From: Christic Institute <christic@igc.apc.org>
Subject: Nagara Dam Hunger Strike - Urgent
Followup-To: alt.activism.d
Originator: daemon@pencil.cs.missouri.edu
Organization: ?
Date: Tue, 13 Oct 1992 01:06:16 GMT

/* Written  1:09 pm  Oct 12, 1992 by econet in cdp:en.alerts */
/* ---------- "Nagara Dam Hunger Strike - Urgent" ---------- */
Health Of Hunger Strikers Deteriorating:
Call For Emergency Faxes To Japan's Ministry Of Construction
------------------------------------------------------------

Mrs. Reiko Amano and Mr. Omori, both opponents of the construction 
of the Nagara River Estuary Dam in Japan are entering their 9th and 
12th day of hunger striking respectively.  On the morning of 11 
October, Mr. Omori was hospitalized with pneumonia and a 
high body temperature.  Mrs. Amano is also under the supervision 
of a doctor.

Both hunger strikers are demanding a meeting with Mr. Taku 
Yamasaki, Minister of Construction, the ministry responsible for the 
Nagara Dam.  To date, Mr. Yamasaki refuses to meet with any member 
of the public regarding the dam.

Opposition to the project heated up in early October, when 
construction entered its final phase.  On October 4, approximately 
10,000 people demonstrated at the dam site, calling for suspension 
and an independent review of the environmental and social impacts 
of the dam. 

The Nagara River is the last free flowing river in Japan.  Experts 
from the around the world have joined the call for a review of the 
project, which will have disastrous impacts on the NagaraUs 
fisheries and clam populations, and will permanently end the way of 
life of the fisherfolk of the Nagara River.  The Ministry of 
Construction has consistently refused to discuss the project with 
the people who will be affected by it.  

In the first week of October an international delegation (including 
Mr. David Brower, founder of Friends of the Earth and the Earth 
Island Institute, Mr. Henry Holmes, of Urban Habitat, Mr. Roberto 
Epple and Mr. Martin Arnould, of Loire Vivante, Ms. Juliette Majot of 
International Rivers Network, and Mr. Robert Herbst, of the 
Washington DC office of the Tennessee Valley Authority) visited the 
site and met with local citizens opposed to construction.  Attempts 
by Mr. Brower and Mr. Herbst to meet with the Minister of 
Construction were denied.

In a number of public statements, Mr. Herbst of the TVA identified 
potential problems with the dam, and suggested that the Ministry of 
Construction consider assigning an independent team to review the 
project before continuing construction.

THE HUNGER STRIKE, was launched as the final phase of construction 
began at the end of the rainy season.  Both hunger strikers have 
vowed to continue their strike, until the Minister of Construction 
agrees to meet with them.

THE SOCIETY AGAINST THE NAGARA ESTUARY DAM REQUESTS YOUR 
HELP IMMEDIATELY.  PLEASE, FAX THE MINISTRY OF CONSTRUCTION 
AND REQUEST THAT HE MEET WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF CITIZENUS 
GROUPS OPPOSED TO CONSTRUCTION OF THE DAM SO THAT THE 
HUNGER STRIKERS CAN END THEIR STRIKE. Please call for an open and 
independent review of the project, and encourage Japan to live up to 
its promise of becoming a global environmental leader by stopping 
the damming of JapanUs last free flowing river.

FAX TO:

THE RIGHT HONORABLE TAKU YAMASAKI, MINISTER OF CONSTRUCTION, 
2-1-3 Kasumigaseka, Chiyodaku, Tokyo, Japan.  FAX: 81-3-52511945 
or 81-3-35023955

If the Ministry turns off its faxes, (which we are advised, they may 
do), please send your message by telegram.

PLEASE SEND COPIES OF ALL MESSAGES TO THE SOCIETY AGAINST THE 
NAGARA ESTUARY DAM, FAX: 81-45-8110878.

For more information, please contact:
Juliette Majot, International Rivers Network
Tel:    (510) 848-1155
E-mail: irn@igc.apc.org

(ref.: irn Mon Oct 12 12:58:54 1992)
Newsgroups: misc.activism.progressive