SACRAMENTO (Dec. 21, 2007) - Military personnel who have refused to fight in an "unjust" war in Iraq should be given an immediate grant of amnesty - because it would be right, and in keeping with spirit of the season, said the Green Party of California today.

In a resolution approved by the GPCA's General Assembly, the Greens noted that the war was "created from lies and deception. Our (troops) should not be punished for refusing to fight an unjust war and speaking the truth about the injustice inflicted on our soldiers, the citizens of the United States, and the citizens of Iraq."

News Advisory
THE GREEN PARTY OF CALIFORNIA
www.cagreens.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, December 21, 2007

Contacts:
Susan King, spokesperson, [email protected]
Cres Vellucci, press secretary, [email protected]
Dr. Robert Vizzard, spokesperson, [email protected]
Sara Amir, spokesperson, [email protected]

The resolution goes on to state:

"Men and women across the United States are refusing to fight in this war...on strong moral grounds. They are making difficult decisions, risking their life, career and harm to their families. They should not bear the shame of a dishonorable discharge, prison and humiliation. We do not want our (troops) to be victims for the rest of their lives. This would be a great shame on the United States.

"Let us restore honor to our brave military men and women who stood up and refused to fight a war they determined to be morally corrupt and criminal...those who have refused to fight as well as those who have fought or are currently fighting, are deserving of compassion and support. Amnesty will allow our country some healing. Our leaders need to provide moral strength and courage and grant amnesty to (troops) who have refused to fight in the Iraq War.

"We call on the United States government to grant amnesty to military personnel who have refused to fight in the Iraq War, and to reinstate them to active duty status or discharge them with full veterans benefits. We call on Congress to address this important issue."