Cate Blanchett and Andrew Upton have joined hundreds of other prominent voices around the globe in support of the forthcoming World March for Peace and Nonviolence, a symbolic international event in favour of nuclear disarmament and peaceful conflict resolution. "It is surprising how many people now believe that armed intervention is the best solution".

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Pressenza, Sydney, 2009-09-18

Blanchett, star of films such as Elizabeth, the Lord of the Rings, and the Aviator, for which she won an Oscar for best supporting actress, together with her husband, Andrew Upton the playwright and director sent their message of support to organisers of the World March in Australia.

“It is surprising how many people now believe that armed intervention is the best solution to some of the problems facing the world. Yet if only a small share of the money spent on weapons and armed conflict was directed to the elimination of hunger and poverty, many of the root causes of these conflicts could be solved. For the future of our children, speak out in favour of peace, nuclear disarmament and the end of violence”, said Cate Blanchett.

In support of this cause, Sydneysiders together with the international Base Team of the World March will gather on Bondi Beach 4th October to form the word PEACE in a symbolic act to express their strong opposition to war and all forms of violence.

"The nuclear threat hasn't gone away and the danger of even more countries joining the nuclear race will grow if world citizens remain silent. To have your voice heard, join us and make PEACE at Bondi Beach on 4th October at 11.00am," said WM Sydney coordinator Alex Gasko.

In Sydney peace events will start with the celebration of the United Nations‟ International Day of Peace on Monday 21 September, when peace activists will meet in Martin Place to call for a ceasefire in international conflicts and the resolution of disputes through non-violent means. Two weeks later, 2 October on the anniversary of Gandhi's birthday, the World March for Peace and Nonviolence will be launched in Wellington, New Zealand from where the Base Team of peace activists from Brazil, Costa Rica, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Germany and the UK, led by world renowned humanist Rafael de la Rubia will arrive in Sydney on 3 October 2009. The World March is a symbolic journey through 90 countries and six continents by a multinational team that will travel for three months around the globe to inspire initiatives in support of nuclear disarmament and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.

Pressenza IPA