Peaceful March And Rally Against Imminent Us Attack On Iraq

MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE USE

22 August 2002

PEACEFUL MARCH AND RALLY AGAINST IMMINENT US ATTACK ON IRA

The Muslim community in Christchurch, peace and social justice groups are showing their support and solidarity against US government threats of an invasion of Iraq with a march and rally this Saturday (24th August).

The march will start at 1.00 PM from the Masjid Al-Nur (Christchurch mosque) at 101 Deans Ave and finish with a rally in Cathedral Square.

The main objective of the march is to protest against US threats of military action that would lead to massive civilian casualties among Iraqi civilians according to a spokesperson, Saad Al-Harran.

"In particular, it will add more suffering to Iraqi children who are already dying because of the spread of cancer and other diseases", he said.

"The New Zealand Government has said that it will not participate in any military action against Iraq and that it does not favour US-led unilateral action. The threatened invasion by the US will not only lead to more innocent Iraqi people being killed but it will also make the situation in the whole Middle East worse".

"If the invasion goes ahead, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Iran could be next" said Mr Al-Harran. "The agenda is to change the Middle East map to serve the interests of the US and its allies in the region."

For further comment, please contact:

Saad Al-Harran

Tel: 383 1483

Email salharran@hotmail.com

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