WTO activists just
one minute into the opening speech by General Secretary Supachai Panitchpakdi.
The group of accredited NGOs stood in the
centre block of the main auditorium, silently holding up paper placards with
such slogans as "WTO - Obsolete" and "WTO - Undemocratic".
Some had their black tape on their mouths
to symbolize the silencing of thousands of ordinary Mexicans and international
comrades who are now blocked from entry into the Hotel Zone. According to Maude
Barlow, from the Council of Canadians, "the people of Mexico can't get
past the barricades. We are the only voice the people have in this place. We
have a responsibility to them to make sure their message is heard."
Media attention remained fixed on the
group as they moved into the centre aisle, displaying their placards to all
within the room. Just as Panitchpakdi proclaimed that "the hopes of the
people around the world for a bright future" rested on the WTO and
"we must not fail them" the group began to chant "SHAME,
SHAME". Half the group left,
followed by a bevy of media; the remainder stayed, chanting, for another five
minutes then joined the others outside.
There was no visible reaction from the
conference organizers. Those involved were still circulating in press area
after the meeting, talking to journalists. Many were still holding their
placards. Whether retribution will follow remains to be seen.
The first salvo in the 'inside/outside' battle of Cancun has been fired. The anti-WTO activists can claim victory in getting their message in front of the world's media and stealing the limelight from the leadership of the WTO.
From: Jane Kelsey in Cancun,
ARENA