Students protest against Iraq occupation

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Lack of meaningful choice in elections, they say

School students took to the streets of Ealing on Sunday to protest against the continuing presence of American and British forces in Iraq.

On the day of the Iraqi elections, the sixth-form students from Ealing handed out mock ballot papers highlighting the lack of meaningful choice for Iraqi voters. The ballot papers listed only one option: "The Occupation Continues."

Thomas Wills, 18, explained: "There are many candidates in these elections but none of them have the power to ask the Americans and the British to leave. Whoever wins the election, the US/UK forces are set to continue occupying Iraq, with all the death and destruction that entails.

"We are urging people to vote with their feet by joining the national demonstration in Central London on Saturday 19th March. This will mark the second anniversary of the start of the war and remind the government in this election year that the British people are not going to forget the lies we were told about this war.

"We want Tony Blair to bring the troops home so that no more British soldiers and Iraqi civilians have to die for his lies."

A recent study in the medical journal The Lancet suggested that the death toll in Iraq is most likely in excess of 100,000. The protesters say that toll will continue to rise until the troops are withdrawn.

Readers can call 07981 734 925 or e-mail ealingstopwar@fmail.co.uk for more information.

 

                                                         

 

February 4, 2005