AN URGENT CALL FOR SOLIDARITY AND NONVIOLENT DIRECT ACTION! · To End US Military Aid to Colombia · To STOP Aerial Spraying · To CLOSE the SOA Monday April 22 2002 7-9 AM Washington, DC The war in Colombia is raging, fueled by US military aid and training. And there is an alarming new development: the Bush Administration is pushing Congress to use the newest war — the “War on Terrorism” — to escalate US involvement in Colombia. They want to mount an all-out “anti-terrorist” campaign to protect US oil interests there. Even as they cut social programs in our country, they want another $537 million in Colombian military aid, $98 million of which will go to protect Occidental's pipelines. If we allow that to happen, we know who will benefit, and we know who will bear the ultimate cost - - Indigenous peoples, Afro-Colombians and anyone else who stands in the way of the corporate globalization of Colombia are at risk as the massacres continue. We must take action! The Colombia Mobilization calls upon all people of faith and conscience to act in nonviolent solidarity with our sisters and brothers in Colombia. Our goal is end U.S. support for the war in Colombia on all fronts: military, economic and ecological. Join us in Washington, DC, April 22 as we culminate four days of vigils, lobbying, teach-ins and resistance to U.S. Colombia policy. This is an historic opportunity for many diverse voices to be united in a resounding call for justice. Begin mobilizing now! PEACE MARCH and NON-VIOLENT DIRECT ACTION At 7 AM will we gather at the Washington Monument in a spirit of solemnity to honor those in Colombia whose lives have been lost or are at risk. Then at the height of DC's Monday morning rush hour, we will begin our non-violent procession to carry our demands to Congress. Peace Keepers and Legal Observers will intersperse and accompany the march from the Washington Monument to the US Capitol. Unlike other events during the Colombia Mobilization, we have not sought a permit for the march, so participation will carry varying levels of risk: · No/Very Low Arrest Risk: Those who do not want to risk arrest can proceed as part of the march on the National Mall or on sidewalks toward the Capitol. This is within our legal rights even if others are in the streets. This group will proceed to a “safe” area in the Upper Senate Park near the Capitol where we have a permit. · Arrest Risk: For those who are able to risk arrest, we call for affinity groups to plan creative, nonviolent actions and for individuals and affinity groups to join in the blockades, die-ins and other actions in the area of the Capitol. In addition, at the Sunday night coordinating meeting, individuals and affinity groups will have the opportunity to join in actions already being planned by other groups. Those planning to risk arrest should be aware that In solidarity with each other, all participants in the march and nonviolent direct action are asked to honor and act in accordance with the nonviolence guidelines (see below). These guidelines allow a diverse group of people to act together from a place of mutual trust, knowing what to expect from each other. Additionally, ALL who plan to risk arrest are asked - To participate in a nonviolence training session, - To attend a direct action coordination meeting, and - To send your affinity group representative to the spokescouncil meeting. Nonviolence training sessions will be offered Friday, April 19 and during the teach-in on Saturday, April 20. The action coordination meeting will be held on Sunday, April 21 at 7 PM. The spokescouncil will immediately follow. The National Lawyers Guild, the Partnership for Civil Justice and the DC Justice and Solidarity Collective will offer legal advice, risk assessments and private question and answer opportunities at each of these meetings. For those risking arrest, a 24-hour legal hotline will be staffed and legal support will be available throughout arrest, booking, trial and any follow-up that may be necessary. For more information contact Jeff Winder, SOA Watch, 202-234-3440 or jwinder@soaw.org Following are the nonviolence guidelines for the National Mobilization on Colombia, April 19th - 22nd. We recognize that within this movement, there is a range of approaches to nonviolent action. These guidelines are not a judgment on other tactics, simply an agreement that allows a diverse group of people to act together, knowing what to expect from each other. We ask individuals and groups participating in these events to agree to act in unity according to the following principles. If any feel called to act outside of these guidelines, we respectfully ask that you do so at some other time so that the integrity of this event can be preserved. Our goal is end U.S. support for the war in Colombia on all fronts: military, economic and ecological, and to close the SOA. In working towards this goal, we will act with full respect for our Colombian sisters and brothers, both living and dead. We recognize that the Colombia Mobilization does not support or endorse any of the armed actors and that our Colombian guests have come here with that understanding. As participants we commit to honor that understanding through our actions, words, signs and symbols. We will use our anger at injustice as a nonviolent force for change. We will act with full respect for the diverse nonviolent tradition that this coalition embodies. Accordingly, during the Colombia Mobilization Events-- We will carry no weapons. We will not vandalize. We will not use or carry alcohol or illegal drugs. We will not swear or use insulting language. We will not run in public or otherwise make threatening motions. We will not assault — either verbally or physically — those who oppose or disagree with us, even if they assault us. We will protect those who oppose us from insult or attack. We will honor the emergency decisions of the empowered coordinators and spokescouncil representatives. Our attitude as conveyed through words, symbols, and actions will be one of respect towards all. We know this action is part of an ongoing, protracted campaign. We will return to our communities and renew our work for peace with justice. www.colombiamobilization.org
Noticias sobre Colombia | Plan Colombia | Actions 2002 | www.agp.org