urg:::Doctors say Australia has sold out (to the US) - MAPW press release 19 June 2002

[Medical Association for Prevention of War, Australia]

Medical Association for Prevention of War, Australia
National Office:  P.O. Box 1379, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia www.mapw.org.au
Ph: +61 (0)413 594 717 Fax: +61 3 9427 7920  mapw@mapw.org.au

Press Release
19 June 2002


Doctors say Australia has sold out


The Medical Association for Prevention of War (MAPW) is horrified at the
recent announcement of Defence Minister Hill to follow a US policy of
first-strike use against 'threats'.  US military strategy firmly encompasses
the use of nuclear weapons.

"The Government's decision is appallingly irresponsible in referring to the
use of nuclear weapons against terrorists" says Dr Sue Wareham, President of
MAPW. "The Government is showing that it is absolutely ignorant of the
effects of nuclear weapons. These weapons would not kill just a handful of
terrorists, but would kill civilians by the hundreds of thousands."

Dr Wareham continued "The 'first-use' of a nuclear weapon by the US would be
illegal, immoral, inhuman and unproductive. For Australia - a Government
that claims to be in favour of nuclear disarmament - the current Howard
administration has really lost the plot. Our leaders are selling our soul to
the US."

Ms Giji Gya, Executive Officer for MAPW added "There is no reason to blindly
follow a policy of violence and military response to problems. If we wish to
stem the cycle of terrorism, violence, war and death, we need to stay with
the path of negotiation, diplomacy and promoting the livelihood of humans. "

More civilians were killed in the strikes on Afghanistan than were killed on
the 11th of September. With no definition of 'terrorism', without the check
and balance of international law and with 'threats' everywhere everyday -
coupled with US determination to use nuclear weapons - anyone can be the
next innocent civilian victim of a military or nuclear strike.

And there is no medical response for a nuclear strike.


Contact Dr Sue Wareham 0407 924 152 or Giji Gya 0413 594 717

-------------------------------------
Ms. Giji Gya
Executive Officer, Medical Association for Prevention of War
(MAPW Australia)
giji.gya@mapw.org.au
www.mapw.org.au
---------------------------------
Ph: +61 (0) 413 594 717
Fax: +61 3 9427 7920
---------------------------------
PO Box 1379
Carlton (Melbourne)  VIC 3053, Australia

www.endofexistence.org

NGO recommendations to the NPT.
http://www.reachingcriticalwill.org/npt/NGOpres02/14.pdf