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T
rights to healthcare, education, cultc oday, a fierce battle is raging behind
ture and sport are being handed over
to big capital. Global organizations
closed doors at the United Nations.
The issue, nominally, is over the refc Global Peace Movement Against
such as the IMF, the World Bank and
the WTO openly intervene, extorting
form of this 60-year-old international body:
to make it more efficient and effective, Imperialist Policies Alfred L. Marder
governments and countries. Poverty, and less corrupt and wasteful. But in
hunger and misery are reaching explosc President, US Peace Council
reality, the fight is over the essence of the
N
sive dimensions. At the same time that United Nations, over its soul and its historicc ever before in our history have we billion, remember nuclear weapons are in the
incredible wealth is being concentrated cal mission. In a nutshell, the battle is over such need to bring together in one energy budget; intelligence is in a secret Black
in just a few hands, huge sums of corporatization vs. democratization of united force all those struggling Box budget. This does NOT include monies for
money are being spent on arms. the United Nations. The imperial powers against the policies of the most arrogant, the Iraq War that now add up to $400 billion.
The attack on the Twin Towers are trying to replace the principle of one rightwing cabal that has seized control of our How do you explain that the US has almost 1,000
in New York and on the Pentagon on country one vote at the UN with that of one government to profit the banks and corporatc military bases around the world? For what?
September 11, 2001 has provided the dollar one vote the same way as they, tions. Policies aimed to erase all the social Against terrorists? How do you explain that
pretext for this overall offensive on the like stockholders, control their own private gains for which we have struggled these by the year 2008 the US will have 14 nuclear-
peoples and countries of the world. companies. They are trying to make the UN many years; policies aimed to wipe out the armed submarines in the Pacific armed with 336
The announcement of the so-called
a lean and mean machine that would best democratic rights embedded in our history; Trident 2 ballistic missiles with 2,000 nuclear
counter-terrorist campaign by the USA,
serve their imperial interests. And the rest policies of military, economic and political warheads! Against terrorists? How do you expc
with the support of many allies and
of the world is fiercely resisting. dominance abroad. Policies formulated by plain that half of the US fleet of aircraft carriers
governments, serves many purposes
and has been used in order to unleash The issue of reform is not new to the neoconservatives with neofacist tendencies is in the Pacific? Against terrorists?
two new wars, against Afghanistan United Nations. It started as early as 1946 who had been waiting in the wings with their Can anyone believe it is for the war against
and Iraq; to target many countries that merely one year after its foundation policies of pre-emptive strike and aggressive terrorism? Now the US Pentagon calls it officc
resist imperialist domination or do not when new specialized programs on childc moves for regime change. cially a Long War, expected to last 20 years!
align themselves with it; to overturn dren, on refugees, on food aid, on population How do you explain the fact that the United Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said
basic principles of international law, control, etc., were introduced. In the 1960s, States is spending over $600 billion annually to in discussing 21st Century Defense Review
the Founding Charter of the UN and a new round of reform was initiated, which modernize and upgrade its arsenal, including plans: Were trying to figure out how you
the Final Act of Helsinki, while legitimc focused on the internal coherence of the UN nuclear weapons? While the budget says $436 continued on page 10
mizing the principle of might makes structure. Beginning in the 1980s, when,
U
and the development of new weapons which began in 1997, during the first term
systems to intensify authoritarianism pon invitation of the Greek Commc The participants of the meeting observed
of Kofi Annan, is a result of a deal with the
and repression inside countries and to mittee for International Detente the US naval and airbase of Souda,one of the
United States, in which the US would resume
pass new laws that restrict or abolish and Peace (EEDYE) and under the biggest in the Mediterannean Sea and joined
full payment of its financial commitments to
individual and democratic rights. auspices of the World Peace Council (WPC) the massive protests of the peace loving
the UN in exchange for the implementation
The shroud of terrorism that the an International meeting of Peace Movements people of Crete, in their demand to shut down
of deep-rooted reforms demanded by the
new order is attempting to spread over took place on 25th and 26th February 2006 in this war and terror installation.
United States and its allies.
the peoples in order to consolidate Chania on the island of Crete in Greece. Under The region of the Balkans and the Middle
Although the recent round of reforms is
this barbarity is accompanied by the the theme of the meeting Foreign Military East has moved since many years in the
being once again pushed by the imperial powec
reinforcement of authoritarianism bases-threat to peace and security in the region center of interest of the USA, the EU and
and repression within the countries. ers under such apparently benign concepts as
a fruitful and deep exchange of views and experiec NATO. Through wars and interventions, occc
New laws abolishing individual and staff reduction, reigning in the UN budget,
ences took place amongst the ten organisations cupations and invasions, they want to secure
democratic rights are being enacted improving internal management, streamlinic
from respective number of countries. the strategic interests linked with the energy
and enforced. A basic principle that ing procedures and increasing structural
The participants underlined their firm resources and their roads. Borders are changic
prevailed in law the presumption of coherence, all evidence point to the fact that
opposition to the presence of foreign militc ing, new protectorates are being created, and
innocence is being replaced by the this time, unlike all previous rounds, the
tary bases in their countries and worldwide, countries are being dismembered, no matter
principle of the presumption of guilt, issue is not simply over the form, structure
which constitute, amongst other issues, a the cost of lifes and natural destruction.
according to which everyone is guilty and method of operation of the UN, but over
clear violation of the sovereignty and indc The presence of US,British and NATO
until his innocence is proven. its very essence and whose interests the
dependence of the respective states and a bases in Europe, the East Mediterranean
The new imperialist order that has imperial powers or the rest of the world it
clear disrespect to the will and wishes of and the Middle East are a daily threat to the
been announced by the USA and adoc is going to serve in the coming years.
the peoples. Often there is even violation of daily life of our peoples. The foreign troops
opted by the European Union and other
national legislation and constitutions of the are enjoying almost absolute immunity for
powers is aimed at undermining the The Nature of the US-Imposed
principles of international law that had host countries. They are being used for their criminal actions. The consequences
Reforms at the UN training and preparation of military interventc are starting from the damage of the social
been established after World War II. A
general offensive has been launched tions and attacks on other sovereign countc life, terror on women and children, pollution
The Outcome Document passed for the tries and peoples, being at the same time a of the natural environment and ending with
in all parts of international and social
reform of the United Nations at the last Genec permanent threat for any possible social or spying on citizens lifes, manipulation of the
continued on page 2
continued on page 2 political uprising on national level. continued on page 10
Page PEACE MESSENGER
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1, SPRING 2006 QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE WORLD PEACE COUNCIL(WPC) WWW.WPC-IN.ORG INFO@WPC-IN.ORG
SAY NO TO US ASSAULT ON THE UN! super-power control over the UN budget the whole world, and on the other, are the
S
eymour Hershs stunning article in the nuclear arms control, nonproliferation and those funders still in the field, increasingly national missile defense system U.S. policy.
April 17 New Yorker, The Iran Plans, disarmament became increasingly isolated withdrew support for independent local and Indeed, the Clinton Administration laid the
revealed that the Bush administration from issues of concern to most ordinary regional groups advocating for the abolitc groundwork for the Bush Administrations
has intensified planning for bombing Iran, people and increasingly relegated to elite tion of, rather than U.S. control of, nuclear unilateral and aggressive foreign policy, in
and that U.S. combat troops are already in policy circles. Credentialed experts redefc weapons. which the potential use of nuclear weapons
Iran preparing for military operations and fined post-Cold War nuclear priorities almost Unchallenged by the arms control commc is now being openly considered.
recruiting local supporters from minority solely in terms of securing Russian loose munity, and oblivious to calls for disarmamc Thwarted in the national arena, U.S.
groups. Of gravest concern, Hersh reported disarmament groups gravitated towards
that the Bush administration is giving seriot international forums. They found, at the
ous attention to the option of using nuclear month-long 1995 Nuclear Non-Proliferation
weapons to attack buried targets. Regardless Treaty (NPT) Review and Extension Conferec
of whether the nuclear issues can be resc ence at United Nations Headquarters in New
solved, the administration seems committed York, that the U.S. government, backed by
to regime change in Iran. President Bush has a consortium of well-funded American arms
refused to rule out a U.S. nuclear attack on control groups, was demanding indefinite,
Iran if Iran doesnt halt its uranium enrichmc unconditional extension of the treaty, while
ment activities. barely acknowledging its disarmament reqc
An attack on Iran would be an act of quirements.
aggression, barred by the UN Charter and Tensions were high during the Conferec
prosecuted at Nuremberg. If executed, ence, as many non-nuclear states expressed
U.S. military action would apply the Bush their dissatisfaction with the lack of progress
doctrine of preventive war in an unprecec towards disarmament by the nuclear weapon
edented way that would set the template states. They stressed the mutually reinforcic
for years or decades of regional and global ing nature of the disarmament and non-prolc
violence, unrestrained by law. U.S. use of liferation obligations, and warned that an
nuclear weapons against Iran would be an nukes and keeping them out of the hands ment, the Clinton Administration squandc international system of nuclear apartheid was
atrocious act violating the existing near tabc of rogue states and terrorists. dered the historically unprecedented period not sustainable. Frustrated and dismayed
boo that has held since the U.S. devastation Meanwhile, independent grassroots of opportunity that appeared with the end of that the arms controllers were avoiding the
of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. That would in groups monitoring local nuclear weapons the Cold War. Clintons 1994 Nuclear Posture D word disarmament dozens of
turn make it far more likely that the weapons facilities were documenting and trying to Review was a blueprint for nuclear weapons NGOs from around the word adopted a compc
will be used elsewhere as well including put the brakes on U.S. plans to replace full business as usual. It was the Clinton Adminic prehensive nuclear disarmament platform
against U.S. cities. With the majority of the scale underground nuclear tests with a new istration that in the mid-90s brokered the calling for the definite and conditional
American people now opposing the war in generation of high-tech experimental laboratc Faustian Bargain to replace full scale undergc extension of the NPT and immediate commc
Iraq, its almost inconceivable that the Bush tory facilities and supercomputers. For the ground nuclear testing with the misleadingly- mencement of negotiations on a verifiable
Administration could be planning to launch most part, this information was kept out of named Stockpile Stewardship program, at treaty to eliminate nuclear weapons, with the
another illegal, immoral war. Washington, DC discourse by arms control that critical juncture, making the decision treaty to be completed by the year 2000. By
But as Seymour Hersh revealed, While lobbyists. As viewed from the corridors of to massively reinvest in, rather than begin the end of the conference, hundreds of groups
publicly advocating diplomacy in order to power, apparently, it was desirable to dismc to dismantle the nuclear weapons research had signed the Abolition 2000 Statement,
stop Iran from pursuing a nuclear weapon, miss the fact that nuclear weapons research and production infrastructure. Clintons and the Abolition 2000 Global Network to
[the Bush Administration] has increased and development was going forward, while 1997 Presidential Decision Directive-60 Eliminate Nuclear Weapons was born. Today,
clandestine activities inside Iran and intc overlooking evolving counterproliferation reaffirmed the threatened first use of nuclear more than 2000 groups in over 90 countries
tensified planning for a possible major air policies reliant on credible U.S. nuclear weapons as the cornerstone of U.S. nationac are affiliated with Abolition 2000 (www.
attack.... Air Force planning groups are threats. To make matters worse, as the decc al security, and contemplated an expanded abolition2000.org).
drawing up lists of targets, and teams of cade wore on, funding for non-governmental role for nuclear weapons to deter nuclear, In the run up to the U.S. attack on Iraq,
American combat troops have been ordered organizations (NGOs) working for arms contc chemical or biological weapons. And Clinton premised in part on the wholly unsubstantiac
into Iran, under cover, to collect targeting trol and disarmament began to dry up, and signed legislation making deployment of a continued on page 11
data and to establish contact with anti-
government ethnic-minority groups. The
Washington Post independently reported
that Pentagon planners are contemplating
tactical nuclear devices to take out deeply
World Peace Forum 2006
buried underground targets in Iran. June 23 28, 2006 Vancouver, B.C., Canada
With the risk of use of nuclear weapons
climbing towards levels not reached since Cities and Communities: Working together to end war
the darkest days of the Cold War, where is the and build a peaceful, just and sustainable world
public outcry? What happened to the massc
sive anti-nuclear movement of the 1980s?
Why has the anti-war movement been so 21 cities of the Greater Vancouver ity, anti-racism and anti-casteism,
quiet about nuclear weapons? Region, the International Association women, abolition of nuclear weapoc
When the Cold War abruptly ended,
of Peace Messenger Cities, Mayors ons, international peace education,
activists and ordinary people everywhere
collectively breathed a huge sigh of relief, We invite you to join with thousc for Peace, the peace and anti-war ballistic missile defense, redress
hoping and believing that they had walked sands of other world citizens to come movements around the world, women and reconciliation, impunity and
away from a nuclear holocaust, and putting to the World Peace Forum 2006, June groups, labour organizations, faith international law, water, arts and
nuclear weapons out of their minds. Meanwc 23 28 in Vancouver. communities, First Nations organizatc culture, anti-war strategies as well
while, deeply embedded in the military- tions and many more. as key regional fora on Africa,
industrial-academic complex, the nuclear
The World Peace Forum More than 50% of the worlds Asia, Latin America and the Caribbc
juggernaut rolled on, as militarists in the
Pentagon and scientists at the nuclear weapoc 2006 is an international gatheric people live in cities and that numbc bean and the Middle East.
ons labs conjured up new justifications to ing of individuals, groups and ber is increasing. Working within We invite you to become a delegc
project the nuclear weapons enterprise into civic governments from cities and and between our communities we gate, to donate if possible and to help
the future. In 1992, Colin Powell, then-Chair communities around the world to can build a global movement to us spread word of the World Peace
of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, complained, We advance the work of building a change public opinion to publicly Forum 2006 to your family, friends
no longer have the luxury of having a threat
culture of peace and sustainabilic challenge ballooning military budgc and networks. Working together we
to plan for. In the early 1990s, nonprolifec
eration stopping the spread of nuclear ity in our lifetimes, for ourselves, gets while the needs of people and will make a difference!
weapons was turned on its head. The our children and our childrens our planet go wanting.
new buzzword was counterproliferation children. Check out the World Peace World Peace Forum 2006
including the threat of a nuclear strike The theme of the World Peace Forum 2006 program at www. 420 550 W. 6th Avenue,
to dissuade other countries from even thinkic Forum 2006 is Cities and Commc worldpeaceforum.ca. The Forc Vancouver, B.C.,
ing about developing nuclear, chemical, or
munities: Working together to end rum will feature over 200 speakers, Canada, V5L 1A1
biological weapons that could threaten the
United States or its allies. war and build a peaceful, just and fora and workshops ranging from Tel: 604 687-3223
During the 1990s, nuclear weapons sustainable world. We have the suppc first nations issues, youth against Fax: 604 687-3277
especially U.S. nuclear weapons fell port of the City of Vancouver and the the war, labour, faith and spiritualic www.worldpeaceforum.ca
off the publics radar screen. Questions of
Page PEACE MESSENGER
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1, SPRING 2006 QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE WORLD PEACE COUNCIL(WPC) WWW.WPC-IN.ORG INFO@WPC-IN.ORG
O
n February 25, 2006, a National Such bases unavoidably incite the appearac
Conference with international partc ance of prostitution, drug addiction and
ticipation took place in Sofia, Bulgc crimes. One should not exclude the possibilic
garia. The Conference discussed the consc ity that the bases will turn into prisons and
sequences of the eventual establishiment of places for torture of political opponents.
foreign military bases in Bulgaria, which is 7. The foreign military bases cause a
the direction of the negotiations conducted serious environmental pollution to our countc
between the governments of the Republic of try. The military base of Zmejovo is a clear
Bulgaria and the USA. evidence of that.
Eminent scholars and public figures 8. The foreign military bases will get
from Bulgaria and abroad participated in our country into financial and material diffc
the meeting, including Mr. Frank Bolou from ficulties that will be unbearable today when
Germany, Mr. Nikos Zokas from Greece and Bulgarian people are suffering from hunger
Mr. Ramsey Clark from the USA. Written and misery.
messages were sent by Mr. Genadii Zjuganov, In light of the consequences presented,
Chairman of the Central Committee of the the Conference persistently proposes that the
Russian Communist Party of the Russian Bulgarian government renounce the intention
Federation, and by Mr. Orlando Fundora to give our territory for the establishment of
Lopez, Chairman of the Cuban Movement foreign military bases. Neither the Governmc
for Peace and Sovereignty of the Peoples and ment nor the Parliament should make such
President of the World Peace Council. decisions that are so problematic and fateful
The discussion was focused on a series of to our country. The issue of the establishmc
important arguments against the disposition ment of the foreign military bases, as well as
of foreign military bases in Bulgaria, which the question of sending the Bulgarian army
will constitute a serious threat to Bulgaria abroad, can only be decided by referance to
in several ways: the electorate, i.e., through a referendum.
1.The sovereignty of the Republic of The Government should not forget the lessc
Bulgaria will be seriously harmed. The sons of history. Sixty-five years ago, another
foreign military bases in our country will Bulgarian government linked our fate to the
significantly impede the independence of Nazi Germany, which was seeking world hegemc
Bulgarias domestic and foreign policy. The mony. It is well known what the consequences
permanent military presence of a foreign were for Germany as well as for Bulgaria and
state will turn our country into trusteeship the Government that took such a fatal decisc
territory. In addition, the personnel of the sion. By integrating us in the most inappropriac
foreign military bases will not be under the ate way to another state, which is also seeking
jurisdiction of the Bulgarian law, which is a world hegemony, the Bulgarian Government is
direct violation of one of the most essential once again exposing our country to the same
characteristic of a sovereign state full jurc risks as did the Government in 1941. Bulgaria
risdiction over every person on its territory. should see its future not in confrontation with
2. The establishment of foreign military one or another country, not by participating in
bases on the Bulgarian territory will, in essc 3. The national security of our country 5. The relations of Bulgaria with a numbc aggressive military blocs and alliances, but in
sence, lead to expropriation of certain parts will be seriously jeopardized. Through forec ber of neighboring and distant countries the establishment and maintenance of stable
of our country. Practically, the administration, eign military bases, Bulgaria will become a will be seriously harmed. Specifically, our friendly relations with all peoples. Peace and
management and use of these parts of our target of military and terrorist attacks, from relations with the Russian Federation will social justice both within the country and in
territory will be given to a foreign state. This which our country was protected till now. be deeply damaged. The tension thus built the relations with other peoples should be a
raises a serious question: will it be ever possc 4. The use of foreign military bases for up among the states will be a threat to peace supreme value to Bulgaria.
sible, and to what extent, to free our territory aggressive acts against other states will turn in the region and beyond. We appeal to the Government of Bulgaria
from the integrated foreign military bases? our country into an accomplice to aggression, 6. The foreign military bases will be an to show wisdom and a sense of responsibility
Bulgaria will be turned into a permanent together with a whole series of subsequent origin of public manifestations incompatible before the people and the history. n
military firing ground for a foreign country. international legal responsibilities. with the legal order and the public order.
T
he US bases in Japan symbolically will destroy about ten hectares of the habitat
show that Japan is still dominated by of a rare species of dugong in waters off the
and subordinated to the US. Even 60 US military facility.
years after the end of WWII, there are 135 In Okinawa, the government plan to
US bases with 54,000 soldiers all over Japan construct a new on-sea base off the Henoko
including Okinawa (islands in the southern district of Nago City as the substitute for the
part of Japan) and even in metropolitan US Marine Corps Futenma Air Station was
Tokyo. These bases cause serious problems thwarted by the residents long and tenacious
over the lives of residents including destructc opposition. After this, the Japanese and US
tion of environment including noise, plane governments agreed to construct a base on
crashes and crime. Furthermore, Japanese the shoreline of US Marine Corps Camp
authority could neither limit any US activitc Schwab. This plan, however, is sharpening
ties nor capture criminals, since extraterritc the contradictions with local residents, and
torial privileges are entitled to US military the struggle to block the plan is spreading
personnel. At the same time, expeditionary throughout Okinawa.
forces with a task of invading other countries With many placards reading, We wont
are deployed such as the Marine Corp and yield an inch anywhere in Okinawa for a new
aircraft carrier task force. Thus Japan is US base in their hands, young couples with
Atsugi Air Base Near Tokyo
made a big fortress of US aggression and children, university students, and elderly peopc
interference. However there is recently an effort to bring success to the referendum deployment of a US nuclear-powered aircraft ple joined the rally held at a sandy beach.
growing public opposition to the new plan to in cooperation with a wide range of citizens. carrier entails: (1) The danger of nuclear Speaking on behalf of the rallys sponsc
reinforce these bases under the new realignmc Yoshioka Mitsunori, chair of the local organizc accidents and radioactive contamination in sors, Yamauchi Tokushin, former Okinawa
ment of global US military presence. zation Lets Check Nay to the Acceptance the Tokyo metropolitan area that could affect Prefectural Government Treasurer, said, Let
us make the Japanese government realize
New Realignment Plan that the magma is beginning to rise. This is
of US Military Presence what our rally is all about.
Mayor Iha Yoichi of Ginowan City, where
B
ush administration is now puttc the US Futenma base is located, said as follc
ting forward plans to arbitrarily lows: In August 2004, a large US helicopter
strengthen the functions of US bases crashed at Okinawa International University
in. The plans include the construction of a and burned. In order to eradicate such accc
new US Marine Corps base in Okinawa, the cidents, the US forces must immediately
relocation of a new US army command to US stop flights over the residential areas located
Camp Zama in Kanagawa Prefecture (next to around the base. The danger of accidents we
Tokyo), the deployment of a nuclear-powered face must be removed. Both governments
aircraft carrier to Yokosuka Base (near to the must heed the earnest wish of citizens and
entrance of Tokyo Bay), and the relocation of a the Futenma base be closed and returned
carrier-borne air wing to the US Marine Corps without delay.
Iwakuni Air Station in Yamaguchi Prefecture
(next to Hiroshima Pref.). The common aim Contradiction Deepening
of these plans is to dramatically enhance the
A
strike capabilities of the US armed forces in Rally Surrounding Iwakuni Air Base problem is not only the reinforcemc
Japan (Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine ment of the US bases, but also the
Corps) in interventionist wars. Whats more, of US Carrier-borne Aircraft Association, about 30 million residents. (2) Yokosuka will up-grade of the Japan-US military
outrageous plans are being made to force the issued a statement stressing that Iwakuni be further strengthened as a forward deploymc alliance which would involve Japan more
Japanese public to pay additional costs for residents have won an historic victory by ment base for US military intervention in any into the US preemptive-attack strategy. For
the realignment of US military bases in Japan overcoming interferences, pressures, and part of the world. This is more than likely instance, the plan enables the Japanese
(around $26 billion). Self-Defense Force (SDF) to take part in
All these moves have generated great joint operations abroad with US forces. Both
public concerns even among those who are 7,000 US Military Personnel Arrested in Japan Since 1973 governments of Japan and the US confirmed
in favor of Japan-US military alliance and the that their military forces will further step
The number of crimes committed by US personnel in Japan from 1973
US military presence in Japan. Opposition up their integration by consolidating their
to 2004 reached 6,933. Of these, 683 or about 10 percent were serious
is developing throughout the country with command functions, the co-use of military
crimes such as murder, robbery, arson, and sexual molestation or rape.
concerned prefecture governors and mayors bases, expansion of joint exercises, and
During the 5-year period 2000-2004, 461 cases were recorded of US
of cities and towns taking a lead, since the integration of their intelligence and commc
personnel-committing crimes, including 31 felonies. Robbery came on
government and ruling parties are trying to munication networks as well as their strategy
top of these vicious offenses at 14, followed by 12 sexual assaults. There
impose the plan agreed upon with the US and operations, in order to ensure that they
also were three arsons and two murder cases. Cases included a US soldier
without consulting local authorities. can intervene together in conflicts around
inflicting sexual violence and bodily injury on a woman in Sasebo City
the world. Placing the SDF under US commc
in Nagasaki Prefecture (January 2004); two US servicemen arrested on
Iwakuni: Residents Say No mand as its supplementary forces to make
the spot for the attempted murder of two Japanese men in Morioka City
to US Forces Relocation Japan more subservient to the United States
in Iwate Prefecture (June 2004); and a US soldier abusing a Japanese
is the hallmark of the Japan-US military
A
woman at US Camp Zama in Kanagawa Prefecture (September 2004).
n overwhelming majority of residents integration.
of Iwakuni City in Yamaguchi Prefc However all these moves can not but
fecture on March 12, 2006 rejected boycott campaigns. He stressed that the judging from the fact that an aircraft carrier further deepen the contradiction with Japanc
the planned relocation of a US carrier-borne result gives a heavy blow to the Japanese strike force was the first to be deployed in nese public opinion for peace. For instance,
aircraft unit to the US Marine Corps Iwakuni and US governments. the US war against Afghanistan and Iraq. (3) a recent opinion poll showed that majority is
Air Station. Yokosuka Port will forever be used as the only in favor of the peaceful Article 9 of Japanese
In the first referendum held on the Yokosuka: People foreign homeport of a US aircraft carrier. Constitution, with which a US Realignment
realignment plan of US forces in Japan, Against Nuclear-Powered The Kanagawa governor and heads of the plan has become more and more incompatic
nearly 90 percent of all voters, or 43,433 Aircraft Carrier prefectures two cities that host US bases reqc ible:
residents, voted against the relocation plan, quest that the government sincerely respond The Japanese people forever renounce
I
while 5,369 voted for it. Voter turnout was n Kanagawa Prefecture, peace activic to local demands. war as a sovereign right of the nation and
58.68 percent, clearing the requirement of ists, trade unionists, and local assembly the threat or use of force as means of settling
50 percent needed for the referendum to members started off on a week-long Okinawa: 35,000 Okinawans international disputes. In order to accompc
be valid. march calling for the return of US military Rally Against New US Base Plan plish the aim of the preceding paragraph,
Commenting on the referendum results at base sites on March 29, 2006. Kanagawa is land, sea, and air forces, as well as other
a press conference on the same day, Iwakuni burdened with the second highest concentratc About 35,000 citizens took part in a war potential, will never be maintained. The
Mayor Ihara Katsusuke stated that the city tion of US military bases after Okinawa. In rally in Ginowan City on March 5, 2006 to right of belligerency of the state will not be
would continue to urge the government to the port city of Yokosuka, marchers called urge the Japanese government to listen to recognized.
withdraw the relocation plan. It is important for opposition to the plan to deploy a US Okinawans opposing the plan to construct a ______________
to send the government the residents decisc nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to the US new US air base in the coastal area of Nago
sion regarding their safety, he said. Yokosuka Naval Base from 2008. City (Henoko) in Okinawa Prefecture. This * Tadaaki Kawata is a member of the Standing
The Japan Peace Committee had made There are three dangers that the planned new US Marine Corps base, if constructed, Board of Directors, Japan Peace Committee.
Page PEACE MESSENGER
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he Executive Committee of the World anti-war movement can result in pressure and officials to travel abroad. The WPC supports the peaceful and
Peace Council concluded its meetic to the governments. Africa is the target of new economic and independent reunification of the Korean
ing on 19th and 20th May 2006 in Today it becomes even more eminent to political interference and exploitation by old peninsula and expresses its solidarity with
Brasilia, for the first time after decades in denounce and fight back the nuclear blackmc and neo-colonial rulers, aiming in the further the Korean people in their fight against the
South America. mail and threats of the US administration, plundering of its resources and at the same military presence of US troops on their soil.
The day before the EC meeting, an Intc which could end in a total disaster with unec time ground for distribution of new markets. The WPC firmly opposes the acceleration of
ternational Seminar hosted by CEBRAPAZ, ending consequences. The WPC considers The WPC denounces the imperialist impositc the integration of Japan in the military plans
took place at the House of Representatives it to be a provocation by the USA, which, tion of economic sanctions on countries that of the US strategy and the reinforcement of
of Brazil, in which dozens of Brazilian along with its main allies, is the biggest do not comply with the wish of the powerful, the US bases in Japan.
MPs and 20 foreign guests from 13 countc nuclear threat to mankind, to present itself with the pretext of lack of democracy, violatc The Executive Committee expresses its
tries analyzed the world situation and the as being the protector of humanity from tions of human rights and underlines the profound solidarity with the Palestinian peopc
need to strengthen the struggle for peace the nuclear danger. The WPC reiterates sovereign rights of each people for self-determc ple, in its ongoing suffering from the western
against war, occupation and imperialist backed and tolerated Israeli occupation. We
domination. reaffirm our support to the only possible solc
After a very fruitful and rich discussion lution of the conflict with the establishment
upon the agenda of the EC and about the of an independent State of Palestine in the
main tendencies in the current world situatc borders of June 1967 and with East Jerusalc
tion, having taken into account the growing lem as its capital. We demand the complete
peace movement and its actions all over the withdrawal of Israeli troops and the release
world and the new threats and dangers to of all political prisoners.
world peace and security, the EC reached The WPC is committing itself to strengthec
and publishes the following statement: en even more the coordinated efforts for the
The meeting of the WPC Executive removal of all Foreign military bases, which
Committee in Brazil, in Latin America, truly constitute a violation of the sovereignty of
constitutes a special moment in the history the countries wherever they are located and
of our organization, taking place as it is a daily threat to the respective region and
during a period when great contradictions peoples. We denounce furthermore the commc
are intersecting in this region in the most mon military exercises of the USA in various
telling way. parts of the world.
On the one hand imperialist aggressc Despite the negative tendencies and
siveness is accelerating and intensifying, contradictions, the WPC is expressing its
creating serious threats on our planet. At the strong will and optimism that the situation
same time, however, the peoples movements its demands for the abolition of all nuclear mination. In this context we demand the lifting described above, is not a one-way street. As
for peace are growing massively all over the weapons, and the stop of creation of new of the economic sanctions by the USA and the much everyday, the peoples conscience is
world against it. ones. The WPC rejects and condemns the EU against the Zimbabwean people and for growing, along with the understanding that
The WPC is welcoming today the develoc pre-emptive war doctrine of the US adminic its right to determine its own future. this can not be the future of mankind, there
opments taking place on this continent.We istration in this context. The WPC views also with concern will be more and more prospect to create a
could thus say that the heart of progressive The USA is trying to abuse the United the deteriorating situation in Sudan, and peaceful and just world without war, nuclear
mankind, and therefore the heart of the peace Nations as an instrument for legitimizing expresses its support for a sustainable solutc weapons and imperialist domination. The
movement, the WPC, beats in Latin America their plans and domination. However it tion of peace, without any foreign military peoples struggles in each and every country
in Cuba, in Venezuela, in Bolivia, where faces difficulties and contradictions. In cases intervention. with the coordination on regional and internc
their peoples, defying imperialist intimidatc where the USA cannot impose its will on the The WPC congratulates Angola for the national level can and will open new roads
tion, are finding and blazing new paths to the UN, willing allies appear, good for any violc achievement of peace and calls upon all to for peace and the benefit of the vast majority
peoples benefit; likewise, in Brazil, where lation of International law and UN principles. support the consolidation and reconstruction of humanity. The WPC will contribute to its
the government is defending world peace The WPC is underlining the urgency to fight of Angola. best level to this. n
and the Latin American integration. The back the plans to incorporate NATO into
WPC reiterates its demands for the lifting the UN system, thus effort at the same time
of the US blockade against Cuba and for the
release of the five Cuban political prisoners
to wash the biggest war machinery (NATO)
clean from all its crimes and interventions. More about the WPC
from the US prisons. WPC will promote a campaign to rally
This is being proved also by the growic broader forces around the struggle against Executive Committee:
ing peoples movement in the whole war for a world order of peace and justice
Latin America witnessed as well during based on the founding charter of the UN. The Assembly of the WPC in its last meeting elected a 39-member Executive
the massive demonstrations at the summit At the same time we are witnessing a Committee composed of the respective member organizations from the following
of the peoples of America in Mar de Plata, further militarization of the EU, whereas countries:
Argentina (November 2005) and the World its major forces are competing with other
Social Forum in Caracas, Venezuela (Januac Imperialist forces for the control of markets Asia and the Pacific: Australia; Bangladesh; India; Japan; DPR Korea;
ary 2006). and resources around the world. In total Mongolia; Nepal; Pakistan; Vietnam.
The attention of the world humanity is discordance with the will of the peoples in Africa: Angola; Congo Brazz.; Congo Dr.; Senegal; South Africa; Tanzania;
these days focused on Iran, which we cannot Europe, the reactionary content of the EU Zimbabwe.
examine in isolation from general developmc Constitution is being applied step by step Middle East: Egypt; Iraq; Palestine; Syria; Yemen.
ments. To a great degree, it is linked to the in all spheres of life, despite the NO in the Americas: Argentina; Brazil; Canada; Costa Rica; Cuba; Dominican
overall imperialist policy, first and foremost French and Dutch Referenda. Republic; Mexico; Panama; USA; Venezuela.
by the USA, which is trying in many ways WPC will strengthen the cooperation Europe: Cyprus; Czech Republic; France; Germany; Greece; Portugal;
to impose global domination to control the with other social and peoples movements Spain; Turkey.
wealth-producing resources of the planet and against the neoliberal policies. Over the
to subjugate any country or people that put past year widespread privatizations and the Regional Coordinators:
up resistance. deregulation of services have been promoted
These very days we are reminded to with growing urgency and pressure in order Mexican Movement for Peace and development MOMPADE (Regional Coordinator
some extent of the situation prior to the that conditions might be created for the for the Americas); Vietnam Peace Committee VPC (Regional Coordinator for Asia
war against Iraq. A propaganda campaign multinational corporations to engage in yet & the Pacific); Egyptian Peace Committee (Regional Coordinator for the Middle
has been launched to familiarize public greater plundering of social wealth. Common East); Portuguese Council for Peace and Cooperation (Regional Coordinator for
opinion with the issue and to justify a new actions and initiatives for the cuts in military Europe); Congo Peace Committee (Regional Coordinator for Africa).
war. The immediate and essential task of the budgets are becoming more and more importc
peace movements, the peoples movements tant as a common ground for peace and other Co-Presidents:
and naturally the WPC, is to mobilize the social movements.
peoples to denounce pre-emptive war policy Likewise the USA and its allies are challc Argentina (MOPASSOL); India (AIPSO); Palestine (PCPJ).
and thus to stop a new war, deeply linked lenging even the will of peoples expressed in
with the demand for immediate withdrawal elections or referenda. The WPC denounces Honorary Presidents:
of all occupation forces from Iraq, Afghanisc by principle all interventions such as in Romesh Chandra; Evangelos Mahairas.
stan and Palestine. The WPC is witnessing Palestine, Belarus, Cyprus and Zimbabwe
in this regard that the mobilisations of the and the prohibition of elected state leaders
PEACE MESSENGER Page
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1, SPRING 2006 QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE WORLD PEACE COUNCIL(WPC) WWW.WPC-IN.ORG INFO@WPC-IN.ORG
A
t the beginning of the 90s, when the US, despite the need of high defensive tances from Cubans abroad. both in number of visitors and efficiency in
the Soviet and the Eastern Europc expenditures in order to face aggressions, In March this year, the Government annc the operation of facilities; good prices for our
pean socialist systems were crumbc despite the denial of foreign credit, despite nounced that the minimal salary had been nickel and our cobalt in the world market,
bling, many specialists forecasted the great power of its enemies and despite increased from 100 to 225 pesos with a benec among other developments such as excellent
the imminent fall of the Cuban Revolution. the fact that Cuba has been experimenting a efiting one million 685 workers, with a raise trade, investment and cooperation agreemc
But such a happening did not take place, transition to socialism, on its own basis but in the average monthly salary of all the populc ments with China, Venezuela, Brazil, Canada
because the vast majority of Cubans support learning from models and conceptions experc lation from 282 to 312 pesos. The pensions and other nations, have contributed to the
the project and do not want it to be reversed. rienced in other countries, with its positive of one million 949 retired persons and other present successful image now exhibited by
I will try to explain why. and negative events. recipients of social security assistance were the Cuban economic strategy,
First of all, the Revolution in Cuba fulfc Cuba presents First World level indicatc also increased and new raises are to come. Despite the amazing 46 years old media
fills and strongly upholds Cuban national tors for most basic human rights, compared Simultaneously, the Cuban peso has campaign against the Cuban Revolution,
independence, cultural identity and social to the devastating regional spectacle of increased its value biz a biz most foreign renewed and intensified by the present US
justice, three very dear goals for which Cubc countries sunk in misery, unemployment, currencies and imports of consuming goods Administration in recent years, the Cuban
bans have fought and died since 1868. hunger and desperation. Cuba is the only are expanding in correspondence with the Revolution is still here and relations between
Secondly, because the Cuban Revolution country in the region where illiteracy, beggc growth in buying capacity due to the augmc the people of both countries are as respectful
was, neither a result of the Cold War, nor a garliness, social violence, childhood and old ment of salaries. and friendly as ever. Cubans are extremely
Revolution imported from abroad. aged helplessness and other social disgraces Most of the social development programs happy and proud about that.
Thirdly, because the Cuban political systc are not present in its population. seemingly forgotten since the beginning of ____________
tem operates in a way in which citizens truly Cuban expenditure on health, as a the nineties housing, transportation, electc * Manuel E. Yepe is Secretary of the Cuban Peace Movement,
participate day after day in decision making. percentage of gross domestic product, is trification, among them- have been retaken, an NGO existing since 1949 with consultative status before the
Economic and Social Council of the United Nations Organizatc
This has enhanced a participative culture in higher than any country in the hemisphere while all hospital, policlinics, pharmacies, tion. Ex-Ambassador, lawyer, economist and social scientist,
Cuba, very different from the ways politics except for Canada and 34% higher than school buildings are being remodelled or he is also Adjunct Associate Professor at the Raul Roa Higher
work in other parts of the world. the United States.5 Cuba>s health policy repaired along the island. Institute of International Relations in Havana. He has served
as Director General of Prensa Latina Latin-American News
And last but not least, because in their has been characterised as a dual policy of Good results in oil prospecting and Agency and Vice President of the Cuban Institute of Radio
everyday life Cuban people evidence and equity and priority for vulnerable groups.6 production, sustained increases in tourism, and Television, as well.
feel important advantages prompted by the Although the country>s health policy is less
revolutionary process. This is due to the than faultless, important lessons remain to
increasing social mobility experienced by be learned. Despite tremendous scarcity, the
the Cuban population as a whole during the country has managed to achieve enviable
Cuba Condemns Injustice Against Cuban Five
last four and a half decades. health indicators through a focus on primary in Security Council
The Revolution that triumphed on Januac health care Addressing the U.N. Security Council on May 30, 2006, Cuba outlined the high
ary 1, 1959, the one we are still engaged in, Cuba is precisely the confirmation of the cost of innumerable terrorist acts against the island over the last 45 years almost all
was not an accident; it was not an isolated viability of socialism as a socio-economic of which were organized from U.S. territory.
event. It was the logical consequence of a system for developing countries of Latin According to a Prensa Latina report, the condemnation was made by Ambassador Ileana
long history of battles that finally led to true America. Capitalism has failed completely in Nez, who is responsible for negotiating on Cubas behalf before the United Nations, and
and creative self-determination. Only then almost the entire region in the basic task of occurred during a public meeting of the Security Council on Threats Caused by Terrorism.
our aspirations were attainable, when we providing human beings with a decent life. Without taking into account the high economic cost to her country, the Cuban diplomat
Cubans added to our ideals and spirit of sacrc That is precisely the reason why Cuba is reported that 3,478 Cubans had died and another 2,099 been injured as a direct conseqc
rifice the element that made us sufficiently such a feared example: because it threatens quence of these acts. She stressed that rather than prevent and repress terrorism against
strong: the unity of our people. Unity was todays main dogma, the inevitability of Cuba, U.S. authorities have held five Cubans in prison in a state of kidnap after a panel
something lacking in previous independence capitalism as a system. from the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta ruled to reverse their sentences.
and revolutionary movements in Cuba. What worries the US ruling class about The Five had simply attempted, with exceptional altruism and courage, to obtain
In the 19th Century, when Cuba and Puerto Cuba is not the democratic question (for they information on terrorist groups located in Miami to prevent violent attacks and save the
Rico were the only colonies under Spanish rule always applaud unpopular military coups lives of not only Cubans, but also Americans, explained the ambassador.
in America, Cuba faced three basic trends against inconvenient governments to safegc Nez added that an example of this continued double standard by the United
of thought. One that called for collaboration guard their illegitimate interests). It is not States in its so-called war on terrorism was the fact that Washington will not carry out
its international obligation to put to trial or extradite the well-known international terrc
with Spain through reforms of colonial rule; a question of legislation (the Patriotic Act
rorist Luis Posada Carriles.
another one candidly requested the island>s violates many basic democratic principles).
annexation to the newly born US empire, and It is not certainly the practice of a death Statements of Ileana Nez Mordoche (Cuba)
the third, composed by the healthiest and most penalty (the US leads by far the way in the Ileana Nez Mordoche said that, for more than 45 years the Cuban people had been
revolutionary forces of the island: those who Western hemisphere). And it is not human the target of countless terrorist actions, most of hem masterminded and organized from
saw in independence the only viable path and rights or civil liberties (tortures in US prisons United States territory with the support, protection and funding of that countrys successive
went ahead to conquer it. in Iraq, Afghanistan and in the Guantanamo Governments. As a consequence, the Cuban people had paid a high cost in human lives,
The first tendency practically disappeared Naval base confirm this). a total of 3,478 people having died and another 2,099 having been severely injured. The
in Cuba and can be found only in very scarce To find an intelligible explanation for economic losses had also been very high. With full impunity, in Miami and other cities
in the United States, funds to carry out terrorist actions were provided and collected; the
Euro centrist minds. The second is the basis the singularity of the treatment meted out to
bank accounts that financed terrorism were openly and regularly operate; terrorists were
of present anti independence, pro American Cuba it would be necessary to search along
recruited; and the purchase of weapons and the use of territory were allowed for those
thought promoted by antirevolutionary ideoc different paths.
who financed, masterminded and committed terrorist acts against Cuba.
ology. The strength of this way of thinking One basic reason would undoubtedly be She said that, instead of preventing and punishing terrorism against Cuba, the United
cannot be measured by emigration tendencc the Cuban commitment to persevere with the States authorities held Gerardo Hernandez, Ramon Labaino, Fernando Gonzalez,
cies which are basically related to economic socialist system proclaimed in 1961. From Antonio Guerrero and Ren Gonzalez hostage in that countrys jails, after the Court of
circumstances and similar to the emigration the point of view of capitalist fundamentalic Appeals of the Eleventh Circuit of Atlanta had decided unanimously to reverse their
patterns of all underdeveloped countries. ism, Cuban socialism is a serious anomaly sentences and order a new trial, overturning the one upheld by a Miami-based crooked
There is no doubt that the independence to be corrected and Cuba put back on the court, without the guarantees of due process. Those five Cuban youths had only been
wars fought along the second part of the 19th right track, fully integrating our country into trying to obtain information about terrorist groups based in Miami in order to prevent
Century cleared the trail that was to be follc planetary market oriented globalization. their violent actions and save the lives of Cuban, as well as United States, citizens.
lowed by subsequent Cuban generations in As it has been for nearly one half century, New information had been revealed about United States double standards in its so-called
order to fulfill the dreams and aspirations of there are still experts indicating that the Cubc international campaign against terrorism, she said. The United States continued to fail to meet
the founding fathers. ban system is on the way to falling apart. But its international obligation of judging and extraditing the infamous international terrorist Luis
When Cuba defended as it still defends the truth is that the worst phase of the crisis Posada Carriles, whose extradition had been requested by Venezuela. That terrorists impunity
its integrity and its right to self-determinatc of the 90s (the so-called Special Period) now was perpetuated by judging him as a simple illegal immigrant, despite the fact that the
tion, the original ideals that were born during passed; the economic indicators have been United States Government itself had acknowledged that he was a dangerous terrorist.
the anti-colonial wars are being kept alive. improving day after day. Cuba had informed the Counter-Terrorism Committee about the terrorist activities
Fierce criticisms about the failure of Cuban international currency reserves of that and other individuals and organizations, as well as about the protection provided
to them by the United States Government, she said. The Cuban Government reiterated
Cuban socialism, singing the requiem of increased in 2004 by 1.48 billion US dollc
its request to the Committee to carry out an evaluation of that information, presented in
its economic system, would be valid if the lars with a surplus of 176 million in current
documents S/2002/15, S/2004/753 and S/2005/341, among others. That would contribuc
Third World, or at least Latin America, presc account and an increase of one billion US
ute to the halting of impunity that those who carried out terrorist attacks against Cuba
sented an encouraging economic and social dollars in the Capital account. enjoyed on United States territory. It was impossible to eliminate terrorism if only some
scene against which Cuba could not stand The country exported goods for 2.200 billc terrorist actions were condemned, while others were silenced, tolerated or justified, or
comparison. lion US dollars in 2004, which is 500 million if the issue was simply manipulated in order to promote certain political interests. In
But the opposite is the case. Cuba continuc more than the previous year, while tourism order to advance, all manifestations of terrorism must be condemned and punished in
ues to lead the continent, including the US, earned 2.3 billion US dollars. any part of the world, without excluding State terrorism under any circumstances.
on the basic indicators of education, health The country also received about one Antiterroristas, 2006-05-31
and equity, despite the blockade imposed by billion US dollars by means of family remittc
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MOCA DECLARATION
Continental Peace Conference
March 20 23, 2006 Moca, Dominican Republic
The Continental Peace Conference was held from enclaves of violating the sovereignty and the security of lishment of peace and independence in that country.
March 20th to March 23rd, 2006 in Moca City, Dominican the peoples. The participants in this Conference condemn the criminc
Republic. We denounce the use of Guantnamo military base nal blockade that the usa has imposed on Cuba for more
This event was carried out within the framework on the as a torture and crime center. The most basic human than 45 years, affecting all the sectors of the population,
20th anniversary of the constitution of the Dominican Union rights of the people illegally imprisoned in that territory in spite of the fact that the blockade is condemned in the
of Journalists for Peace, conducted by its founder, Lic. Juan occupied by the usa against the will of the cuban people general assembly of the United Nations every year.
Pablo Acosta. are violated there. We demand the liberation of the five Cubans kidnc
The Continental Peace Conference was presided over We denounce the process of expansion of us military napped in the usa, who have remained in jails of that
by the president of the World Peace Council, Lic. Orlc bases in latin america and the caribbean: puerto rico, country for eight years for fighting against terrorism. They
lando Fundora Lpez. Iraklis Tsavdaridis, member of the manta, aruba, curazao, and comapala. and their families are victims of the most flagrant violatc
secretariat of this noted organization, also participated in The discussions and analysis on foreign military bases tions of human rights by the us government.
representation of the wpc. that took place in the meeting in november 2005 in havc The Continental Peace Conference greets the Venezuec
There were 12 delegates from cuba, haiti, panama, vana, will be taken up again in ecuador in 2007. elan initiative of creating alba as a mechanism of real
usa and greece. Moreover, we condemn the militarization of the europc collaboration among Latin American countries, in oppositc
We formulated a program for days and hours, includic pean union and the expansion of nato, which represent tion to the ftaa that is a mechanism of interfering and of
ing master papers that addressed current topics of great part of the hegemonic plans of imperialism. exploitation against Latin American countries.
world interest; highlighting the dangers that threaten We condemn the us military presence in the south of We also express solidarity with the Venezuelan people
humanity in the current unipolar world, dominated by the dominican republic, with troops estimated between and demand the immediate ceasing of every kind of
the us imperialism. 600 and 1,200 soldiers, which is considered a threat to US aggression against the revolutionary process in that
The participants agreed that humanity has never been the dominican republic and to the region. We demand country.
so threatened and attacked as it is now; politically, socially their immediate withdrawal. The delegates also greet the collaboration of Cuba
and economically threatened; attacked on its material and The participants in the continental conference in in the fields of education and health, not only in Latin
spiritual security, and on its longings for development and Moca demand the withdrawal of foreign troops from the America and the Caribbean, but also in the countries of
on its habitat. haitian territory so that they could, freely and democraticc other continents where Cuban professionals also carry out
The current unipolar world, with only one superpower cally, reconstruct their country and work for the welfare their noble mission.
imposing its selfish interests on the rest of the planet, of their people. The participants in the conference greet the next
shows in all its cruelty the predatory nature of the prevailic We denounce the evident purposes of the usa of attc world peace forum that will take place in Vancouver,
ing capitalist order and the vital need of replacing it by a tacking iran, on their desire to control oil in the Middle Canada, next June and call to promote the participation
new fair and humane order. East and to dominate this strategic area of the world. of all peace-lovers.
The greatest danger to world peace comes from the We condemn the use of any type of weapons and the The Continental Conference carried out in Moca considec
purposes of the us imperialism for total military, economic possibility of the use of nuclear weapons in the aggressive ers that the current circumstances under which the world
and political dominance of the world, including the imposc purposes of the United States against that country. lives forces peace fighters and all men and women of good
sition of its neoliberal agenda on other nations. The delegates call for the total abolition of nuclear will, to unite themselves on a single purpose: to use all the
The current need for information forces us to rethink weapons in the world on the bases of article 6 of the possible means to develop a culture of peace and to make
on the obligation of carrying out efforts that, regarding npt. everybody aware that while there is illiteracy, hunger and
information, would strenghthen the development of awarenc The delegates express their solidarity with the Iraqi exploitation, while the aggressions of the US imperialism
ness and of world public opinion in favor of the worthiest people and the resistance that they carry out against the against any country remain unpunished, there will be no
yearnings of humanity. occupation of their people. peace.
The delegates denounced the danger entailed by the We demand the immediate withdrawal of all the foreign Continental Peace Conference
foreign military bases anywhere in the world, which are troops from Iraq, the ceasing of war crimes and the establc Moca, March 23rd, 2006
Page 10 PEACE MESSENGER
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1, SPRING 2006 QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE WORLD PEACE COUNCIL(WPC) WWW.WPC-IN.ORG INFO@WPC-IN.ORG
Communiqu of the International The modern concentration camps such their solidarity to the just causes of the
Peace NEWS Meeting against Foreign Bases
(from p. 1)
as Guantanamo and Abu Graib and the Isrc
raeli prisons on Palestinian soil
peoples fighting for independence, freedom
and social justice
The secret prisons and CIA-flights their support to the establishment of
The Greek Peace Movement
consciences, youth prostitution, displacemc The growing military presence of an independent State of Palestine, based on
The initiative undertaken by EEDYE, ments of population, drug trafficking etc. USA and the EU in Africa with the objectc the UN resolutions and the borders of 1967,
in cooperation with the Cretan peace After a thorough analysis, convinced that tive, among others, of controlling mineral with East Jerusalem as its capital
committees and under the auspices of humanity has never been so threatened and resources their will to continue systematically
the World Peace Council, to organize an attacked as it is now by imperialism and its The plan to deploy new US Military the efforts for common actions with other
International Meeting of Peace Organizatc policies, the meeting condemned: Bases in Bulgaria and Romania social organizations and movements, raising
tions and Movements against the Bases, The so-called war on terror, aiming in The growing and illegal militarization conscience and awareness allover the world
in Hania, Crete on 25-26 February 2006 the re-distribution of spheres of economic of Japan and the use of Okinawa military for all the above mentioned
had great impact internationally. and political influence bases to control Asia and the Pacific their readiness to support the campc
On the first day, a Conference was The growing wave of violence and social The Manta Base of Equador as a paign of the WPC till the World Confrence
held with the participation of represc injustice that causes multiple sufferings to the complementary project of the Colombia against Foreign Military bases in Equador,
sentatives of peace movements from great majority of the world population, which Plan against the Bolivarian Venezuela and March 2007
Mediterranean and Balkan Countries is manifested in aggressions, preemptive wars, the peoples of the region The Foreign Military bases are a constant
that have foreign military bases on economic exploitation The presence and use of British Bases threat to Peace-Shut them down now!
their territory. On the second day, a
The current versions of the imperialist in Cyprus, which is violating every sense of Chania, 26th February, 2006
Pan-Cretan mobilization took place
strategy ending up in new military bases or International law Participating Organizations:
outside the US-NATO base at Souda.
new-type enclaves such as the use of ports The submissive governments of the Palestinian Center for Peace and
The Conference focused on the topic
Foreign military bases: a threat to and airports, advanced operative sites and region which are cooperating willingly with Democracy
peace and security in Greece country cooperative security facilities. the Imperialists, offering them bases and Anti-imperialist League of Belgium
and the broader region. Taking part The International meeting furthermore support for their plans Turkish Peace Association
in the event were the representatives denounced: The Memorandum of Understanding Belgrade Forum for the world of Equals
of nine foreign organizations, dozens of The ongoing occupation of Palestine, (MOU), which keeps the countries with forec Portuguese Council for Peace and
mass organizations, university and high Afghanistan and Iraq and parts of Cyprus, eign bases under complete guardianship Cooperation
school studentsassociations and Trade Syria (Golan) and Lebanon(Sheba farms) The participants of the meeting decc German Peace Council
Unions from Crete. The new NATO doctrine and the militc clared: Peace Committee of Lebanon
Events expressing popular oppositc tarization of the EU their organisations determination Cyprus Peace Council
tion to the foreign bases were also held The Greater Middle East Plan and to fight against all kind of foreign military Peace Council of Syria
in other parts of Greece, where there the interventions of the USA, EU and Israel presence, demanding the dismantlement of Greek Committee for International Dtc
are such bases. With speakers from in the internal affairs of countries all existing foreign bases tente and Peace (EEDYE)
EEDYE and KETHA (former officers
of the armed forces), several events
were organized in Preveza, where GLOBAL PEACE MOVEMENT AGAINST... the Latin and Central America countries and that it was a mistake. Never before have we
there is an AWACS base; in Kavala, (from p. 1) the Caribbean. Imagine my feelings, for we all had such a global movement united against
where NATO maintains a naval base; conduct a war against something other than knew that in Bolivia the first indigenous Indian these imperialist policies that affect them so
and in Larisa, location of a NATO a nation-state and how you conduct a war in was elected President in 500 years! Venezuec sharply. The peoples movements advancic
headquarters. The events ended with countries that you are not at war with. Is this ela, Uruguay, Chile, Argentina, Brazil and, of ing in Latin America, the backyard that
a brief conference held by EEDYE on the war against terrorism? course, Cuba have rejected US interference, US interests controlled for so many years,
5 May 2006 in Athens, at the Panteion We know the reasons used to invade Iraq. NAFTA and the free trade policies that have is a dramatic example of this potential.
University. The speakers were: Zivadin We know of the natural treasure of the Middle so damaged their economies and impoverished Imperialism is not invincible. But as Ricc
Jiovanovic, former Minister of Foreign East, recognized after World War II as the real their people, and have elected popular leaders cardo Alarcon, the Speaker of the Assembly in
Affairs of Yugoslavia; Tobias Pflger, prize of victory, when the US was able to eliminc and parties. Each speaker started off by declaric Cuba, warned on the same platform, Yes, impc
MEP from Germany; Stefan Gaidadief nate Great Britain, Germany, and France in the ing, Imperialism is not invincible. perialism is not invincible, but like a wounded
from the National Peace Council of control of oil! US Imperialism! For those who find it hard beast, it can create great damage.
Bulgaria; Dimitris Kaltsonis, Member Yes, oil is certainly a driving force, to accept that term, I refer you to none other What does this mean for us in the United
of the Secretariat of EEDYE; Yiannis but observe the strategic value of Afgc than former US President Jimmy Carter, who States? While we have the majority of people
Douniadakis, Rear-Admiral (retired);
ghanistan and Iraq. In alliance with Isrc deplores, and I quote: the quest for American with us, we are suffering from the historical
and Ariel Dakaz from Cuba.
rael and the complicit Arab countries, imperial dominance. Here is what he said on lack of political leadership. The Democratic
Huge anti-war demonstrations were
the US has moved directly into the Middle November 20th: There are determined efforts leadership, in the main, finds itself unable to
organized by EEDYE in cooperation
with PAME (The All-Workers Militant East. They have bases in Georgia, Armenia, by US leaders to exert American imperial escape its complicity in supporting the war.
Front). In Athens and other Greek citic Uzbekistan, Turkistan, and Turkey. They have dominance throughout the world. These revolc That leadership lags considerably behind the
ies (Thessaloniki, Larissa, Patras and enveloped Russia on the west with Estonia, lutionary policies have been orchestrated by people. This lack of political support makes
Piraeus) on 15 March 2006, marking the Lithuania, Latvia, and now her southern bordc those who believe that our nations tremendous the task of the grassroots movement more
anniversaries of the imperialist attacks ders. US policies are aimed, as National Securc power and influence should not be internationac complex, more difficult.
on Yugoslavia, Afghanistan and Iraq. rity Advisor Brezinzki said, to reduce Russia ally constrained.... We cannot ignore the approaching Novc
On 25 April 2006 more anti-war democ to a third rate power. What about China? Not The only rational explanation for Washic vember elections where we must force candc
onstrations took place, mainly in Athens only does she face the fleet in the Pacific, about ingtons almost 1,000 military bases, the didates to speak for the return of the troops
and Thessaloniki, to protest against the 37 bases in Japan, and 37,000 US troops in invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq, the threats and the end of the occupation. We must find
arrival of the US Secretary of State Condc South Korea, but now Afghanistan. against North Korea and Iran, troops in Colc common ground with all progressive forces.
doleezza Rice, who held talks with the What role does the US contemplate against lombia and now Paraguay, the increased resc The struggle for economic justice is the
Greek government on the US attempt to China as it seduces India with enticements as search and development of new more deadly struggle against the war. The struggle to
set up a so-called alliance of the willing recognizing her as a nuclear power, despite the weapons and systems for space superiority, uphold the Constitution and protect our civil
against the people of Iran on the pretext of fact that India has not signed the Non-prolifec is to continue its role as the planets sole liberties is the struggle against the war. The
that Countrys nuclear program. eration Treaty that forbids providing nuclear superpower against all possible competitors struggle to protect the rights of workers to
Throughout the month of May, multifc technology or material? China and European Union and to organize is the struggle against the war. The
form events were also held in more than In Iraq, the United States is building 14 extend US military, economic, and political struggle for the rights of immigrants is the
thirty towns and cities all over Greece on enduring bases. The Marine base in Anbar hegemony throughout the world to create a struggle against the war. The struggle against
the initiative of EEDYE. These events resembles a slice of US suburbia: Subway 21st century American empire. A drive to the war is the struggle for justice, here and
were devoted to the solidarity of the and pizza outlets; football field; Hertz rent- exploit the peoples of the world and their abroad. One struggle, indivisible.
Greek peace and anti-war movement
a-car outlet; swimming pool; movie theater; resources for the super profits of the Hallc If we are able together to force a retreat by
with the peoples being targeted by the
two bus routes 15-20 miles square. liburtons, GEs, and Citi Banks. the Bush administration in Iraq and Afghanisc
imperialists, including the peoples of
Do US polices ignore its backyard? Take Unlike in previous empires, these piraticc stan, it will have profound repercussions. In the
Cuba, Iran, Syria, the PDR of Korea and
Palestine, but also with those peoples Haiti, for example, where it kidnapped an cal parasites are determined that no crumbs Middle East, Israel will be forced to reexamine
whose countries are under occupation elected president and created chaos in will fall on the tables of the workers in our its policies as they realize they will not be able to
(Afghanistan and Iraq). that impoverished country, a country it had country. Like their counterparts throughout count on a weakened Empire. Those democratic
The May events culminated in the invaded and held so long. The US has sent the world, US workers must contribute to the forces in the Middle Eastern countries where the
Marathon Peace March held on May 14 800 troops into the Dominican Republic coffers of these modern day robber barons. US has installed or maintained compliant ruling
with 10,000 people taking part. poised at the border of Haiti. There are democ The drive for dominance has aroused circles will be emboldened by the retreat of the
An important feature of all these onstrations and protests in the Dominican a counterforce of people, worldwide and in empire. It will open up new possibilities everywc
events was the mass participation of the Republic, another country it had invaded and our country. Never before have we had such where as the people realize their own strength
people, mainly youth, along with the controlled, eliminating the elected president, a large peace movement. Never before at and ability to change their societies.
spirit, dynamism and confidence of the Juan Bosch, and installing a dictator, Juan such an early stage, three years into a war Yes, the beast can still create great damac
peace-fighters in Greece that the negative Berlinguer. that was initially supported by the people age, but we have our responsibilities too. We
balance of power existing today can be I attended the World Social Forum in Carc because they accepted the lies of immediac can build the US Peace Council by building
shifted through the efforts and struggles racas, Venezuela a few weeks ago and had the ate threat by weapons of mass destruction, local Peace Councils. We can, we must, march
against the imperialist powers! privilege of sharing a platform with the leaders have we had as we do now the majority of and protest against the war!
of the peace movements of practically all of Americans opposed to the war, declaring The people are with us. We can win! n
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NO NUKES! NO WAR ON IRAN! general lack of public awareness about In January 2005, a handful of representatc my lifetime, nor do I think abolition could be
(from p. 3) the realities of U.S. nuclear weapons and tives from Abolition 2000 and UFPJ had persc verified if it were negotiated. Second, I see
ated claim that Iraq had an active nuclear their central role in its national security suaded the Global Anti-War Assembly at the no conflict between our plans for our own
weapons program, a new anti-war movement policy. And it marked the beginning of a World Social Forum in Brazil to incorporate nuclear weapons and our strong support for
began to coalesce, with a heightened sensitc continuing internal education process within a call for the abolition of nuclear weapons nonproliferation.
tivity to the domestic impacts of the war UFPJ, with over 1,300 member groups, the into its final declaration, and to endorse the In 1946, the great humanist social critic,
on terror, including attacks on immigrants, largest anti-war coalition in the United States May 1st demonstration for a nuclear weapon Lewis Mumford, wrote: You cannot talk
and drastic cuts to social services for the (www.unitedforpeace.org). free world. This marked a new phase for the like sane men around a peace table while the
poor. The first National Assembly of United In August 2004, on the 59th anniversary World Social Forum, in which anti-nuclearic atomic bomb itself is ticking beneath it. Do
for Peace and Justice (UFPJ), in June 2003, of the U.S. atomic bombings of their cities, ism and anti-militarism are starting to be artc not treat the atomic bomb as a weapon of offt
presented an opportunity to reclaim nuclear the Mayors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, ticulated as important elements of corporate fense; do not treat it as an instrument of the
disarmament as a peace and justice issue, urged on by the aging Hibakusha survc anti-globalization efforts. police. Treat the bomb for what it is: the visible
and to reintegrate it into the broader anti-war vivors in their cities, launched the Mayoc Today, the Los Alamos and Livermore insanity of a civilization that has ceased to
movement. A proposal from U.S. Abolition ors for Peace Emergency Campaign to Ban National Laboratories are engaged in the worship life and obey the laws of life.
2000 groups to make nuclear disarmament a Nuclear Weapons. Revisiting the Abolition latest variant of their ongoing arms race. For the massive April 29, 2006 March
UFPJ priority was adopted, with little discussc 2000 agenda, they presented their 2020 Now, while the United States accuses Iran for Peace, Justice and Democracy in New
sion or controversy. Vision, a timetable for the elimination of of seeking nuclear weapons and President York City, the words No War on Iran! were
It was striking, however, that several nuclear weapons by 2020, which they would Bush declares that a nuclear-armed Iran added to the May 1, 2005 No! Nukes! No
delegates voiced objections to the effect that bring as a demand to the NPT 5-year Review would pose a grave threat to the security Wars! lead banner. Nuclear weapons have
nuclear disarmament is the Bush agenda! Conference in May 2005. of the world the same language he used delivered themselves back to the anti-war
They were referring of course to the Bush admc By the time they got to New York, well prior to attacking Iraq, the Labs are working movement. Our challenge and our promise
ministrations pre-emptive war doctrine, carrc over 500 Mayors from 32 countries 65 of on competing designs for a new warhead, now is to grow from an anti-Iraq war movemc
ried out against Iraq and threatened against them from the U.S. had signed onto the and a new facility to manufacture them. The ment into a mature, truly anti-war movement,
North Korea and Iran. They had no idea Mayors campaign statement. On May 1, the Labs reportedly could have their preliminary which demands in no uncertain terms the
that the United States maintains a 10,000 day before the 2005 NPT Review Conference bomb designs ready as early as September. global elimination of nuclear weapons and
warhead nuclear arsenal, with some 2,000 began, Abolition 2000 and United for Peace With no apparent sense of irony or a new concept of global (not national)
of them on hair-trigger alert. They didnt and Justice joined forces as 40,000 people responsibility, Ambassador Linton Brooks, security based on human needs and ecologicc
know that the U.S. had drawn up contingency marched past United Nations headquarters head of the National Nuclear Security Admc cal values.
plans for using its own nuclear weapons in New York City and rallied in Central Park. ministration, began a recent presentation ______________
in Iraq. They didnt know that the U.S. is The Mayors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and on the future of the U.S. nuclear weapons *Jacqueline Cabasso is executive director of the
spending nearly $7 billion a year to maintain dozens of Hibakusha carried the lead bannc stockpile: First, I assume that the United Western States Legal Foundation in Oakland,
and upgrade its nuclear warheads and many California. She serves on the international Cooc
ner, which read: End the War in Iraq. Abolit States will, for the foreseeable future, need to
ordinating Committee of Abolition 2000 and the
billions more to modernize their means of ish All Nuclear Weapons. NO NUKES! NO retain both nuclear forces and the capabilitc national Steering Committee of UFPJ, and also
delivery. This turned out to be the tip of an WARS! Behind them, spirited anti-nuclear ties to sustain and, if necessary, modernize convenes its Nuclear Disarmament/Redefining
iceberg, exposing a vast lack of awareness in and anti-war activists filled more than 13 those forces. I do not see any chance of the Security Working Group. www.wslfweb.org; www.
the new anti-war movement reflecting the city blocks. political conditions for abolition arising in disarmamentactivist.org
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W
e, victims of Agent Many children have been born without the experience therefore participated in this international conference
Orange/dioxin and of war but have deformed bodies and can never enjoy of victims of Agent Orange/dioxin so as to express their
other toxic chemicc the simplest experience of happiness that is to live solidarity with the affected people and their struggle
cals, together with supporters as an ordinary human being. for justice.
and scientists from the United For the above-said reasons, victims of Agent Orac The contamination by Agent Orange/dioxin and other
States, Australia, Canada, ange/dioxin and their families are among the poorest toxic chemicals has led to the poor physical health and
France, Germany, Great Britac death of many, loss of family happiness, a life of poverty
ain, New Zealand, Russia, and deprivation for deformed children, and absence of
the Republic of Korea, Switzc support in times of sickness and old age. The manufactc
zerland, and Vietnam partc ture and use of those toxic chemicals are in violation of
ticipating in the International international laws.
4.
Conference of Victims of We utterly dispute the conclusion reached by
Agent Orange/dioxin held in Hanoi, Vietnam on March Judge Jack Weinstein who dismissed the Vietnc
28th and 29th 2006, make the following appeal to the namese victims lawsuit without paying respect
international community: to justice and the obvious realities in Vietnam.
5.
We have discussed the effects of Agent Orange contc We, victims of Agent Orange/dioxin, and our
taminated with dioxin and other toxic chemicals on human supporters affirm our commitment to working in
life and health, and the sufferings of those affected. Based solidarity, regardless of race or political belief,
on this exchange of views, we unanimously confirm the and demand that the US chemical companies pay compensc
following: sation equal to their liability, as stipulated by law.
1. 6.
We strongly support the lawsuit filed by the Vietnc
During the war waged in Vietnam, the US chemicc
namese Agent Orange/dioxin victims till their
cal companies manufactured and supplied millc
final victory in their fight for justice.
lions of litres of toxic chemicals disguised as
We congratulate the initial success of the Republic
defoliants or herbicides. Those chemicals contained high
of Korean victims and will continue to support them until
levels of dioxin. They were an utterly lethal substance.
their final victory. We support the fight for justice of the
2.
Those toxic chemicals destroyed the environmc Vietnam veterans of the United States, Australia and
ment, millions of acres of forests, leading to New Zealand.
an imbalanced ecology, great loss of timber resc We nevertheless support the victims of Agent Orange/
sources and the disappearance of several animal species dioxin in Canada and other countries in their struggle for
as well as precious forest vegetation. As a consequence, justified in trust.
7.
natural disasters such as flood, erosion and drought have
We demand that the United States Government be
become more common and impacted severely on agricultc and most unhappy of the society. Many thousands of
held responsible for making contributions to overcc
ture, the main source of subsistence for South Vietnamese victims have died without justice for themselves and
coming the consequences of toxic chemicals.
residents. their families.
3. 8.
The fact that there are large numbers of Vietnamese We call upon governments of the Republic of
However, the worst effect of those toxic chemicals
victims suffering from various kinds of serious diseases, is Korea, Australia, New Zealand and the United
is the harm to human life and health of those
understandable for they have been living in areas sprayed States to adopt appropriate policies towards
exposed to them. Victims of Agent Orange/dioxin
by Agent Orange/dioxin. victims of their respective countries and also support the
and other toxic chemicals consist of:
victims in Vietnam.
b. Many thousands of soldiers and officers from
9.
a. Millions of Vietnamese living in their homes and We call upon governments, international and
the United States, the Republic of Korea, Australia,
members of the liberation armed forces, and those working
and New Zealand were also contaminated by Agent national organisations, and non-governmental
for the former Saigon regime and armed forces, an ally of
Orange/dioxin while involved in the Vietnam War. They organisations to provide material and spiritual
the US at that time.
have consequently suffered many serious diseases, support for victims of Agent Orange/dioxin in Vietnam
Various investigations and scientific studies (freqc
which caused enormous sufferings to their loved ones. and help the country overcome the heavy aftermath of
quently with participation of foreign and American
Several countries have recognized the health effects of the toxic chemicals.
scientists) have demonstrated that Vietnamese victims
Agent Orange/dioxin and other toxic chemicals and paid
have suffered a variety of serious diseases even far
for medical and other treatments for affected veterans.
more and worse than the dioxin-related diseases listed
Nevertheless, many others do not have those entitlements
The pain and sufferings are not a single
by the US National Academy of Sciences Institute of
and still have to fight for recognition, compensation and individuals.
Medicine between 1994 and 1995. In addition, many
justice.
female victims have experienced reproductive problc
lems. Many of them have been deprived of the ability c. Apart from those affected by Agent Orange/dioc This struggle for justice is for the entire
to bear children and to experience the joy of being a oxin in Vietnam, many in Gagetown, Canada and other world, for future generations, and for our
mother. The most painful effect, however, is that Agent countries also connect their illnesses with the use of peaceful and healthy Planet Earth.