Thursday, September 29, 2005
Date 23.09.05
Cashman celebrates victims' victory
Michael Cashman MEP has welcomed the recent announcement that Irwin Mitchell, a UK based Law firm, has agreed to work with 'victims' who have been affected by alleged abuses of the infamous LRAU law in Spain's Valencia region.
Reacting to the news Michael, who is Vice President of the European Parliament's Petition's Committee and was Leader of the recent delegation to Spain to investigate the situation, said:
"This is excellent news. The possibility that Spain and the Valencian government would face legal action before the European Court of Human Rights was something which I have been predicting for a long time and something which, frankly, does not come as a surprise".
The European Parliament mission to Valencia in May was the second in 2 years which looked closely at the situation on the ground in Spain following the receipt of over 15,000 petitions of complaint by the Petitions Committee. The European Commission has also started infringement proceedings against the Spanish government for breach of EU Directives on public procurement as well as other breaches of EU law in relation to the LRAU law.
Speaking of the next possible step Michael said:
" The European Parliament is in the process of drafting a report that will provide recommendations to the Valencian government as they prepare to amend the controversial law. I remain hopeful that the new law, once adopted, will put an end to the abuses and misery incurred by European citizens under the previous LRAU law".
+++ENDS
Cashman celebrates victims' victory
Michael Cashman MEP has welcomed the recent announcement that Irwin Mitchell, a UK based Law firm, has agreed to work with 'victims' who have been affected by alleged abuses of the infamous LRAU law in Spain's Valencia region.
Reacting to the news Michael, who is Vice President of the European Parliament's Petition's Committee and was Leader of the recent delegation to Spain to investigate the situation, said:
"This is excellent news. The possibility that Spain and the Valencian government would face legal action before the European Court of Human Rights was something which I have been predicting for a long time and something which, frankly, does not come as a surprise".
The European Parliament mission to Valencia in May was the second in 2 years which looked closely at the situation on the ground in Spain following the receipt of over 15,000 petitions of complaint by the Petitions Committee. The European Commission has also started infringement proceedings against the Spanish government for breach of EU Directives on public procurement as well as other breaches of EU law in relation to the LRAU law.
Speaking of the next possible step Michael said:
" The European Parliament is in the process of drafting a report that will provide recommendations to the Valencian government as they prepare to amend the controversial law. I remain hopeful that the new law, once adopted, will put an end to the abuses and misery incurred by European citizens under the previous LRAU law".
+++ENDS
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
from Valencia Life 20.9.5
HOPE FOR LRAU VICTIMS
It was revealed yesterday that the UK-based law firm Irwin Mitchell has offered a new opportunity for those affected by the Valencian land-grab laws, better known as LRAU. Now, the company is inviting those affected to contact them and their case will be presented to the European Court forHuman Rights. Irwin Mitchell has had extensive experience with group actions, representing 350 victims in a timeshare fraud case, the victims ofthe Equitable Life collapse, and they are now preparing a group action against drug manufacturer Merck over the painkiller Vioxx. More informationis available on: www.irwinmitchell.com/valencia
HOPE FOR LRAU VICTIMS
It was revealed yesterday that the UK-based law firm Irwin Mitchell has offered a new opportunity for those affected by the Valencian land-grab laws, better known as LRAU. Now, the company is inviting those affected to contact them and their case will be presented to the European Court forHuman Rights. Irwin Mitchell has had extensive experience with group actions, representing 350 victims in a timeshare fraud case, the victims ofthe Equitable Life collapse, and they are now preparing a group action against drug manufacturer Merck over the painkiller Vioxx. More informationis available on: www.irwinmitchell.com/valencia
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
SOCIALIST URBANIZING PLANS
It has been revealed that despite the Valencian branch of the Socialist Party calling for a moratorium on all building in the Community, some 58 Socialist Mayors are still planning massive urbanizations, presenting various projects involving a total of 63 million square metres. Amongst their alleged plans are to try and re-qualify land that is currently termed as Green - the natural Parks of Irta and Espadan. One of the towns involved was Quart de Poblet outside Valencia, where the Consell for the Territory has just turned down an application to urbanize some 466,000 square metres of orchards. Amongst other Socialist plans still pending are projects planned by Socialist Mayors in these towns:.
Torrent - the creation of over 3,000 homes on over 499,000 squaremetres.
Alfahuir where a golf course and 700 homes are planned on 700,000square metres.
Sagunto - plans to urbanize 75,000 square metres on the Almardabeachfront.
Requena - plans are on the books for three golf courses on 13 millionsquare metres.
Equally, in Castellon Province, four members of the Socialist Party refused to pay attention to the directive from Valencian Socialist leader JoanIgnasi Pla, and decided to vote in favour of creating vast urbanizations on 20 million square metres around the planned Theme Park The World of Illusion.
from Valencia Life
It has been revealed that despite the Valencian branch of the Socialist Party calling for a moratorium on all building in the Community, some 58 Socialist Mayors are still planning massive urbanizations, presenting various projects involving a total of 63 million square metres. Amongst their alleged plans are to try and re-qualify land that is currently termed as Green - the natural Parks of Irta and Espadan. One of the towns involved was Quart de Poblet outside Valencia, where the Consell for the Territory has just turned down an application to urbanize some 466,000 square metres of orchards. Amongst other Socialist plans still pending are projects planned by Socialist Mayors in these towns:.
Torrent - the creation of over 3,000 homes on over 499,000 squaremetres.
Alfahuir where a golf course and 700 homes are planned on 700,000square metres.
Sagunto - plans to urbanize 75,000 square metres on the Almardabeachfront.
Requena - plans are on the books for three golf courses on 13 millionsquare metres.
Equally, in Castellon Province, four members of the Socialist Party refused to pay attention to the directive from Valencian Socialist leader JoanIgnasi Pla, and decided to vote in favour of creating vast urbanizations on 20 million square metres around the planned Theme Park The World of Illusion.
from Valencia Life
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Stress and the LRAU
By Dr David Brock
Consultant Psychologist
The recent visit by the commission of MEPs to the Valencian Communitat to investigate abuses of LRAU has brought to light not only the sheer size of the problem in numerical terms, but also the high level of stress and human suffering being caused by this iniquitous law and its application by unscrupulous politicians and developers.
As a clinical psychologist, who has recently moved here from England and found myself facing the threat of being LRAUed, I have been struck by the similarity between many of the stress reactions being suffered by ordinary people here and those which I encountered amongst my clinical clients back in England.
On this basis, I think that it could be useful to explore and analyse some of the psychological aspects of the situation being created by LRAU and look at ways in which people can be helped to deal with these. I will look at these in terms of firstly, the threat posed by LRAU; secondly, individuals´ psychological reactions to this threat; and thirdly, methods and techniques for dealing with stress and associated unwanted emotional difficulties. Although LRAU has a similarly devastating effect upon our Spanish neighbours, the following comments are aimed at the expatriate community.
The Threat of LRAU
While LRAU and its abuses have things in common with other stressful life events, it has factors which make it particular. The following seem to be some key factors which make up the threat
· It provokes an anticipation of loss. The loss is along a number of dimensions, including financial, emotional, social, environmental and time. These various forms of loss are frequently difficult to anticipate or quantify.
· It involves prolonged uncertainty, which is in itself psychologically uncomfortable and hard to deal with. This uncertainty applies to each phase of the process from initial planning suggestion through to completion of the development and can last many years.
· During this process, in many ways, people are unable to get on with their lives. In a real sense, important aspects of life are having to be put on hold. Thus, for example, they may be unable to sell their home and move; they may face restrictions from the town hall on improving and changing their property; they may be unable to plan financially for the future.
· Due to living abroad, there may be an absence or shortage of the usual support networks, which help us deal with stress, i.e. family, friends, work colleagues, etc.
· Again, due to living in an alien environment, we are frequently lacking in the knowledge necessary to help in dealing with the problem. This lack of knowledge covers such areas as the language, the law, social and political systems, local traditions and the planning process, all of which are likely to play a part in what happens.
· The quality of life, either temporarily or permanently, is spoilt due to negative changes in both the natural and social environments. The reasons why we chose to live where we did are being changed out of our control.
· The process that we face is the application of a law, which is presented as being powerful, unchallengable and unchangeable.
Psychological reactions to the threat
The ways in which individuals react to these threats will vary a lot, depending on the type, severity and duration of the problem and aspects that are unique to the person. However, it is normal to have unpleasant reactions to stress; and likely that most of us will encounter some of the following:
· A feeling of being threatened, which in any living animal is likely to trigger the ¨fight – flight´ response, i.e. the nervous system becomes overactive.
· Where this sense of threat persists, the nervous system continues to overact producing fear and anxiety.
· Thinking about the problem can come to preoccupy the mind and become a main topic of conversation, with the accompanying habit of worry.
· Frequently, emotional problems trigger and are made worse by sleep problems.
· There may be a sense of regret about having come here, made worse by a loss of trust in one’s decision making ability.
· In the face of seemingly powerful threatening forces, the person may feel helpless and/or hopeless.
· Linked to helplessness is the feeling that life (and perhaps our own reactions to it) is out of control. We believe that we can’t any longer make our own decisions or affect what happens to us.
· Helplessness, hopelessness and loss of control are predictors for depression, particularly where they persist over time, i.e. several months
· The flip side of depression is irritability and anger. This may be a positive reaction if it motivates to productive activity, but also has the potential to provoke further problems, particularly in our relationships with others. Sometimes people spin back and forth between anger and depression.
· Anxiety or depression is likely to shift the person’s thoughts in a negative direction. This is likely to have a number of unwanted consequences including a difficulty in enjoying life, a loss of confidence, and underestimating ones own personal strengths, skill and assets.
· Often, social isolation goes with other emotional problems and cuts the person off from potential help.
· Increased use of alcohol, food and/or drugs may be part of a person’s attempt to cope, but will usually produce further problems of their own
· Prolonged stress is associated with a wide range of physical and psychosomatic problems, including chronic tension, migraine, skin problems, hypertension, digestive disorders, headaches, strokes and heart problems, among others.
Dealing with it
At the outset, the methods and techniques, which are likely to help, will depend on the type, duration and severity of the problem. Self help for stress, anxiety and/or depression now has a range of techniques available, which have been developed and found to work well for some but not all people. None of them are a quick fix. Most require to be tested, used and applied over a period of time to bring lasting benefit. Having said this, some of the following are likely to be of benefit to most people:
Set about developing a social support network. It helps to be around others. As bad as the problem is and as bad as you feel, it is good to learn that others can understand and share how it feels.
Try to remember why you came here originally; and reclaim your original goals, plans and ambitions for being here.
Develop activities which are for you personally enjoyable or give a sense of achievement (or both). Make a point of focusing on the feelings of pleasure or success both during and after the activity.
Take time out (at least a half hour each day) to deeply relax your body and mind. There are a number of systems for achieving this including progressive relaxation exercises, breathing exercises, meditation and yoga
Challenge negative thinking where this is irrational and excessive.
Be proactive in gaining the knowledge you need to deal with the situation; and in this way, challenge the belief in helplessness. Network with others, learn about the law, and focus on what you can do, rather than what you can´t.
Put limits on the time spent worrying. One way of doing this is to timetable ¨worry time¨ i.e. set time aside specifically to worry and don’t allow yourself to worry outside these times.
Accept that the problem and its solution is likely to take time, and get on with your life apart from this
The use of these approaches is easier said than done, and as noted above will take time, discipline and dedication. They will not help everybody. However, it is important to know that there is professional help available. Many counselors and therapists are able to offer treatment for stress and related problems; and for anxiety and depression, there is now a highly effective treatment available called cognitive therapy, which has been experimentally proven.
So the message is that either through using these methods to help yourself or via professional assistance, many of the worst psychological effects caused by LRAU can be addressed and reduced .
By Dr David Brock
Consultant Psychologist
The recent visit by the commission of MEPs to the Valencian Communitat to investigate abuses of LRAU has brought to light not only the sheer size of the problem in numerical terms, but also the high level of stress and human suffering being caused by this iniquitous law and its application by unscrupulous politicians and developers.
As a clinical psychologist, who has recently moved here from England and found myself facing the threat of being LRAUed, I have been struck by the similarity between many of the stress reactions being suffered by ordinary people here and those which I encountered amongst my clinical clients back in England.
On this basis, I think that it could be useful to explore and analyse some of the psychological aspects of the situation being created by LRAU and look at ways in which people can be helped to deal with these. I will look at these in terms of firstly, the threat posed by LRAU; secondly, individuals´ psychological reactions to this threat; and thirdly, methods and techniques for dealing with stress and associated unwanted emotional difficulties. Although LRAU has a similarly devastating effect upon our Spanish neighbours, the following comments are aimed at the expatriate community.
The Threat of LRAU
While LRAU and its abuses have things in common with other stressful life events, it has factors which make it particular. The following seem to be some key factors which make up the threat
· It provokes an anticipation of loss. The loss is along a number of dimensions, including financial, emotional, social, environmental and time. These various forms of loss are frequently difficult to anticipate or quantify.
· It involves prolonged uncertainty, which is in itself psychologically uncomfortable and hard to deal with. This uncertainty applies to each phase of the process from initial planning suggestion through to completion of the development and can last many years.
· During this process, in many ways, people are unable to get on with their lives. In a real sense, important aspects of life are having to be put on hold. Thus, for example, they may be unable to sell their home and move; they may face restrictions from the town hall on improving and changing their property; they may be unable to plan financially for the future.
· Due to living abroad, there may be an absence or shortage of the usual support networks, which help us deal with stress, i.e. family, friends, work colleagues, etc.
· Again, due to living in an alien environment, we are frequently lacking in the knowledge necessary to help in dealing with the problem. This lack of knowledge covers such areas as the language, the law, social and political systems, local traditions and the planning process, all of which are likely to play a part in what happens.
· The quality of life, either temporarily or permanently, is spoilt due to negative changes in both the natural and social environments. The reasons why we chose to live where we did are being changed out of our control.
· The process that we face is the application of a law, which is presented as being powerful, unchallengable and unchangeable.
Psychological reactions to the threat
The ways in which individuals react to these threats will vary a lot, depending on the type, severity and duration of the problem and aspects that are unique to the person. However, it is normal to have unpleasant reactions to stress; and likely that most of us will encounter some of the following:
· A feeling of being threatened, which in any living animal is likely to trigger the ¨fight – flight´ response, i.e. the nervous system becomes overactive.
· Where this sense of threat persists, the nervous system continues to overact producing fear and anxiety.
· Thinking about the problem can come to preoccupy the mind and become a main topic of conversation, with the accompanying habit of worry.
· Frequently, emotional problems trigger and are made worse by sleep problems.
· There may be a sense of regret about having come here, made worse by a loss of trust in one’s decision making ability.
· In the face of seemingly powerful threatening forces, the person may feel helpless and/or hopeless.
· Linked to helplessness is the feeling that life (and perhaps our own reactions to it) is out of control. We believe that we can’t any longer make our own decisions or affect what happens to us.
· Helplessness, hopelessness and loss of control are predictors for depression, particularly where they persist over time, i.e. several months
· The flip side of depression is irritability and anger. This may be a positive reaction if it motivates to productive activity, but also has the potential to provoke further problems, particularly in our relationships with others. Sometimes people spin back and forth between anger and depression.
· Anxiety or depression is likely to shift the person’s thoughts in a negative direction. This is likely to have a number of unwanted consequences including a difficulty in enjoying life, a loss of confidence, and underestimating ones own personal strengths, skill and assets.
· Often, social isolation goes with other emotional problems and cuts the person off from potential help.
· Increased use of alcohol, food and/or drugs may be part of a person’s attempt to cope, but will usually produce further problems of their own
· Prolonged stress is associated with a wide range of physical and psychosomatic problems, including chronic tension, migraine, skin problems, hypertension, digestive disorders, headaches, strokes and heart problems, among others.
Dealing with it
At the outset, the methods and techniques, which are likely to help, will depend on the type, duration and severity of the problem. Self help for stress, anxiety and/or depression now has a range of techniques available, which have been developed and found to work well for some but not all people. None of them are a quick fix. Most require to be tested, used and applied over a period of time to bring lasting benefit. Having said this, some of the following are likely to be of benefit to most people:
Set about developing a social support network. It helps to be around others. As bad as the problem is and as bad as you feel, it is good to learn that others can understand and share how it feels.
Try to remember why you came here originally; and reclaim your original goals, plans and ambitions for being here.
Develop activities which are for you personally enjoyable or give a sense of achievement (or both). Make a point of focusing on the feelings of pleasure or success both during and after the activity.
Take time out (at least a half hour each day) to deeply relax your body and mind. There are a number of systems for achieving this including progressive relaxation exercises, breathing exercises, meditation and yoga
Challenge negative thinking where this is irrational and excessive.
Be proactive in gaining the knowledge you need to deal with the situation; and in this way, challenge the belief in helplessness. Network with others, learn about the law, and focus on what you can do, rather than what you can´t.
Put limits on the time spent worrying. One way of doing this is to timetable ¨worry time¨ i.e. set time aside specifically to worry and don’t allow yourself to worry outside these times.
Accept that the problem and its solution is likely to take time, and get on with your life apart from this
The use of these approaches is easier said than done, and as noted above will take time, discipline and dedication. They will not help everybody. However, it is important to know that there is professional help available. Many counselors and therapists are able to offer treatment for stress and related problems; and for anxiety and depression, there is now a highly effective treatment available called cognitive therapy, which has been experimentally proven.
So the message is that either through using these methods to help yourself or via professional assistance, many of the worst psychological effects caused by LRAU can be addressed and reduced .
GOLF PROJECTS SUBMERGE DEPARTMENTA total of 38 projects for urbanizing that are attached to golf courses are still in the approval stage inside the Conselleria for the Territory. The projects are spread across 26 towns in Alicante Province and plan to provide housing for over 60,000 people. Of the towns involved, 16 are ruled by the Partido Popular, nine by the Socialists, with one - Pego - being governed by a coalition between the PP, the Socialists and the Bloc.
Valencia Life 19.9.5
Valencia Life 19.9.5
Thursday, September 15, 2005
ABUSOS URBANISTICOS-NO! www.abusos-no.org
VALENCIAN LAND LAWS!
If you have land problems, if you want to know more about the fight against the LRAU,
if you want to come along and talk or receive up to date information…..
come to:
Bar CHEZ FLO
approx halfway between Calpe and Moraira on the coastal road,
(road to the seafront - Fustera Playa - opposite the Asia Restaurant)
TUESDAY 20th SEPTEMBER
between 4 and 6 p.m.
For more information, phone Jan (English) at 600 837 054 or Hubert (Deutsch/Hollands/English) 96 649 9395
e.mail aun@abusos-no.org or mailmaster@abusos-no.org
ABUSOS URBANISTICOS – NO! www.abusos-no.org
VALENCIAN LAND LAWS!
Wenn Sie Probleme mit Ihrem Grundstück haben, wenn Sie mehr über den Kampf gegen L.R.A.U.
wissen möchten, und kommen möchten, zum reden oder um informiert zu werden…..
kommen Sie zu:
Bar CHEZ FLO
auf halben Weg zwischen Calpe und Moraira an der Küstenstrasse,
(Strasse die strandpromenade - Fustera Playa - nahe kommen Asia Restaurant)
DIENSTAG 20 SEPTEMBER
16 bis 18 Uhr
Für weitere Information, Tel. Jan 600 837 054 (Englisch) oder Hubert (Deutsch/Hollands/English) 96 649 9395
e.mail aun@abusos-no.org oder mailmaster@abusos-no.
VALENCIAN LAND LAWS!
If you have land problems, if you want to know more about the fight against the LRAU,
if you want to come along and talk or receive up to date information…..
come to:
Bar CHEZ FLO
approx halfway between Calpe and Moraira on the coastal road,
(road to the seafront - Fustera Playa - opposite the Asia Restaurant)
TUESDAY 20th SEPTEMBER
between 4 and 6 p.m.
For more information, phone Jan (English) at 600 837 054 or Hubert (Deutsch/Hollands/English) 96 649 9395
e.mail aun@abusos-no.org or mailmaster@abusos-no.org
ABUSOS URBANISTICOS – NO! www.abusos-no.org
VALENCIAN LAND LAWS!
Wenn Sie Probleme mit Ihrem Grundstück haben, wenn Sie mehr über den Kampf gegen L.R.A.U.
wissen möchten, und kommen möchten, zum reden oder um informiert zu werden…..
kommen Sie zu:
Bar CHEZ FLO
auf halben Weg zwischen Calpe und Moraira an der Küstenstrasse,
(Strasse die strandpromenade - Fustera Playa - nahe kommen Asia Restaurant)
DIENSTAG 20 SEPTEMBER
16 bis 18 Uhr
Für weitere Information, Tel. Jan 600 837 054 (Englisch) oder Hubert (Deutsch/Hollands/English) 96 649 9395
e.mail aun@abusos-no.org oder mailmaster@abusos-no.
Sunday, September 11, 2005
'Money Box'
A very good radio program that describes the possible pitfalls of buying property in Spain. Although broadcast in 2003, the contents are still valid.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/moneybox/3150393.stm
A very good radio program that describes the possible pitfalls of buying property in Spain. Although broadcast in 2003, the contents are still valid.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/moneybox/3150393.stm
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Valencia Life. 7.9.05
CLAMPING DOWN
It has been revealed that Environment Minister Cristina Narbona has issued more than twenty orders banning future urbanizations in the Valencian Community due to the water they would need. However, no details were released of which possible future developments are affected by the ruling. Meanwhile, Manuel Alcalde the Water Commissioner for the Jucar Water Consortium stated that there were 'dozens' of these cases in the Ministry and refused to go into the individual cases other than to state that one of the plans affected was that of moving the headquarters of Valencia Footbal lclub to Portxinos. He also added that a project in Moncofa in Castellon Province, which would bring some 45,000 additional people to a town that currently had only 5,000 would be allowed to go ahead as the developer had clearly shown that there were enough sources of water in the area for the project to be brought to completion.
CLAMPING DOWN
It has been revealed that Environment Minister Cristina Narbona has issued more than twenty orders banning future urbanizations in the Valencian Community due to the water they would need. However, no details were released of which possible future developments are affected by the ruling. Meanwhile, Manuel Alcalde the Water Commissioner for the Jucar Water Consortium stated that there were 'dozens' of these cases in the Ministry and refused to go into the individual cases other than to state that one of the plans affected was that of moving the headquarters of Valencia Footbal lclub to Portxinos. He also added that a project in Moncofa in Castellon Province, which would bring some 45,000 additional people to a town that currently had only 5,000 would be allowed to go ahead as the developer had clearly shown that there were enough sources of water in the area for the project to be brought to completion.
Monday, September 05, 2005
DEFENDING THE LAW (VL)
Rafael Blasco, the Conseller for the Territory stated recently that the newValencian land laws that are set to replace the existent LRAU, are "scrupulously in line with the directives of the European Union." TheConseller added that the Syndic de Greuges - the Valencian Ombudsman - had completely agreed with his point of view in that the new law guarantees the rights of the small landowner and corrects the errors of the LRAU. However, the Valencian Socialists have tabled a motion opposing the passing of the new law and will propose the introduction of their proposals for land reform. The Socialists are also opposed to the Valencian 'Golf Law'. Both these new laws are set for debate in the Valencian Parliament later this month.
(Comment: It is manifestly NOT true that the proposed LUV is any more in accordance with EU law than the LRAU. It makes no reference to any EU law or norm, just for openers. Sr. Blasco has been doing his utmost to ensure that a deal is done with the opposition parties in the Valencian Legislature just so that anything coming out of the EU Parliament or the Commission will be sidelined in advance. ( Fortunately, so far, the Socialists are shunning these hamfisted blandishments.) And I doubt very much that the Sindic de Greuges would agree that his concerns have been met. CVS)
Rafael Blasco, the Conseller for the Territory stated recently that the newValencian land laws that are set to replace the existent LRAU, are "scrupulously in line with the directives of the European Union." TheConseller added that the Syndic de Greuges - the Valencian Ombudsman - had completely agreed with his point of view in that the new law guarantees the rights of the small landowner and corrects the errors of the LRAU. However, the Valencian Socialists have tabled a motion opposing the passing of the new law and will propose the introduction of their proposals for land reform. The Socialists are also opposed to the Valencian 'Golf Law'. Both these new laws are set for debate in the Valencian Parliament later this month.
(Comment: It is manifestly NOT true that the proposed LUV is any more in accordance with EU law than the LRAU. It makes no reference to any EU law or norm, just for openers. Sr. Blasco has been doing his utmost to ensure that a deal is done with the opposition parties in the Valencian Legislature just so that anything coming out of the EU Parliament or the Commission will be sidelined in advance. ( Fortunately, so far, the Socialists are shunning these hamfisted blandishments.) And I doubt very much that the Sindic de Greuges would agree that his concerns have been met. CVS)
