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PRESS RELEASE
Monday 15 May 2006

HUGO CHAVEZ TO VISIT BRIAN HAW IN PARLIAMENT SQUARE

MONDAY 15 MAY, around 4pm, PARLIAMENT SQUARE

The President of Venezuela has been invited to visit Brian Haw, the Parliament Square peace protestor, when he goes to Parliament this afternoon to meet with MPs.

The Venezuelan President has been invited in person by supporters of Brian Haw who met him at a meeting on Sunday 14 May hosted by the Mayor of London and MPs organizing the meeting in Parliament have urged him to attend the 24 vigil. President Chávez expressed a very sincere interest in visiting Mr Haw who has been maintaining a continuous vigil against the UK government’s foreign policy towards Iraq for nearly 5 years. [A]

President Chávez is opposed to the occupation of Iraq and is supportive of the anti-war movement. Attacking America’s foreign policy yesterday he said, “How many children will die before the day ends? Why do they have to die?'' [B]

Hugo Chávez, described by John Pilger as “the most popular head of state in the western hemisphere, probably in the world” has been visiting London for two days on the invitation of London’s Mayor. [C]

Mr Livingston referred to President Chávez as “a beacon of democracy and social progress in the Latin America.” [D]

President Chávez will be attending a reception at the House of Commons from 4pm and it is expected that he will visit Brian Haw and supporters at some point during his visit to Parliament.

Brian Haw said, “Viva Venezuela! Viva Hugo Chávez! Servant of the people. Welcome. You must not leave the UK without visiting us, the people, in Parliament Square. It would be mission unaccomplished!”

INFORMATION AND CONTACTS
Contact 07791 486484 for more information.
For information on Brian Haw see www.parliament-square.org.uk

NOTES:
A. Brian Haw started his continuous vigil opposite Parliament on 2nd June 2001 to protest against the economic sanctions that were having such a disastrous effect of people's lives in Iraq. He has continued to protest against invasion and occupation of Afghanistan and Iraq. His display shows the injustice and horrors that have been suffered as a result of our government's foreign policy.

B. “Britain's left-wing 'aristocracy' greet their hero Chavez”, 15 May 2006 http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/politics/article484128.ece

C. “Chávez is a threat because he offers the alternative of a decent society”, 13 May 2006
http://www.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,,1773908,00.html

D. For details of President Chávez’s itinery: http://www.london.gov.uk/view_press_release.jsp?releaseid=8043