REPORT ON CHRISTCHURCH PROTEST MARCH 20, 2004

by Larry Ross, April 14, 2004

About 300 people assembled at the Christchurch Museum at 2.00 pm, March 20/04 with an array of banners and posters protesting about the US war on Iraq, such as 'STOP MAD COWBOY DISEASE'
We then walked to the Christchurch Square and had speakers address us in front of the Cathedral. All called for the US and NZ to remove troops from Iraq. One 15 year old Iraqi student from Villa Maria School, had just returned from a 3 month visit to Baghdad, and told the crowd about the terrible conditions in Iraq, brought about by the war. The Dean of Christchurch , Peter Beck and Dr Bob Leonard of Lincoln University were among the speakers. The peaceful crowd dispersed about 3.30 pm

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Continuing Protest about US War on Iraq

Comment by Larry Ross April 15, 2004

Since our last protest on March 20th the situation in Iraq has sharply deteriorated. US increasing oppression of the Iraqis has resulted in mass resistance and the historic uniting of Shiites and Sunnis to expel the invading so-called 'coalition of the willing' ( As Spain demonstrated, they're not so willing now) Some 40 hostages have been taken of different nationalities but considered to be aiding the US illegal occupation in some way. Many have been released, and the first hostage has been killed today. Local Iraqis in Christchurch have united to call on NZ and US to withdraw troops and described how US media have grossly distorted the true picture. (See Chch Press story section B Page 2 on April 14, 2004.) Iraqis call for NZ to get out

I think PAN should discuss at our next meeting, organising another protest rally or other event, as US will probably increase their wanton killing and maiming of Iraqis. Although PAN is rightly interested in many issues, we were formed to oppose the US war on Iraq and expose Bush's many lies. Bush, Blair and Howard are still lying, yet remain in power. I think it is vitally important to help ensure none of them gets another term in office. They are all war criminals, yet still enjoy the power to inflict death - even nuclear war. Bush and Blair have threatened to use nuclear weapons. Howard will tag along and is deeply implicated as Australia is an important part of the nuclear war infrastructure. Our supposedly civilised society cannot tolerate such people in office and expect to survive. In terms of priority, I submit to you that these related issues be top of the list.


Larry Ross, Secretary,
NZ Nuclear-Free Peacemaking