[stop-imf] MGJ Cancellation Announcement

[Robert Weissman]

Mobilization for Global Justice

For Immediate Release:  September 16, 2001

Contact: 	Robert Weissman,  202-387-8030,  202-904-4068 (cell)
			Steve Kretzmann,   202-497-1033 (cell)
			Celia Alario, MGJ Media Office:  202-969-1593

Mobilization for Global Justice Cancels its Call for Street Demonstrations
Against World Bank/IMF at End of September

Street Demonstrations Postponed;
Peoples? Summit, Educational Events to Continue;
Coalition Calls for End to Cycle of Violence

Washington, DC -- Participants of the Mobilization for Global Justice
(MGJ) are shocked and deeply saddened by last week?s terrorist attacks.
We express our deepest sympathies for the victims of this tragedy, their
families, friends and communities.  We unequivocally condemn these
horrific attacks, and we call for an immediate end to the cycle of
violence.  We urge all leaders to seek justice in this situation rather
than revenge.

In this time of grief, the MGJ is postponing the nonviolent demonstrations
against the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) our
coalition was planning to host later this month.  We choose this course of
action regardless of the plans of the World Bank and IMF, and we respect
other organizations that choose a different path.

MGJ is proceeding with plans to co-sponsor the Peoples? Summit, an
educational forum and teach-in scheduled for September 26th-28th, which
will include issues that have been brought to the forefront this past
week.  We extend our invitation for people to come to Washington DC for
the Peoples? Summit and for the Interfaith Service for Justice and
Restoration on September 29th.  We also encourage groups working around
the world for peace and global justice to organize teach-ins, educational
events and vigils in their own communities.

Our decision to postpone was made out of respect for the victims of this
tragedy.  However the policies of the World Bank and the IMF remain
unchanged, and the MGJ, as part of a global movement, will continue its
efforts to hold these institutions accountable for their role in
structuring an unjust and inequitable global economy.  Our commitment to
global justice demands no less. The MGJ stands committed to achieving
social, racial, economic and environmental justice, which we see as the
only path to a lasting peace.

During these difficult times, we call on people in the U.S. and around the
world to stand firm against all racist persecution of Arab and Muslim
peoples. Furthermore we oppose any opportunistic attack on our
constitutional freedoms and Americans? civil liberties.  Despite the
disheartening acts of hatred we observed last week, we believe that
another world is not only possible, but more necessary than ever.

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