Anti-war groups condemn US general's visit

The visit of US Joint Chief of Staff Richard Myers to Dublin today has been condemned by the Irish anti-war community.

Demonstrators will hold a rally as Gen. Myers meets Defence Minister Willie O’Dea and inspects Irish troops.

He will also hold discussions with Irish Defence Forces Chief of Staff General Jim Sreenan at his HQ in the capital’s Phoenix Park.

Independent Dail TD Finian McGrath said it was “wholly unacceptable” for Gen. Myers to visit Ireland a day after it emerged that nearly 25,000 Iraqi civilians have been killed since the US-led occupation began in 2003.

“Over 4,000 of these civilians were innocent children who were butchered and slaughtered,” said Mr McGrath.

“It is wholly unacceptable that an Irish Government Minister should meet Mr Myers in the current context.

“As a minimum demand, I am calling on Mr O’Dea to pass on the firm opposition of the Irish people to the current war in Iraq.”

Irish Anti-War protester Ciaron O’Reilly called on supporters to gather for a rally at the gates of Phoenix Park this afternoon.

“General Myers must be arrested for overseeing acts of US state terrorism in Afghanistan and Iraq,” he said.

“Over 150,000 US troops have passed through Shannon in the first six months of this year. The Irish taxpayer continues to pay €10,000 a day to subsidise US military overflight fees.”