Campaign for the Accountability of American Bases
& Yorkshire Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament
PRESS RELEASE
Friday, 3 October 2003 - For immediate use
DON'T TAKE THE PEACE OUT OF SPACE!
Demonstration at Menwith Hill marks
international week of protest against weapons in space
On Saturday October 11th the Campaign for the Accountability of American Bases (CAAB) and Yorkshire Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament are holding a space-themed demonstration at the American National Security Agency base, Menwith Hill. The event, entitled "Don't take the peace out of space" is part of the International "Keep Space for Peace Week" which runs from 4th - 11th October and is one of 59 actions taking place across the globe, from USA to Romania, Australia, Syria, Germany, Japan, Sweden and beyond.
The demonstration, which runs from 12pm - 4pm at the main entrance, includes speeches from Chris Davies MEP (Lib Dem North West England) and Professor Dave Webb (convenor of the Global Network Against Nuclear Power and Weapons in Space), a samba band, a drumming workshop, food, games and a tour round the base. If follows the hugely successful demonstrations in March and July of this year - some of the biggest the base has ever seen.
We are demonstrating at Menwith Hill due to the vital roles it plays in plans to place weapons in to space and its crucial role in the US ‘Star Wars’ programme. As the world's biggest military spy station its satellite systems are also integral to US military use of outer space.
As Neil Kingsnorth of Yorkshire CND explained:
"Menwith Hill is an unaccountable abomination. This US base, purporting to be run by the RAF, is a joke to democracy and a symbol of the true nature of the supposed special relationship. It plays a vital role in US plans to put ever more destabilising military equipment in to space, including weaponry to be used for fighting wars in, through and from space. We urge people to join the demonstration and help raise awareness of the US space project."
Anni Rainbow of CAAB added,
"The American Missile Defense System is secretive and unaccountable. US plans for the placing of weapons in space are even more so. But America is developing these weapons now and intends to deploy them as soon as possible, despite vast international opposition. This reckless US foreign policy is a route to total American control and dominance of earth, sea, air and space at all times. It must be stopped, for the sake of peace, stability, and international relations."
The organisers have set up a special website just for the demonstration, where people can find out more about the event and the issues. Just click on www.takethepeace.org
ENDS
Notes to Editor