Supporting Derry Occupation
international |
anti-war / imperialism |
news report
Wednesday August 09, 2006 18:20
by Daniel - IAWM
www.irishantiwar.org
PSNI SURROUND RAYTHEON WEAPONS FACTORY IN DERRY AS ANTI-WAR PROTESTERS OCCUPY IN PROTEST AT WEAPONS BEING USED BY ISRAEL.
PSNI SURROUND RAYTHEON WEAPONS FACTORY IN DERRY AS ANTI-WAR PROTESTERS OCCUPY IN PROTEST AT WEAPONS BEING USED BY ISRAEL.
In a statement, The Irish Anti-War Movement (IAWM) paid tribute to the action of members of the Derry Anti-War Coalition who have occupied the Raytheon weapons factory in Derry this morning.
Members of the Derry Anti-War Coalition, who are affiliated to the IAWM, began an occupation of the factory this morning in protest at the production of missile components there, currently being used in the Israeli assault on Lebanon. The Raytheon factory produces components for Guided Missile Units (GBU) such as Patriots, Mavericks, Sidewinders and Sparrows, all of which are used by Israel and paid for with US taxpayer’s money.
GBUs were the weapons responsible for the recent atrocity carried out by Israel at Qana.
The Derry protesters are now surrounded by a large number of members of the PSNI. Two PSNI negotiators, flown by helicopter from Belfast, have been sent into and are talking with the protesters.
The protesters are saying they will only end their protest when Raytheon issue a statement committing themselves to closing their operations in Derry.
The decision to occupy the factory was taken at a meeting of the Derry Anti-War Coalition on Monday. The protest was prompted by the current barbaric Israeli assault on Lebanon and Gaza, which has claimed over thousand lives in just a few weeks. Many of the innocent lives lost have resulted from the use of GBU’s produced by Raytheon.
Everybody who is disgusted at the barbaric slaughter of innocent civilians being carried out by Israel in Lebanon and Gaza should pay tribute to the action of the Derry protesters.
It is outrageous that weapons being used by a rogue state like Israel engaged in a criminal military attack and flouting international law, are being produced here in Ireland.
It is tragic that the Raytheon factory was held up at the time of its opening as an example of the “peace-dividend” for the north, when its function is exporting death and destruction to innocent people in Lebanon, Israel and beyond.
The Derry anti-War protesters are absolutely right to demand that Raytheon pull out of their city and out of this country. The Irish people have a witnessed first hand the brutality and conflict brought by colonialism and empire. We should be playing no part in inflicting that suffering on others. Given the carnage we are now witnessing in Lebanon and Gaza there is simply no excuse for such weapons of death being produced in this country.
The IAWM is also worried that the PSNI may attempt to use heavy-handed tactics to evict the Derry anti-war protesters. We appeal to the media to monitor the current situation at the factory to ensure there is no excessive use of force by the PSNI.”
For more info/confirmation contact Richard Boyd Barrett 087-6329511
For comment from protesters inside the Raytheon factory contact Eamonn Mc Cann 0044 7977924321
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Comments (13 of 13)
Jump To Comment: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13well done to everyone involved. This is an entirely justified protest and should be backed 100% by all anti war activists
are they still in there
Mark Durcan condemned the protest on the grounds that it might hinder future investment in Derry. Perhaps he should apply to have Guatanamo Bay compound moved to Derry, and the locals could be prison guards.
Still it's true what they say, all wars are about money.
It's understood that two are being held in the PSNI station in Coleraine and seven at the Strand Road barracks in Derry. The charge is criminal damage. The police are threatening not to allow them out on bail. Watch this space for news about pickets either at court hearings or at police stations tomorrow.
A comment from man of peace John Hume would be timely
What about targetting the shareholders of this corporation in a mailout with images of what these products the company produces does?
although they may be 2 interested in the bumper profits they will reap as the world restocks itself with these missiles
Its a sin but war is an extremely profitable business for the heartless
im sure companies are preparing pitches to put to the lebonese about rebuilding the country as we speak
well done people,anything which hurts the company , hurts its shareholders, shareholders in the death of innocent people
Comments from John Hume would be timely surely, considering the great céad míle fáilte that he gave to Raytheon - some man of peace he is. Perhaps, now is the time he should hand back that peace award along with the other just as cringe worthy character Mr. Trimble, neither of these lúdramáns deserve a peace award, having supported and encouraged and wined and dined a US arms manufacturing company to set up in Ireland, they are an absolute disgrace to Ireland.
The SDLP seem to have a habit of attracting undesirables to Ireland, be it the British imperialist army or companies who manufacture weaponry for imperialist armies. Nothing mattters to these SDLP middle class financial warriors of the North more than making money and protecting the economy.
Tell me this Sheepstealer are the SDLP really any different to the present $inn Feign? Didn't they go to meet Bush in Hillsborough when he was about to unleash his terror on Iraq? Do I we hear them condemning Bush and the Israelis, are they organising protests at the killing of Civilians. I don't hear anything.
I mentioned Mr. Hume and Mr. Trimble because all the articles I've read so far portrayed them welcoming Raytheon to Ireland, and for this they deserve my harsh criticism.
Your comments made me laugh. I am not an admirer of any of the political parties actively participating in the political regimes of the six counties or twenty-six counties of Ireland, so your words have little effect on me. Ach, go raibh míle maith agat for making me laugh out loud.
Slán anois.
Just to take the debate away from the SDLP doing a new labour (yes it's now a verb!).
I was wondering is there any such factories in the republic, i'm pretty sure i've heard of some companies in ireland supplying parts and electronic chips for things like Apache helicopters, i'm not sure though and i don't know were any such companies are. If we can find out maybe some copy cat action would be in order?
The pressure has to be kept on either way and there need's to be some direct action as well as the protesting.
Solidarity
Amnesty International produced a booklet a few years ago detailing the factories and businesses in southern Ireland that are linked to the arms industry. However, while it might be interesting to extend direct action to these premises, there's always Shannon to be getting on with.
Action from Ireland (AfrI) has produced a number of booklets and reports on the arms trade in Ireland, and their website include a detailed list of Irish firms who are involved in the production, sale, or export of arms technologies.
..P.S. Congratulations again to everyone involved!!
Analog Devices in Limerick. They make weapons systems for Israeli helicopters and other vehicles.