Workshop III was chaired by Jill Evans MEP (Wales/ Cymru) and Georges Spriet (Belgium/Vrede).
Rae Street made the general introduction to the programme of the workshop.
More than 100 delegates attended the proceedings, which focused on linking the new European Peace Movement with the movements against neo-liberal globalization represented at the Porto Alegre World Social Forum, but also on anti-militarism and Globalization, on the question of Palestine and the deteriorating situation in the Middle East, on Depleted Uranium weapons, and on Conscientious objection, including paying tax for the military.
After introductions to each one of these issues from Panos Trigazis, Faris Glubb, David Gallard, Marion Franz and Jackie Hoskins and Rae Street, there were more than 50 interventions by participants during the whole proceedings and many action-oriented proposals were put forward.
1. It was assessed by many that the movements for peace, disarmament, global democracy and social justice are inextricably linked and should co-operate as much as possible. World developments, especially after 11.9.2001, have brought to the fore the need for a holistic or all-embracing approach to the acute problems of world and regional security. Democracy in international life and within nations has become a central issue for both the peace and the anti-globalization movements. The globalization of peace and human rights must be the answer to the globalization of militarism.
2. The disarmament agenda assumes new importance in a period when G. W. Bush sinks arms control treaties one after the other, but it must be linked organically with global issues, especially with combating poverty, promoting sustainable development, and bridging the explosive North-South gap. Ideas such the "Tobin Tax", as well as the cancellation of the poor countries' debt, which are also on the agenda of Porto Alegre should also be among our demands.
3. In the name of the so-called "New World Order" and NATO's new role, the UN as well as the OSCE have been weakened and undermined. So, there is an imperative need to promote a global campaign for the upgrading and democratization of the UN. This can be a unifying campaigning theme for movements throughout the world involved in the most divergent issues.
Another opportunity for the peace, anti-nuclear, ecological, and anti-globalisation movements to act together is the UN World Summit on Sustainable Development, scheduled to take place in Johannesburg/South Africa in the coming summer.
4. The existing unjust and undemocratic international order is exposed most dramatically in the continuing Palestinian tragedy. The urgent need to promote a just and viable peace process in the region was stressed by everybody who spoke on this issue. The violation of International Humanitarian Law by the government of Israel and the right to resist occupation were pointed out. And it was repeated once again that the key to peace in the Middle East is the implementation of UN resolutions, and the creation of an independent Palestinian State with East Jerusalem as its capital. Also, the need of regional cooperation and disarmament was underlined.
Above all, a unanimous demand was expressed for Europe to play a more active role along the above lines as peace in the Middle East is linked closely with European security and is a prerequisite for the development of Euro-Mediterranean cooperation.
Information was provided about plans for large peace delegations to Palestine and Israel from various European countries.
An Israeli-Palestinian Citizen's Forum, to be convened in Athens as soon as possible by the European Network for Peace and Human Rights, was proposed. Emphasis was placed on the need for young Palestinians and Israelis to act as catalysts for peace.
5. It was also pointed out that the situation in Afghanistan should continue to be among our main concerns and in this direction the expression of solidarity with Afghan women was an important issue.
6. As for the DU weapons, it was stressed that public opinion should be better informed about this "new kind of nuclear war" and a campaign should be promoted for a ban on testing, trade and use of these weapons.
7. The need to globalise the new European movement's agenda does not mean that the European agenda is less significant, especially concerning NATO's expansion and its new role, the situations in the Balkans, and the security of the Mediterranean. The demand for a new European security system on the basis of the OSCE remains very important. Another focus should be the developments in the EU, especially in relation to its Common Foreign and Security Policy. The Cyprus problem is also a European problem, which must be solved on the basis of the UN resolutions.
In order to promote such an agenda, our network must broaden geographically so as to include movements from Central and Eastern Europe.
8. To develop and broaden our movement, the experience of the great movement of the cold war years should be utilized: its inventive forms of action, attraction to youth, diversity and spontaneity, international cooperation, as well as its ability to relate with the trade union, ecology, feminist, human rights and other movements. Today there is a need for a network of networks. The need for positive proposals in opposition to the dominant policies was also pointed out by many speakers. Additionally, promoting a peace culture and education must also be part of our agenda.
9. The need for exchange and dissemination of information is a prerequisite to promote action, achieve coordination and solidarity and respond to developments in the most efficient way. Regarding forthcoming activities, information was provided about a Saragosa anti-NATO "Summit" and a variety of events in Athens during May.
10. A task of the first priority was defined as the linking of our European Network with the US peace and human rights movement. Finally an important task of our network is to assume an all-European character, to involve in its struggles many more elected representatives, MEPs, MPs and local government people. Despite the difficulties, there is ample space for our movement to grow with its immediate short-term and long-term objectives. But also with the vision put forward from Porto Alegre that "a different world is possible".
Panos Trigazis
Brussels, 1 February 2002