Opponents of Nato's bombing in the Balkans have organised a protest march to take place in York on Saturday, May 1.

Peace campaigners Cathy Holman and Paul Eccles prepare for their march. Picture by Frank Dwyer

York Campaign Against War in the Balkans was formed when 80 people attended a meeting organised by York Action for Peace at the Friends Meeting House last Friday and agreed to put across three strong messages.

"We want bombing to stop now," said campaign spokesman Paul Eccles.

"We don't want a ground war and we want to make refugees welcome in this country.

"The overwhelming feeling at the meeting was that the action is completely wrong. And although the targets in Serbia are supposed to be military we know that civilians are dying."

He added: "If you bomb factories and villages it is going to lead to starvation and lack of health care. Milosovic will still be there.

"We do not want this escalating into a ground war and these are points we will be putting across in the demonstration on May 1."

At Friday's meeting those who attended were addressed by Joyce Pickard, a former headmistress of The Mount School, York, who is a Quaker and a member of York Action for Peace, and Nicola Neath, a direct action trainer, who gave some practical tips about making the greatest impact with their protest.

Frank Ormston, a member of York Socialist Workers' Party, also spoke at the meeting.

Mr Eccles said the campaign is hoping more than 100 people will join the march.

It is being held the week before a national demonstration in London on May 8, which York people will also attend with the help of £100 raised at last Friday's meeting.

He said those who attended the meeting were from many different social backgrounds covering a wide age spectrum, which showed that York was firmly behind the campaign for peace.

York Campaign Against War in the Balkans will also be setting up a weekly stall in Parliament Street where residents will have the chance to sign a petition against the military action.

For further information contact York Peace Centre on York 642493.

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