The October 20th First International Meeting Against New US Military Bases in the Czech Republic was co-organized by “Europe for Peace campaign” and Ne základnám (Czech no bases movement). It brought to the region of Brdy, in the heart of Europe: 86 mayors, world renowned nuclear disarmament organizations and concerned citizens from all across the continent.
Jan Neoral, mayor of Trokavec, amid waves of applause, expressed the indignation of millions of simple people who have become pawns in the maddened plans of re-accelerating the nuclear weapons’ race.
Kate Hudson, (CND), Bruce Gagnon (Global Networks against Weapons and and Nuclear Power in Space) and Pol D’Huyvetter (Mayors for Peace, Abolition 2020) moved the audience with their steadfast commitment and their eloquent explanations.
Bolivian President Evo Morales and Ken Livingstone, mayor of London, sent messages of support. Hiroshima mayor, Tadatoshi Akiba’s video-message cut across time and space. There was grief for all the futile, senseless destruction now threatening humanity once again.
Spokesperson of New Humanism in Europe, Giorgio Schultze, voiced the sensible demands of all attendants, those who will truly guarantee world security: removal invading troops, UN supervised dismantling of nuclear arsenals, restoration of occupied territories.
In the afternoon, six round tables allowed participants to make common plans for future actions. The atmosphere of hope and unity which pervaded the hall, strengthened the resolve of all those committed to protecting the heart of Europe from nuclear disaster.
Prague, 10.20.2007
Europe for Peace