Following yesterday’s so-called ‘transfer of power’, which pre-empted the official handover date scheduled for 30th June 2004, protesters will gather in Parliament Square to demand the transfer of genuine full sovereignty to the Iraqi people. We will be calling for troops involved in the illegal war on Iraq to leave the country and for Iraqis to be handed full control over their resources, their security and all aspects of national sovereignty. We also believe that the granting of immunity from Iraqi law to western civilian contractors is shameful and must be ended immediately.

Michael Berg, father of Nick Berg, the American hostage who was executed in Iraq, will be addressing the protest. Speakers will include Bruce Kent and Kate Hudson, Chair of CND. Protesters will be gathering from 6pm until 8pm.

Kate Hudson, Chair of CND said,

“CND continues to call for full sovereignty for the Iraqi people and a government based on the democratic choice of the Iraqi people. There cannot be real peace and security for the Iraqi people until the aggressor forces leave Iraq and democratic elections are held. The Iraqis must have full control over their resources, their security and all aspects of their national sovereignty. ”

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Notes to Editor: