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On Eve of March 20 'Global Day of Action' Against the Iraq War and Occupation, Spanish and Italian Green Leaders Speak Out. |
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Thursday, March 18, 2004 Contacts: WASHINGTON, D.C. -- On the eve of worldwide protests against the occupation of Iraq, and the massive deceptions that led up to the invasion and occupation, Green Party leaders in Spain and Italy spoke out about the recent Spanish national elections, terrorism, and European political opposition to the Iraq war. On Saturday, March 20, the 'Global Day of Action' organized by United For Peace and Justice will mark the one-year anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq. Millions around the globe will take to the streets, including growing numbers of military families and soldiers. The Green Party of the United States, Green Parties around the world, and other groups will call for an end to the occupation of Iraq and to the Bush Administration's imperial foreign policies. Spanish Green leader David Hammerstein, in a message to the International Committee of the Green Party of the United States, wrote about the March 11 terrorist bombings in Madrid, and the Socialist victory and Green gains in the Spanish elections. Mr. Hammerstein is international secretary for the Los Verdes (the Spanish Green Party) and representative to the Global Greens Network, and heads the Spanish Green slate for the European Parliament. "There has been a sort of emotional-political catharsis among an important part of Spanish voters," wrote David Hammerstein. "The terrible pain and mourning in the aftermath of Thursday's terrorist attacks was shaken by the attempt of [defeated Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar's] Popular Party to crudely use the attacks to their political advantage. This perceived moral indecency was the straw that broke the camel's back for many voters who might have supported the Conservatives." "The Socialist majority in Spain is a vote for more dialogue, more Europe, less Bush politics and less fear-mongering. People want a calmer and less confrontational government after the last few years of Aznar's tension and temper." "Los Verdes -- the Spanish Greens -- stood in alliance with the Socialists in most parts of Spain. For the first time a Green has been elected to the Spanish parliament -- the national spokesperson Francisco Garrido --- representing the province of Seville. Vicente Sesmero, spokesperson for the Madrid Greens, was elected to the Senate. There is still a possibility that another Green MP will be finally elected from Valencia. Spanish Greens also hope to participate in areas of new national government as agreed upon in the pre-election pact between Los Verdes and the Socialists." "Let's hope that these elections in Spain signal a change in Europe as a whole toward a more rational response to violence and conflict in a very divided and fragile world." In Italy, Laura Cima, Green Member of Parliament and secretary of the House Foreign Commission, said that "Italy could learn a lot from the elections and the popular revolt against the lies of Aznar. Three month before our elections, we need to understand that peace is a choice of the European people, that the fight against terrorism is not to be won on the level that Bush has decided to fight it, with violence and death." "Democracy cannot be won with arms and military occupation. We need a multilateral political climate of respect and dialogue, of sustainable development and U.N. assistance. This is why the protest on March 20, open to all those who share this political view, is the protest that, after the victory of the left in Spain, must be revived with enthusiasm.... After Aznar, we can hope for a united Europe and an Italy free of Berlusconi." (Quotes from AGI Online) MORE INFORMATION:
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