From: Human Rights Coordinator <hrcoord@igc.apc.org>
Newsgroups: soc.rights.human
Date: 01 Oct 92 08:54 PDT
Subject: PEACE OPERATION SOMALIA - UPDATE
Nf-ID: #N:cdp:1476700566:000:3992
Nf-From: cdp.UUCP!hrcoord    Oct  1 08:54:00 1992


From: Human Rights Coordinator <hrcoord>
Subject: PEACE OPERATION SOMALIA - UPDATE

/* Written  8:43 am  Oct  1, 1992 by mcheselka in cdp:hr.child */
PEACE OPERATION SOMALIA - 30 Septemer 1992

Peace Operation Somalia, based at the University of Arizona, is a
grassroots organization dedicated to a peaceful and effective solution
to the situation in Somalia and the other coutries in the Horn of Africa.
We are bringing together local Non-Governmental Organizations and
relief organizations working in Somalia to achieve our goal to rebuild
Somalia.

Momentum is steadily increasing, almost to the point where we are not able
to keep up.  We had a second meeting last night (29 September) and over 20
people attended.  Not much, you may think, but we should explain who was
there:  A representative from African Christain Relief, Somali citizens, and
people who have worked in Somalia or the area around Somalia were all there.
We will be posting a transcipt of our meeing to this network as soon as
we can get it typed up (early next week).

Mohamud Farrah, a Somalia citizen now unable to return to Somalia, gave
us a quick geography lesson about Somalia, as well as explaining in
detail the different clans and what areas they control.  Questions were
asked after his presentation concerning specifics about the geography
and clan situation.  Mohamud has been very instrumental in not only bringing
the situation in Somalia closer to us, but also in organizing our group
and providing the "practicality aspect" to our discussions.  In other words,
he keeps us from going onto tangents when we really need to focus on
food and medical aid to Somalia.  We can worry about peace and government
restructuring later after the Somali people are strong enough to stand.

After this, we went around the room and heard from everyone concerning
their ideas about how to effectively bring food into Somalia, with
special emphasis on the possibility of sending several small shipments 
that could go unnoticed by robbers.  We also discussed what the OAU's 
role should be.  Transcripts will be available to  you later to give 
you details of the discussions.

We will be setting up a table on the University of Arizona Mall in a couple
days, where we are planning several press conferences and events to bring
the population at the University and also the population of the rest of
the  country closer to helping us solve the problems in Somalia.  The 
information table is necessary for several reasons:

1. Information dispersal
2. Allow people to sign a petition to be sent to US and UN leaders urging
   them to act NOW for Somalia.
3. Allow people to talk to Somalians and get a first hand account of what is
   happening there.
4. sell T-shirts, all profits being equally distributed to relief
   organizations working with us.
5. A rice, sugar, and cash drive.  To be either donated to relief organizations
   or delivered to Somalia ourselves.

The meeting lasted about 2 hours (longer than what was planned, of course)
but we built the momemtum needed to really start hitting this campaign
hard.  

We ask that anyone reading this to call upon our leaders in the United
States to pressure the UN to begin their relief plans.  Remind them that
over 3000 people are dying per day.  Remind them that the  guns that
are now being used by the clans and independent robbers were provided
by the United States, and that we have an obligation to make up for
the wrongs we have done.  We cannot sit idly by and watch an entire
country die!

Presidential Comment Line : 202-456-1111
Congressional Switchboard : 202-224-3121 (ask for your senators or reps)

Please contact us for your suggestions, donations (Pay to the order of
Peace Operation Somalia), or requests to become a brach office of Peace 
Operation Somalia in your area.  We will help you get started in your 
local area.

Matt Cheselka
3121 N Swan #257
Tucson, AZ  85712
602-881-1509
dione@argus.lpl.arizona.edu or 
mcheselka@igc.apc.org