Global Peace And Justice Auckland Newsletter #18, January 22, 2003

Website http://www.gpja.pl.net/ Contact details: Forums – John Minto, (09) 8463173 mailto:jbminto@xtra.co.nz; Newsletter Editor – Mike Treen 0212547440 mailto:miket@pl.net Web page – Geraldine Peters (09) 3570655 mailto:bern@ihug.co.nz Donations can be sent to GPJA, 84 Paice Ave, Sandringham, Auckland. All communication regarding the GPJA mailing list (email or snail) should be addressed to mailto:gpjamailinglist@xtra.co.nz

MOBILISE AGAINST WAR: MARCH ON FEB 15, PEACE CONCERT FEB 16

Dear friends,

The GPJA committee is calling on all supporters of Peace and Justice to make the weekend of February 15-16 days of mass antiwar action.

On Saturday, February 15, there will be a march up Queen Street from QEII Square at 12 noon as part of an international day of action that will see protests in hundreds of cities around the globe. We hope to see thousands out that day as it may well be the last chance before war becomes a brutal reality for the people of the Middle East.

On Sunday, February 16, there will be a free peace concert in Potters Park, Balmoral, from 2-7pm. Over 10 bands and performers have offered their services free to make this a day where we can come together to uphold our common humanity against those seeking to drag the world into a bloody and disastrous war.

The next GPJA forum will hear and update on the war and the international antiwar movement and time will be set aside to organise the two protests events and distribute posters and leaflets. Your help is needed! Monday, February 3, 7.30pm, Trades Hall, 147 Great North Rd, Grey Lynn.

Bush and Blair have made it clear that war will come with or without the United Nations. We need to make it equally clear that war will be opposed with or without UN sanction. As Simon Tindall of the UK Guardian explains, a new UN resolution for war “will not somehow make war more just. It will not make it more moral. It will not make it less dangerous or any less of a ‘defeat for humanity’, as the Pope puts it. It does not make it right.” In a message that could be read by Helen Clark and Phil Goff he writes: “The push for a second resolution, whether or not it actually comes to pass, provides a get-out clause for all those who, for manifold different reasons, cannot or will not stand up to Washington's warmongers - including our own half- deaf, tag-along leadership - or are just plain confused, frightened or apathetic. It is no substitute for taking individual and collective responsibility.” See: http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,2763,878281,00.html

There have been some hopeful signs of resistance to the US war drive on the UN Security Council but it would be a mistake to put any faith in the leaders of Russia, France, China to summon the courage to resist a determined US. Principles have always played second place to commercial interest in the world of diplomacy. And international pressure from the “parliament of the streets” is the best way to help raise the political price of war to a level that will make this adventure as costly as possible for those who decide to participate an the planned bloodbath.

Support for war is collapsing as it becomes clear Washington and London have complete contempt for the inspection process and are seeking war by any means necessary. Below are reports of massive protests in the US on January 18. It is becoming clear that the deadline for war is approaching fast. On January 27 the inspectors give their report and over the next week the Security Council will meet, Bush will give his State of the Union address and Bush and Blair will hold a war summit in the US. February 15 is an opportunity for the world to say no to war. Join us. Circulate this message. Bring you friends and family. Posters and leaflets available soon to download from: http://gpja.pl.net/

Auckland Emergency Response Vigil Details: Anytime the US government and its allies start an all-out ‘official’ war on the people in Iraq, there will be a rally at 5pm at the US Consulate, Citibank Bldg, Customs St East, Central Auckland on the day we hear of the attack.

To check out international plans for action on February 15 go to: http://stopwar.org.uk/ http://www.internationalanswer.org/ http://www.unitedforpeace.org/

WHAT’S ON IN AUCKLAND

Thursday, January 23, 7-30pm, Trades Hall, 147 Great North Road, Grey Lynn. 'The rising revolutionary tide' an public meeting, with screenings of 'March on Imperialism - Anti-Capitalists in NZ' and 'Nepal: it's only a matter of time', Organised by the Anti-Capitalist Alliance, for more info contact email mailto:WPNZ@clear.net.nz

Tuesday, January 28, 7.00 pm, Roasted Addiction Cafe (Kingsland Shops), New North Road, Kingsland. "Become the Media" Aotearoa Indymedia Auckland meeting. Contact: Chloe - mailto:chloeheffernan@xtra.co.nz; and Geraldene - mailto:bern@ihug.co.nz http://www.indymedia.org.nz/

Thursday, January 30, 6pm at Roasted Addiction Cafe, Kingsland International Women’s Day 2003 planning meeting. For more information email: mailto:janetbogle@hotmail.com

Saturday, February 1, 2pm to 3pm, Aotea Square, Queen Street. Palestine/Israel Rally for Peace, supporting peace and justice based on Removal of Israeli Occupation, Right of Return for Refugees, Sharing Jerusalem and Cessation of Jewish only Settlements in occupied Palestine, Contact David Wakim tel (09) 520 0201.

Sunday, February 2, 2pm, outside the Synagogue, Greys Ave (Pitt street end) City A March for Justice and Peace (Synagogue to Church to Mosque) - assemble at 2pm outside the Synagogue at Kadimah College Greys Ave (Pitt street end) City; then march via Hopetoun St, to Ponsonby Rd, to Vermont St to the grounds of the Church then to the grounds of the Mosque opposite - at each place there will be time for prayer, comments and song. The march is to support the international 'Open Jerusalem - end occupation' peace march supported by Jews, Christians and Muslims walking between Bethlehem and Jerusalem on 31 December 2001. For more info contact Kevin McBride, Pax Christi, email mailto:paxnz@xtra.co.nz tel (09) 377 5541 or David Wakim tel (09) 520 0201.

Monday, February 3, 7.30pm, Trades hall, 147 Great North Rd, Grey Lynn 1st GPJA Forum for 2003. We return to the themes of globalisation and war with Mike Treen updating the situation regarding Gulf War II and Dr David Bedgood reporting on a recent trip to Argentina to see working class resistance to the crisis there. Time will be set aside to organise antiwar activities and distribute leaflets and posters.

Monday, February 3, 7-30pm, Pt Chevalier Community House, Huia Street. Tamaki Treaty Worker's meeting, including planning for Waitangi Day; For more information contact Joan Macdonald tel (09) 360 8001 email mailto:joanmac@pl.net

Thursday, February 6, 1pm at the Academy Cinema. Waitangi Day screening of 'Bastion Point Day 507'. For more information contact Joan Macdonald tel (09) 360 8001 email mailto:joanmac@pl.net

Saturday, February 15, 12 noon, QEII Square (Downtown) International Day of Action against the war on Iraq.

Sunday, February 16, 2003, 2pm, Potters Park, Balmoral “Peace in the Park”. A festival of music to protest against war

Wednesday, February 19, 7pm, Auckland Community Learning Centre, Poronui St, Mt Eden. 1st of 7 weekly classes on “Human Rights” led by Anthony Ravlich. The political nature of human rights and globalisation has resulted in an increasing gap between the rich and the poor both in NZ and internationally. There is a need to have economic, social and cultural rights in law so all interests are represented and causes of crime, suicide, terrorism and refugees addressed. Course fee $40. Registration required. Phone 6388780.

OTHER NEWS / MESSAGES

Christiaan Briggs, from Napier, leaves London for Iraq on 25 January with a convoy of peace activists going to Iraq as part of the Iraq Human Shield campaign being organised by the Universal Kinship Society. Christiaan and the Society urgently need donations to support them in this brave work. Christiaan is trying to raise $1000 for his basic expenses; any surplus will go to the Society. You can contact Christiaan at mailto:cbriggs@clear.net.nz, and make a donation by credit card on http://homepage.mac.com/christiaanbriggs/humanshield/donate.html - or pop into a Kiwibank and deposit it in Account Name C.T. Briggs, Account Number 38-9000-0001485-00

Iraq Peace Team: John Gleisner (Religious Society of Friends, Aotearoa / New Zealand) is currently in Baghdad with the Voices in the Wilderness Iraq Peace Team. Reports received from John during his time in Iraq are available on-line at http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/jgiraq.htm

The film ''Bowling for Columbine'', by Michael Moore, is currently playing at the Rialto cinema. An indictment of US gun culture and militarist foreign policy, it tells it like it is.

Hello, and this is just to let you know that a group of us (not pre-existing, we formed up for this project) is beginning to organise a campaign to boycott U.S. goods. We are declaring the U.S. to be behaving as a Rogue State, and urging kiwis to simply make informed decisions to boycott U.S. products. We will disseminate info about who are the bad guys and their cross-connections, and the good guys as well, so that buyers can both reject and support. Yes, it's a big complex task, but we have in mind a broad-based, non-centralised campaign where people can define for themselves what they will and will not boycott. Idea is to send a message to Bush and Co, to empower kiwis to resist U.S. hegemony, etc. If you know of anyone interested in this work, or doing similar, could you let me know? And printing? And graphics? We have no money as yet, and people are just donating their time and skills. Thank you, Ruth Jackson. mailto:rajackson60@hotmail.com

PILGER FILM VINDICATED BY INDEPENDENT TELEVISION COMMISSION In September the press eagerly covered the story of how Michael Green, chairman of Carlton, had joined "a barrage of criticism" by attacking a documentary produced by his own company. The film in question was John Pilger's 'Palestine is Still the Issue,' shown at 11pm, "three hours after the end of Yom Kippur", Leon Symons wrote significantly in the Guardian. Following a three-month enquiry, the Independent Television Commission (ITC) has published (January 14, 2003) its adjudication, rejecting complaints against Pilger's documentary. The report praises the film's journalistic integrity and refers to the "care and thoroughness with which [the film] was researched". To read the full judgement go to: http://pilger.carlton.com/print/127663

'The Great Deception' from Vision TV, Canada. A 40-minute video comprising commentaries by journalist Barrie Zwicker who poses probing questions about the official version of events on S11. Copies available for sale from the Peace Foundation for $50 + GST (p & p where applicable). Phone (09) 373 2379, fax (09) 379 2668, email mailto:peace@fps.pl.net. Also available for loan at $10.

NATIONAL EVENTS

January 24-26 Waihopai spybase protest. Key times & events - Saturday 25. 11 a.m., Seymour square, Blenheim & 2.30 p.m. at the base (Waihopai Valley road) Theme: anti-war: The world has changed since the last Waihopai protest (2001). Reflecting that, this year’s one will have an explicitly anti-war theme. It will be serious, not lighthearted like some of the more recent ones. The timing is coincidental, but this protest is taking place just before key decisions are made in the US-led drive to invade Iraq. Waihopai is NZ’s key contribution to all American wars, whether in Afghanistan, Iraq or anywhere else. It is basically a US spybase operating on NZ soil, a vital outpost of the American Empire. ABC will bring a limited number of placards and banners. Please bring your own, relevant to the anti-war theme, linking Waihopai to the US war on Iraq, and elsewhere. Organised by Anti-Bases Campaign, Box 2258, Christchurch, New Zealand. Contact mailto:cafca@chch.planet.org.nz Web site: http://www.converge.org.nz/abc

Monday, January 27 - Flowers of peace to Islam - on the day of the report on the weapons inspection in Iraq, give a flower to Islam as a symbol of peace and to demonstrate that you do not support the intention of mass violence on Iraq. Either lay flowers at the gate of a mosque in your area or give a flower to a Muslim. But please respect Muslim tradition. Men only give flowers of peace to Muslim men, and women only give flowers of peace to Muslim women. Through this act, our government will witness our desire for peaceful, non-violent resolutions; and that we do not want our country to be party to war. Our cry for non-violence encourages peace. Our silence will only add to the violence. Organised by Families for NonViolence, check out http://www.geocities.com/families4nonviolence/peaceflowers.html or contact tel (09) 810 9066 email mailto:F4NV@yahoo.co.nz

Saturday, March 22 - Families for NonViolence March and Picnic, make a stand for safer homes, communities and a safer world for everyone. For details of a march near you, check out http://www.geocities.com/families4nonviolence/frontmarch.html or contact tel (09) 810 9066 email mailto:F4NV@yahoo.co.nz We would like to invite you to a meeting about the Oceania Social Forum chaired by Sukhi Turner Mayor of Dunedin at 1pm on Tuesday 4th February 2003, at the Porirua City Council offices Cobham Court, Porirua City. The agenda will include report on progress to date, finances, formation of a national core group, location and timing of the Forum. RSVP by Friday 31st January 2003 to mailto:info@oceaniasocialforum.org.nz. Website - for further information and to pre-register for the Forum http://www.oceaniasocialforum.org.nz. Co-convenors Bruce Dyer and Pat Hanley.

AUSTRALIAN POLL

Vote now in ABC poll on war Do you believe there is a case for war against Iraq? Present vote stands at: Yes = 11% No = 89% (23,056 votes counted) Add your vote now! http://www.abc.net.au/news/poll1/vote/

IRAQ WAR – THE BEST FROM THE WEB

War or Peace? The U.S. is looking for an excuse to fight http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2003/01/19 /IN201190.DTL

Time for decision is nearing says White House Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said that the decision on whether or not Iraq is cooperating with the United Nations, a determination that is generally regarded as a possible precursor to war, would be made "in a matter of weeks, not in months or years." "That judgment call will just have to be made," he said. http://www.nytimes.com/2003/01/19/international/middleeast/19cnd-dipl.html?e x=1044022157&ei=1&en=9ca8beb9f83a4eeb

Iraqi scientist decries inspectors: “This is Mafia-like behaviour” http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A10471-2003Jan18?language=printer

Flawed report – Iraqi warheads found. William Pitt takes on CNN. http://www.truthout.org/docs_02/011803A.wrp.cnn.htm

Iraq health care crisis brings more pain, death: Officials put blame on sanctions BAGHDAD -- He didn't hear it coming, the one that hit him. Nahmed Jabir Ali was too busy running to find his 2- year-old son, Gaith, that day 11 years ago, the day the U.S. warplanes came, the last day he would ever run. http://www.detnews.com/2002/nation/0210/18/a03-615793.htm

THE FIRE THIS TIME: deconstructing the Gulf War - a permanent record of the fate of Iraq and a guide to the language of mass media propaganda. It has useful coverage of the recent history of Iraq (Gulf War, Sanctions etc.) with links to relevant articles. (Part of a CD project combining electronic music, audio files of speeches, and images). A CD version can be ordered from the site. http://www.firethistime.org

John le Carre: “Confessions of a terrorist” AMERICA has entered one of its periods of historical madness, but this is the worst I can remember: worse than McCarthyism, worse than the Bay of Pigs and in the long term potentially more disastrous than the Vietnam war. http://www.sundayherald.com/30700

God bless America In a poem written for the Guardian, the distinguished playwright Harold Pinter takes the US to task for its seemingly inexorable march towards war on Iraq http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,2763,879543,00.html

John Howard, Australia's PM, is the mouse that roars for America, whipping his country into war fever and paranoia about terrorism within. John Pilger reports. http://pilger.carlton.com/print/128041

ANTIWAR MOVEMENT EXPLODES

The stirring of a nation – NYT Editorial (grudging admission from a pro-war paper) http://www.nytimes.com/2003/01/20/opinion/20MON2.html

Global protests deliver a resounding NO! http://news.independent.co.uk/world/politics/story.jsp?story=370715

A world against the war http://news.independent.co.uk/world/politics/story.jsp?story=370714

War protesters gather in Washington (page includes video links) Tens of thousands of anti-war protesters converged on Washington today, braving the bitter cold in thunderous numbers and assembling in the shadow of the Capitol dome to voice their opposition to a U.S. military strike against Iraq. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A11722-2003Jan18.html

Nation rallies for peace >From San Francisco to Washington, D.C., from Paris to Tokyo, hundreds of thousands of demonstrators took to the world's streets Saturday to protest potential military action against Iraq by the Bush administration and its allies. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/gate/archive/2003/01/18/rally.D TL

20,000 attend peace march in Portland http://www.katu.com/news/story.asp?ID=53908

Marches in Japan, Russia oppose war http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A10396-2003Jan18.html

Amazing front page from Britain’s Daily Mirror http://static.sky.com/images/pictures/1121038.jpg

British approval for war crashes http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/allnews/page.cfm?objectid=12554273&method=full& siteid=50143

Robert Fisk: This looming war isn't about chemical warheads or human rights: it's about oil http://argument.independent.co.uk/commentators/story.jsp?story=370328

FROM THE ARCHIVES: A MESSAGE FROM MARTIN LUTHER KING

I looked around the web and couldn't find audio of what is in my opinion King's best, most powerful, most beautiful, and most pertinent speech, "Why I Oppose the War In Vietnam". So here it is, in MP3 and complete, enjoy. It's a discussion of America's motives for involvement in Vietnam and a little bit about our hushed history, amazing how little has changed, the speech could have been made yesterday. In 1964, the year Dr. King won the Nobel Peace Prize, Time Magazine called him man of the year, but they called this speech "a demagogic slander that sounded like a script for Radio Hanoi." Made one year to the day before he was assassinated, April 4, 1967. http://wrybread.com/misc/vietnam/index.shtml

PALESTINE/ISRAEL

Israel: Germs, gas and A-bombs; fingers on all the buttons The world's best-known and most efficient 'secret' manufacturer of weapons of mass destruction is not Iraq, not even North Korea, but Israel. Neil Sammonds looks at a nuclear, biological and chemical warfare programme that even the Israeli Knesset cannot get access to, let alone the United Nations. http://www.indexonline.org/news/20030301_103_sammonds.shtml

VENEZUELA

The great survivor: Conservative attempts to engineer the overthrow of President Chavez have radicalised his supporters by Richard Gott. http://www.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,3604,876362,00.html

NORTH KOREA

Targeting North Korea For all the ballyhoo surrounding the North Korean admission of a nuclear weapons program, one salient fact has been overlooked. It never happened. No North Korean official ever made such a statement. Western news reports repeated endlessly the claim that a North Korean official admitted to a nuclear weapons program in an October meeting with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State James Kelly. No evidence was presented other than Kelly’s assertion. On this matter, the word of the Bush Administration was accepted as sufficient evidence – the same Bush Administration that has consistently lied about virtually every issue http://www.zmag.org/elich_korea.htm

INDIA/PAKISTAN

Indian, Pakistani leaders exchange verbal payloads/New missiles stoke swagger Islamabad, Pakistan -- In a sibling-like rivalry that could endanger the lives of 1.3 billion people, archrivals India and Pakistan are stubbornly engaged in a fresh war of words over each other's expanding nuclear programs. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2003/01/18 /MN147077.DTL

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