Demonstrations Against World Bank/IMF Cancelled

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

WASHINGTON, DC, September 16, 2001 -- 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.

Contact: Robert Weissman,

202-387-8030, 202-904-4068(cell)

Steve Kretzmann, 202-497-1033 (cell)

Celia Alario, MGJ Media Office: 202-969-1593

• 194 World Financial Institutions