[R-G] Italian unions, activists block military-convoy trains

[Fred Feldman]

Australian Broadcasting Company
February 24, 2003

Military convoys face Italian anti-war blockade


Anti-war protesters are vowing to block all movement
of US arms by rail between American bases in Italy,
dubbing the convoys "trains of death". 

Demonstrators have squatted on railway tracks and
organisers are planning a full-scale assault on
similar convoys this week. 

Italy's Defence Ministry has given the US clearance to
use military bases and ports in line with NATO
commitments. 

Local polls show 70 per cent of Italians oppose war
even if sanctioned by the United Nations. 

The Italian labour union representing almost 90 per
cent of dock workers says it will boycott the loading
and unloading of all shipments of US arms in and out
of Italian ports.