Iraq Sanctions Challenge

Thursday, April 9^th, 1998

The International Action Center, an US-based Iraq solidarity committee founded by former US Attorney General Ramsey Clark, has embarked on a project to directly challenge the US/UN imposed sanctions by taking tons of medicines and medical supplies to Iraq in May.

Their goal is to fill a plane and send along with it a delegation of 100 people representing leaders and activists from labor, community, religious, student and anti-war organizations. The delegation will bring back first-hand information and awareness to help build a massive, concerted effort to end the sanctions.

The trip will take place from May 6-13, 1998.

They are presently raising funds to purchase vitally needed medicine. They will deliver this medicine to hospitals and clinics in Iraq.

Another way to help the Challenge is to organize news conferences, send-offs, video showings, house meetings, and welcome-back activities in May. An Emergency Response Network will mobilize political support during the trip.

IMPORTANT DATES

May 1-4 Local Send-Offs and News Conferences

May 5 New York City orientation and Send off

May 6 Challenge delegates depart from the U.S.

May 6-13 Coordinated Actions in Support of Challenge

May 13 Challenge delegates return to the U.S.

May 14 News Conferences announcing delegates' return

May 14-24 Welcome-back meetings for delegates

Nawal el Saadawi, the world-renowned Egyptian novelist and writer who initiated the campaign for a million signatures against the Iraq sanctions, will attend a support meeting for the Challenge in New York City on Thursday, April 16.

(See the Iraq Sanctions Challenge Web site at www.iacenter.org/iraqchallenge for more information.)