Iberian Nations

[noddy]

if you have the confidence to think that your area is rich enough and its only the parasites of the larger grouping holding you back why they HELL would you want to join up to a new parasite organisation.

endo is always thinking that bigger groupings are better but thats only true for the poorer members of that grouping, they are always worse for the members who are self sufficient, always.

this might sound like a crude analysis but its not my fault humans are crude, take it up with the deity of your choice.

[Endovelico]

A large majority of the Catalan parliament voted in favour of a request to the national parliament (Cortes) for permission to hold a referendum on independence, as the constitution requires. The Cortes are trapped: if they deny that permission the arguments in favour of independence will be strengthened and independence will be more likely. If they approve the request, it will mean that Madrid has no alternative but recognize independence if the Catalan people vote for it, as it seems to be sure. If permission is denied, either the Catalan government goes ahead anyway and holds the referendum, or it will call general elections with a single issue to be put to the voters: independence, yes or no. Whatever the central government does, it will blow up in their faces. The smart thing to do would be gracious about it all, accept the referendum and hope Catalans get cold feet...

[Endovelico]

In honour to the Catalan people, a small article on today's news in Catalan:

"Els catalans volen votar i decidir, i ho faran"

Dijous, 16 de gener del 2014 - 13.44 h

El president del grup parlamentari de CiU, Jordi Turull, ha afirmat que "els catalans volen votar i decidir, i podeu estar segurs que votaran i decidiran". Turull ha afirmat que la transferència de la competència estatal sobre referèndums és una de les cinc vies legals existents per fer possible la consulta.

La intervenció del dirigent de CiU s'ha centrat a acusar el PSC, per votar avui en contra, de "posar pals a les rodes i engreixar el no a la consulta". Turull ha culpat directament el primer secretari dels socialistes, Pere Navarro, de "posar-l'hi al senyor Rajoy més fàcil perquè ens diguin que no". En aquest sentit ha recordat que la tradició del catalanisme és el de les actuacions conjuntes en "temes de país", cosa que, segons el portaveu nacionalista, avui el PSC "ha enterrat". Turull ha assegurat que els arguments dels socialistes per votar avui que "no s'aguanten per enlloc". "Vostès es van comprometre per una consulta legal i acordada i el que faran avui és molt greu".

El representant de CiU ha assegurat que en tot moment el procés sobiranista es fa sota els eixos de les grans majories transversals, la legalitat i la voluntat d'acord amb l'Estat. I, davant d'això, ha assegurat, l'Estat respon "amb menyspreu i brometes, i amb ostentació del 'no al diàleg".
Avís a l'Estat

"L'acord d'avui serveix per avisar l'Estat que ens hem posat d'acord", ha afegit Turull, que ha assenyalat la "paradoxa" que els que consideren il·legal la consulta estan "en plena campanya contra la independència".

[Alexis]

The smart thing to do would be gracious about it all, accept the referendum and hope Catalans get cold feet...

I think you're right on that.

Best chance for unity of Spain is to accept organization of referendum, then to campaign:
- internally for unity of the country
- externally (& discreetly) towards EU institutions so that they maintain the principle that secession from Spain entails expulsion from EU and suggest that future talks for EU entry could be long

[Endovelico]

7 reasons Lisbon could be Europe's coolest city
By Fiona Dunlop, for CNN - January 26, 2014 -- Updated 0317 GMT (1117 HKT)

(CNN) -- What makes a city "cool"?

If it means being loaded with atmosphere, charm, great food and nightlife, yet ignored by the bulk of travelers, then Lisbon deserves consideration as Europe's coolest capital.

Here's why.

1. Nightlife that can outlast Madrid's

If you think Madrid stays out late, try a night out in Lisbon.

The city is less about heaving clubs and more about a roving nocturnal flow that ends (maybe) when dawn rises over the Tagus River.

The main action is in the Bairro Alto, where more than 250 appealing bars line a web of streets between graffiti-plastered walls.

Next is the riverfront, in the hip neighborhood around Cais do Sodré railway station.

Typical of the offbeat flavor here is the converted brothel Pensão Amor (Rua do Alecrim 19, +351 21 314 3399) where ace cocktails accompany erotica and DJ sets.

Capping a Lisbon night are pre-dawn traffic jams at Santa Apolonia docks -- they're created by the popularity of Lux, the king of Lisbon superclubs (Cais da Pedra +351 21 882 0890).

2. Experimental cuisine

Once known largely for bacalhau (dried cod), quaint old coffee houses and louche taverns, the Portuguese capital now claims a range of restaurants.

Seafood remains a staple, but the trend is for modern, sophisticated and affordable.

A high bar is set by wunderkind chef José Avillez at his Michelin-starred Belcanto (Largo de Sao Carlos 10, +351 21 342 0607) or his more casual bistro Cantinho (Rua dos Duques de Bragança 7, +351 211 992369).

Avant-garde European and Portuguese cuisine describes Avillez's menu, which stretches from sea bass with seaweed to lamb with vegetable puree.

Further down the scale, Lisbonites love juicy bifanas (pork buns) in backstreet eateries.

No traveler to Lisbon should miss the famed egg tarts (pasteis de nata).

The little bundles of caramel-y custard in chewy pastry are eaten in style at the original tiled café, Antiga Confeitaria de Belem (Rua Belém 84-92, +351 21 363 7423).

3. Irony

You'd think Lisbonites would brag about their achievements -- first global empire, world's best custard tarts, sea bass with seaweed that actually tastes great.

On the contrary, along with the rest of the nation, they excel in that ages old literary device/defense mechanism: irony.

As Portuguese writer Fernando Pessoa once eloquently summed up the prevailing national outlook: "I'd woken up early, and took a long time getting ready to exist."

That old entertaining melancholy has resurfaced with the austerity of recent years, helping Lisbonites remain (almost) content and always witty, even in tough times.

4. Beaches and castles

Lisbon is a place to inhale salty Atlantic air, sunbathe and hit the waves.

Dolphins surf and ferries ply the River Tagus.

Half an hour away by train are the beaches and ornate casino of Estoril.

A bit further, Cascais is for eaters -- lots of grilled fish and seafood stews served in domed cataplana dishes.

The other big day trip is to Sintra. Forty minutes from Lisbon's main station (Rossio), it's a time-warp town, located in lush, wooded hills peppered with whimsical palaces and mansions that epitomize centuries of aristocratic opulence.

5. Fabulous design

Wherever you look in Lisbon, sharp contemporary design is a hallmark.

Stylish leather goods, bold wine labels, interiors combining vintage with the latest designer pieces, spectacular buildings -- this is a city that loves to look good.

Pritzker-prize winning architect Alvaro Siza Vieira set the modernist tone with his gravity-defying pavilion for Expo 98.

Lisbonites gather to appreciate good design at MUDE (Rua Augusta 24, +351 21 888 6117), their mutant fashion and design museum, where austere low-tech blends with baroque flounces.

6. Big art

Large European capitals such as London, Paris, Berlin and Madrid may have blockbuster art collections, but Lisbon's half million inhabitants have access to their own rare panoply.

The classic is the Gulbenkian Foundation (Av. de Berna 45A, +351 21 782 3000), where superlative Oriental and Western art occupies an airy 1960s building and landscaped gardens.

In Bélem, the Museu Berardo (Praça do Império, +351 21 361 2878) focuses on big names of 20th- and 21st-century art, from Picasso to Jeff Koons.

Museu de Arte Antiga (Portuguese site only; Rua Janelas Verdes, +351 21 391 2800) is a 17th-century mansion packed with 500 years of artwork that reflects Portugal's globetrotting history.

Lisbon's latest exclusive is the impressive Museu do Oriente (Avenida de Brasília, Doca de Alcântara, +351 21 358 5244), a superbly converted salt cod warehouse full of Asian exhibits where you can book a nighttime visit followed by dinner in the riverfront restaurant.

7. Fascinating streets

There's no getting bored wandering in Lisbon, thanks to the intricately patterned cobblestones under your feet -- a civic point of pride that blossomed after Lisbon's 1755 earthquake and continues today.

Even Lisbon's walls demand attention, thanks to an obsession with azulejos (ceramic tiles).

Top examples are found at the Museu Nacional do Azulejo (Rua da Madre de Deus 4, +351 218 100 340), while the peeling façades of the Alfama and Mouraria districts show dozens of variations.

I'm delighted CNN was sensitive to our charms...

[Endovelico]

A new left libertarian party has been formed in Portugal, and I am part of it. I'm going to enter our primary elections for candidates to the European Parliament, the elections for which will take place in May. If I ever get elected to the European Parliament I assure you I will raise hell!...

[YMix]

I approve of your decision to do something and I wish you success.

[Endovelico]

I approve of your decision to do something and I wish you success.

Thanks!...

[Nonc Hilaire]

Great! Go, Endo, go!

[Parodite]

Wish you best of luck Endo! We agree on many fronts with only a few details of difference with a demon hiding occasionally

[Endovelico]

Thanks to both of you!

[Heracleum Persicum]

.

Was twice by car to Portugal last 5 yrs, top to bottom .. very nice country and people

Well, Edno, bright days ahead

crossing finger for your candidacy to the European Parliament .. left or right just salt & pepper

.

[Endovelico]

.

Was twice by car to Portugal last 5 yrs, top to bottom .. very nice country and people

Well, Edno, bright days ahead

crossing finger for your candidacy to the European Parliament .. left or right just salt & pepper

.

Quite a few hurdles ahead: first, making it past the primaries, and then getting elected... For a new party I would say the odds are not good... But I expect to enjoy the process...

[Endovelico]

The latest political opinion poll in Spain:



The radical left continues growing and both the socialists and conservatives lose support. Eventually the socialists (PSOE) and the radical left (IU) may be able to form a majority government in Spain.

[Typhoon]

A new left libertarian party has been formed in Portugal, and I am part of it. I'm going to enter our primary elections for candidates to the European Parliament, the elections for which will take place in May. If I ever get elected to the European Parliament I assure you I will raise hell!...

Congratulations and best wishes.

Do keep us updated on your progress.

[noddy]

[Heracleum Persicum]

.


Portugal to grant Sephardic Jews citizenship

.

Portuguese Minister Adolfo Mesquita Nunes told Channel One’s View of the World program, broadcast on Saturday night, that the wording of a draft bill, similar to that announced by Spain just over a week ago, will soon be ready.

.

Congratulation, Endo .. good idea .. this way these people can go back home and stop bugging the (real Jews) Palestinians


.

[Endovelico]

.

Portugal to grant Sephardic Jews citizenship

.Portuguese Minister Adolfo Mesquita Nunes told Channel One’s View of the World program, broadcast on Saturday night, that the wording of a draft bill, similar to that announced by Spain just over a week ago, will soon be ready.

Congratulation, Endo .. good idea .. this way these people can go back home and stop bugging the (real Jews) Palestinians.

There is this idea that Portugal expelled the Jews by the end of the 15th century. We didn't. We told Jews that to remain in Portugal they would have to convert to Christianity. Which most of them did, even if they didn't mean it. Only a minority left, but we only speak of those. In time (300 years) those fake Christians became true Christians and we were left without Jews. Present day Jews in Portugal returned in the 19th century from Morocco and Gibraltar. So, in fact, most descendants of Sephardic Jews (I'm one of them) are already Portuguese citizens. But we will welcome any new additions...

[Heracleum Persicum]

.



(can't stop laughing)

.

Following Spanish law for Jewish return, Muslims demand equal terms


Spanish Muslims urged their government to grant citizenship to descendants of Muslims who were expelled from Spain in addition to Jews.

The demand was made this week in a statement by the Association for Historical Legacy of Al-Andalus, the Spanish news agency EFE reported on Feb. 17.

“The Spanish state should grant the same rights to all those who were expelled, otherwise their decision is selective, if not racist,” Bayi Loubaris, the association’s president, told EFE.

The association named several families currently residing in North Africa as candidates for receiving Spanish citizenship.

Several other prominent Muslims and legal experts accused the Spanish government of pursuing a double standard following the approval on Feb. 10 of a bill proposing to naturalize descendants of Sephardic Jews, which the governments said was to atone for the expulsions 500 years ago.

Submitted by Spain’s Justice Minister, Alberto Ruiz-Gallardon, the bill is expected to go up to a vote in Spanish congress this year. Portugal already passed a law granting citizenship to descendants last year and its interior ministry is currently drafting regulations ahead of the law’s application, according to Portuguese lawmakers who submitted the bill.

The Jews were persecuted in Spain and Portugal during the Inquisition which the Catholic Church and royal houses of both countries led against non-Christians in the 15th and 16th centuries.

“Recognition of the Sephardic community is symbolic, necessary and just. The same applies to those who have kept their Andalus-Moorish identity in exile,” Manuel Antonio Rodríguez, a professor of law at the University of Cordoba, told the El Confidencial daily on Sunday.

In 2006, the United Left party in the parliament of the autonomous Spanish region of Andalusia submitted a bill which proposed recognizing the rights of descendants of Muslims who were expelled but the bill never made it to a vote.

Portuguese lawmakers who drafted the country’s law on Sephardic Jews rejected calls to naturalize the descendants of Muslims who were expelled, citing the fact that the expulsion of the Muslims was part of a war to end the occupation of Spain by North African invaders.

“Persecution of Jews was just that, while what happened with the Arabs was part of a conflict,” Jose Ribeiro e Castro, a Spanish lawmaker who drafted Portugal’s law of return, said. ”There’s no basis for comparison.”

.

that thing hittin the fan, Endo


.

[Endovelico]

Jose Ribeiro e Castro, who happens to be Portuguese, not Spanish, is wrong. There were Berber expelled as a consequence of war, but others remained in Portugal after the military actions were ended, living in quarters called "mouraria". Their posterior expulsion was in all things similar to the expulsion of Jews, and the same rights should be recognized to their descendants.

[Heracleum Persicum]

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has described as illegal a referendum on Catalonia’s independence planned for November 9

"It is the entire Spanish people who have the capacity to decide what Spain is. No one can unilaterally deprive the entire Spanish people of the right to decide on their future," Rajoy added.

A disaster in making .. we could see Basque sitution develop in Catalonia

and

European court and parlament will have a saying in this

[Azrael]

A new left libertarian party has been formed in Portugal, and I am part of it. I'm going to enter our primary elections for candidates to the European Parliament, the elections for which will take place in May. If I ever get elected to the European Parliament I assure you I will raise hell!...

Good luck! I hope you get elected.

[Endovelico]

A new left libertarian party has been formed in Portugal, and I am part of it. I'm going to enter our primary elections for candidates to the European Parliament, the elections for which will take place in May. If I ever get elected to the European Parliament I assure you I will raise hell!...

Good luck! I hope you get elected.

Thank you. But the chances are slim. I guess I will make it to the candidates list, but I doubt any of us will be elected this time. The party is far too new and Portuguese voters are too conservative as far as their electoral choices are concerned. We would need between 4 and 5% vote to elect one of us to the European Parliament. Very unlikely, I'm afraid...

[Taboo]

A new left libertarian party has been formed in Portugal, and I am part of it. I'm going to enter our primary elections for candidates to the European Parliament, the elections for which will take place in May. If I ever get elected to the European Parliament I assure you I will raise hell!...

Hadn't seen this! Good luck, Endo!

[Heracleum Persicum]

.

Portugal Laden With $293 Billion Debt Exits Bailout Plan .. $ 30,000 per Portuguese

“There will now be two or three decades of lean times for the state, which will have to purge that debt burden,” ..

..

“I hope that everyone has learned that it’s not by following a path of squandering, spending what we don’t have and doing everything that is contrary to the sustainability of the economy that we can improve the wellbeing of the Portuguese,” Luis Marques Guedes, Portugal’s minister for parliamentary affairs, said yesterday.

Thank you, Angela
.