Collection of International Solidarity Messages for the Grand March for the Peace of Gangjeong, July 30 to Aug. 4

[아름드리 나무]

More than 45 international solidarity messages 

From more than 20 countries and regions 

have arrived upon the Grand March for Peace of Gangjeong (July 30 to Aug. 4, 2012). This site has been updated from July 21 to July 30. Thanks so much to all the friends in the world who sent us messages. All the messages have been translated in Korean and will be shared with the Koreans. 

See (국문 번역 사이트) http://cafe.daum.net/peacekj/5htg/50

For more on the march, click HERE. 

(Image: Gangjeong Village Association)

…………………………………………………………………………..

Taro Abe, Nagoya, Japan

皆さんの活動に心から敬意を表します。
「済州島平和の巡礼：カンジョンの平和のための大行進」の成功をお祈りしています。
阿部太郎（名古屋市・日本）

여러분의 활동에 진심으로 경의를 나타냅니다.

"제주도 평화 순례 : 강정의 평화를위한 대행진 '의 성공을 기원합니다.

아베 타로 (나고야 · 일본)

I sincerely express my respect to your struggle.

I pray for the success of the 'Jeju Island Peace Pilgrim: Grand March for the Peace of Gangjeong.'

Abe Taro (Nagoya, Japan)

…………………………………………………………………………..

Elliott Adams, Past President, Veterans For Peace, USA

 I served in the Republic Of Korea as part of the US Army, I have been to Jeju. The destruction of Gangeong is nothing short of a crime, and a crime that is being perpetrated for short term military advantage and monetary profit for a few. The beauty and biodiversity of Jeju of value to the entire world, yet the choice to put this base on this particular piece of land will cause environmental damage that can never be replaced or reclaimed and it will poison the peace around the China Sea. We people from around the would must join together to stop this.

Elliott Adams
Past President, Veterans For Peace
Sharon Springs, NY, USA

…………………………………………………………………………..

Christine Ahn, Foreign Policy In Focus, USA

My dearest marchers for peace, justice and the environment. Thank you for your tireless efforts to protect this sacred village. Even though i am far away in San Francisco, I devote time every day to work in solidarity with all of you. In fact, because I have been so inspired by your courage and deep convictions, I decided to name my daughter jeju, the island of peace and women. Please know we stand by you, march with you, and will fight with you til the very end. Ggut gajee! Toojeng!

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Rev. Hartmut Albruschat, Berlin, Germany

Dear Friends in South-Korea,,,

Many , many people in Germany know about your fight against the Building of a war-harbour. We show you our solidarity in this protest and hope that the international protest can help to stop the unjust building. We pray for you campaigne. God´s blessing to your protest!

In the name of the German Eastasia Mission (DOAM) with friends in EMS and in the Church of Berlin (BMW)

Yours in Christ

Rev. Hartmut Albruschat
BERLIN, Germany

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Merci Llarinas Angeles, Convener, Peace Women Partners-Philippines

STATEMENT OF SOLIDARITY TO THE GRAND MARCH FOR THE PEACE OF GANGJEONG

We the members of the Peace Women Partners,  from Mindanao and the Philippines 

know from experience that we can never have peace and security with American 

military presence which threatens our country with instability and war. While we have ejected the two US military bases in 1992, the Americans have come back through the Visiting Forces Agreement that allows US troops and possibly nuclear-armed ships to 

enter our territory.   600  American Special Operations Forces  are permanently based 

in Zamboanga City, Southern Philippines.

American military presence serves as an anchor to military and political intervention 

in the affairs of the “host” country.

We are one in solidarity  with the women and the people of Gangjeong village in Jeju 

island, as you resist construction of an American naval base in your  Paradise Island.

We call on all peace-loving citizens of the world to support your Grand March for Peace !

Peace Women Partners-Philippines

…………………………………………………………………………..

Denis Apel, USA

 In February of 2012 I visited Jeju, the "Island of Peace."  What I found was a place of incredible natural beauty and a people dedicated to both peace and a sacred relationship with the land which is the source of that peace.  The people of Gangjeong Village and their land are under assault from forces in this world which have a disdain for the beauty and sanctity of the land and a dismissal of the humanity of the people who are in right relationship with that land.  I support t all who resist the construction of the Naval Base at Gangjeong Village.  It is an abomination.

Denis Apel

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Yuuri Arime, Okinawa

'Do not build the naval base in the Gangjeong Sea! Peace!'

우리가 사랑하는 아름다운 바다,평화로운 바다.

이 바다를 꼭 지켜요!

오키나와도 함께 합니다. 힘내라 강정! 

The beautiful and peaceful sea we love

Let's save the sea  without fail!

Okinawa is with you. Cheers, Gangjeong!

Click HERE (Okinawa Outreach site)      (Fwd by Masami Mel Kawamura)

…………………………………………………………………………..

Antony Arulraj, New Delhi, India

Dear Friends,

Warm greetings!

 

I am deeply concerned over the coastal blasting that began in March 2012 

despite continuous protests from local Gangjeong residents and over the beginning 

of construction of a huge new military base In the traumatized Gangjeong Village. 

I am painfully aware that the coastal blasting and the subsequent construction of 

a new military base is against nature, against humanity and against democracy

On the other hand, I am encouraged to know that a Grand March for the Peace of 

Gangjeong throughout Jeju Island will be starting on July 30 and that on August 4, 

the last day of the programme, people will meet in Jeju City and demonstrate their 

will and resolve to stop the Jeju Naval Base Project. I wish and pray that this nationwide event sees the participation of more than 10,000 activists. Would that I were there 

with you!

However, I am writing to assure you of my solidarity with all the protestors and 

of my support for the cause you have espoused.

May your noble, nonviolent struggle to recognize Jeju as a true Peace Island be 

successful!

 

In solidarity,

Antony

Antony Arulraj
Advocacy Officer, Hotline Delhi,
JPD Commission, CBCI Centre,
New Delhi, India

…………………………………………………………………………..

Michael Lujan Bevacqua, Guam

The people of Guam stand in solidarity with the people of Gangjeong Village and 

their allies who will be participating in the Grand March for Peace. Guam is known 

as "the tip of the spear"  by the United States Military, it is important that we all 

support the people of Gangjeong who want to protect the reputation of Jeju as an 

"island of peace." The people of Gangjeong are not only fighting for their own 

environment and their own sustainability, but for the rights of every place around the world that might wish to pursue peaceful and sustainable means of living and not participate 

in systems of war and aggression. Biba i taotao Gangjeong!Biba i taotao Guahan! 

Biba i taotao pas!

The translation for the last three sentences is as follows:

Long live the people of Gangjeong! Long live the people of Guam! Long live the 

people of peace! 

…………………………………………………………………………..

Fr. Pat Cunningham, Ireland

A short reflection on the Anniversary of the Armistice agreement as the campaign prepares to launch it's Gangjeong Grand March for Peace!

'The real and lasting victories are those of peace, and not of war.'
Buddha. Sadly preparations underway by the Korean navy in Jeju smack eerily of preparations not for peace on the 'island of peace' but of preparations for war!!

Today 27th July marks the 59th Anniversary of the Korean War Armistice Agreement which stopped the fighting in 1953, and has yet to be replaced by a permanent settlement! The lack of a permanent settlement is a fundamental source of insecurity for both Koreas (the unresolved state of war) and the construction of a naval base on Jeju island and the increasing miitary build up in the region only intensifies a state of heightened insecurity for the people of Gangjeong, the people of the island of Jeju and the whole country! The construction of the naval base is having a devastating effect on the local community with huge consequences for future peace and stability for the people of Jeju and the entire region! The environmental consequences which have been well documented and are sadly becoming clearly evident are unfortunately lost on or conveniently ignored by the Interantional Union of the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) the organizers of the World Conservation Congress (WCC) whose conference this year will be ironically held only 7 km's away from the destruction site! One of the main sponsors of the conference is Samsung which happens to be the lead construction company involved in the 'destruction'! The construction of the naval base and the present land grab being conducted by the navy to provide future accomodation for its personnel and is clearly part of an overall US military strategy of encircling and containment of China and it's growing economic power! 

Beginning on Monday July 30 there will be a 'grand march for peace' in Jeju where up to 10,000 people will walk in solidariy with the villagers and peace activists who have struggled against the Navy's plans to build this base for the last 5 years! Today on the anniversary of the Armistice the Campaign to stop the base will have the Official Seoul launch of the grand march by hosting an event here in Jongkak, Seoul!

Please keep the participants of the 'grand march for peace' in your thoughts and prayers next week! Afterall 'the real and lasting victories are those of peace and not of war'.

…………………………………………………………………………..

Pete Shimazaki Doktor, Hawai`i & Okinawa

may Jeju & her people be free from suffering, violence, war, militarism & bullying governments, and serve as an island to spread peace, not war.
sending much love & solidarity from hawai`i & okinawa,
pete shimazaki doktor

…………………………………………………………………………..

Kristin Douglas, Oahu, Hawaii

Living in Hawaii has given me a first hand experience in how the US military claims, abuses, and ruins land and natural resources. And it does so at the expense of local culture, customs, agriculture, and marine life, The struggle to stop military expansion in Hawaii is ongoing. We stand in solidarity with the brave and principled struggle taking place in Gangjeong to stop the destruction being caused by the construction of the massive naval base that is ruining their coastline, village, way of life and natural resources. It is being built against their consent or will. This is not just a local struggle. It is a global concern as destruction of land, natural resources and marine eco structures is threatening the very existance of our planet. Military bases protect only the interests of those who build them. They do not make the world a safer place.
In solidarity,

Kristin Douglas
Hawaii Peace and Justice
Oahu, Hawaii 

…………………………………………………………………………..

Jean Downey (On behalf of Ten  Thousand Things peace blog, Japan: (Jean Downey, Kim Hughes, & Jen Teeter)

We continue to stand with and pray for all in struggle to save Gangjeong village and 

the beautiful Gangjeong coast.  It is a tragedy that the Lee administration and the corporations that wield so much power over his government do not realize that the 

tangerine farms, soft coral habitat & Gureombi are the precious treasures of Jeju Island. They are blind. But you see what is real and what is important: life. We pray for divine presence with all of you always. You all have our deepest respect and love.

With prayers,

Jean

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East Timor Kids

(Photo fwd by Emily Wang)

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Bruce K. Gagnon, GN, Maine, USA

We in the Global Network wish we could be there with you during the peace pilgrimage.  Your hard work to reach out to more people is so important and we stand with you.  We continue to follow every step you take in your resistance to the Navy base in Gangjeong.  Each day the picture becomes clearer that the Navy wants more land - in truth they will want nearly the entire village before they are finished.  We pledge to continue to promote your opposition to the Navy base in every way we can.  More and more people in the US and around the world are learning about the dangerous and destructive plan to build the base.   Stay strong and keep building the resistance.  Peace and protecting nature must come before anything else.  This fight should become everyone's fight

Coordinator/ co-founder of 

the Global Network against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space

…………………………………………………………………………..

 Ernest Goitein, Claire Feder

Our family is very much aware of the struggle by Jenju islanders.    We support the resistance to the building of the navy base and the unnecessary destruction of irreplaceable coral reefs. It is time to stop the military from playing with their war toys, bankrupting our country and destroying the environment. We wish we could join you for the march.   Keep up the resistance.  We are many, they are few.

In Peace, Ernest Goitein, Claire Feder

 …………………………………………………………………………..

Holly Graham, USA

I support in every way the right of the people of Gangjeong to determine the sanctity of the island of Jeju free of interference from the military of any country including the USA, and to free themselves from the oppression that has resulted due to their resistance to the proposed base in their sacred Coral Reefs.

signed,

Holly Graham, USA

…………………………………………………………………………..

Abid Habib 

These military bases have been a neusence for all countries and their very existance shows 

that they are not friendly with the people, and also with the environment. Consequently 

they are enemies to peace. I therefore support this movement and will ask my network 

to support it too.

Abid Habib

…………………………………………………………………………..

Kimberly Huges

As an activist for peace from the United States living in Japan, I have watched the 

events unfolding on Jeju Island with complex feelings of anger and dread due to 

its ongoing militarization, combined with deep respect  for the tireless ways that 

local and international activists  have bonded together in love and solidarity to 

protect all  forms of life from this destruction.

I continue to add my voice to their struggle calling for the immediate end to military construction, and the preservation of the spirit belonging to this great Island of Peace.

Warmly,

Kimberly Hughes

Peace Not War Japan 

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Michael Jacobsen, Veterans For Peace, U.S.A.

Letter of support:

As a representative of Veterans For Peace, U.S.A., I visited Gangjeong Village in early 2012 and conclude: Jeju Island is a gem that must be passed on to our children’s children’s children for 7 generations and beyond. There is little economic gain to Jeju. Benefits go to Samsung, Daewoo, Hyundai, Hanjin, Hanwha and etc. The base is poorly located as a defense against North Korea. Jeju is The Island of World Peace - not the Island of World War. Koreans butchered Jeju Koreans in the 3rd of April massacre and is fresh on many residents minds. STOP THE BASE! 

…………………………………………………………………………..

Kyle Kajihiro, program director for the American Friends Service Committee in Hawaii

See the video at: 

https://vimeo.com/46166902/

Aloha to our brothers and sisters in Jeju. My name is Kyle Kajihiro and I send solidarity and greetings from the Island of Oahu, Hawai'i. We wish you success in your struggle so that you can preserve your Island as a place of peace for the whole world. And that doesn’t become a place of war like our Island has become. We hope you can prevent this from happening. Across the harbor you can see the eye ball, of a monstrous octopus that occupies our Island and has tentacles grabbing at Korea, Guam and Okinawa. That’s the eye of the sea-based X-band radar which will possibly come to your Island or ships like it if the naval base is built. And also the contamination that will come and destroy what is such an abundant food source. Ke Awa Lau o Pu’uloa what we call Pear Harbor now, used to be food basket of Oahu. Here you can see just fossil remains of a pearl oyster shells that has disappeared and been replaced by that. And also the waters that used to be so clean have been contaminated. They turned the food basket of Oahu into toxic Superfund. We thank you for your struggle to protect your Island of Peace because that will be a gift for the whole world. And we stand with you so that this does not happen to your beautiful Island and so that war does not come to your area. Militarization has just brought war and contamination to our shores and the loss of sovereignty for people. So we send you our prayers, solidarity and to be successful in your fight. Aloha.  

…………………………………………………………………………..

Masami Mel Kawamura, Okinawa Outreach, Okinawa

Masami Mel Kawamura with the poster. Click the link

As one of the Okinawan islanders, I am sending a message of solidarity

to the Peace Pilgrims in Jeju.

Jeju and Okinawa share similar histories and experiences of struggle
against military power. We also share a strong will to keep our islands
peaceful and to conserve nature for the entire world. Okinawa knows how
hard the Ganjeong people have been fighting to protect the Gureombi
rocks as symbols of life and spirituality. Jeju understands how hard the
people of Okinawa have been fighting to conserve nature and to seek
justice in Henoko, Takae, and Futenma. We have been empowered by
learning from each other’s struggles.

In this Grand March, I believe, every step you take for peace will
encourage us and every voice you raise for justice will inspire us.

Courage is contagious. I wish your Grand March a success.

Masami Kawamura
Okinawa Outreach


沖縄の島に住む者の１人として、済州島の平和の巡礼者たちに 連帯のメッセー
ジを送ります。
済州島と沖縄は軍事力に抗する闘いの歴史と経験を共有しています。また、私た
ちは私たちの島を平和な島とする、そして全世界のために自然を守 るという強
い意思も共有しています。沖縄はガンジョン村の人々が暮らしや精神のシンボル
としてのグロンビ岩を守るためにどんなに懸命に闘って きたかを知っている
し、済州島の人々は、沖縄の人が、辺野古で高江で普天間で、自然を守り、正義
を求めるために懸命に闘ってきたことを理解し ています。私たちは、お互いの
闘いを学びあうことによって、力づけられてきました。
このグランドマーチで、平和へとみなさんが踏む一歩一歩が私たちを励まし、正
義のためにあげるひとつひとつの声が私たちにインスピレーション を与えてく
れるのだ、と思っています。
勇気はうつり、拡がるもの。グランドマーチの成功を祈っています。

河村　雅美
Okinawa Outreach

………………………………………………………………………….

Rev. Catherine Kristie, Canada

          (Photo forwarded by Catherine Kristie)

………………………………………………………………………….

 Ariel Ky, USA

I stand in solidarity with the resistance movement of the Gangjeong villagers in stopping construction of a military base on Jeju Island.  You are my heroes and role models.  Your valiant campaign to keep Jeju a peace island continue to inspire me in resistance to U.S. militarism.    I send you blessings, thanks, and love.

…………………………………………………………………………..

Ramsay Liem, Professor of Boston College, MA. USA

The determination and courage of Gangjeong villagers and their supporters is inspiring.  Rarely has the world witnessed such an unending struggle for social, political, and environmental justice in the face of harsh and oppressive forces.  Many of us who cannot be with you today send our best wishes, solidarity and admiration. We will continue to follow your struggle and support it however we can.  Ramsay Liem

Ramsay Liem
Professor Emeritus of Psychology and
Visiting Scholar, Center for Human Rights and International Justice
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467

…………………………………………………………………………..

Renie Wong Lindley, Hawai'i Peace and Justice

Hawai'i Peace and Justice stands in solidarity with your courageous actions to resist the construction of a naval base on Jeju.

 

We call on all nations to look at the economic, ecological and cultural destruction that is being done to an island of peace, all in the name of war-making and war-profiteering.

 

The villagers have fought daily since 2007.  There are many who have been taken prisoner, including prisoners of conscience Dr. Song Kang-Ho, Mr. Kim Bok Chui and Mr. Kim Dong Won. 

 

It is our moral duty to call for their release and to call for an end to this destruction.

 

Sincerely,

Renie Wong Lindley, Executive Director. Hawai'i Peace and Justice

…………………………………………………………………………..

Tamara Lorincz, Halifax, CANADA

My family from  Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada supports the people of Jeju
Island and opposes the construction of a naval base there. We call upon the
Government of Korea to stop the building of the naval base on the island of
peace. We also ask that the Government immediately release the conscientious
prisoners who are detained for their non-violent civil disobedience against
the base.

In solidarity for peace,

Tamara Lorincz

…………………………………………………………………………..

Cora Ma, Taiwan

Dear People of Jeju Island and all of you joining the "Grand March for the Peace of Gangjeong”

How I wish it were possible for me to join your march for peace to protest against the plan to build a naval base in Jeju Island... I have been to Jeju Island 3 times and I recall the beauty of your island: the traditonal villages and their crafts and lifestyle, the shore line and the soft coral reefs and the many thriving species that can all be lost with the construction of the naval base. I too believe that the naval base is going to be a crime against humanity and nature. I too join you in declaring that this act is against democracy since more than 90% of Ganggjeong people voted against it. From here in Taiwan, I join with my prayers and best wishes for you all. May God bless your efforts and listen to your plea to protect the people and nature of your beautiful Island and allow you to be truly an "Island of Peace" as was declared before.

In solidarity,

Cora Ma

…………………………………………………………………………..

Natasha Mayers, Whitefield, Maine USA

Our family is very much aware of the struggle by Jeju islanders.  We support the resistance to the building of the navy base and the unnecessary destruction of irreplaceable coral reefs. It is time to stop the military from playing with their war toys, bankrupting our country and destroying the environment.
We wish we could join you for the march.   Keep up the resistance.  We are many, they are few.

…………………………………………………………………………..

Nicholas Mele, Pax Christi USA National Council

Pax Christi USA, Pax Christi International, and all peace-loving American Catholics stand with you all in spirit and prayer for success in our efforts to resist the militarization of Cheju-do, the Island of Peace!

Sincerely,

Nicholas Mele
Secretary
Pax Christi USA National Council

…………………………………………………………………………..

 Benjamin Monnet, France

(Photo post by Benj)

  When  you will see this message you will be marching.

  Marching around Jeju island to celebrate and protect its Beauty.

  To protect Jeju against the curse (woe) that will affect the individuals 

  who are preparing a war.

 (silence)

  Already too much gunpowder has poisoned our Earth.

  Too many houses were burnt.

  Too many children have witnessed humiliating horror.

  Too many women were raped.

 (silence)

  Do you wish for Asia to grow wisely with its people admiring Jeju island 

as the Noble Mountain of Peace?...

  Then stand up and shine for your future dignity.

  Your inspiration, your courage and perseverance will pervade the hearts of 

those who are building Harmony on Earth.

  May your thoughts be luminous.

  May your words be keen.

  May your actions be heavy.

 (silence)

 Enlight the uncousciousness of contractors, politicians and navy slaves.

 Destroy this infamous nuclear base with its machines.

 (silence)

 With Courage, Clearsight and Love.

 Benjali

…………………………………………………………………………..

Pax Christi International (thru Fr. Paul Lansu) 

Pax Christi International wishes to express our solidarity with the people of Jeju Island and our support for the Grand March for the Peace of Gangjeong. Our members around the world are grateful for your courageous efforts to draw attention to and to stop the human and ecological disaster now unfolding. Thank you.

(Fwd by Terence AG P Osorio)

…………………………………………………………………………..

Koohan Paik, Kauai, Hawai'i

For centuries, Gangjeong’s fishing and farming traditions have sustained local resources so that its ecosystems are still some of the richest on the planet. In this way, Gangjeong’s traditions hold the key to human security. It is inconceivable to place a 20-warship Navy base at Gangjeong village. The base will kill coral ecosystems, coastal habitats and contaminate drinking water and soil. The base will wipe Gangjeong off the map. The government claims that the base will provide “security.” Only a devil would call that “security.” No wonder the villagers are risking their lives to save their ancestral village. Right and wrong have never been more clear.

…………………………………………………………………………..

Rev. Seungbae Joseph Paik, The chairperson of P.A.K.R., USA

O, Champions of Justice,
Let us unite together for the victory!

O, Champions of Justice,
Your cry of protest
is the voice of truth
for cooperating with the Creator
to preserve the order of creation
to keep Nature as Nature

Your footstep of resistance is
the step of Justice
for keeping the land and people’s pride
from the invasion of the devils.

Let your cry of truth and
your footsteps of justice
shine brightly forever more
to secure the land of Creator.

O, the disciples of peace,
until the day of victory
with hand in hand together
Let us go to Jeju.
Let us go to Gangjeong
Let Jeju be Jeju!
Let Nature be Nature!

Rev. Seungbae Joseph Paik
The chairperson of P.A.K.R., USA

정의의 투사들이여

우리 단결 승리하자

그대들의 항거의 외침은
조물주의 창조질서를
자연 그대로 살리려는
진리의 외침이요

그대들의 저항의 발걸음은
우리 강토와 민족의 긍지를
악귀들의 침노에서 지키려는
정의의 발걸음 이외다.

진리의 외침과
정의의 발걸음이
반만년 역사에
찬란희 빛나도록
조국을 지킵시다.
우리 모두 다함께

제주를 제주답게!
자연을 자연답게!
승리의 그날까지
가자 제주로.

성배 조세프 백 목사님,

미국 P.K.A.R. 의장

…………………………………………………………………………..

Lindis Percy and Laila Packer, CAAB, UK

Dear friends

 

We wish we could be with you – step by step – on the March.  That is not possible but what is possible is that we will be with you in spirit every step of the way. 

 

You are all such courageous people – we follow your situation.  We hope and pray that your amazing and tortuous struggle will bring sense to those who choose to obey orders, choose the violent ways to settle conflicts and choose to dominate the world with deadly weapons and choose to destroy the beautiful natural environment.

 

So we send greetings and solidarity to you all – from a long way away – love and gentle hugs to you all.

 

In peace

 

Lindis Percy and Laila Packer

Joint Coordinators

CAMPAIGN FOR THE ACCOUNTABILITY OF AMERICAN BASES – CAAB

www.caab.org.uk

.........................................................................

Friends from the Philippines and elsewhere

(Photos forwded by Corazon Valdez Fabros)

Friends from Philippines, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Netherlands etc.

…………………………………………………………………………..

J.Narayana Rao, Nagpur, India

Statement of support in favor of the struggle of the people of Jeju Island against the construction of Naval Base. 

The struggle of the People of Gangjeong village in the Jeju Island is not only for them 

self and it is for all the peace loving loving people of Asia against the imperialist manipulations of the NATO Countries headed by the United States of America taking advantage of the subservient Governments like South Korea. This action of the South 

Korean Government in construction of a Naval Base is against the spirit of the Millennium Declaration of the United Nations and the UNESCO declaration.I will organize solidarity actions in support of the people of the people of Gangjeong Village of the Jeju Island.

J.Narayana Rao.
Director,  Global Network Against Weapons  And Nuclear Power in Space

Nagpur, India

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Makiko Sato, Japan

Lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula has been long wished for in the world, and I believe Gangjeong struggles lead you right to the direction. Any bilateral security treaty with the U.S. exists only for the benefit of the U.S., sometimes even betraying its partners' due anticipation, like when  Kissinger suddenly visited China in 1971 without telling Tokyo anything beforehand.   Please don't be deceived. Prior to the latest NK rocket launch, the U.S. had told Tokyo that the U.S.missile defense system in East Asia was not for protecting Japan against NK missile launches.  Likewise, South Korea would not be protected.  Only peaceful dialogue will bring peace.

 

Makiko Sato, Japan

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Wolfgang Schlupp-Hauck, Mutlangen, Germany

Greetings of solidarity from Mutlangen in Germany. In the eighties we had the deployment of the nuclear Pershing II - missiles right in front of our doors. Our campaign of civil disobedience was successfull. With the INF-treaty Mutlangen got nuclear free. Today we look with great respect to your campaign against the base. We need no arms to threaten and kill, we need arms to hug. We wish you great and strong hearts, great to love and strong to fight for peace. Even if on some steps you will have disadvantages, do not loose your hope and go on - one day you will succeed.

With peace and love

Wolfgang Schlupp-Hauck, Chairman of Friedenswerkstatt Mutlangen

"Instead of a video here to pictures of me. One is speaking at a rally at the US-EUCOM in Stuttgart, with a helmet, as I am cycling with my wife for peace. This you see on the second picture, where we are on the way to an Italian nuclear base.( Wolfgang Schlupp-Hauck )

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Dorothea Schweizer, Germany

Dear friends in Gangjeong,

 

In a few days you are going to start the grand march for peace on Jeju Island. I send you greetings of deep solidarity and concern. Though Germany is far away I watched the developments in Gangjeong as close as possible. My thoughts and prayers are with you always and specially with the people that were put into prison because of their struggle for peace and justice. I will remember you in my prayers particularly during the whole time of the grand march. May God bless you with strength and courage and protect you day by day.

 

During the Seventies and Eighties I served as  ecumenical co-worker with the PROK. Since then my  concern and love for the people and friends in Korea has never ended.

 

I fully appreciate your devotion and courage!

 

Yours in solidarity,

 

Rev. Dorothea Schweizer

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Gloria Steinem, writer and Feminist organizer, NY, USA

I send support and gratitude to all who are marching, speaking, organizing and working in whatever way they can to save Jeju Island from the irreparable destruction of a naval base on its fragile shores.

I have visited twice. Like everyone who has seen or even heard about Jeju Island, I know that it is a unique global treasure in every way, from its coral reefs and fields of orchids to its history as a symbol of ancient culture, freedom and peace,

I believe that our unity across the globe can bring safety and an endless future to Jeju Island. I know that we will count our efforts as one of the most important things we have done in our lives.

Gloria Steinem

Writer and feminist organizer

New York City

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Kazue Tanaka, Japan

数年前に済州島を訪れ、その自然の織りなす造形美に感動しました。あの美しい自然が、人殺しのための基地建設で破壊されることは許されません。基地反対の闘いを続けている方々に、ありったけの連帯の思いを送ります。  田中一恵

 

During my trip there several years ago, I was moved by the formative beauty of the nature on Jeju Island. It is unforgivable that beautiful nature of Jeju Isalnd is destroyed due to a naval base construction for killing people in war. I would like to convey my utmost solidarity with those who stand up against the planned naval base in Jeju.

Kazue Tanaka, Japan

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Geetha Thachil, Indian Women for Peace and Development, Nagpur,India

We have been reading closely the wanton destruction of the pristine

Gangjeong village in Jeju Island of South Korea. The sinister design
of the US in wishing to construct a Naval Base in Gangjeong is
deplorable and the resistance put up by various groups and the local
villagers is worthy of praise. Apart from the fact that the aquatic
life is endangered wherever Naval Bases have come up, toxicity of
ground water has gone up and the quantity of much needed potable water
has declined. Ironically Gangjeong means water in Chinese and the
local people will be denied water!!! Hand in glove with the local
political powers, the US is arm twisting the activists of the
resistance to the Naval Base. This must STOP!! We strongly support the
struggles of the people against the Naval Base!!

In Solidarity

Indian Women for Peace and Development, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India

The people of South Korea are supporting the anti-naval base struggle.
The activists are being denied entry, they are being deported,
illegally imprisoned, tortured and humiliated but the campaign against
the Naval Base will continue with its protest marches and  vigils. The
Government of South Korea should stop supporting the US in its evil
design to make the Naval Base in Gangeong which will, apart from the
destruction of the place, be used for military purpose to wage war
against Asian countries and to impose economic blockades in the region

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David Vine, author of Island of Shame, USA

The people valiantly struggling against the creation of a military base on South Korea’s “peace 

island,” Jeju, are an inspiration to the world and an example of the kind of community, friendship, 

and beauty that can be created when people are focused on building peace. I send all my 

support to those who marching in the Grand March for the Peace of Gangjeong. I hope the March 

will bring more attention and energy to this critical movement to stop the dangerous and 

unnecessary militarization of East Asia and the destruction of a beautiful island.

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Dave Webb, Chair CND UK

Greetings to the Grand March for Peace by the wonderful people of Gangjeong Village and Jeju Island from the UK. Your stand against militarism and for the rights of people to live in peace and free from violence is inspirational. You continue to send a much needed message of hope and joy to the world to protect the beauty and wonder of your island from being crushed by those who seek to exploit rather than nurture. People around the world are following your struggle because your struggle is our struggle – we send you our love and support as always.

From

Dave Webb,

Chair CND UK

Convenor, Global Network Against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space

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Loring Wirbel, Citizens for Peace in Space, United States

Statement from CPIS (video message)

http://youtu.be/wjl06ar6Wik

Greetings activists in Jeju Island and citizens in Gangjeong Village. I am Loring Wirbel, and I am speaking with Citizens for Peace in Space in Colorado Springs, in theUnitd States. We look upon your actions as an example for all of us in the United States to use as we oppose the Obama administration's pacific rim strategy. We recognize the key role the Korean Government is playing in enabling this new strategy for offensive posturing and missile defense, and we urge you to continue your important and critical work in stopping the naval base on the beautiful naturalist island of Jeju. Greetings and solidarity. Peace in the struggle.

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Angie Zelter, Trident Ploughshares, UK

I send you all greetings, love and strength in your continuing struggle
against the militarisation of your island home and during your Grand
March for the Peace of Gangjeong. Your continuing resistance, day by
day, is an inspiration to all of us working for a more peaceful world. I
know the nonviolent resistance of constant blockades, rallies, marches,
fence cutting and machinery disarmament takes a huge amount of effort
but the strong spirit and community cohesion you are gaining will give
you the wisdom and fortitude to continue to support the struggle. And
when you have won and have your lands back again your village will be
the stronger to face the coming environmental crisis that climate change
is bringing to our planet. Please know there are many of us that will be
with you in spirit, holding each one of you in our thoughts, and
especially remembering and hoping for the early release of Dr. Song
Kang-Ho, Mr. Kim Bok Chul and Mr. Kim Dong Won. I would love to be with
you but instead please fly the earth flag for me and be assured that we
will join in the International Solidarity Action week in early
September. My love and hope to you all, Angie.

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