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March 19, 2003

The Victoria Peace Coalition and VCAWSI affirm that the invasion of Iraq by the US is an illegal act and is in violation of the Charter of the United Nations. The United Nations Charter provides that - except in the case of self-defense from an armed attack - nations may neither threaten nor engage in warfare without the authorization of the UN Security Council. The United States is not acting in self-defense and the US invasion is not authorized by the UN Security Council.

The US doctrine of pre-emptive self-defense against an attack that might arise at some hypothetical future time has no basis in international law. The VCAWSI and the Victoria Peace Coalition deplore the US defiance and disdain for the rule of international law, and believes that the United States should be compelled to be brought before the International Court of Justice.

The Victoria Peace Coalition and VCAWSI commend the courage and moral integrity of the countries that have resisted the intimidation, bribery and bullying by the US, and the Coalition supports Canada's refusal to participate in the invasion of Iraq. We urge Canada to remove all its military presence from the area and to actively oppose the unilateral, illegal action by the US and its Coalition of the Coerced.

World peace will not result from pre-emptive attacks, but from complete world disarmament. VCAWSI and the Victoria Peace Coalition therefore call upon the United Nations to be even-handed and require the UN to send weapons inspection teams to all countries with weapons of mass destruction and to ensure the complete and full destruction of these weapons.

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Antiwar.com (USA)
Centre for Compassionate Social Change (Victoria)
End the Arms Race (Vancouver)
Global Militarism Conference, UVic Sept. 27-29
Indymedia Victoria and Indymedia Vancouver
International Action Centre (USA)
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Project Plougshares (Waterloo, Ontario)
Walk for Global Justice (Victoria)
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Z Magazine (USA)

More Links: Peace, Justice, Media, and Government

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Middle East Links

Alternative Sources Of News

http://www.independent.co.uk/
http://www.electronicintifada.net/
http://news.bbc.co.uk/
http://www.guardian.co.uk/
http://www.indymedia.org.il/
http://jerusalem.indymedia.org/
http://www.haaretzdaily.com/
http://www.gush-shalom.org/
http://Al-Jazeera.net/
http://www.middleeast.org/
Peace, Earth & Justice News http://PEJ.org

Alternative Sources Of Views

http://www.zmag.org/
http://www.middleeast.org/
http://www.avnery-news.co.il/
http://victoria.indymedia.org/
http://www.rapprochement.org/
http://www.thenation.com/special/2002middleeast.mhtml/
http://www.israelshamir.net/
http://www.harpers.org/
http://www.canpalnet.ca/
http://www.gascd.com/
http://www.sunship.com/
http://www.commondreams.org/
Peace, Earth & Justice News http://PEJ.org

Take Action

http://www.progressiveportal.org/letters/global/palestinians/
http://www.petitiononline.com/warcrime/

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News Release

For Immediate Release: September 18, 2001

War is not the answer.

Victoria-- Last night, over 100 concerned citizens of many ages, religions and races, active with a wide diversity of organizations, met at the University of Victoria to found the Victoria Peace Coalition. Those attending formed six committees to voice Victorians' deep concern about the US terrorist attacks, the drive towards war, and the increase of racism. The following statement was agreed to unanimously by all attending the founding meeting:

"Concerned that terrorism in all its forms has resulted in the tragic loss of innocent lives and in societal disintegration, the Victoria Peace Coalition calls upon the Canadian government to respect international law and justice, and to not support military action in any form."

The Victoria Peace Coalition announces the following activities:

A Walk for Peace & Justice will start at Victoria City Hall's Centennial Square this Wednesday, September 19, starting at 5 pm. After a rally at Centennial Square, the Walk will slowly proceed down Government Street to the BC Legislature.

The Walk will join a Peace Vigil, which begins at 7 pm this Wednesday evening at Victoria's Cenotaph, on the front lawn of the BC Legislature. There will be wreaths, speakers, songs and peaceful silent remembrance.

The Vigil will continue each Wednesday evening at 7 pm at the Cenotaph until further notice. If and when a war begins, there will be a Peace Vigil that evening at 7 pm at the Cenotaph.

Another Walk for Peace & Justice will be held Sunday, September 23, starting at Victoria City Hall at 1 pm.

An educational forum will be held Thursday, September 27, starting at 12 noon at Victoria City Hall's Centennial Square.

The Victoria Peace Coalition is also forming a buddy system, for those who feel threatened, especially in the Muslim community, and are now living in fear of unjust retaliation.

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Information: www.justicewalk.ca

Joan Russow, 598-0071
Kealey Pringle and Al Rycroft, 592-8307

The Coalition is formed of individuals active with the dozens of organizations.

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