GREENPEACE FORCES DELAY OF STAR WARS TEST

14 July 2001

GREENPEACE FORCES DELAY OF STAR WARS TEST

Vandenberg Airforce Base, California: Greenpeace activists have dodged coastguards, a helicopter and a navy vessel and breached security at the airbase at the heart of the Star Wars programme this evening. Two swimmers landed on one beach at the northern end of the base close to a backup missile, both have been arrested. A further three boats have driven through restricted waters to the southern area where the primary missile is being prepared for launch. Divers have jumped into the waters of the exclusion zone trailing "Stop Star Wars" banners behind them.

The launch of the Star Wars missile was due at 1900hrs (PDT), but Greenpeace has warned the base commander that people are within the safety zone and the missile can therefore not be fired without putting them at risk. The test has been delayed. "If this launch goes ahead before our volunteers are removed, not only will it be a grossly irresponsible act because of the activists we have in the security zone, but it will also be a clear signal from George Bush that he is ignoring all opposition to this programme and is hell bent on deployment," said Greenpeace International disarmament campaigner William Peden. "Other nuclear states will feel obliged to upgrade their own weaponry and we will embark upon a new nuclear arms race. We cannot allow George Bush to light the blue touch paper on this missile system and then walk away from the consequences of it." Peden added.

In briefings issued to US embassies world-wide in the last two days, the Administration has stated if they can not revise it, they will ditch the ABM in a matter of months. Next week Bush is visiting heads of government of Europe and Russia and defence issues will be at the top of the agenda.

"The issue may be up there, but there is no chance George Bush will willingly listen to the concerns of other nations," said Peden. "Greenpeace activists from all over the world have come to Vandenberg today because this is a global problem. Star Wars will ignite a new nuclear arms race, and it must be stopped. We have seen him for what he is - a reckless nuclear proliferator - it is time for the rest of the world to wake up to George Bush and demand he stop Star Wars."

Today's action involved activists from the United States, UK, Germany, Australia, Canada, India, Sweden, Denmark and Ireland to Vandenberg. In the past few months Greenpeace actions to stop Star Wars have spread round the world. A two-day occupation of a US spy base in the UK that would be used in the Star Wars programme highlighted massive opposition to the programme from around the world. Next week the anti nuclear environmental group will sail to another US base, this time at Thule in Greenland. Both UK and the Danish administered base in Greenland are vital as Star Wars can not go ahead without the consent of the governments to upgrade the facilities.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Sara Holden, Greenpeace International media officer at Vandenberg - +1 805 291 1749
William Peden, Greenpeace International disarmament campaigner at Vandenberg: +1 202 285 9130

Greenpeace media centre, Lompoc California +1 805 740 1430
Photo and video available: Video: +31 205 249 543 Photo: +31 205 249 580