US General John Abizaid
arrived at the military terminal of Wellington Airport at
2pm this afternoon to peace activists demanding his
immediate arrest for war crimes. Activists shouted 'scum'
'get out' and 'war monger' during the formal military
welcome which included a haka.
The General's visit was
leaked to the media accidentally on Tuesday by the Prime
Minister. It is likely that he is here to encourage a
further commitment of New Zealand troops including SAS
soldiers to the war on the people of Afghanistan (the
so-called 'War on Terrorism').
As commanding officer of US
Central Command, Abizaid condoned the torture and abuses at
Abu Ghraib and Bagram prisons. He further sanctioned the
assault on thousands of civilians in Falluja.
The
reception given to a man who has committed grave crimes
against humanity is cause for serious alarm by all people
concerned with issues of peace, justice and
self-determination in Aotearoa New Zealand and around the
globe. This man should be tried for his crimes, not welcomed
as a hero.
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