Letter to Minister re Global Ceasefire 6 Apr 2020
PO Box 573, Coorparoo, Australia,4151
6th April,2020
Senator the Hon Marise Payne,
Minister for Foreign Affairs
Dear Minister,
The Independent and Peaceful Australia Network (IPAN) wishes to draw your attention to the call on 24th March, 2020 from the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres referring to the global fight against the Corona Virus: “That is why today, I am calling for an immediate global ceasefire in all corners of the world. “
His call for warfare to cease at this time in order to concentrate on efforts in every country to fight the pandemic, deserves support from all governments and militaries. In addition, for the world to be at peace, for even a short time, would be a precious achievement and one that should be eagerly grasped and hopefully, with goodwill, might continue beyond the pandemic.
IPAN urges the Australian Government to seize this peace opportunity, support the UN Secretary-General’s call and ensure Australia halts any involvement in war activities or lending support to war activities whether in Iraq, Afghanistan or through Pine Gap including its support for U.S. drone assassination warfare. We also call for a cessation of the movement of US personnel to and from Pine Gap during the COVID-19 crisis.
Can you please advise of the Australian Government’s response to this call for warfare cessation by the UN Secretary General and of the contribution Australia can make to this important call.
Yours sincerely
Annette Brownlie
Chairperson
IPAN