The following is abridged from a statement issued in Sydney last week by the Marrickville Peace Group.
Twenty-O-Three is an initiative of the Marrickville Peace Group (MPG). Its title reflects the way the numbers repeat in the date on which news of the invasion of Iraq first reached Australia (20:03:2003).
Twenty-O-Three will be a protracted demonstration for peace by maintaining a presence outside the office of the United States Consul General in Martin Place. The event targets the US government as the prime mover in the invasion and occupation of Iraq.
The action will be maintained during working hours on continuous working days leading up to the focus of the action, the March 20 anniversary of the invasion. The starting date for Twenty-O-Three will be decided shortly. There will be no attempt to block access to the consulate.
The objective of the event is to visibly demonstrate the continuing, deeply felt opposition to the invasion and occupation of Iraq across a very broad section of the Sydney community. Hundreds of thousands of thoughtful and compassionate people know that the Iraq war was a monumental mistake, which has caused untold suffering and made the world less safe for all of us. The event provides an avenue for all those groups and individuals concerned about the Iraq war (or warfare in general) to come together and express that concern collectively.
Numerous peace groups have expressed an interest in the event, with particular groups taking "ownership" of particular days during the action.
Twenty-O-Three is calling on the US government to open a dialogue with its enemies — there can be no peace without dialogue. The event will remind governments that they are faced with solid opposition. It will let peace activists in other parts of the world know that the movement is vibrant in Sydney. And it will help build the major anti-war demonstration to be held in Sydney on March 18 (visit <http://www.stopwarcoalition.org>).
Individuals are encouraged to come along to Martin Place anytime during office hours while the event is in progress, and stay for as long as they can. If a group wishes to take "ownership" of a day during the event, email the MPG at <marrickvillepeacegroup@yahoo.com.au> and indicate what day you would prefer.
For more information, email the MPG or phone Susanne Johnson on 0422 463 295.
From Green Left Weekly, February 1, 2006.
Visit the Green Left Weekly home page.