I want to vote for disarmament!

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Published Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at 18:22
by franz.danner Join PES activists (1050 views and 1 comments)

I am from the Jusos, the German young social democrats.

In the 2009 European elections, I definitely want to vote for disarmament, for fewer weapons and for peace!

That’s why I am appealing to the PES to introduce disarmament as a clear focus in the PES
manifesto 2009. Social democrats and socialists stand for peace in Europe and the world and we should clearly express it!

Therefore I demand:

  • Europe has to become a nuclear-free zone!
  • Europe has to reduce its military expenditures drastically!
  • Europe has to be a peace force. We want civil conflict prevention and no new armies!
  • Europe takes decisions together. We want revitalisation of multilateral regimes such as Non- Proliferation Treaty.
  • Europe has to trace, licence small arms and ban the export in instable regions!
  • Europe has to initiate a new impulse to ratify the CFE-treaty!

Today we have to realize that the world is entering a new contest of rearmament. And Europe is about to become champion. More than 825 billion US-dollar were spent in 2006 for military expenditures. This is nearly 70 percent of the worldwide expenditures! It’s a shame! While many people live in poverty and despair. Our money should reinforce peace and not be spent on new armament and weapons.

Therefore, I want to vote for disarmament!

Note from editor: Marius Lühring, Dörte Marlene and Sylvia Kunze, young German social democrat members, have submitted a similar statement to Yourspace, supporting disarmament as a priority in the PES manifesto. Thanks to Jusos for their contributions.

Tags: disarmement, peace

Comments

1. Reduce military expenses, include disarmement in the PES manifesto by thanos on Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 17:29

Dear friend,

 I agree with you about disarmement...I think the existence of arms is  the worst thing that could ever happen to humanity. Arms are everywhere and people kill each other every day. All the wars are waged with guns. They cause so much misery and pain around the world. It would sound utopical to say that guns shouldn't exist, but I strongly believe they are doing a lot of harm to everyone. Human lifes are lost because of them.

As far as military expenses are concerned, I agree countries have to decrease their expenses. My country Greece spends a lot of momey on arms..(we have specific reasons for doing so and difficulties with neighbouring countries) but.. I wish one day things will improve and that we will be able to redirect all that money towards education, protection of the environment, social welfare and many more policy areas which have to be developped and strengthened in my country.

I strongly agree with you. Disarmement should be introduced in the manifesto of the European socialists.

 

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