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Breaking News from America's Progressive Community... Latest Releases
The press releases posted here have been provided to NewsCenter by the one of the many progressive organizations we have selected to participate. If you would like more information about this press release, you should contact the organization directly. |
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| NOVEMBER 16, 1998 7:24 PM FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Fellowship of Reconciliation Clayton Ramey or John Dear, 914-358-4601 |
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| Peace Actions Across United States Speak Out Against Bombing Iraq | ||||
| WASHINGTON - November 16 - The following was released today by
Fellowship of Reconciliation: Thousands of people across the United States are preparing vigils and actions to protest the threat of military foreign the Persian Gulf. At least 30 actions are confirmed in more than 25 states, in addition to demonstrations in New Zealand, Norway, Canada, England and France. These actions represent the many Americans who abhor violence, and will vehemently and vocally oppose the North American use of force against Iraq. The Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR), the oldest and largest interfaith peace organization in the United States, with more than 15,500 national members and supporters, and nearly half a million international members, serves as a national coordinator, sponsor and organizer for many of these events. The FOR calls for the immediate cessation of war preparations in the Persian Gulf and an end to the unjust U.S./U.N. sanctions. Protest events will take place in the next few days in many cities including: New York City; Washington; Boston; San Francisco; Chicago; Honolulu; Philadelphia; Minneapolis; Worcester, Mass.; Bellingham, Wash.; Ann Arbor, Mich.; Gainesville, Fla.; Baltimore; Hartford; Concord; Memphis; San Jose; Portland; St. Louis; Lynchburg,Va.; Sacramento; Burlington, Vt.; Austin; Seattle; Harrisonburg, Va.; Tucson and Dayton. More Iraqi people have died as a direct result of the U.S./U.N.sanctions than were killed in the four-year war in Bosnia or the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. We call on the United Nations and United States to show that they care about starving children, men and women, and lift the economic embargo, which according to UNICEF, the World Health Organization and the Food and Agricultural Organization, has contributed to massive sickness and malnutrition in Iraq. It is estimated that more than 1 million Iraqis have died since 1990 because of the sanctions. Eight years of economic sanctions and military strikes against Iraq have not worked.They are not a solution. The United States must show that it is concerned with preserving human life by not only lifting the sanctions, but working with Iraq and the international community to halt the construction of all weapons of mass destruction and chemical capabilities. If the United States wants Iraq to destroy these weapons systems, which indeed it should, the United States should take the lead by dismantling its own weaponry, which remains the largest arsenal in the world. While the FOR is deeply concerned with Saddam Hussein's oppressive regime, and his predilection for using military force, we must are equally appalled at our nation's acceptance of force as a diplomatic tool. Violence only begets more violence, and this new round of attacks will invariably solve nothing. The organizations sponsoring events around the nation are concerned with the loss of life that could result from this attack, adding carnage to the million who have already died from starvation and lack of adequate health care. These groups deserve a voice and media presence. The FOR, along with religious organizations and leaders, denounces these preparations for war. The FOR will hold a national press conference of religious and peace leaders at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18 in the Zenger Room. Former Attorney General Ramsey Clark, Bishop Thomas Gumbleton and FOR Director John Dear will be among the speakers. -0- |
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