The lost honour of island To.
The lost honour of island To.
One year ago the government of France has given to Corsica the status
Free economic zone. "Offshore" benefits should
To deduce island from crisis. After all constant violence - 8000
Acts of terrorism and more than hundred murders for last twenty years -
Consider as a consequence of economic chaos on island. Such
In the image the Parisian authorities hoped to "buy" the civil world in
To zone which the Russian politicians named time and again "the French
The Chechen Republic ". But murder two months ago the prefect of Corsica Claude
Erinjaka has shown, that attempt has failed. However,
"Mother country" concerns many years Corsica with any
Confused misunderstanding. Corsica - one of the most picturesque
Islands in the world, but "kontinentaly" are afraid to lodge there, and
Local residents do not differ special diligence. General
The negligence can definitively transform "beauty island" in
Oasis for gangsters.
"Corsica has got for a long time already a legal status of the offshore
Zones ", - were declared by French senator Gi Allush on the parliamentary
Hearings across Corsica in June, 1996. Then all France
Reddened with shame after scandal with "the Corsican
Cows-phantoms ". It was such shame before European
The union, that events on Corsica have ceased to consider internal
Problem of France. On Corsica have disappeared ten millions
The francs directed from Bruxelles in the form of the help to farmers,
Which grow up cows. A deceit which it was possible
To carry out only with assistance of the different semistate
Structures, consisted that EU granted to the grant under
The mythical herds belonging to nonexistent farmers.
All has begun in the late eighties, when the European union
Has decided to struggle with surpluses of milk in the European market. For
That to encourage reorientation of manufacturers of milk on
Meat manufacture, have entered a number of large grants for regions,
Making milk. Artful Corsicans have understood at once, what it
It can appear favourable business. In department From Kors
(The top Corsica) which never was famous for manufacture
Milk, cows began to breed as rabbits. A livestock,
Making 26 600 cows in 1979, "has reached" 80 000 in
1994. In addition subsidised also those who planted
Cows in heavy mountain conditions. And there and then the fodder areas in
Mountains have doubled only for a year.
All it proceeded some years, while Bruxelles not
Has sent on island of inspectors with the task to check up, how
Were used 43 million francs which Corsica received
Annually. Within a week officials studied the picturesque
The Corsican landscape, tasted sausage from kabanjatiny,
The sheep cheese also inhaled aroma of thickets of a poppy, but declared 80
000 cows and have found. Whether the herd has lost the way in
Unapproachable rocks, whether the registered cows
Have turned to bulls... And to find for herd by means of shepherds
It has appeared even more difficult. For example, one of the received
The credit of "cattle breeders" have found only on other party of passage
-- Actually he sold antiques on Azure
To coast...
Here then, after the cow furiousness, it was played and
Scandal with the Corsican cows. Punishment of Bruxelles
Has followed at once: grants have frozen until
The French authorities will not understand with the horned Corsican
Phantoms. But Paris especially did not understand. To avoid
Loud discontent of Corsicans, the state has incurred
The obligation to compensate the selected Bruxelles grants.
Now nonexistent Corsican cows live only for the bill
The French tax bearers.
For the majority of Frenchmen this scandal has simply added
The long list of jokes about "the Corsican soul". The Corsican -
The synonym of the idler, able to live on state means.
The image of Napoleon-conqueror fanned by romanticism and legends about
To vendetta have left in the past. Very few people is surprised with the contradiction, that
Corsica - the poorest region on a total product on soul
The population and... One of the most safe on a standard of living. On
Each one thousand inhabitants of island it is registered 725
Cars. Whereas in a continental part of France only
478 persons from 1000 own avto. A similar parity and in that,
As to videorecorders and dishwashers,
Considered as luxury goods. Thus the whole 47 % of incomes
Average Corsican family make the various
The state grants.
The most pleasant for an eye a panorama of this magnificent and
The quiet life can observe at island coasts. Beginning
Since May magnificent beaches are overflowed by having a rest Corsicans.
The most banal picture: the swarty maiden in minibikini
Coquets with the guy who has arrived on a beach in just
Bought red "Volkswagen-golf". Both, basically,
Work, but for the sake of the warm sun have organised to itself with the help
The doctor who is any far cousin, holiday on
Illnesses. Quite often even policemen leave the posts "on
Illnesses "in summertime to open a bar or to sell
To tourists umbrellas from the sun. All it becomes through branched out
Network of "uncles" in state bodies or "brothers" in the mayoralty...
But this family solidarity ceases to seem such
The darling when on its basis the vicious system is created, in
Which economic, state and political authorities
Work exclusively on the clan. It also is a basis
Impenetrable "the Corsican mafia". And attempt to destroy it
Cost lives to the prefect of Corsica Claude Erinjaku.
Murder of the prefect.
That already warm February evening Claude Erinjak has gone
Together with the wife on a concert of classical music. As always, it
Was without protection. The wife has entered into a hall where the first were already heard
Bach notes. The prefect was late for a minute at an input to chat
With someone from come on a concert. And suddenly - a little
Shots from a pistol the Beretta, behind, in a nape and in a back.
Erinjak was lost at once. Murderers have disappeared. In destruction
The main symbol of the French republic on Corsica suspected
First of all terrorists of one of the nationalist
The organisations.
Whether is this monstrous murder of Corsicans by gesture,
Struggling for independence? This often sounding in the last
Time reminds a question old, wiped to holes more
Boot. Behind "political ideals" there are obvious
Economic interests. The matter is that prefect Claude Erinjak
Became a serious obstacle for almost preserved
Systems of shadow economic relations.
"Prefects usually come here to finish the
To career in a solar place. But Erinjak was another. It
Really wished to change a situation ". So estimate
The 56-year-old prefect on "beauty island". Quite good
The characteristic for the official who has arrived only two years
Back. But to it add also another - "it was too
It is active ". And more:" On Corsica it it is impossible. It costs too
Expensively ".
For two years of the job in Ajaccio Erinjak has had time to shake
Island shadow economy. But in the first months the prefect behaved
Easy. He observed, studied a situation. It was created
Impression, that he does not wish anything to change. It it was possible
To meet in mountains on a bicycle or on foot. From protection for itself
And for members of the family he refused.
The first blow for "not absolutely" diligent
Businessmen there was an introduction automated
Information system in establishments of the regional
Administrations. In it necessarily should register
All firms submitting inquiries about the grants.
But especially all remembered "arrival" Erinjaka on the local
The authorities in Ajaccio. In January, 1998 it has opposed
Installations of thirty new pinball machines in a casino - most
Magnificent building of this small town. Such attack has obviously had not
On taste to local bigwigs. The manager of a casino -
The Corsican, the son of the former chairman of a local chamber of commerce,
Close connected with the city mayoralty. The mayoralty of Ajaccio motivated
Installation of additional automatic machines by that casino expansion
The ten new workplaces will create and will involve tourists.
Erinjak not only has rejected the request, but also has paid attention
The French special services on a doubtful origin of money for
Equipment purchases.
Claude Erinjaka's "clean hands" stirred to its rapprochement with
"Cream" of the Corsican society. On wedding of the daughter
Jean-Zheroma Kolonna, the arrested person during investigation
Sensational business "French Connection" and escaped from prison on
Corsica, all local political elite was going to. After all Jean
-- One of the most influential and frightening figures on island. In
To magnificent hotel where there passed wedding, was present even
The representative of the former minister of France of Charles Paskua,
Spending in 1993 - 1995 secret negotiations with
Nationalists. Only prefect Claude Erinjak has not noted the
Presence this "solemn" event.
But main "sin" of antimafia prefect Erinjaka was
Its "origin". Nationalists frankly consider
The officials appointed the prime minister of France,
Henchmen of "colonizers". Openly ksenofobsky the slogan
Extremely right party Jean-Mari le Foam "France - to Frenchmen"
On Corsica Corsica - to Corsicans "sounds as". The Very first
Actions of nationalists have been in the seventies directed against
Frenchmen from mother country, which, as a matter of fact, and
Name "kontinentalami". However, the Corsicans who have left
Island, nationalists consider as traitors. The first explosions in
The buildings constructed "kontinentalami", have opened France and to all
To the world of militant Corsicans under a banner with a head of the moor -
Traditional symbol of independence.
Revenge of the moor.
Actually the history of Corsica is connected with much more closely
France, than nationalists recognise. During the first the world
Wars Corsicans bravely battled to Germans. In commemoration
Feat in Ajaccio the monument where it is stored has been established
"The sacred earth" from front entrenchments. In 1934 Corsicans
Made only 0,75 % of the population of France, but 20 %
Managers in the French colonies there were Corsicans. And on
Referendum on independence of Algeria in 1962 Corsica was
The unique region which has voted against independence
Algeria.
It is obvious, that feeling of unity with mother country much more
More strongly, than memory of the short period of independence in XVIII
Century between clearing of domination of Genoa and joining
To France.
Corsica has received for the first time tax privileges still at
Napoleon. But nevertheless the island lived poorly enough,
Corsicans with the big ambitions did not remain in villages, and
Left to study or serve in mother country. Economic lifting
Has come only to the middle of 60th years. After declaration
Independence of Algeria of 17 thousand from two millions Frenchmen,
Living in the North African colony (among them it is a lot of
Families of the Corsican origin), have lodged on the east
Island coast. For some years they have transformed the malarial
Bogs in agricultural region. Not casually at this time
Also the first flashes of nationalism have begun. Radical Corsicans
Began to reproach "foreigners" that those "have selected" the best
The earths. In 1965 the first explosions directed were distributed
Against immigrants.
Doctor Edmond was the main figure of nationalists at that time
Simeoni. At him the leader of emancipating movement XVIII
Centuries Paskal Paoli were got by an aura of the national hero. Simeoni
Demanded opening in "capital" of Corsica of university,
Based Paskalem Paoli in Court in 1765. Simeoni
Has got considerable support, using a protection subject
The perfect nature of Corsica from pollution by foreigners.
Explosive have put in pawn by the Italian ship which dumped
Chemical substances in territorial waters of Corsica. In 1972
To year 46 acts of terrorism have been made. In two years - already 242.
On presidential elections in the beginning of 70 nationalists expected
Francois Mitterand's elections which promised "the right to difference
For the Corsican nation ". But has won ZHiskar d'esten, which
Has dared at the rigid approach. In 1975 group Simeoni has arranged
The next action. This time they have decided to oppose
The wine-grower who ostensibly sold the counterfeit Corsican
Wine. Nationalists have grasped a wine cellar. Then the French
The police has used a case and, to show power,
Has sent to a scene of 2000 gendarmes and helicopters.
Simeoni has refused to surrender, and among vineyards, close
Ancient Roman ruins of small town Alerija the historical has begun
Firing. Two policemen have been killed. Having empurpled hands blood
Gendarmes, nationalist movement became the enemy number.
While Simeoni was imprisoned, movement has become tougher.
Underground army under the name Front of the national
Clearings of Corsica has urged Corsicans "to protect the native land with
The weapon in hands ". The terror wave has overflowed island -
Hotels, police branches, administrative blew up
Buildings, military bases - all symbols of "the continental power".
Law enforcement bodies resisted to nationalists,
Arrested them, judged. But the authorities have begun to hesitate. It was clear,
That the part of Corsicans supports if not methods, on
To extreme measure slogans Simeoni. The inspirer of nationalists left
On freedom in five years.
With coming to power of socialists times hidden have begun and
Open negotiations. In 1981 the government has satisfied
One of requirements of nationalists also has opened university in
Court. "These negotiations were conducted with the suitcases filled
Money ", - the former Minister of Justice of the then spoke
The governments. In 1991 the island has got the special status,
Having selected the Corsican assembly where nationalists have received
Quarter of places. But this support expresses more likely desire
Voters to recognise the national feature, i.e.
Embodiment of "peace" requirements of nationalists: struggle with
Culture disappearance, distribution of studying Corsican
Language.
Simultaneously with legalisation of a part of nationalists movement
Has broken up into the numerous organisations. Four of them had
"Army". Now acts of terrorism were made any more only against
Mother countries, but also against each other. And soon on a surface
Began to come up the facts testifying to "economic"
Bases of this strange war which continues to frighten
Corsicans. And then to the government of France has bothered.
"If Corsica so wants independence, let it and takes",
-- Former prime minister Remon the Bar has told. This call
To separatists the considerable part of Frenchmen has divided. Judging by
To results of the interrogation spent in week after murder
Prefect Erinka, 36 % of Frenchmen "from mother country" have voted
For independence of island. On the Corsica for independence
10 % would vote only.
Actually, all it is already clear, that struggle of "nationalists"
Has a little the general with protection of the higher ideals - "the rights on
Self-determination ". During the same interrogation of 64 % of inhabitants of island
Have responded, that acts of terrorism are connected not with a question about
Independence, and with "a mafia and gangsterism problem". More shortly,
The opinion of Corsicans quite coincides with a position of the killed
Prefect Erinjaka.
Mafia and nationalists incorporate.
Economic motives of the militant nationalist
Movements on Corsica became a banal reality: MPA -
Self-determination movement ("moderate" character) - has received
Nickname "business movement". This grouping consists from
Businessmen who put up money in "obshchak" (if
To speak criminal language), connected with tourism,
Hotel and gambling bizenesom. So geographer Marian considers
Lefevr, the author of the sociological analysis of the Corsican
Groupings.
The trade of supporters MPA explains their moderate slogans.
Before to win independence, they would like to be convinced in
Fruitfulness of the investments. And for capital development
The public order and protection are necessary at least from
External competition. Extremist organisation "п я п?п п?п я я п " not
So it was safely arranged in economy. Its supporters -
Peasants, small dealers, handicraftsmen. They
"Specialise on abusings grants from the state
Or from private investors "also demand" revolutionary taxes "
From businessmen. It is very probable, that blown up "in a name
Preservations of the environment "hotels and tourist cottages were
Actually are destroyed by racketeers "Kunkolta" in struggle
Against MPA.
Clearly, that neither racketeers, nor businessmen does not arrange
The state control over island economy. But to it as
Is unprofitable to remain cut off from annual billions
Mother countries.
It turns out, that the Corsican nationalists struggle not against
The French state, and against the state in general. These
People are extreme expression traditional Corsican
Societies. They have grown from a social order organised
By a clan principle. An archaic Corsican society, as well as
Many other things similar to it, it is based on the organisation on
To clans. It that fact, that matrimonies speaks
Are the strongest uniting factor in Corsican
Society. Citizenship, an accessory to the state or to
Constitutions have appeared very fragile cement for this purpose
Societies in comparison with the related communications going from darkness
Centuries.
If to believe analysis Mariana Lefevra becomes clear
And refusal of market and democratic game rules in advantage
"Family preference". The Major principle for many
Corsicans - to help daughters, to the nephew, the son-in-law. In opinion
Anthropologist Nikola Giudichi, nationalists - only modern
The person of a social triptych "consciousness, likeness,
Vendetta ".
Such consciousness meets not only at flown into a rage
Nationalists or the offended small businessmen. Even
Elite of Corsica, the selected persons who basically are
Live symbols of democracy, openly admit the
Archaic reflexes.
The patriarch of one of the most influential clans Rokka-Serra
Once has hinted, that it is ready to help arrested persons
To nationalists, participants of terrorist plots. It
"Offer" has very much surprised public opinion, as
Rokka-Serra was the mayor of small town Porto-Vekio from party RPR,
Which is headed by the president of France Jacque Chirac.
Rokka-Serra did not see in such use of the powers
Anything bad: "Who from the selected persons on Corsica would not help
To member of the family even if it does not divide
Nationalist ideas of young men which enclose
Bombs... ".
The building of the mayoralty of Francois Moskonni has been blown up twice. The mayor -
By the way too from RPR - knows, who guilty, but has refused
To name names even polices. "I on them will not inform. I
Has put things in order itself. I have passed guilty, that if with me
Something happens, they will die at once ". And this promise
Personal punishment has sounded from lips of a dear member of that party,
Which supports a republican order most!
During investigations of various acts of terrorism and murders police
Asserted, that the law "omerty" is live till now and it is healthy
Prevents to work to it. Statements of the elite from
Corsicans - direct to volume the proof. But at the law
"omerty" is, except solidarity, also other basis -
Fear. Simple inhabitants of island are afraid to sweep criminals. And
Though they live in departments of France, know, that island
Corsica is actually out of a zone of influence of French
Justice. Really, Parisian authorities simply do not know,
How to cope with "the Corsican problem", and it is constant
Balance between excessive rigidity and timid weakness.
Business not only in reaction left and right on tragedy in
Alerii. Even the most known Corsican Napoleon Bonaparte not
Differed special understanding concerning the people. Following
To orders of the emperor, general Moran executed so much Corsicans,
That in the Corsican dialect there was an expression: "Giustizia
Morandina "-" justice Morana ". Attempts to solve
The Corsican soul it has been undertaken so many that from them became
Clearly only that is clear nothing. With 1875 for 1926 on
To Corsica 53 parliamentary investigations were undertaken. But with
Corsicans still nobody can understand.
The French authorities are similar to the parents who are not understanding
Free requirements of the fumes about bolshej independence. Not
Being able find common language with the revolting teenager,
They replace psychological support by delivery of the huge
Pocket money.
Corsica has received the additive to usual to "pocket money" 1
January, 1997 in a kind of "a free economic zone",
Which is a basis of one more strategy of the authorities in
The relation of Corsica. Then prime minister Alain Zhjuppe has solved
To break secret negotiations with nationalists and to renew
Struggle against them. Simultaneously he has decided to adhere island to
Mother countries by means of delivery of the additional economic
Privileges. The new status of Corsica has come into force through three
Month after bomb explosion in the mayoralty of Bordeaux. Nobody has suffered,
But the symbol was clear all: some hours prior to explosion in
Mayoralty building reception just with Alain Zhjuppe's participation was spent and
Other representatives of the power.
This was the first large action of nationalists spent for
Island limits, and it has shaken all France. But free
The economic zone all the same has taken place, despite the general
Opinion, that it became a gift to nationalist Mafiosis.
After all the firms created on island, except other privileges, completely
Are released within five years from profit taxes.
The first conclusions about economic consequences
Grantings to Corsica of the status of a free economic zone
While are absent. But last fight Erinjaka interrupted with a bullet
In a nape, it can appear the important argument. The matter is that
The prefect has opposed transactions on sale of military property in
Bonifachcho - the small town hanging on rocks of southern coast
Islands.
According to the program about property reduction
The French army the decision on part sale was accepted
Territories of ancient fortress Bonifachcho, whence in clear weather
Mountains of Sardinia are visible. A place ideal. So, at least,
Considered, according to the French newspaper "Canary Islands anshene",
Cousins of mayor Bonifachcho who were going to to open there the huge
Tourist complex. Buyers of other part of a fortress
There should be the Italian investors connected with the company
Codil. But this firm is registered at special services as "laboratory
The Italian mafia ". And to Claude Erinjaku this nominee the Goat
Nostry has seemed to the undesirable.
Experts suspect of France, that on Corsica through
podstavnye firms are laundered dirty Russian money.
Really, why to Russian criminals not to be arranged on
"Beauty island" - after the overflowed Cyprus. But while all
Possible sources are silent. Was, the truth, one very strange
Episode about two years ago. A certain official Russian
The delegation has decided to visit island. However quickly enough
Local authorities were convinced, that delegation interested not
It is so much beauty, how much possibility of shadow investments. If
Officially, to Russians then have given up. But as developed
Further, the lost prefect could tell events only
Erinjak.
SOFI LAMBROSKINI.
//* an information Source: Russian telegraph, 16.04.98
//* Reg. Nom. - 1080400140.27-------------------------------------------
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