Excuse ooo ....... give me my thing back

"There should be no safe haven for those who steal from the poor"

--- Robert Zoelick, World Bank president.


That's right, that's right. The World Bank and the UN office on Drugs and Crime are now on your side. Fighting the good fight to get stolen funds returned to their rightful owners. The StAR initiative is evidence of this. It'll provide legal and diplomatic assistance to developing countries seeking repatriation of their assets, the kind Zanny and Mobutu stashed away.


But...


The initiative can't pursue stolen assets of its own volition ...... so if one thief replaces another thief or family member replaces thief or "Father Christmas" replaces thief.....


Also the initiative has no power to force foreign banks and/or governments to return stolen funds, relying instead on the accepted good practice within the industry to do the right thing. I believe the exact quote was "we practice persuasion".


Obviously the "if you are dumb enough to bring your money over here, we'll be smart enough to relieve you of it" loop-hole is alive and well. Ultimately the success of this scheme relies on this kind of goodwill.


Suddenly, me wishes he could have the time spent listening to the web-cast back.


I spotted this today, I really do pity the Soweto male folk.