International Conference for the Abolition of Foreign Military Bases

Ecuador, March 2007

We live in the empire of the military bases. There are already near 1000 in 130 countries of the world and 95% are American. After World War II, the government of the United States has bombed 21 countries. At the moment they are bombing Iraq. This causes horror, destruction, mutilation and death for immense populations, above all poor people. Our land no longer cultivates, it is sterile land, it is land to seed mines and to play the game of the death.

The 25^th of November 1999, during the Social-Democratic government of Jamilh Mahuad, Ecuador signed the agreement of “cooperation” with the United States for the access and use of the Aerial Base of Manta. The Agreement expires in 2009, but according to the Agreement it is essential that 1 year before, this is now, arrives a denunciation for a new completion.

The Military Base in Manta expropriated 24,000 hectares from the family farmers of Jaramijó, disabled the artisan fishing, has already sunk 8 boats, and has stopped immigrants and the military abuse the women and children sexually. It seems impossible to get justice: these abuses can not be taken to court because according to the same Agreement they have total immunity.

The base in Manta, is a bunker against insurgent monitoring and logistical support to the Colombian government, in their servile support to the government of Bush. It is a migratory political position, a refuge of assassins of the Dyncorp, who poison people with fumigations.

The women of Manta sold in the many brothels, some are dreaming about the military gringo who uses them and leaves them, others fighting for their dignity and justice. Meanwhile the promise of the economic growth and the hope for work and better conditions of life for the population seem in vain. People no longer believe this, and the people of Manta and Ecuador begin to say stop, while the gringos hurry in proposing programs of help to the local government.

For us, the pain multiplies. Not only because we see our children die and suffer, because we feel that the future hopes disappear for the young ones, but because being women our bodies are violated as a tool in the war, by direct violations, as merchandise for the daily consumption for military, and as almost always “temporary spouses“who offer”affective and sexual consolation" for the invaders.

For that reason today 8^th of March 2007, in the context of the encounter of the Coalition No Bases, the women took the rebellious voice, of the direct affected ones in Manta, Ecuador and the World. We took the voice for peace in our country and the Planet. And it will again be the 8^th of March of the combative, the thousands of farmers, workers and exploited women, the ones died by aggression, the ones who saw their beloved ones die, the violated ones that will not longer shut up.

Women for peace

Communication Team