Media Release: Global Peace and Justice Auckland

27 February 2007

Winston Peters backing the bullies

Foreign Minister Winston Peters's call for foreign troops to stay in Iraq is ill-informed and ill-considered.

Opinion polls show more than 70% of Iraqis consistently oppose foreign troops in their country. Until those troops leave the opportunity to quell the violence is hamstrung.

Iraqis understand that the US presence is fuelling the violence. Winston Peters does not.

More than 650,000 people have been killed by the US led invasion and occupation. Winston Peters position would condemn more innocent Iraqis to death.

The US is widely regarded internationally as the world's number one terrorist state with Australia as its local bully. Instead of currying favour with these warmongers and hanging out for a meeting with US President George Bush later this year the Clark government should be calling for foreign troops to be withdrawn from Iraq and for the end to US threats to attack Iran.

Peters comments are profoundly anti-American. Most Americans oppose the invasion and occupation of Iraq but Peters is sticking with US and Australian government policy of expanding the US empire instead of with the people of those countries.

March 17th is an international day of action to call for all foreign troops out of Iraq and the end to US threats against Iran. GPJA is organising a march to the US consulate in Auckland.

12noon

Aotea Square
Saturday March 17th

We are inviting all Aucklanders opposed to the war to join this march.

ENDS

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