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NEWS RELEASE
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C O N G R E S S O F N A T I O N S A N D S T A T E S
Dispute resolution between nations and between nations and states
Legal aspects of free national development
The Kremlin, Moscow, December 7-13, 1993 (tentative)
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PURPOSE:
To bring together the representatives of indigenous peoples and of
states' governments to discuss the elemental issues which form the
basis for disputes between nations and states, to refine the terms of
reference of the universal rights of nations in their relations with
states; and to begin to establish internationally agreed upon methods
of resolving conflicts between nations and states, and among indigenous
peoples themselves.
The primary purpose of the Congress will be to consider and
perhaps agree in principle to four protocols on relations between
nations and between states in the economic, social, political, and
strategic arenas. The Congress shall build on the Helsinki Final Act,
and the work of the United Nations on the formulation of the Universal
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
HOST:
This Congress is held at the invitation of the Chairman of the
Supreme Soviet of Russia, Mr. Ruslan Khazbulatov, and supported by
governmental decree. The government organizers are:
Abdulatipov, Aramazan Chairman, Supreme Soviet
Council of Nationalities
Karnilova, Zoya Chairman, Supreme Soviet
Commission on Small Minorities
Kuramin, Vladimir Chairman, State Committee on
Social & Economic Development
Tishkov, Valery Chairman, State Committee on
National Policy
HOST COUNTRY BACKGROUND:
Russia has sixty-eight indigenous groups with populations under
500,000 people. The territories they traditionally inhabit contain a
high percentage of Russia's natural resources and mineral reserves,
including an estimated 60% of its petroleum reserves. A recent
referendum issued by the Tatars has increased the concern and impetus
to move toward resolving such issues as the ownership of natural
resources and self-determination. As it emerges from central control,
Russia wishes to address these issues and hopes to do so in the context
of an international forum.
VENUE:
The first Congress of Nations and States takes place in Moscow,
Russia, December 7-13, 1993 (tentative). The Congress will be held in
the Palace of Congresses of the Kremlin.
PARTICIPATION:
Participants will be invited from the approximately 3000
indigenous peoples of the world, and from all states with indigenous
populations. The government of Russia is the host but will not serve
as moderator nor mediator. The organizing committee of the Congress
shall undertake to establish all protocols which govern the operation
of the Congress. It is anticipated that 100 States' delegations and
600 Nations' delegations will participate.
ORGANIZING COMMITTEE:
An ad-hoc organizing committee is being formed, to further define
the agenda and protocol for the Congress. This committee shall meet
approximately 6 times prior to the Congress. In additition, five
working groups are to be established to consider agenda items for the
Congress. Protocol for the Congress shall be determined by the
Organizing Committee. It is proposed that the members of the
organizing committee shall be appointed by the following states,
nations and non-governmental organizations:
STATES: NATIONS: NGO's:
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United States Lummi (United States) Foundation for International
Japan Yakut-Sakha (Russia) Cooperation & Development
Germany Maasai (Africa) International Independent
Russia Tibetan (Tibet) Union of Lawyers
San Blas Kuna (Panama) Center For World Indigenous
Sami (Sweden, Norway, Studies
Finland, Russia)
INTERNATIONAL SECRETARIAT:
The International secretariat, the Foundation for International
Cooperation and Development (501(c)3) is responsible for coordination
of activities of the organizing committee, for coordination of the
working groups, for funding related issues, and for communications and
coordination with the Russian organizers.
Foundation for International Cooperation and Development
2911 Second Avenue, Suite 1000
Seattle, Washington 98121
telephone: 206-728-1563 facsimile: 206-728-1563
Mr. Norman Swanson, President
COORDINATING BODIES:
The following organizations are coordinating the Congress of
Nations and States in conjunction with the Foundation for International
Cooperation and Development, and in cooperation with the many private
and public organizations interested and involved in the development of
means of adequately addressing issues of dispute resolution between
nations, and between nations and states:
Center For World Indigenous International Independent Union of
Studies Lawyers
P.O. Box 82038 Bersenevskaya Embankment 20/2
Kenmore, Washington 98028 Moscow, Russia
tel: (206) 866-1823 tel: (7095) 244-7987
fax: (206) 866-1823 fax: (7095) 230-0164
Mr. Rudolph C. Ryser, Chairman Mr. Andrei Trebkov, President
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