NZ tour: Iraq bombing eyewitness

‘An eyewitness account of the invasion of Iraq’

Ruth Russell, from South Australia, was a human shield in Baghdad for eight weeks earlier this year - including three weeks protecting a humanitarian site during the bombing which began in March 2003. She will be travelling in NZ from 16 to 21 July 2003 and will be available for interview during that time.

In public meetings in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch (details below) Ruth will be speaking about her experience in Iraq, and what she and other human shields saw during the invasion.

"I decided to pack my bags and go to Baghdad because I believed this was the strongest statement I could make that this war was both illegal and morally wrong. So my first and most important effort was to speak out to try to prevent war. Right up until the last moment I thought the incredible world opinion and lack of any UN Resolution would work ­ the people of the world did not want it - only three out of 180 countries supported the US government. When war was declared, I chose to stay at the Taji Food Silo to prevent bombing of this UN designated humanitarian site." More information about Ruth is available on-line at http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/ruth.htm

Public meetings:

* Auckland, Thursday, 17 July - ‘An eyewitness account of the invasion of Iraq’, hear Ruth’s story, illustrated with photos taken at the time, at 7-30pm, St Colomba Centre, 40 Vermont Street, Ponsonby, Auckland.

* Wellington, Friday, 18 July - ‘An eyewitness account of the invasion of Iraq’, hear Ruth’s story, illustrated with photos taken at the time, from 6pm to 7-30pm, at St Andrew's on The Terrace, 30 The Terrace, Wellington.

* Christchurch, Sunday, 20 July - ‘An eyewitness account of the invasion of Iraq’, hear Ruth’s story, illustrated with photos taken at the time, from 3pm till 5pm, WEA Centre, 59 Gloucester St, Christchurch.

To arrange an interview with Ruth Russell:

- In Auckland on Wednesday 16th July (late afternoon or evening), Thursday 17th July, Friday 18th July (morning), or Monday 21st July (afternoon), please contact Joan Macdonald, tel (09) 360 8001, email mailto:joanmac@pl.net

- In Wellington on Friday 18th July (afternoon), Saturday 19th July (morning or evening), or Sunday 20th July (morning); in Christchurch on Sunday 20th July (evening) or Monday 21st July (morning), please contact Peace Movement Aotearoa, tel (04) 382 8129, email mailto:pma@xtra.co.nz

Ruth’s speaking tour is sponsored by Peace Movement Aotearoa (PMA) and the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF).

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