ANTI WAR COALITION.

BOX 68-419,

Auckland.

8 October, 2001

Media Release: Peace Vigil and Rally against the attacks on Afghanistan

There will be an emergency peace vigil this evening in Aotea Square at 5pm in response to the US and British air strikes on Afghanistan that began overnight.

"We condemn the attacks and the use of massive military force against an impoverished nation already destroyed by years of civil war, invasions and US intervention to further its own agenda."

"We believe that "targeted" attacks are rarely as accurate as the US and British military would have us believe and fear the loss of large numbers of civilian lives. History of similar actions in Serbia, Iraq and Sudan shows that many mistakes are made, resulting in the loss of life of innocent people and the destruction of essential infrastructure for the civilian population".

"We call on the international community to use peaceful means to bring those reponsible for the WTC attacks to justice and to address the economic and political causes of desperate terrorist acts such as those seen on September 11."

The Auckland Anti-War Coallition is made up of a broad range of community and political groups who stand on a common platform of opposing US war plans, NZ support for military action, calling for an end to racist attacks against members of the Muslim and Arab communities and any erosion of civil liberties.

The peace vigil this evening will be held in conjunction with other emergency responses around the country.

For further information please contact
Chloe Heffernan (021) 160 29 20/ 3737599 ext 4657
Maire Leadbeater 09-376-9098 or cell phone 025-436-957

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