PRESS RELEASE

Keep Space for Peace Week - 4th -11th October 2003

For Immediate Release: Monday 6th October 2003

Demonstrations occurring across the UK this week - Details below.

CND is joining the international protests against the weaponisation of Space. Space lasers and space-based anti-satellite technology will mean the USA has the potential to achieve its own stated aim of "dominance of space". Official US administration documents refer to control of space, domination of space and the ability to deny others access to space.

The US is researching developing space weapons now, as part of its "Missile Defense" system. Missile Defense has nothing to do with defence - it is a war fighting system designed to achieve what the US refers to as "full spectrum dominance" - dominance of the land, sea, air and space. The system will give the US the ability to strike a country without fear of retaliation - assisting the current US policy of pre-emptive strikes.

Neil Kingsnorth, Yorkshire CND, said "By attempting to cement the military dominance of space and by developing a whole new era in war-fighting - space weapons - the US is causing great concern and potential long-term destabilisation of the international community. Space is the USA's high ground and they want it in order to dominate in war and in peace. It is not an answer to threats and it is not a route to stability. The militarisation and weaponisation of space must be stopped and we call on all nations to support, sign and ratify a full, verifiable treaty banning all weapons from space."

Protests across the UK:

'Don't Take The Peace Out Of Space' - Menwith Hill US airforce base near Harrogate, North Yorkshire - Saturday 11 October - from 12-4pm.
Organised by Yorkshire CND and the Campaign for the Accountability of American Bases (CAAB) With Chris Davies MEP (Lib Dem North West England) and Prof. Dave Webb (Convenor of Global Network Against Nuclear Power and Weapons in Space and Convenor of Yorkshire CND) plus music, food, a trip around the base and more. People are invited to come dressed as 'celestial bodies'.
Contact:- YCND - Neil Kingsnorth - 07818-411-823 or 01274 730795 info@yorkshirecnd.org.uk
CAAB - 0794-989-7904 or 01943 466-405 caab@btclick.com
Details of the day - www.takethepeace.org

Peace Camp & Demonstration at 'RAF' Fylingdales near Pickering, North Yorkshire - Oct 7th - 10th organised by Free Fylingdales Network details from: neil_bye@hotmail.com

USAF Croughton Demonstration - 11th October - 12:00 - 3:00pm Assembly at 12:00 followed by a walk around the perimeter fence to view the aerials and satellite dishes used by the US to support its 'peacetime', contingency and wartime operations including Missile Defence/Star wars. This is an important demonstration to raise public awareness of this US Spy Base.
Speakers: Andrew Murray - Chair - Stop the War Coalition, Kate Hudson - Chair CND and Rebecca Johnson - Acronym.
Rally and Picnic is at 1:15
Organised by Oxford CND with support from Oxfordshire Peace Campaign.
Further information available from Oxford CND on 01865-771-046 or e-mail oxcnd@domu.freeserve.co.uk
Oxfordshire Peace Campaign - Chris.Brennan@admin.ox.ac.uk Tel: 01865 270064

Joint Analysis Centre at Molesworth, near Huntingdon, Cambridge Saturday 11 October 2003 - 2-4pm Meet at the Peace Garden - bring some winter pansies Contact Leicester CND - Anna on 0116 270-5604.

Devonport, Plymouth, UK, International Disarmament Camp - Monday 6th -Mass blockade at Devonport
Trident Ploughshares Disarmament Camp, Direct and Indirect Action
Press: Marcus 07905 917532 Camp Info: Claire 0845 4588363

Ends...//

Notes for Editors

1. For further information or interviews contact Ben Miller, Press Office - 020-7700-2350 or 07968-420-859 or CND Chair, Kate Hudson 07739-184-335

2. CND formed in 1958 has expert knowledge on all nuclear issues.

3. Called for by the Global Network Against Nuclear Weapons and Power in Space – http://www.globenet.free-online.co.uk/index.htm=20_

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