My name is Parker Cleveland; I have been an International Human Rights Observer for the Intag Solidarity Network for the past three months and will be returning to Junin this summer.  I recently graduated from Georgia State University in Atlanta and soon after that I was off to Ecuador.  Overall, this has been an amazing experience for me and I wanted to take the opportunity to update and thank everyone who has helped to make the recent victories in Junin possible.

I arrived in Junin on the first of the year, and 2008 has been a successful year for the resistance so far.  Things in the community have been very calm, which is a welcome change of pace from the tumultuous last half of 2007.  Community members who have not spoken to each other in months or even years because of the conflict seem to be beginning the difficult task of reconciliation.  The other Observer and I were even invited to the wedding of one of the most militantly pro-mining families in the community, an invitation that would never have even been thought of last year.

Largely due to Ascendant’s illegal activities in the area, the work of the ISN and its supporters, in late January, the company’s concession in Junin was revoked.  The response of the community was cautiously optimistic.  People seemed happy to see Ascendant go but are weary of another mining company taking over the claim in the same way that Ascendant took over Bishi Metals’ concession.  However, this was also a pivotal time for the community to begin the reconciliation process, and it seems that this process has begun.  The community election held in February was said to be the most civil in recent memory.  And the new community president spoke of the need for putting the past behind the community and doing what is best for Junin.  Additionally, nearly everyone expressed the hope that the community could come back together in the wake of Ascendant’s expulsion from Junin.

As a result of the recent successes in the mining conflict, the community has asked ISN to change the focus the Observer program to reinvigorate the ecotourism project.  The Observers worked on a new tourism brochure and have been assisting in general upkeep and beautification of ecotourism facilities.  Once the rainy season is over, the Observers will spend more time in Quito and Otavalo in an effort to bring more tourists to Junin.  Additionally, Observers will be teaching English classes to community members.  It is important to continue to support the ISN in its changing role of providing environmentally sustainable economic alternatives to mining.  This will not only help the environment but will make it more difficult for another mining company to claim that it is providing economic development in Ecuador.

We are pleased to pass along the following message from DECOIN.

Huge victory for Intag residents opposing Ascendant’s mining project On March 14, the National Constitutional Assembly overwhelmingly approved a general amnesty in favor of 360 defenders of the environment who were facing criminal lawsuits as a consequence of their opposition to large hydro, petroleum, and mining project in Ecuador. Included in the amnesty were all Intag residents facing lawsuits presented by Ascendant Copper, or persons linked to the company. What this boils down to is that all these criminal lawsuits will be annulled. In all over 40 Intag residents will benefit from the Assembly’s decision. Meanwhile, the Assembly is still mulling over the mining mandate to annul thousands of mining concessions in the country.

INTEÑOS BENEFICIADOS POR DECISIÓN DE LA ASAMBLEA NACIONAL CONSTITUYENTE Esta tarde, 14 de Marzo, la Asamblea Nacional Constituyente resolvió, con 91 votos a favor, de otorgar Amnistía a 360 defensores de la naturaleza- incluyendo varios moradores de la zona de Intag. En el caso de Intag, los y las campesinas habían sido acusados por parte de la empresa minera Ascendant Copper, sus empleados o representantes de varios delitos penales, algunos de ellos totalmente fabricados, como resultado de varios enfrentamientos debido a la presencia de la empresa minera canadiense. En un momento llegó a existir más de 12 juicios penales en contra de decenas de inteños e inteñas opositores al proyecto minero cuprífero, pero los comuneros de la zona de Intag prevalecieron en los 4 juicios que llegaron a ventilarse en las cortes del país. Los inteños y representantes de organizaciones defensoras de derechos humanos habían calificado la lluvia de juicios y la manipulacion del sistema judicial del país como una infame mecanismo para intentar de intimidar a la oposición a la minería. En Imbabura, el Doctor Edgar Merlo fue quien defendió a los y las procesados en Imbabura del podería político y económico de la empresa transnacional. Entre los afectados positivamente por la amnistía constan Jaime Polivio Pérez, y Carlos Zorrilla- dos dirigentes inteños que han tenido que enfrentar varios juicios penales por su oposición al proyecto minero de Ascendant ((nota- tan pronto tenga la lista completa de las decenas de inteños amnistiados, lo enviaré)) Para acceder a la información de la Asamblea Constituyente referente a esta decisión: http://asambleaconstituyente.gov.ec/boletines/amnistia-para-defensores-de-los-derechos-humanos-criminalizados-aprueba-asamblea.do BOLETÍN DE PRENSA DECOIN www.decoin.org

Dear friends,

We are pleased to announce that Ascendant Copper’s concessions in Intag region have been revoked by the federal government. This action constitutes a victory for the people of Junín and Intag region, and should represent the death of Ascendant Copper in Intag region.

We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported the struggle during the past several years. Many have written letters, donated money, purchased video equipment, and made phone calls. Several have served as international human rights observers. We thank everyone for doing their part.

Intag Solidarity Network continues with its solidarity work in Intag region. We currently maintain a human rights observer in the area and have a second returning in February. Their work will increasingly focus on ways that we can offer support to the real work that needs to be done: bullding an ecologically sustainable way of life that ensures mining will never again threaten this region. We have an abundance of work to do and are looking forward to the new challenges that are ahead.

For now, we invite everyone to take a moment to celebrate our collective victory!

Viva Junín! Abajo mineria!

Here is a Reuters news artilce with more information.

QUITO, Jan 25 (Reuters) - Ecuador’s leftist government revoked hundreds of mining concessions on Friday, highlighting its determination to boost control over the Andean nation’s natural resources.

Shares of Canada’s junior mining company Ascendant Copper plunged 28 percent in Toronto after it lost a high-profile project. But the measure had little effect on some of the biggest players in thesector.

Mining and Petroleum Minister Galo Chiriboga told reporters the state was revoking 587 mining contracts because companies failed to pay fees on concessions for reserves of copper, gold and other metals.

“Based on legal norms, (the government) decided to revoke these contracts,” he said.

Ascendant, which lost its Junin project, accused the government of President Rafael Correa of bowing to pressure from environmental groups.

“None of this is true … the government was rushed into this,” John Haigh, Ascendant’s investor relations chief, said in a telephone interview.

Ecuador has little precious metal output, but dozens of foreign companies are exploring in the sector where nearly 4,000 concessions have been awarded.

By scrapping concessions, Correa sent a signal to the private sector that he wanted to overhaul rules for the industry. But the ally of Venezuelan’s leftist President Hugo Chavez also avoided a battle with the most important foreign investors who generate revenue for the impoverished nation.

Last year, Correa moved more aggressively against foreign oil companies, ordering them to hand over almost all of their windfall profits from high prices.

Since then, Correa has shown signs of moderating his radical policies as his popularity ratings have fallen mainly due to perceptions he is too confrontational.

CORREA RULES

Ecuador’s Deputy Mining Minister Jose Serrano later told Reuters that Friday’s move was “not an action against mining but a move to put the sector in order.”

He warned that the government could revoke more concessions later this year as part of an ongoing probe.

Those concessions will be later auctioned, but he denied speculation that revoked concessions will be later awarded to a planned state mining company.

Serrano said the move would not affect the country’s biggest companies, which include Canadian miners Aurelian Resources, Corriente Resources and Iamgold Corp.

In the case of Ascendant, the government had already limited the company’s work. Last year, it ordered the company to halt the Junin project’s operations on charges it had violated mining regulations.

Serrano said Ascendant can appeal the order.

Friday’s announcement should help appease environmentalists and residents across southern Ecuador, where most of the mining concessions are located. They have lobbied Correa to increase control
over mining concessions following complaints the state was indiscriminately handing out contracts in previous years.The government has already started negotiations with Aurelian and Corriente on their terms for doing business in Ecuador and boost state participation in current deals.

In general, it wants to rewrite rules for the industry by introducing royalties, making it more difficult to grant concessions and setting a windfall tax that should ensure more state revenue.

(Writing by Saul Hudson; Editing by David Gregorio)

Dear friends, We have just received good news from Carlos Zorrilla. It looks like Ascendant Copper has been officially removed from Intag region. We think this is the “official” victory we have been waiting for! Our congratulations to the people of Intag who again demonstrate the power of the people to fight for what is right. Also, thank you to everyone who has dedicated money, labor, time, letters, and moral support to this struggle.
We warn, however, that the situation remains exceedingly dangerous in Intag region. An email from Laura Stevens this morning indicates that there are death threats circulating and rumors that leaders, including the international observers, might be kidnapped. We remain on high alert, and we anticipate the continued need for the observers during the months ahead. Our work does not end with this good news. We will be supporting the post-conflict process. The real work has just begun!

ISN Folks,

The following comes from Carlos Zorilla of DECOIN. The Community Development Council is in great need of help covering the costs to provide police protection to community leaders. Please read the note below. I am gathering information from Carlos about how to get money to Ecuador to help cover the costs. For now, however, you can donate money through the Intag Solidarity Network either on-line at http://intagsolidarity.org or by sending a check made out to ‘Canary Institute’ (our umbrella organization) at 1900 E. 10^TH ST, Eigenmann Hall, Suite 630, Bloomington, IN 47406. All money received via ISN will be transferred to folks in Intag.

Peace,

Jake

*******************************************

Dear all, DECOIN met with the Community Development Council yesterday (August 29th).  They are hard pressed to cover some basic funding to keep going with their community organizing work, and to cover costs to protect Polibio Pérez, the Council’s president.  Please give them a hand. We believe the company is on their way out, and the Council’s work will be crucial to help speed it along, and keep the peace in the area.

These are their needs that they feel they need urgent funding for the next 6 months:

1. Cost to pay for food for the four police protecting Polibioi Pérez ($ 4/ day; $120 per month per police)……………..$ 2,880.00
2. Communication (cellular phone, other).$ 200 per month…………………………………………………………….$ 1,200.00
3. Coordination for community organizing.  Salary, Coordinator $ 300 a month;………. …………………………….. $ 1,800.00
4. Miscellaneous (Extra travel, other unforseen expenses); $ 120/month………………………………………………..$   720.00

TOTAL……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..$ 6,600.00

Carlos Zorrilla
DECOIN
Thanks

ISN Folks- The latest from DECOIN.

****************

ANTI-MINING ACTIVIST NEARLY LYNCHED BY “MINING COMPANY WORKERS”

On Tuesday, 31 of July, Polivio Pérez, president of the anti-mining Community Development Council, was nearly lynched in the town center of García Moreno by a crowd that, according to the police report DECOIN was able to obtain, was composed in part by workers belonging to the “mining company”.  Polivio reported that he was beaten by sticks, kicked and hit with rocks before the police intervened and put him in a police patrol car and took him to safety. Polivio’s motorcycle was, according to the police report, thrown over a precipice and pelted with stones, causing major damage. The crowd was taking its anger out on Mr. Perez for the actions of the government which prohibited the company from carrying out its so-called community relations work. The latest prohibition (late july), included the closing down of the company’s redundant “clinic” in Garcia Moreno.

Interestingly enough, the Municipal government has maintained a fully equipped clinic in this town for years. The company has been accused on numerous occasions of using its version of community relations work to divide the communities and exacerbating the conflicts in Intag.

On Thursday of the same week (2 August), two anti-mining activist were beaten up by another crowd of pro-miners, some of them reportedly were also Ascendant workers, in the nearby community of Barcelona.  The anti-mining activists were taken to a health center in the town of Apuela the following day for medical examinations.

This comes after the recent death threats against Mr. Pérez and the assault of a young anti-mining activist mother earlier in the month, which led Amnesty to issue a wordlwide alert denouncing these threats and abuses anti-mining activists are facing in Intag.

As a consequence of this violence, people opposed to the mining project  are saying that there is a climate of terror in Intag that was not here before Ascendant Copper Corporation came to town.

ISN Folks,

An urgent e-mail update from DECOIN.
*****************************************

Just a quick note since the lines are working today (at least this morning).

Yesterday a pro-mining crowd captured polibio in Garcia Moreno and almost killed him. He was saved by police who were ordered directly from Quito to rescue him.  His motorcycle was destroyed, however.  There were at least one Ascendant employee taking place in the violence, as perhaps as much as four- according to Polibio. As soon as I cofirm this, and if the lines are good, Ill blog (he called me as soon as he could, but the call was cut off and I could notreach him again afterwards) The crowd were likely responding to the latest stop work order and perhaps to the anti-corruption findings-

We would like for polibio to leave with his family, since afterwards trusted people said they were planning on burning his house down. We’re trying to get Amnisty to include this in their alerts.

http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=d3626d83-2eb0-415a-b7ea-cdaf2719d34f

Mining critics ‘facing death threats’: report

Ecuador project being ’smeared,’ Ascendant Copper says

Kelly Patterson,

The Ottawa Citizen
Published: Friday, July 27, 2007

Opponents of a Canadian mining operation in Ecuador are “facing death threats and attacks,”
Amnesty International warned in a report released this week.

The move comes at the same time as Ascendant Copper Corp. is responding to allegations of land-sale irregularities by Ecuador’s anti-corruption watchdog, and an order by the Ministry of Energy and Mines to stop “dividing” the community.

Tensions over Ascendant’s Junin project, a copper-molybdenum mine in an ecologically sensitive region of northwestern Ecuador, have been running high in recent months.

Now Polivio Perez, head of the Community Development Council in Garcia Moreno Parish, near the mine site, has been offered police protection after reporting a series of threats.

Another mine opponent, Mercy Torres, says she was beaten at her home earlier this month. She reportedly received death threats two months earlier.

A team from Amnesty International who visited the area in November recorded reports of “intimidation, harassment and attacks” against opponents of the mine.

But Francisco Ventimilla, general manger of the Junin project, says “there is no proof” to back the allegations, adding the charges are part of a smear campaign against the company.

Tension over the project exploded in December when a consulting firm hired by Ascendant broke through community roadblocks with the help of armed paramilitaries. The incident led to hostage-takings on both sides.

“We cut relations with that company in January … (because) they didn’t have the company’s permission” to bring in armed guards, says Mr.Ventimilla.

“We have a very strict policy about the use of weapons and aggression in the field.” The allegations are just the latest in a series of setbacks the project has suffered in recent days.

Earlier this week, Ecuador’s Ministry of Energy and Mines ordered Ascendant to stop its community-relations work, saying it was “intended to divide the community.” “The ministry doesn’t have the right to control our corporate-social responsibility policies,” says Mr. Ventimilla, arguing that company policies are separate from formal community-relations programs, which are part of an official agreement through the environmental-assessment process.

The company provides services such as medical, educational and agricultural-training programs — all of them part of the company’s internal policy, he says.

Previous community-development projects have been plagued by problems, however.

In 2005, a local development group funded by the company was headed by a former general who, along with some of his bodyguards, was accused of issuing death threats and even shooting at mine opponents. Ascendant eventually fired him and other staff and the group later folded.

Ecuador’s anti-corruption watchdog also urged the government to investigate alleged irregularities in the Ascendant land deals, saying speculators snapped up 18 properties earmarked for use as farmland, and sold them within weeks to the mine at prices 40 to 50 times higher than they had paid.

Noting the “unusually speedy” transactions and inflated prices, the commission urged the government to reclaim the land to ensure it is used as farmland.

Mr. Ventimilla says the company bought the land so it could control access to its concessions. It intends to use the land for conservation programs to preserve biodiversity and offset deforestation, he says.

As for the comparatively high sale prices, he puts that down to rampant tax evasion. Most people declare only a fraction of what they pay in order to dodge taxes, he explains. “We pay the real value of the land and we pay the taxes on it.” The anti-corruption panel also raised the alarm about alleged irregularities in the company’s environmental impact study, warning that these allegedly “illegal actions” could “seriously jeopardize … one of the 25 most important biological areas on the planet.” The Junin region in northwest Ecuador lies in one of the world’s richest areas for biodiversity and is home to several endangered species, including jaguars and brown-headed spider monkeys.

The panel calls the firm’s Environmental Impact Study “superficial,” saying it “bears no relationship to the reality of the project.” But Mr. Ventimilla says the firm has recruited some of Ecuador’s top consultants to review its study, adding that this effort has been hampered by anti-mining roadblocks blocking access to the site.

“If these experts do not approve the study, the project will not go ahead,” he says.

Carlos Zorrilla, spokesman for DECOIN, an Ecuadoran environmental group that opposes the mine, says the firm’s many troubles send a warning signal to regulators and investors.

“In light of official recognition of the longstanding problems surrounding Ascendant’s operations in Ecuador, it is clear that due diligence simply is not being exercised by brokers and investors with shares in Ascendant, nor by regulatory authorities in Canada.”

© The Ottawa Citizen 2007