OPINION

Recycling SOS

Re: "Fees to encourage sorting of rubbish", (BP, Nov 27).

Following your article on Nov 27 regarding rubbish sorting, may I repeat my plea for the name of a shop or mall where I can take used batteries to be recycled? I have an overflowing basket of things that I am reluctant to "sort" with my regular recyclables, particularly in view of Chriskorat's observation of all sorted rubbish simply being deposited together.

In fact, could not the Post afford to release a couple of column inches per week to inform us on a regular basis of where various recycling is available and carried out in Bangkok and provincial cities? I am sure that the service would be greatly appreciated by us now and by future generations.

Free trade unites

Re: "Regional antidotes to counter Trump", (Opinion, Nov 26).

Economically speaking, the statements the Asian region sent are pretty encouraging. Sincere efforts and mutual cooperation are needed to expand potential trade platforms like Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which are aimed at encouraging regional business activities through free trade.

Free trade is seen as the best antidote to the economic slump, in contrast to a trade war intended to harm other countries.

My first job was, in fact, in export and import activities through the Tuticorin Port in Tamil Nadu.

Any attempt to place an embargo on trade activities will only entail a strong backlash. My native areas like Korkai, Tiruchendur, Tuticorin, Nagercoil, Kanyakumari, and Tirunelveli have thrived on easy and free trade, selling locally procured farm produce like paddy, banana, and betel within the region and to outside areas too.

The idea of protectionism will never go down well with people. Free trade is the way forward. Countries from the East and West should strengthen their global economic status through bold business steps like multilateral negotiations and transboundary free trade.

A court reckoning

Re: "Truth, justice and the ICC's very broken compass", (Opinion, Nov 30).

The Israeli ambassador claims, in Israel's usual "victim" role, that his country is being unfairly treated by the ICC, which has issued warrants for the arrest of two Israeli leaders considered by the court to be answerable for alleged breaches of international law.

The ICC has determined that these actions appear to constitute crimes under international law, for which Israel should be answerable in court. This seems eminently reasonable. The Israelis have to come up with some answers. Their victim claim won't do.

It must be recalled that Israel launched what appears to be a genocide against the Palestinians in 1948: they murdered tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians and destroyed hundreds of Palestinian towns and villages. Palestine has been under illegal Israeli military occupation for nearly 70 years.

Indeed, the ICC's warrant has also been issued against Hamas, the Palestinian resistance movement, who have admitted to killing some Israeli civilians.

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