Dublin peace vigil to mark 9/11

A peace vigil will be held in Dublin's city centre on Sunday 11 September to commemorate the victims of the New York, London and Bali terrorist attacks, as well as those who died in the "War on Terror" in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The organisers, Na Cosantóirí Siochana (Defenders of the Peace), hope to fill the centre island in O'Connell Street, between the Spire and the Jim Larkin statue with up to 1,700 tealight candles. People are being asked to come and support their vigil "in memory of people from both sides who died in this war, and to work with us in ending our country's involvement in it". The organisers want to raise awareness about terrorism and its effects.

Na Cosantóirí Siochana, a nationwide network of peace campaigners, was formed in June, with the aim of re-energising the Irish peace movement.

They are especially interested in raising awareness of US troops' use of Shannon, including the recent increase in troops passing through the airport, to over 30,000 every month.

The network has criticised Taoiseach Bertie Ahern for condemning atrocities in the US, while aiding perpetrators of atrocities in Iraq and Afghanistan by permitting them to use a civilian airport, and involving Irish people every day "in this barbarism". ? More: www.indymedia.ie

Kathy Masterson