A recent Dail debate saw the Greens spokesperson for foreign affairs, John Gormley challenge the government's position on the discredited UN Act of Free Choice, which legitimised Indonesia's invasion. Up to 300,000 (approx 20%) have since died. The Minister, Mr Cowan claimed that there is no significant international support for reviewing the act.

However Irish activists intend to step up their pressure on the government and will continue to expose the human rights, corporate, environmental and cultural abuses in West Papua. This weekend will see Papuan tribesman Sem Karoba lead the One Big Tribe festival in Maynooth which seeks to raise awareness and encourage action for Papuan and global justice.

Also in attendance will be The Hothouse Flowers, Sampari Papuan dancers and speakers from the Catholic Worker movement and other activist groups.

One Big Tribe festival
West Papua Support Group
West Papua Action
Friends of People Close to Nature
New Internationalist - West Papua edition

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Ranging from suggestions of Leprechauns for Peace and cursing the shamrock, to wearing black on Patrick's Day, the idea has some official sanction in Ireland after Dublin City Council voted to fly white flags for peace along the Liffey over the Festival weekend.

In an attempt to influence American public opinion in advance of the March 17th deadline, a diverse group of Irish peace activists has issued a call for people around the world to wear or display white during St. Patrick's Day activities as a symbol of peace. The St. Patrick's Day Peace Group is also calling for the Irish peace process to be be used as a model for conflict resolution in the Iraqi crisis.

Celebrated in the United States since 1737, St. Patrick's Day has a profile extending well beyond the 40 million politically powerful Irish Americans and has long been used for political purposes.

Lá 'le Pádraig, lá i leith síochán

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Saturday was an eventful day at Shannon Airport with two protests and a strong Garda presence, protecting a newly-erected razor fence. Despite scaremongering, the Grassroots protest was peaceful, their attempt to take down the fence was unsuccessful, but participants promised to return ( 1 ) ( 2 ) ( 3 Video) ( 4 Audio) ( 5) ( 6) ( 7). There were ten arrests ( 2 Video) however accompanied by the usual over enthusiasm (Video).

The diverse IAWM protest passed off , without incident ( 2 ). Those arrested have since been released on bail, due to return on Friday March 7th. There were unconfirmed reports of a breach of runway security a few hours after the protests ended.

Post match analysis has led to some discussion and the usual arguments over the rights and wrongs of both protests. While both Shannon demonstrations were underway people also gathered in Dublin and in Donegal to voice their opposition to the war.

Video: ( 1 ) ( 2 ) ( 3 )

Arrestees: ( 1 ) ( 2 ) ( 3 )

Arguments: ( 1 ) ( 2 ) ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 ) ( 6 ) ( 7 ) ( 8 ) ( 9 ) ( 10 ) ( 11 )

Donegal

Audio

Photos ( 1 ) ( 2 ) ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 )

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After much debate ( 2 ) ( 3 ) the Grassroots Gathering has issued a statement clarifying the direct action that is being called for the coming Saturday, March 1st..

A mass trespass is planned, with two groups involved. Those following white flags will form a line, one deep, facing the fence. The line will walk towards the fence with arms linked and, according to the statement, "once we reach the fence we will attempt to pull it down" and "remain in the grass verge on the other side of the fence." Pink flags will be used to clearly identify those who support the action but do not wish to take part.

Buses are organised from a number of locations by both the Grassroots Network and the Irish Anti-War Movement, who are organising a parallel mass peaceful protest. Legal observers are also being organised ( 2 ). However the Peace and Neutrality Alliance (PANA), the NGO Peace Alliance and AFRI have decided not to participate because of concerns about the direct action. The Greens, Sinn Féin and Labour have also not supported the action ( 2 ), although individual members of these parties will be attending. This comes amidst growing calls for direct action and civil disobedience ( 2 ) against the war from around the world. Meanwhile preparations for Saturday's action are underway and there are already reports of arrests at the airport, which US military aircraft continue to use in their buildup to war on Iraq.

Read the full Grassroots Network statement, action plan and more ( 1 ) ( 2 ) on the planned action.

Reports on previous mass trespass: ( 1 ) ( 2 ) ( 3 ) and on International direct action ( 2 ) against the war.

Discussion: ( 1 ) ( 2 ) ( 3 ) ( 4 ) ( 5 ) ( 6 ) ( 7 ) ( 8 ) ( 9 )

Comment on this Feature | Tear the Fence Down (a Poem about Love)