22 March 2005

Anti-war rally expresses solidarity with Iraqi people and takes aim at imperialism

Vancouver, Canada – Ardent calls for solidarity with the Iraqi people and for the end of U.S.-led imperialist wars of aggression filled the streets of Vancouver’s east side on March 20th.

Marking the second anniversary of the U.S. occupation of Iraq, anti-war activists, peace and freedom-lovers and anti-imperialists marched under the banner of the International League of People’s Struggle (ILPS) chanting, “U.S. troops out of Iraq!” and, “U.S. imperialist, number one terrorist!”.

Protestors listened to the call of ILPS participating organizations in Vancouver to stand in genuine solidarity with the progressive and revolutionary forces of Iraq fighting to rid themselves of their U.S. aggressors. The protestors built up their spirit of militancy by heckling two mock-ups of George Bush and Paul Martin arrogantly tossing a globe around.

They then took to the streets with drivers and on-lookers cheering them on expressing their support with the rally’s call for the end of U.S.-led imperialist aggression, solidarity with the Iraqi people, and for the withdrawal of Canadian troops from
Haiti.

The militant march ended with speakers which included the Grassroots Women, No One Is Illegal, the Kalayaan
Centre reading a statement from progressive overseas Filipino organizations across Canada, the Columbian
Support Committee, People’s Front, and the B.C. Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines.

All the speakers declared their community’s and organization’s solidarity with all those struggling against U.S. imperialism, emphasizing the need to build genuine solidarity with the people of Iraq and all peoples who are waging all forms of struggle, including armed struggle, for their own national and social liberation. Speakers also described how increasing government cut backs and job losses, there is growing unrest among the working class and people of Canada especially as Canada rolls along with the U.S.’ so-called “borderless war on terrorism”.

Overall the march and rally called by ILPS participating organizations in Vancouver underscored the need to build a genuine people’s anti-imperialist movement locally in order to effectively deal with the intensifying attacks of neo-liberalism and growing inequalities as well as to effectively realize the demands of the people for basic human rights, equality, and genuine development.

ILPS participating organizations in Vancouver plan to build on the momentum of the weekend’s events through upcoming educational events.