BRITAIN: Australians to protest against war on ANZAC Day

BY
MARTIN ILTIS

LONDON — Australians Against the War (AATW) held its first formal
meeting on March 30, attended by about 20 Australians living in London.
The meeting flowed from the group's prominent participation in the 500,000-strong
anti-war march on March 22.

The very fruitful meeting brought together a range of expats who are
committed to opposing the Australian government's part in the US-British
war of conquest against Iraq. The meeting agreed to organise protest actions
and reach out to the Australian community in London.

Australians Against the War banners will be carried in the Stop the
War Coalition's local London rally on April 5, which will march to the
US embassy.

However, a major effort is being made to build the national April 12
rally in London. AATW member Julian Coppens told Green Left Weekly:
“We hope to have a large Australian contingent at the April 12 rally. We
are organising a press release for the Australian publications in London,
as well posters and leaflets to be distributed at London venues that are
popular with Australians.”

The other major action being organised by AATW is a “die-in” at Australia
House to mark ANZAC day. The action will actually take place on April 24
in an attempt to gain coverage in the Australian media on April 25.

According to Coppens, “it is important to target the Australian High
Commission as it is the most potent symbol of the Australian government
here. The idea of a 'die-in' is not to show disrespect to soldiers who
have died in previous wars. Rather, it is to highlight the callous disrespect
that the Australian government has for Australian soldiers who may be killed
in the Iraq war and for the hundreds of Iraqis who are dying in this criminal
war. We're aware of the massive demonstrations against the war that taking
place in Australia and our message to John Howard is: we mightn't be at
home, but we also vehemently oppose your evil war!”

[Australians resident in Britain or Scotland are urged to contact Australians
Against the War at <aatw_uk@yahoo.co.uk>.]

From Green Left Weekly, April 9, 2003.

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From GLW issue 533