Press Conference and White House Petition Delivery on 8th Anniversary of Authorization September 16th, 2009 |
Press Conference and White House Petition Delivery on 8th Anniversary of Authorization for Afghanistan Invasion: Coalition calls for exit strategy as public opposition to war grows
WASHINGTON D.C.—On the 8th anniversary of Authorization for Use of Military Force in Afghanistan, activists from CODEPINK, United For Peace & Justice, Institute for Policy Studies, and other community groups will hand-deliver a petition to the White House and speak out against plans to send more troops. The petition, signed by authors, academics, producers, community leaders and thousands of citizens, calls on leaders to oppose escalation of troops and adopt
an exit strategy based on all-party talks, regional diplomacy,
unconditional humanitarian aid and timelines promising an American and
NATO military withdrawal from Afghanistan. Benjamin will be joined by community leaders and activists, including CODEPINK women with their usual colorful outfits, to deliver the petition drafted by anti-war activist Tom Hayden. The petition voices popular public opinion; after eight years of fighting, Americans oppose the war in Afghanistan more than ever, according to recent CNN and Washington Post /ABC Polls. WHAT: Press Conference calling on leaders to heed public opinion on Afghanistan and delivery of petition calling for exit strategy in Afghanistan and no more escalation. WHEN: 9:00 AM, Thursday September 17, 2009 WHERE: White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington DC 20009 WHO: Medea Benjamin, CODEPINK co-founder Ann Wright, Retired U.S. Diplomat Gael Murphy, United for Peace and Justice Phyllis Bennis, Institute for Policy Studies For more information, please contact Emily Siegel, CODEPINK DC Coordinator at 202-441-6716 or Medea Benjamin at 415-235-6517. View the complete petition online at: http://salsa.salsalabs.com/o/424/t/8834/petition.jsp?petition_KEY=2090 |
