The International Network Against Global Military Bases, founded in 2018, is organizing this year the 6th International Congress Against Military Bases and War. Pressenza participates in the panel discussion.

Without worldwide military bases, wars would not be possible. That is why the closure of these bases and their transformation is a fundamental goal of the international peace movement. The U.S. operates more than 800 such bases worldwide, which are legitimized by treaties with the stationing states. Such treaties can be successfully terminated, as examples from Latin America and Central Asia show.

This year, the focus will be on the role of military bases in the Ukraine conflict. Two panel discussions are planned. The first will focus on Germany’s role as a platform for the Ukraine war. The second panel will take a global look at the war and also address the views of the global South and Asia. Another focus will be on the legal assessment of the Ukraine war. How should the war in Ukraine be scrutinized under international law? How to assess arms supplies, sanctions and support in general for the parties to the conflict under the law of neutrality? What actions make a state a party to the conflict? In this discussion, Antonio Carvallo, member of the editorial team of Pressenza and tutor of courses on non-violent journalism, will present the perspective of the “Global South” and New Humanism.

The International Congress will take place in a hybrid format. Online participation is also possible. Registration for Zoom

Panel 1: Germany as a platform for the Ukraine war

The Air Base Ramstein has a key role in the Ukraine war. The so-called Contact Group for Military Support to Ukraine meets regularly at Ramstein Air Base. In addition, the airbase is home to the headquarters of U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Africa, as well as the NATO Allied Air Command. Just days after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, a round-the-clock operations center, ECCU (Eucom Control Center Ukraine), was installed at U.S. EUCOM. In addition, Ukrainian soldiers are being trained at several U.S. and German military bases.

with
Karl-Heinz Peil (Germany, Friedens- und Zukunftswerkstatt e.V.)
Reiner Braun (Germany, IPB)
Claudia Haydt (Germany, Vice-President European Left)

Panel 2: The political and legal assessment of the Ukraine war?

Representatives of western governments and the media convey an image that the global community is united on the course of the war, arms deliveries and sanctions. We want to take a global look at the war and to address the views of the international community, especially the Global South. In doing so, we will also discuss the question of what role military bases play in global conflicts. In addition, we want to clarify the legal assessments of the Ukraine war. How should the war in Ukraine be scrutinized under international law? How to assess arms supplies, sanctions and support in general for the parties to the conflict under the law of neutrality? What actions make a state a party to the conflict?

with

Antonio Carvallo (Chile, World Humanist Forum Asia, Pressenza)
Julieta Daza (Venezuela, journalist, activist)
Kate Hudson (UK, CND, Transform!)
Alain Rouy (France, Mouvement de la Paix, IPB, European Left)
Amela Skiljan (Germany, IALANA)

Further information about the congress, program and registration for the online event: https://www.stoppramstein.de/event/23-juni-6-internationaler-kongress-gegen-militaerbasen-und-krieg/