Brexit: Joint Letter from Arlene Foster and Martin McGuiness to PM Theresa May on the Irish Question (10.08.2016)

Brexit: Theresa May was DUPed today!

Ouch! Today the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) Leader Arlene Foster and her agreement with the Conservative Party and Prime Minister Theresa May blocked a possible agreement today in Brussels. The European Union and United Kingdom negotiations to get first agreement and end Phase I is stalled for yet another time. Even as the power-players of the Brexit is coming to the forefront. There are vital signs on the horizon and it makes sense.

The Irish Government and their veto is vital for the European Union and their settlement with the United Kingdom. The Republic of Ireland as a Member State has an important role in the negotiations with United Kingdom. Therefore, after the meeting between Donald Tusk and Leo Varadkar, where the President of European Council promised to respect and honor the needs of the Irish in the negotiations. Clearly, showing signs of importance for Union and their Member State.

So now days after and there is a lunch with negotiations between the President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker and United Kingdom Prime Minister Theresa May. As they we’re ending negotiations and there was talk of a special agreement between them. The Northern Irish DUP was ready to go public and say what sort of offer they want in the agreement. Also, show their power and their means within the Tories-DUP Government. As expected when the agreement came in play, the DUP would have the upper-hand over the Tories, since the Tories needs DUP more than DUP needs the Tories.

Now with possible special economic zones where they are still part of single-market and free-trade zones. Will easily offer a conundrum for the Tories. Since if the Northern Irish get so on the will of Dublin and EU. Then, the Scottish, Welsh and London wants similar treatment. That meaning that the City of London, the Financial institutions and European Banks wants to secure this sort of arrangements. So that the tariffs and the expenses crossing borders with these services will not change when the Membership finally ends.

We have already seen First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon asking for special treatment, also the London Mayor Sadiq Khan, First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones have all asked for favors treating their regions with the same favor as Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland doesn’t only the direct border issue with the Republic of Ireland, but also have special place within the Tories Government. This is all making the Brexit negotiations hectic.

Because, all of these leaders wants the best for Edinburgh, Cardiff and London. The thing is when you open one door, you don’t always know what appears. In this instance, if the Tories and DUP opens up for special treatment of Belfast, than Edinburgh, City of London and Cardiff want similar efforts thrown their way. That is within reason. I am sure David Davis when discussing matters with Michael Barnier, knew about these sketchy, but notable pin-points. To secure a grand deal for all parts of the UK. If not and most likely he was winging it and hoping nobody was paying him any mind or consideration.

Because the Leo Varadkar said in a press conference that the text agreement on the Irish border was agreed upon, but suddenly the United Kingdom couldn’t agree upon it. This happen after Theresa May had a phone-call with Foster, just after Foster and the DUP had their own press conference. Clearly, the DUP haven’t agreed upon it and want to set their foot down.

Today are proving how hard it is for the United Kingdom to have one line and walk in one separate vision towards ending the membership. Since if the one part of their own Union get special treatment, than the Welsh, Scottish and London is expecting similar their way. So there will only be hot pockets in Manchester, Swindon and Newcastle, where they are outside the free-trading zone and single-market, as the Brexit was supposed to entail. That because the Northern Irish question will not only be answered by London or Belfast, but Dublin will have their say in the arrangement of the border.

Dublin have Brussels and the Membership inside the EU. So their veto and stopping of an agreement in powerful. As well as their desire to respect the Good Friday Agreement. The DUP has power over the Tories and London, but have initial power over Brussels. Brussels will listen to Dublin before they listen to Belfast. That is just common-sense. Since Belfast will follow London… ‘

So the DUP could block the Tories in Brussels today, but they cannot push it to far. If they try to, then the agreement between them will fail the government and not extend a hand into the negotiations. So they can get into Phase II and answer other questions the UK needs to address concerning leaving the EU.

This one will not end. And the self-destruction don’t need to come from outside when concerning the UK. The UK can dissolve themselves and hurt themselves whenever needed. The UK are now begging for mercy from Belfast, London needs Belfast. That is why May gave-up the text and border agreement that was ready to fix over lunch today. Clearly, the DUP, they duped May and enjoys it.

We can wonder how May feels when arriving back in London.. She has now been humiliated by their own partner in the government. It must be weird to May. Who cannot win easily and cannot get a stable approach. Today the strong and stable government pledge of General Election 2017. Seemingly seems like a far fetched dream and closer to nightmare. As May cannot even work without being stifled by Foster. Peace.

Brexit: DUP leader Arlene Foster – “we will not accept any form of regulatory divergence” (04.12.2017)

Brexit: Dublin (the Irish) now have the upper-hand over London (the British) in the negotiations!

Today, it’s been proven by statements between Donald Tusk and Leo Varadkar that Theresa May and Arlene Foster has a hurdle to pass. Not only respecting the Good Friday Agreement and that provisions. But also now the center stage isn’t in London as the Tories-DUP Government have claimed, they are starting to swim alone and struggling to show their transparent negotiations with the European Union (EU). Dublin have now the upper-hand and Tusk has told world. That is new world-order for London, who has in the past muffled a lot with the Irish. Therefore, historical line of the British over the Irish is now fad and the European Union is sanctioning it.

Donald Tusk Statement to the Irish:

It is no secret that we discussed Brexit with a special focus on the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland. I came to Dublin to reassure the Taoiseach and all the Irish people that the EU is fully behind you and your request that there should be no hard border on the island of Ireland after Brexit. The Irish request is the EU’s request. Or as the Irish proverb goes: “Ni neart go cur le cheile” (There is no strength without unity)” (Tusk, 2017).

Arlene Foster message to the Tories:

Amid reports that Dublin and London could be close to a deal that would avoid a “hard border”, Ms Foster went on the offensive to insist that she will not accept a new border “in the Irish Sea”” (…) “Ms Foster said that Ms May already “has been categorical” in accepting the DUP requirement. “Her Majesty’s government have a clear understanding that the DUP will not countenance any arrangement that could lead to a new Border being created in the Irish Sea,” she said” (Moriarty, 2017).

Arlene Foster has leverage concerning the Tories-DUP Agreement, but the United Kingdom also has the Good Friday Agreement and also negotiations with the European Union. When concerning Irish border and trade, the veto and power-player is now the Irish government. It is not in London and the with the negotiation team of the Tories-DUP to Brussels. They are even salvaging as it is.

Brexit negotiations are now officially on Irish terms, especially their wishes for the borders. If the Irish wants soft or hard borders, even if they have to make it in a way where still the United Kingdom is an officially third country and with those regulatory borders. Still, the can be specialized agreements between the Irish and the UK. That depends on if the Northern Irish and the London can accept the boundaries and the tariffs. Also the possible movement between them as well.

It will now depend on Dublin, not London. Irish has the upper-hand in the negotiations and the Tories-DUP knows this. The Irish can veto if they don’t agree with negotiated agreements that has been made in Brussels. Clearly, Foster and May must feel the pain. As they are not as high and mighty. They actually have to make sure the Irish feel respected and have their way. If not, the Irish can stifle the process and make it harder for London. Secondly, London have to accept it, since the Irish can veto. Peace.

Reference:

Moriarty, Gerry – ‘Arlene Foster: DUP will not accept Brexit border in Irish Sea’ (30.11.2017) link: https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/arlene-foster-dup-will-not-accept-brexit-border-in-irish-sea-1.3311275

Tusk, Donald – ‘Remarks by President Donald Tusk after his meeting with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar’ (01.12.2017) link: http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2017/12/01/remarks-by-president-donald-tusk-after-his-meeting-with-taoiseach-leo-varadkar/#

Brexit: Guy Verhofstadt letter to Michel Barnier – “The European Parliament expects more on citizens’ rights and much more on the Irish border question” (29.11.2017)

Gen. Mugisha Muntu Press Statement (29.11.2017)

Opinion: I expect Gen. Mugisha Muntu to start his own Political Party tomorrow!

Well, it has come to this, not this is wished upon as Retired General Mugisha Muntu has supporters all over for his moderate and strong belief in peaceful transformation of the Republic. Still, it is has not grasped enough and gotten traded in well within the Forum for Democratic Change own delegates before the recent internal elections.

Its been interesting in the aftermath of the recent internal elections, that the National Resistance Movement and their supporters has spread messages of fear and of dismay of the result. Like it where their own elections. Maybe, because there is only sole-candidacy and handpicked candidates that are getting chosen inside the NRM. Therefore, the FDC delegation and conference this recent week proven their democratic display. Not the result that Muntu or his allies wanted, but it showed that he still carries a big delegation and a loyal base. Even if Patrick Oboi Amuriat won over him.

Therefore, the change of Party President shouldn’t bring him down, but it is humiliating to lose. Still, Nathan Nandala-Mafabi did the same in the last time around and he is still a viable figure inside the Party. It is not like it is a death sentence to lose the Presidency. The first Party President was Dr. Kizza Besigye and he is still significant. Some says it his own making that Muntu has lost his place. That Besigye is all behind POA. That POA is no-one without Besigye. Besigye and POA are might both part of the same fraction of the party. Since they want the party to be more spirited with the Defiance and less of the Muntu spirited compliance.

That is also maybe reason why Muntu lost, Muntu is brave, but also shielded from a lot in the recent year. While other of the Defiance fraction has been detained and legal trouble. Muntu and friends has skated off into the sunset. This and his decisions to actually accept that the FDC are the leading opposition party in the Parliament. Which means they also formed a Shadow Government, as if they weeks and days before was saying was illegitimate. Therefore, Muntu have mad the bed himself and now has to sleep in it.

Muntu knew and knows what is brewing inside a party, who should be tired by the little movement and the stalemate. The Stalemate that is lasting now for two decades against the NRM. That Besigye, Muntu and all other in the leadership hasn’t been able at this point to have peaceful transition from the NRM. Since Museveni and his party of sole candidacy is staying either by the rigged ballots or by the guns.

Fellow Ugandans, I would like to thank all of you for the great show of support for the pursuit of democracy as well as our concerted and continuing struggle for a better Uganda. I will be holding a press conference tomorrow at 10am at Hotel Africana. God bless you all” (Mugisha Muntu, 28.11.2017).

That is why this significant message from Muntu is telling. Since he as the former Party President should know the stakes ahead inside the FDC. It isn’t that Besigye kicked him out and got in a puppet as the Party President. But, that the moderate and careful working Muntu wasn’t proactive enough or even professing to the needed changes within the FDC.

That is why I expect him to start a new Political Party, as he will not be leader under POA or try to contest Besigye again for the Presidential Race. He rather run on his own and try to create his own party. He might bring with him many of the Shadow Government MPs and others. Muntu might bring a big group from the FDC. While FDC becoming more revolutionary and more in the spirit of defiance against the resistance.

What that will say about his, it might be a fluke or hot air like Go-Forward of Amama Mbabazi. It might be a party of the size of Conservative Party, Democratic Party or Uganda People’s Congress. But it might not have the role that FDC has and the FDC will find new leaders for the ones who left. There are lots inside the structure and the years on the sideline of the NRM.

It will not be easy for Muntu to be another one who works for himself. He has to challenge both FDC, but NRM. As well as all the rest of the Opposition parties. If that will be easy in this political climate, as the police are shutting down and silencing their consultations/meetings. That will happen with Muntu if he tries to be someone and somebody. He will not be in peace, unless he does like Beti Kamya and Uganda Federal Alliance, which is now a loyal stooge of the NRM.

We can just await and see what happens tomorrow. If he will roll out a new party, if he has plans inside the FDC or if he goes independent. There are rumors and speculations of several opposition MPs to be part of the press conference at Hotel Africana. That might happen tomorrow. We don’t know at this point, what we do know is that he has these options.

We can assume certain movement from him because he stated this after losing on the 25th November:

I want to operate in an environment where I feel I am trusted by those that I am working with. So colleagues, I don’t want to be unfair to you nor do I want to say that you are being unfair to me. Therefore, at a personal level, there are decisions I will have to make in the coming days and weeks. I ask for your patience and prayers. We need to bear with each other even as we ponder on the decision that we will have to make. We do our part as human beings and the rest we leave it to God” (Mugisha Muntu, 25.11.2017).

So, we know he feels disgruntled, because people are unhappy with some of his actions and of some of his decisions after the General Election in 2016. It is because of that, people has lost it and he also lost vital supports inside the party. Still, Muntu will get backers from the FDC if he shifts. That will be over the Defiance, but also because of his compliance.

We will see what happens. But will Muntu do like Mbabazi and try it all on his own? Nevertheless, his party would have longer time before the next election, than what Go-Forward had before the 2016 election. Peace.

Brexit: DUP’s Foster deluded ideas of NI’s Post-Brexit Border!

There are sometimes, you wonder if someone actually thinks through the words coming out their moths. Especially leaders and provider of needed support of the Conservative Party (Tories). The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), are proving their loyalty to London and United Kingdom (UK). That is not surprising that she did so and that her party does so. But her quotes and ideas is deluded and a dream, which will be impossible. It’s like if Arlene Foster thinks she has the upper-hand and can take the European Union by the balls in the negotiations, because no-one cannot survive without Belfast or any of the mineral wealth, which exists in the Northern Ireland. Just read her statement!

Arlene Foster on NI Border Plans of Post-Brexit:

Earlier this week, it had been suggested that Northern Ireland might remain in the customs union after Brexit, to prevent a hard border between itself and the Irish Republic. But, speaking to the DUP annual conference in Belfast, Ms Foster made clear that Northern Ireland would leave the customs union” (…) “She said: “We will not support any arrangements that create barriers to trade between Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom or any suggestion that Northern Ireland, unlike the rest of the UK, will have to mirror European regulations” (…) “The economic reality for our economy is that our most important trading relationship is with the rest of the United Kingdom and we will do nothing that puts that at risk in any way” (…) “We welcome the assurances from the Prime Minister and the UK Brexit team that no such internal barriers will be countenanced and that as we joined the then European Community as one nation we will leave as one United Kingdom.” (Peck, 2017).

I don’t know if she was dreaming, but it doesn’t make sense. That Northern Ireland will not have internal borders, meaning they will not have border with Ireland. The Republic of Ireland is part of the European Union and their Costumes regulations. So there will be hard border, as the EU and UK are becoming separate. This will mean, that on the borders between Ireland and Northern Ireland. There will be some sort of checks and tolls. The tariffs and also other registrations of movement, which is natural between to sovereign states.

What is weird is that she expects the borders to be soft enough as they are now, but still leave the Union together with the UK. Its like she thinks she has the good hand in this, since is in cahoots with London against Dublin. Like Dublin and the Irish Government have no power within the European Union. Secondly, if your leaving the Union, you are not making it easy to have soft and open boarders. There will specifications and implications.

Therefore, the whole idea of this DUP leader and important part of the Tories-DUP are showing their estranged dreams. It does not make sense. Its a mockery and not cool. We can wonder, if this is the reason for the chaos within the Tories Government, since the DUP and their demands don’t even make sense, not even common sense.

They want to stop eating cake, but still wants a slice. You can’t both have cake and not have cake at the same time. You either eat cake or your not. It is that simple, but I think it’s not so for the DUP, apparently. Peace.

Reference:

Peck, Tom – ‘Arlene Foster writes to 27 EU leaders to categorically reject Northern Ireland staying in Customs Union’ (25.11.2017) link: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/arlene-foster-brexit-customs-union-northern-ireland-dup-conference-a8075576.html

Brexit: Lord Callanan spilled the beans, the Tories will keep the public in the dark!

Today, Lord Callanan or Martin John Callanan, who is the Minister of State within the Department for Exiting the European Union (DexEU) has finally answered an important question within the House of Lords. It is essential that the United Kingdom are transparent and open about the Brexit Process, so that the citizens knows what they can get in the future and what will be bargain with European Union. As the negotiations are happening during the next two years. It is official now that the Conservative Party (Tories) and Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) are planning to keep the people and the representatives in the dark. That is their mission to not tell about possible consequences or affects of possible agreements with the European Union. That is initially what Lord Callanan did today. Its weird that it happens in a democracy and with a country that has such a history. But clearly, the Tories prefer dictatorship and work with impunity, instead of being transparent and having an open government to their citizens. That is proven with this sorts of acts and reasoning.

Question asked by Lord Stoddart of Swindon on the 13th November 2017:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have any plans to publish a document setting out the political and economic benefits to the UK of leaving the EU” (Lord Stoddart, 13.11.2017).

Answer by Lord Callanan on the 23rd November 2017:

The people voted to leave the EU in a referendum which Parliament voted to hold. A clear majority of the electorate voted to leave the EU and we will respect the will of the British people. Since then the Government has been undertaking rigorous and extensive analysis work to support our exit negotiations, to define our future partnership with the EU, and to inform our understanding of how EU exit will affect the UK’s domestic policies and frameworks. This includes a full suite of economic analysis, as you would expect from a responsible Government. This means looking at 58 sectors as well as cross-cutting regulatory, economic and social issues to help inform our negotiation positions. We have been clear that we recognise Parliament’s rights relating to the publication of documents. However, ministers face conflicting responsibilities – such as a clear obligation not to disclose information when doing so would not be in the public interest. And Parliament has previously voted not to release information that would be prejudicial to our negotiating position” (Lord Callanan, 23.11.2017).

We now know that the Brexit Assessment Reports will not surface, unless they are leaked by disgruntled employees within the Department. Most likely not as the Minister David Davis and Lord Callanan are keeping the issues to their chest. Not dropping any possible damaging reports or even positive changes from leaving the Union. The Tories are happy and content with leaving people in darkness. Leaving the union without transparency and telling the truth. We know that they are trying to discourage and even showing display of disregard of public scrutiny, as they cannot stomach to explain their assessments with the public. We can wonder what is their strategy, if that even exists.

The British people should be worried about this sort of actions. That the Tories doesn’t care that the public don’t know or have no idea of the impact of Brexit. Because the government wont let them see it or read about it. It will be dossiers and rumors, but no real assessment of the possible changes for all industries and society in general. If it is about toxic waste or financial transactions. We don’t know how that will be impacted by the Brexit. That is the result. The Government are not shedding light and hoping people enjoy being in darkness, with no enlightenment and no true numbers of possible impact. That is what is worrying. It is also a sad day for the British Democracy and British people, who voted for it, but will not know until it happens. What it will mean for them and their borders. Not that the Leavers Campaign told them anything of profound message on how it would be.

We know now for sure, the Tories-DUP government are not transparent, not honest and not as expected. It is a disgrace and this proves that the troubles ahead are bigger, than the Tories would like. Also that the affect of the Brexit might be more damaging, than what they want the public to know. Since they are hiding the facts and the assessments. They cannot let the public see it or their representatives, because the public might be shocked and awed by the results of it all. That is why they are silent and not telling it as it is. Peace.

Opinion: President Museveni call-out rebel MPs as Parasites; so the Age Limit is all about him then?

Let’s first start with a new word (Parasitism) from the Encyclopedia Britannica: “Parasitism, relationship between two species of plants or animals in which one benefits at the expense of the other, sometimes without killing the host organism” (Encyclopedia Britannica – ‘Parasitism’). So clearly, the words of Parasites are important today, because of the use of it from a President to his fellow MPs. It is inspiring to know how he feels about his comrades who are disagreeing with him. It is just something else.

Because, it is now revealed in a letter sent from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who sent a letter on the 7th November 2017 to the National Resistance Movement MPs: Theodore Ssekikubo, Monicah Amonding, Barnabas Tinkasimire and Patrick Oshabe Nsamba. All of these wrote a letter on the 4th October questioning the Age Limit and the lifting of the Article 102(b). This is clearly insulting to President Museveni. As I will quote some parts of this 2 page letter to fellow MPs, which all are part of his own party.

It is your duty to contribute to that process and not to undermine it” (…) “There are still problems of poverty (19% now from 56% in 1989) and also inadequate jobs. This, partly, is due to the obstruction by some of you” (…) “Many of you talk negatively have not to contributed to the ideology of patriotism, to the liberation of the country, to the recovery of the economy and country, to the consolidation of peace or to the great developments that we have achieved. Yet you benefit economically and otherwise. We call this parasitism and that parasitism will be resisted and defeated. I hope you find this information useful” (Yoweri Kaguta Musevei – ‘ Re: Constitutional Amendment of Article 102(b) to lift the Age Limit for President’ (07.11.2017).

That was the parasitism, which means that the NRM MPs are benefiting on the expense of Museveni and without killing him by doing so. That their role as MPs is costly for Museveni and that it hurts him. They are combined together where the other MPs are abusive of Museveni, therefore, they are sticky parasites who eats the good stuff and leaves the leftover for Museveni. That is how we can understand this letter and his insulting words to fellow comrades and MPs. This are men and woman who have been rising inside his party and within his organization. That he has such effortless insults to his own, shows how all of them are just props and needed gallery functions, unless they are standing against him politically.

That is why the letter is saying a lot. That President Museveni see’s dissidents to him as parasites. Who leach of his skin and who eats his benefits. Benefits he gives them and make sure they are well feed. That is how it is sounds, so the cronyism and necessary control is understandable, as everyone, who needs anything. Will have to show up and be parasites at the State House. Before they are returning with their needed goods and food to survive. Since he is giving them benefits and giving them what they need. Without any of them dying from it. They are eating of him and they are benefiting, but he is not sacrificing himself. Which is within reason, considering he has been doing this sort of transactions since 1986.

But know now, that the dissidents within the NRM are parasites, that are benefiting from his mercy and goodwill. Not their good work or initiative, they are only benefiting because of Museveni. Everything is connected with Museveni and he is making sure the parasites are okay. They are dependent on him and his possible energy and reserves. The parasites usually dies, while the host continues to live on. That have seen with dozens of former loyal parasites in the past. Who all have leached off him and is now Historicals of different kind.

We can just wonder, what was his motivation to call several of his own MPs parasites? What was running through his mind and his vision, when writing these words? Did he think of the disgraceful and merciless attitude. We all know that the lifting of the age limit is for his life presidency and nothing else. There are no good legal argument that has come forward or anyone who has come with explanations worthwhile to listen too. This is all made for President Museveni and nothing else.

He must surely think the same about every single one who are working for him and around him. That they are parasites who eats of his cake and his veins. They are tiring him and taking away his nutrients, so they can live of him. Because everything is usually about him. In this case, the whole amendment of the Constitution is about him. He knows it and the world knows too. It is just a matter of little information and knowledge of the President. And you know his reasons and his ways, will always be about him. He is the giver and the ones that takes away. He is the one man that makes sure they can be MPs and the ones that make them civilian again. Peace.