Dear Friends,
I write to let you know that I have decided not to attend the 12th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates on April 23-25, in Chicago, Illinois.
On April 10, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton appeared on video on the US State Department Website announcing plans for the forthcoming Nobel Peace Laureates Summit and said "The US Department of State is proud to be an active partner in this event."
Secretary Clinton gave details of how the US State
Department is working with US embassies around the world to bring 20 students
and four teachers from four countries to Chicago. She explained that video conferences
and portals for live streaming of events will be managed by the US State department.
I have now decided, with some sadness, not to
be associated in this partnership as I do not agree with many of
the policies of the US State Department. Indeed I
have, as a Nobel Peace Laureate, (and in the spirit of Alfred
Nobel) often called for disbandment of NATO, end of militarism and war, and for disarmament and demilitarization.
I cannot
therefore, in good conscience, be part of a partnership with the US State
Government (NATO). I also believe that my
participation in such a partnership would compromise my position and put in
jeopardy my work in the Middle East and other countries.
However, I hope it will be an enjoyable and educational summit, particularly for all the young people, and I am deeply saddened not to be with you all.
Peace,
Mairead Maguire
Peace People, Northern Ireland
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