Monday, May 4, 2015
day 2: aftermath
khadija alem
The protestors were given a chance to evacuate a road for the shuttle with the WTO representatives to pass through. However, the protestors remained uncooperative and continued to cause inconvenience and disruption in the city, preventing people from going on with their daily lives. City Hall reports that it has been given no option but to evacuate the protestors since they have been unresponsive towards efforts of reaching a mutual agreement in the public forum. They have been given a chance to negotiate and they refused. Thus, the police had to resort to peaceful evacuation of these protestors.
Public forum
Khadija Alem
The City Hall offered a public forum today to ensure that both parties have a chance to express their viewpoints. A representative from the protestors expressed her views that the WTO supports free trade rather than fair trade and thus harms developing countries. Protestors insisted on loudly occupying public space and blocking the roads. The WTO also had a chance to express its standpoint and establish that such drastic measures actually infringe on freedom
The City Hall offered a public forum today to ensure that both parties have a chance to express their viewpoints. A representative from the protestors expressed her views that the WTO supports free trade rather than fair trade and thus harms developing countries. Protestors insisted on loudly occupying public space and blocking the roads. The WTO also had a chance to express its standpoint and establish that such drastic measures actually infringe on freedom
Negotiations..?
City Hall representatives attempted to reason with the protestors today and have open negotiations. They expressed concerns that the rest of the WTO members are unable to attend the meeting. At this, the protestors started expressing joy and seemed to be happy regarding this interference. Still, the City Hall representatives tried to negotiate further regarding road blockage only to be met with further support for protests and occupying public space. The protestors would not understand that they are infringing on freedom of assembly... They even dismissed the City Hall's efforts in taking care of the injured
Day 2 and the aftermath
Protestors opted for a more peaceful demonstration on this second day. City Hall reports that violence on the police's part is unusual as our city's police is gentle but firm. With that in mind, any violence that may have occurred surely did occur as a last measure and was warranted. Again, a peaceful resolution is the aim and these protestors need to know that having the WTO representatives attend the meeting is beneficial to all, including them
Collaborative efforts
The City Hall expressed its concern regarding the aggressive protests happening today. However, they declared that the pristine image of the city will not be tarnished and measures will be implemented, to be effective immediately. They graciously welcomed the WTO members and updated them on the measures being taken such as police back-up and securing a parameter to limit protests within 500 yards of the building. Moreover, cars and security will be sent to retrieve the missing WTO members. Perhaps another venue will be proposed... All in all, both parties insist on granting freedom of speech as long as they remain civilized
Chaos escalates
The city is falling into chaos. One violent protestor broke the widow of a Starbuck's shop. The police are doing its best to round up these anarchist and ensure that the city remains in order and protests are done in a civil way. These protestors are not only hurting themselves, but are also recklessly transiting the city's peaceful image..
Protests in town?
Today's disruptive protests and aggressive demonstrations led to a casualty that could have easily been avoided. The Mayor's office gave a statement supporting people's right to freedom of speech as long as protests are peaceful, which they weren't. The city hall stressed the importance of implementing security measures to ensure that the best is being done for our city
WTO meeting: brief report
The WTO delegates from the USA, the UK, and Canada met today to discuss issues of fair trade. According to the Canadian representative, the goal of today's meeting is to achieve beneficial trade regulations for developed countries working cooperatively with developing nations. The USA delegate assures readers that they are working hard to bridge the gap between the different countries regarding the issues relating to agriculture. Subsidies are a main focus of this meeting. With this kind of open discussion, the WTO hopes to reach a mutual agreement between developed and developing countries and thus benefit the entire global economy
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