Monday 8 September 2008

The arms fair planned for Adelaide has been cancelled. Read MAPW Media Release, 8 September 2008.

The major Asia-Pacific Defence and Security Exhibition (APDSE) was due to open on Remembrance Day, 11 November. 

The SA government made the announcement on 6 September, as peace activisists were planning a massive November convergence on Adelaide.

Activities in the pipeline included a major Festival of Peace and Remembrance, a minutes silence in memory of those who have died in wars, choirs, theatre performances, and an alternative peace market-place.

Dr Sue Wareham, President of the Medical Association for Prevention of War said, that the decision to cancel the arms fair was wise.

“The APDSE promoters deliberately listed tensions in the Asia-Pacific region as a selling point to attract exhibitors and buyers. In other words, the more tensions there are, the greater the potential profits to be had. This is nothing to do with our security. It’s about profiting from war and violence.”

While the organisers cite “the threat of violence” as the reason, it would be surprising if their own extraordinary ineptness and insensitivity in choosing Remembrance Day for the opening did not play a part in the decision to cancel.”

“In any event, let’s look at where the real “threat of violence” lies. Surely with the industry that sells tens of billions of dollars worth of weapons every year, to fuel wars that kill and maim men, women and children in the dozens of wars that are currently being fought. That’s violence, threatened and executed” said Dr Wareham.
 

• Contact: MAPW office on 03 8344 1637 or 0431 475 465