REGIONAL & BRISTOL ST0P-THE-WAR NEWS : MARCH 2006
[Covering South & South West, Wales & West Midlands]


NATIONAL DEMONSTRATION : SAT 18th MARCH 2006
Please see below for coach tickets and other related info.

You don't need to be affiliated to us to be publicised by us.
Email all your international events to our message board:
 Bristol-stop-the-war-coalition@yahoogroups.com
 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bristol-stop-the-war-coalition

South West news and events can also be posted on Bristol Indymedia:
 http://www.bristol.indymedia.org/
A printer friendly version is also available at the end of this link:
 http://www.bristol.indymedia.org/newswire.php?story_id=24723

RADIATION ALERT:  http://www.llrc.org/aldermastrept.pdf Radiation detectors at AWE Aldermastion recorded a fourfold increase in uranium levels in the atmosphere after the “shock and awe” bombing campaign against Iraq, according to a report. Environmental scientists who uncovered the figures through freedom of information laws say it is evidence that depleted uranium from U.S shells was carried by wind currents to Britain.



CONTENTS CODE : * New Section... ^ Updated Section...
~ Bristol / Regional Events... + National / International Events...


01) ^~+ National Demo: 18th March + Other Info
02) *~+ ‘Fairford 5’ House Of Lords Hearings
03) *~+ Peace Tax Seven News : 1st March
04) * + Remember Fallujah! : 2nd April
05) * + F365 - Makes Nukes History!
06) *~ MORE Bristol & Bath Events
07) *~ MORE South & South West Events
08) *~ MORE Wales & West Midlands Events
09) * + MORE National / International Events
10) ~ Local Vigils & Planning Meetings


GROUP DESCRIPTION : Bristol STW Coalition produces this newsletter to publicise events & activities in opposition to the so-called 'war on terror'. We are composed of groups & individuals with a wide variety of political & religious views. We are politically non-aligned, but we are also committed to oppose any racist backlash. Bristol STW is not a 'membership' organisation. Any one or group opposed to the 'war on terror' can consider themselves part of Bristol STW, or can continue to be publicised by us while choosing to organise independently of the Coalition. We don't claim (or seek) a monopoly over anti-war sentiment & activity in the city & recognise that many groups & individuals have their own ways of opposing the 'war on terror'. We are also dependent on individual donations for our funding, so if you are able to make a donation please send a cheque or postal order, payable to: Bristol Stop The War Coalition. Post: BSTWC c/o 23 Monmouth Rd, Bristol BS7 8LF. Or you can email us privately :  bristolstopwar@hotmail.com


EDITORIAL : WELCOME TO THE ‘LONG WAR’
Jeremy Clarke of Bristol-Stop-The-War Coalition writes: “Aware of the continuing unpopularity of the ‘war on terror’, George Bush has announced a re-branding. We now have ‘the long war’. At the same time, Britain is sending more troops into Afghanistan & supporting George Bush in propaganda & threats against Iran.
More on the ‘long war’ :  http://www.guardian.co.uk/Columnists/Column/0,,1703990,00.html
A United Nations report has called for the closure of Guantanamo Bay. Tony Blair can’t bring himself to do any more than call it an ‘anomaly’. A film based on the experiences of 3 British Asians who were imprisoned there was recently shown at the Berlin Festival. When 2 of the actors & 2 of the ex-prisoners returned to Britain they were questioned under the Terrorism Act.
Meanwhile, media reports in Britain concentrate on the ‘slide into civil war’ in Iraq & portray the US & British armies as peacekeepers. In fact they are occupiers & determined to force on to the Iraqi people a constitution a government which divides them & benefits the US & Britain. Iraqis, in many different ways, are resisting this. The turmoil in Iraq is a result of the invasion & occupation. It can’t be solved by the invaders & occupiers. They must leave now & let the Iraqi people decide their own future.
The ‘slide into civil war’ :  http://www.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,,1716598,00.html.
Most journalists never go outside the fortified zones of the occupiers & their reports are based on press briefings from US & British sources. So why are we are told that British troops are different to the Americans? Reports of ill-treatment of Iraqis by British troops are passed off as the work of a few ‘bad apples’. Why then have the local councils in the areas occupied by Britain withdrawn all co-operation with the British army?
More on ‘press briefings’ :  http://www.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,,1704737,00.html
Tony Blair told us that ‘history will judge’ whether he was right to send British troops to join the invasion of Iraq, It is said that history is always written by the winners. Blair may not get the verdict he expects. In Iraq, resistance to the occupation continues. Throughout the world on March 18th there will be demonstrations calling for the US & British troops to be brought home. Join us in London. Details of the coaches from Bristol can be found below. If you can’t come & want to show your support, send us a donation – again details below.”
Realities of life in Basra :  http://www.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,,1710827,00.html



01) NATIONAL DEMO : 18th MARCH + OTHER INFO
a) Bristol Coaches to London + Other Info
b) Financial Appeal From Tony Benn

1a) BRISTOL COACHES TO LONDON + OTHER INFO
If you would like leaflets to distribute with details of the demo & coaches from Bristol please email us at  bristolstopwar@hotmail.com If you want a ticket & can't get to these outlets, email us with your phone number & address & we will get a ticket to you. We’ll be organising street stalls across the city in the next few weeks, please also email us if you would like to help. If you aren't able to come on the 18th March but want to show support, we will happily accept donations towards the cost of coaches. Donation details are in the financial appeal below. Please buy your tickets as soon as possible, as this also helps us book more coaches.
COACHES LEAVE BRISTOL @ Anchor Rd, 8.30am on Sat 18th March.
TICKETS (£12 waged / £6 unwaged) AVAILABLE FROM:
Booty (formerly Greenleaf) 82 Colston St, Bristol BS1 5BB. Map:
 http://www.streetmap.co.uk/streetmap.dll?G2M?X=358598&Y=173249&A=Y&Z=1
Circle Books, 65 North St, Bristol , BS3 1ES. Map:
 http://www.streetmap.co.uk/streetmap.dll?G2M?X=358068&Y=171465&A=Y&Z=1
La Ruca, 89 Gloucester Rd, Bristol, BS7 8AS. Map:
 http://www.streetmap.co.uk/streetmap.dll?G2M?X=359016&Y=174970&A=Y&Z=1
1b) FINANCIAL APPEAL FROM TONY BENN : President Of Stop The War Coalition.
“18 March 2006 marks 3 years since the illegal invasion of Iraq. Since then over 100,000 lives have been lost & George Bush & Tony Blair are threatening future wars in Iran & Syria. 18/19 March 2006 have been designated international days of protest & actions are planned in dozens of countries, including the USA, UK, Iraq, India, Mali, Japan & at least 15 European countries. All demonstrations cost money to organise. Hundreds of thousands of leaflets & tens of thousands of posters are needed. Meetings have to be organised, staging & PA are needed, expenses for international speakers have to be paid, office administration has to be maintained, & much more. All opinion polls show the anti-war movement in Britain represents the majority view of the British people who opposed the war & want the occupation of Iraq to be ended.”
WAYS YOU CAN DONATE TO THE NATIONAL OFFICE:  http://www.stopwar.org.uk/
i) Phone the Stop The War national office on 0207 278 6694 to make a credit/debit card payment. ii) Send a cheque payable to "Stop The War Coalition" to Stop The War Coalition, 27 Britannia St, London WC1X 9JP.
iii) Donate online at  http://www.stopwar.org.uk/new/involved/joinonline.htm
PLEASE NOTE, BRISTOL NEEDS FUNDS TOO! : Donations to the national office are not used by local groups. To donate to Bristol Stop The War Coalition, please make cheques payable to `Bristol Stop The War Coalition' & post to BSTWC, 23 Monmouth Rd, Bristol, BS7 8LF. Many thanks.


02) ‘FAIRFORD 5’ & ‘MARCHWOOD 14’ LAW LORDS UPDATES
Related Links:  http://www.greenpeace.org.uk/ &  http://www.fairfordpeacewatch.com/
“Their Lordships are asked to decide: ‘Is a British court allowed to rule on whether a war started by a UK government is a crime?’ The hearing brings together the appeals of 19 people who took direct action against the Iraq war - including 14 already convicted Greenpeace defendants. 5 independent activists whose trials are still pending, are also appealing. The 'Fairford 5' seek to know what arguments they are allowed to use in their defence against charges of conspiracy & criminal damage. These actions were centred upon R.A.F Fairford in Gloucestershire, UK - where American B-52 bombers were waiting to launch the attack on Iraq that would begin the Iraq war in March 2003 - & Marchwood Military port in Southampton.”
LATEST UPDATES AND REPORTS: i) 23/02/06 : The legality of the Iraq war should be able to be questioned in court & not given the immunity of being an "act of state", the Law Lords have heard. ii) 22/02/06 : ‘Anarchy’ could prevail if protesters are allowed to argue that they were right to take action to prevent the Iraq war, Law Lords hear. iii) 20/02/06 : Guardian Report. A good brief background to each case and legal issues. iv) 16/02/06 : Greenpeace Press Release. More detailed account of each case and legal issues.
Read The Latest Reports In Full Here:  http://www.bristol.indymedia.org/newswire.php?story_id=24717
‘FAIRFORD 5’ BACKGROUND: “In March 2003, Paul Milling & Margaret Jones, Phillip Pritchard with Toby Olditch, & Josh Richards, all tried to prevent or delay the take-off of U.S B-52 bombers from Fairford Air Force base in Gloucestershire. These bombers were waiting to launch the attack on Iraq that would begin the Iraq war. In the case of Milling & Jones, the action involved disabling bomb carriers & support vehicles used to supply the B-52 bombers. All 5 say they were justified in their actions, because they aimed at preventing the commission of a far greater crime - that of 'aggression', of starting an unprovoked war against another country.
Lower courts have denied them this argument, saying that the alleged crime of attacking another country is a matter for international law, which cannot be ruled on in a British court. In pre-trial hearings, the Fairford 5 have been told they may say in their defence that they feared individual war crimes would be committed in Iraq - but not that the Iraq War itself would be a crime. They will stand trial at Bristol Crown Court later this year.”


03) PEACE TAX SEVEN NEWS : 1ST MARCH IS THE DATE!
Robin Brookes of ‘Peace Tax Seven’ writes : “At last! The Peace Tax Seven are to have the whole of their case heard in the Court of Appeal. This will be the first time ever that all the arguments which conscientious objectors have will be heard in a court which could affect the situation. So far these points have been put to small courts like Magistrate’s or County Courts but they are powerless to challenge the state’s laws. The Court of Appeal could make a judgement itself, which would be referred back to Parliament, or it could return our case to the High Court for a full judicial review. Even if they turn down our appeal, to have our case heard in full will be an historic moment in the journey towards a Peace Tax. If we are turned down, we will be free to take our case to the European Court & plans for that would begin immediately.
BACKGROUND :  http://www.peacetaxseven.com/ “The ‘Peace Tax Seven’ are a group of 7 ordinary people who are challenging current UK tax with regard to military expenditure. Current UK tax policy makes all taxpayers complicit in mass killing if they do their civic duty & pay their taxes; or it makes criminals of them if they follow their conscience, & refuse to fund war. However, like other aspects of UK law, the legal basis of UK tax policy is affected by the incorporation into UK law of the European Convention on Human Rights. The Peace Tax Seven believe the Convention creates a new context for legal thinking & policy-making about war taxation. Accordingly, they are seeking to safeguard their long-proclaimed freedom of conscience.”
FUNDRAISING :  http://www.peacepays.org “The peace tax campaign is launching a new website which will explain the alternative methods for resolving conflict which governments could use instead of killing people. There will be an official launch party at 6pm on the 2nd March to coincide with our case & the 90th anniversary of when the 1916 Conscription Act came into law. This will be at: Clerkenwell House, Hatton Wall - off Hatton Garden, London. Nearest tube station: Farringdon. All are welcome. It will be an invaluable tool in the progress towards a peaceful world. Please help us to raise more funds, we still need to find another £25,000.
CONTACTS: Email:  info@peacetaxseven.com Tel: Simon on 07981 680638 or Robin on 01380 812294.
Postal Address: Woodlands, Ledge Hill, Market Lavington, Wilts SN10 4NW.


04) REMEMBER FALLUJAH! : 2nd APRIL 2006
Related Link:  http://www.voicesuk.org Mass Civil Disobedience Against the Occupation of Iraq On the 2nd anniversary of the April 2004 Siege Of Fallujah. Sunday 2nd April 2006, 12 noon, Parliament Square.
REMEMBER! :  http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article10907.htm “The US used napalm in the siege of Falluja - as it leveled the city in order to ‘save it’ - as was reported in the UK Mirror (‘Falluja Napalmed’, 21/11/04) The Mirror said, “That President George Bush has sanctioned the use of napalm, a deadly cocktail of polystyrene & jet-fuel banned by the United Nations in 1980, will stun the world. Reports claim that innocent civilians have died in napalm attacks, which turn victims into human fireballs as the gel bonds flames to flesh.”
NAMING THE DEAD : ‘Join us in Parliament Square on 2 April 2006 to read the names of 1,000 Iraqis who have died as a result of the invasion & occupation of Iraq & to demand: - an immediate end to the US/UK military occupation of Iraq - massive reparations & debt cancellation so that Iraqis can rebuild their country free from foreign interference - prosecution of those responsible for war crimes.’
PLEASE NOTE: This demostration carries the risk of arrest, as this is an ‘unauthorised’ demonstration within 1km of Parliament. Under the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act (April 2005) participation in such an event is a criminal offence punishable by a fine of up to £1000.
LEGAL BRIEFING: Nonviolent Direct Action Workshop & Legal Briefing, Sat 1st April. The Front Studio, Diorama 1, 34 Osnaburgh St, London NW1 3ND. 11.30am - 4.30pm (NVDA workshop), 4.30pm - 5.30pm (legal briefing) Run by Seeds for Change & the Mass Action Group. Supported by JNV, the London Catholic Worker & Voices UK. For more info see  http://www.voicesuk.org or Tel: 0845 458 2564
COURT CASES PENDING: The following court dates are for outstanding cases of those who have been charged with holding similar ‘unauthorised’ demonstrations in the now restricted protest zone of Whitehall. All cases will be heard at Bow Street Magistrates Court, London. Support is welcome. i.) Tue 7th March. Chris Coverdale. ii.) Thu 16th March. Milan Rai. 10.30am (date likely to change). iii.) 31st March. Mark Barret.10am.
For Updates On Court Cases & Other Related Events, See:  http://www.peopleincommon.org
PLEDGEBANK PROTEST:  http://www.pledgebank.com/protest ‘I will form part of a human chain around the Westminster no protest zone but only if 6,000 other people will join in.’ Deadline To Sign Up: 1st May 2006


05) MAKE NUKES HISTORY! F365 - AN IDEA WHOSE TIME HAS COME
Related Link:  http://www.faslane365.org/ ‘October 1st 2006 will see the beginning of an audacious civil resistance initiative to apply critical public pressure for the disarmament of Britain's nuclear weapons.’
WHAT IS IT? The idea behind F365 is a simple but powerful one: invite a different group of several dozen people to blockade Faslane Scottish nuclear naval base every day, for a year.
WHY DO IT? Britain's Trident nuclear weapons are coming to the end of their shelf life. The British government is considering whether to replace Trident nukes with another lot of 'user-friendly' battlefield nuclear weapons. This raises the terrifying prospect of a nuclear weapon being used, for the first time since Hiroshima & Nagasaki. Then, 100,000 people were killed by a single blast. Many others died lingering deaths.
WHAT MAKES YOU THINK IT WILL WORK? This struggle to get rid of UK nukes, & free ourselves from depending on USA military policy into the bargain, is highly winnable. But it needs us all to do more than just write to our MP. Being prepared to get arrested for something you believe in, especially when thousands of others are doing it too, sends a strong message to those in power who would like to ignore us all.
WHAT WOULD A YEAR-LONG BLOCKADE ACHIEVE? The blockades at Faslane every year attract hundreds of people, & their arrests have clogged up the court system in Scotland. Now questions are being asked in the Scottish parliament. A year-long blockade will be something that even Parliament, & the public at large, are unable to ignore. There's loads of support for getting rid of nuclear weapons in Scotland.
HOW DO WE GET INVOLVED? Each group joining in F365 will be autonomous - responsible for making its own travel arrangements to & from Scotland, & for accommodation on arrival. Groups just need to contact a steering committee. The steering committee keep a calendar, & can tell which blockading days are taken, & which still available. The group or organisation then chooses its day.
WHEN DO WE START? The blockade begins this October 2006, & will continue till the autumn of 2007. So it's not too soon to start thinking about whether your group or organisation would like to take part.
BIT EARLY TO THINK ABOUT THIS, ISN'T IT? Like G8, it depends on getting the word out well ahead of time. We want F365 to be a household name. When the time comes, people won't want to be left behind!
HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE? Visit:  http://www.faslane365.org/ Email:  reforest@gn.org (national steering committee) or  nabataat@yahoo.co.uk (for the Bristol connection).


06) MORE BRISTOL & BATH EVENTS
a) *~ News : Bristol University Military Investments
b) *~ News : Bristol Dissent! Group Statement
c) *~ Book : ‘Political Expressions In Bristol & The South West’
d) *~ 1st March : Bristol ‘Muslims & The Left’ Meeting
e) *~ 11th March : Bristol Latin American Forum
f) *~ 19th March : ‘Bristol Link With Nicaragua’ Film Night
g) *~ 25th March : Bath Peace Concert
h) *~ 30th March : Bristol Palestine Solidarity Public Meeting
i) *~ 22nd June : Bristol-Stop-The-War Benefit Gig

6a) NEWS: BRISTOL UNIVERSITY MILITARY INVESTMENTS
Link:  http://www.bristolcaat.org.uk/ For the full text of the motion email Anna:  astavrianakis@hotmail.com Anna Stavrianakis writes: “Good news from Bristol Uni - the Students' Union AGM has passed a motion in favour of ethical investment. The Union will now lobby the University to commission an independent ethical audit of its present investments; to disinvest in Rolls Royce plc, Smiths Group plc (the 2 companies the endowment fund currently holds shares in) & any other companies considered by independent specialists to be incompatible with ethical-investment. That British universities hold over 40 million shares in arms companies. This university has 69,250 shares in Smith-Group plc & Rolls-Royce plc, comprising approximately 1.17% of the university's endowment fund. Both are major arms exporters, that fuel world conflict, for example; i) Rolls Royce engines power Hawk-jets that are currently been sold to some of the worlds biggest human rights abusers including Zimbabwe & Colombia; ii) Smiths Group produce missile trigger systems, & components for the Lochheed Martin F-16, that have both been used by Israel to attack Palestinians in the Occupied Territories.”

6b) NEWS: BRISTOL DISSENT! GROUP STATEMENT
Bristol Dissent! wishes to thank Kebele for its space & support. 14 Robertson Rd, Easton, Bristol, BS5 6JY. Tel: 0117 9399469. Email:  Kebelesocialcentre@riseup.net Bristol Dissent is covered in 'Shut Then Down', about the G8 protests. See:  http://www.bristol.indymedia.org/newswire.php?story_id=24640 “At a busy meeting on the 31st Jan a consensus was reached to wind up Bristol Dissent. The meeting highlighted the considerable achievements of the group; the hundreds of people who have been influenced by demos, meetings, discussions, actions & writings. The achievement of the largest anti-G8 Gleneagles demo outside Scotland. Despite millions spent by a virtual police state to stifle resistance, the meeting of the global elite was still disrupted. Bristol Dissent! came together for a specific purpose - to resist the G8 & discuss alternatives to their poisoned vision. Now the neo-liberal roadshow has moved on from these shores, it is time for the group to evolve. The remaining money the group held has been donated to local anti-GM & DSEi defendants. The email list remains open as a networking tool.” VISIT:  http://lists.aktivix.org/mailman/listinfo/dissent-bristol

6c) BRISTLE: ‘POLITICAL EXPRESSIONS IN BRISTOL & THE SOUTH WEST'
A Photo Archive 1998-2005. “200 full colour, A6 size pages, with nearly 500 different photos of stencils, murals, graffiti, subverts & other expressions which our cameras have been collecting for 7 years. Cost: £6 by post (cheques to 'Bristle' address below, or £5 from our stalls, bulk orders & review copies also available.)
C/o 14 Robertson Rd, Easton, Bristol BS5 6JY.  http://www.bristle.org.uk Email:  editors@bristle.org.uk
Buy on-line:  http://www.fugazi.net/dswat/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=922 “As New Labour crack down on dissent, Bristle celebrates it! Whilst a few of these images have been published before, most of them haven't. All together they show the depth of street expression & art in the city, & to a degree the political activism. Amazing. It is bigger than just Banksy! Some of the issues covered show the outrage at war, or Bush's visit to the UK, when the whole city was covered with messages, stencils. Some are very clever, some very artistic, some just basic. Some just add to what was already ther. This book demonstrates how much people need a space to express themselves, to be heard. That space that we walk through day & night, was the medium.”

6d) BRISTOL ‘MUSLIMS & THE LEFT’ PUBLIC MEETING : Wednesday 1st March
Organised By Bristol Socialist Workers Party. Email:  bristol_swp@yahoo.co.uk Wed 1st March @7:30pm. Easton Community Centre, Kilburn St, Easton. Speaker: Candy Unwin. “The current period is one in which Bush and Blair seem happy to stoke up anti-Muslim feeling in order to justify their conquest of Iraq and to divide & weaken the potential anti-imperialist opposition at home. This meeting will discuss the significance of Islamophobia, its relation to Western intervention in the Middle East, & the implications for how the traditionally atheist Left relates to the issue of religion & those who practice it.”

6e) BRISTOL LATIN AMERICAN FORUM : Saturday 11th March
Kevin McGimpsey, Co-ordinator,  kevin@radge.demon.co.uk Tel: 0117 944 4538 or 0781 140 3186. “The Bristol Latin American Forum is an exciting political & cultural event to be held on Sat 11th March in conjunction with the Hispanic Society at the Department of Hispanic Studies, University of Bristol & Bristol Colombia Solidarity Campaign. It will focus on the political, social & economic changes now sweeping across Latin America, especially in areas such as challenges to neo-liberalism, self empowerment for the poor, environmental issues & human rights. Daytime activities are to be held at the Dept. of Hispanic Studies, University of Bristol, 15 Woodland Rd, Bristol (note: entry will be from the rear of No. 21).”
TIMETABLE OF ACTIVITIES: 12.30-1.00pm: coffee, registration & stalls. - 1.00-1.45pm: welcome & speakers. - 1.45-2.45pm: workshops (Venezuela, Colombia, Cuba). - 2.45-3.00pm: coffee break. - 3.00-4.00pm: workshops (Chiapas, Nicaragua, drugs trade). - 4.00-4.15pm: coffee break. 4.15-6.00pm: speakers, discussion & finale. 6.30 to late: social with food (by the La Ruca cafe, 89 Gloucester Rd), film (assembled by Kiptik & Bristol Indymedia), & live bands/ performers at the Student Union, University of Bristol, Queen’s Rd, Clifton. Other Participants: Bristol Venezuela Solidarity Group, Cuba Solidarity Campaign, Kiptik (Chiapas Solidarity), BLINC, World Development Movement, Bristol Amnesty International, Bristol Indymedia & more.

6f) BRISTOL LINK WITH NICARAGUA FILM NIGHT : Sunday 19th March
Related Links:  http://www.blinc.org.uk &  http://www.watershed.co.uk/
Sun 19th March @6pm. Watershed, 1 Canon's Rd, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5TX. “As part of Central America Week, Bristol Link with Nicaragua presents this award-winning documentary which follows 14-year-old Basilio Vargas who works in the mines of Cerro Rico in Bolivia. One of about 800 children who labour in stifling heat & darkness, Co-directors Ladkani & Davidson have crafted an impassioned piece of filmmaking packed with unforgettable images & indomitable courage. Introduced by BLINC supporter & local musician Roy Youdale who has lived in the Bolivian mining communities, researching their songs & struggles.”

6g) BATH PEACE CONCERT : Saturday 25th March
Related Link:  http://www.bathstopwar.org.uk/ “The wonderful & moving choral piece 'The Beginning of Sorrows' had its premiere at the Bach Festival in Bath in October & will be sung again by the Chantry Singers on March 25th at 7.30pm in Bath Abbey. The acappella work was commissioned by the choir from Edwin Roxburgh who was moved to write it following the war in Iraq as a remembrance for the victims of war & a powerful plea for peace. See:  http://www.chantry-singers.org.uk or contact the Bath Festivals Trust Box Office.
Tel. 01225 463362 or visit the website:  http://www.bathfestivals.org.uk/

6h) BRISTOL PALESTINE SOLIDARITY PUBLIC MEETING : Thursday 30th March
Organisers Link:  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bristol_psc/ ‘PALESTINE : WHAT’S GOING ON?’ Thurs 30 March at 8pm, with: Kerry McCarthy, MP for Bristol East - member of Britain-Palestine All-Party Parliamentary Group & official observer at the recent Palestinian elections - gives her account of the current situation. ALSO SHOWING: 'Through The Eyes Of A Peace Worker': Video & talk by Bristol PSC member who recently visited the West Bank to Help with the Olive Harvest. Followed by a discussion. Waddelow Hall at Broadmead Baptist Church, Union St, Broadmead, Bristol. Refreshments - Stalls - Admission FREE. There will be a collection at the end for meeting costs. any surplus will be donated to Medical Aid for Palestinians.

6i) BRISTOL STOP-THE-WAR BENEFIT GIG : Thursday 22nd June.
Musician Links:  http://www.attilathestockbroker.com &  http://www.davidrovics.com
This is advance warning & an appeal for help. We have a benefit gig planned for Bristol in June, starring ATTILA THE STOCKBROKER (angry, poignant, impassioned, sometimes downright silly poems a songs on a wide variety of subjects) & DAVID ROVICS (incredibly perceptive, intelligent, incisive, angry songs, sung quietly & tunefully to a supremely accomplished acoustic guitar backing: the heir to the mantle of Pete Seeger & Phil Ochs) plus others. There will be lots more about this in a few weeks, but if there is anyone who has experience of organising gigs & wants to help with this one, please email us at:  bristolstopwar@hotmail.com


07) MORE SOUTH & SOUTH WEST EVENTS
a) *~ News : Bucks / Berks PSC Update On Adopted Village
b) *~ 1st March : Tadley ‘AWE Aldermaston’ Public Meeting
c) *~ 2nd March : Brighton Discussion On Venezuela
d) *~ 4th March : Southampton ‘Make Poverty History’ Discussion Day
e) *~ 6th March : Milton Keynes ‘Peace Cycle’ Film Night
f) *~ 9th March : Yeovil ‘Britain’s Nuclear Deterrent’ Debate
g) *~ 9th March : Wiltshire ‘Marlborough Lent Lecture 2006’
h) *~ 15th March : Brighton ‘Make Poverty History’ Meeting
i) *~ 21st March : Brighton EDO Weapons Inspection
j) *~ 1st April : Brighton ‘Anti-Terror Laws’ Public Meeting
k) *~ 2006 Programme : Tavistock Peace Action Group

7a) NEWS : BUCKS / BERKS PSC UPDATE ON ADOPTED VILLAGE
Palestine Solidarity Campaign.  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Bucks_BerksPSC/ Lilian El-doufani writes: “There are urgent problems in the village of Wadi Fuqeen. The sewage pipe from the Israeli Occupied town of Betar Illit conyinues to be opened, flooding agricultural lands & destroying crops. The frequency of the sewage flows is increasing. In the past it happened only a few times a year. Now the pipe is opened every 10-15 days. There is serious fear that sewage flows may eventually reach homes. The sewage is partially treated, but is still dangerous & poisonous. They cannot accept this & yet having this information published in the local press would mean others would be reluctant to buy their produce. Please bring this to the attention of your local MP. The villagers would really appreciate this. Fuller details of the village are available on the ICAHD website.
The address is  http://www.icahduk.org Email:  lilian.el-doufani@virgin.net

7b) TADLEY ‘AWE ALDERMASTON’ PUBLIC MEETING : Wednesday 1st March
Related Link:  http://www.blockthebuilders.org.uk/ ‘AWE & The Health Of Our Community’. Public meeting on the social, environmental, economic & health affects of a nuclear weapons factory in our community. Speakers: Dr Caroline Lucas MEP (Green Party) - Dr Chris Busby (Low Level Radiation Campaign) - Peter Burt (Nuclear Free Local Authorities) Miriam Kennett (Green Economics Institute). Wed 1st March @7:30pm. Tadley Community Centre, New Church Road, Tadley RG26 4HN

7c) BRIGHTON DISCUSSION ON VENEZUELA : Thursday 2nd March
Related Link:  http://www.watchingthewarmakers.org.uk/ A talk & discussion on Venezuela with Espe Espigares activist in the solidarity organisation `Hands Off Venezuela' 7.30-9pm at Brighthelm North Rd, BN1 1YD.

7d) SOUTHAMPTON ‘MAKE POVERTY HISTORY’ DISCUSSION DAY : Saturday 4th March
Link:  http://www.southamptonmakepovertyhistory.org.uk Email:  annarid@tinyworld.co.uk
Organised by Southampton Fairtrade City Group & Southampton Make Poverty History. ‘Trade, Sustainability & Development’ Sat 4 March 2006, 9am–3pm, Central Baptist Church, Devonshire Rd, Polygon, So'ton SO15 2GY. Please see the link above for more details. All welcome. Admission £3.00 (high income) or £1.00 (low income). Please bring lunch. Fairtrade drinks & biscuits will be available.

7e) MILTON KEYNES ‘PEACE CYCLE’ FILM NIGHT : Monday 6th March
Links:  http://www.thepeacecycle.org &  http://www.cornerstonemk.org.uk Email:  thepeacecycle@aol.com
“A special screening of ‘Cycle of Peace’ A feature film narrated by acclaimed actress Julie Christie at The Guildhall, Church of Christ the Cornerstone, 300 Saxon Gate West, Milton Keynes. Mon 6th March @7pm. By Donation.. In Aug 2004, a group of people from around the world cycled 3500km from London to Jerusalem on the first ever ‘Peace Cycle’. Their aim? ‘to end the cycle of violence & begin a cycle of peace.’

7f) YEOVIL ‘BRITAIN’S NUCLEAR DETERRENT’ DEBATE : Thursday 9th March
Hosted by Yeovil & Sherborne Stop the War Coalition. Thu 9th March. The Conference Centre, Gryphon School, Bristol Rd, Sherborne @7.30pm. The Government plans to replace the Trident Missile System. Do we want it? Do we need it? What will it cost? West Dorset MP Oliver Letwin & peace campaigner Bruce Kent.
Entry is free but please reserve your seat. Tel: 01300 345109 Email:  lesley@togetherness.freeserve.co.uk

7g) WILTSHIRE ‘MARLBOROUGH LENT LECTURE 2006’ : Thursday 9th March
Memorial Hall, Marlborough College, Wiltshire SN8 1PA @8pm. The 2006 Marlborough Lent Lecture is being given by Mark Malloch Brown. For 6 years he was Head of the U.N Development Programme & chairs the Development Group of U.N organisations, trying to tackle the worldwide development challenges & respond to the millennium development goals. In 2005 he was appointed as Kofi Annan’s Chef de Cabinet. Organised by the Marlborough Brandt Group and the Marlborough Christian Aid committee. Free Entry.

7h) BRIGHTON ‘MAKE POVERTY HISTORY’ MEETING : Wednesday 15th March
World Development Movement (WDM) is hosting a series of public meetings across the UK.
More info on WDM & other dates:  http://www.wdm.org.uk/wherenext/dates.htm Wed 15 March @7.30pm. Brighthelm Centre, North Rd, Brighton. Free Entry. Speakers: Benedict Southworth, Kofi Mawuli-Klu.

7i) BRIGHTON EDO WEAPONS INSPECTION : Tuesday 21st March
Link:  http://www.smashedo.org.uk Email:  smashedo@hotmail.com Tel: 07891405923. “The return of the CIA! Citizens Inspection Agency that is. After the collapse of the case against the 3 weapons inspectors arrested last year (see link), we're heading back up for another attempt @4-6pm EDO MBM, Mouslecoomb, Brighton. The arms manufacturers non-compliance with the inspections regime, history of proliferating weapons of state terror, contempt for international law & civil rights is of deep concern to the Agency.”

7j) BRIGHTON ‘ANTI-TERROR LAWS’ PUBLIC MEETING : Saturday 1st April
Organised by Campaign Against Criminalising Communities (CAMPACC)  http://www.cacc.org.uk/ Friends Meeting House Ship St, Brighton @7pm. ‘The New 'Anti-Terror' Laws -Taking Liberties’ Public Meeting. Speakers: Sagheer Hussain, criminal defence lawyer representing Stop Political Terror (fighting for the rights of the Guantanamo & Belmarsh detainees). Anne Costello, CAMPACC.The (local) Brother of a detainee in Guantanamo Bay. Jaya Nyanajoti, anti-arms & human rights campaigner, & many others.

7k) TAVISTOCK PEACE ACTION GROUP : PROGRAMME FOR 2006
Email:  tavistockpag@yahoo.co.uk “Bedford Square on the 1st Sat of each month from 10-11am. SAT 1st APRIL: Guantanamo Bay. – SAT 6th MAY: Trident & Chernobyl. – SAT 3rd JUNE: Campaign Against Arms Trade. – SAT 1st JULY: Campaign Against Depleted Uranium. – SAT 5th AUG: Hiroshima & Nagasaki. – SAT 2nd SEPT: Afghanistan. – SAT 7th OCT: Palestine. SAT 4th NOV: Iraq. – SAT 2nd DEC: Impeach Blair. If you would like to join us at any of these events, giving out leaflets, or standing with us to show support, please come along. We will continue to meet on the 3rd Tue of each month at 7.30pm at Friends Meeting House.”


08) MORE WALES & WEST MIDLANDS EVENTS
a) *~ 3rd & 5th March : Wales - Cymru STWC Public Meetings
b) *~ 3rd - 22nd March : Oxford PSC Film Nights & Meetings
c) *~ 7th Mar - 12th Apr : West Midlands ‘Make Poverty History’ Events
d) *~ 8th March : Penarth Campaign Against Arms Trade Lecture
e) *~ 8th & 15th March : Oxford Ramallah Friendship Film Nights
f) *~ 9th – 10th March : West Midlands STWC Public Meetings
g) *~ 10 th Mar - 10th April : ‘WOW!’ Wales One World Film Festival
h) *~ 25th - 26th March : Oxford University Palestine Workshops
i) *~ 29th March : Bangor Peace Group Palestine Report Back
j) *~ 30th March : Wrexham Peace & Justice Film Night
k) *~ 14th & 21st April : Leamington Spa Peace & Oil Meetings
l) *~ 28th Apr – 1st May : Wales ‘Social Forum Cymru’ Aberystwyth

8a) WALES - CYMRU STOP-THE-WAR PUBLIC MEETINGS : 3rd & 5th March
Links:  http://www.bepj.org.uk &  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/swanseacoalition/
i) FRI 3rd MARCH @7pm. Bro Emlyn For Peace & Justice Public Meeting. Red Dragon Hall, Drefach Felindre. Tel: 01559 371201 Email:  info@wildwestwales.com Speaker: Alys Zaerin, Welsh/Iranian woman. ii) SUN 5th MARCH @5pm. Swansea Coalition Public Meeting. Friends Meeting House, Page St / St Helens Rd, Swansea. Calling all activists & groups in Swansea and surrounding areas. Please join us at this meeting to plan a major turn out to the 18th March London Demo. Tel: 01792 526405. Email:  swanseacoalition@hotmail.com

8b) OXFORD PSC FILM NIGHTS & MEETINGS : 3rd – 22nd March
Oxford Palestine Solidarity Campaign. Email:  oxfordpsc@yahoo.com or see  http://www.oxfordpsc.info
i) FRI 3rd MARCH @5pm. Mouin Rabbani (International Crisis Group) on the Palestinian Elections: The Buttery, St Antony's College, 62 Woodstock Rd, Oxford OX2 6JF. ii) MON 6th MARCH @7:30pm. Film ‘Dear Father, Quiet, We're Shooting’ 5 Israeli soldiers share the decision not to continue serving in the IDF. Lecture Theatre, St Antony's College, 62 Woodstock Rd, Oxford OX2 6JF. iii) WED 22nd MARCH @7:30-9:30pm: Talk for World Water Day, jointly held by Oxford PSC & Oxford WDM. Oxford Town Hall, St Aldates. Donation £2/£1.  http://oxfordwdm.blogspot.com

8c) WEST MIDLANDS ‘MAKE POVERTY HISTORY’ EVENTS : 7th March - 12th April
 http://www.makepovertyhistory.org/ World Development Movement (WDM) is hosting a series of public meetings across the UK. More info on WDM & other dates:  http://www.wdm.org.uk/wherenext/dates.htm
i) TUE 7th MARCH @6pm. Coventry, Warwick University, Central Campus. ii) WED 8th MARCH @8pm. Oxford, Council Chamber, Oxford Town Hall, St Aldates. iii) FRI 24th MARCH @7:30pm. Make Poverty History Public Meeting. United Reformed Church, Lea Rd, Wolverhampton. iv) TUE 12th APRIL @7:30pm. Leamington Spa Make Poverty History meeting. St Peters Church Hall, Leamington Spa. Free Entry.

8d) PENARTH CAMPAIGN AGAINST ARMS TRADE LECTURE : Wed 8th March
Penarth Christian Network of CAAT has organised a lecture by veteran peace campaigner Bruce Kent on Wed 8 March at Tabernacle Baptist Church, Plassey St, Penarth, South Wales @7.30pm. ‘Poverty & War: A Time To End Both’. Chaired by Stephen Thomas, Director of the Welsh Centre for International Affairs. More info: Phil Kingston. Ttel: 0292 0711943. Email:  philipt@kingstonp.fsnet.co.uk

8e) OXFORD RAMALLAH FRIENDSHIP FILM NIGHTS : 8th & 15th March
Organised by Oxford Ramallah Friendship Association & Oxford Brookes Arab Society. Free Events.
i) WED 8th MARCH @6:15pm. Film: ‘Caged Birds Song’ (2003) Dir. Sobhi Zobaidi (30min) & discussion. Room FH101, Oxford Brookes University, Gypsy Lane. ii) WED 15th MARCH @6:15pm: Film: ‘Palestine Palestine’ (2001) Dir. Dominique Dubsoc (76min). Room FH101, Oxford Brookes University, Gypsy Lane.

8f) WEST MIDLANDS STOP-THE-WAR PUBLIC MEETINGS : 9th – 10th March
Related Link:  http://www.stopwar.org.uk/ i) THU 9th MARCH @7:30pm. Oxford STWC Public Meeting. Oxford Town Hall. ii) THU 9th MARCH. Birmingham STWC Public Meeting. Details to follow. Tel: Gerry Francis: 07841 617 532. Speakers: Billy Hayes (CWU), Sue Smith (MFAW), Salma Yaqoob (Respect), Lindsey German (STWC), Naheen Malik (Birmingham Guantanamo Campaign), The Rahimi Family, Iranian Refugees. iii) FRI 10th MARCH @7:30pm. Sutton Coldfield STWC Public Meeting. Fellowship Hall, South Parade. Clare Short MP. Sami Ramadani. Naheen Malik (Birmingham Guantanamo Campaign). The Rahimi Family

8g) ‘WOW!’ WALES ONE WORLD FILM FESTIVAL : 10th March – 10th April
 http://www.wowfilmfestival.org/ “A programme of top quality films from Africa, Asia, & Latin that have won prizes at Festivals around the world. Please see the websites for film titles, show times, and film reviews.
WOW! will be screening across Wales on the following dates: i) ABERYSTWYTH : Fri 10th March to Thu 16th March & from Fri 7th April to Mon 10th April. ii) SWANSEA : Mon 13th March to Wed 15th March & from Mon 3rd April to Wed 5th April. iii) CARDIFF : Fri 17th March to Sun 26th March. iv) HEREFORD : Sun 26th March to Fri 31st March. v) CARDIGAN : Fri 31st Mar to Thur 6th April. Enjoy the Festival.

8h) OXFORD UNIVERSITY PALESTINE WORKSHOPS : 25th – 26th March
‘Palestinian Refugees & the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.’ This 2 day workshop places the Palestinian refugee case study within the broader context of the international human rights regime. At: Dept. of International Development, Mansfield Rd, Oxford. £140 for 2 days, including refreshments & course materials.
See:  http://www.rsc.ox.ac.uk for full details, or email:  rscmst@qeh.ox.ac.uk or Tel: 01865 270722

8i) BANGOR PEACE GROUP PALESTINE REPORT BACK : Wed 29th March
Organisers Link :  http://www.bangorpeace.co.uk/ Email:  bangorpeace@dslw.net Wed March 29 @6pm main Arts Lecture Theatre, UW Bangor. Feedback from this year's visit to Palestine by John Butler & company.

8j) WREXHAM PEACE & JUSTICE FILM NIGHT : Thu 30th March
Organisers Link:  http://www.wpjf.org.uk/ Email:  vg@genny.force9.co.uk
‘This Is What Democracy Looks Like’ : Inspiring film which reports on protests at the 1999 WTO Summit in Seattle using footage shot by over 100 media activists. King St, Wrexham from 7pm.

8k) LEAMINGTON SPA PEACE & OIL MEETINGS : 14th & 21st April
More Events:  http://leamington.greenparty.org.uk/html/calendar.html
i) THU 14th APRIL @7pm. An Introduction to Justice, Conflict & Peace Building from a Sierra Leone perspective. The Lecture Theatre, Warwickshire College, Warwick New Rd, Leamington Spa. ii) THU 21st APRIL @7:30pm. Paul Mobbs of the Free Range Action network & author of “Energy Beyond Oil” speaking at The Dormer Conference Centre, Dormer Place.  http://www.fraw.org.uk/ebo/index.html

8l) WALES - SOCIAL FORUM CYMRU : 28th April – 1st May
Aberystwyth Peace & Justice Network invite you to construct & enjoy Social Forum Cymru. For one packed & productive weekend Aberystwyth will become the activist centre of Wales! We will help make the space available for you to stage your own events & participate in those of others. There will be a mass rally, keynote speakers, a citizens' jury, seminars & workshops, as well as film shows, music & dance.
Info:  information@socialforumcymru.org.uk Matt: 0776 7798601.  http://www.socialforumcymru.org.uk


09) MORE NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL EVENTS
a) * ~+ Research : ‘Activism & Your Emotions’
b) * + Appeal : National Coalition of Anti-Deportation Campaigns
c) * + Appeal : ‘Iraq Body Count’ Needs Funds
d) * + 1st March : EDO Victory Demo In Brighton
e) *~+ 8th March : ‘International Women’s Day’ Petition
f) *~+ 20th March : Worldwide Day Of Anti-War Readings
g) * + 23 -26 March : Fourth Cairo Conference In Egypt
h) * + April 2006 : Milan Rai’s News Book & Speaking Tour
i) * + 7 - 21 April : Morderchai Vanunu Freedom Bike Ride
j) * + 24 Apr - 4 May : Enlightened ‘Holy Land’ Tours
k) * + 4th May : London Protest Of BAE Systems AGM
l) * + 4 - 7 May : ‘European Social Forum’ Athens, Greece

9a) RESEARCH : ‘ACTIVISM & YOUR EMOTIONS’
Related Link:  http://www.activist-trauma.net Email:  peopleand-planet@uwe.ac.uk
“More & more activists are suffering from stress related illness as a result of activism which is causing more & more people to take a break from activism or even stop altogether. Activism is obviously highly emotional for many reasons & this can cause symptoms or feeling low, depression, stress & anxiety, often to the point of 'burn out', & there are increasing cases of post traumatic stress disorder after particularly distressing actions. The aim of this research is to help understand how we can make activism more sustainable - it is painful for the sufferers & we can't afford to lose people. I am looking for activists to fill in an online questionnaire as part of this research. The questionnaire is completely confidential (no names or details will be asked for or used)
QUESTIONAIRRE:  http://bbuynice.x21.org.uk/survey/survey.htm

9b) APPEAL : NATIONAL COALITION OF ANTI-DEPORTATION CAMPAIGNS
Link:  http://www.ncadc.org.uk/ Email:  ncadc@ncadc.org.uk “NCADC went bust on Sat 4th Feb when all funding for the full time staff & running costs of all offices came to an end. As it stands NCADC is in the process of winding up the organisation that for the last 10 & a half years has been at the forefront of fighting deportations & opposing the Governments 'cruel & inhumane' immigration laws. Standing orders are the only way forward for NCADC. Are you willing to commit £5 a month (or more) to NCADC? Or a one off donation? Cheques payable to ‘NCADC’. Post to: NCADC, 110 Hamstead Rd, Handsworth, Birmingham B20 2QS.
For Standing Order forms email:  admin@ncadc.org.uk & ask for the text of 'Standing Order' or ‘Donation'.

9c) APPEAL : IRAQ BODY COUNT NEEDS FUNDS
Donation Details Are Available On The Website :  http://www.iraqbodycount.org/
“In Jan 2003 a small volunteer team started methodically counting all non-combatants reported killed in the invasion & military occupation of Iraq. Not even the most pessimistic of us predicted that nearly 3 years later we would still be adding the dead & injured to our database on a daily basis. Our work continues to ensure that civilian casualties in Iraq cannot be ignored & are never forgotten. Our continually updated information has become indispensable to individuals & organisations all over the world. Even governments have begun to accept our figures. Yet our work is threatened through lack of funds. We are committed to continuing this work for as long as people are being killed in Iraq's post-invasion violence. Help us continue the work.”

9d) EDO VICTORY DEMO IN BRIGHTON : Wednesday 1st March
Link:  http://www.smashedo.org.uk Email:  smashedo@hotmail.com Tel: 07891405923. “Victory Demo: 1st March @4-6pm EDO MBM, Mouslecoomb, Brighton - The first Demo since March 2005 where there will be no restrictions on the right to protest. Brighton arms manufacturer EDO MBM have dropped their claim to a blanket anti-protestor injunction under the Protection from Harassment Act, in an out of court. This means that the controversial high court interim injunction restricting the right to protest outside the factory will no longer apply. EDO MBM have agreed to pay the costs of those defendants who have settled, estimated at £200 000.”

9e) INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY PETITION : Wednesday 8th March
Link:  http://www.womensaynotowar.org Email:  info@womensaynotowar.org “From now until 8th March - International Women's Day - people around the world will be gathering signatures on the Urgent Call for Peace in Iraq (see link). On 8th March these sigantures will be delivered to the U.N, U.S embassies, consulates, & federal offices all over the world. This is your opportunity to unite with international women everywhere, & voice your opposition to the illegal war in Iraq. We, the women of the United States, Iraq & women worldwide, have had enough of the senseless war in Iraq & the cruel attacks on civilians around the world. We've buried too many of our loved ones. We've seen too many lives crippled forever by physical & mental wounds. We've watched in horror as our precious resources are poured into war while our families' basic go unmet.”

9f) WORLDWIDE DAY OF ANT-WAR READINGS : Monday 20th March
Link:  http://www.voicesuk.org Email:  voices@voicesuk.org Tel: 0845 458 2564. “The 20th March has been called as an worldwide day of readings of US poet Eliot Weinberger's amazing anti-war work ‘WHAT I HEARD ABOUT IRAQ’ which uses a carefully selected sequence of quotes from US & British Government officials, soldiers & Iraqis to paint a devastating portrait of the lies that led to the 2003 invasion & the horrors of the subsequent war & occupation. Readings & performances will be taking place from Calcutta to Luxembourg, Greece to Australia, & throughout the U.S. If you are interested in taking part in a reading on or around the 3rd anniversary of the invasion, please visit the link and use the contacts above. You can find the complete text of ‘What I heard about Iraq’ on-line at the above link along with sample adaptations.”

9g) FOURTH CAIRO CONFERENCE IN EGYPT : 23rd – 26th March 2006
If you would like to go please email  office@stopwar.org.uk or Tel: 0207 278 6694. “Activists from the Arab world & the international movements will be meeting in Egypt for the 4th Cairo Conference on 23-26 March. In recent years it has assisted the the democracy movement in Egypt that is challenging the American model of regime change in the Arab world. The call for the 4th Cairo Conference came as Sudanese refugees were massacred by Egyptian police on Fri 30th Dec. More than 3000 Sudanese refugees organized a 3 month sit-in in Mohandeseen in Greater Cairo (in front of the UNCHR office) demanding not to be treated humanly as refugees. The Egyptian police decided to break the sit-in. International news reports say at least 10 were killed, others say as many as 20. Please protest to the Egyptian Embassy, 26 South St, London W1Y 6DD. Tel: 020 7499 3304 Fax: 020 7491 1542. This report is published in:  http://www.norayounis.com/2005/12/30/74

9h) MILAN RAI : NEW BOOK AND APRIL SPEAKING TOUR
Link:  http://www.voicesuk.org Email:  voices@voicesuk.org Tel: 0845 458 2564."This book inspired me & other survivors of July 7th. Understanding what happened & why is essential for healing & allows us to move forward. I urge all those committed to hope, healing & peaceful resolution of conflict to read what Milan Rai has written." Rachel North, Writer & 7/7 Survivor. Author & activist Milan Rai - who recently became the first person to be charged with organising an ‘unauthorised’ demonstration within 1km of Parliament - will be travelling the UK this April, talking about his new book ‘7/7: The London Bombings, Islam & The Iraq War.’ Using leaked secret documents to expose the Government's lies concerning the causes of the bombings & providing deep insights into Islam & the British Muslim communities. Please get in touch to host an event.”

9i) MORDECHAI VANUNU FREEDOM BIKE RIDE : 7th - 21st April
Link:  http://www.vanunufreedomride.org.uk/ Email:  info@vanunufreedomride.org.uk Tel: CND 0845 458 1965.
“On 21st April 2006, Mordechai Vanunu will have been held captive in Israel for 20 years for telling the world that Israel was secretly developing nuclear weapons, Vanunu spent 18 years in prison – 12 of these in solitary confinement. Vanunu was released from prison in April 2004, but is still not a free man. His freedom of speech, movement & association are all severely restricted in contravention of his human rights. 7th - 21st April: Vanunu Freedom Ride - cycling Glasgow to London, via Oxford. Starting at Faslane - the UK's nuclear weapons base near Glasgow - on 7th April & proceeding to London via Carlisle, Manchester, Stoke, Birmingham & Oxford. Cyclists are welcome to join us for as short or as long a distance as suits them.”

9j) ENLIGHTENED ‘HOLY LAND’ TOURS : 24th April – 4th May
FFI Contact Joanne Moston, Email:  mostonjoanne@hotmail.com “Jo Moston gave up her job in this country & worked for 10 years as a nurse in a Palestinian Hospital, up to retirement age. She is currently active in PSC (Palestine Solidarity Campaign) & still leads groups out for ‘Holy Land; tours. These trips are maybe best for ‘enlightened faith people’ & provide a chance to visit many of the holy sites in Jerusalem & around, seeing them from a Christian/religious view, but staying in Palestinian accommodation, using Palestinian transport & guides, & investing in the Palestinian economy. She has a few places on a tour 24th April - 4th May which will include spending a day in the Deheisheh refugee camp. The cost is reasonable at £650 for 10 & a bit days.”

9k) LONDON PROTEST OF BAE SYSTEMS AGM : Thursday 4th May
Link:  http://www.caat.org.uk/ Email:  enquiries@caat.org.uk Tel: 020 7281 0297 “BAE Systems are the leading profiteers of war. They are currently working on a $3.5bn contract to refit the Bradley fighting vehicles used in Iraq & Afghanistan. Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) will be campaigning inside and outside.”

9l) ‘EUROPEAN SOCIAL FORUM’ ATHENS, GREECE : 4th – 7th May
Link:  http://www.fse-esf.org/ “The European Social Forum (ESF) is an open space where civil society groups & movements opposed to neo-liberalism & a world dominated by capital or by any form of imperialism, but engaged in building a society centered on the human person, come together to pursue their thinking, to debate ideas democratically, to formulate proposals, to share their experiences freely & to network for effective action. The ESF will now take place from 4th – 7th May 2006 in Athens. The Vienna European Preparatory Assembly (EPA) in January 2006 took this decision, because the Italian national election dates were set on the same dates than the former ESF dates decided earlier. Please visit the website for latest information.”


10) LOCAL PEACE VIGILS & PLANNING GROUPS
a) ~ Daily Bristol Peace Vigil
b) ~ Friday Easton Peace Vigil
c) ~ Saturday Bath Peace Vigil
d) ~ Weekly Bristol STW Meeting
e) ~ Regular Bath STW Meeting

a) DAILY BRISTOL PEACE VIGIL: The Independent Bristol Peace Vigil is an open space for discussion, as well a crucial focus to Bristol's campaigns. We've kept vigil every night (except Sundays) since a few days after 11th Sept 2001, & we'll keep Vigil onwards into the future, but we do need your support to keep our flame alive. If you can only make it for 15 minutes, or a couple of times a month, please still come. Everyone's welcome at the Bristol Peace Vigil. TIMES: MON-FRI 5:30-6:30pm & SAT 3:00-4:00pm. PLACE: City Centre.(Opposite The Hippodrome. St. Augustines Parade).
b) EASTON PEACE VIGIL: Every Friday. 5:00pm-6:00pm. Corner of Robertson Rd & Stapleton Rd.
c) BATH PEACE VIGIL: Every Saturday. 11.30am-12.30pm. Bath Abbey. (Off York St. From the Station walk up Manvers St). Please support this long-established & powerful witness to the futility of war.
d) BRISTOL-STOP-THE-WAR PLANNING GROUP: Everyone's welcome. We hold a Bristol-Stop-The-War meeting every week, as a forum for local groups to inform each other of their intentions, of finding people to work together on projects, & as a venue where large Bristol events (meetings, demos etc) are agreed & planned We don't vote at these meetings, as we're not here to force adherence to a consensus view. We do instead discuss issues until we reach broad consensus. DATE: Every Thursday. TIME: 7:00-8:30pm. PLACE: Victoria Methodist Church. 1A Whiteladies Rd, Bristol, BS8 1NU (bottom of Whiteladies Rd.)
e) BATH-STOP-THE-WAR: Hold Regular Meetings. For Details Tel: 01225 315480
Email:  postmaster@bathstopwar.org.uk Visit:  http://www.bathstopwar.org.uk


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For general enquiries email:  bristolstopwar@hotmail.com
For News Around Bristol Visit:  http://bristol.indymedia.org
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"Even those of us who have tried to follow the war closely are not aware of a fraction of the horrors unleashed in Iraq." - Author Arundathi Roy at the World Tribunal on Iraq, Istanbul, 2005.  http://www.worldtribunal.org/


... SAY YES 2 PEACE ... SAY YES 2 PEACE ... SAY YES 2 PEACE ...