Peace projection in Australia
Greenpeace is taking non-violent, direct action around the globe to oppose a war against Iraq. We strongly believe that violence cannot resolve conflict.
Greenpeace is an organisation based on principles of peace and non-violence. Greenpeace offices around the world are working together with other organisations to oppose a war against Iraq.
China
Greenpeace volunteers dressed in US military fatigues and wearing Bush masks, carried two "weapons of mass destruction" out the back door of the US consulate in Hong Kong. The volunteers were caught in the act a Greenpeace-assembled "Citizens Weapons Inspection Team".
The weapons bore the message "From the US with Love", referring to the US's self-declared role as the world's saviour, and "cruel to be kind" approach to world peace.
The protest exposed the arbitrary and inconsistent nature of the UN weapons inspections in Iraq, forced upon the world by the US and its allies.
Australia
At dawn, Greenpeace inflated a hot-air balloon on Parliament House lawn with the message "Give Peace a Chance", to coincide with the beginning of parliament this year.
Our activists also played a surprise visit to the church service that preceeded the opening of Parliament. Catholic Bishop, Pat Power, congratulated the activists as he walked past their "No War" banner. The Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition and a host of other MPs also walked past the banner.
Greenpeace unfurled the "No War" banner again at a silent vigil in front of Parliament House later in the day.
France
Greenpeace volunteers in Toulouse, France demonstrated during the departure of the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier as it left for Turkey for an unknown purpose.
Turkey
Peace activists gathered in Taksim Square, in the heart of Istanbul, as the words "No to War" appeared on the facade of the Ataturk Cultural Centre.
Seven Greenpeace activists abseiled down from the roof of the building and managed to hang a huge banner before being arrested by Turkish police. The action was held in conjunction with the No War in Iraq coalition that represents over 152 organisations in the country opposing the war, including Greenpeace.
The protest was aimed at the Turkish government's submission of a motion to Parliament that could open the way for U.S. troops to be stationed in Turkey for a possible war against neighbouring Iraq. The No War in Iraq coalition called on the Turkish government to stand firm against pressure being applied by the Bush administration for the use of Turkish bases and seaports for the war on Iraq.
Prague
Greenpeace climbers displayed an anti-war banner on a "neon heart" at the presidential Prague Castle in central Prague, Czech Republic.
