When a nation as influential as France declines to participate in an
international understanding such as MAI it is heartening because most of
us perceive MAI as a power increase for the multi-national corporations
... and we are correct in that ..... and we should be pleased France
said, "Non"!

However, the non-participation is based upon their (along with all the
others) being persuaded that it is not in their "national interest" ....
the very same rationale so frequently used when nations choose not to
enter international environmental treaties, especially those dealing with
the oceans or the qualities affecting shared air space.

A quick read of this week's "RACHEL" will illustrate the difficulty which
is caused ...

Richard Boehnke

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.
On Thu, 26 Feb 1998,
d.raphael wrote:

> From:   ecoropa [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent:   February 26, 1998 11:38 AM
> Subject: Success story. French government says no to MAI
>
> Dear friends,
>
> News from Paris France
> Date 26 02 1998
>
> Thanks to international pressure and a very stong national opposition
> from all sectors - social - cultural - environmental - development -
> the french government stated yesterday at the Parliament that France
> is not going to engaged the country in further negociations on the MAI.
>
> The minister of Economy and Finances Dominique Strauss-Kahn stated
> yesterday: 'The (french) government has no intention to engage itself
> in whatever multilateral agreement which will, limit its action or the
> one of its Parliament, to define our social rules, our fiscal laws, or
> our environmental legislation, or that will enable any foreign
> companies to challenge its national legislation in the name of this
> agreement.
>
> The Prime Minister, Lionel Jospin, was in the room and agreed to this
> and more.
>
> For those reading french, I know it's hard... We are scanning the
> press clipping and we are waiting for your  numerous messages, I am
> sure, asking for more information.
>
> Together we can change the world
>
> Cheers to all and one more time congatulations.
>
> Etienne Vernet / Ecoropa
> For Thierry David / Observatoire de la Mondialisation
> .....................................................
>
> Bob Olsen notes that the email address for Etienne and Thierry
> may be [log in to unmask]
>
> Otherwise try asking  Peter Bleyer <[log in to unmask]>
> to forward a message if you want to contact them in Paris.
>