Le journal du MASA N°11

N°11 du Lundi 1er Septembre 2003

Round Up

May the public crowd to back up the deserving artists !

Bernard Petterson, manager of heritage and culture of "Agence intergouvernementale de la Francophonie" .

The leading slogan of "Agence intergouvernementale de la Francophonie" (AIF) for Masa 2003 is "interact cultures for peace." what does this stand for?
There's nothing surprising : to allow cultural exchanges within Francophonie and throughout the whole world is one of the leading tasks of "Agence intergouvernementale de la Francophonie" since its establishment. Always, it has worked to defend cultural diversity that does not turn meaningful but with dialogue of cultures.

The summit of Beirut held in October 2002, which theme was "dialogue of cultures, ways to peace and development", increased the importance of that task. So, Masa appears to be the right place to explain that principle of cultural exchanges.

Concretely, how will the agency make that idea work during this Masa ?
This year, apart from its usual support to Masa's edition, the agency takes the opportunity to gather all the participants within a convention so that they discuss cultural diversity and dialogue of cultures. That convention is scheduled for Thursday the 4th September. Following recommendations of the summit of Beirut, the agency has undertaken a difficult task which consisted in promoting cultural diversity in regard with on going negotiation in the world trade organization (WTO).

For fear of bad influence made by cultural operators monopole on diversity, production and cultural diversity are included in the discussion on goods and services liberalization, during negotiations. Reasons why the Agency takes measures to sensitize people over these risks, hoping that, Unesco will find international instruments based on laws that protect cultural diversity. To reach this goal, a great part of countries members of Unesco are to adopt a principle by the end of their general conference that will take place in Paris next October, and the same way, the help of expert of culture is not only useful but vital.

What are your impressions about Masa 2003 ?
Perhaps, it is too soon to give a general and final appreciation. Masa has just commenced yesterday, (august 30th) and what we've watched so far is not but a handful program. What is noticeable at this level, is that the first shows fill us with hope in the sense that we're going to witness a gorgeous event through culture.

Now, we wish that the general public would come to support these artists who totally deserve it.

Jean-François Channon

Letter to mum
It's in the bag!

I've been living in Abidjan for five days, mum. And everything is well. So stop watching horrible images and scenes shown on your TV screen or listening nonsense radio programs of your radio !

Don't worry! Measures are taken for us to be safe. So, if I didn't ring you up, it's not on purpose! It's just because you are not joinable through the telephone. Owing to the fact that you are not connected to internet, I can't send you message via internet.

As I told you, order is kept for our security and so you don't need to worry. For example, the mornings, a small boat, across the lagoon, drives us to "palais de la culture" located in treichville. Be serious ! it's not an isle ! it's the speedier way to arrive safe. After five minutes, we arrive ! By car, you have to make turns again and again before arriving. what I dislike.

Why wonder ? You guess what will happen if the boat breaks. Stop joking, mum ! Yesterday, the boat captain confirmed that it was "unbreakable" better not overturnable.

A real "titanic" ! I just am joking comparing with it ! what's more, you know that I can swim even though I'm not fond of swimming !

At our arrival on the coast, a team of policemen (first of all I thought that they were soldiers !) welcome us nearly with joy for the usual check.

Then, as you can notice, and I was not threatened - if a single rebel was among us, he would be caught at once. What ? No, mum, that idea makes me laugh, I'm stubborn with you only.

Also during the shows, there is no matter to worry about, for the very reason that all the bags are checked at the rooms entrance… Just before entering the halls, even though I'd rather having them checked at the hall's gate. It's much usual. Well! I make it clear for you.

On Saturday, I was a little bit late for the exhibition of Mathias N'dembet. Yes, you know, the gabonese who came at home to have your delicious couscous for dinner, and who in the end, told sweet stories to thank us.

Alright! I was saying that I was late.

And you know me as one who overestimates things… I run toward the entrance, present my badge and rush in.

Thence, a policeman asks me to open my bag. Stop laughing! I remember you always saying that my handbag looks like a rubbish can.

Given that there's not much light, I asked the policeman to come around the checking desk before going through it. With the mess in it, but he could not but give a rapid sight. Had he been at the gate way that he would have noticed, that I nearly fell down on the steps that led to my seat, what made catty laugh. Yes, you always remind me to be careful . But you know I don't have Gizmo's eyes ; my cat…

Zouhour Harbaoui