Repas Ufologiques - 2009.09

Magazine Overview

This is the monthly newsletter from the "Réseau des Repas Ufologiques" (Ufological Meetings Network) for September 2009. It serves as a communication channel for various regional ufology groups across France, providing updates on their activities, upcoming meetings, and relevant news in the field of UFO research.

General Information and Editorial Stance

The newsletter begins by noting the increased media coverage of UFO sightings in France during August, suggesting a growing public interest in the phenomenon. It highlights the active role of the "Repas Ufologiques" network in analyzing these cases at a regional level. The publication emphasizes that even if specific meeting schedules for some groups are not detailed, they are still functioning.

GEIPAN and Case Publication

The issue mentions that GEIPAN (Group for Research and Information on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) published 380 new cases on its website in August. However, it criticizes these cases as being "practically unexploitable for any research," suggesting that the data is not detailed enough to be useful. The newsletter points out that since June 2008, over 300 new cases have emerged in France, and the limited publication of these cases provides an inaccurate picture of the actual number of UFO observations.

International Collaboration and Interest

The newsletter reports on a visit from Paola Harris from the USA to Paris in August, which was well-received. Future projects for 2010 aim to bring more international ufologists to France for meetings. It notes the increasing frequency of exchanges within the ufological community and how French private research is gaining attention from American groups. The activities of "Repas Ufologiques" have been broadcast on US radio and the internet, indicating a growing international reach. Some American ufology magazines are also publishing French research, which is seen as encouraging for private research efforts.

Upcoming Meetings and Events

The newsletter details several upcoming "Repas Ufologiques" meetings:

• Strasbourg: The meetings resume their usual rhythm with a gathering on Thursday, September 3, 2009, focused on reconnecting members, planning the future, and discussing new ideas. Christian Comtesse, a ufologist and initiator of the Strasbourg meetings, is featured in an interview.
• Limoges-Tulle-Périgueux: The first meeting took place on August 4, 2009, in St Yrieix La Perche. Despite a small turnout, the participants are determined to continue. The next meeting is scheduled for Friday, September 4, 2009, at 7:30 PM in the Celadon room.
• Montpellier: A change in venue is announced for the Montpellier meetings. The next meeting is on Friday, September 18, 2009, with the theme "Do governments hide something from us?" The new location is the Restaurant Flunch at the Auchan Commercial Center in Perols.
• Nice: Michel Padrine and Fabrice Bonvin will be guests at the next Repas Ufologique in Nice on September 26, 2009. Fabrice Bonvin will present his research on UFOs and secret prototypes, while Michel Padrine will discuss unusual statuettes found near his home.
• Lyon: The Lyon Ufological Meeting on Monday, September 21, 2009, will feature Jean-Claude Sidoun. He will discuss current ufological events, his research on the Roswell incident, and how American studies on advanced flying craft might be linked to secret projects like 'Area 51'. He will also share new information on the Cergy-Pontoise abduction case.
• Paris: The August 4, 2009, meeting in Paris with Paola Harris was a great success, drawing a large international audience. The event was live-streamed and broadcast to an estimated 100,000 listeners in the US.
• Marseille and Aix-en-Provence: A new, more affordable format for meetings is being introduced, requiring only a single drink purchase. The first meeting under this new formula is scheduled for late September.

Specific Articles and Features

• Interview with Christian Comtesse: Comtesse expresses certainty about the existence of UFOs, stating, "I don't believe in UFOs, I am certain they exist!" He discusses the need to take UFOs seriously and the methods of public disinformation used by authorities.
• Jean-Claude Sidoun's Theories: Sidoun proposes that the Cold War might have been a pretext for developing military technology to counter extraterrestrial threats, with UFO cases like Roswell serving as diversions.
• Radar Virtuel Project: Updates are provided on Laurent Duval's 'Radar Virtuel' project, which offers real-time tracking of aircraft over France via a Google Maps interface. New versions and technical details are mentioned.
• UFOs in China: The newsletter reports on numerous UFO sightings and photos emerging from China. A specific incident on August 23, 2009, near Chongquing, describes a V-shaped object with changing colors observed by hundreds of witnesses for over 30 minutes.
• Exopolitics and Government Secrets: The issue touches upon the growing field of exopolitics, referencing a congress in Barcelona and the increasing release of formerly classified government documents related to UFOs. It highlights the demand for disclosure of information regarding UFO crashes and the pressure from specialized associations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes the "Repas Ufologiques" as vital platforms for discussion, research, and networking within the ufology community. It emphasizes the importance of private research and international collaboration. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, encouraging participants to share information and ideas, while maintaining neutrality on specific theories presented by guests. There's a clear effort to connect French ufology with international developments and to foster a more serious and active approach to studying the UFO phenomenon.