Peace Action Network Fourth of July media release

Independence for all on the Fourth of July Peace Action Network media release 2/7/03

Every 4th of July, the USA celebrates the anniversary of its independence from British colonial rule while it simultaneously denies freedom to people around the world.

This Friday July 4, members of Peace Action Network Otautahi/Christchurch will join peace and justice activists in the USA and around the world in condemning the hypocrisy of the American government, whist expressing our solidarity with Americans standing up against the Bush regime.

From 12 noon PAN activists will be in Cathedral Square collecting signatures for a "letter to America". At 12:45 the letter will be presented to four Christchurch citizens representing the peace movement, the labour movement, churches and political representatives, they will pass the letter on to their counterparts in the US.

The letter declares support for "independence, with liberty and justice for all."

It expresses solidarity "with those working peacefully for independence and justice for all people."

The letter calls for the American government to withdraw "military installations and bases in our country and on other foreign soil." And to end "US military supply and funding which fuels conflict in Israel/Palestine and elsewhere."

At 4:30pm, activists will take these messages to the American Airforce base at Christchurch airport/Harewood.

"The Harewood base is a small out-post of the American empire, which is seeking total military and economic domination of the world," said PAN spokes person David Colyer.

"The Labour-led government was right not to support the invasion of Iraq. But since then they have rushed to do Bush's bidding, sending troops to join the colonial occupation of Iraq, and supporting the World Trade Organisation case to override European opposition to genetically engineered food."

"The New Zealand government should stop backing the American empire. It should withdraw New Zealand forces from Iraq and Afghanistan, end support for the so-called "war on terrorism", and close the Harewood base," said Mr Colyer.

Contact PAN: David Colyer 3853646 Heather Thrasher 981 12825 (regarding the Letter to America)

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