Prague, October 21, 2008

Dear friends,

We are writing to invite you to a conference which will take place in Prague on Monday, November 10, 2008.

As you are aware the issue of the installation of a US military base in the Czech Republic is one of the most heartfelt issues here. In short, the Czech government signed an agreement with the government of the United States and in the next weeks the Parliament will have to ratify this contract.

Two thirds of the population are against this issue which has divided society, as well as political parties. After our hunger strike which awoke in the population the intention of not giving up, the atmosphere has become very heavy and in the last months a slanderous campaign against our nonviolent Movement has begun, as well as against me personally.
It is not excessive to say that there is an atmosphere of repression and censorship. Many artists and intellectuals who supported our protest were threatened and people are scared to express themselves.

The possibility of Parliament endorsing this bill will occur thanks to the support of the Green Party, where the party wing in favour of militarist policies has taken over.

We know that Green Parties in Europe have taken a stand against new military bases in the continent and especially against the US NMD plan. This is why we are writing to you. We are asking for your support, in the way you consider most appropriate.

The issue of the so-called “Star Wars” and the subsequent return of what many call the new cold war is a key issue in Europe and in the rest of the world. I must highlight that it would be serious to associate the name of the Greens to this dark page in the history of the Czech Republic and Europe in general.

On November 10th, an important conference will take place in Prague concerning this issue. European Parliament Member Giulietto Chiesa will attend, as well as many Czech personalities.

We ask that at least one Green Party MEP attend this conference.

There will be other official meetings during the day – for example, a meeting with the mayors of the region where the military base is planned to be built. There Giulietto Chiesa will present the declaration against the NMD program signed by various MEPs.

Looking forward to your reply, I send you best regards,

Jan Tamas
Nonviolent movement against military bases
www.nonviolence.cz