United States:Anti-war demonstrators marched in a dozen US cities on Saturday to call for an immediate end to the war in Iraq and a cut-off of funding by Congress.
The "national day of action", sponsored by the United for Peace and Justice coalition, attracted throngs of protesters in cities from Boston and New Orleans to Chicago and Los Angeles on the fifth anniversary of the US senate's vote authorising the invasion of Iraq.
Wet weather depressed the turnout in New York, but thousands still braved the rain for the event, where protesters carried signs reading "End the war now", demanding a cutoff of its funding; "Healthcare, not warfare" and calling for the impeachment of President Bush for "war crimes".
One contingent began its trek in New Jersey, marching across the George Washington Bridge en route to a rally in Manhattan's Union Square, where speakers included anti-war veterans and families of servicemen in Iraq.
The demonstrators also spoke out on issues including nuclear weapons and what some see as the increasing likelihood of US military intervention in Iran over its escalating nuclear program.
In Chicago, an estimated 10,000 people gathered at Union Park for the march to Federal Plaza. Democratic representatives Danny Davis and Jan Schakowsky told participants they would oppose any further funding for the Iraq war without a formal withdrawal date.
"Do not let the political leaders divide us," Veterans for Peace national executive director Michael McPherson, a Gulf War veteran, told the crowd.
"Figure out ways to work together even though we might have some differences. We must stand together on these issues," said Mike Carano (53), of the Progressive Democrats of America organisation.
Organisers said demonstrators in San Francisco were expected to number up to 100,000. There were also protests in Seattle, Salt Lake City, Orlando, Philadelphia and even Jonesborough, Tennessee, home to a company that is the largest producer of weapons using depleted uranium.
- (Reuters)