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May 16, 2005
Even under the threat of violence we remain peacefull at all times.
Monday 16th, one day past our eviction notice. We were again all ready this morning for a forcible arrest, but by midday still no sign of any police presence.
Then a small, elderly group congregate outside the whale embassy,they are agitated and through out the 5min meeting told us they were not here to talk,only that we pack up now or they will use violence to pack up for us very soon. Their body language made it clear they were in no mood for dialogue. We repeatedly explained our staunch belief in non violent direct action even under violent circumstances.
This was an unpleasant meeting and we have had to rethink all of our safety procedures.
Soon after two men in their 70's arrive and tell us they are very thankful for our dedication to the whales and a third explained that had we not appeared on TV he had never known the whale situation was looking so grim. After this mornings unpleasant visit,it gave us all new strength.
Having to constantly keep my knowledge of whaling issues up to date for this campaign, I realise how much in dire need some species are of URGENT conservation-there are only an estimated 100 Korean Grey whales left with approx. 25 breeding females.
These whale meat factory plans are as ludicrous as building a factory in Kenya to process ivory from 'accidentally-killed' elephants.
Raoni
Posted by at May 16, 2005 09:00 AM
Comments
I read this and I posted to an old blog by accident so sorry about the repetition. I have had the chance to hang out and get to know many of the people at this action. They are a great bunch of people working for a great cause. Hang in there. Know that many people believe in what you are doing. Try to stay safe.
Posted by: Michelle at May 16, 2005 02:59 PM
Hi to all at the Embassy, Glad to hear you are still in place and we hope it continues, keep up the good work and we look forward to a peaceful and successful outcome for all parties and hope that Korea follows Kaikoura and becomes a mecca for whale watching.
Kia Kaha
Mike and Hamish
Posted by: Buches![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://weblog.greenpeace.org/koreawhales/nav-commenters.gif)
at May 16, 2005 03:25 PM
So happy this morning to see the whale embassy has not been dismantled. This is a victory for the whales already. You have succeeded in getting in the way of the evil plans to build a whale extinction factory.
You are all stars. Thank you so much for being so brave and taking a strong stand for the whales.
The mayor's e.mail is bouncing (account full). Can someone supply cyberactivists with a fax numbe please?
L.
Posted by: ekkaia at May 16, 2005 04:15 PM
Keep it up all you wonderful people working for the future of our whales. I am adding the address of the Korean Embassy in Wellington for all the NZ activists:
Korean Embassy
ASB Tower, Level 11
2 Hunter Street
P.O.Box 11143
Wellington
Love to you all at the hotspot in Ulsan
Maike
Posted by: maike at May 17, 2005 01:06 AM
Hi Raoni,
My admiration goes out to you for supporting this campaign. Hope the results are sucessful.
Good luck always.
Posted by: Carol at May 19, 2005 06:02 AM
