PRESS RELEASE FROM:
Peace Action Wellington
TO: All news desks Date: Friday, January 23, 2004

An action is set for Friday, January 23, at 12:30 in front of the Old Bank Arcade on Lambton Quay.

Members of Peace Action Wellington will demonstrate what the New Zealand contribution to the occupation of Iraq actually means. A colourful action will highlight the role of the more than 60 NZDF personnel that are serving with the British in Basra.

'Despite clever propaganda to the contrary, New Zealand soldiers are part of the army of occupation in Iraq.' said Peace Action Wellington member Valerie Morse.

'Helen Clark will have blood on her hands when New Zealanders are killed while serving in Iraq. Already, two members of the NZDF have been injured in Iraq. The longer they are there, more likely this becomes.'

'The New Zealand soldiers have the authority to shoot to kill to protect not only the occupying army, but their property and even third-party contractors. The Labour Government is interested in maintaining a cozy relationship with Washington and London with deadly repercussions for both NZ troops and the Iraqi people. It is disgraceful.'

'The Labour Government is so desperate to get in on the spoils of war, particularly large reconstruction contracts, that it is willing risk people's lives.'

'We must ask: whose interest are we serving when we send soldiers around the world - New Zealand's or Washington's?'

Peace Action Wellington demands an immediate end to all New Zealand support for Bush's wars.

ENDS

For more information, please phone Valerie Morse on 04-383-9315 or 021-147-3517

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