International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons

3 July 2007

Recent events point to the growing risks of nuclear weapons proliferation and use, but also the power of decisive action against them. Now is the time for us all to act to create a nuclear weapons free world.

If you haven't already, please sign the ICAN petition, and ask 10 friends personally to do the same. To be effective, we must proliferate!

Watch our 6 minute ICAN film - copy and distribute.

Nuclear weapons this month - you want the good or the bad news?

1. Today: Oxford Research Group releases a report on nuclear power "Too Hot To Handle?", insisting nuclear power is not the answer to climate change, and citing weapons proliferation risks as a key reason for this
   
2. Weapons inspectors return to North Korea. Read More
3. Four former executives in Japan found guilty of illegally exporting devices for uranium enrichment. Read More
4. Iran continues to be in a stalemate with the UN over its nuclear enrichment program. Read More
5. Authoritative figures released by SIPRI show increase in military expenditure worldwide with the five members of the UN Security Council all modernising nuclear weapons programs. Read More
6. New Scientist reports fresh warnings on nuclear winter. Read More
7. British Foreign Minister calls for nuclear abolition. Read More
   

ICAN Australia Activities this month

1. Alice Springs

Dr. Rosalie Scultz (NT MAPW branch co ordinator), and Dr. Helen Caldicott presented at a public meeting which coincided with the trial of activists for a Citizens' Inspection of Pine Gap. We showed the ICAN film and Rosalie gave a powerpoint presentation about nuclear weapons today (Click here to download). Dr. Caldicott spoke about the links between Pine Gap and the 'Star Wars' ambitions of the US to put nuclear weapons in space.

MAPW also held a public health forum about the nuclear industry, particularly as it effects the NT. Presentations about health effects were given, and can be accessed at http://www.icanw.org/files/fallout-nuclear-industry-australia.ppt and http://www.icanw.org/files/NT_Reducing_Risk_Nuclear_Industry.ppt

2. Queensland

Jessica introduced ICAN at a concert in Brisbane to raise money for the Peace Convergence, focusing on US escalation of military expenditure and the second nuclear weapons arms race they are fuelling.

Dr. Daniele Viliunas (QLD MAPW branch coordinator) spoke alongside Dr. Caldicott at a 'Women and War' forum in Rockhampton, which coincided with the Peace Convergence.

3. Canberra

Dr. Sue Wareham and Prof. John Langmore met with represenatives of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Further meetings occurred between ICAN Management Committee and Members of Parliament.

Other Important Nuclear Events in Australia

1. Cycle Against the Nuclear Cycle - a bicycle trip from Rockhampton via Canberra to Adelaide, to raise the awareness of nuclear issues
2. From the Heart to the Heartland - tour of traditional owners whose land is at risk of becoming the site for a nuclear waste dump. Read More.
   

Upcoming Events for ICAN Australia

1. IPPNW SE-Asia & Pacific Student Conference, Adelaide, 6-8 July. Dr. Ron McCoy, Dr. Daniele Viliunas and Jessica Morrison are keynote speakers
2. Students of Sustainability Conference, Perth, 9-13 July. Jessica Morrison is speaking about ICAN
3. Hiroshima Day. Assoc. Prof. Tilman Ruff is a speaker at the Hiroshima Day rally in Melbourne on the 5th of August. Japanese for Peace will hold a concert in Melbourne. Events are planned around the country.
   

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Jessica Morrison
ICAN Director - Australia
Medical Association for Prevention of War

www.icanw.org www.mapw.org.au