Monday, March 12, 2007
AUN Meeting Thursday 8th March 2007
Held at Restaurant Asia, Benissa Costa.
Meeting commenced 16.15 with Charles Svoboda thanking the Restaurant owners for the use of the room.
Fact Finding Mission by European Parliament
The first item on the Agenda related to the recent Fact Finding Mission (the third visit) by the Petitions Committee of the European Parliament. The delegation visited Andalucia, Almeria and Valencia.
The visit was approved by the President of the Chairman´s Committee, it was headed by the Chairman Martin Levinsky and the First Vice Chairman Michael Cashman.
There was criticism in the Spanish press regarding the visit by the MEPs, claiming it was expensive – the fares, transport, accommodation etc for the delegation being in the region of 30/40,000 Euros total. Charles pointed out the stupidity of the claims by the comparison that this amount is far less than is being asked from each individual homeowner affected by land laws. This criticism also follows the notice that a delegation of over 20 members from the Valencian Government are due to visit a Tourist Fair in Berlin at a possible cost of half a million Euros. It would appear that the Valencian Government are travelling to Berlin in order to defend the reputation of the Spanish Costas, which has been damaged by the AUN. There were other attacks in Spanish press implying that the MEPs were making the trips to Spain as annual holidays. A cartoon in a newspaper showed the MEPs laying by a pool – drinks in hand.
It was in fact a high level visit (reasonably priced) with the MEPs working fourteen hour days starting at 8 in the morning and took place despite the European PP Party applying pressure to stop or at least delay the tour, with Snr Pons also attempting to cancel or change the schedule by sending a representative to Brussels.
The MEPs travelled many kilometers during their time in Spain and had various meetings with homeowners, Mayors etc. The meetings in Benissa and Valencia were very well attended – between 70 and 90% of the people being Spanish. With the Spanish families coming on board to fight, the Valencian Government will soon loose credibility and they will find it extremely difficult to stop the AUN society from succeeding in the aim to change the land laws. The MEPs visit reinforces the previous reports, and it will hopefully have an impact on the coming elections.
In the fight the next step is the Court of Justice in Luxembourg, with the case beginning on 21st March when it is hoped we can prove that the law has not been changed in accordance with European laws. Judgment is expected in October. In the meantime, any work which goes ahead will be considered to take place as contempt of Court.
Meanwhile, the lawyers in London are continuing to put the paperwork in order for the cases to be taken to the Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.
Publicity
There have been various programmes relating to the land problems shown on British TV recently. Re-runs of original articles (some even four years old now), plus a recent new programme on BBC called The Real Story. For those with Internet connections, on Wednesday 14th March, on Bloomberg, there is to be an article regarding the land problems, investments etc. Originally given an 850 euro expense account, the reporter was given open reign financially once the work began and the story started to unfold. It will no doubt be a hard hitting article, important and helpful to all homeowners in Valencia with Bloomberg being aired worldwide.
Legal Fund
The Legal Fund is still active within the AUN with the monies being used for the various cases being taken to Strasbourg through the Court of Human Rights.
AUN Committee
The Presidency of the AUN changed last October, with Charles Svoboda stepping down after four years and Enrique Climent taking over. Whilst the actual jobs undertaken within the society have not changed dramatically, the presidency passing to a Spaniard has made a vast difference in the fight. Enrique took over having left work due to being of retirement age and now has more time to devote to the fight. Enrique has given many interviews to media and press in the last few months and brought a breath of fresh air to the fight.
The majority of the spokespeople and affiliates within the committee of the AUN are Spanish. Each individual has their own various jobs within the committee.
National Federation
Prior to the elections, it is hoped to have formalized the National Federation of societies fighting the land laws. There are already three or four societies interested and ready to join, from Extremadura and Almeria. The entire coastline of Spain (and for many kms inland) is affected in some way by various land laws, each region having laws known under different names, with societies already in force and others being formed to fight.
Elections
Local elections will be taking place on May 27th. Everyone is advised to visit the local Town Hall to check their names are on the voters list. Every vote will count.
The AUN remains non-partisan, but obviously hopes and trusts that families will vote for parties who will be supporting our cause, for parties who have had reliable and helpful Mayors and for a party who is concerned about the environment.
The Asociation Vecinos de Costa Benissa will be holding meetings regarding the elections on 13/14/15 March, details (time place) were available for the residents of Benissa. For families in the Teulada/Moraira area there will be a meeting in Bar Meditarraneo in the near future.
Council of Europe
We have been given details of a new department to be opened soon within the European parliament, this being the Council of Europe. More details to follow as and when known.
* see foot of this note for website details.
German Presidency of Europarl
With Germany taking over the six month Presidency of the European Parliament - beginning in July 07 – the AUN have recently written to the Chairman of the Group of Eight, and to the Chancellor, regarding the abusive land laws in Spain.
Demonstration in Valencia
Permissions are being sought for a demonstration/manifestation against the land laws in Valencia on 21st April. It is hoped that all AUN members, supporters, their friends and families will all take part and support the affected property/land owners of the region.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
A Spanish lady from the Fustera area of Benissa began this section of the meeting by airing her complaints against the local council for the excessive building work and related road problems. She commented on how important it is for everyone to vote, attend public meetings, and fight for our rights. Charles Svoboda suggested that the lady speak with the President of the local Benissa Vecinos Society.
Regarding voting, a gentleman advised that when people visit their Town Hall to check the names are on the register, they ensure the name only appears once in the correct spelling.
We were informed that the delegation from the Petitions Office of Europarl were also investigating complaints regarding the Spanish postal system. There is a Universal Postal Agreement which should be adhered to, but we all know that the post in Spain leaves such a lot to be desired.
A gentleman asked why the AUN is loathe to participate in demonstrations which are not authorized. Charles explained that any demonstrations held in Spain must have legal permission from the appropriate department and that the society would prefer to remain within the law. Should the society take part in a demo which was not legal and should there be problems and matters get out of hand, the Police have the right to attack and to be heavy-handed. The risks outweigh the benefits and we would not want bad publicity or propaganda to hurt the society.
Charles was asked about the office regarding Corruption. Apparently in the last two years, prosecuting investigators have been employed to look into the problem of corruption – however, whilst there is a job title, there are no resources given and the people doing the job have to supply all their own items such as personal e.mail addresses, pens and stationery. We do not know how much clout this office has and have no idea of how successful it is.
Keeping the MEPs, media etc informed was discussed. Charles confirmed that he and Lisa search for as many land problem articles as possible each day from newspapers on the web. They feed information to the press and arrange as much media coverage as they can. Members/supporters of the AUN were also asked to keep their own MEPs, local newspapers (in Spain and home countries) informed of what is happening. At this point Jan interrupted to point out that she had tried to contact all MEPs in the UK. Some have been helpful, but usually when they find out she is not from their constituency they say there is nothing they can do to help, other MEPs from the UK have admitted they have never heard about the Valencian land problems. It is therefore necessary for all (even those who have no personal land problems and are just supporters for the change in the law) to contact their British MEP and to ask for help, not just an acknowledgement of the message.
A gentleman asked if the Delegation from the European Parliament had met with any Government officials. There had been arrangements but schedules were changed.
Willy Hardee then advised those present that she has recently been successful in stopping three different illegal properties being built in her local area. She advises that anyone seeing work start on a building which is thought to be illegal should report it immediately and denounce the owners. Anyone wanting to know the procedure and which forms are needed should contact Willy.
A gentleman from Javea told those present that a neighbour applied for permission to cut down a pine tree which he considered in danger of falling. He was told he was not allowed to cut the tree down and if it was felled there would be a fine of 2000 euros. Not long after being declined permission, the land was taken from the man and that tree and many others were cut down.
Meeting closed 18.00
Visit the website for up-to-date information www.abusos-no.org
Remember – contact Jan mailmaster@abusos-no.org for the following:-
Fight and Write – if you need information on what to write and/or addresses of where to write.
If you have any ideas/suggestions/information regarding the fight for a change in the Valencian land laws.
If you need a copy of the document to help with coping with the stress.
If you need a supply of bumper stickers – Stop LUV
If you need application forms for yourself or friends/neighbours to join AUN (forms also available on the website)
*
Chapter II - Freedoms
Article 17Right to property
http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/07/89&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en
European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA)
Held at Restaurant Asia, Benissa Costa.
Meeting commenced 16.15 with Charles Svoboda thanking the Restaurant owners for the use of the room.
Fact Finding Mission by European Parliament
The first item on the Agenda related to the recent Fact Finding Mission (the third visit) by the Petitions Committee of the European Parliament. The delegation visited Andalucia, Almeria and Valencia.
The visit was approved by the President of the Chairman´s Committee, it was headed by the Chairman Martin Levinsky and the First Vice Chairman Michael Cashman.
There was criticism in the Spanish press regarding the visit by the MEPs, claiming it was expensive – the fares, transport, accommodation etc for the delegation being in the region of 30/40,000 Euros total. Charles pointed out the stupidity of the claims by the comparison that this amount is far less than is being asked from each individual homeowner affected by land laws. This criticism also follows the notice that a delegation of over 20 members from the Valencian Government are due to visit a Tourist Fair in Berlin at a possible cost of half a million Euros. It would appear that the Valencian Government are travelling to Berlin in order to defend the reputation of the Spanish Costas, which has been damaged by the AUN. There were other attacks in Spanish press implying that the MEPs were making the trips to Spain as annual holidays. A cartoon in a newspaper showed the MEPs laying by a pool – drinks in hand.
It was in fact a high level visit (reasonably priced) with the MEPs working fourteen hour days starting at 8 in the morning and took place despite the European PP Party applying pressure to stop or at least delay the tour, with Snr Pons also attempting to cancel or change the schedule by sending a representative to Brussels.
The MEPs travelled many kilometers during their time in Spain and had various meetings with homeowners, Mayors etc. The meetings in Benissa and Valencia were very well attended – between 70 and 90% of the people being Spanish. With the Spanish families coming on board to fight, the Valencian Government will soon loose credibility and they will find it extremely difficult to stop the AUN society from succeeding in the aim to change the land laws. The MEPs visit reinforces the previous reports, and it will hopefully have an impact on the coming elections.
In the fight the next step is the Court of Justice in Luxembourg, with the case beginning on 21st March when it is hoped we can prove that the law has not been changed in accordance with European laws. Judgment is expected in October. In the meantime, any work which goes ahead will be considered to take place as contempt of Court.
Meanwhile, the lawyers in London are continuing to put the paperwork in order for the cases to be taken to the Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.
Publicity
There have been various programmes relating to the land problems shown on British TV recently. Re-runs of original articles (some even four years old now), plus a recent new programme on BBC called The Real Story. For those with Internet connections, on Wednesday 14th March, on Bloomberg, there is to be an article regarding the land problems, investments etc. Originally given an 850 euro expense account, the reporter was given open reign financially once the work began and the story started to unfold. It will no doubt be a hard hitting article, important and helpful to all homeowners in Valencia with Bloomberg being aired worldwide.
Legal Fund
The Legal Fund is still active within the AUN with the monies being used for the various cases being taken to Strasbourg through the Court of Human Rights.
AUN Committee
The Presidency of the AUN changed last October, with Charles Svoboda stepping down after four years and Enrique Climent taking over. Whilst the actual jobs undertaken within the society have not changed dramatically, the presidency passing to a Spaniard has made a vast difference in the fight. Enrique took over having left work due to being of retirement age and now has more time to devote to the fight. Enrique has given many interviews to media and press in the last few months and brought a breath of fresh air to the fight.
The majority of the spokespeople and affiliates within the committee of the AUN are Spanish. Each individual has their own various jobs within the committee.
National Federation
Prior to the elections, it is hoped to have formalized the National Federation of societies fighting the land laws. There are already three or four societies interested and ready to join, from Extremadura and Almeria. The entire coastline of Spain (and for many kms inland) is affected in some way by various land laws, each region having laws known under different names, with societies already in force and others being formed to fight.
Elections
Local elections will be taking place on May 27th. Everyone is advised to visit the local Town Hall to check their names are on the voters list. Every vote will count.
The AUN remains non-partisan, but obviously hopes and trusts that families will vote for parties who will be supporting our cause, for parties who have had reliable and helpful Mayors and for a party who is concerned about the environment.
The Asociation Vecinos de Costa Benissa will be holding meetings regarding the elections on 13/14/15 March, details (time place) were available for the residents of Benissa. For families in the Teulada/Moraira area there will be a meeting in Bar Meditarraneo in the near future.
Council of Europe
We have been given details of a new department to be opened soon within the European parliament, this being the Council of Europe. More details to follow as and when known.
* see foot of this note for website details.
German Presidency of Europarl
With Germany taking over the six month Presidency of the European Parliament - beginning in July 07 – the AUN have recently written to the Chairman of the Group of Eight, and to the Chancellor, regarding the abusive land laws in Spain.
Demonstration in Valencia
Permissions are being sought for a demonstration/manifestation against the land laws in Valencia on 21st April. It is hoped that all AUN members, supporters, their friends and families will all take part and support the affected property/land owners of the region.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
A Spanish lady from the Fustera area of Benissa began this section of the meeting by airing her complaints against the local council for the excessive building work and related road problems. She commented on how important it is for everyone to vote, attend public meetings, and fight for our rights. Charles Svoboda suggested that the lady speak with the President of the local Benissa Vecinos Society.
Regarding voting, a gentleman advised that when people visit their Town Hall to check the names are on the register, they ensure the name only appears once in the correct spelling.
We were informed that the delegation from the Petitions Office of Europarl were also investigating complaints regarding the Spanish postal system. There is a Universal Postal Agreement which should be adhered to, but we all know that the post in Spain leaves such a lot to be desired.
A gentleman asked why the AUN is loathe to participate in demonstrations which are not authorized. Charles explained that any demonstrations held in Spain must have legal permission from the appropriate department and that the society would prefer to remain within the law. Should the society take part in a demo which was not legal and should there be problems and matters get out of hand, the Police have the right to attack and to be heavy-handed. The risks outweigh the benefits and we would not want bad publicity or propaganda to hurt the society.
Charles was asked about the office regarding Corruption. Apparently in the last two years, prosecuting investigators have been employed to look into the problem of corruption – however, whilst there is a job title, there are no resources given and the people doing the job have to supply all their own items such as personal e.mail addresses, pens and stationery. We do not know how much clout this office has and have no idea of how successful it is.
Keeping the MEPs, media etc informed was discussed. Charles confirmed that he and Lisa search for as many land problem articles as possible each day from newspapers on the web. They feed information to the press and arrange as much media coverage as they can. Members/supporters of the AUN were also asked to keep their own MEPs, local newspapers (in Spain and home countries) informed of what is happening. At this point Jan interrupted to point out that she had tried to contact all MEPs in the UK. Some have been helpful, but usually when they find out she is not from their constituency they say there is nothing they can do to help, other MEPs from the UK have admitted they have never heard about the Valencian land problems. It is therefore necessary for all (even those who have no personal land problems and are just supporters for the change in the law) to contact their British MEP and to ask for help, not just an acknowledgement of the message.
A gentleman asked if the Delegation from the European Parliament had met with any Government officials. There had been arrangements but schedules were changed.
Willy Hardee then advised those present that she has recently been successful in stopping three different illegal properties being built in her local area. She advises that anyone seeing work start on a building which is thought to be illegal should report it immediately and denounce the owners. Anyone wanting to know the procedure and which forms are needed should contact Willy.
A gentleman from Javea told those present that a neighbour applied for permission to cut down a pine tree which he considered in danger of falling. He was told he was not allowed to cut the tree down and if it was felled there would be a fine of 2000 euros. Not long after being declined permission, the land was taken from the man and that tree and many others were cut down.
Meeting closed 18.00
Visit the website for up-to-date information www.abusos-no.org
Remember – contact Jan mailmaster@abusos-no.org for the following:-
Fight and Write – if you need information on what to write and/or addresses of where to write.
If you have any ideas/suggestions/information regarding the fight for a change in the Valencian land laws.
If you need a copy of the document to help with coping with the stress.
If you need a supply of bumper stickers – Stop LUV
If you need application forms for yourself or friends/neighbours to join AUN (forms also available on the website)
*
Chapter II - Freedoms
Article 17Right to property
http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/07/89&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en
European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA)
