30th June – Iraq Protest at US Consulate

GPJA will protest today’s transfer of “sovereignty” to a US appointed interim government. The secret transfer of power 2 days early simply underlines the illegitimacy of the interim government.

The American claim – repeated through the NZ media in the last few hours – that “full sovereign authority” has been transferred to the Iraqi people is simply a lie.

GPJA has organised a protest outside the American Consulate in Customs Street at 5pm on Wednesday to protest the transfer as a farce and to continue global opposition to the illegal invasion and occupation of Iraq.

The poster advertising this event can be viewed at – http://www.gpja.pl.net/sub/Education/IraqPublicity/2004/June30.pdf

This transfer of power is a farce when one considers –

Effective control of the “security situation” remains with the occupation force

The interim government has no standing with the people of Iraq and is entirely dependent on the foreign troops to keep it in power

The US is currently building a network of 14 military bases across Iraq to retain military control of this resource rich region.

US plans include a massive US embassy – its largest anywhere with a projected staff of some 3000 to run its interests in Iraq and the wider region.

Such a huge US embassy is needed because Iraq is now the major US client state in the region and the large number of staff are needed for the US to administer the Iraqi economy which is in the process of being totally privatised – mainly to American corporations.

These things are occurring despite the views of the Iraqi people. The most recent survey conducted by the interim administration found that just 2% of the Iraqi people see the foreign forces as liberators.

Instead the foreign troops – including New Zealand troops – are seen as occupiers and oppressors.

New Zealand troops must be bought home.

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