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I wish I was talking about Larry David’s TV show, but I am not. A few days ago, China’s President Hu Jintao arrived in Paris for a three-day state visit with billions of dollars in deals thrown in. When it comes to make deals during those difficult economic times, France like many other countries, is ready to look away to ‘peacefully‘ work on a ‘strategic cooperation without limits‘. How much China had to pay for this masquerade (if the contracts are honored, eventually)? $20 billion. Three years ago, I posted about Gaddafi’s visit to France: When Gaddafi met Sarkozy: faked orgasm? and it is like history is repeating again, associated with the same feeling: ‘Colonel Gaddafi must understand that our country is not a doormat on which a leader, terrorist or not, can come and wipe the blood of his crimes off his feet. France should not receive this kiss…⇒ READ MORE

I usually don’t wear jewelry. Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend but they are definitely not mine. So when I heard about blood diamonds years ago, it didn’t come as a big disillusion. In 2007 I posted about Hotel Rwanda, Syriana, Blood Diamond… Not only entertainment. These films are informative movies the general public needs, and even if they have not been major box-office hits, they engage their audience and have an emotional impact on viewers. At least for a while. I know women who re-considered purchasing diamonds after they saw Edward Zwick’s ‘Blood Diamond’; it didn’t last long though, until Leo Di Caprio’s charm faded away. But at least, people who have seen the movie can’t ignore blood diamonds anymore. Unfortunately and despite international laws, the Kimberley Process and the World Diamond Council, we are not finished with blood diamonds: according to Human Right Watch, ‘In late June…⇒ READ MORE

I have expressed my humble opinion about Sudan, Burma, Congo and other issues on many occasions on this blog, looking at the root causes and trying to explain them with simple words. I have close friends working in local organizations in France but also abroad, and it is always rewarding to discuss with experienced people. For the “60 Signers for the 60th Anniversary” Initiative I launched on the occasion of the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, I had the opportunity to meet with the presidents of Amnesty International France, UNICEF, Human Rights Watch, UNESCO, UNHCR… Each time it was enriching and I had a glimpse at the other side of the coin, where the decisions are made. Mary Robinson, the first woman President of Ireland (1990-1997), former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and member of The Elders, also signed the artwork I created and…⇒ READ MORE

Last week, artist Owen Maseko was arrested. I read the news on This is Zimbabwe site and since I appreciate Maseko’s work and respect his commitment, it was impossible for me not mentioning this arrest. From This is Zimbabwe site: Owen Maseko the world famous Zimbabwean artist has been arrested. His crime? He dared to be bold. Maseko opened his exhibition last night at the Bulawayo National Art Gallery, an artist’s impression of the harsh reality of Gukurahundi as well as the decades of oppression and violence that have characterised Zimbabwe. In a combination of graffiti, 3D installations and his painting Maseko unflinchingly dared to tell the truth, adding his usual and whimsical element of humour. Visit his website here. Voti Thebe, the person in charge of the Bulawayo National Arts Gallery, was also arrested. Stand up for the freedom of expression in Zimbabwe and help free Maseko. He is…⇒ READ MORE

On January 12, 2010 a 7.0 magnitude earthquake has struck off the coast of Haiti. The severe earthquake caused major damages and images taken in Haiti in the aftermath of the earthquake quickly came into full view, revealing a devastated country, total disaster and chaos. Organizations already working on the island, gave the first help while international aid was on its way. Compassion We were all shocked and horrified by what was shown on television and on the Internet. Port-au-Prince, capital of the country, was no more. The city is a giant ‘mille-feuille’, buildings are now multiple layers of broken concrete with people wandering the streets looking for help, food, water and family members. No way we can look away before such a big natural catastrophe, amplified by the weak infrastructure which produced such unprecedented damage, and by a catastrophic economic and social situation. We donated money and see the help…⇒ READ MORE