News Release:

Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of New Zealand's 1987 Nuclear Free Legislation.
Increasingly, it's Your Priceless Asset and Great Achievement.

David Lange promised in 1984, "Elect Labour and we'll make all of New Zealand Nuclear Free". In spite of overseas allies and some domestic opposition, Prime Minister Lange and Parliament legislated to make New Zealand nuclear free on June 8, 1987. Celebrate anytime during this 20th anniversary year with special events, or local council declarations of reaffirmed local Nuclear Free Zones, or newly declared local Nuclear Free Zones.

New Zealand’s Nuclear-Free image helps sell goods overseas, attracts tourists, and is a source of pride and identity for New Zealanders. It boosts our standing and influence internationally as an independent, impartial, trustworthy nation. It’s not anti-US. It’s anti-nuclear weapons. But new threats to use nuclear weapons and proliferation threaten all mankind, including Americans. People throughout the world have expressed appreciation for New Zealand’s courageous stand. It contributes to our positive image in the world. All New Zealanders gain by preserving and strengthening this invaluable asset.

Since 1984 we have been under pressure to change the Nuclear-Free Act and again allow NZ port facilities to US and UK nuclear warships. The pressures could increase, especially if there is an international crisis. Those in the US who oppose NZ's nuclear-free policy are in key positions of power. New terrorist acts predicted by the FBI, or new so-called “wars against terrorism” can result in new wars in the Middle East and increased pressures to change our nuclear free laws. The US is massing a huge attack force near Iran. Any one of a number of events, or false intelligence (as with Iraq’s WMD) could be used to justify a US attack. Nuclear weapons could be used, as President Bush implied when he repeatedly warned Iran that "all options are on the table". The consequences could trigger a series of long-lasting catastrophes, retaliations and wars, drawing in some of the other 7 nuclear weapon countries. Escalation into a global nuclear conflagration is very possible.

Iraq was innocent of US accusations in 2003 before the US assault, bombing, invasion and occupation. It had no nuclear weapons or other WMD, no links to al-Qaeda, Bin Laden, international terrorism or the 9/11 attack. Today in 2007, Iran seems to be just as innocent of similar US accusations.
Iran has:
1. No nuclear weapons or programme to make them according to IAEA inspections.
2. Has not helped arm and promote terrorism in Iraq. (The US occupation has created a seed-bed and training ground for terrorism).
3. Could not attack the nuclear-armed states of Israel and the US without risking annihilation.
4. The NPT grants Iran the legal right to enrich uranium for power under IAEA inspection therefore should not be subject to UN sanctions.
Thus the US has no legitimate grounds to attack, accuse or demonise Iran.
Although the 'Cold War' ended the various nuclear threats have never been greater. New US doctrines of pre-emptive nuclear war and introducing nuclear weapons into conventional wars, added to the growing proliferation threat of 8-9 NW states can lead to a lethal end for humanity.

By remaining nuclear free, New Zealand boosts its security, is a leader in nuclear disarmament and steps to peace, and is an example and beacon of hope to other nations.

Changing NZ legislation to allow nuclear warship visits, would damage our security, trade, tourism and our 'nuclear-free, clean and green' image as well as our reputation as an independent leader in nuclear disarmament. A restored nuclear alliance and participation in US-led wars could convert NZ cities and ports into potential targets.

Contact Larry to answer questions, speak at your event on Nuclear Free NZ benefits, dangers and related issues.

Topics for talks include:
- Increasing Nuclear Threats
- Why We Should Keep NZ Nuclear Free
- World Dangers from a Nuclear Assault on Iran
- Dangers of New' False Flag' Operations
- Why The Iraq War Is Illegal

Everyone can help retain New Zealand's nuclear-free policy; sponsor a Nuclear Free New Zealand 20th Anniversary Celebration during 2007; talk about it to friends, workmates, groups, local council, media and MPs. The public needs educating about nuclear war, weapons, proliferation, dangers and the benefits of NZ's nuclear free policies. Members of Parliament in particular are well-placed to educate, legislate, speak and act in many ways on nuclear issues.

It is vitally important that this message reaches everyone, so please give your most valuable help by forwarding this 2007 Nuclear Free New Zealand 20th Anniversary Celebration notice to everyone and anyone you can think of. We all need to be aware and save our planet and all living beings from possible extinction.

Larry Ross
Secretary/Founder, New Zealand Nuclear-Free Peacemaking Association

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Information on the devastating long term, permanent effects of nuclear pollution see: www.nuclearfreenz.org.nz - Environmental Effects & DU Weapons

Copy on our web site at http://www.nuclearfreenz.org.nz/nznf20thcelebrationmay23-07.htm

ENDS

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