So, it looks as though the four parties in the Icelandic parliament are finally, FINALLY, arriving at a consensus on Icesave.
They’ve been having sessions behind closed doors with, quote, Icelandic and foreign advisors, unquote, who are presumably teaching them how to fight fair over Icesave.
I can just hear it now.
BJARNI BEN: I really find it hurtful Steingrímur when you say things about my party, like that we are responsible for Icesave and everything.
STEINGRÍMUR: I hear what you’re saying, Bjarni, but it really pains me when you keep saying we could have got a better deal. It’s upsetting, because the fact is that your party signed the original declaration that Iceland would honour its Icesave obligations …
BB: Steingrímur’s accusing me! Wah!
FOREIGN ADVISOR: Now, now, Steingrímur. Apologize to Bjarni.
SJS: Sorry Bjarni.
SIGMUNDUR DAVÍÐ GUNNLAUGSSON: Steingrímur if you promise never to bring up again that my and Bjarni’s parties were responsible for Icesave I promise I won’t collect any more signatures on the InDefence website to give to the President.
ICELANDIC ADVISOR: Steingrímur?
SJS: Oh, all right then.
BIRGITTA JÓNSDÓTTIR: Hey! How come I never get to have a say in anything?
At any rate they claim they’re going to reach a consensus by this weekend, at which time they’ll have polished their unified front, ready to face British and Dutch negotiators as a team. How comforting.
PS – you may wonder where Jóhanna is. She’s off having secret meetings with Jose Manuel Barroso.
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{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
When the cat’s away, the mice will play… Is a consensus amongst Icelandic MPs of any importance? After all, the Icelandic parliament passed the previous agreement, but the president didn’t sign it and the citizens will reject it in a referendum. I suspect a consensus amongst the citizens is required. Meanwhile, the mice will play…
I’m glad you mentioned gathering signatures on the InDefence website. I did wonder at the time how so many signatures had been gathered in a matter of a couple of days and all produced on identical and pristine bits of paper. What a piece of forward planning!
sylvia from viking wirral
I don’t know what that man is getting at. Johanna’s meeting is not so secret. There are public photos of her shaking hands with Jose Manuel Barroso. And while we’re on the topic, I think she is an incredibly courageous woman who has been very consistent in her message and her intent: to save Iceland. I don’t recall hearing reports of her whining or complaining (lamenting your President’s decision, perhaps, but even then she didn’t get personal as others might have done). She just moves forward. Quite admirable.
You really are too much Alda how did you manage to get so lost where did it all go wrong
, On to other business matters I notice that sunspots are predicted to increase and should maximise by 2012 which is good coz by then I should have enough for a holiday in Iceland which will nicely dovetail with my northern lights expedition.I think that tings is coming push to shove up there and once again they show unified front for da nation,which is nice. I hope coffeee tea or me gets to the EU before the greeks,Iceland is not the only country in the world thats bombed out there’s us for instance yes the PIGIES those weak countries that do not deserve to be in the mighty euro. Anyway Alda lovely sarcastic post you are really on form today tonight whatever.God bless Iceland.!!
Funny how an online petition, which no assurance whatsoever on the real number of people who signed it, can change the fate of a country.
Sure this will be remembered in the annals of online democraty, or should I say online manipulation ?
I do not understand how an arch neo liberal like Barroso could be of any use to Iceland.
Baroso is the captain of a leaking ship whose planks are weakly held together by a currency and Zolverein.
Cheers
I gather from the news from the PM’s office, that this meeting is not so secret any more:
http://eng.forsaetisraduneyti.is/news-and-articles/nr/4134
“Baroso is the captain of a leaking ship”
Calling Barroso the “captain” is quite overstating his position, I suppose. He is pretty much under pressure from the big EU member states and now even from the EU parliament, showcased at the example of the SWIFT agreement.
Oh god, you know a country is in trouble if its PM thinks having anything to do with the EU is the answer.
Johanna is playing her cards right, going out and telling every one in a measured tone just what the situation is. Quiet reasoning in a stateswomanlike manner. Much more likely to get results than the histrionic television appearances of at least one of your politicians. I just hope you all stick with her- I see her as a ray of hope in a world wide political scene that is dominated by testosterone!
sylvia from viking wirral
sylvia – alas, I beg to differ. I’m afraid Jóhanna has disappointed many, many of us. I get the distinct feeling that she’s having trouble coping with her role. Steingrímur is pulling the cart – that’s obvious to everyone around here.
Yes, she’s off to Europe, but I’m pretty sure it’s not to speak in measured tones about the situation here. Her party wants EU accession and that’s what this is about. Meanwhile, there are very, very serious problems at home that should be demanding her attention.
And as for the other “politicians” — I suspect you’re referring to Ólafur, and technically, he’s not a politician. This is why he’s being criticized so heavily for what he’s doing.
As a Conservative and UKIP voter, I have to say, I hope Iceland fights its corner. Whether that involves simply rejecting Icesave – you didn’t sign up for it – or rejecting the EU. The Euro is flawed , and the Eurozone (Euro countries) will, at some point, break apart. Europe is simply a new Soviet structure – maybe with a bit more bureaucracy.
When people like Jolly talk about the danger of a currency for a small country – they are speaking rubbish. Look at the city state of Singapore – there you will see the almost complete opposite of the French idea – we all pay for their agriculture industry.
As for the PM running to the EU, that’s just sad. Iceland has natural resources – simply doesn’t need the EU, it has plenty of commodities to trade with Asia.
I take the point Alda, but what a poison chalice she has picked up. She once said that her time would come, but did anyone think it would be in such circumstances.
I presume any proposals for joining the EU would go to a referendum?
sylvia from viking wirral