Greens Demand Invitation of Afghan Women to Bonn Talks on the Future of Afghanistan

Outraged at the exclusion of the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan, Greens call democracy impossible without representation of women. US Green Party officers travel to Europe for meetings with Green members of European parliaments and other Green officials and the European Federation of Green Parties

US shuts down Somalia internet

Somalia‘s only internet company and a key telecoms business have been forced to close because the United States suspects them of terrorist links. Both companies have stated they are not linked to terrorists. Along with denying all internet access to Somalis, the closures have severely restricted international telephone lines and shut down vitally needed money transfer facilities

Cannabis laws set to be eased

Home Secretary David Blunkett has announced he wants the UK’s laws covering cannabis to be eased so possession will no longer be an arrestable offence. The drug would remain illegal under Mr Blunkett’s proposals but be re-classified from a class B to a class C drug

McDonald’s rejected by the community

The Dallas city council overwhelmingly voted down a proposed site for a new inner city McDonald’s restaurant. This followed months of intense community organising and coalition building among diverse groups including Vegetarian Society of Dallas, Krishna religious community, Mt Auburn neighbourhood association, UPROAR — United People Resisting Oppression And Racism — Hindu organisations and others