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AMERICANS IN IRAQ SPEAKING AGAINST WAR
For Immediate Release
March 20, 2003
Contact:
Danny Muller 773.784.8065 / 917.217.6809
Tom Walsh 773.784.8065 / 773.419.0837
25 Iraq Peace Team (IPT) members are continuing independent reporting from three downtown locations in Baghdad where they will remain to help Iraqi citizens in any way they can as the American government advances with bombardment and a massive ground invasion.
Americans with the Iraq Peace Team have been in Baghdad offering help in local hospitals and schools, visiting vulnerable water treatment facilities, and interacting with and assisting the victims of 12 years of economic sanctions and US/ UK bombing. Since September 2002, over 150 Americans have traveled to Iraq with IPT, from over forty states.
IPT members plan to stay in Iraq through the war and continue to oppose violence against civilians and civilian infrastructure. Doctors, mental health counselors, farmers, educators, photojournalists, ministers and religious leaders comprise the Iraq Peace Team.
Kathy Kelly, nominated for this year's Nobel Peace Prize stated from Iraq on Thursday: “The best hope for [Iraqi citizens] lies in the initiative of people far away who assemble peaceably for redress of a terrible and catastrophic grievance, protesting a slaughter that will pull all of us into violence that begets violence.”
In a phone conversation, Kelly acknowledged the recent words of Donald Rumsfeld to Iraqi troops Thursday morning “Do not destroy infrastructure. Do not attack civilians. You are responsible for your actions and can expect prosecution for war crimes.” Responding, Kelly said “We encourage American people and coalition troops to heed this advice and consider their own actions and responsibilities. They should then take every action to ensure that they are not taking part, or paying for others to take part, in crimes against humanity.”
To coordinate interviews with any of Voices' Iraq Peace Team members please call 773.784.8065 and ask for Danny or Tom. As communication becomes less secure in Baghdad, please contact us for interviews from Amman, Europe, the US and Canada.
Hotel Phone # (from the US) Contact Person
Al Dar 011 9641 718 6417 Charles Liteky
Al Fanar 011 9641 718 8007 Kathy Kelly
Andalus 011 9641 719 2303 Michael Birmingham
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