06 November 2001
Since the United States of America and Britain started military strikes against Afghanistan on 07 October, more than 1350 civilians (mainly women and children) have been killed. The US attacks only serve to perpetuate the suffering and poverty of ordinary Afghanistan people who are already suffering terribly in the hands of the militias in Afghanistan. Now is the time to act in solidarity with the people of Afghanistan and expose the unjust and cruel war the US is leading.
The South African Communist Party (SACP) therefore writes this open letter calling all South Africans whether they belong to communities of faith, trade unions, different political parties, women's organisations, solidarity organisations and youth and student organisations to join in united action to end this unjust war.
In this regard, the SACP invites all these organisations and the South African public at large to a Public Meeting which should discuss and adopt principles and a proposal for a National Programme of Action by South Africans for Global Peace. This Public Meeting will be held as detailed below:
DATE : Thursday, 15 November 2001
TIME : 14H00 - 16H30
VENUE : 10th Floor Boardroom, COSATU House 1 Leyds Street, corner Biccard, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
The US attacks on Afghanistan are a direct insult to the memory and families of those who lost their loved ones in the 11 September attacks in New York and Washington. As we said then, the 11 September attacks were ghastly terrorist acts which must be condemned by all of humanity. However two wrongs do not make a right. Now is the time to debunk the myth that this US military action will secure the lives and dignity of humanity.
For global peace
Blade Nzimande
General Secretary
South African Communist Party
CONTACT
Mazibuko Kanyiso Jara (surname Jara)
Department of Media, Information and Publicity
South African Communist Party
Tel - 011 339 3621
Cell - 083 651 0271
Email - sacp1@wn.apc.org