En Direct - No 17 - mai 1990

Magazine Overview

Title: EN DIRECT
Issue: N° 17
Date: Mai 1990

This issue of EN DIRECT, a French publication focused on ufology and related phenomena, begins with a welcome to returning readers and an update on the association's activities. It highlights the successful organization of events in Lyon, the development of documentation, and the need for reader involvement in promoting the publication. The magazine emphasizes the goal of achieving financial independence to maximize effectiveness.

Association Updates

L'association en vrac

• Minitel Service: The Minitel service is fully operational and accessible internationally. The number provided is International +033 + 36.43.15.15. + OVNI.
• Trademark Protection: Following issues with BIDU, the association has legally protected the trademark 'SOS OVNI' with INPI.
• International Directory Listing: All publications from the association have been solicited for inclusion in the Ulrich's International Periodicals Directory, a major global reference for periodicals.
• Lyon Event Review: The Lyon event concluded, and despite some minor complaints, it is considered a success. Future challenges involve managing the influence of individuals or groups who might jeopardize the credibility of such manifestations. The media coverage for the event was extensive, with numerous French and international media outlets reporting on it.

Media and Broadcast Mentions

Media Coverage of Lyon Events

The issue lists a comprehensive array of media outlets that covered the Lyon events, including: FR3, Antenne 2, Télé Lyon Métropole, Le Progrès, Lyon Matin, Le Dauphiné Libéré, La Corierre della Serra, the community of radio stations from the Belgian newspaper Le Soir, Le Provençal, and Le Méridional. Radio stations mentioned include Radio France Lyon, Radio France Provence, France Info, RMC, Le Parisien, France-Soir, L'AFP, Associated Press, Réseau TSF, Europe 1, Europe 2, Lyon Figaro, and Libération.

Minitel Connection Statistics

On May 3rd, there were 166 hours of connection time on the 36.15 SOS OVNI service.

Controversy with Olivier Rieffel

A significant portion of the issue addresses a dispute with Olivier Rieffel, stemming from a letter sent to Thierry Rocher of the Ile-de-France Groupements Ufologiques. The letter expresses strong disapproval of the 'Rencontres de Lyon' events, accusing them of 'debunking' and comparing the situation to a new inquisition within ufology. Rieffel's collaboration with the publication is terminated due to these disagreements. The editorial expresses disappointment that ufology has not progressed significantly since 1950, despite efforts like the 'groupement pour la levée du secret sur les crashes d'ovni dans le monde' led by M. Rieffel. Concerns are raised about the methods of Rieffel's team and the potential negative impact on objective research.

Broadcast Schedule

• FR3 Ile-de-France: A debate on UFOs was scheduled for Monday, May 7th, featuring Jimmy Guieu, astronomer Jean Heidmann, and an undetermined guest.
• La Cinq: An opposition debate between M. Mesnard and M. Pellat (Director of CNES) on the question 'Do you believe in UFOs?' took place on April 24th. 85% of respondents believed in UFOs, and 76% found M. Mesnard more convincing.
• Antenne 2: The show 'Après Midi Show' featured a debate on UFOs on April 27th, with Jean-Claude Bourret, Michel Bounias, and Jean Sider discussing the book by Jean Sider and the wave of sightings in Belgium.

Media Mentions in Print

• Le Point: An article appeared in the week of April 30th to May 6th.
• VSD: An article from May 3rd to 9th compared a 'Belgian UFO' with the 'F117a' stealth aircraft.
• Sciences et Avenir: Featured a photograph of the F117a in its May 1990 issue.
• Science et Vie: Published a brief mention in its May 1990 issue.

Television Program Highlights

• La Cinq: Broadcast a report on the wave of sightings in Belgium on April 10th as part of the 'Reporters' program.
• La Cinq: Aired 'Le privé de l'espace' (Alien Private Eye) on April 14th at 22:15.
• M6: Broadcast the series 'Les Envahisseurs' on weekends.
• M6: Scheduled 'L'éclosion des monstres' for the evening of Sunday (following 'Les Envahisseurs').
• La Cinq: Aired 'L'Empire contre-attaque' on April 17th at 20:40.
• Canal Plus: Broadcast 'Les maîtres de l'univers' on April 17th at 15:30.
• Canal Plus: Scheduled 'The Visitor,' a film about a possessed child, for May 26th at 23h.

UFO Sightings and Reports

Les ovnis dans tout ça ?

• Brest-Rennes Express Way: On April 12th, a couple observed a yellow and green luminous hexagonal phenomenon at low altitude, moving towards the northeast.
• South-East Phenomenon: An identical phenomenon to one previously observed was seen in the southeast and disappeared after a few minutes.
• Pas-de-Calais Sighting: On the evening of May 1st, witnesses between Edin and Montreuil-sur-Mer reported seeing multiple lights of various colors rotating in a clear sky. The phenomenon remained stationary for about 15 minutes before disappearing silently.
• Belfort Region: On March 23rd, motorists reported a large, anthracite 'flying triangle' with three lights and an orange glow, described as being as big as the moon. It disappeared and reappeared, seeming to move towards the car.
• Rome Air Traffic: On the night of April 21st-22nd, hundreds of people and air traffic controllers at Fiumicino and Ciampino airports reported a large, luminous ball-shaped object leaving a smoke trail.

Soviet UFO Report: Gennadij's Encounter

This section details a remarkable encounter from July 1966 in the Kolyvansky lakes region near Novosibirsk, Siberia. Gennadij, a fisherman, reported an unusual silence in the area. He was disturbed by a mouse and then noticed a hovering object about ten meters away, at an altitude of 2-3 meters. The object was described as a flattened drop shape, 6-8 meters long and about 2 meters high, made of shiny aluminum. Inside the object, he saw four well-built beings with calm faces. A smaller, older-looking man stood before them. Gennadij communicated with them, seemingly through a mix of phonetic dialogue and telepathy. The beings claimed they would provide proof and discussed the possibility of extending human lifespan, stating that humanity could modify its biological program if it desired. They also addressed questions about humanity's disappearance, stating it was 'their problem' and that they would not allow it. When asked about their identity, they replied, 'We are the cognitives... we investigate the world...' and 'We are everywhere and always for you... you have no need to search for us.' Gennadij felt his questions were evaded, and the beings told him he was tired and needed rest. The contact lasted about 30 minutes, after which the object disappeared. Gennadij kept this experience secret for nearly twenty years, fearing disbelief, but now believes he encountered representatives of a different consciousness.

Specialized Press Review

The issue includes a list of specialized publications, indicating the magazine's engagement with the broader ufology community:

• CENAP Report (RFA), n° 170, 4.90.
• Rassegna Casistica (I), n° 5, September 1989.
• Rassegna Casistica (I), n° 6, December 1989.
• Bull. de Liaison pour l'ét. des sectes (F), n° 25, 1st trim. 90.
• Le Sablier (F), n° 2, 2nd trim. 1990.
• Mufon UFO Journal (USA), n° 262, February 1990.
• Gabbiola (I), n° 1, January 1990.
• Gabbiola (I), n° 3, March 1990.
• Il Giornale dei Misteri (I), n° 221, March 1990.
• Jupiter journal (CH), n° 25, March 1990.
• Apocalypse (CH), 2.44, 1990.

New Publications

A special issue of 'Bulles' is noted for its focus on distorted Eastern spirituality and sects of oriental inspiration.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of EN DIRECT demonstrates a strong commitment to documenting UFO phenomena and related media coverage. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical investigation, as evidenced by the detailed reporting of sightings and the critical analysis of media portrayals and controversies within the ufology community, particularly the dispute with Olivier Rieffel. The magazine actively promotes its own activities and publications while also engaging with and reporting on the work of other organizations and publications in the field. There is a clear emphasis on providing factual accounts, including detailed witness testimonies like Gennadij's encounter, and on fostering a sense of community among its readers through services like the Minitel connection.