posted 11-02-2003 02:57 AM
“Avghi”,(Athenian newspaper) 2nd November 2003.JACQUES NIKONOFF: ATTAC FRANCE
“The movement of alternative globalization has entered the phase of maturity”
Interview with Eleni Cerezole
Jacques Nikonoff, the president of ATTAC France was in Aigina last weekend along with cadre from other European ATTAC organizations, in the framework of a meeting that concerned itself with a broad range of subjects: from exchange of information on the socio-economic situation in each country and the development of ATTAC there, the possibilities for joint action, the European constitution, social insurance and tax havens through to the problems of the war. At the center of discussions was also the meeting of the European Social Forum to be held in France (Paris, St-Denis, Ivry and Bobigny) from 12th to 15th November. “The mainstream media in France prefer to avoid mentioning the real aims of the movement for alternative globalization,” he said, speaking to “Avghi on Sunday”.
* On the subject of the November Social Forum, where ATTAC is playing a vital role, what will be the key themes:
“The various organizations of ATTAC in Europe are participating in many different discussions, seminars and workshops in relation to all the basic questions affecting Europe. First and foremost is of course the social question. That is to say how on thev European level we can protect and improve the system of social protection. For us that question is the most important. The second question has to do with democracy. How Europe can become a much more democratic place. Thirdly we want to see how we can bring together all our forces, including the trade unions, and what their relationship will be with the parties. There is going to be a series of meetings on that question.
* On the basis of your experience, what do you think is the direction that the movement is going to take now?
Today we are truly living through a development in the interior of this movement of alternative globalization (altermondialisation). We have passed on from what we called anti-globalization to what we now call alternative globalization. That is to say, we have to do with a new maturity, a progress, which translates into the fact that we don’t limit ourselves any longer to protest, to resistance but we have proceeded into the phase of proposals. We make proposals in two areas: at the international level and at the national. That is to say, we believe that we have to integrate our actions into the national realities, at the same time acting at the international level. There mustn’t be an imbalance between the two: placing too much emphasis on the international aspect, or the national. Secondly, we have become aware of the importance of the contest of ideas. Everything can be gained in that way.
*Does this lie behind the condemnation of violence?
Yes. From this viewpoint we condemn violence. There was a lot of violence at the various Summit meetings: Genoa, Gothenburg, etc. Of course there was a great deal of provocation from the police, but there were also instances of behaviour by certain groups inside the movement of alternative globalization that we totally condemn. We don’t want violence. Even if the opponent is violent, we want always to act in a democratic manner. It is not possible for us to use the same methods as our opponents. We are peaceful and non-violent. We want to persuade the great majority of the population to act in such as way that alternative solutions to neo-liberalism can be found.
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posted 11-02-2003 02:57 AM
