summer 2006 number 40 free (or donation) cymru campaign for nuclear disarmament If could spend over £1 billi<>n either towards a new British* Trident nuclear mi SS i Ie system ( * estimated total cost £25-40 billion) or • end hospital closures • reduce NHS waiting lists • have a dentist in every town / • give schools the resources and teachers they need Which would you Welsh MPs keeping mum on Trident replacement Western Mall reporter Martin Shipton asked our MPs whether they supported spending of over £25 billion on a new generation of nuclear weapons. Their response, reported In the Western Mall on 17'" July -http://lcwales.icnetwork.co.uk/ - was disappointing: 2 For - (Conservative-Stephen anyone". However he thought Ute Crabb & David Davies) present version of Trident might as well STOP THE BOMBING! 6 Against -(2 Labour, 1 Independent stay until 2025 (when Ute USA plans to and 3 -, replace their Tridents). He intends to & ) complain to Ute Western Mail Utat their 1 - "Misunderstood" (Lib-Dam report Utat he was 'in favour of a nuclear Lemblt Oplk) deterrent' does not reflect his opinion. 31 - Did not reply The other Lib-Dems did not reply. Two Labour MPs, Martin Caton The only two MPs wholly in support of (Gower) and Paul Flynn (Newport the Government were Conservatives West) provided unequivocal MPs David Davies (Monmouth) and statements not only opposing any (Preseli Pembrokeshire) replacement for Trident in future but - implicitly in the same camp as Peter equally challenging the retention of the Hain who, although he did not reply to present version - as did all three Plaid the Western Mail questionnaire, ltas Cy_mruMPs. just resigned his membership of CND. New Blaenau Gwent Independent MP Just one of the many events acrQss \Xllles..called In response to the heddwch action: Dai Davies was also wholly opposed to escalating Middle East crisis was a lunch time peace vlgll In the Please write to your MP and ask nuclear weapons and expressed his centre of Cardiff. Speakers from across the political spectrum them whether they support the satisfaction in walking Michael Foot's expressed their outrage at the continuing upward cycle of violence. development of footsteps on this issue. The children in the targeted areas are the main victims; their homea a new generation of nuclear are being destroyed, they are without food water or electricity and a Lib-Dern MP Lembit Opik was reported weapons. Let them know how by the Western Mail as "For" but, third of the dead and wounded In Lebanon and'Gaza are children. you feel- after all they represent Vigils, protests, events and meetings have been held across Wales. tackled by heddwch, assured us that youl If possible, please send To be put In touch with events In your area email CND Cymru: he was totally opposed to Trident copies of replies to CND Cymru [email protected] , contact your nearest CND Cymru Vice replacement as "it would not deter (see contacts page 8). Chair (see Contacts Page:8) CND Cymru works for internati~nal peace and disarmament and a world in which the vast resources now devoted to militarism are redirected to the real needs of the human community and the environme~t. What are Nuclear Weapons? TRIDENT The atomic bqmb that destroyed Hiroshima and kl lied at least 75,000 people by heat and blast, had the explosive power of 15,000 tons of Bruce Kent answers some questions: TNT. Many more died a long and lingering death from nuclear radiation. In an all-out nuclear war, more would die from nuclear WHAT IS THIS TRIDENT ANYWAY? radiation 'outside the battlefleld' than Inside from heat and blast. Trident is shon.hand for Britain's WHAT ABOUTTHE NUCLEAR NON­ Modern thermonuclear bombs can have over 1000 times this submarine based nuclear weapons PROLIFERATIONTREATY? explosive power of the Hiroshima bomb and, when they used to be system - 4 nuclear submarines each with It was agreed in 1968 and said t11ree tested for real, caused radlonucleldes to be spread around the world 16 nuclear missiles. Each missile has 3 -8 tllings: - In 1963, babies growing up In Wales had over 50 times as much bombs (or warheads) - up to 192 a. That every country is entitled to radioactive Strontlum-90 In their bones as before the tests started warheads. Each warhead is at least ten have nuclear energy without (and now). times as destructive as the US bomb that linlits; The smallest bomb now being considered for the new Trident miss lie killed over 75,000 people in Hiroshi.ma on b. Those wit11out nuclear weapons system ls more than ten times as powerful as the Hiroshima bomb August 6•• 1945. Trident is capable of would stay that way. and our government plans to have at least 192 of them. Exploded destroying all life on a whole continent c. The nuclear nations would over 192 'enemy cities', this could kill well over 60 mllllon people and would scatter lethal radionucleides negotiate a treaty lo clinlinate all (more than the population of Britain) by heat and blast alone - and throughout the world. nuclear weapons. even more would die when later the dust and debris of these WHY DOES THE GOVERNMENT explosions contaminated Britain and other parts of the world as WANT TO REPLACE IT? SO IS IRAN IN VIOLATION OF radioactive fallout. Because it's supposed to become THIS TREATY? 'obsolete' by 2030. No, but it is in violation of a subsequent Trident gets thumbs UNISON votes for voluntary agreement entered into wit11 WHATDOTHEYWANTTO t11e International Atonlic Energy down from Bishops health REPLACE ITWITH? Authority about inspections. 19 English Bishops have written an open The Health Workers' union UNISON, No one knows for sure. One idea is to letter to MPs asking them 10 consider wllich is Britain's largest trade union and make the missile more accurate, so that ARE THE NUCLEAR STATES their views at t11c eventlial fomial debate t11e Labour Pany's largest affiliated trade NEGOTIATING TO ABOLISH they can destroy an 'enemy's' weapons on Trident. In their letter they said tJiat union with over 1.3 million members, NUCLEAR WEAPONS? first. Another is to enable the missiles to 'Just War' arguments mJe out tJie use of voted overwhelmingly at tlleir Annual No. All we have are negotiations aimed at carry different sons of bombs. nuclear weapons and tJ1at such weapons Conference to back a motion calling on nuclear weapon "good housekeeping", challenge hwnanity's God-given tl1e govcnunent not to replace Trident. WHAT WILL THAT LOT COST? for instance, - limits on test explosions responsibility to tJie eartll. Tllis vote can1e one day after Gordon No one knows exactly. Anything between and agreements 1101 lo put such weapons They also said tJiat the use of nuclear Brown's arn1ouncement tllllt he was in £25 billion or £40 biJlion. That's at least into space, etc .. weapons "would be notlling less t11an favour of a new generation of nuclear the equivalent of 120,000 newly qualified HOW COULD NEGOTIATIONS ON tJie mass murder of tJiousands if not tens weapons. The UNISON motion says tllat nurses every year for the nex1 ten years. ABOLffiON START? of tllousands of innocent civilians. The "a decision to replace Trident would run resultant fall-out from a tactical or counter to (Britain's) treaty WHO IS IT AIMED AT? Easily, ifthere was the political will. Already there is a d~ ilecldraft trca attlcfiekl'>1capou wuld 1161 be &iiffirie&~ .-.-- _.-, No one knows. Nuclear weapons are to a particular area." They arc also The motion resoh,cd to "oppose the life lodged wit11 t11e United Nations wllich _ useless ageinsHerrorists, supposed cemed Uiat "tlle use of limited replacement ofTndent and to call for t11e new enemy. No country is tlueatening us could be its basis. It covers the difficult con · decommissio1ling oft11e existing Trident wit11 nuclear weapons. But i.ft11ey were issues of observation, inspection on resources on WMDs divens resources from education, health and aid to t11ose weapons system." they would be insane. Radioactive fallout demand, control of nuclear material, criminality, and t11e like. who are tJie poorest and most in need". Kate Hudson, Chair oft11e British from a nuclear war alone would pollute The letter, wllich appeared in The Campaign for Nuclear Disannament, the earth for hundreds of years to come. WHY DON'T THE NEGOTIATIONS Independent newspaper ends: " At tlie called on ot11er trade unions and SURELYTHEY ARE INSURANCE START? Gleneagles smrunit a year ago tlie G8 organisations to join t11e movement AGAINST UNCERTAIN FUTURE? Because t11ere is no political will. People pledged to "Make Poverty History" and against a new generation of nuclear 11 That is just what t11e GoveITlTllent says. do not realise that abolition of nuclear to end the debt burden on t11e world's _"_'e_ap_o__s_. ______But it is a very odd insurance which weapons is perfectly possible, and easier poorest com1tries. The costs involved in actually increases tlle risks. to 'police' tlllln partial disarman1ent. t11e maintenance and replacement of Police Clamp Down Trident could be used to address The possession of nuclear weapons is on Anti-Trident Protest WHAT DO YOU MEAN? pressing environmental concerns, t11e like storing dynamite in your cellar as a In July, protestors al Aldermaston If Britain replaces Trident, it will show the causes of terrorism, povcny and debt, means of protecting yourself against Atomic Weapons Establishment found world that we iliink our security depends and enable hmnanity and dignity to be burglars. You will go up with tlle burglar tlmnselves corralled and unable to on nuclear weapons. It will send a clear t11e right ofall , and would go a long way if ever t11ey go off by accident or on move about freely. Conditions were message to ot11ers to do the same and the towards helping Make Poverty History." dangers of nuclear .accidents and purpose. Where ever and whenever imposed by police, who prevented international crises will increase. nuclear weapons are used they will protestors leaving the area without release radioactive and ot11cr dangerous seeking permission from the senior HAVE ANY COUNTRIES ACTUALLY material, wllich will know no bow1daries. officer present. Concerns have been GOT RID OF THEIRS? raised that protestors suffered 'arbitrary Yes. Soutll Africa, Ukraine, Kazakhstan SO IT IS TIME TO START? detention' as defined by t11e Human and Belarus. Of course. We should begin by telling the Rights Act. world now that we are not going to The protest had been organised by Block HOW MANY COUNTRIES NOW replace our existing Trident system when t11e Builders to higltlight t11e scale of HAVE NUCLEAR WEAPONS? it comes to the end of its life in twenty development at Aldennaston. 111e non­ The countries with nuclear weapons are years time AND that we are going to call violent protestors, included MEP the USA {10,640), Russia (8,600), China for t11e stan of nuclear weapon abolition Caroline Lucas assembled at two oft11e (400), France(350), Britain (200), Israel negotiations IMMEDI/uELY gates at Aldern1as1on, closing one for 45 ( I 00-200), India (30-35) and Pakistan (24- nlinutes. A number ofarrests took place. 48). Worldwide there are more than 30,000 Sian Jones from Aldern1aston Women's nuclear weapons at any one time Peace Camp said, •·we arc very including those in store, being concerned about police imposing refurbished or awaiting refurbislunent. detention conditions on peaceful Each oft110se warheads has more protestors - including cllildren under 5 destructive power t11an the bomb tllat years old. We strongly oppose tllis destroyed Hiroshima in I 9➔ 5 and killed clampdown on peaceful protest." ovcr75,000. heddwch 2 Faslane 365 representation and reputation Yes, we can do it! Council treads carefully

Regular readers of heddwch will Ray Davies, Caerffill County Borough councillor and CND Cymru Vice know about the Government's plans Chair, gave a robust defence against the Council Standards to replace Trident and develop Committee charge that he brought the council into disrepute by smaller 'usable' nuclear missiles serving a Jail sentence for refusing to pay fines foilowlng his direct (shudder). You won't have missed actions for peace. He told the Committee that the only shame he felt Gordon Brown's backing of 's was that he did not do enough to stop the Illegal attack on Iraq In 2003. position and the preparation work at The fallout from the British better working conditions and were Aldermaston. Clearly, in their world the government's policy is that the deported as punishment; the decision is already made and wants only the democratic state of Lebanon was being Suffragettes, and the Chartists. charade of ''the pubilc debate" to make It complete. destroyed, Iraq was in the grip of civil Another part of this tradition includes I want to ask.. "Aie we going to let them war, Gaza city was burning, and • M:iliatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, yet? Have you asked your trade union get away with it?" Afghanistan in a quagmi re of violence. and more recently Nelson Mandela who branch or your group to donate? How But you might be thinking. . Can we stop Ray explained that he had decided to spent 27 years in jail to gain freedom many yow1g people could you bring? them? And ifso, what would it take? act after he went to Iraq with a for his people. Did ail these bring their No single group owns Faslane 365. It is a humanitarian organisation, taki ng people into disrepute? The peace movement has had some big big idea, waiting to be filled out. Wliat medical and educational equipment. He Finally, Ray asked who was right and defeats recently - or looked at another we make of it is up to us. But please, was deeply affected by what he saw - who was wrong; the hundreds who way - some big successes! don't leave it much longer. There's a lot failing water and sewage systems, sick wrote letters of support for his stand, To assemble more than a million people ofplaruling, trairling and preparation to and dying children and orphanages full the people of his area who voted him in (undisputed press figure) on the streets do ifwe are going to be effective. of abandoned children. He met the UN "~th a large majority, the members of of London, in opposition to an unjust war weapons inspectors, who told him what the Local Authority who had showed For many years we have written to our in advance of the invasion(!) - a huge MP's, we have taken the argwnents to they were telling Bush and Blair• that their confidence in him by voting him in success, absolutely unprecedented in to the important positions he now held the streets and shopping centres, and we there were no weapons of mass British history (while millions more on the Council; or was it tlle unelected have tried in the courts .. none of tllat was destruction in Iraq. protested in approximately 800 cities member of the Standards Committee wasted .. but right now, if we seriously He returned to find the British around the world!). To see our government colluding with the US to who made the initial complaint? want to challenge tl1e legitimacy of UK Government ignore that mass protest and nuclear weapons it's time to do tliat at tlle prepare for an illegal war. Geoff Hoon After deliberating, tlle committee found stated in Parliament that he was Ray not guilty of bringing the council go ahead anyway - a savage kick in the gates of Faslane Naval Base. prepared to authorise the use of nuclear into disrepute but guilty of breaking teeth for everyone who was there and No-<>ne has to go further tl1an tl1ey are weapons in the conflict • even though countless others who wanted to be. comfortable ,,~th. You don't have to be the Authority's code of conduct. They the World Court had declared the use, censured him and warned him of his To have sustained so many "Stop the arrested for example, but don't let tllat or threatened use of nuclear weapons War" and "Peace and Justice" groups up stop you from coming right to tl1e gates future conduct. illegal in 1996. Ray was motivated to do and down the country still actively ,~th those who ,~II. We need your Ray told the committee he would not anything he could to stop the war, campaigning agrunsr 1J1c war and s upport and there will be plenty you can stop campaigning against the evils of including entering Afdennaston Atomic maintaining the many links forged do. nuclear weapons and war, and he would Weapons Establishment, rowing up the! between white and Muslim communities Theodore Roosevelt said seek<:hanges tolhe relevant River Tamar to try to blockade a nuclear - another important and ongoing "It is impossible to win the great prizes legislation. He fi rmly believes that in a submarine being prepared for service in success. And there's still no sign of the oflife without running risks." democracy, only tl1ose who voted him UK pulling out of Iraq or Afghanistan the Gulf, and taking part in t11e mass on to the council should have the right while more people are dying every day. One thing is sure; if we act, we give blockade offaslane nuclear submarine to vote him off. So although it can start to feel like ourselves more chances of winning.. if base. Ray told llis supporters and the press nothing we can do will ever change we do nothing we've lost already. Ray then explained that he was pan of tllat he had organised a vigil against anything-we are not in the weak position a tradition of people who follow their Israel's bombing of Lebanon and Gaza, we might feel ourselves to be. It is not Marie Walsh conscience, rather than simply and was helping to organise the that our numbers are too few; it is just accepting the status quo. They include November blockade offaslane. The Faslane 365 Is planned to be a year time to use our strengtl1 in a different the Toipuddle Martyrs, farm labourers work for peace and justice must go on. long peaceful blockade at Faslane way than before. who having banded together to seek Naval Base in Scotland wHh the If this Government doesn't listen to two demands: Trident must be mass protest on the street we have two taken out of deployment and the simple choices. Eitlier we give up and Government. must give a clear let t11em get on with it or we urgently timetable for dlsmantllng nuclear work out what they will listen to and get weapons. doingit To make this happen, groups and Look back to some oftl1e victories .. e.g organisations from Scotland, in Britain, the poll tax in tl1e I 990's. Yes and Wales, and beyond there were big mobilisations on the are being lnvHed to come and shut streets, but more important, tl1ousands down the base for at least one 48- of people refusing to pay jan1n1ed up the hour period each during the year. system and made tlle poll tax Everyone needs to commit to a unworkable. ground rule of non-violence and You might call this our weapon of mass respect for all. disruption .. and it's what Fasiane 365 1s The Wales Red Dragon days are .. all about. Making it so difficult for tlle South Wales: 13 & 14 November Ray Davies with fellow CND Cymru vice chair, Olwen Davies autllorities to carry on with business as North Wales: 14 & 15 November usual that tlley simply have to do Contacts: something different. . we give tl1em ~o An individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, alternative. We can do tliat, collecavely (North)Phil: 01248 490 715 and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment. is In with all tlle oilier groups. But we need pbll stee1e@bUntemet,com reality expressing the highest resp ect for the Jaw. M artin Luther King more people for Wales days! And we (Mid.) Del: conev@gn,apc.org need you now! Soutll Wales for example (South) Marte: 01495 220 400 Th e person who loses his conscience has nothing left worth has 25 - 30 people committed so far and keeping. lzaak Walton we need JOO plus. Have you signed up m,rje@tlH YP,net heddwch 3 news Pitstop Ploughshares 5 Fairford peace AQUITTED! 'disarmers' - trial at Bristol Crown Court Anti-Trident activists have expressed their JlfT' .GR delight that a Dublin jury unanimously u• • fl y Back In March 2003 Paul MIiiing a nd Margaret acquitted five anti-war protesters. f OF QH~NNO Jones entered RAF/USAF Falrford and W d isabled a couple of dozen military vehicles The five, Karen Fallon, Deirdre Clancy, Nuin Dmtlop, W'" P't using hammers and bolt cutters. These Ciaron O'Reilly and Damien Moran, knO\m as the ff. cAcE011-rn_' IA"'.ci,, vehicles were being used for loading bombs Pitslop Ploughshares, damaged the plane at Shaimon IJ .I'~ lL \,11 and fuel onto US military planes. airport in Febmary 2003 to prevent it bei ng used in the The intention of the 'disarmers' was to delay the impending invasion oflraq. Their acquittal comes after ~~~~~~~~~=~~~~~~!!~- lake-off of the US B-52 bombers, which were at that three years of waiting and three trials. In a statement the World M"1l"1tary time stationed at the Fairford military base, and Pitstop Ploughshares said: E d • • waiting lo launch the first of the many bombing raids "The jury is the conscience of the community chosen Xpen ltUre lnCreaSeS on Iraq. These aircraft carried several kinds of randomly from Irish society. The conscience of the World m.ilitarye>:penditure in 2005 is estimated to have weapons, including cluster bombs. Their appalling commmtity has spoken. The government has 110 reached $1, I 18 billion. This corresponds to an average load was to be part of the 'Shock and Awe ' raids on popular mandate in providing the civilian Shannon spending of$! 73 per capita and represents a real temis Baghdad, so bragged about by the Pentagon. airport to service the US war macltine in its illegal invasion increase of3.4 percent since 2004. The USA is Margaret Jones commented: and occupation of Iraq. In 1996 in Liverpool the Jury responsible for about 80 per cent of this increase and its "Whether we did succeed in delaying the take-off of acquittal of the four ' ploughshares' women military e:-qJCnditure now accounts for 48% of the world the planes lo ai1y degree, will never be known. All I contributed to the end of anus exports to the Suharto total. The USA is followed by Britain, France, Japan and personally hoped for, though was to give someone dictalorsltip in Indonesia and the independence of East China with 4-5 per cent each. living in the city a chance to nm for their life before Timor." The second largest ntilitary spender in the world is all hell came down." "The decision of tltis jury should be a message to Brita.in, wltich spends $53.6bn (£29bn), or £490 per After a series of pre-trial appeals, Margaret and Paul London, Wasltington DC and the Dail that Ireland capita each year. Tltis is despite t11e British now go to trial, charged with "Conspiracy to Commit wants no part in waging war on the people of govenm1ent'sview that: There is no direct ntilitary Criminal Damage'. The maximum sentence for this Iraq. Refuelling of US warplanes at Shannon Airport threat to tJ1e or Western Europe. Nor 'crime' is currently ten years' imprisonment. should cease inunediately." do we foresee !lie re-emergence of such a lllfeat... ' [Source: Strategic Defence Re\~ew, 1998 and policy was heddwch action A Trident Ploughshares spokesperson added: "We arc reiterated in the Defence WJtite Paper of 2003] The presence of friends and supporters Is absolutely delighted for Karen and the others. The case Such figures demo1istrate that it is not a shortage of being called for at this Trial, which is to be shows tl1at people who act to stop war crime have every resources preventing richer nations from addressing held at Bristol Crown Court between 4th and chance of acquittal if they get !lie opportunity to put climate change and poverty, wltich, apart from being 18'" September. Please put this date In your their ease fairly and directly to a jury. As far as problems deserving attention in their 0\\11 right, arc diary now! You wlll be especially welcome international law goes, ordinary people are light years probably the greatest contributors to future insecurity outside the Court on the mornfn ot Da ahead of govenunents ai1d state serving judges." and conflic - e Source: Stockholm International Peace Research proceedings to hear all o r part of the trial. Background at: www.peaceontrlal.com and Institute http://yearbook2006.slprl.org/slprl-yb06- As Margaret says: " Please come and www.lndymedla.ie release.pdf support us - as several of our witnesses have said • not Just for Paul and me (although this gives us great encouragement The Tragedy of Guantanamo and strength)• but for all the Iraqi people". Contact: Margaret Jones On 10th June this year, It was announced that three detainees at Guantanamo Bay, two Saudi [email protected] Arabians and one Yemeni, had taken their own lives. The US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Publlc Diplomacy issued a most undiplomatic and Inhumane statement to the effect that the deaths were the strategy of Islamic extremism, that they were obviously people who Spain says 'adios' showed no respect for anyone's lives. Rear Admiral Harry Harris of the US Navy said the suicides were 'not an act of desperation' but 'an act of asymmetric warfare'. to nuclear power It is, of course the US government, wh.ich has shown Moazzam Begg is one ofnine British radical Islamists In the Spanish Parllament 'State of the Nation' no respect for people's lives. Official figures list 25 who were held at Camp X-Ray, Guantanamo Bay by Annual Debate, the President Zapatero failed suicide altempts at Guantanamo to date, but the government of the United States of America. He confirmed a commitment to phase out nuclear defence lawyers estimate the figure is h.igher. Former was released from detention on January 25"' 2005 energy. The President had campaigned on this detainee Moazzam Begg, answering questions at without charge, although he received no Issue during the recent elections and and a Social Fomm Cymru in Aberystwyth on 30th April, compensation or an apology. President Bush released timetable for the closure of all nuclear power described how, whilst suffering mental and physical Moazzam Begg over the objections of the Pentagon, stations Is being drawn up. torture, he himself had experienced a breakdown. Tltis the CIA, and the FBI, who warned that Mr. Begg The Forum of the Span.ish Nuclear Industry had was not, however, the point that he had wished to could 'still be a dangerous terrorist'. fom1erly made_ a case for the need to build JO new power underline in the talk he gave (following the Moazzam's father, Azmat Begg campaigned hard for stations 111 Spam and to prolong the life of the 8 existing publication of his book 'Enemy Combatant,' *). the release of his son. He spoke at the Peace Festival power stations for several extra decades despite Indeed, he spoke very little of his own suffering, in Aberystwyth in 2004, where he said that justice is prob_lcms. These plaris have been scrapped. emphasising instead the need for justice for the being asked for, not mercy. Pr~1_dent Zapatero said tJ1at !lie issue depended upon detainees still held. We join him in calling for the British government to political will and that for economic as well as Referring to the arrests secure the release of the British residents who are enviromnentaJ and security reaso1is, clean energies of the detainees as still detained at Guantanamo. We call for the closure nuist be !lie base of Spain's future energy needs. He also rumo1mced tl1at he wru1ted to involve the Span.ish diplomatic or political of this camp and all other illegal detention centres people ai1d enviromnental groups in decisions about decisions, Moazzam operated by tl1e USA or their allies, before there are the radioactive waste in Spain. Begg said that there any more tragic deaths. was no rule oflaw. heddwch action: He said that they Linda Rogers/ Peace & Progress More Information from Carlos Bravo, Nuclear should either be given energy campaigner at Greenpeace Spain, +34 political asylum or *Enemy Combatant: AB1itish Muslim's Journey 626 99 82 41 and Francisco Castejn, Ecologisw refugee status, or to Guantanamo and Back en Accin, + 34 639 10 42 33 brought to trial. Moazzam Begg and Victoria Brittain www.greenpeace.org/international/newa/spaln­ £18.99 Free Press ISBN: 0-7432-8567-0 adios-nuclear-31-06-06 heddwch 4 from Wales to Palestine On the side of peace and justice

I first knew of the Middle East conflict whilst after school I helped to transcribe faxes sent 'home' via CND Cymru by Ray Davies who made several trips to Palestine with the International Solidarity Movement. At that time I knew little of what the issue represented, only admiring his bravery and commitment. As time passed, the place and the conflict, for me, became just one of the 'too many causes' which cannot all be addressed by one person at once. I had heard the language of the conflict - Personally, if I must pick sides, apart from streets of Hebron, under t11e nets put in and settlements seem to loom on the 'occupation', 'suicide bombers', 'the being on the side of 'peace and justice place to prevent bricks and rubbish, horizon wherever you go; a constant wall', ' refugee camps', 'terrorism', 'the for all', It would have 10 bewith the hurled from the upper Israeli houses, rentinder of the occupation. Most of the siege of the Nativity', ' Jenin' .. . , but I people of Palestine. Having seen tl1e from hitting people in t11e street below. people we spoke to - botl1 Jewish Israelis must confess that had I been asked a stark contrasts in living conditions - We were refused entry to Nablus ru1d ru1d Palestiniru1s, said they must have year ago which 'side' was being occupied between Palestinian towns littered with discovered later that it was because • hope.jpr. the future or they could not by whom, or to describe any other rubbish bags because there is no where several people, including two children, continue to live; they said a two state particular details or events, I could not to take it, scattered with un-cleared from Balle refugee camp had been killed solution is most likely but t11at tl1eir real have been sure. In fact my knowledge rubble from destroyed buildings and that morning, (on retunting home we \\ish is for one state - a land inliabited was so limited and mostly sourced from homes built out of need, but nevertheless discovered not a word of this had been peacefully by tl1e people of Palestine and the occasional, usually brief, national illegally built because of the impossibility reported by the British press). Israel side by side. There seem to be few media coverage of major events, so that of obtaining a building pemtit, and the Most striking was tl1e courage of the ru1d inadequate e,,.-planations why this is when I was given tl1e chance to take part green grassed Israeli settlements (where ordi11ary people continuing tl1eir every not really possible. in a ten day trip to Palestine, on a 'fact the plants gets more water tlian the day lives despite the hardsltips: the Wall Emily Freeman finding mission', organised by Rev. John Palestinian people), have olive trees Butler of Chaplaincy, replanted from Palestinian land to Emlly Freeman In a member of my first reaction was negative. To me the decorate the roundabouts; having CNO Cymru who completed Middle East was a dangerous place, I witnessed "security" checkpoints in t11e her A Levels at Ysgol Gyfun wasn't sure I wanted to get mixed up in it all. wall, built to keep checks on who passes Pantycelyn, Llandovery In the through in case any are dangerous, but summer of 2005. During her 'gap year' she has made and I feel ashamed now of that reaction. After can be left wunanned and open; and sold crepes from a street having spent ten days travelling the having met tl1e admirable people of caravan In Scotland; the lands of Palestine and Israc~ staying in Palestine; from our tour guide who had represented Wales at a Youth city ofBethlehern, amongst the wonderful been arrested as a child for the Peace Conference In MIian; Palestinian people, my opinions have, "political" crime of carrying books in t11e worked In the office of Member obviously, changed. The experience is one street, but who, despite it all, had kept of the European Parllament In I shall never forget, even if only because of his sense of humour about life, to the Brussels; helped organise the the sad trutl1 that the problems tl1ere are tour organiser who plrumed meetings Social Forum Cymru, and Is unlikely t o be qu.ickly resolved. While ,ve and trips for us to meet ru1d see people currently taking part In a 'For - must and can do everything possible to and places that he, as an ex-political Motlier Earth"' Dlaannament encourage peace, there is little chance prisoner, could never meet and see; the ,Gatnp· In Belgium. In that it \vill come quickly. lively children ofWadi Fuquim, whose September she begins a village would soon be broken up by the degree course at Edinburgh Reporting on tl1e situation itself is a corning of the wall (which already looms University. difficult task, not only because of the over them on a nearliy hill), to the Soldiers checking school bags great tragedies tliat must be recalled; the students ofBierzeit University who sad conditions that people in the land of continued to attend lectures despite the review Palestine must face every day and the fact that their I 5minutejoumey now takes A Kaleidoscope of Cultures memories of civilian deaths that are so an hour and half because a new Israeli To Babel and Back by Robert Minhlnnlck. often remembered in everyday checkpoint has been set up on the road; conversation, but also because of the the teachers of Hebron who refused to Seren2005 £7.99 ISBN1-85411-401-8 obvious propaganda released by Israelis pass through a checkpoint to get home A worthy winner of the Welsh Book of the Year Prize, Robert Minhinnick's new and Palestinians in an effort to win the because their pregnant colleagues were book of essays has, as a ruruting U1eme, an impressionistic narrative of his world over to their 'side'. Reading being forced to go through the x ray quest to link the mining ofurru1ium in Arizona and its ultimate use as depleted through the great many articles, reports, machines ... the list of these people and uraniun1 in Iraq during tl1e First Gulf War. The essays are a reminder, if we need informative guides both 'official' and by their stunning feats of 'everyday' courage could be listed for pages. one, of the way the world is run on our behalf: victims are created at all stages of individuals and groups ofbotl1 'sides', a long and complicated chain of misery and death, from cancer hospitals in can feel like being accosted by two America to an underground Baghdad shelter turned morgue for 400 people children who have been in a fight, both Our trip took us on a tour ofBethlehem city, to see the graffiti-decorated Wall; a (mainly women and children) by a Cruise Missile. His description of the latter is clamouring for sympathy and attempting an especially fine piece ofwriting . to make out that it was the other who police station destroyed by an Fl6 bomber (we were told that it is actually Alongside this core Minhiunick presents a kaleidoscope of times and cultures started it. illegal to use these in civilian areas); experienced in his role as a travelling poet. He celebrates tl1e diversity and local This, along \vith the challenge of distinctiveness of humanity as well as our common desire for happiness, chronicling the history without tl1e bullet marks on walls of the church of the nativity, there since the siege in 2002; the pleasure and rightness. chronicler appearing to be stereotyping The book is not always an easy read, a,nd at ,tuwis. you c311 feel the poet roads that can be seen by Palestinian or championing any particular reli~ous savouring the sound of words to give a density of prose which the more people but is not accessible because of a group, means there is little truly obJecnve inlpatient reader might feel delayed the narrative energy. However, like replacing surrounding lethal electric fence, and the literature on the subject. Even then, so fast with slow food tltis book rewards the effort of slow reading. It allows us, roadblocks restricting movement in and called "unbiased" reports can be like Minhinnick, to ponder a fine sunset or a well made margharita or the out of the city. We also toured various misleading - for example the BBC, pleasures of eating in Florence-a "feeding Firenze" . areas ofJerusalem ; saw Muslims being allegedly dedicated to giving a frur and One comes away from Babel with renewed faith in ourselves and the feehng tliat stopped and checked, always watched, un-judgemental version of the news, has we should "declare" peace more frequently and find another word for on their way to and from their place of reported that the Separation Wall hes on announcing the misery of war. worship - the Dome of the Rock • on the the border between Palestine and Israel, Final note. On the shortlist with 'To Babel and Back' was an elegant and huniane holy day; saw people being beaten on when in fact it closes in on the land of thriller lee Trap by Kitty Sewell which links Cardiff and the Canadian Arctic. the street by men wearing balaclavas Palestine slowly but surely, leaving Tltis won the BBC readers Prize and is also recommended. niarked "police" and passing ltitchhiking ordinary Palestinia11 people unable to Martin Fitton Israelis at the side of the road, openly access their land that has ended up on tlie carrying niachine guns. We walked tl1e heddwch 5 Israeli side ofthe wall. nuclear power wylfa Lessons from Chernobyl Ynys Mon needs you! MEP island threatened by nuclear dinosaurs I vlvldly remember hearing the news of a nuclear reactor explosion In the Soviet Union twenty years ago and watching with horror those The nuclear debate Is hot on Ynys Mon, the Isle of Anglesey. At Issue desperate scenes on television of emergency workers flying over the is the future of the Island's Wylfa nuclear power site, once Its long burning reactor to drop sand and concrete In an attempt to put out the overdue 2010 deadline for closure Is past. This vast concrete bunker fire. Nothing though, brings It home like my experience of visiting on the northernmost coast of Wa les already houses twin 490MW Chernobyl, on the northern boundary of Ukraine In April this year; Magnox-fuelled reactors. The County Councll, the Island's Labour MP seeing at first hand the ongoing damage caused to people and the and the constituency La bour party are all urging us to 'GO NUCLEAR I' environment. Wylfa Is back on the agenda, and since May 2006 we know that Tony On this 20th anniversary of the world's home. Around 500 people oftl1e 130,000 Blair wants his legacy to be ' Radiation, Radiation, Radiation'. worst civil nuclear disaster there are still people evacuated to the Ukraine have over 350 fanns in Wales under returned. The pro-nuclear lobby claims that the restrictions because of radioactive Standing in front of Unit 4 of the power existing Wylfa nuclear power station is a contamination carried on the wind from station I was lost for words. The geiger shining example ofsafet y and good Chernobyl. There is an increasing rate of counter carried at all times by our management practice.They cancer incidence amongst the population Ukranian govenunent guide displayed a conveniently forget a series of of the worse affected areas of northern 'radiation reading' several hundred sig1lilica111 accidents, one of which Ukraine and southern Belams. times above nonnal. The remains of the resulted in half a nlillion pounds in fines nuclear reactor had been hastily covered for theoperators in 1994. Theyclaim Exclusion Zone in a concrete shell, wllich is itself now nuclear power is reliable, ignoring For centuries to come there will be a 35 leaking. We were only permitted to Wylfa's repeated and lengtl1y shut­ mile dian1eter highly contaminated remain for 20 minutes. The radioactivity downs. They say our model in Wales "exclusion zone" arow1d the nuclear site released in the 1986 blast was equivalent should be the new reactor being built at at Chernobyl. As part ofour visit form the to that released by 200 Hirosllima and Olkiluoto in Finland, regardless ofthe , and with prior Nagasaki bombs. fact Uiat Uiat project was rushed permission, we were allowed to enter this Uuough planning stages with indecent "zone", but only after first passing Nuclear wasteland haste;the design was not perfected through two checkpoints. Abandoned in a field near U1e plant before production began, is already Titis 962 square mile area encloses land itself are U1e rusting remains of bellind schedule ,vit11 serious doubts considered unsafe for anyone to live on radioactively contamillllted helicopters, being raised as to U1e integrity of U1e for hundreds of years and includes fire engines and 0U1er macllinery used in construction nllltcrials. forests, villages and large towns as well the days follO\ving the disaster. We only as the site of the reactor itself. While stayed a few minutes and were warned Any jobs or safe jobs? ofrenewable energy, micro-generation driving around the zone we barely saw not to get too close because of the For Ynys Mon MP Alben Owen and and . anotl1er person or vehicle. In tl,e foresl I radioactive con1aminalion. l.nunediately Gareth Winston Rooc:tts,-C , ever n an 1s and better suited to this saw 1he remains of houses with trees following U1e accident, 237 emergency tl1e issue is all about jobs and little else. task, wi tl1 its o!Ishore tidal surges and growing through tl1e roof and pieces of workers developed acute radiation One would not think that U1ey and their currents, its ,vind, waves and sunshine? garden furniture still out after being sickness and 47 died. It is a cllilling predecessors had already had 43 years to consider the creation of alternative jobs. Join the campaign! lurrriedly abandoned twenty years ago. reminder oftl1e hwnan sacrifice of the PAWB 's first campaign was in the 1980s emergency services and the hunlllll cost They say that closure will destroy U1e Empty city island's economy, as jobs will be lost at and 90s. Its second campaign was of this disaster. launched at Aberystwytl1 in February It is an eerie experience to walk around a There are still a lot of unanswered Wylfa itself (although decomissioning 2005. The first round looks set to be lost ghost town with no traffic or people. questions about the Chernobyl disaster will itself be a major employer) and also at by the pro-nuclear lobby who have been Pripyat is one such place. It was a and its consequences but there is one U1e Anglesey Alunuliwn Metal plant at calling for a two-year ex1ension to the life modem town built to house the lesson we can learn from it. Nuclear Pemhos, Holyhead, wllich employs 540 of the existing station, despite Peter Hain Chernobyl plant workers and tl1eir power is not safe and tl1e 'nuclear workers. Serious stuff indeed. Anglesey having estimated the cost of safety families and was one of tl1e first places to experiment' has failed. After my visit I'm Alw11inwn claims it depends on nuclear checks for tllis exercise to run to£ I00 be evacuated after the ex'tent of the more determined tllllll ever to keep power at Wylfa to maintain production, million; even though supply and accident became public knowledge. The can1paigning for a Nuclear Free Wales. because under a confidential agreement only people there now are tl1e scientists it receives cheap subsidised eletricity to processing of fuel would no longer be and government maintain its smelting operation. Its available at sites in England (and that tllis officials who monitor energy needs are incredible: it currently closure was obligatory under tl1e tl1e contamination and usesnearly 12%ofall electricity intenllltional OSPAR Treaty). So much travel there from consumed in Wales. So how did U1e plant political posturing and spin, U1en. manage during the recent 18 montl1 outside the zone. The next stage will be difficult, for U1e reactor shutdown? It got its electricity nuclear lobby is detennined to get its way Returned from U1e national grid. Anglesey and tl1ere is talk of 'pre-licensing' stations evacuees Alunlinium is owned by two inunensely in order to bypass detailed plamting Although it is illegal to weaJtl1y corporations: Kaiser Alw11iniwn enquiries and local democracy. PAWB , live within Ulis area and Chemicals (49%) and Rio Tinto Zinc WANA, Greenpeace, Friends oftl1e Earth some people have (51 %), wllich is also involved in urailiwn Cymm, individual sympatllisers and returned, preferring to nlining. Is there really no way forward, or political parties will need all tl1e support gamble witl1 their is it all about profits and damn the tl1cy can get to 11in. They will need help heaJtl1 ratl1er than consequences? become refugees. I met from all in Wales and beyond. The one of U1ese people, a Let us make it absolutely clear. PAWB political barometer nlllY be currently set farmer in his seventies. wants to sec job creation and industrial to 'w1certain', but in Ynys Mon it ,vill be His village had been evacuated several development in this seriously deprived set to stonny for some time to come. Steele days after the disaster and he had been JIii Evans, Chair of CND Cymru area, but we want to see jobs wllich are Phil taken to U1e capital city, Kiev. When later and Plaid Cymru MEP visited safe for the workers, for tl1e public and heddwch action given a house in anotl1er rural area he Chernobyl with a delegation of for U1e environment. We want to see said tllllt the land was so poor that he European Members of Wales become a beacon of research, Contact PAWB: 01248490715 and his family returned to their original Parliament. development and production in the fields Pbll stult@btJntemet,com heddwch 6 peace tax campaign Marie Walks to Court Act to Keep Wales 19a1-2oos ~ In June Marie Walsh walked the 19 miles from Oakdale, near Caerphilly Nuclear-Free .------~ Greenham to Abergavenny. She was to appear heddwch action Celebration One way that we can protect ourselves In Court for withholding that part of In 1982, Wales proudly became p • • and our families, Is by ensuring that all ICn IC her ta>ces which are being used for the first nation In the world to our local authorities are members of On September 5th 1981, a group mllltary purposes. Wendy Lewis, one declare Itself to be nuclear-free, of seven campaigners who joined her the Wales Nuclear Free Forum, that of women who had left Wales 9 Every county and many district they appoint representatives that on the walk, talked to Marie and and community councils joined attend regularly and actively brief their days earlier arrived at Greenham updates heddwch readers on the the Nuclear-Free Local Authorities Councils and the public. Contact them: Common In southeast England. Peace Ta>c Campaign. (NFLA). Many other nations have Keith Davies, Wales Nuclear Free The purpose of the march was to Wendy: When didyo u begin campaigning since followed this example. Forum, Emergency Planning, highlight the protest against the for a peace tax and what got you started? Even after local authority Cynon Taff, The Pavilions, Cambrian 96 nuclear-armed US Cruise Marie: My protest began in January 2003. Park, Clydach Vale, Tonypandy, CF40 MJssiles to be sited at the RAF/ reorganisation In 1995, all 22 new At that time, we were working hard to try to 2XX. USAF base on the Common. The Counties became members of the prevent an attack on Iraq, and I read about If your council ls not listed as being a peace camp was set up that night and Wales Nuclear Free Forum. the Peace Tax Seven's stand and thought: member of the Wales Nuclear Free remained there continuously until "I could do that". It now appears that as a result of Forum, please contact your County September 5"' 2000. Women in their I wrote to the Inland Revenue and ex'Plained pressure from the Government and CouncillorandtheChalroftheCounty thousands from all over the world Councillor and encourage them to join my conscientious objection to war and that misinfonnation being pedalled by the -using the Information above. found their way to Greenham to join the I did not want to be responsible for an nuclear industry, some Local tf your council Is llsted as being a protest, and those who were unable to unprovoked attack on another country. I Authorities are using the excuse of member of the Wales Nuclear Free go but who supported the camp ex1>lained I was going to withhold 10% 'economy' to allow their memberships Forum, please write and encourage and its work were still part of f (roughly the percentage we pay for the to lapse. Yet it has been shown that your Councillor to ensure the Council Ihe movement - as 'Greenham · military) of tax due. I said I would save that the membership fee is less than the ,_r'"'e""'m'""'a""ln""'s"-a"-"-m:.::eaama.::b:.::e;.;.ar.'------' Women were everywhere' . It money until the right is established to pay average annual expenses of one was the most audacious demonstration it into an alternative 'peace' fund. County Councillor. The councils that War: not Family of personal and collective Wendy: So what happened then? have remained members are Caerphilly, responsibility by women since the time Marie: For quite a while, nothing much. , Denbighshire, Flint, Entertainment of the Suffragettes. The tax office replied quite sympathetically Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, Bridgend, The ever active and alert Wrexham The nuclear missiles were installed in but said that it wasn' t possible for me to Rhondda Cynon Taff, Torfaen, Newport Peace and Justice Forum attended 1983 and eventually removed in choose how my taxes were spent . Each and Merthyr. Now, peace, an Army Recruitment Fair In Chirk 1991 and 1992. The ancient Greenham year after that I calculated what I owed, environmental and political activists with the aim of Informing as many Common, closed to the public and paid 90% ofit and rested my position. And need to group together to lobby young people as possible about occupied by the military for more than they would write back saying "Sony, you councillors in the defaulting authorities the possible effects of the Armed j 60 years was re-opened on April can 't do that" . At some point they also and insist that they are brought back Forces BIil currently going through ~"• 2000. In October 2002 the _ started adding interest. I only owed a small into the Wales Nuclear Free Forum. parliament. Amongst the small rlnt Greenham and Commemorauve an1ount (unpaid tax plus interest ofaround Nuclear Issues In Wales of this BIii ia a c a use whereby Site' was inaugurated, IDIIOOl16 £135 over 3 years) this may have been partly All local authorities have those In the military who object to they&l's" of challenge anastiifggle - - why they waited so long to take me to court. responsibilities for public safety and carrying out an order on grounds over the issues of nm;lear weapons and Wendy: But they did take you to court environmental protection. Specific of conscience could be sent to of the occupation of the land. eventually? How did that feel? nuclear issues directly affecting a prison for life. The nuclear silos and the SU;fOunding Marie: At first I did feel 'wobbly'. But I saw Council's capacity to carry out these The group leafleted schoolchildren area on Greenham Common are now this as an opportunity to highlight the issue. duties are: (free coaches had provided for schools protected under the ternlS of the 1979 I planned this 'peace walk' to Court and • The operation and decommissioning by the MoD), and picketed near the Ancient Mo_numents and informed the press. The support was of nuclear power stations in Wales and entrance to the event, at the very least Archaeological Areas Act, as one of the fantastic and I'd like to thank everyone near its borders. making students aware that there is key monuments of the Cold War. The walked with me and leafleted; supported • Resistance to new nuclear build in or another point of view about the site 1s regarded by English Heritage as me at the court or in other ways. near Wales in defiance of public desirability ofa military career. a being of national importance and It was frustrating to be told in court that opinion. There were complaints to the police g_lobal significance. Ifonly all military the magistrates were not empowered to take • Overflying of US nuclear weapons about the sentiments expressed in the sites could become redundant group's 'Dying to Join or Joining to monuments commemorating the folly of my argun1ents into account. They said that over South Wales en route to England . Die' banner, hung across a bridge on a the hwuan race! the hUlllan rights case I was making is for a • Transport and storage of tons of higher court. They awarded the 'Liability slip road. The Wrexham Peace and ,------, nuclear waste from the many nuclear Order' to the Inland Revenue despite the Justice activists complained to the heddwch action power stations due to be current progress of the Peace Tax Seven's police that they objected to an event Come plcnlcklngl All Greenham decommissioned. case through the European Court. inviting children to learn to kill. The Women everywhere will be • Safety of nuclear armed and nuclear Wendy: Andyou have to go back to court banner across the road remained. toasted and commemorated at a on ]" August. What's likely to happen powered submarines operating in seas Near the end of the second day of the celebration picnic to be held at off the Welsh coastline. then? event, some 'puzzled' military officers the Commemorative Site on Marie: I think the Court will issue an Order • A nuclear incident or accident could approached the campaigners, informing September 2nd at 2pm. It la hoped for Distraint, and I'll then get a visit from release radionucleides, which, as can them that the army was all about to unveil a new sign about the the bailiffs to remove property from my we have experienced.from Chernobyl, building hospitals and schools in far off sit~-~ record the march by the home. Personally I think I'd rather go to know no boundaries. Farmers over a lands. Their reply to one activist's 'Women for Life on Earth' from prison, but I'm taking it one step at a time. large area of North Wales know this to question "Then why do you need all Wales and to pay tribute to all the Wendy: Ifpeople agree with you, haw can their continuing cost. these tanks and guns?" was "You don't thousands of woman throughout know anytl1ing about politics!". Britain and Internationally who tltey support you? All tl1ese issues are of vital importance Wrexham Peace and Justice Forun1 are Joined the protest against nuclear Marie: Phone me between 8 and 9am to the future health and safety of the following up their action with further weapons. To contribute towards (01495220400). people of Wales, their children and letters to school heads, governors and the coat of sign or for more For details about the Peace Tax Campaign grandchildren. The briefing material contact : www.conscienceonline org.uk the press. They say "We hope that in details please contact Sarah provided by the NFLA provides the 0870 777 3223 or+44(0)20 7561 1061 time it will be politically unacceptable Hlpperaon: 020 8989 4819 best and most trusted contact ~ for the army to show its face in schools, sarab,blpperson@vlrqln,nat source ofinformation www peacetaxseven com/withhold.html and that schools will stop colluding in www.greanhamwpc,orq,yk Peace Tax Seven, Woodlands, Ledge regarding nuclear hazards, the recruitment ofch ildren to this killing '------' Hill,Market Lavington,Wiltshire SNIO 4NW for Local Authorities. business." heddwch 7 --- diary dates Join the heddwch isthe July29" • August 12" Campaign COULPORT< SCOTLAND ( agazine 1 International Disarmament Camp for Nuclear @of the Trident Ploughshares 0845 45 88 Wales 366 [email protected] Disarmament! Campaign for August 4t h - 12" {:;; National Eisteddfod CND Cymru There has nev ' Nuclear tent Come along and help - or Disarmament visit! Contact: Jan and Brian been a more ID Jones (01792) 830 330 important time to b; (CND Cymru). August 16" - 20" WEST WALES part of the reasoned CND Cymru works to Earth First! Gathering Contact: voice of sanity in EF!, 38, Wells Road, Colchester Wales Nurtures Hope rid Britain and the COl 2YW 0845 223 5254 Wales. World of all weapons of The Social Forum Cymru took place in April over [email protected] Join CND Cymru and mass destruction, the May Day holiday weekend across the ,-A-ug_u_s_t-17-,-,B_R_I_D_G_E_N_D_ Q_u-ak_e_r ....j SU ppo rt the biggest for peace and human welcoming and beautiful town of Aberystwyth. Meeting House, (87, Park grassroots non party and Through workshops, talks, exh ibitions and other Street) Dr. Selma Al-Taha political campaigning environmental justice. speakingontheeffectsof organisation in the events, wel l over 1000 people examined political depleted uranium on the people and environmental problems and discussed how Comment, letters and of Iraq.Contact: George Crabb country. things could be improved for all life on the articles for publication 01446 77 4 452 are welcome. [email protected] CND Cymru embraces planet. August24"7.30pmCARDIFF groups and At a final ra lly at Aberystwyth Castle on May Day Editor: Temple of Peace Public Meeting individuals who can the following declaration was read out: Jill Stallard with Dr. Selma Al-Taha participate at any (01495) 773 180 (see above) Social Forum Cymru is pleased to stand [email protected] ~------1 level they like - from alongside other national, regional and civil September1"·1S"BRISTOL d" 'h dd h' on Trial Paul Milling and rea Ing e we society fora working for environmental and Translator: Margaret Jones return to Crown and talking about the social justice and peace in the world: we Sian Edwards Court for their trial.See story issues with friends s [email protected] .co .uk (page 4) wish to nurture hope. and colleagues, ✓~ Social Forum Cymru fully endorses the Printed and posted: September 2•• 10:30 am - 5 pm through letter ~ ­ principles of the Porto Alegre (Brazil) World Redkite Print LONDON Preventing Trident Replacement Strategy Conference writing, silent vigils Social Forum. We are united in our (01591) 610 844 TUC Congress House, Great and protests, to determination to work to halt the redkiteprint@ thefreellyer.com Russell Street. Sponsored by South-East Region TUC. All getting out there and concentration of wealth, the proliferation of Welcome. More info: Ben Folley non-violently poverty and the destruction of our planet. 0207 700 [email protected] disarming a missile! For three days in Aberystwyth we have September 23'' MANCHESTER been the change we wanted to see in the "No Trident Replacement" Let's work together world-and discussetl how we can work Demonstration to build a sustainable together and take actions locally, to make On eve of Labour Party end cymru conference. The first nationar world governed by safer and sustainable communities in Wales demonstration to include a true peace and contacts specifically anti-nuclear message and the world. for many years! More justice. Let's make We offer an invitation to all individuals, www.cndcymru.org information: www.cnduk.org weapons of mass groups and organisations who care about chair: BUS FROM ABERYSTWYTH destruction - and the Jill Evans MEP Time To Go: Aberystwyth Peace human rights and the environment, to join (01824)709 700 and Justice Network will run a excuse for them, a in and act creatively at this crucial time for bus from Aberystwyth to the thing of the past. our planet. [email protected]. int demonstration The cost will be around £10 (£5 unwaged) and , Ordinary people are We call on our elected representatives to vice chairs: there is the possibility of picking the overlooked and recognise, encourage and actively work with Brian Jones up passengers en route. For (01792) 830 330 bookings and enquiries contact sidelined super the wealth of experience and opportunity Tom: [email protected] power in the world! there is within all our communities; to truly Olwen Davies ( m id Wales) understand the hunger for real justice and (01970) 611 994 September 30" 11.00am • 3pm Membership Rates: peace and to respect the needs and CND Cymru Cyngor (Council) Family/household/couple:£30 Ray Davies (south Wales) Meeting All members and Individual:£20 aspirations of people in Wales. (029 20) 889 514 delegates from affiliated groups Unwaged household/couple:£15 welcome: contact National CND Cymr~ Singing for Peace and Hope Secretary (see Con,tactef. ~ Pensioner/youth/student/ membership & details. ' unwaged single:£10 AG M A new campaigning choir was launched in affiliations: ✓ Aberystwyth this July to sing songs of Monica Bradley September 2"GREENHAM Make cheques payable to 'CND The Annual Meeting of peace and justice. There are already 20 COMMON Commemorative Picnic Cymru'. Send with your name CND Cymru will be held members and more arc very welcome. 7, Brook Terrace, Mochdre , (see story page 7) and address to: on November 18" 2006. The choir is for people who feel strongly Newtown SY16 4JG (01686) 626 350 September 21" CARDIFF Temple Monica Bradley, Membership Members of CND Cymru about issues of peace and justice, to sing of Peace Day of P.eace Event Secretary, CN D Cymru 7, Brook and delegates may submit together in harmony. The intention is to [email protected] CND Cymru lunchtime event. Terrace, Mochdre, Newtown SY16 resolutions for celebrate, and to support those Everyone welcome! Contact: Ray 4JG consideration and campaigning fo r non-violent solutions to trading Davies (see Contacts) (01686) 626 350 nominations fo r the elected problems in the world. Jan Jones posts of Chairperson and As yet the choir is undecided about a (01792) 830 330 September 29"7, 30•mKNIGH TON four Vice-Chairpersons. name, perhaps - "Cor Hcddwch" or "Cor Powys Martin Bell: 'Confessions October 28" - 29'' LONDON No Current post-holders may Gobaith". treasurer: More Fallujahs. A weekend of of a War Thug' organised by be re-nominated. Please If you live in easy distance of Jean Bryant, Knighton Action for Peace & non-violent resistance to the send nominations and Aberystwyth and would like to si ng with 16,Ty'n y Cymer Close, Justice Contact: 01547 523 833 occupation of Iraq on 2nd anniversary of the November 2004 motions fo r resolution to like-minded people, you arc welcome to Porth, Y Rhondda CF39 9DE October 1" - 8" EVERYWHERE US/UK massacre in Fallujah. the National Secretary (by join in. No previous experience ofs inging Keep Space for Peace Organised by Voices in the September 30'') (see in a choir is necessary. Songs are taught by national secretary International Week of Protest to WIiderness.Contact: 0845 458 Contacts on this page). ear. The choir practices al the Quaker & heddwch editor : Stop the MIiitarisation of Space 9571 [email protected] www.j•n•v.org The venue of the meeting Meeting House, Maes Maelor, Penparcau, www.space4peace.org 7:,U) November 13th·16th Red Dragon has yel lo be confirmed. Aberystwyth . Jill Stallard, Y Drain www.yorkshirccnd-0 rg.uk days at Faslane (see page 3) All members and delegates Wednesdays at 6pm on August 9th, 16th Gwynion, Heol yr Eglwys, October 14" - 15" BRADF ✓, Come along! Time for you to act! welcome. Please contact and 23rd, and then every week from Talywaun, Pontypool NP4 7EF British CNDAnnual Conference See www.fo, lanc365.org and/or the National Secretary for September. Conta ct: Susie Euna ls (0149 5) 773 180 Contact 0207 700 2393 contact CND Cymru sec Contacts) more information. 01970 612 657 [email protected] uk. heddwch 8 to mark the 2nd anniversary of the November 04 US/UK massacre in Fallujah and oppose the continuing violent assaults NO MORE FALLUJAHS

. including: . peace journey & 24 hour peace encampment in Parliament Square op.posite the· Houses of Parliament , www.rememberfallu.jah.org Remember Fallujah ... In November 2004, the US - with British assistance - launched a massive assault against the Iraqi city of Fallujah, almost totally destroying it, killing hundreds of civilians, forcing tens of thousands of people to flee their homes, and using white phosph.orus - a substance that burns down to the bone - as a weapon.

Since then at least 21 other Iraqi towns and cities have been - and continue to be - attacked by US forces. Fallujah has been turned into a virtual police state and evidence of atrocities by US-led forces - such a's the recently exposed massacre in Haditha - continues to mount.

2 April 2006: ... and resist 300 protestors hold an "unauthorised" Join us on 28/29 October for a 4-hour protest against weekend of nonviolent resistance to the occupation the ongoing occupation of Iraq. of Iraq in Parliament Square. Sat 28 Oct: Peace journey from the UK's military nerve centre in Northwood to Central London Meet 11 am, Northwood tube station Sun 29 Oct: "Unauthorised" 24-hour peace camp in Parliament Square to demand an end to the occupation Assemble 12 noon, Parliament Square. The camp will begin with Maya Evans and Milan Rai reading the names of 100 Iraqis who have died as a result of US/UK military action in Iraq - one year after their arrest for doing this in Oct 2005. Please note: Under the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act participation in such an "unauthorised" demonstration is a criminal offence punishable by a fine of up to £1000.

Aecom modation will be available on GET INVOLVED! request for 27 and 28 October. . Sponsor a tent: a donation of £15 will enable us to buy one tent (see tear-off slip below). All Organised. by: the Mass Action Group and tents not in police custody on 30 October will be . supported by Brent Stop the War, Iraq . distributed amoog the sponsors! Occupation Focus, JNV, London Region Speakers: contact us if you would like to have CND, Norwich Stop the War, London someone .come and spea~ to your group ~ Catholic Worker and Voices.UK. Fallujah and the weekend of nonviolent r:tsisl ance. Speakers fnclu_. M!l~-Who've Contact: 0845 458 2564 or travelled to Falluiah and Maya',,Eftns. vo ices@voicesu k.org . Anti-war att: contact us if you would like to For more info see: cootfibute to a display of anu,,.war art to the tents In the peace camp. ·www.rememberfallujah.org ae-corate ------·------D I would like to sponsor a tent and enclose £ __ (min £ 15) . . D I would like to host a speaker event about Fallujah and the weekend of nonv1olent resistance □ Please send me ·20/50/100/200 (delete as appropriate) copies of this flier name ...... address ...... : ...... 7...... '...... email ...... tel ...... -...... Please refurn to Voices UK, 5 Caledonian Rd , London N1 9DX.