"Steph and Herve were with us this evening, the concert will be perfect." - Montpellier, one year after Stephane Taponier and Hervé Ghesquière
"This is not normal," said Mr. in his sixties, "they hurt anyone." The man who speaks
stands in front of the Opera Comedy on the Place de la Comedie in Montpellier. Before him on the steps of the Opera-Comedie, a concert takes place gigantic fifty groups and singers came to Montpellier to present an evening of music that will be memorable, a real birthday party. But this is not a happy anniversary. It marks a year of captivity for two men that many people know and are liked by all those who have encountered: Herve Stephan and, as told by people who feel close to them. They think Taponier and Stéphane Hervé Ghesquière, the two journalists held hostage in Afghanistan.
The word we hear more, tonight on the Place de la Comédie, is "courage." It is probably a lot of courage to Stéphane Taponier, Hervé Ghesquière, their families and friends to cope. For since October, the 304th day of their ordeal in Afghanistan where the press club of Montpellier, in collaboration with the city - Helena Mandroux was present - has launched 304 balloons "to not forget them", nothing has moved.
Indeed, almost nothing has changed throughout this year. In early February, more than two months after their abduction, France Televisions is silent. Only after protests by journalists at France 3 as the press began to talk seriously and Taponier Stéphane Hervé Ghesquière. However, their names are officially released in mid-April: More than four months, the public could not be sure of the identity of the two journalists kidnapped in Afghanistan. In June, after six months of captivity, the defense minister and the head of France Televisions, finally moving to Afghanistan to start negotiations. Nicolas Sarkozy declared that the government would do everything possible ... And again: nothing.
In September, we speak of a "reasonable expectation" of a release before Christmas, and December, we communicate with friends and Taponier Stéphane Hervé Ghesquière - and all those interested in their fate - that the Afghan government would act alongside the French.
fact remains that the day of the concert in Montpellier, the anniversary of the kidnapping, the two journalists were not next to their friends for listening to music. And they were anywhere else in France because, despite all the good words, they are still hostages.
friends and Taponier Stéphane Hervé Ghesquière are sad and angry. The others nod. "Why?" Asked a lady in her fifties who told the comedy never having met the two journalists. "It is not possible that we can not do anything for them. France has still some influence ..." And she adds, a little less sure of herself: "Is not it?"
A young man is angry after listening to the speeches of local politicians. "It's fine to say that the people and the press to follow through," he complains, "it sounds great in the mouth of a politician. But it means say what? What is it? "And he gives his own answer:" Nothing. "-" We are a region of the left and we assume, "says one also and that it "should not silence the press." A voice in the public responds: "Such statements do not change the fate of Herve Stephan and ..." It is clear that the public took advantage of the Montpellier concert the support of two journalists. "It's rare that the comedy has seen such a heap of great artists," said a lady in her forties. There are people who remained faithful to the music during all six hours of the concert. "Fabulous," said a gentleman of the same age.
A woman in her thirties agrees: "A great concert for two friends that we should not forget," she said. But then she gets carried away. "One thing that does not please me. It speaks of two French journalists, Stéphane Hervé Ghesquière Taponier and is very good and we should not stop one day. But the two were not alone . Three other people were abducted with them - and those we do not talk hardly at all. I wonder why. Because they are not journalists? Or because they are not French ... ?
Right now, nobody knows, when Stephane Taponier and Hervé Ghesquière will be with us again - and their three companions among their people. "Everything we have," said a young lady who is part of the Support Committee and Herve Stephan, "they are words. Empty words." And a man in his fifties said: "It's so easy for terrorists and oppressors of tying the press. The press must not be oppressed."
The team People from Montpellier and Montpellier Press Online appeals to all the people who inhabit our land, those who live in peace or would love to live in peace, thinking of our colleagues and friends, and Stéphane Hervé Ghesquière Taponier, and ensure that nobody in the world will suffer most from war, injustice, fantasies of power and, especially , hatred. Happy New Year to everyone whose heart knows love, who love the land and peace. Happy New Year to all those of good will!
team of the People of Montpellier and Montpellier Press Online
Photos and text are copyright Doris Kneller
Copyright: Doris Kneller, 2009 
Christmas in Montpellier. The Christmas market on the Comedy and the Esplanade, the winter is not over yet. But today, no shops are open. No? - If one shop is open ... and save the environment for those who have come to drink their glass of mulled wine festivals. 
However, the Christmas market is not lacking too, this day of celebration." We saw everything, "said a lady with two young children." Every time we crossed the Place de la Comedie, we watched a little. "She smiled." Now we all know, is not? "she addressed to his eldest son about three years. Another woman, older, even relieved," For once, do not fight their way through the masses "she says. 
A young trader includes the withholding of Montpellier. "This year will," she said in a voice a little sad, "the market is nothing easy. When it rains, people are upset. And on sunny days, there are still many people we can not quietly Thatcher. Everybody is stressed out. " 
They all have red caps, and they look real Santas. But one thing that distinguishes the old man full of goodness: they are not in agreement. They refuse to continue to take their evil philosophically, to forgive everything and everyone. In short, the Santas from Montpellier, not so nice "than that," rebel. Their new motto 
But no. Goodness fabulous traditional Santa Claus is no longer showing. Too much is too much: "It was the balls." If you look closely at the working conditions of the old messenger of peace and carrying countless bags of gift, one begins to understand: "Cadences hell, worse working conditions, temperatures lower and lower." And worse, the chimneys are more rotten, but the birth rate is rising, even more rotten chimneys to cross. Then, with all the goodwill of Santas more or less wise, they no longer support what he calls the "illiterate children": "Tired of illiteracy!" Is there a cure? - Probably not, but at least, "Correction of letters of child !"... 
What else? Instead of reducing the number of Santa Claus - yes, he too is concerned by the crisis - he claims the "overall control of the birthrate," which, according to representatives of the profession Montpellier, would be much more logical. And, finally, "a real coverage "," full recognition of the profession and its harshness "and why not?" Christmas best left in the year ", because" we also have a family again! "
19 hours, a small street between the Comedy and the station. Two young men jostle slightly a lady in her sixties who find their way by feeling. It insults the two men do not care about her. Then, she whispers with an angry tone: "They all believe they can make. And worse, they're right ..." 
The team People Montpellier wanted to know more. So she called the press service of the city of Montpellier - who also was unaware. However, they promised to make inquiries and request to "assistant manager" to remind the journal online ... This recall was never held. The reason for the darkness in the streets of Montpellier remains - dark. 
A lady with a stroller is desperate: "If I was alone, it would pose less of a problem. But with him," she pats her baby's eyes, "I can not take the risk. This street is now too dangerous. But what I can do? I must cross. " An older lady gets involved in the conversation. "If you want to cross safely, you must climb up the comedy, almost." A gentleman in his forties also gives his commentary: "The excuse used to work at all. I really do not see any reason to deprive us of the red light here. This is really too dangerous crossroads. Or, if you can not activate the fire, because the work could place a cop. "
is a friendly and relaxed atmosphere that the third edition of the Convention of the social economy Covent opened its doors to the Corum in Montpellier. More structured than previous editions, although they had received 1500 visitors last year, this year's Covent enjoys support from Europe and offers a novelty as village Scop. 122 exhibitors in total is met for two days to promote a model of economic development with a human face, but not only ... 
The representative of the Region and the Regional Chamber recalled that these meetings would allow actors in the social economy and solidarity to meet and discuss at round tables - but also and above all do business and encourage the international development sector. 
There are many meetings with exhibitors more anxious than ever to show that it is possible to do business while respecting and contributing actively to the development of local life in France but also abroad. Such is the case of Paul Llonguet, became an active member of an NGO of development Peru to help children in difficult circumstances and organizes tourist stays together. After several years in banking, personal experience leads him to do humanitarian few months in Peru. Seduced by these new missions, Paul has been developing Llonguet visits in which the traveler finds himself immersed in villages, among the children housed in structures built by the NGOs . It may participate in village life with the children, visit the Pearl of Peru and fully discover the culture of the villagers. ' NGO helps organize their villages tourism. Part of the funds raised contribute to the development of children's villages. 
First, there had the nomination. Then the selection. And one day, suddenly you're part of the elect ... "No, I do not regret coming here," said Valerie Blanchart attending for the first time at the Salon d'Art Contemporain de Montpellier Art Elan, which for the seventh time, stands in Corum. 
Slices of life - a man who walks his bucket on the beach, bitch raccole young in a car, a random lottery, ... "... Scenes of the city where I live." Valerie Blanchart is Parisian, but last year, she lives in Barcelona. "I love the city." And she also likes the Elan Art exhibition: "A good exhibition," said she, "there are many. And good communication." She would return next year? - Valerie Blanchart smiled. "If I'm selected, yes, sure." 
For Sami Adra is already the third time he has been chosen as an exhibitor at the Salon d'Art Contemporain de Montpellier. "An exhibition stands," says he, "that can make contacts." 
Cazaumayou According to Pascal, we can not quite encourage organizers of Salon d'Art Contemporain de Montpellier for them again next year. The organizers, the association's "Art of Élan" Millennium located in Montpellier. Outside Exhibition organized by them in collaboration with the city of Montpellier, their care especially books and rare works. 
