SACC supports demo against NATO

The following resolution was agreed at the SACC Planning meeting on 9 September:

SACC believes that:

1. The presence of British, US and other NATO troops in Afghanistan is an obstacle to the democratic resolution of Afghanistan's troubles as well as being a wider threat to peace in the Middle East, Pakistan and beyond.
2. Britain and NATO's continuing war against the people of Afghanistan is contributing to a climate of siege in Britain and other NATO countries that has allowed our governments to steal rights and freedoms that are essential to the future of our own democracies.
3. The possession and use of nuclear weapons are unjustifiable in any circumstances. The British government's recent decision to replace Trident will undermine any attempts Britain might make to press for a nuclear-free Middle East.

SACC regrets:

1. That Edinburgh is playing host to a NATO meeting that seems certain to dedicate itself to organising further mayhem in the Middle East.
2. That Scotland will be hosting a meeting of G20 finance ministers in the wake of a dismal G20 meeting in London that saw brutal police repression of peaceful protests and that did nothing at all to curb the militarisation of world affairs or the growth of the global security state.

Accordingly, SACC:

1. Calls for the immediate withdrawal of all British, US and other NATO troops from Afghanistan
2. Calls for Trident to be scrapped.
3. Supports the demonstration on 14 November and the Alternative Summit on 15 November.
4. Agrees, in support of the demo and as sponsorship of the Alternative Summit, to make a donation to Edinburgh Stop the War Coalition to be used to help meet costs connected with the demo and the Alternative Summit.