Europe For Peace http://www.europeforpeace.eu/en Europe For Peace Public Presentation of the World March for peace in Mozambique http://www.europeforpeace.eu/en/879_public-presentation-of-the-world-march-for-peace-in-mozambique

During the event presentations were made about national and international initiatives for the World March for Peace and Nonviolence. There were also testimonies by citizens who have endorsed the project.

Mocambique
Image by: Foto Divulgação
The participants formed a human peace sign in Independence Square

PressenzaMaputo, 2009-06-26Around 400 people were present in the presentation of the World March for Peace and Nonviolence, organised by the Humanist Movement that took place on the 20th June in the Franco-Mozambican Cultural Centre in Maputo, capital of the country.

During the event, Michel Ussene, Spokesperson for New Humanism in Africa explained the importance of a March of this nature in the world, as well as the endorsement of Mozambique and the national initiatives that are in progress to support the March.

Philippe Gagnaux, a doctor, was invited to speak on the question of violence and wars in the world. His presentation reflected the current situation of violence and conflicts that characterise the world.

During the event presentations were made about national and international initiatives for the World March. There were also testimonies by citizens who have endorsed the March and have decided to take it to other places with different initiatives and projects.

The launch of the March was covered by journalists from TV, radio and print media.

At the end of the event, the participants formed a Human Peace Sign in Independence Square.

At the end of the event, the participants formed a Human Peace Sign in Independence Square.

http://world.pressenza.org

]]> Sat, 27 Jun 2009 01:32:05 +0200 The Time is Now: Reduce the Threat of Nuclear Weapons http://www.europeforpeace.eu/en/878_the-time-is-now-reduce-the-threat-of-nuclear-weapons

Although the cold war ended some 20 years ago, Obama is the first U.S. president to commit to making significant changes in U.S. nuclear weapons policy to reflect new global realities.

An historic speech in Prague in April, President Obama articulated a bold new approach to addressing the threat posed by nuclear weapons.

His recommendations include negotiating a new arms reduction treaty with Russia, seeking Senate approval for the treaty that bans test explosions of nuclear weapons, and initiating a new program to secure all nuclear weapons material around the world within four years.

These measures will reduce the risk of two potentially catastrophic scenarios: an accidental Russian nuclear launch and the likelihood that more nations and terrorists will acquire nuclear weapons.

Although the cold war ended some 20 years ago, Obama is the first U.S. president to commit to making significant changes in U.S. nuclear weapons policy to reflect new global realities.

But because they challenge the status quo, these reforms will face strong opposition in the Senate where a cold war mentality still exists among many. In order to overcome this resistance, organizations fighting for reform in Washington such as the Union of Concerned Scientists are asking for support.

Also many other initiatives are moving worldwide to support nuclear arms immediate reduction

Pressenza
Washington, 2009-05-31In

]]> Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:36:48 +0200 World March for Peace and Nonviolence presented at the United Nations http://www.europeforpeace.eu/en/875_world-march-for-peace-and-nonviolence-presented-at-the-united-nations Pressenza New York, 2009-05-07
The Chilean Mission to the United Nations organized the first presentation of the World March for Peace and Nonviolence inviting international spokesperson Rafael de la Rubia, President of World Without Wars (Spain) to address UN Delegates of the Third Committee and NGOs from the NPT PrepCom.

De la Rubia explained the background and objectives of the March and the growing list of international endorsers including Presidents Michelle Bachelet and Cristina Kirchner and the hundreds of diverse and well-known personalities, organizations, and educational institutions from all the continents.

 

Summarizing his reasons for coming to the United Nations, de la Rubia said: “The World March has the basic objectives of creating global awareness that peace is the only pathway forward and that today it’s necessary to accompany this peace with the methodology of nonviolence so that we may truly pass into a new stage for Humanity."

De la Rubia proposed that the Heads of State endorsing the World March make a joint declaration of support at the opening of the next UN General Assembly in September. Another vital connection with the UN is the date when the march begins, October 2nd, the International Day of Non-violence as declared by the United Nations. He added, "on December 1st, the World Marchers will bring their message directly to the United Nations after two months of traveling through several continents."

Delegates attending from countries such as Argentina, China, Iran, Uruguay, Syria, Guatemala, Poland and Burkina Faso were receptive to the March and promised to take the information back to their respective governments.

Gladys Acosta, Chief of UNIFEM, Latin America and the Caribbean, expressed enthusiastic support for the March connecting it to their worldwide campaign, "Say No to Violence Against Women". Similar endoresements were offered by other NGOs on the spot.

Subsequently first contacts were made with the Chinese delegation in order to define a way forward to facilitate the passage of the World March through China.

Belén Sapag of the Permanent Mission of Chile to the United Nations gave the opening remarks explaining Chile's interest in supporting the march. She also introduced US World March spokesperson, Chris Wells who gave a brief introduction about the significance of a world march that promoted peace and nonviolence that will "give voice to the silent ones".

The World March for Peace and Nonviolence will officially begin on October 2, 2009 in Wellington, New Zealand and end on January 2, 2010 in the Andes after passing through 7 continents. theworldmarch.org

]]> Mon, 11 May 2009 11:25:40 +0200 European Parliament recommends complete nuclear disarmament by 2020 http://www.europeforpeace.eu/en/873_european-parliament-recommends-complete-nuclear-disarmament-by-2020 Strasbourg, April 24, 2009 - Today the European Parliament approved with a majority of 177 votes against 130 an amendment introducing the "Model Nuclear Weapons Convention" and the "Hiroshima-Nagasaki Protocol"
(attached) as concrete tools to achieve a nuclear weapons free world by 2020. The amendment was introduced by the Ana Gomes for the PES and Angelika Beer for the Greens/EFA. The amendment received cross-party support (1) during the Plenary vote here in Strasbourg today. Especially Frieda Brepoels for the EPP-DE and Annemie Neyts and Juul Maaten for the ALDE called to support the vision of a nuclear weapon free world by 2020. The approval of the amendment (2) demonstrates that the EP is increasing pressure to make nuclear disarmament by 2020 a op-priority for the EU member states. Here the EP demonstrates leadership and an intention to become a visible actor following President Obama's statements for a NWFW in Prague.

The amendment is part of the overall "Report Beer" (3), a recommendation to the EU Council on non-proliferation and the future of the Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (doc. A6-0234/09). The overall report was approved by 271 +, 38 - and 29 abstenstions. On May 4th 2009 all state parties of the NPT will be meeting at the UN headquarters in New York for the 3rd NPT PrepCom in New York.

The amendment introducing the "model Nuclear Weapons Convention" and the "Hiroshima-Nagasaki Protocol" is actively promoted by Mayors for Peace, a global network of 2,817 cities from 134 countries and regions, presided by Dr. Tadatoshi Akiba, the Mayor of Hiroshima.

The amendment was supported by the Parliamentarians for Non-proliferation and Nuclear Disarmament (PNND), and Abolition 2000 Europe, a global network counting over 2000 NGO's.

Pol DHuyvetter, an Executive Advisor for the Hiroshima Peace Culture Foundation, declared from the EP in Strasbourg: "The support of the European Parliament for the Hiroshima-Nagasaki Protocol is very significant, even historic. It demonstrates that the EP is adding a concrete time-line to the recent proposals by President Obama. Members of the EP are gearing up to make a nuclear weapon free world possible in the life-time of President Obama. Furthermore the adoption of the amendment gives a clear signal to Mr. Solana and all EU member states to make nuclear disarmament a top-priority so we can free the world of all remaining 25,000 nuclear warheads before 2020. Cities can no longer be kept hostage of nuclear policies".

The EU counts two out of the five official nuclear weapons states, with France and the UK holding on to, and modernizing, their national nuclear arsenals. Most EU member states are also part of NATO's Nuclear Planning
Group, a group holding on to the nuclear deterrent as an essential part of transatlantic security policies. Here there are also clear indications of US nuclear weapon deployments in Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Turkey. For the previous decades NATO holds on to a "nor confirm nor deny" secretive policy concerning US deployments in Europe.

The Hiroshima-Nagasaki Protocol is complementary to the NPT and receives growing support from cities, governments and civil society around the world. As of April 23rd, 2009, there are 642 signatories
<http://www.2020visioncampaign.org/pages/462/>to the "Cities Appeal in support of the H-N Protocol" from 45 countries. They range from the Mayors of London, Luxembourg, Rome and Stockholm in Europe, Sapporo
(Japan) in the East to San Francisco (USA) in the West, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo (Brazil) and Cape Town (South Africa) in the South and to the North Toronto (Canada). Also note that on June 23, 2008, the US
Conference of Mayors, at its 76th annual meeting in Miami, Florida, unanimously adopted a far-reaching resolution supporting the Hiroshima-Nagasaki Protocol, entitled “Support for the Elimination of All Nuclear Weapons by the Year 2020.

More information:

www.2020visioncampaign.org

Contact:

Pol DHuyvetter +32-49528 02 59

Note:

(1) Vote: the Greens/EFA called for a RCV (Roll Call Vote) on Amendment F. Very soon we should be able to access to detailed results of the votes for every individual member of the EP. At this time not yet available . Soon on http://www.europarl.europa.eu/activities/plenary.do?language=EN#

(2) Approved amendment F:

F. encouraged by new disarmament proposals such as those called for by Henry Kissinger, George P. Shultz, William J. Perry and Sam Nunn in January 2007 and January 2008/*, the Model Nuclear Weapons Convention
and the Hiroshima-Nagasaki protocol, promoted globally by civic organisations and political leaders, */and campaigns such as "Global Zero", which argue that one crucial way of ensuring the prevention of nuclear proliferation and the achievement of global security is to move towards the elimination of nuclear weapons,

(3) Soon the final approved version of the Report Beer click here http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&reference=A6-2009-0234&language=EN&mode=XML>

--
Executive Advisor Hiroshima Peace Culture Foundation & Director Mayors for Peace 2020 Vision Campaign International Secretariat

City Hall
Grote Markt 34
8900 Ypres,
BELGIUM

Phone: +32-57-38 89 57
Skype:poltanner
E-mail: pol@2020visioncampaign.org
Website: www.2020visioncampaign.org
]]> Thu, 30 Apr 2009 10:26:40 +0200 Demonstration in Brusselles: No to Star Wars, no to the US radar in the Czech Republic http://www.europeforpeace.eu/en/872_demonstration-in-brusselles-no-to-star-wars-no-to-the-us-radar-in-the-czech-republic Mon, 20 Apr 2009 10:00:53 +0200 Video. Demonstration in Brusselles: No to Star Wars! No to the US radar in the Czech Republic! http://www.europeforpeace.eu/en/869_video-demonstration-in-brusselles-no-to-star-wars-no-to-the-us-radar-in-the-czech-republic Sun, 19 Apr 2009 23:46:23 +0200 Contacts http://www.europeforpeace.eu/en/22_contacts
  • AUSTRIA
    Rupert Kroesen
    austria@europeforpeace.eu
    Tel.: 0043 1 419 76 95
    Mob.: 0043 664 430 88 08
    • ]]>     Wed, 08 Apr 2009 15:43:29 +0200     About campaign http://www.europeforpeace.eu/en/16_about-campaign
    Today there are numerous movements against war: organizations, scientists, artists and millions of people who are seriously committed to disarmament. However, and this is typical of this historical moment of destructuration, each one is busy in their own area, sometimes in a specific place, with few contacts with other realities and without efficient coordination. The need, therefore, is to find points of convergence and unite all forces in a common direction, keeping those differences which enrich the whole.

    We believe that the majority of people disagree with the disastrous decisions which are being taken at an international level, but their dissent is limited to their conscience without expressing itself in the world.

    We have looked for answers and asked Giorgio Schultze, President of the European Region of the Humanist International, to write a declaration "for a Europe of peace". The declaration was officially presented in Prague on February 22, 2007 during a conference organized by Humanist movement. The declaration is the fruit of the labor of several people and organizations and tries to synthesize common opinions and concentrate on the issue of nuclear weapons.

    This campaign is open to all, and everyone can give their contribution to develop it. ]]>     Wed, 08 Apr 2009 15:42:22 +0200     Obama in Prague: No to Star Wars! http://www.europeforpeace.eu/en/859_obama-in-prague-no-to-star-wars Mon, 06 Apr 2009 23:48:00 +0200 Video: Prague filled with protests against planned US military base during Obama’s visit http://www.europeforpeace.eu/en/858_video-prague-filled-with-protests-against-planned-us-military-base-during-obama-s-visit


    Already yesterday activists had displayed a banner on one of Prague’s bridges. Today, events included the march of “The Invisibles” through the city and a human-made message “No Star Wars” body-painted on several male and female activists.

    "The Invisibles are more than 70% of the Czech population who do not want the military radar base. The Invisibles are the 99% of the worldwide population that does not want wars and aspires to peace," said Jan Tamas, spokesman of the movement.

    The Invisibles – people dressed in white with white masks – then marched through the city to the Congress Centre where the EU-US summit was taking place. However, riot police blocked their path to the Congress Centre and refused to allow a closer approach. “It is the first time since the fall of the communist regime that peaceful citizens have been denied the right to protest policies they disagree with,” commented Tamas. “The police are denying us our civil liberties while justifying it with ‘security reasons’. This is unacceptable.”

    The movement spokesman also commented on Obama’s speech calling it “a grey picture”, with the exception of the nuclear disarmament proposal. “We welcome Obama’s initiative on Nuclear disarmament, but the rest of his speech seemed too much in line with the policies of the previous US administration,” added Tamas.

    Prague, April 5, 2009
    Gerardo Femina ]]>     Mon, 06 Apr 2009 23:28:00 +0200     Reflections on the Obama trip to Europe. By Bruce Gagnon http://www.europeforpeace.eu/en/857_reflections-on-the-obama-trip-to-europe-by-bruce-gagnon
    At the 60th anniversary NATO celebrations President Obama begged for more troops in Afghanistan from alliance member nations. They urged him forward but few countries offered help.

    Then in Prague Obama called for the world to get rid of its nuclear weapons. Very commendable.

    The Washington Post reported this morning that, "For those worried about a unilateral American disarmament, Obama promised that the country would keep enough nuclear weapons to defend itself and its allies as long as the weapons existed in other nations....He also reiterated his pledge to install a missile defense system in Eastern Europe as long as Iran poses a possible nuclear threat to the region."

    Iran? We know Iran is no threat and scientists have long been telling us that Star Wars bases in Poland and the Czech Republic would not be capable of intercepting missiles from Iran....but they could intercept missiles from Russia.......

    So the crucial message was delivered.....Star Wars technology will still likely be developed and put into Poland and the Czech Republic, using Iran as the excuse to cover larger US ambitions of surrounding Russia with the technology.

    Here is the deal....

    * Some years ago Gen. Charles Horner (the former commander of the US Space Command) became an advocate for getting rid of US nuclear weapons. His rationale was that they were an "outdated military technology" that would never be used thus wasting alot of money that could be put into other kinds of useable new weapons systems like Star Wars.

    * The US has a public relations problem as we lecture Iran and North Korea about the evils of nukes but we have plenty of our own. So to regain some semblance of credibility around the globe the US has to show some movement. This is why Henry Kissinger became a proponent of getting rid of nukes.

    * US strategy to surround Russia and China with "missile defense" systems only works if you first get those countries to get rid of a bunch of their nukes thus lessening their ability to have a "robust deterrent capability" after they are hit with the US first-strike system now under development. And it is obvious from Obama's words in Prague that he intends to continue developing the "missile defense" system that Bush proposed to deploy in Poland and the Czech Republic. According to French media, " U.S. President Barack Obama reassured Warsaw over concerns that Washington might scrap a planned missile base in Poland which has angered Russia, Polish President Lech Kaczynski said Saturday."

    * I worked on Jimmy Carter's successful campaign in 1976 largely because he said over and over again that "the nuclear arms race was a disgrace to the human race." Also very commendable. Then as president Mr. Carter proceeded to build the Kings Bay Naval submarine base in St. Marys, Georgia for the Trident II nuclear system.

    * So I've been somewhat tempered by promises from politicians over the years. I now listen for the nuances in their language.....things like this from Obama in Prague, "This goal will not be reached quickly -- perhaps not in my lifetime. It will take patience and persistence." And it certainly won't be reached in President Obama's lifetime if he insists on moving forward with Star Wars and "missile defense" systems - especially deployed upon Russia and China's doorstep. Let's face the facts here, Obama is not a stupid man. He understands that these space technology systems very well could be show stoppers. With that in mind, then why would he still pursue them?

    In the end the question remains how much will really change? Obama is doing an effective job of "changing the tone" and showing "humility" on the world stage as a way of atoning for Bush's more hard-edged bad cowboy talk. But at the same time Obama is skillfully revealing that he has the ability to repackage US empire building policies in a new kinder and gentler way, but still achieving the same results. One Brookings Institution analyst told the Washington Post, "the 'hard edge of policy' in Iran, Afghanistan, Iraq and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, where unlike some European allies Obama has not signaled a willingness to talk to the armed Islamist group Hamas, the president's policy and goals have not changed much from those of his predecessor."

    So for me this is what I am watching and trying to interpret - yes I see the rebranding of the product going on, but I am also watching the actions that follow the nice talk.

    In words that Mr. Obama would understand, I am keeping my eyes on the bouncing basketball.

    Bruce K. Gagnon
    Coordinator Global Network Against Weapons & Nuclear Power in Space
    PO Box 652
    Brunswick, ME 04011 (207) 443-9502 http://www.space4peace.org
    globalnet@mindspring.com
    http://space4peace.blogspot.com (Blog) ]]>     Mon, 06 Apr 2009 10:22:00 +0200     Letter to Obama from Czech Republic: we want Democracy! http://www.europeforpeace.eu/en/853_letter-to-obama-from-czech-republic-we-want-democracy We have enthusiastically welcomed the policy statements of your administration in the international arena: to move in favor of complete nuclear disarmament is surely an undeniable priority of these times. The direction that you are taking in your policies is creating the basis for a peaceful and nonviolent resolution to current conflicts and is awakening in people around the world a great hope for peace.

    This is why we are writing to you in good faith over a question that concerns the Czech Republic. Seventy percent of Czech citizens are against the building of a US radar base as part of the Missile Defense project, known in Europe as the Space Shield. Twenty-four separate referenda have taken place in the communities most directly affected by the possible installation of the radar base and more than 95 percent of the population declared themselves opposed to the project.

    In May 2008, two young humanists in Prague went on a hunger strike to protest against the undemocratic decisions taken by the Czech government, which in turn unleashed a wave of support and solidarity across the world. Since then, the chain of hunger strikes has continued: every day a public personality fasts for a day. Scientists, academics, actors and actresses, directors, sportsmen and women, members of parliament from different political parties, including the Vice President of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Parliament, have all taken part. A broad coalition of Mayors opposed to the radar has been formed, 13 of the 14 regional Presidents support the protest, and almost half of our MPs are against the building of the radar.

    Nevertheless, an agreement has been signed between the US and Czech Governments, an agreement that has been ratified by the Czech Senate and which the Chamber of Deputies is now discussing.

    We call on you to respect the will of the majority of citizens of the Czech Republic and to renounce the installation of the radar. We know that before proceeding to realize this project, you will want to consult with your allies. But it would be even more important to bear in mind the will of the people, those invisible people who today have no decision-making power, no space in the media, and are always subject to the consequences of the choices that are taken by politicians and yet are felt on the ground.

    We also, like you, see a great example in Martin Luther King and in these two and a half years of protest we have often taken inspiration from his nonviolent struggle. And in a nonviolent way we will continue with strength and decision to oppose the participation of our nation in “star wars”.

    We request you to stop the National Missile Defense plan, not only in the Czech Republic, but around the world. We consider it to be:
     a useless project, given that it is not possible to build a weapons system that is capable of giving a high enough probability of destroying a ballistic missile before it lands;
     a dangerous project, that will inevitably lead to all states which possess nuclear missiles to increase their arsenals and powers of destruction, in such a way that there is a guaranteed certainty of inflicting relevant damage to an enemy even in the case that some of the missiles are destroyed before reaching their target;
     a project that is dividing Europe. The Space Shield affects the security of the whole of Europe, but the previous US administration signed bilateral agreements only with the governments of two countries, the Czech Republic and Poland. Ratification processes have started without informing either the European Parliament or NATO allies and the European Parliament has never even discussed the question. In fact this project sets Europe against Russia in military and commercial terms;
     a project that aims towards the militarization of space, creating the prospect, even by accident, of a nuclear catastrophe.

    The problem of security is a very important theme, but it could be resolved simply with collaboration between the USA, the European Union and Russia. A project that truly aims towards international security cannot be a purely military one.

    We send our most heart-felt wishes that your actions may correspond to the hopes that your election gave to the whole world.

    With our warmest greetings,
    Prague, April 2, 2009
    Jan Tamáš – Spokesperson of the Nonviolence Movement (145 000 signatures against the Radar)
    Jan Neoral – On behalf of 56 Mayors of the League of Mayors against the Radar
    Giorgio Schultze – Europe for Peace, Spokesperson for New Humanism
    Petr Uhl – former dissident and Charter 77 signatory
    Jiří Tutter – Greenpeace Czech Republic, Executive Director
    Petr Pokorný – Researcher at Czech Academy of Science
    Leoš Jeleček – Professor at Charles University
    Josef Novotný – President of the Karlovy Vary Region
    Jan Kavan – former President of the UN General Assembly
    Aaron Tovish – Mayors for Peace, 2020 Vision Campaign, International Director
    Bruce Gagnon - Global Network against Weapons & Nuclear Power in Space
    Members of Czech Parliament:
    Jiří Paroubek – former Prime Minister of the Czech Republic
    Vojtěch Filip – Vice-President of the Czech Chamber of Deputies
    Alena Gajdůšková – Vice-President of the Senate
    Milan Štěch – Vice-President of the Senate, Chairman of the Czech-Moravian Confederation of Trade Unions
    Vojtěch Adam – Member of the Czech Parliament
    Vlasta Bohdalová – Member of the Czech Parliament
    František Bublan – Member of the Czech Parliament
    Anna Čurdová – Member of the Czech Parliament
    Zdenka Dopitová – Member of the Czech Parliament
    Vlasta Bohdalová – Member of the Czech Parliament
    Kosta Dimitrov – Member of the Czech Parliament
    Zuzka Bebarová-Rujbrová – Member of the Czech Parliament
    Milan Bičík – Member of the Czech Parliament
    Petr Braný – Member of the Czech Parliament
    Alexander Černý – Member of the Czech Parliament
    Jiří Dolejš – Member of the Czech Parliament
    Václav Exner – Member of the Czech Parliament
    Jiřina Fialová – Member of the Czech Parliament
    Miroslav Grebeníček – Member of the Czech Parliament
    Stanislav Grospič – Member of the Czech Parliament
    Jan Hajda – Member of the Czech Parliament
    Milada Halíková – Member of the Czech Parliament
    Pavel Hojda – Member of the Czech Parliament
    Kateřina Konečná – Member of the Czech Parliament
    Vladimír Koníček – Member of the Czech Parliament
    Pavel Kováčik – Member of the Czech Parliament
    Karel Kratochvíle – Member of the Czech Parliament
    Miroslav Krejča – Member of the Czech Parliament
    Vladimíra Lesenská – Member of the Czech Parliament
    Ivana Levá – Member of the Czech Parliament
    Soňa Marková – Member of the Czech Parliament
    Zdeněk Maršíček – Member of the Czech Parliament
    Ladislav Mlčák – Member of the Czech Parliament
    Ludmila Navrátilová – Member of the Czech Parliament
    Ivan Ohlídal – Member of the Czech Parliament
    Miroslav Opálka – Member of the Czech Parliament
    Jiřina Rippelová – Member of the Czech Parliament
    Václav Snopek – Member of the Czech Parliament
    Josef Šenfeld – Member of the Czech Parliament
    Karel Šidlo – Member of the Czech Parliament
    Ladislav Šincl – Member of the Czech Parliament
    Josef Vondruška – Member of the Czech Parliament
    Miloslava Vostrá – Member of the Czech Parliament

    Members of European, Belgian and German Parliaments:
    Luisa Morgantini – Vice-President of the European Parliament
    Vittorio Agnoletto – Member of the European Parliament
    Giusto Catania – Member of the European Parliament
    Giulietto Chiesa – Member of the European Parliament
    Richard Falbr – Member of the European Parliament
    Umberto Guidoni – Member of the European Parliament
    Gisela Kallenbach – Member of the European Parliament
    Jaromír Kohlíček – Member of the European Parliament
    Jiří Maštálka – Member of the European Parliament
    Roberto Musacchio – Member of the European Parliament
    Miloslav Ransdorf – Member of the European Parliament
    Tobias Pflüger – Member of the European Parliament
    José Daras – Member of the Belgian Parliament
    Josy Dubié – Member of the Belgian Parliament
    Geert Lambert – Member of the Belgian Parliament
    Philippe Mahoux – Member of the Belgian Parliament
    Freya Piryns – Member of the Belgian Parliament
    Myriam Vanlerberghe – Member of the Belgian Parliament
    Brunhilde Irber – Member of the German Parliament
    ]]>     Thu, 02 Apr 2009 23:42:00 +0200     Czech Republic: humanists suspend relay hunger strike that lasted 300 days http://www.europeforpeace.eu/en/851_czech-republic-humanists-suspend-relay-hunger-strike-that-lasted-300-days
    The two humanists, Jan Tamas and Jan Bednar ended their hunger strike after 21 days. From that day on, every day, for one day, a celebrity went on a relay fast. Among the protesters were scientists, academics, actors, directors, sportspeople and Members of Parliament coming from different parties. They included actress, Anna Geislerova, director Zdenek Troska, scientist Peter Pokorny and Lubomír Zaorálek, Vice President of the Czech Parliament. “More than 300 persons participated in this protest. It is the most significant protest since the Velvet Revolution in 1989,” Jan Tamas declared. “The fall of the government represents a victory of democracy for us. That’s why we decided to suspend the relay hunger strike.”

    On Sunday, April 5, the day of the United States President’s visit to Prague, a new protest of the nonviolent movement is scheduled in the Czech Republic.

    Jan Tamas, leader of the protest against Star Wars and President of the Czech Humanist Party, has become the spokesperson for more than 70% of the Czech population. The majority of Czechs are against the presence of military bases on their territory and foreign interference in their affairs.

    The Nonviolent Movement’s requests to Obama are that the USA ends the Star Wars project once and for all and chooses the politics of disarmament in a brave and resolute way. These are the only grounds for the beginning of a real process of peace and reconstruction.

    30.3.2009
    Jan Tamas 00420 776 785839 info@nenasili.cz ]]>     Tue, 31 Mar 2009 23:26:00 +0200     Seoul: congratulations to the Movement in the Czech Republic http://www.europeforpeace.eu/en/850_seoul-congratulations-to-the-movement-in-the-czech-republic
    We all congratulate our friends in the Czech Republic for the government of the Czech being fallen largely due to the determined and persistent struggles of the people in the Czech against the US radar base, part of the US missile defense system.

    It is truly inspiring to the Korean peace activists as well who have been against the U.S. Star wars system. It is grateful that the activists in the Czech showed us the example of how seemingly difficult task could be solved by our persistent efforts.

    We all hope the day of April 5, the friends in the Czech preparing upon the visit of president Obama turns out to be another great event representing the decision of people in the world against the Missile Offense system and NATO. We all send you our warmest wishes and stand with you for solidarity.

    http://nobasestorieskorea.blogspot.com/2009/03/text-fwd-great-news-czech-government.html

    There is also growing concern regarding the satellite launch of the North Korea. I, as one of the Korean peace activists emphasize, it is a “Satellite” not “Missile “ as the International mainstream media distort the facts as to influence us. According to an article on March 12.

    “United States Director of National Intelligence Dennis Blair became the first high-ranking official in the United States to announce that he thought the object North Korea is planning to launch is in fact a satellite”
    v See

    http://nobasestorieskorea.blogspot.com/2009/03/text-fwdus-national-intelligence.html
    v It is a satellite, “Kwangmyung No 2. that would be launched as early on April 4. It is not missile “Daepodong No. 2”. In 1998, it was a satellite, “Kwangmyung No. 1” It was not missile Daepodong No. 1. It is every country’s right to use space for peaceful purpose as practiced by many countries.

    The US, Japan have done lots of not only satellite launch but missile launches and their tests. The current right wing government of the South Korea has increasingly blocked the hopes of peaceful reunification of Korea and has drum-beat the war exercise with the U.S. and some U.N. countries against the North Korea from March 9 to March 20. The South Korean government is also considering to join the partnership of the NATO and PSI (Proliferation Security Initiative). The three countries above are within Top 10 regarding the military budget in the world. Why discrimination against the North Korea! Why make the North Korea a scapegoat?!

    Still there are disgusting discussion of the possible U.N. security council’s sanction against N. K. upon launch of the satellite(or in their words, missile) As in the Iraq war and against the Iran’s nuclear plant. It has no legal basis. Remember! Any sanctions against so called rogue states have been the pre-steps for war! Remember, Iraq!

    There is another disgusting discussion that because the technology of satellite and the long range missile is same that even though it would be satellite, it has to be dealt on the table of the U.N. security council. Quoting an article, “it is like saying a kitchen knife is same with a bayonet” Then all the satellite launched by many countries have to be on the table of the U.N. Security Council?

    I hope the peace activists in the world don’t be played out by the mainstream media. Please remember! It is a satellite that the NK is launching on April 4. TOTALLY LEGAL according to Outer Space Treaty in 1967.

    * For more reference*

    http://nobasestorieskorea.blogspot.com/2009/03/text-fwd-n-korea-may-launch-its.html
    Friday, March 27, 2009
    Text fwd: N. Korea may launch its “satellite” on April 4

    http://nobasestorieskorea.blogspot.com/2009/03/text-fwd-mdaa-news-compelling-case-for.html
    Thursday, March 26, 2009
    Text Fwd: [Korean translated MDAA News] The Compelling Case for Missile Defense

    http://nobasestorieskorea.blogspot.com/2009/03/text-fwd-missile-defense-and-korean.html
    Saturday, March 21, 2009
    Text Fwd: Missile Defense and the Korean Peninsula-What Is the Problem?

    http://nobasestorieskorea.blogspot.com/2009/03/who-is-afraid-of-activists-against-war.html
    Saturday, March 14, 2009
    Who is afraid of the activists against the war exercise?

    http://nobasestorieskorea.blogspot.com/2009/03/text-fwd-north-koreas-satellite-versus.html
    Thursday, March 12, 2009
    Text fwd: North Korea’s Satellite versus US-ROK Joint Military Exercise

    http://nobasestorieskorea.blogspot.com/2009/03/text-fwdus-national-intelligence.html
    Thursday, March 12, 2009
    Text Fwd: U.S. National Intelligence director affirms North’s space launch

    Sung-Hee Choi
    Artist and a member of the Korean Organizing Committee
    http://space4peace.tistory.com/

    For the International Conference against the Asia Pacific Missile Defense and for the End of Arms Race, Seoul, South Korea
    April 16-18, 2009 ]]>     Tue, 31 Mar 2009 23:21:00 +0200     The Czech govt has fallen: a victory for democracy, disarmament and nonviolence http://www.europeforpeace.eu/en/847_the-czech-govt-has-fallen-a-victory-for-democracy-disarmament-and-nonviolence
    Yesterday the government of conservative Czech Prime Minister, Mirek Topolanek, was dismissed by Parliament with a motion presented by the Social-Democratic opposition. This is a great victory for the Non-violent Movement against the bases in the Czech Republic that saw the real possibility to oppose the installation of US military radar bases.

    The Czech government is formed by the ODS, a right-wing party with a relative majority, and a small group of Christian democrats and Greens.

    There are many reasons behind this loss: unpopular health system policies, as well as scepticism towards the European Union. The key element; however, was the conflict created in Czech society regarding the installation of the US “Star Wars” radar base.

    70% of the Czech population is against the presence of foreign troops on their territory. The popular protest which lasted more than two years, created trouble for the government on several occasions and strengthened the opposition parties. Regional elections which took place last autumn, witnessed the fall of the majority parties.

    “The great work of awareness-raising, mobilization and information dissemination we carried out in these years,” stated Jan Tamas, President of the Czech Humanist Party and leader of the radar base protest, “allowed the opposition parties to understand the danger of the “Star Wars” project and the Greens to realize their politics was very distant from that of other European Green Parties.”

    As a matter of fact, the opposition of two Green Party members who distanced themselves from their party’s pro-military stance was the major cause of the fall of the government.

    The installation of a US military base was one of the most heartfelt issues in the Czech Republic in the last few years. The hunger strike of Jan Tamas and Jan Bednar in May 2008 strongly moved the population. Since then, a chain hunger strike is still taking place in the country where different personalities fasts for one day. Personalities include scientists, academics, actors, directors, sportspeople, parliament members of different parties, as well as the Vice President of the Parliament. A widespread league of mayors against the radar was also formed.

    “Maybe the international mass media will present the fall of the Czech government as the result of usual political tricks,” said Jan Tamas, “this is also true. The economic crisis is an important issue. But the government’s fall especially represents a victory for democracy, disarmament and the non-violent struggle. Without our protest, the government would never have fallen. Our people do not want foreign troops on their territory, the US will be forced to review their plans. It’s a victory of people not of politicians.”

    Czech activists would like their example to be followed in other countries involved in the Star Wars project: Italy, Great Britain, Japan and India. According to them, a widespread opposition against Star Wars must be formed in favour of nuclear disarmament! The building of a missile shield in India could increase tensions with Pakistan and both countries have a nuclear arsenal.

    Premier Topolanek, interviewed by the Newspaper Novinky, following the lack of confidence expressed in his government, reiterated the certainty that the future government will follow the path of ratifying the treaty with the US. Regarding this, Jan expressed his doubts, “after pressures generated by the hunger strike, the social democratic party was forced to take a clear stand in our favour. This will make it more difficult for them to change their minds on the radar issue.”



    Gerardo Femina
    Europe for Peace ]]>     Sat, 28 Mar 2009 17:49:00 +0100     the Czech government - a government that represented the interests of the US military industry - has fallen. http://www.europeforpeace.eu/en/846_the-czech-government-a-government-that-represented-the-interests-of-the-us-military-industry-has-fallen
    I am very happy to announce that the Czech government has fallen. The Parliament voted the no-confidence. For us it is a great victory: we knew that the only way to stop the installation of the US radar base was the fall of the government and we worked for more than 2 years in this direction with permanence and coherence. A government that represented the interests of the US military industry has fallen.

    Our work has been fundamental in encouraging the members of the Parliament who already were against the radar and to spread doubts in the ones who were in favor. And it was just the change of mind of some deputies that made the fall of the government possible.

    On the other hand, pressed by the hunger strike, the Social-Democratic Party had to take a clear position supporting us and this will make it more difficult for them in the future to change their opinion about the radar. The collaboration with the Communist Party, that has always supported our initiatives, has been decisive as well.

    Thanks to all of you for the support you gave us in many activities, support that was critical.
    Thanks to all the pacifist organizations, thanks to the members of the European Parliament who believed in our fight, thanks to the mayors of different countries, thanks to the Humanist Movement, that allowed this protest to expand to many European countries and to reach other continents.

    A great space should be given to this news. Now the US must rearrange their plans because of the protest of a people who don't want foreign troops on this territory.
    And the invading armies should withdraw from all the occupied territories of the world.
    Now it is necessary to develop a strong opposition to the "Star Wars" and in favor of the nuclear disarmament also in other countries.
    Now in the Czech Republic a new chapter of our struggle begins.

    Jan Tamas ]]>     Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:59:00 +0100     5th April: activities during Obama’s visit to Czech Republic http://www.europeforpeace.eu/en/844_5th-april-activities-during-obama-s-visit-to-czech-republic
    The Movement is organizing a series of public activities and its members have officially requested a meeting with the US President or someone from his staff. „We are supportive of his nuclear disarmament actions and the general trend towards diplomatic rather than military solutions," said Jan Bednar, another member of the movement. „We want Mr. Obama to know, however, that foreign troops are not welcome here.“

    Both Jans have been active in the movement against the planned US Missile Defense radar since June 2006. In May 2008 they went on a three-week hunger strike to protest the Czech government's refusal to listen to the voice of the majority of its citizens.

    The Nonviolence Movement was formed from the activity of a group of Czech humanists in December 2007. It aims to nonviolently oppose the US missile defense base planned to be installed in the Czech Republic. The movement gained wider recognition with the hunger strike of two of its founders Jan Tamas and Jan Bednar in May 2008, the following sequential hunger strike with more than 160 participants, as well as international conferences on the US Missile Defense and disarmament.
    Its website is www.nenasili.cz

    Prague, Czech Republic, March 13, 2009 ]]>     Sat, 21 Mar 2009 15:19:00 +0100     Video: Freeze against star wars in the Czech Republic http://www.europeforpeace.eu/en/843_video-freeze-against-star-wars-in-the-czech-republic
    In May 2008, two young humanists in Prague went on hunger strike to protest against the undemocratic decisions taken by the Czech Government, unleashing a wave of support and solidarity across the world. Since then, a chain hunger strike has continued: every day a public personality makes a day of fast. Scientists, academics, actors and actresses, directors, sportsmen and women, members of parliament from different political sides including the Vice-president of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Parliament have taken part.
    A broad coalition of Mayors against the radar has been formed and 13 of the 14 regional Presidents are supporting the protest and almost half of the MPs are against the building of the military base.

    ]]>     Tue, 03 Mar 2009 00:04:00 +0100     MEPs, MAYORS AND THE NONVIOLENT MOVEMENT REJECTS “STAR WARS” IN EUROPE http://www.europeforpeace.eu/en/839_meps-mayors-and-the-nonviolent-movement-rejects-star-wars-in-europe
    Called on by Europe for Peace and the Czech Nonviolent Movement, hundreds of demonstrators came in buses from the Czech Republic along with representatives of European social movements like, Mayors for Peace, Pax Christi and World without Wars.

    “The Invisibles” paraded in front of the European Parliament; hundreds of people dressed in white to symbolise the majority of the European population that has neither been consulted, nor heard in the decisions that affect them. At the same time, humanist and pacifist groups were mobilised in the main European capitals and also in Buenos Aires in front of their parliaments, in support of the Czech pacifists.

    This is one more step in the campaign that started in 2007 when the news came of a plan to build a radar base in the Brdy region of the Czech Republic by the Bush administration. The decision was taken directly with the Czech Government without consulting either the people or European colleagues.

    After the meeting in the Belgian Senate, the senators and deputies present took interest in the protest of the Czech pacifists committing themselves to present a motion in the Belgian Parliament against the space shield.

    Jan Tamas, the young leader of the Czech Nonviolent Movement said yesterday: “Today, finally, we are in the appropriate place to speak about this subject, as the installation of the radar base is not only a problem for the Czech People as it compromises the security of the entire population of Europe”. Jan Neoral, spokesperson of the League of Mayors against the Radar, assured those present that today, in Europe, the voice of the 70% of Czechs and the 13 out of 14 Regional Presidents who are against this project are being heard.

    The almost 20 MEPs present in the meeting that took place in the European Parliament expressed their concern for the serious problem that these military installations raise; besides being useless for the real defence of Europe, they make clear the need for a common defence policy that is independent of the USA. Luisa Morgantini, Vice-president of the European Parliament, affirmed “that the current Czech Government is undermining the foundations upon which a united Europe has been built.”

    In addition, various European pacifist leaders gave their support to Jan Tamas in the defamation campaign waged against him by the Czech press and they denounced European passiveness in foreign affairs and defence, and our dependence on the decisions of other powers.

    Finally, Giorgio Schultze, spokesperson of Europe for Peace, warned about the danger that this military installation means for Europe, being a direct provocation of Russia with the risk of a return to a new arms race and a new cold war and he said; “On the contrary, the path has to be that of progressive disarmament and the immediate disappearance of the whole nuclear arsenal. In this respect, we support the declarations in favour of nuclear disarmament by President Obama and we ask him to take one more step by withdrawing this project and I finish by making a call to create a consciousness against violence inviting all those present to join the World March for Peace and Nonviolence that will start on the 2nd of October and circle the planet asking for nuclear disarmament, the end of wars and all forms of violence.”

    Europe for Peace ]]>     Thu, 19 Feb 2009 23:52:00 +0100     Europe against US Missile Defence http://www.europeforpeace.eu/en/837_europe-against-us-missile-defence This is the english version of my article in french " L’Europe contre le bouclier antimissile" - By Patrice Salzenstein (Member of the direction of ’Mouvement de la Paix’, french peace organization)

    A conference in London to give Barack Obama a strong signal.

    On Saturday 31st January 2009, CND (Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament) organized a conference to show the strong opposition across Europe to the installation of the US Missile Defence system. Politicians and peace activists came from Great Britain, Poland, Czech Republic, France and Germany.

    President Bush began the deployment of the US missile defence system immediately following his election in 2000. In 2001 he unilaterally renounced Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty with Russia and the proposals for the system in Europe initially consisted of US bases in the UK, with more recent plans for an interceptor missile base in Poland and a radar base in the Czech Republic [1]. These proposals have created tension within Europe and with Russia. It is the neo-cons aim to achieve full military domination over the rest of the world. Pretending that this system is a defence system, US missile defence would give the USA the ability to destroy the Russian nuclear arsenal in a first strike attack, whilst its interceptor missiles could protect against any Russian missiles that were not destroyed. However an initial attack by Russia could not be stopped by the system. The new US President, Barack Obama, has not yet agreed the continuation of the project - making the conference timely in sending him a clear and strong signal of European opposition.

    Jeremy Corbyn, a Labour Member of Parliament (MP), underlined new perspectives opened by the arrival of Barack Obama, and the unilateral announcement of Russia on 28th of January 2009, that the deployment of Iskander missiles in Kaliningrad will be delayed. The installation of Iskander missiles in Kaliningrad was announced by Russian president Dmitri Medvedev in November, in response to the new Cold War decisions to build the US radar in Czech Republic and install 10 interceptor missiles in Poland [2, 3]. Mr Corbyn reminded delegates of the enormous cost of the system, in comparison with the financial and economical crisis affecting all countries including the USA. But Michael Connarty, another Labour MP, noted that Obama’s team includes those who still think in terms of the Cold War, which should ensure we stay vigilant in monitoring the new policy of US administration. Jean Lambert, Member of the European Parliament for the Greens, representing London, called for international solidarity against US missile defence.

    Jolanta Symanek-Deresz, MP, Socjaldemokracja Polska (SLD), said that according to the recent polls, only 47% of Polish people - against 39% for - are opposed to the installation of the 10 interceptor missiles. This project, unpopular in public opinion, began with Polish president Lech Kaczynski (Law and Justice, i.e. PiS) and was followed, with some hesitations, by Donald Tusk’s centre right (PO) government. The system is presented by Tusk as protecting Polish territory, but Ms Szymanek-Deresz indicated that not only will it be militarily insufficient, but also additional financial and technological help promised for Polish army had not yet materialised. She said that the SLD had signed an agreement with its Czech equivalent against US missile defence and promoted better relations with Russia, as the world is not dominated by a unipolar power any more, and Russia should be consider as a partner and not an enemy. Ivona Novomestska, speaking on behalf of the Czech social democrats (CSSD), indicated that 70% of Czechs remain opposed to US missile defence, and that more than 65 mayors of Brdy region, 60km south-west from Prague where the radar base is due to be installed, are visiting Brussels on 18th February to highlight their opposition during the Czech presidency of the European Union. She also stated that twenty years after the Russian army left their country, Czech people are proud of their independence and don’t support another foreign army that would come with the US base.

    The German social democrats (SPD) also gave message to show all what they expect after Obama became president. Monika Knoche, Bundestag member for Die Linke, Germany, called for a world without any nuclear weapons, and not only maintain a "wait and see" position, but to act strongly against US missile defence. She stated that the European Left Party is committed to opposing the system. She hoped that both Europeans and Americans will take the opportunity of the recent Russian declaration ending their missile deployment in Kaliningrad and, in response, stop the installation of US missile defence in Europe.

    Other speakers, including myself, agreed that the anti-NATO summit in April 2009 in Strasbourg and Kehl, will be a good occasion to build opposition to the US missile defence system and CND will be sending a delegation. In order to co-ordinate action at European and international level, it would be useful to define common dates for anti-war initiatives and demonstrations in several countries at the same time. Giving a more European dimension, and not only preoccupation of England, Poland and the Czech Republic, is fundamental to help citizens who do not have the direct link of a US missile defence military base in their country. The next European Parliament elections will also be a good opportunity to ask all the candidates their opinion on the system. Better coordination could be provided by common tools such as a website providing information on pan-European campaigning actions and documentation about the US missile defence. Other issues discussed the question of financial needs for actions, like the cost of transport to demonstrations, other campaigning costs; and the idea of campaigning groups working with their counterparts in the Czech and Polish towns they are twinned with, to build a strong link across borders.

    Patrice Salzenstein,
    Mouvement de la Paix [4], France

    Note: the original version of this article was writteen in french [5]

    Références:
    [1] "Non au bouclier antimissile", Planète Paix, No 529, february 2008, pp 20-21

    [2] www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jan/29/russia-obama-missile-plan

    [3] www.iht.com/articles/2009/01/29/europe/europe.4-418934.php

    [4] Mouvement de la Paix, french peace organization

    [5] French version of this article available on Agoravox ]]>     Sat, 14 Feb 2009 15:32:00 +0100