Saturday 5 th March 2005 Mechanics Institute, Manchester

We the participants of this conference are seriously concerned about Article 40 of the EU Constitution, on Common Security and Defence Policy, which further links EU policies to those of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). NATO is a military alliance which is now operating globally. It keeps US nuclear weapons at bases throughout Europe; it still has policies of first use of nuclear weapons and nuclear sharing with non-nuclear weapons states. We also oppose the idea that the member states should ‘undertake progressively to improve their military capabilities'.

This Conference supports the idea that the security of the peoples of Europe and across the world does not lie in:
•  Military solutions to conflict;
•  Pre-emptive war;
•  Developing more and advanced technological weapons systems including nuclear weapons;
•  Weapons in space;
•  And foreign military bases.

Peace and security will come through:
•  Complying with international law;
•  Working to strengthen and democratise the United Nations;
•  Disarmament, including nuclear disarmament;
•  Reducing military expenditure and the arms trade;
•  Working for social justice and equal economic relations with all peoples;
•  And genuine efforts to achieve a harmonious and inclusive society.

Peace activists are resolved to work together in Europe to raise awareness of these issues and to press their elected representatives to address these concerns at national, European and international levels.

 

http://www.gmdcnd.org.uk/events/europepeace.htm