Irish Anti War Movement Bulletin

Dublin march to US embassy a big success
Over 1000 people braved pelting rain to march from Dublin City centre to the US embassy on Saturday in a march organised by the IAWM..
In a clearly political move the gardai refused to allow the march down Grafton St and barricaded the street off. However, the move helped get even more publicity for the demonstration and generated substantial public support at the point where the gardai denied the protesters access to the street.
After explaining the political motivation for the gardai move to passers-by the protest then moved on to the US embassy for a rally.
For a change the protest recieved considerable coverage in the media.

150 March in Belfast against War
Belfast Against War which is also affilliated to the IAWM also pulled 150 people onto the streets in lively protest against Bush and Blair's war drive. The protest which saw catholic and protestant united in opposition to war is a welcome counterpoint to the usual news of sectarian conflict in the north we get in the media.

300 march in Shannon December 8th.
The day after the Dublin and Belfast marches a protest also took place in Shannon organised by the grass-roots gathering. The protest was very lively and also revieved good media coverage.

Fothcoming calendar of events
At the Dublin protest the IAWM also announced a series of forthcoming anti events.

Wednesday December 18th - Fundraiser Gig.
Featuring: The Kings Mistake, Zrazy, Sevens, Mary Stokes, Driver, Hazel O Conor, Sonny Condell, Jennifer Lee & DJ Phantom.
in Temple Bar Music Centre. Doors Open 7.30pm til late. Tickets â?¬12/10 concession. Available from Temple Bar Music Centre or tel: 087-6329511

Tuesaday December 31st - Picket
Department of Foreign Affairs, Stephen's Green, Dublin. Assemble 1pm.
Ireland's Last Day on the UN Security Council - What a waste!
This picket is to protest against the disgraceful failure of the Irish government to use their position on the UN sacurity council to opposse the US war drive over the last year.

Saturday January 18th - National Demonstration at Shannon Airport
US Military Out of Shannon - No to War
Assemble Front Entrance Shannon Airport at 2pm.
Busses travelling from Dublin and other towns across Ireland.
Bookings/details for Buses Tel: 087-6329511

Saturday February 15th European Day of Action Against War on Iraq.
Assemble 2pm Garden of Remembrance, Parnell Square, Dublin.
On this day mass demonstrations will take place in the capital cities of every country in Western Europe and many in Eastern Europe. The aim is to have literally millions come onto the streets simeltaneously against war across the continent. Our aim must be to get at least 10,000 people on the streets in Dublin that day. We must begin the building for it now. The Day of action was agreed by the delegates at the recent European Social Forum(ESF) in Florence where over one million marched against war.

I**Special Note In the event of the war starting. The ESF also agreed co-ordinated action across Europe in the event of the war on Iraq starting. The following was agreed:
The Day the bombing starts protests in every town and city centre at 6pm. In Dublin the protest will take place at the US embassy at 6pm. We are also pushing for walk-outs from workplaces, schools and colleges where possible.
The Saturday following the start of War. National demonstrations in the Capital cities of every country in Europe. The Dublin protest will assemble at 2pm at the central Bank Plaza, Dame St and will probably then move onto to the US embassy.
NB. By definition these protests will organised at very short notice. We will do our best to get leaflets and posters out at the time but this will be difficult. The key will be ordinary members of the IAWM and other anti war groups preparing now by getting involved with or building local anti war groups in your area. We already have local anti war groups in several areas in Dublin and around the country. If you would like to get involved in one or need help setting one up, contact us. Tel:353-87-6329511 or e-mail.