People of Turkey Say No to War!

In February 15, The people, all over the world will protest the US attac on Iraq. The people of Turkey living in New York will join the anti-war demonstration in New York.

İstanbul

People of Turkey living in New York will be together with the peoples of the United States and of the world on February 15.

They made a call to their citizens to join them to show the warmongers how to build a world liberated from the hideous shadows of weapons of war, how to build another world.

"The United States, led by President George W. Bush, is imposing another unjust, immoral, unlawful and bloody war upon the world."

"Peace Initiative/Turkey" group, saying "Let us stop this war!" made a press release:

* This is not the first war conspired by those who are trying to convince the peoples of Turkey and of the world that the seeds of peace and democracy in the Middle East can only be planted, not by using the means of international law and diplomacy, but rather, by using missile launchers, guns, and massive bombing.

* Unless the true forces of peace and democracy raise their voices and stop the killing war machines, the planned military campaign against Iraq will not be the final call to attack by those who consider themselves "the Masters of the Universe".

* Today in Turkey, there is a minority comprised of opportunists wishing to flatter the power holders and of fatalists, who say, "We cannot do anything at all, so let's get this over with, with minimal cost."

* This minority is inclined to drag our country into the war, in alliance with the U.S. army-state, with the alleged aim of defending"our national interests".

* In the name of "our national interests," as defined by this minority, the anti-war sentiment of the people of Turkey is being ignored. The same minority appears to be ready to sacrifice the people of Iraq, as well.

* Despite the state, people of turkey are against the war!

* However, 94 percent of the citizens of Turkey say "No" to this war. We share the opinion of this overwhelming majority and declare that a people's dignity, welfare and security cannot be guaranteed by the bombing, starving, and terrorizing of another people!

* We cannot stand by and watch, while Bush attacks Iraq today, or attempts to banish another "demon" elsewhere tomorrow. To remain passive is the same as accepting disgrace and the decline of democracy for all peoples of the world.

* The "interests" of turkey's citizens who oppose the war are global justice, demilitarized peace, and human emancipation.

* These interests cannot be sacrificed to any economic cost-benefit calculation or militaristic "security" discourse. Another world is possible! (NM)

* www.peace-initiative-turkey.org