AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL

Media Release
For immediate release
6th August 2006

Lebanon: AI holds Global Vigils to call CEASE FIRE

Thousands of Amnesty International members and supporters around the world are preparing to hold mass vigils calling for an immediate ceasefire and end to the killings of civilians in Lebanon and Israel in an unprecedented show of global solidarity with the victims on both sides of the ongoing conflict.

The vigils will take place on the evening of Monday, 7 August in countries spanning the globe from Venezuela, France, the US and UK to Australia, Taiwan, South Korea, Sierra Leone, India and New Zealand -- as well as in Israel and Lebanon.

"The human cost of this conflict is far too high. We demand that the international community call an immediate ceasefire. Civilians in both Lebanon and Israel cannot be left in the line of fire," said Irene Khan, Secretary General of Amnesty International.

"Governments must stop fuelling this suffering by imposing an arms embargo against Israel and Hizbullah and refusing to allow the transfer of weapons to or through their territories," said Irene Khan

Gary Reese, New Zealand Campaigns Manager for Amnesty International said "It is civilians who are paying the largest cost of this conflict. It is civilians, both survivors and victims that we will be standing in solidarity with."

Details for New Zealand vigils confirmed so far: Monday 7th August 2006

AUCKLAND
Venue: Aotea Square Time: 5pm - 12 midnight

WELLINGTON
Venue: Manners Mall Time: 5pm - 12 midnight

CHRISTCHURCH
Venue: Cathedral Square

DUNEDIN
Venue: Lower Octagon Time: 5pm - 12 midnight

NELSON
Venue: Cathedral Steps, Selwyn Place Time: 5pm for at least an hour.

ENDS

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