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==Help Ban Cluster Bombs Now! Sign the People's Treaty== {| class="wikitable" |- |width="10%"| [[Image:cluster_bomb_treaty.gif]] |width="30%"| |width="50%"| |} http://www.minesactioncanada.org/peoples_treaty/index.cfm Cluster bombs cause predictable and unacceptable harm to civilians, both at the time of use and for many years after. It is my strong belief that these weapons are morally unacceptable. '''The Convention on Cluster Munitions – Explained''' The Convention on Cluster Munitions was negotiated and adopted at the Dublin Diplomatic Conference on 30 May 2008 by 107 states. It is a legally binding international treaty that forbids the use, production, stockpiling and transfer of cluster bombs. The Convention will be signed in Oslo on 3 December 2008. No changes can be made to the wording of the treaty. The Convention bans cluster bombs, with no exceptions or period of time in which countries can continue to use them after the ban. Stockpiles must be destroyed within eight years and contaminated land cleared within 10. The Convention sets a new standard for assisting victims and protecting their human rights. States must provide medical, financial and psychological support to survivors and all people affected by cluster bombs. http://www.minesactioncanada.org/peoples_treaty/index.cfm ---- ==Trial: 'Lakenheath 8', Mon-Thur Dec 1st-4th, Ipswich Crown Court== Seven people are on trial over alleged offences in October 2006 at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk when they cut through the fence and locked themselves onto the gates of a ‘technical munitions area’. The defendants claim to have seen cluster bombs in this area and had secured the area so that police could investigate alleged war crimes. They were arrested and charged with criminal damage and under section 128 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act. Cluster Bomb Treaty Coincidentally over 100 countries (but not including the United States) are signing a cluster bomb in Oslo while the trial is in progress. This would outlaw the use, production, transfer and stockpiling of cluster bombs. This does not, however, mean that until the treaty is signed that the use of cluster bombs is legal. They are deemed to be indiscriminate and therefore already illegal under international law and this is one of the reasons for the treaty which would also outlaw the production and stockpiling of these weapons. This has already demonstrated in the courts. In 2003 two peace campaigners were found not guilty by at jury after an attempt to disable US B52 bombers allegedly carrying cluster bombs to be dropped in Iraq. In former Yugoslavia Milan Martić was also convicted by the International Tribunal for war crimes in the use of cluster munitions against Zagreb. Further information on: http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/11/412703.html. '''Peace campaigners from East Anglia support those on trial.''' On Monday, Dec 1st, 10am, we will be laying flowers outside the court for the victims of the indiscriminate cluster bombs and supporting those inside who expose the part played by the U.S. bases on our doorstep. Court support, from 10am-5pm, is welcome on all days of trial (Dec 1-4, 2008). See: http://www.easterncnduk.org Ipswich Crown Court, 1 Russell Road Ipswich Suffolk IP1 2AG More info on the trial: Mell Harrison, Eastern Region CND, Campaigns officer, 0845 337 0282, http://www.easterncnduk.org ------ ==Transition Norwich Theme Groups - Dec. 2008== [[Image:TransitionNorwich.jpg]] *Monday 1 Dec 19:30 City Farms, Old White Lion - NR3 3AQ (Old White Lion pub, Oak St) *Tuesday 2 Dec 19:30 Youth Group first meeting - The Playhouse, Norwich (in the Playroom) *Monday 8 Dec 19:30 Energy Group meeting, venue tbc *Wednesday 10 Dec 19:30 Waste Group meeting at White Lion pub, Oak Street - White Lion pub, Oak Street, NR3 3AQ *Tuesday 16 Dec 19:30 Business/Economy 1st Meeting - The Playhouse, Norwich (in the Playroom) More information: http://www.transitionnorwich.org. ----- ==Wired Events: A film show about Christmas, Thur, Dec 4th, 1:30pm-3pm, UEA, Arts 01.02== [[Image:christmasfilmshow2008.jpg|600px]] ----- ==Norwich Stop the War steering committee meeting, Wed, Dec 10th, 7.30 pm, Jurnet's Bar, Wensum Lodge== Regular meeting of the NSTWC steering committee. Open to newcomers. Further information from info@norwichstopwar.org.uk or http://www.norwichstopwar.org.uk. ----- ==Norwich Palestine Support Group meeting, Mon, Dec 15th, 7.30 pm, United Reform Church== Norwich Palestine Support Group has been raising the matter of labelling with local branches of super markets. The next meeting of this group will be held on Monday 15th December, 7.30pm at the United Reformed Church in Princes Street when all supporters are welcome. Further information from Keith Rowley (email fortyeighter@hotmail.com). ----- ==Otesha project looks for accommodation and places to perform in summer 2009== The Otesha cylcing project is coming to Norwich next summer, and were wondering whether anyone had any suggestions, for places to stay or places to perform a play?? http://www.otesha.org.uk/60/2009-cycle-tours/host-a-cycle-team.html Otesha project cycles around performing plays giving helpful ideas about green living etc. East Coast Tour 2009 - Peterborough, King's Lynn, Norwich, Lowestoft, Ipswich, Cambridge - 7th Aug - 19th Sep Please contact Otesha project if you can help: http://www.otesha.org.uk or cycletour@otesha.org.uk ----- {|border=1 |width="20%"|'''Norwich Scoop''' is a local newsletter for Norfolk people thinking globally. |width="30%"|Our aim is to keep people informed of events relating to peace, environment, climate, sustainability, social justice, civil liberties and community initiatives. |width="50%"|If you want to get the monthly newsletter per email please send a request to: norwichscoop@googlemail.com You can preview upcoming issues and get latest event information at: http://www.norwichscoop.dreamhosters.com. |}

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