---
Activists call for radicalisation of fight against Capitalism (El Universal 27 January)
The Sixth World Social Forum being held in Caracas under the aegis of President Hugo Chávez' "Bolivarian revolution" continued to harden its stances, as a group of renowned activists urged social movements to "radicalize the fight against capitalism."
Egyptian economist Samir Amin -one of the founders of the World Social Forum- late Thursday at a major theater in Caracas -in an event attended by some 2,500 people- made a fervent call for "rebellion in Latin America." He added that the region should be the spearhead of the "fight against the forces of capitalism." Amid this "combative" climate that is taking shape at the Caracas Social Forum, hard-liners late on Friday are to attend an event with Chávez delivering the keynote speech. This will be the first time the Venezuelan ruler is to take part in the World Social Forum held in Caracas.
Chávez is to address some 20,000 people at El Poliedro, southwest Caracas in an event peasants groups have convened to analyze "the peoples' fight against imperialism."
Venezuelan President welcomes activists at World Social Forum
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez welcomed activists at the World Social Forum on Thursday, saying ideas being discussed at the event have raised awareness and helped to "pulverize" U.S.-backed free trade proposals. "There is a group of citizens that have come to this extraordinary event from other parts of the planet, called together by the social movements from the entire world. Once more, in the name of our people, I welcome you, wherever you come from and whatever you represent," Chavez.
In the televised speech, Chavez later referred to U.S. President George W. Bush as "Mr. Danger," called his government "immoral" and applauded growing opposition to Washington's free market proposals. "These ideas have been pulverized by the history represented, in the first place, by the people and the consciousness of the people. That's why the World Social Forum that is happening right now in Caracas is so important," he said.
The leftist gathering, timed to coincide with the market-friendly World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, features discussions of subjects such as "Imperialism: The greatest threat to humanity" and "Socialism of the 21st century."
"This world is in transformation, moving into larger spaces and with more strength," added Chavez, one of Latin America's most outspoken critics of the Bush administration and U.S. "imperialism."
Participants at the six-day conference, which has drawn more than 60,000 people from around the world, have heaped praised on the socialist-oriented economic policies established by Chavez in this oil-rich yet poverty-stricken South American nation of 26 million. Chavez warned that increased energy consumption in wealthy countries such as the United States was reaching unsustainable levels.
"It's an irresponsible and also contaminating waste, that's dangerous for ecological balance, a rhythm of life," said Chavez. "We have to be conscious of this reality and threat bearing down on all of us." Many activists at the forum turned their criticism on Thursday to obstacles faced by poor women in Latin America, reports the AP.
‘A better world is necessary!’ World Social Forum opens in Venezuela, peace mom Sheehan draws cheers
CARACAS, Venezuela — Under the slogan “A better world is necessary, with you it’s possible!” tens of thousands of Venezuelans joined activists from 160 countries to take part in a giant “March against war and imperialism” here Jan. 24. The march opened the sixth World Social Forum, which is being held in the Venezuelan capital through Jan. 29.
The first day of the forum, which this year is being held on three continents, included the march and a rally/concert with speakers and musical groups from throughout the world. Other sites of this year’s World Social Forum are Bamaki, Mali, and Karachi, Pakistan.
The gathering in Caracas, which is also being billed as the “Second Social Forum of the Americas,” includes over 2,000 forums, panel discussions, presentations and meetings on a diverse number of issues organized by social movements, networks, nongovernmental organizations and other civil society organizations opposed to neoliberalism — the “free trade” and anti-social policies aggressively being pushed by the Bush administration and others.
Issues range from the rights of trade unions, minority nations, and women to questions of economic development, especially development for the benefit of the people instead of the giant corporations.
Over 200 cultural presentations are also scheduled to take place during the forum.
Not all the discussions here are taking place in the scheduled workshops. Many delegates, especially young people, are making connections with others from different countries and discussing approaches and solutions to common problems as well as learning about related issues.
The various delegations marched with the flags of their countries and colorful banners and signs demanding an end to the United States’ war against and occupation of Iraq, defense of Venezuela’s Bolivarian Revolution, headed by President Hugo Chávez, as well as signs against capitalist globalization and the pro-corporate neoliberal policies governments have put in place for the benefit of the transnational corporations.
One of the speakers who received sustained applause, Cindy Sheehan, thanked the people of Venezuela and the forum for having invited her. Sheehan spoke of the death of her son Casey and other children who died in the invasion of Iraq. She said, “Fighting a war to make Bush and Cheney and the neocons rich is not a noble cause.”
Sheehan’s demand to “bring George Bush to justice for crimes against humanity” brought thunderous applause. As she spoke many in the crowd held up signs which read, “Bush Asesino” (Bush – Murderer).
Another popular sign in the crowd was one denouncing the failure of the U.S. to turn admitted terrorist Luis Posada Carriles over to Venezuela, where there is an indictment against him for terrorist activities.
The Cuban delegation in Caracas for the forum held a special rally in conjunction with a march in Havana of 1.3 million demanding the extradition of Posada to Venezuela. Ricardo Alarcón, president of Cuba’s National Assembly, said in a press conference after the rally, “We prefer he be judged here [in Venezuela] instead of there [the U.S.].”
Alarcón contrasted the treatment of Posada with that of the five Cubans still in jail for having notified Cuba of the actions of Miami-based Cuban American terrorist groups. “All we are asking for is that they [the U.S. government] follow their Constitution” and free the five pending a new trial. An appeals court ordered a new trial after finding that their right to a trial free of prejudice was violated, but the Justice Department has won a review of that decision and the five remain in prison.
Other speakers highlighted issues including defense of the sovereignty and independence of countries in the developing world, women’s rights, and the right to organize unions.
Musical groups from Latin American nations, including indigenous peoples, entertained the crowds.
World Social Forum Takes over Caracas Another World is Possible By Mike Rhodes, Indymedia
Over 100,000 activists from throughout the world have arrived for the start of the sixth World Social Forum (WSF), which began yesterday in Caracas, Venezuela. Under the unifying slogan of “Another World is Possible,” participants at the WSF have gathered to build a powerful movement against neoliberalism, capitalism, and imperialism.
The WSF is organized in a decentralized format that encourages grassroots participation. This is accomplished through a series of workshops and forums that bring together political activists from throughout the world to give them the opportunity to share experiences and build social networks. Each day, during the six days of activities, there will be hundreds of forums, discussions, and meetings to choose from.
The opening event at this year’s WSF was a march with over 60,000 participants demonstrating against War and Imperialism. There were large delegations from all over South America - including Brazil, Colombia, Bolivia, Peru, Argentina, and of course Venezuela.
While the majority of participants at this year’s WSF are from South America, there are a substantial number of US citizens participating. San Francisco based Global Exchange, for example, has a delegation of over 150. Delegations from Jobs with Justice, the American Friends Service Committee, and Code Pink were seen at yesterday’s march. There are many smaller US delegations as well as participants who are not a part of any formal group.
Several hundred Cubans were at the front of the march, chanting in solidarity with the WSF theme that another world is possible. Representatives from Puerto Rico, Haiti, Canada, and Australia also had a presence at the march. In addition to the delegates who identified with their country of origin at the march, many participants marched behind the banners of grassroots organizations working on human rights issues, environmental justice, or women’s rights.
Today, (Wednesday, January 25, 2006) workshops, panels, and forums will take place throughout Caracas on a wide variety of issues, including:
* Human Rights * Feminism * Globalization * Arts, Music, and Culture in the popular movement * War and Peace * The role of the media in building a just society * Environmental Justice * Organized labor and workers rights
Here are a few descriptions of the approximately 800 activities listed in the program for the first day:
* The opening World’s Assembly of Social Movements * Food Rights and International Trade * Radical Democracy: new challenges in the strengthening of civil societies power * Marxism 101: Bringing the World Working Class Together to Abolish Capitalism * Troops out of Iraq: Can the global movement stop US Imperialism? * Another America is Under Way, popular movements and the rise of progressive governments in Latin America * Scars of a toxic industry: impact of the high tech industry and resistance of the concerned communities * Sexual and reproductive rights in the context of youth movements
One of the challenges of last year’s WSF, which was held in Porto Alegre, Brazil, was providing translation to manage the “Tower of Babble” that was created, as dozens of different languages were being spoken by participants. The primary languages used at the forum events are Spanish, Portugese, French, and English. Unfortunately, not very many events at last year’s forum had the ability to provide translation services.
Having the WSF in Venezuela this year highlights the achievements of the advances made by the progressive movement in South America. With left, indigenous, or socialist leaders elected in Chile, Bolivia, Uruguay, Venezuela, Brazil, and Argentina there is a great deal of enthusiasm and hopefulness about this regions ability to determine its own destiny.
The WSF is the grassroots alternative to the World Economic Forum (WEF) held in Davos by the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. While the WSF is not intended to eliminate the street demonstrations that have confronted the WEF, it does provide a an opportunity for grassroots activists to envision and build a new future which is an alternative to the global domination of US imperialism and corporate interests. The regional WSF in Caracas is one of three being held throughout the world. The others are being held in Pakistan and Mali.
Additional reports and photos from this week’s events will be posted to this Indymedia site. For more information about the World Social Forum, see http://www.forumsocialmundial.org.br