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AGUARUNA AND HUAMBISA UPDATE - NEW DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE
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(BACKGROUND - Previous postings to NativeNet have detailed the
prior incursions on Aguaruna and Humbisa land. If you're new
to the list or wish to get the older information, please e-mail
me and I'll zap you a copy directly.)
NEWS
The geophysical survey phase of Edward Callan's exploration
of Lot 50 (the Santaigo and parts of the Maranon Basins) has been
completed. Indian and independent observers report massive violations
of the environmental impact statement filed by Callan with the Peruvian
government. Indian workers report being forced to work twelve hour
shifts with very poor wages. Indians injured on the job have been
discharged by Callan's contractors without receiving medical attention
or indemnification for their injuries.
On a brighter note, the production contractor's entry into Lot
50 has been held up. While the exact reasons are unclear, it is reasonable
to assume that this is the result of local and international protest over
Callan's activities. In a recent speech to Congress, Peru's president
Alberto Fujimori announced limits on Amazon exploration contracts due to
environmental concerns. However, with over 75% of Peru's jungle blocks
already under contract, this announcement may only be cosmetic. The
Administration plans to announce a new hydrocarbons law governing
international contractors within the next few weeks. Although the law
is expected to be highly pro-concession, Fujimori's announcement may
represent an awakening to the environmental and human rights impacts of
the exploration frenzy. The law's applicability to the Lot 50 contract
is unclear.
NEW DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE
I recently received about fifty pages of information from the
Aguaruna and Huambisa council (CAH) regarding Lot 50. The documents
include:
* Local press clippings on the visit by an assessment commission to
Lot 50.
* Copies of recent letters from CAH to Callan and the region's military
commander.
* The text of an exploration agreement proposed by CAH; but rejected by
the geophysical contractor, Halliburton Geophysical Services.
* Xeroxes of photographs of the EIS violations by Halliburton.
* Several CAH documents outlining their position on the exploration
and recounting their efforts to negotiate with the company to date.
Although I will try to type and upload the more important of
these documents in the next few days, if you wish to receive the entire
packet, please e-mail me and I will forward copies as soon as possible.
In your e-mail, please include your full mailing address,
telephone number, and institutional affiliation or research interest.
I will ask recipients of the full pack to please remit $5.00 ($10.00
international) to cover the costs of photocopying and postage.
Edward Hammond