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Tue, Jul. 27 , 2004

City Council takes up global issue

DULUTH : On a 5 - 4 vote, the council offers support to Amnesty International and a Syrian political prisoner.
BY SCOTT THISTLE
NEWS TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

Most Duluthians have probably never heard of Mamun al-Humsi, but Monday, the City Council urged the Syrian government to set him free.

Prompted by local members of the human rights group Amnesty International, the council passed, on a 5 - 4 vote, a resolution that Syria release al-Humsi, a former member of that country's People's Assembly.

The resolution offered by Councilor Donny Ness prompted a lengthy, lively debate over whether the council, on occasion, should add its voice to problems outside of its technical sphere of influence.

Councilor Tim Little argued that councilors were only getting Amnesty International's take on al-Humsi and said it would be unfair to urge Syria to release him without at least hearing the government's side of the story.

"We have no business getting involved in these types of affairs, requesting the release of a prisoner," Little said.

Council President Jim Stauber said the issue was one best left to international diplomats. "I'm disturbed that elected officials in Duluth are taking on the roles of the United Nations," Stauber said.

But Ness said the voices from a large number of small governments could make a difference. At the very least, it showed Syria that its actions were being watched globally, Ness said. "This sends a statement that the world is watching," he said.

Amnesty International maintains al-Humsi is being held illegally, without proper medical attention and without fair legal representation.

Voting against the resolution were councilors Stauber, Little, Greg Gilbert and Neill Atkins. In favor were Ness , Laurie Johnson, Russ Stover, Russ Stewart and Roger Reinert. But even those opposed said they supported the goals and efforts of Amnesty International.

In other action, the council approved a special-use permit allowing Piedmont Heights Dental Associates to build a 10 -spot parking lot beside its offices on Ensign Street . Several neighbors spoke against the expansion, saying there was adequate parking space at the nearby Piedmont Plaza . The council's decision was in conflict with a recommendation made by the city's planning commission.