Castlefield Gallery presents Life in the UK/ Balance of Probabilities – ATM11
Worth the art miles?
Martha Craig October 24th, 2011
Didem Ozbek redresses Castlefield’s exterior
Life in the UK / Balance of Probabilities, currently on show in Castlefield Gallery, holds the high honour of the only (ever) Turkish entrants displayed as part of Asia Triennial Manchester. Istanbul-based artists Didem Özbek and Osman Bozkurt delved into the frustrating throes of visa application for their Manchester debut.
The exhibition details the processes of application to travel, specifically from Turkey, and in doing so addresses issues of freedom, movement and displacement. The gallery has thusly been remade in the mould of a visa application centre, including the street-facing façade, transforming the gallery into unrecognisable dull commercial camouflage.
Upon entering each visitor must go through a security check and be issued a ticket to the waiting room where the exhibition begins. The effect is possibly similar to the confusion and bureaucracy of real visa applicants. I couldn’t say for sure, though, given that at the end of my queue an art exhibition awaited, and in terms of entering unfamiliar territory this probably doesn’t quite equate with emigrating. The visitor, ie. me, is indeed left feeling out of context with the art gallery and part of an office cattle market. However, as a simulation of the real reality the experience falls short.
The gallery is small, and this exhibition cleverly utilizes all surfaces; the viewer is literally enclosed by the pieces. Upon walking down the stairs Didem Özbek’s ‘Dream Trip’ trips you up. The work is made up of luggage lined up against the walls, posters of foreign countries hung above and on the floor is a map of the world reduced to show only those countries in which people are able to cross borders freely. In a glass case to the side she has gathered the four types of Turkish passports which roughly translate as a metaphor for the license to travel freely undercut by the resultant effect of restriction.
The rest of the exhibition is comprised of film and images filling the walls; such as Osman Bozkurt’s ‘Collection #2/11’, a collection of passport photos with the faces cut out by state officers. The artist has classified and categorized them by physical features and has displayed them in insect cases. Photographs of the interiors of visa application centres create a disconcerting double-headed hall of mirrors; dull photos of dull rooms in a counterfeit-dull room.
Although the exhibition concept is positively thriving with sociological and topical issues such as human rights, whether this includes the right to travel, ownership and identity, the exhibition as a whole fell somehow flat. The theory was there, the circle came full: that an exhibition built around travel had travelled all the way to greet us in sunny Manchester (I presume with a visa). And yet inside the circle it was strangely empty, in my humble opinion, a vacuum not quite going the distance.
via Castlefield Gallery presents Life in the UK/ Balance of Probabilities – ATM11 > The Mancunion.
THE world premiere of a film focused on Liverpool FC’s historic 2005 European Cup win was showcased in the city.
The cast, including Anfield manager Kenny Dalglish, appeared at the red carpet screening of Will at Liverpool One’s Odeon cinema.
The film follows orphan Will Brennan, who runs away to watch the game in memory of his late father.
Dalglish said: “It was a good laugh making it.
“The film is a further extension of all the good work that’s been done in the city. It’s magnificent.”
Perry Eggleton, who plays Will Brennan, said: “It was great to play a Liverpool fan.
“The movie was a fantastic experience and it was good to work with such great people. Istanbul is an amazing city.”
via Kenny Dalglish attends premiere of latest film on Liverpool FC’s Istanbul victory, ‘Will’ – ECHO Entertainment News – Entertainment – Liverpool Echo.
British Airlines is seeking ways to benefit from the transit flights business via Istanbul, a model that is boosting the growth of domestic Turkish Airlines
British Airlines is offering tickets for 65 pounds for Turkish passengers to UK to mark its 65th year in Turkey, says Gavin Halliday.
The increasing number of transit airway passengers via Turkey, a key element in the rapid growth of national carrier Turkish Airlines, has also whet the appetite of British Airways, which is seeking a larger share in the market.
Istanbul has become an important connecting hub in its region, a top executive of British Airways said during an Oct. 14 meeting in Istanbul.
“Not only has the number of people visiting Turkey increased, the number of transit passengers has reached a great number in recent years,” said Gavin Halliday, general manager for the company’s Europe and Africa operations, during a press conference.
The official data of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) verifies Halliday’s statements. The total number of the transit passengers arriving Istanbul reached 18 million last year, and the city ranks top in hosting transit passengers on the Asia-Europe corridor.
Frankfurt came second with 11 million passengers in the same period, followed by Cairo with 8 million, according to the data.
At the meeting to mark British Airways’ 65th year in Turkey, Halliday said, “The international routes and the passengers preferences are a change we aim to serve with the best quality for them.”
Istanbul’s Atatürk Airport, one of the two in the city, ranked as the eighth busiest airport in the world, reaching 31.14 million travelers by the end of last year. It followed London Heathrow, Paris Charles De Gaulle, Frankfurt, Spain’s Barajas, Amsterdam, Leonardo Da Vinci and Munich airports, according to Turkey’s General Directorate of State Airports Authority (DHMİ).
The total number of international passengers arriving to Turkey has reached 47 million, breaking another record by 13.4 percent as of the end of September this year compared with the first nine months of 2010, according to DHMI.
Turkish Airlines, which benefits most from transit traffic in the region, expects to handle 35 million passengers in 2011, according to Chief Executive Temel Kotil.
Cheap tickets
To celebrate the 65th anniversary, British Airways is offering a discount price of 65 pounds for Turkish passengers to London if they buy tickets between Oct. 17 and 23. Passengers will be able to use the ticket between October 2011 and March 31, 2012.
Operating 21 weekly roundtrip flights between Istanbul and London, British Airways carried approximately 64,000 passengers on the route as of the end of last year.
Halliday said the company was ready to invest nearly 5 billion pounds next year to modernize aircraft, upgrade technology and interior decor, and increase entertainment and catering services.
via UK airline sees profit in flights over Turkish sky – Hurriyet Daily News.
Adam Werritty: Liam Fox’s friend ‘bankrolled by corporate intelligence firm and Israel lobbyist’
Adam Werritty, the Defence Secretary’s unofficial “adviser”, was funded by a corporate intelligence company and the chairman of an Israeli lobbying organisation, documents have disclosed.
By Robert Winnett, Deputy Political Editor
Mr Werritty is reported to have paid for travel around the world from a company that received funds from G3 Good Governance Group and Tamares Real Estate, an investment company owned by Poju Zabloudowicz, the chairman of Bicom.
Jon Moulton, a venture capitalist, is also said to have provided money to Pargav Ltd, the firm which is alleged to have bankrolled Mr Werritty.
Over the past few days, speculation has mounted as to how Mr Werritty was able to join Liam Fox on more than 20 overseas trips including official visits, conferences and holidays.
It has now emerged that six different people and companies each paid up to £35,000 to Pargav since last year.
Mr Werritty is said to have withdrawn more than £140,000 from Pargav’s bank account to fund his travel around the world to meet up with Dr Fox, The Times reported.
RELATED ARTICLES
Dr Liam Fox and Adam Werrity 14 Oct 2011
Liam Fox, Adam Werritty and the $500 bash that went undeclared 13 Oct 2011
Friend at Fox’s right-hand on almost half of foreign trips 11 Oct 2011
Liam Fox and Adam Werritty: LIVE 14 Oct 2011
Liam Fox and Adam Werritty: election laws may have been broken 14 Oct 2011
David Cameron: I’ll show strong leadership over Liam Fox’s fate 14 Oct 2011
The disclosure is likely to put Dr Fox under growing pressure as those previously close to the pair become increasingly alarmed at Mr Werritty’s activities.
Mr Zabloudowicz is the head of Bicom, a prominent organisation which promotes Israeli-British relations. His companies have also donated money to the Conservative Party and he is a supporter of David Cameron.
Last night, he confirmed donating £3,000 to Pargav.
A spokesman said: “For many years, Poju Zabludowicz has helped fund not-for-profit organisations, not individuals, due to his passion for the promotion of peace and understanding between peoples in the United States, Europe and the Middle East.”
G3, a company that specialises in international security and risk management, has previous links with Dr Fox in connection with his attempts to help with the reconstruction of Sri Lanka. The firm is thought to have donated £15,000 to Pargav.
Earlier this week, The Daily Telegraph disclosed that Mr Werritty had being working out of the offices of Michael Hintze, a hedge fund tycoon and donor to the Conservative Party. Oliver Hylton, an adviser to Mr Hintze is the sole director of Pargav.
Mr Hylton and Mr Hintze are now apparently attempting to distance themselves from Mr Werritty and are thought to believe they asked more questions of Dr Fox’s friend and best man.
Last night, Mr Hylton told The Times: “He [Mr Werritty] came into my office and said I want to set up a new company. It sounds ridiculously niave, in hindsight, but I agreed. I signed the documents and nothing more.
“I saw Adam as an adviser [to Dr Fox] of some sort. Anything he did was for the good of Liam Fox and supporting his office. Adam is a good and honest man.”
Asked about Pargav, a spokesman for the Defence Secretary said: “Adam Werritty does not work for the Defence Secretary as an official or unofficial adviser.”
Defence Secretary Liam Fox has resigned after controversy surrounding his relationship with his friend Adam Werritty
Mr Fox said he had “mistakenly allowed” his personal and professional responsibilities to become “blurred”
David Cameron said he was very sorry for Mr Fox’s departure but “understood his reasons”
Philip Hammond has been appointed defence secretary with Justine Greening replacing him as transport secretary
Labour says Mr Fox had not upheld the standards expected of ministers and his departure was “inevitable”
Mr Fox said he had allowed his personal interests and government business to become blurred
Defence Secretary Liam Fox has resigned after a week of pressure over his working relationship with friend and self-styled adviser Adam Werritty.
Mr Fox was being investigated amid claims he broke the ministerial code.
In a letter to David Cameron, Mr Fox said he had “mistakenly allowed” personal and professional responsibilities to be “blurred”.
Mr Cameron said he was very sorry for Mr Fox’s departure. Transport Secretary Philip Hammond will replace Mr Fox.
Labour said Mr Fox had not upheld the standards expected of ministers and his departure was “inevitable”.
Business cards
The defence secretary has been under pressure since it emerged that Mr Werritty, a lobbyist, had met him on 18 foreign trips despite having no official role.
Mr Werritty, a former flatmate of Mr Fox and the best man at his wedding, handed out business cards suggesting he was an adviser to Mr Fox and was present at meetings Mr Fox had with military figures, diplomats and defence contractors.
“I now have to hold myself to my own standard”
Liam Fox
Fox resignation letters in full
Who is Adam Werritty?
Questions were also raised about who paid for Mr Werritty’s business activities and whether he had personally benefited from his frequent access to the defence secretary.
No 10 sources said that the prime minister had been willing to give Mr Fox time to stay in his job – at least until the details of a report by Cabinet Secretary Sir Gus O’Donnell into his conduct was published early next week.
Mr Fox will be replaced by Transport Secretary Mr Hammond. In a mini-reshuffle caused by Mr Fox’s departure, Treasury minister Justine Greening will replace Mr Hammond – becoming the fifth woman in the Cabinet.
In his resignation letter, Mr Fox said he had “mistakenly allowed the distinction between my personal interest and my government activities to become blurred”.
National interest
“The consequences of this have become clearer in recent days,” he added. “I am very sorry for this.
“I have also repeatedly said that the national interest must always come before personal interest.
“I now have to hold myself to my own standard. I have therefore decided, with great sadness, to resign from my post as secretary of state for defence.”
Responding to Mr Fox’s resignation, Mr Cameron said: “I understand your reasons for deciding to resign as defence secretary, although I am very sorry to see you go.
“We have worked closely for these last six years, and you have been a key member of my team throughout that time.”
He said Mr Fox, MP for North Somerset, had “done a superb job in the 17 months since the election, and as shadow defence secretary before that” and had overseen changes that would allow the armed forces to “meet the challenges of the modern era”.
The BBC’s political editor Nick Robinson said the prime minister had given Mr Fox time to defend himself but the defence secretary had struggled to stem the tide of questions about his dealings with Mr Werritty.
No 10 had come to the conclusion on Thursday that Mr Fox’s position was becoming untenable, he added, and Mr Fox had reluctantly reached the same view.
‘Inevitable’
Mr Fox apologised to MPs earlier this week about how his interaction with Mr Werritty was perceived but he maintained there had been no impropriety.
Labour said Mr Fox had “fallen foul of the standards expected of ministers and broken the rules”.
“The facts have caught up with Liam Fox and he had to resign,” shadow defence secretary Jim Murphy said. “It was inconceivable that once a minister had been seen to break their own code of conduct on so many occasions that he could survive.”
And ex-Lib Dem leader Sir Menzies Campbell said recent events had undermined Mr Fox’s authority and morale at his department.
Philip Hammond takes over at the Ministry of Defence
Philip Hammond takes over at the Ministry of Defence
“Mr Fox has bowed to the inevitable,” he said. “It had become impossible for him to draw a line under the story.”
But Conservative MPs rallied behind Mr Fox, saying he had made a major contribution in his time at the Ministry of Defence and some suggesting he could, one day, return to government.
Sir Malcolm Rifkind, a former defence secretary, said Mr Fox had done an “extremely good” job and his departure was “very, very distressing” as it would lead to further upheaval at the MoD.
Conservative backbencher Peter Bone told the BBC Mr Fox had made errors but they did not constitute a “hanging offence”.
“He said he made mistakes and with hindsight he wouldn’t have done it but I didn’t think that was enough to require him to resign,” he said.
“But when the story, every news item, isn’t about what’s happening in Afghanistan and what’s happening in Libya but who said what to who then he put his country first and resigned.”
ANALYSIS
Jonathan Beale, Defence correspondent, BBC News
Liam Fox was far from universally popular with either military or Ministry of Defence civil servants.
He arrived at the MoD with energy and vigour, unafraid to ruffle feathers and determined to sort out what he called the Labour legacy of the “car crash” of the MoD’s finances.
He said he had to fill a black hole of more than £38bn. That meant brutal cuts to iconic military kit – scrapping the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal, the Harrier jump jets and the new Nimrod spy planes.
He ordered a series of painful redundancies for all three services but few doubt that, without him, cuts could have been even more severe.
Friends of Liam Fox said he loved the job. He wanted to leave a legacy of a military machine that was fit for the next decade. He also pushed ahead with reforms that he hoped would end the overspends and late delivery on military kit.
Despite warnings from military chiefs that they were overstretched Liam Fox managed to maintain Britain’s commitment to Afghanistan and to begin the fight on a second front – Libya.
Helping bring about an end to the Gaddafi regime looks like his most obvious achievement. The rest remains unfinished business.
Profile: Liam Fox
The week that sank Liam Fox
Robinson: Gone but not forgotten?
Related Stories
Liam Fox resigns 14 OCTOBER 2011, POLITICS
Private firms ‘funded Fox friend’ 14 OCTOBER 2011, POLITICS
Fox ‘back to normal working mode’ 13 OCTOBER 2011, POLITICS
Fox row ‘distracting MoD staff’ 11 OCTOBER 2011, POLITICS
Liam Fox ‘made serious mistakes’ 10 OCTOBER 2011, POLITICS
Timeline: Fox and Werritty meetings 13 OCTOBER 2011, POLITICS
Amnesty International accused Bush of 'responsibility for crimes under international law.' | AP Photo
By TIM MAK
The human rights group Amnesty International called on Canadian authorities Wednesday to arrest former President George W. Bush when he attends an economic summit in the province of British Columbia next week.
The group accused Bush of “responsibility for crimes under international law including torture.”
Amnesty International asked that Canada either prosecute or extradite Bush for violations that they allege took place during the CIA’s secret detention program between 2002 and 2009. The organization wrote a 1,000 page memorandum addressed to Canadian authorities to make the case for human rights violations by the 43rd president.
“Canada is required by its international obligations to arrest and prosecute former President Bush given his responsibility for crimes under international law including torture,” Susan Lee, Americas Director at Amnesty International, said in a statement.
The Canadian government responded to the request with critical words for Amnesty International.
“I cannot comment on individual cases… that said, Amnesty International cherry picks cases to publicize based on ideology. This kind of stunt helps explain why so many respected human rights advocates have abandoned Amnesty International,” Canadian Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Jason Kenney told POLITICO, noting that Amnesty International had never sought a court order to bar Cuban dictator Fidel Castro or Tongolese dicator Gnassingbé Eyadema from Canada.
“Perhaps this helps to explain why Salman Rushie has said that ‘it looks very much as if Amnesty’s leadership is suffering from a kind of moral bankruptcy,’ and why Christopher Hitchens has written about the organization’s ‘degeneration and politicization,’” Kenney added.
Bush cancelled a visit to Switzerland in February after facing similar public calls for his arrest by the other human rights groups.
Amnesty International said that Canada was obligated to arrest Bush under its commitments to the UN Convention Against Torture. The human rights organization objected to the Bush administration’s “enhanced interrogation techniques” and violations they characterized as “cruel, inhuman and degrating treatment and enforced disappearances.”
“A failure by Canada to take action during his visit would violate the UN Convention against Torture and demonstrate contempt for fundamental human rights,” said Lee.
