Anti-War Direct Action At Harewood, Christchurch

23 March 2003

Today, antiwar activist Daniel Rae will attempt to enter the US Air Force Base at Harewood, Christchurch and pour red paint on the runway to symbolise the innocent blood of the thousands of Iraqi people that will die as a result of the US led war on Iraq.

After years of sanctions and weekly bombings runs, the US and its western allies have already wrecked massive devastation in Iraq. Those same countries are now disgracefully invoking the suffering of the Iraqi people to justify bombing and invading their country.

"Despite efforts by Helen Clark and the Labour Government to distance themselves for this unjust war for oil and US Power, the New Zealand Government is complicit in the mass murder of ordinary Iraqis by hosting a US military base here in Christchurch," said Daniel Rae.

Through the Harewood base, Starlifter and Galaxy cargo aircraft supply vital US military/intelligence bases in Australia (Pine Gap and Nurrungar). Pine Gap is highly likely to be involved in the targeting for the current war on Iraq.

"When we live in such undemocratic and unjust societies that result in wars such as the one currently being waged against the people of Iraq, we have no choice but to take non-violent direct action against the system causing such massive suffering," said Daniel Rae.

It is hoped that this small, symbolic, non-violent action will encourage others working for a just and peaceful world to take direct action themselves to prevent slaughters such as the war on Iraq.

When: Today (Sunday) 4pm

Where: Roundabout, Christchurch Airport

What: Procession to gates of Harewood with a food basket and plea to the US Air Force to deliver food, not bombs and action.

Dan Rae, Media release

Action Alerts	PMA's newsletter	What's on where	Peace links	Help PMA grow	How PMA can help you	Petition Forms	Site Map