VICTORIA BC OPPOSITION TO INVASION OF AFGHANISTAN

"the Ruke of International law not Revenge must Prevail"

FROM THE ARCHIVES

N E W S    R E L E A S E

2001 For Immediate Release:  September 18, 2001

Islam is not the enemy. War is not the answer.

Victoria-- Last night, over 100 concerned citizens representing a wide

diversity of organizations (list below), ages, religions and races, met at

the University of Victoria to found the Victoria Peace Coalition. Those

attending formed six committees to voice Victorians' deep concern about the

US terrorist attacks, the drive towards war, and the increase of racism.

The following statement was agreed to unanimously by all attending the

founding meeting:

"Concerned that terrorism in all its forms has resulted in the tragic loss

of innocent lives and in societal disintegration, the Victoria Peace

Coalition calls upon the Canadian government to respect international law

and justice, and to not support military action in any form."

The Victoria Peace Coalition announces the following activities:

A Walk for Peace & Justice will start at Victoria City Hall's Centennial

Square this Wednesday, September 19, starting at 5 pm. After a rally at

Centennial Square, the Walk will slowly proceed down Government Street to

the BC Legislature.

The Walk will join a Peace Vigil, which begins at 7 pm this Wednesday

evening at Victoria's Cenotaph, on the front lawn of the BC Legislature.

There will be wreaths, speakers, songs and peaceful silent remembrance.

The Vigil will continue each Wednesday evening at 7 pm at the Cenotaph

until further notice. If and when a war begins, there will be a Peace Vigil

that evening at 7 pm at the Cenotaph.

Another Walk for Peace & Justice will be held Sunday, September 23,

starting at Victoria City Hall at 1 pm.

An educational forum will be held September 26, starting at 12 noon. The

venue is to be announced.

The Victoria Peace Coalition is also forming a buddy system, for those who

feel threatened, especially in the Muslim community, and are now living in

fear of unjust retaliation.

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

The Coalition is formed of individuals from the following groups

IUCN Commission on Education

Mobilization for Global Justice

BC Assn of Clinical Counsellors

Victoria Women’s Sangha

University of Victoria Alumni Assn

Buddhist Peace Fellowship

International Socialists

Victoria Status of Women Action Group Anti Poverty Coalition

Anglican Church of Canada

NDP

Imoted Cjircj pf Camada

Centre for Compassionate Social Change

Together Against Poverty

Vancouver Island Human Rights Coalition

Central America Support Committee

Goods for Cuba

Victoria Raging Grannies

Victoria Independent Media Centre

Greater Victoria Teacher’s Association

Council of Canadians

Forest Action Network

Industrial Workers of the World Capital Region Race Relations Association

Community Coalition Against Racism

Action Victoria

Earth First

Fernwood Community Associatio

International  Association for transformation

Canadian Unitarians for Social Justice

United Nations Association (Victoria Group)

Conscience Canada

Health Science Association

Canadian Voice of Women

Global Compliance Research Project

Canadian Centre for Political Alternatives

BC Nurses Union

Green Party

ARC Aboriginal Rights Coalition

Victoria Interfaith Committee for 10 days for Global Justice

Vancouver Island Public Interest Research Group (VIPIRG)

Wolid Roots and Autonomous Roots Housing CooperativeRagomg Grammoes

Coaliton for Jews for just Peace

BCGEU

Amnesty International

Carolss

VISO

Victoria Humanist Group

NDP Sven Robinson put our resolution on the floor of the house

The rule of international law not revenge must prevail

    - END -

Information:      http://victoria.indymedia.org/   and

http://www.islandnet.com/sunshine/peace.htm

CONTACTS Joan Russow,

Al Rycroft and Kealey Pringle