Green Party Rally in Washington, D.C. Calls for Immediate Withdrawal of U.S. Troops from Iraq

Green Party of the United States
www.gp.org

Contacts:
Scott McLarty, Media Coordinator, 202-518-5624, mclarty@greens.org 
Starlene Rankin, Media Coordinator, 916-995-3805, starlene@gp.org

Friday, January 26, 2007

Green Party to hold rally in D.C. on Saturday, January 27 calling for immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq 

• Greens assemble on McPherson Square in D.C. at 10 a.m., then join hundreds of other groups on the Mall at 11 a.m. for the 'March on Washington' against the Iraq War 

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Green Party of the United  States will hold a rally against the Iraq War, calling for an immediate end of the U.S. occupation of Iraq, in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, January 27. 

The rally is one of a series of events connected with the January 27 'March on Washington' planned by United for Peace & Justice (UFPJ) <http://www.unitedforpeace.org>, as well as related events throughout the weekend. The Green Party has endorsed the March, and Greens from all over the U.S. are traveling to Washington, D.C. to participate. 

The pre-March rally, organized by the Green Party's Peace Action Committee (GPAX), will take place 10:00 a.m. on McPherson Square, 15th and K Streets NW (near the McPherson Square Metro Station, Orange and Blue Lines). More information: http://www.gp.org/committees/peace 

At 11 a.m., Greens will join hundreds of other national and local groups on the National Mall between 3rd and 7th Streets. The March to Capitol Hill begins at 1:00 p.m. 

GPAX local contacts for the January 27 March on Washington: 
Paul 'Zool' Zulkowitz, 646-549-1615 (cell phone) 
Jacqui Deveneau (January 27 only), 207-284-3358 (cell phone) 
Emily Citkowski, 202-319-7191

Greens have opposed the war since President Bush announced plans in late 2002 to invade Iraq. The Green Party's national committee adopted a resolution in July, 2003, calling for impeachment of President Bush for numerous deceptions about reasons for the invasion and other abuses of power <http://www.gp.org/position/st_2003_07_impeach.shtml>. 

The Green Party, which ran a 'Peace Slate' of candidates in 2006, has consistently demanded an immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq and led the political opposition to the war. Greens have sharply criticized the Democratic Party for supporting the invasion initially, failing to take a united stand against the war and other Republican agenda, and refusing to pursue impeachment. 

Other events to take place during the January 27 weekend:

• Friday, January 26: Pre-march welcome gathering for Greens, 7:30 p.m. at 1769 Irving Street, NW (Mount Pleasant neighborhood); call 202-483-4165 for details. Earlier in the evening, many Greens will attend a reception for D.C. Statehood Green Party candidate Renée Bowser, who is running for the Ward 4 seat on D.C. Council in a special election <http://www.reneebowser.org>; this event takes place 5-7 p.m. at Busboys & Poets, 14th Street, NW near V Street. 

• Monday, January 28: Congressional Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill; antiwar groups and individuals will visit congressional offices to lobby their U.S. Senators and Representatives to bring a quick end to the war. Organizing meetings for Congressional Advocacy Day are planned for Sunday, January 28. Details: http://www.unitedforpeace.org/modinput4.php?modin=121

MORE INFORMATION

Green Party of the United States
http://www.gp.org 
1711 18th Street NW
Washington, DC 20009.
202-319-7191, 866-41GREEN
Fax 202-319-7193
Green Party News Center
http://www.gp.org/newscenter.shtml