Greenpeace today launched an international campaign against U.S plans to develop a 'Star Wars' anti ballistic missile (AMB) system. A test of the system is expected to take place this coming Friday ( 4am Saturday GMT) off the Californian coast.
This morning, Greenpeace set up a media centre across the street from Vandenberg Air Force base, Lompoc, California, from where one of the missiles will be launched. Greenpeace will be joined at Vandenberg's front gate by arms control and disarmament experts. Also on site will be a 50 foot inflatable missile and banners reading 'Stop Star Wars'.
From the centre, Greenpeace will launch its website www.stopstarwars.org The website will allow citizens from around the world to record their concern about the Pentagon proceeding with the Star Wars program. The site will be continually updatesd with developments surrounding the test.
Greenpeace disarmament campaigner William Peden said, "If the Star Wars system goes ahead it will undoubtedly destroy international arms control and disarmament agreements and spark a new nuclear arms race,
He added, "Furthermore an ABM system, simply won't address the perceived threat from countries such as Korea. The fact is that if Korea really did wanted to attack the US there are many other ways of delivering weapons of mass destruction".
Further information:
Contact:
Greenpeace press office: 020 7865 8255
