Peace protesters snubbed by AIT

Local and foreign peace activists were prevented from gathering outside the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) yesterday in Taipei to protest against a possible war in Iraq.

A coalition of 20 local groups -- including Labor Human Rights, Peace Times and Taiwan's Peace Party -- had joined up to 80 foreigners in Ta-an Park for a rally.

They collected around 500 signatures for a petition and open letter addressed to US President George W. Bush, then marched to the nearby AIT on Hsinyi Road -- despite not having a permit to do so.

A strong police presence prevented them from protesting outside the AIT building, but they were allowed to stand across the street while march organizer and local coordinator of Citizens of the World, Sean Wratt, handed over the petition and flowers.

He then read out the letter for waiting media on the steps of the AIT building. The letter quoted former US secretary of state Henry Kissinger who once said that, "The notion of justified pre-emption runs counter to international law, which sanctions the use of force in self-defense only against actual -- not potential -- threats."

Wratt said the US was promoting a war against Iraq which would undermine world security.

"We demand that the United States allow more time for the UN-led inspections and disarmament process to continue," the letter said.

"In the quest to end terrorism, the US must commit to protecting innocent civilians everywhere and ending, rather than perpetuating the cycle of violence."

Security personnel at the AIT took the letter, petition and flowers, after which the peace activists returned to Ta-an Park chanting anti-war slogans.

Wratt said he had earlier in the week requested director of the AIT Douglas Paal or a representative to meet with him, "but basically they ignored us."

Local activist Eric Chen (陳炎輝) said that it was essential that the movement for peace in Taiwan remained strong.

"This was great but we need to do much more and continue until all the US soldiers go home," Chen said.

According to Taiwanese law, foreigners are not allowed to engage in political activities and must abide by the regulations of their visas for work or study.

No AIT representatives were available for comment.