Tuesday 20 July 2004 – For immediate release

The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament today welcomed the release of the hostage Angelo de la Cruz and praised the Philippine government for withdrawing its military presence from Iraq. CND Chair Kate Hudson congratulated the Philippine government for its decision to “put human life first” and pull out of the violent occupation of Iraq. She called on the UK government to follow suit.

The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament has always opposed the war on Iraq. It condemns the occupation as both Illegal and immoral and calls for the immediate withdrawal of troops.

Kate Hudson, Chair of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament said:

“On the day Tony Blair defends the indefensible in the Commons debate on the damning Butler report the Philippine government has put human life first and shown that there is a better way. It has acted to end the cycle of violence by pulling out of Iraq.

We demand that our government follows suit and rethinks its warlike approach to solving the complex problems of the world today. The violence will only end when the troops are withdrawn and there is full legitimate sovereignty for Iraq.”

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor

1. For further information please contact Ruth Tanner, CND’s Press & Communications Officer on 0207 700 2350 or 07968 420859