Notes on the 21-22 October National Assembly

The Italian anti-war and peace movements held a national assembly in Florence Italy on October 21st and 22nd with the aim of unifying future positions and activities. The peace movement in Italy is experiencing a moment of difficulty, complicated by the recent Israeli war against Lebanon, the presence of Italian troops in Afghanistan, the policies of the new center-left government and what stance to maintain towards the government.

Although there were fewer groups present at the assembly than in the past, up to 200 people participated, representing the various facets of the peace movement. Several representatives of the U.S. Citizens Against War (Florence) and the U.S. Citizens for Peace and Justice (Rome) were present as well.

In spite of the perplexities expressed concerning the two different national demonstrations planned for November 18th (one in Rome organized by the Forum per la Palestina and others, and the other in Milan organized by the Tavola per la Pace and others), there was unanimous consensus for a common national demonstration in Vicenza on December 2nd against the conversion of the local civilian airport into a U.S. military base and against the presence of U.S. military bases on Italian soil in general.

Several hours were devoted to the discussion of alternative forms of intervention in conflict zones, including the pros and cons of UN Missions, interposition, civilian peace corps, humanitarian missions, international cooperation and society building in post-war areas.

Unanimous consensus was expressed for another national assembly to be held in mid-December to discuss the withdrawal of Italian troops from Afghanistan.

A strong stand was taken by all against the planned 13.7% government increase in military spending with the consequential reduction of funds for public services, such as schools and health care, and against the military contracts Italy has with Israel and with Middle East countries in general concerning arms production and exportation. Other issues considered central to the future of the Italian peace movement are the ongoing injustices and violence in the Palestinian territories and in Iraq and the threat of preventive attacks on Iran. Great importance will be given to the widespread diffusion of facts and information not usually supplied by the mass media.

Resolutions were unanimously approved by the assembly for the liberation of Gabriele Torsello (the Italian journalist kidnapped in Afghanistan), for Agustin Aguayo (the U.S. conscientious objector being held in a military prison in Germany) and for Mumia Abu- Jamal (political prisoner on death row in Pennsylvania).

Appreciation was expressed for the positive results obtained by the Assembly and new energy was generated for the common struggle towards a more peaceful world.

Nancy Bailey, U.S. Citizens Against War - Florence