Chilean President Proposes Whaling Ban, Whale Sanctuary

[Judi Lynn]

Source: ENS

Chilean President Proposes Whaling Ban, Whale Sanctuary

SANTIAGO, Chile, May 21, 2008 (ENS) - To a unanimous ovation of the Chilean Congress, President Michelle Bachelet today announced that she will send legislation to parliament banning all whaling activities in Chilean waters and creating a whale sanctuary.

During her annual state of the country address, President Bachelet said Chile will have this law in place before the International Whaling Commission, IWC, meeting to be held in Santiago in June.

President Bachelet also declared Chile's opposition to research whaling as conducted by Japan. "Chile will oppose any capture and death of whales with scientific purposes during the next meeting of the International Whaling Commission," she said.

Conservationists see the announcement as a public triumph on an issue that has strong support amongst the Chilean people.


Read more: http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/may2008/2008-05-21-03.asp

[Indenturedebtor]

1. Yeah now that Japan has indicated it would likely drop the research whaling nonsense

Way to take a stand on a non-issue... after the fact.

Woohoo :eyes:

[Judi Lynn]

2. I went to see if I could find a link indicating Japan is ending whaling.

Didn't find anything, but I did find this recent article:

Japanese silence prompts third whaling appeal
BY JESSICA MAHAR
21/05/2008 10:02:00 AM

KOSHIGAYA appears to be giving its sister city, Campbelltown, the cold shoulder.

Campbelltown Council is sending a third letter to Koshigaya, telling it that residents are unhappy about Japan's whaling program in the Southern Ocean and urging its support.

But as it will be the third letter sent along with petitions from the community the council said it would use ``stronger language''.

The petitions, with 175 names, were sent to Koshigaya Mayor Fumio Itagawa on March 26.

So far there has been no response.

More:
http://campbelltown.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/japanese-silence-prompts-third-whaling-appeal/774107.aspx

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Canberra whale and roo protests coincide
Email Print Normal font Large font May 22, 2008 - 2:16PM

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In Canberra, Greenpeace stepped up its campaign against Japan's killing of whales as protesters a few kilometres away continued their fight against a controversial kangaroo cull.

Greenpeace representatives sought to deliver a letter to the Japanese ambassador demanding an open and thorough investigation into an alleged whale meat embezzlement scandal.

The environment group has accused Japanese whalers of stealing meat from the country's annual research hunt in the Antarctic and selling it on the black market.

A criminal complaint has been filed with the Tokyo District Public Prosecutor's Office against 12 crew members, the group said.

More:
http://news.theage.com.au/national/canberra-whale-and-roo-protests-coincide-20080522-2h46.html

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If you can recall where you've read Japan "indicated it would likely drop the research whaling nonsense" please share it with DU'ers, as there are MANY people here who would surely be interesting in finding out about this.

[Number9Dream]

3. Possibly jumped to conclusion from this thread...

This OP concerning a Greenpeace investigation appeared on 5/18:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=115&topic_id=149155

Maybe Japan dropping whaling was wishful thinking. Until then, it would be nice if we could find an e-mail address to thank the Chilean govt.
Also see Sir Anthony Hopkins speak out for whales:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViCNl6vLH1g

[Indenturedebtor]

5. Sorry I got a little turned around there - Here's what I'd read the other day

http://environment.newscientist.com/channel/earth/dn13945-the-beginning-of-the-end-for-japanese-whaling.html?feedId=online-news_rss20

Hardly an indication by the government that it would end whaling. :(

Please accept my appologies, and if you know the Chilean President, please convey my gratitude and appologies as well.

[Number9Dream]

4. Link to contact Chilean government / President

Found a website to contact the Chilean President if anyone would like to show support / thanks.

http://www.chileangovernment.gov.cl/index.php?option=com_contact&Itemid=3

[ensho]

6. thank you President of Chile for your sanity in a mad world

nt