Anti-Bases Campaign Coalition index page

	Sign the two letters (below) to the Government consultation process (changing them if you wish) and post or fax them off with the required cover sheet. The closing date is October 1st. There are also background briefings on security and missile defence issues for your information. Register your interest in attending one of the public consultation meetings. You will find the dates and locations plus other information at www.defence.gov.au/ white paper consultation.htm. You can also email your submission from this site.Submission regarding Australian involvement in Missile Defence Submission regarding the forthcoming Defence White Paper Coversheet for Defence White Paper Community Consultation Submissions. The case against Australian involvement in the United States missile defence program. Australia’s National Security Briefing Paper.
	NO WAR FAIR — STOP APDSE
	Asia-Pacific Defence & Security Exhibition (APDSE) 11-13 November 2008 Adelaide Convention Centre The Asia Pacific Defence and Security Exhibition is a promotion of weapons meant for the death and destruction of men, women and children. It cannot be allowed to proceed without challenge. test
	US ACCUSED OF HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS
	Two Chamoru representatives from Guam visiting Australia for a month-long international awareness campaign today accused the United States of glaring human rights violations of the indigenous Chamoru people. “The new wave of U.S. militarization of Guam means to be decisive,” said Chamoru writer Julian Aguon in Sydney today. “It is not simply more of the same. Part of the U.S. military realignment in the Asia-Pacific region includes the controversial relocation of 8,000 U.S. Marines from Okinawa, Japan to Guam. The move will have devastating consequences for the indigenous Chamoru people, who have been struggling for decolonization of their island home. “The situation of Guam serves as one of the greatest indictments of U.S. democratic legitimacy, as Guam remains one of only 16 non-self-governing territories in the modern world. The military build-up now underway in Guam, which will include an influx of a military personnel population comparable in size to the entire indigenous population (55,000), is being done entirely without the input or consultation of the indigenous people and over their deepening dissent.” Dr. Lisa Natividad, a professor at the University of Guam, stated that the new wave of military buildup will only worsen the well being of the Chamoru people, who already suffer from the classic symptoms of a colonial condition such as dramatic health disparities. “For example, rates of nasopharyngeal cancer among my people are 2,000% higher than in the United States, and the rate of diabetes is five times the national U.S. average,” Dr Natividad said. “Although Guam is only 30 miles long, it contains 19 sites designated by the US Environmental Protection Agency as the most highly contaminated and toxic sites in the entire United States.” Dr. Natividad said. These toxins include radioactive and carcinogenic materials, dioxins, etc. “We come to Australia in the hope of raising awareness about the human rights deprivations of the Chamoru people by the U.S, to build solidarity among the peace and justice groups here and throughout the Asia-Pacific region, who are all endangered by current U.S. militarization of the region,” she said.
	What you can do:
	Sign the on-line petition.
	Send a protest letter to Duncan Kerr, Minister for Pacific Territories.
	More about the militarisation of the Pacific in the Summer 2007 edition of the AABCC Bulletin.

APEC

The Anti-Bases Campaign (AABCC) was involved in the APEC demonstrations on both days. On the first day Friday September 7, we participated in what was called the ‘Festival'. The People's Alternative to APEC Festival in Hyde Park on Friday received less publicity than the excellent march on Saturday but it was a worthwhile and positive contribution to the events publicising opposition to the APEC agenda. It was smaller than hoped, perhaps because of the endless rain, the government intimidation and people's intention to march the next day. However, the speakers and entertainment were warmly appreciated and many people did visit the Festival. The Campaign ran stalls and contributed to the committee organising the event.

On Saturday September 8 th , again Anti-Bases was present and the Coordinator spoke at the conclusion of the rally. He spoke about the need to end the US-Australian military alliance and the recent Tripartite agreement between the US, Japan and Australia. These moves in the Asia-Pacific region mean that the US is moving to ‘contain' or even threaten China. Obviously there is no intention in the region for peace and social justice to reign rather we face the prospect of resisting more and more warmongering. These recent moves at APEC by the US, Australia, and Japan are a very backward step.

Top: Julie Marlow at the Anti-Bases stall on September 7 at the APEC Festival.
Left: Hannah Middleton (Anti-Bases spokesperson on Star Wars) at the September 8 anti-APEC demonstrations.

What you can do: