gdvsmit@watrose.UUCP (Riel Smit) (07/22/86)
A comment by a representative of one of the so-called frontline states (he was testifying before the Commons Committee on Human Rights(?)) made me think of this for the first time. He said: "We know sanctions will hurt us, but we don't mind" (or words to that effect). The synic in me could not help but reply "I'm sure you don't care because you'll just demand compensation from the 'rich' (western) countries."
vassos@utcsri.UUCP (Vassos Hadzilacos) (07/22/86)
> A comment by a representative of one of the so-called frontline > states (he was testifying before the Commons Committee on Human > Rights(?)) made me think of this for the first time. > > He said: "We know sanctions will hurt us, but we don't mind" (or > words to that effect). > > The synic in me could not help but reply "I'm sure you don't care > because you'll just demand compensation from the 'rich' (western) > countries." According to the Globe and Mail, the man quoted above (from Zimbabwe, if I recall correctly) proceeded to say that his country's position is NOT contingent on compensation by other countries but that, of course, any such assistance would be welcome. Moreover, he described the damage of sanctions on the front-line states as "short term", in contrast to the "long term" damage caused by apartheid. In my opinion, helping eradicate apartheid is one of the best uses financial assistance to other countries can find. Instead of financing the Duarte regime in Salvador, we might as well help the front-line states against South Africa's threat that it will pass on to them the consequences of sanctions. Vassos Hadzilacos.
gdvsmit@watrose.UUCP (Riel Smit) (07/23/86)
In article <3147@utcsri.UUCP> vassos@utcsri.UUCP (Vassos Hadzilacos) writes: > we might as well help the front-line >states against South Africa's threat that it will pass on to them the >consequences of sanctions. Do people really expect of South Africa (or any other nation, for that matter) NOT to pass on the consequences of sanctions? In politics self-interest is unfortunately THE driving force. I am afraid I don't think there is a nation on the face of this earth that would, if hurting as a result of sanctions by amongst others its neighbours, shield their neighbours from the hurt. A threat? I think it is more a natural consequence than anything else.