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From: vassos@utcsri.UUCP (Vassos Hadzilacos)
Newsgroups: can.politics
Subject: Re: Hidden cost (for Canada) of sanctions against South Africa
Message-ID: <3147@utcsri.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 22-Jul-86 13:28:43 EDT
Article-I.D.: utcsri.3147
Posted: Tue Jul 22 13:28:43 1986
Date-Received: Tue, 22-Jul-86 13:38:57 EDT
Distribution: can
Organization: CSRI, University of Toronto
Lines: 25

> A comment by a representative of one of the so-called frontline
> states (he was testifying before the Commons Committee on Human
> Rights(?)) made me think of this for the first time.  
> 
> He said: "We know sanctions will hurt us, but we don't mind" (or 
> words to that effect).
> 
> The synic in me could not help but reply "I'm sure you don't care
> because you'll just demand compensation from the 'rich' (western)
> countries."

According to the Globe and Mail, the man quoted above (from Zimbabwe,
if I recall correctly) proceeded to say that his country's position is
NOT contingent on compensation by other countries but that, of course,
any such assistance would be welcome. Moreover, he described the damage
of sanctions on the front-line states as "short term", in contrast to
the "long term" damage caused by apartheid.

In my opinion, helping eradicate apartheid is one of the best uses
financial assistance to other countries can find. Instead of financing
the Duarte regime in Salvador, we might as well help the front-line
states against South Africa's threat that it will pass on to them the
consequences of sanctions.

Vassos Hadzilacos.