02/12/05

TEAR Fund Hopes for Safe Return of Iraq Hostages

TEAR Fund New Zealand Executive Director has expressed deep concern about the kidnapping of volunteers from the Christian Peacemaker Team (CPT) in Iraq.

Mr Tollestrup, who visited with CPT leadership in Canada for informal discussions, affirms the unequivocal commitment to peace the group stands for. "In a world where violence is considered a legitimate option, Christian Peacemaker Teams have stood for nonviolence as means to bring justice. CPT has sought to reduce violence and advocate on behalf of the human rights of all Iraqis, and for an end to the occupation of Iraq."

TEAR Fund New Zealand believes that there has been a mistake and prays they will be released unharmed soon.

"We want their safe return home. Naturally their families are extremely worried about them. We do not know with whom they are, but there appears to have been a misunderstanding. They are peacemakers, not spies. CPT has consistently opposed the war and the continuing presence of multinational forces in Iraq."

Christian Peacemaker Teams work throughout the world, wherever violence and injustice is present, as advocates for justice through nonviolent action. They have been particularly active in supporting the civil rights of Palestinians in the occupied territories.

Further information is available at www.cpt.org

ENDS

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