Vic: Protesters call for the removal of troops from Iraq

AAP General News (Australia)
04-10-2004
Vic: Protesters call for the removal of troops from Iraq

MELBOURNE, April 10 AAP - About 50 members of the socialist youth group Resistance
gathered in Bourke Street Mall in Melbourne today to demand the withdrawal of Australian
troops from Iraq.

The small group of protesters, carrying anti-war banners and chanting "troops out,
end the occupation", were outnumbered though by shoppers seeking Easter bargains.

National coordinator of Resistance Stuart Munckton said the group was calling for the
immediate and unconditional withdrawal of troops.

"The Iraqi people do not want to be occupied," Mr Munckton said.

"We are demanding that (Prime Minister John) Howard get the troops out now."

The protesters will later attend the Resistance National Conference to be held in Melbourne
tonight.

The theme of the three-day conference is Bring Down the Empire.

AAP bw/sjb/jlw

KEYWORD: PROTEST VIC

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