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Congressman Proposes Space Weapon Ban * Foreign minister critical of US space weapons
29 July 2001
Things are shaping up in regards to the plan of action to ban space-based weapons. Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-Cleveland) last Thursday announced his intention to introduce legislation to ban the weaponization of space. He declared, "We must work toward the elimination of all nuclear weapons, and an end to policies which cause this country to move toward the weaponization of space." Following a press release on these statements is an article about Canada's foreign minister, who declared that the U.S. plans to develop space-based weapons are dangerous. John Manley said, "I've made the point as strongly as could possibly be made that Canada is unalterably opposed to the weaponization of space.'' Manley said the U.S. plan encourages the proliferation of nuclear weapons and other responses that are unlikely good for global security. He said Canada is pushing for a treaty to ban weapons from orbit and has support from other countries.
The Global Network's support for international actions on October 13 to ban weapons in space is extremely timely. Right now 198 Organizations are endorsing this campaign, with 72 sites planned for demonstrations. Also, percolating on the side of peace, is the unlikely common interests of peace organizations and many military leaders, concerned that the Bush missile defense plan would lessen their abilities to preserve national (and international) security interests.
The UN's Outer Space Treaty was ratified by 95 States, (including the US), and signed by at least 27 additional states. You can review the "Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies" at the UN's Office of Outer Space Affairs website: http://www.oosa.unvienna.org/treat/ost/ost.html
For a scarier and more dangerous perspective, visit
US Space Command's "Vision 20/20"
http://www.spacecom.af.mil/usspace
To learn more on actions planned for October 13, visit the Global Network Against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space. http://www.space4peace.org .
Please send Flyby News any press releases of any events planned on this day for peace and the banning of weapons in space.
1) Kucinich to Introduce Legislation to Ban Weaponization of Space
2) Manley critical of U.S. plan for space weapons
3) No-Nukes Revival, Northampton, MA, August 5
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1) Kucinich to Introduce Legislation to Ban Weaponization of Space
NEWS RELEASE
July 26, 2001
CONTACT: Kathie Scarrah
202.226.8139,
703.845.2874
Kucinich to Introduce Legislation to Ban Weaponization of Space
Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-Cleveland) today announced his intention to introduce legislation to ban the weaponization of space. "The time has come to ban the further weaponization of space," Congressman Kucinich said. "We must work toward the elimination of all nuclear weapons, and an end to policies which cause this country to move toward the weaponization of space. I was pleased with the recent news from our neighbor to the north that Canada is ready to join an international effort to prohibit weapons in space. It is time for the United States to take the lead and end the weaponization of space."
Kucinich said the argument that supporters of weaponization use claiming our national security and commercial interests would be put at risk are fear tactics backed by greed. "We signed the ABM treaty nearly 30 years ago; which requires a reduction in strategic arms, nuclear disarmament and general and complete disarmament. Weaponization of space clearly violates that treaty. My bill will call for an immediate and permanent termination of research, testing, manufacturing, production and deployment of all space-based weapons systems and components by any person, agency or contractor of the U.S. government." Kucinich will introduce the Space Preservation Act of 2001 this autumn.
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Please support Congressman Kucinich's Space Preservation Act that he plans to introduce this autumn, network this information and find addtional endorsers for October 13 to unite with the world and stop weapons in space and the expansion of the arms race; also, contact U.S. congressional representatives in support of such proposed legislation to transform from the direction of war to the direction of peace and disarmament of weapons of mass destruction.
The Congressional switchboard telephone number: 202-224-3121.
Web Site: http://www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW.html
For Senators' telephone, fax, web, and E-mail addresses see:
http://prop1.org/prop1/senate.htm
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2) Manley critical of U.S. plan for space weapons
CBC NEWS - Manley critical of U.S. plan for space weapons
Date: Thu, 26 Jul 2001 11:51:45 -0400 (EDT)
From: CBCNEWS
MANLEY CRITICAL OF U.S. PLAN FOR SPACE WEAPONS
HANOI--Canada's foreign minister says U.S. plans to develop space-based weapons are dangerous.
John Manley said, "I've made the point as strongly as could possibly be made that Canada is unalterably opposed to the weaponization of space.''
Manley made his comments Wednesday in a telephone conference call from Hanoi, where he was attending an Asia-Pacific economic meeting.
Manley said the U.S. plan encourages the proliferation of nuclear weapons and other responses that are unlikely to be good for global security.
He said Canada is pushing for a treaty to ban weapons from orbit and has support from other countries.
The Pentagon has said the planned missile defence system should include a mix of land, sea and space-based weapons.
Manley also criticized the U.S. for rejecting a protocol which would have enforced the 1972 convention on germ warfare.
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3) No-Nukes Revival, Northampton, MA, August 5
You are invited to a NO-NUKES Revival
6:30-9:30 SUNDAY, AUGUST 5,
220 MAIN Street, Northampton, MA.
Street theater begins at 4:30 with Waffles T. Clown.
Breaking bread (ala Bread & puppet) begins at 6:00.
Bread-bakers & garlic lovers welcome!!!
Hear a grand finale with Tony Vacca on percussion raising the roof.
Opening with great songs and singers.
Speakers:
Ira Helfand, Co-founder of Physicians for Social Responsibility
Bruce Gagnon, Global Network Against Weapons & Nuclear Power in Space
Randy Kehler, Key organizer of the Freeze movement
Wally & Juanita Nelson, Civil rights leaders and war tax resisters, "Freedom is a Choice!"
Donations will benefit construction at the Leverett Peace Pagoda.
Co-sponsors: American Friends Service Committee, CPPAX Nuclear Weapons Abolition Task Force, Leverett Peace Pagoda, Physicians for Social Responsibility, and Traprock Peace Center. For more information call Traprock (413)773-7427
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Flyby News is a free electronic news service regarding peace in space, human rights, indigenous issues, and the environment.
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