Protesters attack nuclear Star Wars – OLD ALLIES GET TOGETHER: [1 Edition]
Stapleton, John. The Australian [Canberra, A.C.T] 31 July 2001: 2.
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Abstract
In Sydney, where the building of a new nuclear reactor at Lucas Heights in the city’s south is a contentious issue, about 50 observers watched in drizzling rain as protesters delivered speeches condemning the US and the nuclear industry.
“Star Wars has the ability to create a new nuclear arms race,” she said. “We need to solve international problems through peaceful means, not by creating fear. Australians are against furthering the nuclear arms industry.”
Full Text
SMALL protests against the US missile shield by anti-nuclear and environment groups were held around the country yesterday to send a message to Colin Powell and Donald Rumsfeld.
The protests were held outside the US consulates in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.
A letter signed by 27 peace groups was faxed to Foreign Minister Alexander Downer and John Howard, arguing that missile defence may lead to a renewed nuclear arms race.
In Sydney, where the building of a new nuclear reactor at Lucas Heights in the city’s south is a contentious issue, about 50 observers watched in drizzling rain as protesters delivered speeches condemning the US and the nuclear industry.
Among the placards being waved were signs saying: “Transform Military to Clean up the Earth” and “Star Wars Starts Wars”.
Natalie Stevens, 26, who dressed up as a kind of anti-nuclear Darth Vader complete with death mask, said she thought it important to send a strong message to the visiting US heavyweights.
“Star Wars has the ability to create a new nuclear arms race,” she said. “We need to solve international problems through peaceful means, not by creating fear. Australians are against furthering the nuclear arms industry.”
Friends of the Earth spokesman John Hallam said the protesters wanted to send a signal that Australians were alarmed by theproposed missile defence project.
“Like people all over the world, they want to see nuclear weapons eliminated,” he said.
In Melbourne a small group outside the US consulate performed street theatre, which involved trying to shoot rubber missiles out ofthe air with small rubber balls. An attempt to deliver a letter to the consulate was unsuccessful.
Illustration
Caption: No nuke:; Photo: Photo